An aerial view of Puerto Escondido Beach

Things to do in  Puerto Escondido

A town built on waves

Nestled along Mexico's southern Pacific coast lies the beach paradise of Puerto Escondido. With its stunning beaches, renowned surf breaks, and lively nightlife, this charming town attracts beach lovers and experienced surfers from around the world. Watch as surfers tackle the legendary waves at Zicatela Beach or go snorkeling amongst whales and dolphins in the clear, blue water. Satisfy your palate with local delicacies like fresh ceviche and mezcal cocktails, and dance the night away at one of the town's lively beachfront bars and parties—there’s always something to do here.

Top 2 attractions in Puerto Escondido

Cascadas de Llano Grande (Llano Grande Waterfalls)

star-53
Nestled in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, the Cascadas de Llano Grande (Llano Grande Waterfall) is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and rappelling. Its shallow pools and multiple cascading waterfalls give ample opportunity for all kinds of water activities: Climb a tree, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope into the pristine waters below.More

Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)

star-511
Opened in response to the dwindling turtle population in Mexico, the Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga) is a 10-acre (4-hectare) attraction located in Mazunte, Oaxaca. Here, you’ll find a variety of sea and freshwater turtles across over a dozen aquariums, including hawksbills, leatherbacks, and green turtles, all of which you can learn about on a guided tour of the center.More

Top activities in Puerto Escondido

Caballos y Aguas Termales

Caballos y Aguas Termales

star-4.5
22
From
$99.43
Dolphin Watching Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Dolphin Watching Tour

star-5
96
From
$64.87
Bioluminescent Night Tour

Bioluminescent Night Tour

star-4.5
48
From
$78.62
Chacahua National Park
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Chacahua National Park

star-4.5
12
From
$190.00
Baby Turtle Release

Baby Turtle Release

star-5
9
From
$68.47
Mangrove Kayaking Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Mangrove Kayaking Tour

star-5
10
From
$135.00
Made in Oaxaca Food Tour

Made in Oaxaca Food Tour

star-5
50
From
$85.00
Bioluminescent Lagoon Boat Ride and Swim from Puerto Escondido
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Oaxacan Coast Adventure (Ventanilla, Mazunte, Zipolite, & Puerto Angel)
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
snorkeling adventure

snorkeling adventure

star-5
9
From
$253.00
Mexico Magico Food Tour

Mexico Magico Food Tour

star-5
16
From
$96.00
Best Birdwatching Lagoon Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Dolphin Watching
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Dolphin Watching

star-5
39
From
$69.00

All about Puerto Escondido

When to visit

High season runs during winter from November to April when the weather is cooler and dry. These months are also the best for whale watching and catching bigger waves at the surf breaks. But for those who prefer a more laid-back vibe, the low season from May to October might be more enticing, with warm, humid conditions and day temperatures around 95°F (35°C). However, this also coincides with the rainy season, which can mean some heavy downpours each day.

Getting around

The cheapest form of transport is on foot. Many beaches, bars, hotels, and restaurants are packed together, making it easy to reach by walking. However, from one beach to the next and exploring beyond the popular spots, taxis are efficient. They are easy to hail off the curb and only cost a few dollars for a 10-minute drive. Or, for a cheaper form of local transport, you'll see colectivos getting around for a few pesos per trip.

Traveler tips

Puerto Escondido has some incredible local food to try. For breakfast, you'll see locals lining up at El Cafecito for their baked goods. Otherwise, to taste the authentic flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, try the fish tacos at Smoked Fish Tacos El Viejo, a local hidden gem of a restaurant. During high season, expect prices to be four times the price of low season. Accommodation can book out, so ensure you plan in advance if traveling at this time.

Attractions
2
Tours
73
Reviews
1,141
EN
fc70f948-85b5-4179-a130-e9b778c2b9ab
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is it worth going to Puerto Escondido?

Yes, it's a true coastal paradise in Mexico. Puerto Escondido boasts sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and exquisite seafood unrivaled on the Pacific coast. From pro surfers to diving enthusiasts and beach lovers, the palm tree-lined town sucks travelers in for far longer than initially planned.

...More
What is Puerto Escondido known for?

Puerto Escondido boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Carrizalillo Beach is backed by steep cliffs, while Zicatela Beach is renowned for its Mexican Pipeline surf break. But the infectious energy also pulses through the streets, with a vibrant nightlife and beachfront bars and restaurants.

...More
How many days should I spend in Puerto Escondido?

Spend at least a week to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and experience everything the coastal region offers. From surfing the legendary waves of Zicatela to exploring the lush lagoons and hidden coves, Puerto Escondido is a destination that's truly worth each and every day.

...More
Is Puerto Escondido a party place?

Yes, as the sun sets on Puerto Escondido, the city comes alive with a vibrant energy that sets it apart from other destinations. This Pacific gem offers an infectious nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants lining the coast behind Playa Zicatela, or Playa Principal also offers beachfront restaurants and hotels.

...More
What is the best month to visit Puerto Escondido?

While many tourists flock to this Mexican paradise all winter long, one month stands above the rest: January. January offers warm and dry weather, with cooler nights dropping to around 70°F (21°C) overnight and rising to nearly 85°F (29°C) during the day. This is also prime surfing and whale-watching time.

...More
Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Escondido?

Yes, but it depends on which beach you visit. Some of the main beaches, like Playa Principal and Playa Carrizalillo, are calm and great for swimming. However, surf beaches like Playa Zicatela can have strong rips and big waves, making it unsafe for inexperienced swimmers.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Puerto Escondido?
Q:
What are the top activities in Puerto Escondido?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Puerto Escondido?
A:
Check out things to do near Puerto Escondido: