Puerto Escondido

Mexico's Pacific surf mecca: the Mexican Pipeline at Zicatela, calm coves, bioluminescent lagoons and baby turtle releases, with Mazunte and Zipolite to the east.

Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, is a laid-back surf town that grew out of a fishing village. It is famous for Zicatela Beach and its Mexican Pipeline, and also offers calm coves, mangrove lagoons and eco-experiences such as turtle releases, all with a more easygoing vibe than big resorts like Cancún. The town divides into a few areas: Zicatela on the east side and La Punta at its southern end are the hub for surfing, hostels and nightlife; the central Playa Principal and the Adoquín pedestrian street form the fishing harbor and commercial center; and to the west, coves such as Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito are good for swimming, snorkeling and beginner surfing, while at Bacocho Beach you can join a baby turtle release in the late afternoon. Classic day trips include birdwatching and nighttime bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon, the lagoons of Chacahua National Park, and the coast about 60 km east at Mazunte, Punta Cometa, San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Puerto Ángel. The dry season (Nov–Apr) brings sunny weather; the rainy season (May–Oct) is hot and humid, but the big-wave season draws expert surfers. Watch for hurricanes in Aug–Sep. Fly in from Mexico City or Oaxaca City; by road from Oaxaca City on the new highway takes about 3.5–4 hours. Plan on 3–5 days. Rip currents are dangerous at many beaches, so only swim at lifeguarded beaches or in calm coves, and go out in groups at night.

Top sights

• Playa Zicatela – A world-class surfing beach known as 'Mexico's barrel,' with 3 kilometres of golden sand, huge waves, and sunsets; it is the heart of Puert…
• Playa Carrizalillo – A small bay embraced by cliffs, reached by about 160 steps down to the sand; the water is emerald green and the waves are gentle, good for…
• Laguna de Manialtepec – A coastal lagoon ringed by mangroves; by day you can go birdwatching by boat, and at night, paddling through the water reveals sparkling bl…
• La Punta Zicatela – A surfing village at the southern end of Zicatela, with a left-hand point break suitable for intermediate surfers, and a relaxed atmosphere…
• Puerto Angelito & Playa Manzanillo – Two calm neighboring coves with gentle waves and clear water, ideal for family swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips to watch sea turtles.
• Playa Principal – A sheltered harbor beach in the city center, lined with fishing boats and seafood restaurants, and the departure point for dolphin and sea…
• El Adoquín – A cobblestone pedestrian street above Playa Principal, lined with artisan shops, ice cream stands, bars, and restaurants, and the heart of…
• Playa Bacocho (Turtle Release) – A long sandy beach on the west side of town, famous for evening sea turtle hatchling release programs run by conservation camps, with beaut…
• Playa Coral – A quiet, rocky little beach between Bacocho and Carizalillo, with few visitors, ideal for escaping the crowds and watching the sunset.
• Lagunas de Chacahua National Park – A national park of mangrove lagoons, a crocodile conservation station, and undeveloped beaches, reached by boat across the lagoon to a fish…
• Roca Blanca (Cacalote) – A wide beach about 30 km west of Puerto Escondido, with a white rock in the sea stained by bird droppings, home to pelicans and other seabi…

Where to eat

• Almoraduz Chef's Restaurant – A modern Oaxacan restaurant run by a husband-and-wife chef team since 2013; it is listed in Larousse's Mexican food gui…
• El Cafecito Rinconada – The most popular breakfast spot locally, opening at six in the morning with house-baked bread and Oaxacan-style eggs; i…
• Espadín Restaurant – A clifftop restaurant above Carrizalillo Beach, inside the Villas Carrizalillo hotel, with views over the bay; known fo…

Itineraries

• Oaxaca City to the Pacific Coast – Cross the mountains from Oaxaca City to the ocean, connecting Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, and Huatulco.