The Only Puerto Escondido Travel Guide You Need
Traveling to Puerto Escondido soon?
Smart choice! As someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, and visited a whole lot of Mexican beach towns, I can assure you that Puerto Escondido Oaxaca is a magical place, with a charm all it’s own.
Puerto Escondido is still somewhat off the main tourist radar, so it has maintained a small town charm. However, there’s still plenty of things to do, amazing restaurants and nice hotels for visitors.
In this article, you’ll discover all those things, get answers to common Puerto Escondido FAQs, and so much more. By the time you’re done reading this Ultimate Puerto Escondido Travel Guide, you’ll be ready to plan an epic trip.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Where is Puerto Escondido located?
Puerto Escondido is in Oaxaca state, in Southern Mexico. It is located south of Mexico City, and west of Chiapas state.
🗺️ Puerto Escondido Map
For many, a trip to Oaxaca means visiting Oaxaca City, in the center of the state. However, the Oaxaca Mexico beaches, including Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Mazunte, are further south on the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re headed to both the city and beaches, check out this Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido Guide to understand all your transport options. It’s only about 160 miles (257 km) from the city to the beach, but not the easiest trip.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
How to Get to Puerto Escondido Mexico
Is there an Airport in Puerto Escondido?
Yes — When traveling to Puerto Escondido, use Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM).
Though the word international is in the name, this airport rarely (if ever) has international flights.
To fly into PXM, you’d have to connect through the Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX), Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX, in Oaxaca de Juárez) or Guadalajara International Airport (code: GDL).
It’s a small airport, so there are no direct flights to Puerto Escondido from the United States, Canada or anywhere else in North America.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
✈️ flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
Mexico City Airport is the largest airport in Mexico, and you can reach every other city from there. To get to Puerto Escondido, you can fly AeroMexico, Volaris or VivaAerobus, three lower-cost Mexican airlines.
Note: This same info also also applies for the reverse Puerto Escondido to Mexico City route.
🚌 Bus from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
Besides flights, you can take a bus to Puerto Escondido from Mexico City. It is a long ride at about 20 hours, so consider wisely, as the flight takes only about 1.5 hours, and doesn’t cost that much more.
ADO is Mexico’s largest bus carrier, with a fleet of luxury class buses that have big comfy seats, AC and a bathroom on board. There are second class buses as well, but for long journeys, definitely opt for first class.
⚠️ Note: The ADO bus website isn’t the easiest to use, and doesn’t take U.S. credit cards. For this reason, I recommend you book tickets through GuateGo.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
You have a few options when traveling from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, including a private shuttle, renting a car, the ADO bus and the flight. There’s some info below so you know which one is best for you.
For a deep dive into this topic, check out Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: 5 Best Transport Options.
⭐️ Private Shuttle from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
The best way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca is the private shuttle service. Hiring a private driver to Puerto Escondido may not be the cheapest option, but it’s the most comfortable and safest way to get there.
🚗 Drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
The drive from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido Mexico is beautiful, but do consider a midsize rental car or SUV. You’ll be on a very curvy mountain road with lots of switchback turns, that’s frankly not well maintained in all areas.
✈️ Flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Wondering, Can you fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Yes — You can, and in fact, the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight is the fastest option. Two companies have flights, AeroTucan and AeroVega, and each company has just one flight per day.
🚌 Bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
The ADO bus takes about 10 hours to get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido. There are daytime and overnight buses on this route, so you can sleep on the bus. The cost for a one way ticket is about $800 pesos ($40 USD).
⚠️ Note: The ADO bus website isn’t the easiest to use, and doesn’t take U.S. credit cards.
For this reason, I recommend you book tickets through GuateGo, both for your Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido bus ADO tickets, and all ADO tickets.
🚐 Colectivo from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
This is the cheapest way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City, but also the least comfortable.
The colectivo or camioneta is a shared passenger van that seats between 10-12. A one-way ticket is about $300 pesos ($15 USD).
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
⭐️ Private Shuttle from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
If you’re not getting a rental car, the best way to get to Puerto Escondido from Huatuclo is via private shuttle service.
This is the safest way to make the journey, and most comfortable because you don’t have to do the driving.
🚗 Drive from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
If you’re renting a car in Oaxaca, this is a straightforward drive on a small highway.
The drive takes a little over two hours in normal traffic, and you can use this map for directions when driving to Puerto Escondido from Huatulco.
🚌 Bus from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
The ADO bus takes about 2.5 hours to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.
⚠️ Note: The ADO bus website isn’t the easiest to use, and doesn’t take U.S. credit cards. For this reason, I recommend you book tickets through GuateGo.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Top 5 Best Puerto Escondido Beaches
As a beach town, exploring the beaches is of course one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. If you’re wondering, What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido? — the list below will help you.
1. Playa Carrizalillo Beach
🏝 Most Beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido
You’ll likely never see a list of Best Puerto Escondido Beaches that doesn’t have Playa Carrizalillo Beach as #1. It’s quite simply the most beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido.
🏩 NEED A PUERTO ESCONDIDO HOTEL? Check out Villas Carrazillio which overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below. This amazing resort has million dollar views, but a reasonable price tag.
Carrizalillo Beach offers a bit of everything — gorgeous turquoise waters for swimming, manageable waves for surfing (perfect for beginners), healthy reefs just off-shore ideal for snorkeling, and even a few restaurants.
🏩 Where to stay near Playa Carrizalillo
- Top Pick: Villas Carrizalillo $$$ — Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below. This amazing resort has million dollar views, but a reasonable price tag for what you get.
- Casa Kuhn Beach House $$$$
- Suites La Hacienda $$
- Cielito Lindo Suites $
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
2. Playa Zicatela Beach
🏄♀️ Best Beach for surfing in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido is known as the surf capital of Mexico, and that’s largely thanks to this beach.
Playa Zicatela is especially popular for surfing, but the beach itself is very nice, and there are a lot of restaurants, bars with live music and shops all along the sand.
🏩 Where to Stay near Playa Zicatela
Mexican Pipeline Wave in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido is best known for the Mexican Pipeline — a wave that regularly reaches 10-feet in height (3 m). The wave is most active in summer, when you’ll see international surfing competitions in Puerto Escondido.
Curious about other surf towns in Mexico? You’ll find some of the best surf spots in Mexico in Sayulita, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, Mazatlan and Troncones.
🏄♂️ PUERTO ESCONDIDO Surf Lessons
Aside from simply enjoying the beautiful beaches, surfing is one of the best Puerto Escondido things to do. Now, Pipeline isn’t a wave for beginner surfers, but there are other places to go.
You can book surf lessons with Pablo at one of the best surf schools in Puerto Escondido, which includes a board rental. If you have your own, enjoy the smaller waves at Playa La Punta, Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Marinero.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
3. Playa La Punta Beach
✌️ Best Beach for Bohemian vibes
Technically a part of Playa Zicatela, the eastern edge of this beach is known as La Punta.
While Zicatela can be crowded and touristy, La Punta has a laid back, bohemian feel to it. There are plenty of beach clubs and palm trees here, which add to La Punta’s tropical vibes.
La Punta is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido, followed by a nice dinner and stroll through this lively part of town. In fact, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Puerto Escondido 😍
Just off the beach, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido, like Chicama Peruvian Food, a personal favorite. There’s also cute cafes with vegan options, boutique shops and beach bars.
🏩 Where to Stay near La Punta
- Top Pick: Casa UMI $$-$$$ — I stayed here for a week, and always recommend it as the best Puerto Escondido boutique hotel.
- Casa Joseph Zicatela $$$
- Punta Zicatela Hotel $$
- Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel $$
- One Love Hostal $-$$
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
4. Playa Principal (Main Beach)
🏝 main Puerto Escondido Beach
Playa Principal means “main beach,” as this is the most central beach in town.
It is popular with locals and visitors alike, with plenty of restaurants and amenities. Playa Principal is also one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Escondido.
🍻 El Adoquin Puerto Escondido
Avenida Alfonso Perez Gasga, known locally as El Adoquín, is one of the main strips in town. This long beachfront boardwalk is lined with bars, nightlife options, restaurants and shops. At night, it becomes a pedestrian-only street.
💵 Looking for Puerto Escondido ATMs? El Adoquín is where you’ll find the most ATMs in Puerto Escondido.
🏝️ Playa Marinero
Playa Marinero and Playa Principal are actually one beach. However, during the Puerto Escondido rainy season from about May to October, the heavy rains will create a lagoon that separates them into two beaches.
Marinero Beach is popular for body surfing in Puerto Escondido, and you’ll find locals renting bodyboards on the beach.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
5. Playa Bacocho Beach
Puerto Escondido baby turtle release beach
Playa Bacocho is on the west end of town, not far from Playa Carrizalillo, and a rather quiet beach. It is perfect if you just want to walk on the beach, and many people head here for the Puerto Escondido turtle release at sunset.
It’s not safe to swim at Playa Bacocho, but you can visit Club de Playa Villasol (AKA Sol Beach Club) or Club de Playa Villasol.
This is one of the best beach clubs in Puerto Escondido. It has a large pool, swim up bar, restaurant, showers, etc. — and you can buy a day pass for just $200 MXN pesos ($10 USD).
🐢 Puerto Escondido turtle release
The Sea Turtle Release is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido. As the name says, you’ll help newly hatched sea turtles make their way into the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
For many visitors, this is a Puerto Escondido must do, and a true Mexico bucket list experience.
🏩 Where to Stay near Playa Bacocho
A Few More Puerto Escondido Beaches
🏝️ Playa Puerto Angelito
This lively beach is frequented more by locals than visitors, so for a more authentic Puerto Escondido experience, head to Puerto Angelito. Located right next door, there’s also Playa Manzanillo Beach, which is up next on this list.
🏝️ Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is one of the best Puerto Escondido beaches for swimming, so you might want to get some snorkeling time in at Playa Angelito, then head to Playa Manzanillo for a meal and relaxing swim in the calm waters.
🏝️ Punta Pajaros Beach
This quiet, pristine beach is about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido Town (AKA Downtown Puerto Escondido), but it’s still located within city limits. You’ll want a rental car if you’re headed to this area, where so few tourists go.
If you want to splurge at one of the best Puerto Escondido resorts, book a room at Hotel Escondido. The top attraction at Playa Punta Pajaros is Casa Wabi, a nonprofit art space and artist residence.
🏝️ Playa Coral
Playa Coral is a secluded beach, popular with locals and travelers in-the-know. Located next to Playa Bacocho Beach, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy white sands, crystal clear waters and lush greenery.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
The best neighborhoods in Puerto Escondido Mexico are Zicatela, La Punta and La Rinconada (near Playa Carrizalillo). If you’re doing Puerto Escondido budget travel, you’ll find some inexpensive places in Downtown Puerto Escondido.
When choosing where to stay in Puerto Escondido, remember that this is one of the best Mexico beach towns, so you’ll want to stay on the beach, or at least near it. Check out the best Puerto Escondido hotels below, with options in all price ranges.
Best Hotels in Puerto Escondido (For All Budgets)
Hotel Escondido ($$$$)
Though the decor is rustic-chic, the service is 5 Star luxury all the way at Hotel Escondido, one of the best Oaxaca boutique hotels. It is the perfect place to disconnect from it all, in one of their private beachfront bungalows.
Hotel Escondido is located on a private beach area about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido, near the Casa Wabi Artist Residence. Do note that Hotel Escondido is on the outskirts of town, so you’ll want a rental car to get around.
VILLAS CARRIZALILLO ($$$)
Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below — with million dollar views at a reasonable price tag.
Each villa here has a dining area and seating area with flat screen TV. Some of the villas also have a terrace and kitchenette. There’s a gorgeous pool and restaurant onsite with complimentary breakfast.
CASA UMI ($$-$$$)
😍 I stayed here for about a week, and highly recommend Casa UMI.
It is located just four blocks from Playa La Punta in the boho chic La Punta neighborhood. My room was huge, with cold AC and a comfy bed, high end finishes in the bathroom, and a private hammock by the pool.
SelIna Puerto Escondido Hostel ($-$$)
One of the top names in hostels worldwide, Selina Hostel has a location in a quieter area of Playa Zicatela. They are known to have the best WiFi in Puerto Escondido, so this is a popular spot for digital nomads.
Selina Puerto Escondido hostel is centered around a lush tropical garden, complete with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. They have both private rooms and shared dorms available.
Note: If Selina Puerto Escondido is full, check out Casa Losodeli & CoWorking, another one of the best hostels in Puerto Escondido.
This adults-only space is popular with long-term travelers and digital nomads in Puerto Escondido.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
Not sure what to do in Puerto Escondido? For a small town, there’s actually a lot to see.
While most think it’s little more than a surf town or beach town, Puerto Escondido has so much more to it than just beaches, like these 10 Best Puerto Escondido Tours, including boat tours, food tours, mezcal tastings and more.
Below, you’ll find the 10 best things to do in Puerto Escondido — though this barely scratches the surface. For a more complete list, check out the 30 Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido Mexico.
1. Laguna Manialtepec Bioluminescence Tour
Just 30 minutes north of Puerto Escondido is Laguna Manialtepec Lagoon. You can visit the lagoon on a kayaking tour by day, or head there at night to do the famous Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tour.
This is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido — as Laguna de Manialtepec is one of the few places in the world where you can swim in the water with bioluminescent plankton.
The plankton in the lagoon only emit light when they’re disturbed, so if you want to see them glow in the dark, get ready to jump into the water! Also, the bioluminescence is strongest in the center of the lake, so you must go by boat.
This highly-rated nighttime boating excursion is one of the best ways to experience this natural phenomenon. The local guides not only know the perfect place to go swimming, but they also keep an eye out for crocodiles.
💙 What’s the Best time to see bioluminescence in Puerto Escondido?
The best months to see these phosphorescent plankton are July, August, November and December — although you can see it year-round. However, if it’s raining or there’s a Full Moon, skip this tour.
To see the glow of the plankton in all its glory, you’ll need to be in complete darkness. This is why you don’t want to go during the Full Moon, as you won’t see as much if moonlight is strong.
Last but not least, if you plan on heading to Laguna Manialtepec, remember to pack a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, flashlight or headlamp, insect repellent, and some long-sleeved pants and a shirt to ward off insect bites.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
2. Release Baby Sea Turtles in Oaxaca
The Sea Turtle Release is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido. As the name says, you’ll help newly hatched sea turtles make their way into the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
🐢 Note: If you plan on going on any turtle tour in Puerto Escondido, always go with a responsible tour company that has great reviews (like this one). Also, don’t ever use flash photography.
For many visitors, this is a Puerto Escondido must do, and a true Mexico bucket list experience. This Sea Turtle Release in Puerto Escondido Tour also offers hotel pick-up, a nice perk.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
3. Puerto Escondido Boat Tour (Dolphins and Whales)
In Puerto Escondido, dolphin pods tend to swim closer to the shore. This gives tourists the unique ability to get up close and personal with these dolphins in their natural habitat.
On this dolphin-watching boat tour, guests have the opportunity to spot hundreds of dolphins jumping, swimming, and flipping around the boat.
With the help of your guide’s local knowledge, you’ll search for the four types of dolphins that roam these waters. These include spotted dolphins, common dolphins, spinner dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins.
🐬 Make sure to keep an eye out for the bottlenose and spinner dolphins — they are the most acrobatic of the bunch, and always put on a fun show.
🐳 Whale watching in Puerto Escondido (Winters only)
This is one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Escondido in winter, as you will not see whales year-round. The best time to see whales in Puerto Escondido is from December to March, though you may see some in November and April.
However, if you visit in winter, you’re almost guaranteed to see some. In 2019, a 108 square mile (280 km²) area off the coast of Puerto Escondido was declared a Mexico Whale Watching Zone, as so many swim past the coast.
Most of the Puerto Escondido dolphin boat tours also offer whale watching during the season. If you get lucky enough, you’ll see both the dolphins and whales in Puerto Escondido, as well as sea turtles and mobula rays.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
4. Visit a Oaxaca Mezcal Distillery
Fun fact: Mezcal was the first distilled spirit to originate in the Americas. It was invented more than 400 years ago, when the Spanish conquerors taught distillation techniques to the native inhabitants of Mexico.
The word mezcal comes from the Aztec word mexcalli, which means “oven-cooked agave.” It is made with the fermented juices of the agave plant, and is known for its distinct smokey flavor (though not all mezcal is smoky).
Today, a large percentage of the world’s mezcal is made in the state of Oaxaca, near Oaxaca City. Thanks to the biodiversity of agave grown in the region, Oaxaca is the ideal place for mezcal production.
Best Puerto Escondido Mezcal Tour
Want to learn more about mezcal, and taste some? Book your spot on the Ancestral Mezcal Distillery Guided Tour with Antoine. You’ll learn how mezcal is made, and sample some of the best mezcal in Oaxaca state.
🥃 Oaxaca Pro Tip: Mezcal is very strong, averaging about 50% ABV. It is meant to be sipped and savored, not taken as a shot.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
5. Puerto Escondido Food Tours
When in doubt: One of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, day or night, is eat!
Oaxaca food is arguably one of the best regional cuisines in Mexico. The region is famous for various dishes and drinks, including mole, tlayudas, chocolate, mezcal, garnachas, nieves and tacos.
🍽 To try it all, book your spot on the best food tour in Puerto Escondido — the Made in Oaxaca Food Tour (Rated 4.91/5 Stars)
Organized by local guides, Alex and Ricardo, guests are taken on a food journey through the streets of Puerto Escondido to try some of the region’s best dishes.
From small secret spots to famous local restaurants, foodies will experience it all, tasting tacos, salsa, quesillo (AKA Oaxaca cheese), and chocolate, all with a side of local history and storytelling.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
6. Snorkeling Tour to Huatulco
Located about 74 miles (120 km) south of Puerto Escondido, you’ll find the second most popular Oaxaca coast town, Bahías de Huatulco (usually just called Huatulco). The town’s name means Bays of Huatulco, as there are nine bays.
There’s also more than 30 secluded, virgin beaches, stunning waterfalls, beautiful resorts, and even coffee plantations. Although the white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters are gorgeous, the best part is underwater.
Huatulco National Park is a land and water park, and one of the largest protected areas in southern Mexico. As a result of conservation efforts, Huatulco National Park has incredibly healthy reefs, teeming marine life.
🏆 Best Puerto Escondido to Huatulco Tour
The best way to see the reefs is on this Huatulco snorkeling tour. During this boat trip, you’ll visit Bahía la India Bay and Bahía Maguey Bay, two of the most beautiful bays in Huatulco.
🤿 Pro Tip: If you plan to go snorkeling on your trip, invest in a mask and snorkel. Yes, most tours supply you with gear; however, if you want the best and safest experience, bring your own.
Not only is the water unpolluted and crystal clear, but snorkelers can expect to see a variety of exciting wildlife, including turtles, fish, and maybe even dolphins or humpback whales if the timing is right.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
7. Surf Lessons in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is one of the best Mexican surf towns, and has been a surfer hotspot since the 1950s. The region is known for its massive barrels and huge waves, but it is also home to more beginner-friendly beaches.
The town’s most famous surf spot is Playa Zicatela, reserved only for the pros. It is world-renowned for having some of the craziest beach breaks, and the 10-foot-tall (3 m) Mexican Pipeline wave.
Although this particular beach is not for beginners, it is the perfect place for surf viewing enthusiasts. The town surrounding the beach is also filled with various surf shops and amazing restaurants.
However, if you’re a beginner surfer or a longboarder, several beaches in the region have gentler waves, like Playa Carrizalillo. This beach is also an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling, so it’s ideal for non-surfers as well.
If you haven’t surfed before, or are a little rusty and need a refresher, surf instructors in Puerto Escondido offer lessons to help you learn the basics, catch your first wave or improve your surfing technique.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
8. Horseback Riding to the Hot Springs
Not many know this, but you can go horseback riding in Puerto Escondido. The most popular tour will also take you on an adventure to the Atotonilco Hot Springs, the perfect place to end a day of riding.
Located in a tropical rainforest, these hot springs are about 45 minutes from Puerto Escondido. They are made up of different thermal pools, in varying depths and temperatures.
The hot springs aren’t readily accessible by walking, so do opt for the tour. On it, you’ll ride on horseback through the forest, across six rivers, and even visit one or two local villages along the way — which makes for an incredibly unique tour.
The Horseback Riding Tour to the Hot Springs lasts about 5.5 hours. You’ll go for about one hour on horseback before arriving at the hot springs, where seven thermal pools beckon for you to jump in and enjoy.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
9. Zip Lining in Puerto Escondido
🧗♀️ Looking for adventurous things to do in Puerto Escondido Mexico? If you’re craving some adrenaline on your vacation, the Zipline, Hiking and Waterfall Tour in the mountains is for you.
The tour starts at the village of San Juan Lachao, located in the Sierra. Here, guests can buy fresh fruit, swim underneath a waterfall or just take in all the beauty of the forest.
To cap off the day, you’ll enjoy the thrill of a zip line tour through five sections of the forest. In total, you’ll zip across 8,200-feet (2,500 m) of Oaxaca wilderness.
⚠️ Note: Always buy Mexico travel insurance for these types of activities.
ATV and Rafting Adventure Tour
Looking for other adventure tours in Puerto Escondido? This ATV & Rafting Adventure has your name all over it. Go off-road through the jungle on an ATV, then ride down the rapids of the Coplita River.
⚠️ Note: Always buy travel insurance for Mexico for these types of activities.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
10. Day Trip from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte
Mazunte makes for one of the best day trips from Puerto Escondido. It’s a quaint, laid back town, popular with bohemian types, backpackers, artists and yogis. (In fact, I did a 10 day silent meditation retreat in Mazunte 🧘♀️)
Mazunte is also a Mexico pueblo mágico (magic town). Pueblos mágicos are towns recognized by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism for their outstanding value for visitors, and Mazunte does not disappoint.
Playa Mermejita in Mazunte is said to be the best beach in Oaxaca, and one of the best beaches in Mexico. If you’re staying there all day, hike up to Punta Cometa, which overlooks this beach, for epic views of the sunset.
How to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte
The Mazunte to Puerto Escondido distance is 41 miles (67 km). If you’re driving your rental car, it’s just over one hour from Puerto Escondido in normal traffic, and you can use this map.
Top 5 Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
1. El Cafecito
🍳 Best Breakfast in Puerto Escondido
Whether it be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner — if you’re craving homemade traditional Mexican food at a fair price, visit El Cafecito.
Located steps from Playa Carrizalillo Beach, El Cafecito Puerto Escondido is a locals’ favorite. It gets busy during peak hours, but is worth the wait. Note: They specialize in baked goods, but also have gluten-free options.
Note: El Cafecito is one of the most popular and top Puerto Escondido restaurants. It usually has a long line, so if you don’t want to wait, head to Cafe Ole instead.
2. Elephant Garden
☕️ Best Cafe in Puerto Escondido
Hidden down the side of the road, off the main strip of Playa Zicatela, is Elephant Garden. This quaint and cozy restaurant is known for its delicious breakfast menu, but they serve lunch and dinner as well.
Elephant Garden Puerto Escondido is a bohemian-style eatery that serves classic Mexican food, but they also offer healthy options. If the weather permits, enjoy your meal al fresco in their lovely outdoor courtyard.
3. Smoked Fish Tacos el Viejo
🌮 Best Tacos in Puerto Escondido
If you’re looking for the best fish tacos in Puerto Escondido, look no further than Smoked Fish Tacos el Viejo.
This quaint family-run business specializes in pescado ahumado (smoked fish), hence the place’s name. Although the restaurant offers other types of tacos, like fried fish and shrimp, make sure to order their specialty.
The fish for their pescado ahumado is caught daily by local fishermen and purchased by the owner early in the morning. By the time it touches your lips, it’s been smoked for at least four hours.
4. Almoraduz Cocina de Autor
🍽 Best Restaurant in Puerto Escondido
Looking for fine dining in Puerto Escondido? While this isn’t proper fine dining, Almoraduz Cocina de Autor is one of the nicest restaurants in Puerto Escondido, and a foodie favorite.
The avant-garde menu has dishes that change according to the season, favoring organic ingredients from local farmers. For elevated yet delicious traditional Oaxacan cuisine, make a reservation at Almoraduz Puerto Escondido.
Need some other suggestions for a nice dinner in Puerto Escondido? Try Turtle Bay, El Coste Ceviche & Grill, Mar y Sol and Metxcalli.
5. Mi Ultimo Amor (Beachfront)
🏝 Best Beachfront Restaurant in Puerto Escondido
Located on Playa Zicatela, Mi Ultimo Amor Puerto Escondido offers the perfect beach bar experience.
This no-frills eatery is the ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood and a cold Mexican beer. Your yummy food is served under swaying palm trees, as you relax and take in the epic views of the blue-green waters in the Pacific Ocean.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico: FAQ
How big is Puerto Escondido?
The drive from end to end across town, or from Playa Bacocho to Playa Zicatela, takes just 20-30 minutes on Highway 200. This is the main road that connects all of Puerto Escondido.
The City Center, or Downtown Puerto Escondido, is relatively small. The main tourist zone runs from Playa Bacocho on the west side, to Playa Zicatela on the eastern end of town.
What’s the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
Weather-wise, the best months to visit Puerto Escondido and the beaches of Oaxaca and Oaxaca Coast are November to April during the dry season.
The rainy season in Oaxaca lasts from May to October, and the coast of Oaxaca sees a lot of rain thanks to its tropical climate.
📆 When is the Oaxaca Whale Season?
The best time to see whales in Puerto Escondido is from December to March. In 2019, a 108 square mile (280 km²) area off the coast of Puerto Escondido was declared a Mexico Whale Watching Zone.
Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Guide
Puerto Escondido Weather
If you can, plan your Puerto Escondido vacation for the winter months, when temperatures and humidity are mild, the mosquitoes are at bay, and you can see the whales.
If you’re visiting in summer, you can expect rain, but usually only for 1-2 hours per day in the afternoons.
🦟 Oaxaca Beaches Travel Tips: Regardless of when you visit, you’ll encounter mosquitoes and other bugs on the Oaxacan Coast. Practice sustainable tourism in Mexico by using eco-friendly mosquito repellent.
Is Puerto Escondido safe for travelers?
For the vast majority of tourists, Puerto Escondido is quite safe to visit. As safety is a complex topic, head to Is Mexico Safe to Visit Right Now? for a deep dive.
In general though, Oaxaca is among the safest states in Mexico, and the Mexican government wants to keep it this way.
Aside from big surf waves, mosquitoes, sunburns, and not drinking too much Oaxaca mezcal, you’re in little danger in Puerto Escondido.
However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, so you’ll want to take the same general travel safety measures you would anywhere else.
💡Puerto Escondido Travel Tip: You should also register for the United States STEP Program for international travelers, and put your mind at ease with Mexico travel insurance.
🩺 Mexico Travel Insurance for Puerto Escondido
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
If Puerto Escondido travel safety is on your mind, get a FREE quote below from two of the biggest names in travel insurance for Mexico.
- World Nomads: Perfect for general travel coverage, and those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling to Puerto Escondido, like surfing.
- Safety Wing: Perfect Mexico digital nomads who plan to be in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca state or Mexico for an extended period of time.
Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido?
No — There is no Puerto Escondido Uber service, nor Lyft in Puerto Escondido.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
🚕 Are Puerto Escondido taxis safe?
For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Puerto Escondido.
I prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.
Do I need a car in Puerto Escondido?
This is a matter of personal preference, but if you’re just staying in Puerto Escondido itself, skip the rental car and just use taxis to get around. If you’re planning for some Puerto Escondido day trips, get a rental car.
If you stay in Zicatela Beach, you’re within walking distance of anything you need. As the main part of town, all the beaches, restaurants, bars, etc., all within a 5-15 minute walk.
🏆 Best PUERTO ESCONDIDO rental car company
When renting a car in Puerto Escondido, or anywhere in Mexico, I always recommend, and personally use, Discover Cars. They search both big-name international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
Yes — As it takes at least two flights to get to Puerto Escondido, you might be wondering if traveling to Puerto Escondido is worth it. It is!
If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, eat authentic Oaxaca food and some of the freshest seafood of your life, Puerto Escondido is it.
As it’s still mostly off the main tourist radar, the golden sand beaches of Puerto Escondido are peaceful and gorgeous.
While the Oaxaca beaches aren’t as easily accessible as other Mexico beach towns, they’re some of the most beautiful. If you want more than just all inclusive resorts, Puerto Escondido is your place.
While there are luxury hotels in Puerto Escondido Mexico, like the chic Hotel Escondido, Oaxaca beaches also offer a chance to connect with nature.
Pro Tip: For an all-inclusive Mexico trip, opt for Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos) — some of the best resort towns in Mexico.
Puerto Escondido vs Huatulco: Which is better?
It depends —Huatulco vs Puerto Escondido is a common question, as these are the two best Oaxaca beach towns on the coast. However, they’re very different, so the “best” one will depend on your preferences and travel style.
Stick to Puerto Escondido if you want to surf and party. For a more laid back trip, Huatulco is ideal. They both have beautiful beaches, but the beaches in Huatulco are usually less crowded.
Is Puerto Escondido expensive?
No — “Expensive” is a relative term, but compared to most beach towns in Mexico, Puerto Escondido is on the cheaper side, much like Sayulita and Zihuatanejo.
🤑 Traveling to Puerto Escondido on a budget?
Opt for Selina Puerto Escondido Hostel or Casa Losodeli & CoWorking. Both of these best hostels in Puerto Escondido have private rooms and shared dorms for a good price.
Even if you don’t want to stay in a hostel, many of the best hotels in Puerto Escondido average about $75-200 USD per night, so your money still stretches pretty far in Puerto Escondido Oaxaca.
Final Thoughts: Traveling to Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico
While many think this is just your average beach town, it has much more to offer visitors. The Puerto Escondido beaches are undeniably beautiful, but there’s also mountains, waterfalls, amazing food and great accommodations.
Though it might be overshadowed by the likes of Cancun and Los Cabos, Puerto Escondido has a charm all its own. As one of the best places to visit in Mexico, you’re in for a treat from the moment you arrive.