Puerto Escondido
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in Puerto Escondido is Suites La Hacienda
How to Get To Puerto Escondido:
Fly to Puerto Escondido (PXM) with one-stop connections. From the airport, take a taxi (~5–10 mins) or shared shuttle to downtown or Zicatela.
Best Tours: Where Sidewalks End
Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!
Relaxing days on the beach, long nights partying, big waves, big fish or shopping in the night market, Puerto Escondido has something for everyone.
Puerto Escondido is a small beach town with a super relaxed vibe and should be on your radar if you’re in the south of Mexico. It has the perfect mix of feeling like a small Mexican town and at the same time, some top class and affordable bars, restaurants and hotels.
Spend your days at any of the 10 different beaches to either surf, swim, fish or sit under an umbrella all day having a few lazy beers or cocktails.
On the Pacific coast, a short flight from Mexico City or Oaxaca, or by bus 10 hours from Oaxaca City and 8 hours from Acapulco, Puerto Escondido is a popular stop for backpackers, foreign tourists and Mexican families.
Is Puerto Escondido too touristy?
Puerto Escondido presents an ideal destination for those seeking a slightly offbeat experience in Mexico without venturing too far from the popular routes. It may not be on the list of Mexico’s most popular places to visit, but it certainly doesn’t fall into the category of complete obscurity either.
Puerto Escondido best Beaches
Playa Carrizalillo
A little secluded bay, Playa Carrizalillo (top pic also) is easily the best beach in Puerto Escondido for swimming and lying on the beach all day. Always calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. Just be ready for the 170 steps down to the beach, or more so the 170 steps back up! Everyone goes here to swim, snorkel and there are paddle boards and surf boards for rent. Head down there late morning and hire an umbrella and two deck chairs for 100-150 pesos ($5-$8) for the day in front of about 5 small restaurants serving fresh seafood, beers, cocktails and soft drinks.
Playa Zicatela
Some of the most consistent waves in the world, Playa Zicatela is where it’s all happening. A long straight beach, surfers from all around the world come to Zicatela. A few times a year between May and July, waves can get up around 12m, attracting hardcore big waves surfers. Definitely a beach for experienced surfers and not for swimming. A long row of quality restaurants and bars on the beach with lots of umbrellas and chairs to rent. The best beach to watch the sunset.
La Punta
Another beach mainly for the surfers, La Punta is the point at the end of Playa Zicatela. OK for swimming in the shallows, but the currents can be quite strong and waves can get big here. A few restaurants to eat at and umbrellas to rent for the day. There’s not shade here so best to rent an umbrella and chair, or take lots of sunscreen.
Where to stay
The prices are very affordable here. Cheap hotels start at 300 pesos ($16) up to luxury hotels at 5000 pesos ($260) per night on booking.com. And a dorm bed on hostelworld.com start at 100 pesos ($6) per night.
Most of the action happens at Playa Zicatela and is the most popular place to stay. With the long street full of restaurants and hotels and the bars and clubs on the beach, you have everything on your doorstep. You’ll find hostels and hotels either on or a short walk from the beach with lots of them having views of the sunset. Surf Olas Atlas in located right in front of the beach with a pool.
Closer to Playa Carrizalillo there a few but not as many places to stay. But they’re closest to the best beach. One of the best hostels in Puerto Escondido is here called Vivo Escondido which has aircon and a pool!!
La Punta also has a few hostels and hotels. Very slow and relaxed area to unwind and popular with backpackers. Pacific Budda Hostel is the top rated hostel right on the beach.
Bahia Principal is where the night market is and has lots of hotels and hostels. A very central place to stay but there are a couple of bars that play loud music until about 5am.
Suites La Hacienda
Suites La Hacienda is set within walking distance of the beautiful Carjzalillo Beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay. Guests can explore nearby shopping centers, local restaurants, and the vibrant culture of Puerto Escondido. A self service continental breakfast is available each morning. The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from surfing and deep sea fishing to observing exotic wildlife. Guests can also unwind at the hotel’s swimming pool, making Suites La Hacienda an ideal base for combining adventure, relaxation, and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Hotel Casa Pridda
Hotel Casa Pridda in Puerto Escondido offers a welcoming stay with family rooms that open onto balconies overlooking the pool. Guests can unwind on the terrace or enjoy the indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, and spa for relaxation. Located just steps from Zicatela Beach and close to local attractions such as Colonia Tamarindos and Playa Principal, the hotel provides easy access to the vibrant surroundings. Highly praised for its beach access, convenient location, and cleanliness, Hotel Casa Pridda combines comfort, relaxation, and the charm of Puerto Escondido, making it an ideal base for both adventure and leisure.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Punta Zicatela Hotel – Adults Only
Punta Zicatela Hotel Adults Only in Puerto Escondido offers direct access to Zicatela Beach with stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the sun terrace, stroll through the lush gardens, or enjoy the indoor swimming pool. The hotel features comfortable rooms with private balconies and thoughtfully designed spaces for rest and relaxation. A bar, coffee shop, and outdoor seating area provide inviting spots to unwind. With its attentive staff and convenient location close to the lighthouse, zoo, and local attractions, Punta Zicatela Hotel Adults Only combines beachfront charm with personalized service for a memorable stay in Puerto Escondido.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Raíz Hotel Boutique
Raíz Hotel Boutique in Puerto Escondido offers a serene stay with comfortable rooms that overlook lush gardens. Guests can relax at the infinity swimming pool, soak up the sun on the terrace, or stroll through the vibrant gardens. The on-site restaurant serves Mexican cuisine with options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, while the pool bar provides a refreshing spot to unwind. Located just a short walk from Zicatela Beach and close to Playa Principal, the hotel combines elegant accommodations with a peaceful setting and convenient access to local attractions, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and charm.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Surf Olas Altas
Surf Olas Altas is located on Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, offering a prime setting for surfing enthusiasts. Guests can relax at the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy sea views from rooms with balconies. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood, providing a flavorful dining experience. Conveniently situated close to nearby beaches, the hotel allows easy exploration of the Carrisalillo and Manzanillo areas. With its inviting atmosphere and proximity to local attractions, Surf Olas Altas is an excellent choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation by the ocean.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Spanish and Surf lessons
Thinking of taking some Spanish or Surf lessons? Why not combine them both. At Oasis Spanish and Surf school for US$370 you can have 5 spanish lessons, 5 surf lessons and 7 nights accommodation in your own private apartment. It’s a pretty good deal.
I also have some Travel Spanish to get you started and some Mexican slang for you to learn too.
Puerto Escondido Fishing
Want to catch a massive Marlin, Sailfish or Yellowfin tuna? You can go deep-sea sport fishing in Puerto Escondido. Take a half or full day trip from Playa Zicatela. Sailfish are very sought after, fastest fish in the ocean and extremely acrobatic. Be ready for a tough fight getting one of these in the boat.
My fellow Aussie mate Jack loved it that much he went out 3 times. Catching 10+ Sailfish per boat per day. Tours leave at 6am with all the gear, bait and ice provided. It costs 2000 pesos total ($110) for a half day for 1-4 people.
Best seasons – Marlin October – December Sailfish January – February
Afternoon and night market
On the main tourist walking street (Alfonzo Pérez Gasga) in Bahia Principal from 5pm until late is where you’ll find the market. Lots of souvenirs and hand crafts to buy, food, ice creams and restaurants and bars. Its lively once the sun goes down.
10 Haggling tips and etiquette for the markets in Mexico.
Taxis
Puerto Escondido is a small town so the taxis are cheap. There are lots of them that can be just waved down from the streets. From downtown to Playa Zicatela or Playa Carrizalillo the most you will pay is 30 pesos ($2) and from downtown to La Punta will be around 50 pesos ($3). You shouldn’t pay more than 50 pesos to go anywhere. So don’t let the taxi drivers try to charge you more.
Sunsets
Is there anything better than sitting on the beach and watching the sunset?? As the day gets a little cooler, there are a couple of beaches to enjoy watching the sun go down. Playa Zicatela and Playa Carrizalillo have the best views. Stay at the beach all day until sunset or buy yourself a couple beers and head to the beach late afternoon.
What are the best months to visit Puerto Escondido?
November to March marks the winter and dry season in Puerto Escondido, which are highly recommended months for visiting. During this period, the weather is delightful, rainfall is minimal, and the nuisance of bugs is notably absent.
JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages
This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off-the-beaten-path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!
Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.
Puerto Escondido Travel Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Best Flight Deals: Trip.com – Trip is my favorite flight search engine. It is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Its innovative search finds the best option for specific travel dates by comparing airfares offered by all major airlines and agencies. The aggregator displays final prices, without any hidden fees. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Best Hotel Deals: Booking.com – Booking is the best all-around hotel booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates because it compares all the other major hotel booking sites. They have the widest selection of comfortable accommodations. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Best Tour Deals: Where Sidewalks End (of course) – WSE Travel is a boutique tour operator with specially curated tours, events, and workshops. We have many tour options available in cities in Mexico and worldwide, including cooking classes, walking tours, art workshops, and more!
- Best Car Rental Deals: Discover Cars – If you want to have mobility freedom, renting a car is an incredible option, but finding the best deal can be a nightmare! Discover Cars scans all the major car rental sites and includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
- Best Travel Insurance Deals: SafetyWing – SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to all your travel needs. They have cheap plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. They even have subscriptions if you are planning long-term, without having to re-apply for each segment of your trip.
- Best E-Sim Provider: Airalo – Airalo is one of the most versatile e-sim providers I’ve ever found, offering e-sim in almost every country on earth! No need to take your home phone provider’s sim card out and risk losing it on your trip! As long as your phone has e-sim capabilities, Airalo has you covered at really good rates too, meaning you can be connected at all times on your trip!
- Best 100% Pick-pocket Proof Clothing Deals: Clever Companion – They make clothing specifically for travel, with hidden pockets to hide your valuables. From hoodies to briefs, they cover all your clothing needs – each with hidden pockets to hide your money, wallet, and anything else you want to keep safe!
- Best Eco-Safe Travel Products: TreeTribe – This company is just awesome! From water bottles to yoga pants, wallets to bikinis, and everything in between – all their products are great quality, and eco-friendly AND they plant a tree for every purchase!
- Best Outdoor Travel Product: LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Have you been to Puerto Escondido or heading there soon? Fell free to leave a comment and let me know how you went or for any questions.
If you have some time, stop by San Jose Del Pacifico on the way down!
Happy Travels!!
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