Guide to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: The Hidden Gem of Mexico

Advisor - Regina Baranda Mier
Curated By

Regina Baranda Mier

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  • Boutique Travel

  • Mexico

  • Food & Wine

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Wellness Travel

  • Beaches

  • Hidden Gems

  • Coastal

  • Outdoors

the pink sun almost disappears below on the ocean with an orange sunset
Curator’s statement

Definitely one of my favorite places on earth is Puerto Escondido. It has everything; a unique and charming vibe, excellent food, beautiful beaches, and great people! This coast of Oaxaca has some of the greatest beaches in Mexico, not to mention it is one of the most popular places for surfing around the world. Puerto Escondido has lots of amazing places to discover and activities to try. There are many ways to experience this beautiful place and it is perfect for every occasion. Believe me, once you visit, you'll fall in love with this place and never want to leave!

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Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

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Hotel Escondido

Designer destination for a peaceful escape, close to Mexico’s surf mecca Puerto Escondido.

Fora Perks
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    Hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Terrestre

A multi-sensorial invitation to connect with nature, intimately situated between the ocean and mountains of Puerto Escondido.

Casona Sforza

Making it's debut in 2020, this new comer is the definition of costal Mexican high design, with furniture made of local wood, natural ceramics, coffee, handmade cosmetics and relaxing pool.

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Advisor - Regina Baranda Mier

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Things to do in Puerto Escondido

a surfer rides over a tall wave on a clear sunny day

Beaches

  • Zicatela: If you are a professional surfer or love to watch surfers do their thing, this is the best spot. But don't try to get in; this is a no swimming area.

  • Carrizalillo: One of the most beautiful places in Puerto. Its shades of blue create a lovely atmosphere surrounded by trees. Great place to swim. (Inside tip: Access is a little bit complicated with a long stairway, so be prepared).

  • La Punta: One of my favorites. Here you can spend your afternoon taking a swim, watching surfers, trying some surfing lessons yourself, and enjoying the most beautiful sunsets.

  • Bacocho: Lovely beach where you can also swim and do some turtle liberation.

Super important tip: Many beaches forbid entering the water because of the tide. Also, always remember to keep them clean, as there are a lot of turtles around these areas.

Activities

  • Laguna de Manialtepec: Here you can take a boat to watch crocodiles inside the mangrove and witness an amazing sunset where the lagoon meets the ocean. There are also tours to see the bioluminescence.

  • Whale watching: From December to March is the perfect season to spot whales. You will find lots of dolphins as well!

  • Visit Casa Wabi: An amazing art museum where you can find other artists to exchange ideas, or just wander through its amazing architecture.

Places to eat & drink in Puerto Escondido

the bay of a coastal town with a populated beach during the day

  • Almoraduz: Signature cuisine, and it's menu changes with the season. One of my favorites! This is a must visit. The vibe is more traditional but it has the most innovative dishes.

  • Lychee Thai Food: This is one of my all times favorites! The catch of the day is totally worth it! The Pad Thai is also amazing. There are different drinks you can try, all of them great!

  • Agua Salá: From the chef at Almoraduz, here you can enjoy amazing fresh seafood with a beachfront view.

  • Kakurega Omakase: A complete 10 course meal experience you must try! 45 minutes away from Zicatela, and a reservation and payment is needed before (there is a max capacity of 12 people).

  • Casa Babylon: Great place for drinks (best mojito)! It has live music each week with a real hippie vibe.

  • La Olita: Great for drinks, tacos and live music!

  • Mombasa: Perfect place for drinks and good music at La Punta!

Advisor - Regina Baranda Mier

Travel Advisor

Regina Baranda Mier

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oaxaca, and our longer series on travel to Mexico.