· MX

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Puerto Escondido, located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. Known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant local culture, Puerto Escondido…

#Beach destination#Surfing hotspot#Tropical climate#Tourist attraction#Pacific Ocean

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Puerto Escondido.

Top Hotels in Puerto Escondido

Top Flights to Puerto Escondido

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Puerto Escondido.

Tours

Carrizalillo Beach

A small bay with calm waters, perfect for swimming and beginner surfing lessons.

Chacahua National Park

Explore the diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity in this protected park.

Pluma Hidalgo Coffee Plantations

Visit the coffee plantations in the mountains for a unique tasting and tour experience.

Shopping

Adoquin Shopping Street

A bustling street filled with local shops, artisan crafts, and vibrant nightlife.

Outdoor

Zicatela Beach

A world-renowned beach known for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing.

Laguna de Manialtepec

A tranquil lagoon known for its bioluminescence, where visitors can take a boat tour and witness the glowing plankton.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Puerto Escondido.

Currency

$ | MXN | Mexican Peso

Population

25902.0

Languages

Spanish, Spanish

Average weather

Puerto Escondido

Jan

30°21°

Feb

30°21°

Mar

31°22°

Apr

32°23°

May

32°24°

Jun

31°24°

Jul

31°24°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

31°24°

Oct

31°23°

Nov

31°23°

Dec

30°22°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Puerto Escondido.

What people love

There are several pros of traveling to Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico. Here are some detailed points:

Beautiful Beaches: Puerto Escondido is known for its stunning beaches, including Playa Zicatela, which is famous for its surfing opportunities, and Playa Carrizalillo, a more tranquil beach ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Surfing: Puerto Escondido is one of the top surfing destinations in Mexico, attracting surfers from around the world to its powerful waves. The annual Zicatela Pro surfing competition is held here, showcasing some of the best surfers in the world.
Ecotourism: The area around Puerto Escondido offers opportunities for eco-tourism, including visits to the nearby Manialtepec Lagoon, where you can see bioluminescent plankton light up the water at night.
Whale Watching: From December to April, visitors to Puerto Escondido have the chance to go on whale-watching tours to see humpback whales and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Local Culture: Puerto Escondido has a vibrant local culture, with traditional markets, art galleries, and music festivals that showcase the rich heritage of the region.
Delicious Cuisine: Oaxaca is known for its delicious food, and Puerto Escondido is no exception. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Oaxacan dishes, and refreshing aguas frescas while exploring the town.

Overall, Puerto Escondido offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Mexico's Pacific coast.

Enjoy your trip to Puerto Escondido!

What to know

Traveling to Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico, does come with some potential cons that travelers should be aware of. Here are some detailed points to consider:

Rough Waves: Puerto Escondido is known for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers but potentially dangerous for beginners or non-swimmers. Caution should be exercised when swimming in the ocean, especially on beaches like Zicatela known for its powerful waves.
Seasonal Weather Conditions: Puerto Escondido experiences a tropical climate, with a rainy season typically occurring from May to October. During this time, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and difficult travel conditions. Visitors should check the weather forecast before planning their trip.
Limited Infrastructure: While Puerto Escondido is a popular tourist destination, some areas may have limited infrastructure compared to more developed tourist spots. This can lead to challenges such as intermittent power outages, limited medical facilities, and varying levels of service quality.
Language Barrier: While many locals working in the tourism industry may speak English, the predominant language in Puerto Escondido is Spanish. Travelers who do not speak Spanish may encounter challenges communicating with locals outside of tourist areas.
Health and Safety Concerns: As with any travel destination, visitors should be mindful of their personal safety and health. This includes taking precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and practicing safe food and water hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Tourist Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, such as holidays and major events, Puerto Escondido can get crowded with visitors. This may lead to longer wait times at popular attractions, difficulty finding accommodations, and a less serene beach experience.
Environmental Impact: Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Visitors to Puerto Escondido should be mindful of their waste disposal, water usage, and the preservation of local ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves.

While Puerto Escondido offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting activities, being aware of these potential cons can help travelers make informed decisions and better enjoy their time in this Mexican paradise.

Puerto Escondido is a coastal town located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture. The town's history is both fascinating and complex, involving indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and modern developments.

Early History

Indigenous Era: The region around Puerto Escondido was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. These groups had a rich cultural heritage and established trade networks along the Pacific coast.
Colonial Period: During the Spanish colonization of Mexico, the area was influenced by Spanish settlers. However, it remained relatively isolated due to its rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure.

Modern Development

20th Century: The development of Puerto Escondido as a town began in the mid-20th century. It remained a small, quiet fishing village until the construction of the coastal highway, which improved access to the area.
Tourism Boom: In the latter half of the 20th century, Puerto Escondido gained popularity as a tourist destination, especially for surfers. The town is particularly famous for the "Mexican Pipeline," a renowned surf break at Zicatela Beach.
Economic Growth: The growth of tourism brought economic opportunities and led to the development of hotels, restaurants, and other infrastructure to cater to visitors.

Significant Events

Surfing Competitions: Puerto Escondido has hosted numerous national and international surfing competitions, further cementing its reputation in the surfing world.
Cultural Festivals: The town holds various cultural events and festivals that showcase the rich traditions of Oaxaca, including music, dance, and food.

Important Landmarks

Zicatela Beach: Known for its powerful waves, Zicatela is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world.
Playa Carrizalillo: A smaller, more sheltered beach, popular for swimming and offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
La Punta: Another surfing spot, known for its laid-back vibe and community of surfers and backpackers.
Laguna de Manialtepec: A nearby lagoon known for its bioluminescent waters, offering unique night-time boat tours.

Cultural Influences

Mixtec and Zapotec Heritage: The cultural influences of the indigenous Mixtec and Zapotec peoples are evident in local art, crafts, and cuisine.
Spanish Influence: The colonial history of the region is reflected in some of the architectural styles and Catholic traditions.

Challenges and Opportunities

Environmental Concerns: Like many coastal areas, Puerto Escondido faces environmental challenges, including coastal erosion and the impact of tourism on natural resources.
Sustainable Development: Efforts are ongoing to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the natural beauty of the area while supporting the local economy.

Puerto Escondido continues to be a dynamic and evolving community, balancing its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and economic development.