33 Amazing Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is the kind of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The surfing culture is welcoming, the beaches are world-class, and it doesn’t get more wholesome than the nightly gathering of strangers on the beach for sunset.
After spending 6 weeks in Puerto Escondido, I was not ready to leave and was still finding new activities to pique my interest. I explored the town’s wildlife on dolphin excursions and baby turtle releases, found community surfskate classes, surfed, salsa danced, and attended the famous Thursday open mic night – it still wasn’t enough!
In this guide to the 33 best things to do in Puerto Escondido, you will find a comprehensive list tried and tested over my month and half there. You’ll find the popular musts, mouthwatering restaurants, and those hidden gems that can only be found by spending way too much time there (and those who read this guide 😉).
How Many Days to Spend in Puerto Escondido?
You should spend at least 3 – 5 full days in Puerto Escondido to experience its highlights. If you are looking to book your entire Mexico trip in Puerto Escondido, then I’d recommend between 7 – 10 days.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The town has an international airport and is a popular destination for bus routes. Here is the best way to get to Puerto Escondido from other popular spots in Mexico:
Cancun: Over 1,500 km apart, the best way between Cancun and Puerto Escondido is to fly. There are rarely direct flights between these cities and most of the time there is a layover in Mexico City first. It still remains the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel between them.
Merida: Merida is similar to Cancun in its distance from Puerto Escondido, but Viva Aerobus often has direct flights between Merida and Puerto Escondido. There is usually one per day and the flight takes about 4 hours.
Oaxaca City: Oaxaca City is only 3 hours drive from Puerto Escondido since they opened the new highway in 2024. There are direct buses and vans running between them several times per day everyday. ADO has the best coach buses and Lineas Unidas is a great option for colectivo vans.
Mexico City: Mexico City is about 650 km from Puerto Escondido and offers direct flights to and from. The flights are typically cheap and only take 1.5 hours.
The 33 Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
1. Relax on La Punta Beach
La Punta is the main beach in Puerto Escondido. It has expansive sandy shores with distinct rock formations and palm tree hills on the southern side. La Punta is a lively beach, with seasoned and beginner surfers in the water, vendors walking the shores selling snacks, and friendly dogs playing in the sand. You can easily spend hours lounging on the soft sand watching the activity around you or relaxing.
Like most beaches in Puerto Escondido, La Punta’s waters are strong and rough. Only strong swimmers should enter the water, and you should avoid it altogether if the waves are particularly high.
2. Dolphin Watching Tour
A dolphin-watching tour is a MUST when visiting Puerto Escondido. I have never experienced anywhere else in the world where you can get so close to dozens of dolphins. From the front of the boat, I could have leaned down and touched the spinner dolphins that danced and played in the currents created by the boat.
Tours depart from Playa Angelito shortly after sunrise. Depending on the conditions, you may even get to jump in the water with the dolphins. Our tour didn’t get this chance because there were too many jellyfish present in the water at that time.
Many of the tours will also bring you whale watching to spot humpback or even blue whales! You’ll also likely spot sting rays jumping several feet into the air (I had no idea they did that until this tour).
3. Watch the Sunset
There is an unspoken agreement in Puerto Escondido that everyone stops what they are doing to gather on the beach and watch the sunset every night. At least, it feels that way with crowds of tourists and locals showing up before sunset to sit on the sand and enjoy the show.
Any of the beaches in Puerto Escondido will work, but La Punta and Playa Zicatela are especially good. They are wide-open beaches with unobstructed views and there is a general camaraderie.
A few locals walk the beach selling snacks freshly made out of large containers, such as empanadas, cakes, and even sushi. The spontaneous picnic adds to the entire experience.
3. Sunset Hike at Mirador Las Tortuga
Mirador Las Tortugas is a short hike over the cliffs between Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Coral. The trail lasts only about 20 minutes, but has fantastic views over the coastline. It is also an incredible spot for sunset, with large sandy spots and rocks to sit on and watch the sky explode with colour. The trail is a bit steep, sandy, and rocky in places so make sure you wear sturdy shoes.
4. Grab Breakfast and Enjoy the Vibes at Malagua
Malagua was my favourite breakfast spot in La Punta because of its Spirulina Pancakes, fresh smoothies, and trendy outdoor setting. The restaurant is health-driven and has a hip earthy ambiance. It is worth visiting to either grab something to eat or simply sit and enjoy a drink in the beautiful cafe.
5. Explore the Hidden Beaches of La Punta
To explore a bit off-the-beaten-path, head to the far south side of La Punta to discover a hidden trail over the rock formations. When the tide is low, you can find secluded beaches on the other side free of the crowds. This is also a great spot to try bouldering on the beach if you are interested in rock climbing.
Scrambling to the top of these rock formations also provides a view over La Punta and its surfers. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise.
6. Lunch at the Family Restaurant Cocofam
Cocofam is a small family-owned restaurant in central Puerto Escondido. It is actually located within the family’s home with a dining area inside or on their small outdoor patio. The family is incredibly kind and the food is unforgettable.
Cocofam is a vegetarian restaurant, however it is still a must for meat-eaters too. The food is the most flavourful I experienced in Puerto Escondido, with delicious tacos and sandwiches. You also have to try their special agua fresca!
7. Visit Mercado Benito Juarez in Centro
Visiting Mercado Benito Juarez is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local Mexican culture. You can get a true taste of Oaxaca from the numerous vendors selling everything from tacos, Oaxacan cheese, and fresh meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
If you are feeling adventurous, try the local delicacy, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). Mercado Benito Juarez has a vibrant atmosphere to explore and grab something to eat.
8. Snorkel at Playa Carrizalillo
One of my favourite experiences in Puerto Escondido was when a group of friends and I purchased cheap snorkel kits from the Chedraui (the Walmart-esque superstore) and snorkelled at Playa Carrizalillo. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido, known for its U shape and calmer waters. It is also a great spot for spotting sea turtles.
After snorkelling for about 15 minutes, my friend shouted out that she had spotted a massive sea turtle. We were able to swim and dive beside it as it glided gracefully through the water. I had spotted a sea turtle while surfing at Carrizalillo previously, so you have high chances of seeing them. Afterwards, spend some time lounging on the beach enjoying Carrizalillo’s unique natural beauty.
9. Take a Surf Lesson
Surfing is a huge part of the culture in Puerto Escondido. You won’t go far without seeing surfers in the water, carrying their board through the streets, or with their scooters/motorcycles rigged to carry a surfboard on the side. If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, this is the place to do it.
Surf lessons are held at either La Punta beach or Playa Carrizalillo, depending on the conditions. La Punta is one of the best spots for new surfers but the waves can get really tall there, so on those days you’ll head to Carizallilo where the waves are softer and less intense. Local photographers sit on the beach taking high-quality photos. If you are interested in purchasing some, let your instructor know and they’ll communicate it to them.
I highly recommend booking your surf lesson with Javier from Ponte Chingon. I did my first lesson with him and then ended up doing them twice a week for the entire 6 weeks I was there. He is passionate about surfing, so patient, and the most encouraging man. I’d often hear him whooping and cheering when I caught a wave.
10. Dinner with Sunset Views at Espadín Restaurante
Espadin Restaurante is located on one of the tall cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo. It is an open-air fine-dining restaurant with stunning views and delectable food. The ambiance is laid-back, yet sophisticated.
Sunset is a particularly amazing time to visit, as you enjoy your delicious, aesthetically plated dish accompanied by the pink sky. All of their dishes are incredible but make sure to try the passion fruit cheesecake for dessert.
11. Baby Turtle Release at Playa Bacocho
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is participating in the baby turtle release at Playa Bacocho. Every evening at 5 pm, you can join the local conservation group, Vive Mar, to release tiny baby sea turtles into the ocean.
You’ll be handed a baby turtle in a coconut cup to take pictures with before promptly releasing them to make their journey to the sea. You’ll watch as they hobble slowly towards the waves.
Baby turtle releases are becoming more popular in Puerto Escondido, so I recommend showing up at Playa Bacocho at 4 pm to get in line. You don’t need to book anything in advance or any tours. Playa Bacocho is on the far west side of town, about a 20 – 30 minute ride from La Punta (depending on traffic).
12. Relax at Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho is a large, quiet beach on the westernmost side of Puerto Escondido. It has a wide expanse of soft white sand so you can spread out without being too close to other people.
The swimming at Playa Bacocho is similar to La Punta, where you should be a strong swimmer to enter its shores. The waves swell pretty high at Bacocho in particular, but it can be fun to jump high into the waves as they come.
Bacocho is also home to Beach Club Bacocho. For an entrance fee, you can relax on their beach loungers, swim in the pool, and eat at their on-site restaurant.
13. Horseback Ride to Hidden Hot Springs
A lesser-known activity to do near Puerto Escondido is horseback riding to hidden hot springs in San Jose Manialtepec. The ride ventures an hour through a forested area, across rivers, and winding scenic trails. The hot springs are in a forest with seven pools to relax in and enjoy the forest sounds.
You can join a tour or take a 30-minute taxi to San Jose Manialtepec where you’ll find signs offering horseback riding.
14. Watch Surfers at Playa Zicatela
Playa Zicatela is a famous beach in Puerto Escondido known for the “Mexican Pipeline.” It is a wide and expansive beach that surfers travel across the globe to experience. It has powerful and challenging waves with massive breaks. With that being said, it is an absolute no-swimming beach. Tourists have been known to die by being dragged out to sea by riptides.
Why visit Playa Zicatela then? To watch expert surfers and body-boarders ride the exhilarating waves. The best time to watch is early in the morning between 6 – 9 am or in the late afternoon before sunset. Vendors also walk this beach, selling snacks around sunset.
15. Take a Yoga Class at Spirulina
Spirulina is one of the best health-focused restaurants in Zicatela, but they also host relaxing yoga classes. The open-air studio is above the restaurant and has the sound of crashing waves as the backdrop. Classes run multiple times daily (with the exception of Tuesday when they’re closed) and you can buy a single-day pass.
Afterwards, grab a bite downstairs. Their fish tacos are delicious, but my personal favourite (and one of their most popular menu items) is the crispy chicken sandwich on a baguette. Make sure to try one of their smoothies or freshly squeezed juices too.
16. Take a Surf Skating Class
If you want to try something new and vibey in Puerto Escondido, join a surf skating class. Surf skating is similar to skateboarding, but in the shape of a longboard with more smooth, fluid movements that resemble surfing. If you’ve ever tried surfing or snowboarding before, the movements resemble carving on concrete.
Join the Surf Skate Society for a fun social session. They are open to complete beginners or more experienced skateboarders. There’s a social huddle at the start to break the ice. They also have several instructors to break up the group according to level of experience. It’s a fun way to try something new in a relaxed setting.
17. Dance at Mar y Wana or Cactus
Puerto Escondido has a spectacular nightlife scene. Two of the best spots to dance the night away are Mar y Wana and Cactus. Mar y Wana is an outdoor bar under tree branches and canvas with a fun reggaeton vibe. Cactus offers electronic music with a sand dance floor right on the beach. There is a cover fee for both, but if you show up around 10 it is often free. Parties in Puerto Escondido last until sunrise.
19. Visit Playa Coral
Playa Coral is a lesser known beach in central Puerto Escondido. The only way to access it is to take a hike from the Mirador Las Tortugas cliffs down to the beach (which is steep) or to pay a cheap entry fee to walk down through Hotel Villa Mexicana. Once at the beach, it is much quieter than the others in Puerto Escondido.
Playa Coral is encased between two cliffs that jut out on either side into the ocean. The cliffs palm trees on them and make the beach incredibly scenic. The water is a lot more calm here so it is good for swimming, however, I recommend bringing water shoes for the rocky surface. There is an old abandoned water park beside the beach which many people get a kick out of.
20. Swim in Bioluminescent Waters
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that causes water to sparkle with light at night. It is caused by plankton that glow when they are disrupted by movement. There are some extraordinary tours that bring you to see this magic from Puerto Escondido.
There is a lagoon only 20 minutes from the city that most tours bring visitors to. You’ll get to swim in the glowing water, while seeing the sky shine with actual stars above you.
21. Visit Peaceful Chacahua
Chacahua is a tropical “island” town best accessed from Puerto Escondido. While not technically an island, it is only accessed by boat. The town has pristine white beaches surrounded by lush jungle and mangroves. It is the most peaceful place on earth with the main activities revolving around napping in hammocks on the beach, playing beach volleyball, and surfing.
If you are staying in Puerto Escondido for more than a couple of days, then I recommend making the trip to Chacahua. It is technically do-able as a day trip but better to spend one night there. If you do spend the night make sure to ask locals in town how to get to Chacahua’s rock arch to watch the sunset.
22. Take a Salsa Dancing Class and Join a Social at Nectar
There is a rich dancing scene in Puerto Escondido, you just have to seek it out. One of the best places to join a class of salsa or bachata is at the hotel/coworking space Nectar in La Punta.
Nectar hosts a class, followed by a social, every Saturday night in their open-air studio. The classes are perfect for all levels and you’ll dance with a variety of partners throughout the night. If you are feeling brave or have some dancing experience, stay afterwards for the social where the dance floor fills with dancing duos.
23. Spend a Day by the Pool at Selena Hostel
If you are not the strongest swimmer and feel more comfortable in domesticated water, spend a day at Selena’s coworking space in Zicatela. Selena offers day passes to enjoy their large pool, sun loungers, pool tables, and more. They also have a restaurant and bar on-site. Selena is one of the most popular party hostels in Puerto Escondido so it is also a great place for socializing.
24. Eat Authentic Street Tacos at Taqueria Uno y Más
Taqueira Uno y Mas is a tiny taco stand on the side of Puerto Escondido’s main road. It has plastic chairs with no bells or whistles but you get to watch them cook your tacos right at the stand.
Taqueria Uno y Mas is occupied almost exclusively by locals, so you know the food is authentic to local culture. This ended up being my favourite spot to get tacos in Puerto Escondido and feel immersed in real local life.
25. Take a Boat Trip to Laguna de Manialtepec
Laguna de Manialtepec is a lagoon rich in plants and wildlife only 14 km from Puerto Escondido. The environment is filled with mangroves and freshwater that houses crocodiles, parrots, herons, and other interesting species.
There are tours that bring tourists on bird watching excursions through the mangroves of Laguna de Manialtepec. If you are a nature-lover, this is a great way to get off-the-beaten path in Puerto Escondido.
26. Take a Day Trip to Mazunte
Mazunte is another coastal town about 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido. It is worth visiting as a day trip from Puerto Escondido because it has completely different vibes. Mazunte’s charm revolves around natural beauty and hippy culture.
Walking the dirt streets in Mazunte, you’ll find yoga classes, chakra readings, sunrise meditations, and more. The town is significantly smaller so can be explored in a day trip. The best things to do there are:
- Hike to Punta Cometa – A viewpoint on the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean shoreline. This is especially popular for sunset.
- Enjoy Mazunte’s beaches – The beaches here have forest covered cliffs behind it, lined with palm trees, and unique rock formations in the water. The main beaches are Playa Mazunte and Playa Rinconcito. There is also Playa Agustinillo if you are up for a km walk in exchange for less people.
- Take a yoga or meditation class – Some of the best studios in Mazunte include Meditation Station and Hridaya Yoga. They both have drop in class options.
27. Take a Deep-Sea Fishing Trip
If you love to fish, there are some fantastic sportfishing tours out of Puerto Escondido. You could catch Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Bonitos, and more. There are group or private tour options and all the needed equipment is included.
Screaming Reels Sport Fishing is one of the best tours to go with. They have a sixth sense when it comes to finding the best fishing spots and will help get a local restaurant to cook the fish for you afterwards.
28. Go Shopping in La Punta
La Punta’s main strip is lined with shops selling clothing, jewelry, surf attire, and souvenirs. The dirt road is a happening part of town, with tourists, surfers, locals, and friendly dogs hanging around. Spend some time simply wandering the street, popping in and out of stores that pique your interest.
29. Attend the Famous Thursday Open Mic Night
Every Thursday, Punta Origen Food Park hosts an iconic open mic night at 8 pm. The sandy floor fills with a massive crowd enjoying food from the different stands, drinks, and immaculate vibes. The open mic night hosts real artists who want to showcase their talent. They get approved and added to the roster beforehand, so this is not a ‘sit and watch drunk friends karaoke together’ type of event.
The music is performed on a stage and the audience often gets involved singing along. My favourite moment was when a woman’s guitarist had bailed last minute, so a stranger from the audience volunteered to perform with her.
If you happen to be in Puerto Escondido on a Thursday night, this is the place to be. Try to get there as early as possible to get a seat because they fill up fast. Most people end up standing or sitting on the ground.
30. Watch Skateboarders While You Eat at the Boneyard
The Boneyard is one of the coolest bars in Puerto Escondido and a completely unique concept. A large skateboarding bowl sits centrefold in the restaurant with tables surrounding it. While you eat amazing pizza, you can watch local skateboarders whipping around doing tricks inside the bowl. It is a really fun vibe to be a part of.
31. Have a Drink with Your Feet in the Sand at La Mariinera
La Mariinera is a restaurant on the beach in Zicatela. There are regular tables or more lounge-like ones that sit low to the ground for you to relax in the sand. The food is really good, especially their tostadas, but it is completely worth visiting for the experience of dining on the beach alone.
I highly recommend visiting for sunset. You can face your chairs towards the water and sip a drink while the sun dips below the horizon.
32. Play Volleyball on the Beach
Beach volleyball is another fun activity to try in Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela is the best spot for it, with a few nets spread out throughout the beach. You can get a group of friends together to play or if you’re alone, I’ve never come across a more welcoming crowd than those in Puerto Escondido. Most games go on after work hours during the week.
33. Take a rescue dog for a walk at on the beach
If you are staying in Puerto for longer than a few days and love animals, try volunteering for Huellitas de Acero. Huellitas de Acero, also known as Little Steel Prints on Google, is an animal shelter with over 130 rescue dogs. The shelter is always looking for more volunteers to play with and walk the dogs. A friend of mine volunteered walking shelter dogs in Puerto Escondido and said it was the most rewarding experience.
If you are interested in volunteering, they have a form on their website where you can input your Whatsapp number or message them directly at the Whatsapp number found on their Facebook page.
Other Amazing Restaurants in Puerto Escondido:
We’ve already covered some of the must-try restaurants in the list above, but Puerto Escondido has dozens of delicious restaurants ranging in cuisine from Middle Eastern, Asian fusion, Vietnamese, American BBQ, Italian, and more. Here are some of the other top-notch restaurants to try in Puerto Escondido:
- Food Market La Punta – Not to be mistaken for Punta Origen Food Park, this is a separate food park on the main strip in La Punta. There is a hip hang out space in the centre with large tables to gather with friends. Several food stands line the outer perimeter offering Thai food, pizza, tacos, and more. The food is good no matter which vendor you go with and it’s fun to have your group mix and match the different options.
- Fish Shack – One of the best places to get fresh fish tacos, the Fish Shack is located in an alley in the centre of La Punta. Their claim to fame is their coco-fried fish and shrimp tacos which are sweet and savoury at the same time. The seating lines the alley’s sandy surface.
- La Olita – There are two La Olita locations in Puerto Escondido, one in Zicatela and the other in La Punta. The food is remarkably flavourful, offering fresh seafood and tacos with health-focused ingredients. The best part is the free chips they bring to you before your meal with three different homemade salsas.
- Pepe’s Tacos – If you’re in the mood for outdoor dining, delicious coco-friend tacos, and a view over Puerto Escondido, make your way uphill in central Puerto Escondido to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. Whatever you do, only order one taco if you have a normal appetite because they are HUGE!
- Chili Garden – Chili Garden is an Asian fusion restaurant in Puerto Escondido. Their Chana Masala dish instantly became a favourite of mine and I ate there several times. Their outdoor seating is cozy with tree branches overtop and they have a cushioned floor seating area. They also make homemade ice cream that is worth the steeper price.
- Savanna – I cannot vouch for the food here, although I’ve heard it’s pretty good, but I highly recommend visiting for the view. Savanna has a rooftop patio overlooking La Punta beach. It is the perfect spot to grab a snack, a passion fruit drink, and watch the surfers.
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
La Punta – If you want to be in the centre of Puerto Escondido’s tourist scene, then I recommend staying in La Punta. You’ll be close to the main shopping and restaurant strip plus you can swim or surf at La Punta beach. The main strip can get pretty loud in the evening with live music and parties, so keep that in mind.
Zicatela – Zicatela is my personal favourite option for where to stay in Puerto Escondido. It is strategically located between the best activities in La Punta and Central/Rinconada and it is much quieter at night. There are still the two biggest clubs (Cactus and Mar y Wana) in Zicatela and some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido.
Central – I’d opt not to stay in central unless you have a specific reason for it. Most activities, beaches, and things to do are in the other three areas of Puerto Escondido.
Rinconada – Rinconada is on the western side of Puerto Escondido and home to Playa Carrizalillo, Angelito, and Coral. There are some great restaurants here as well. If you want to be close to the coolest beaches that are best for swimming then I recommend considering Rinconada.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has something for every type of traveller. I recommend spending at least 3 – 5 full days there, but you could easily spend 7 – 10 days in Puerto Escondido without running out of activities. From watching dolphins dance beside your boat, unforgettable sunsets, snorkelling with sea turtles, and salsa dancing the night away, it is no wonder people get hooked on Puerto Escondido. With this list of the 33 best things to do in Puerto Escondido, you are sure to make some lifetime memories.
Author Bio
Hailey is the owner/operator of The Restless Adventurer, a travel blog that inspires those who find themselves restless in anticipation of their next adventure. She is a digital nomad who loves to trek up mountains, sleep in hammocks, and feels rejuvenated by uncertainty. Her favorite places to visit in Mexico are Puerto Escondido and Bacalar!
