Puerto Escondido

Oaxaca, Mexico | Pacific Coast

Puerto Escondido is a haven for surf enthusiasts and travellers. During our trip to Mexico in 2023, we only intended to stay here for 2 days after reading some questionable reviews of the town, but we ended up staying for 5 as we loved it so much.

In fact… it was one of our favourite stops during our 5 week trip!

Sure, you’re not going to get a quintessential Mexican experience. Everyone speaks English and it attracts tourists; but, if you do it right you will have a great time! Isn’t that what travelling is all about?

Puerto is a world-renowned surf town, so you have to expect it to be touristy when you arrive.

The food was epic, the beaches were serene, we learned how to surf and spent time exploring the nearby towns before heading back over the mountain to Oaxaca.

Highlights | Guides | Videos

Puerto Escondido Highlights

Where to stay

We stayed in La Punta and we thought it was a great choice. It’s on the southside of the beach, close enough to walk to the bars and restaurants and far enough away to enjoy some peace. If you’re after the party scene then you want to stay in Zicatela.

Our Airbnb - Casa Baba

What to eat

Puerto has some amazing food. Whilst there are still quintessential Mexican offerings you also have some amazing global cuisine on offer. Our favourite spots were:

Attaraya - A fancy sit-down Mexican restaurant that also runs salsa lessons on certain evenings
Chicama - Peruvian restaurant with an amazing beachy vibe (the ceviche was outstanding)
Fish Shack - Coco fried shrimp tacos
Espacio Cometa La Punta to the north of La Punta - Really good Pad Thai

Things to do

Surf - Obviously. We did a few lessons with Silva Surf School who were amazing. They took us to Playa Carrizalillo which is a bit more beginner-friendly but you do need their guidance to know where to go. You can also sit on the beach at Zicatela and watch the pros take on the massive barrel waves.
Beaches - We loved just relaxing at La Punta and Playa Carrizalillo as they are both beautiful
Visit the Huatulco and Chacahua national parks
If you go in the right season you can go dolphin watching
If you have time you can also visit Mazunte and Zipolite, 2 beach towns south of Puerto which are more laid back.
Party - Not really our scene but Zicatela has a booming party scene as it’s where a lot of surfers stay. There are also clubs near Playa Principal like Congo that host a salsa night on a Thursday.
Shopping - La Punta has several shops selling nice beachwear. It’s not cheap but you can still find some great souvenirs to take home