20 Unique Things To Do In Puerto Escondido, Mexico – Your All-In-One Guide!

Thinking about visiting Puerto Escondido?

Good call. If there’s one place in Mexico that still holds onto that wild, untamed beach-town magic, it’s here. 

Let’s talk about the surf first – because you can’t come here without at least watching the pros take on Zicatela’s legendary waves. They call it the Mexican Pipeline for a reason. I thought I could handle it (spoiler: I couldn’t), but thankfully, there are plenty of beginner-friendly spots like La Punta and Carrizalillo for those of us who aren’t quite ready for a wipeout of epic proportions.

But even if you’re not a surfer, there are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido. One minute, you’re sipping a fresh coconut on the sand, and the next, you’re watching baby turtles waddle into the sea or spotting whales right from the beach. This place still has that raw, untouched charm that’s getting harder to find in Mexico.

If you’re wondering about what to do in Puerto Escondido, I’ve got you covered.

Whether you want to brave Zicatela’s legendary waves (I tried… it didn’t end well), visit the best restaurants, kayak through glowing waters, or just find the best spot for tacos and enchiladas, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip.

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20+ Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Where To Surf In Puerto Escondido, Mexico – 4 Sensational Surf Spots

All You Need To Know About Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Weather In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Well, Puerto Escondido is a warm and humid place, perfect if you’re looking for a place to escape winter. For you to get an idea, the temperature almost never lowers below 20°C / 68 °F.

There are primarily 2 seasons in Puerto Escondido, dry season and rainy season.  

Dry Season (November to May)

Since it’s categorized as the nicest time of the year, the best time to go to Puerto Escondido is from December to March which falls during this dry season. 

As usual, since it’s peak season, so you’ll find more people and increased accommodation prices. It’s why everyone loves to visit Puerto Escondido to escape from the cold!  

Rainy Season (June to October) 

As September approaches, humidity levels get very high and it rains very often. Hence, it’s not the best time to go since the opportunities for a sunny day at the beach are lower. 

That said, you can still do fun things like check out the woods and mangroves for hiking when it’s full of water and life.  

Water Temperature

In a warm climate like Puerto Escondido, you can’t help but want to jump in the water; it’s always the best way to refresh your day. The seawater is never cold here, so there’s no need for a wet suit at all.

The sea temperature all year long varies from 28°C/ 82.4 F to 30°C/ 86 F, so unless you go into river water that descends from the cold mountains, you won’t be cold.   

Wind

The average wind all year long is 10 km/h, getting up to 20 km/h depending on the time of the day. This is enough to give you a nice sea breeze, but expect to find days with no wind.  

Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto is warm year-round, but the experience changes depending on when you go.

November to April is the dry season. It’s sunny, cooler at night, and the town has the perfect mix of energy and chill. It’s also whale-watching season, so you might see humpback whales right from the shore.

May to October is rainy season. It’s humid, and the downpours can be intense. Sometimes it’s just a light drizzle; other times, the streets flood in minutes. But if you’re a serious surfer, this is when the waves at Zicatela get massive – perfect if you’re up for a challenge.

I once got caught in a sudden downpour walking back from the beach. What started as a sprinkle turned into a full-on storm, and within seconds, I was completely drenched. No umbrella, no warning. But honestly? It was kind of fun.

20 Best Things To Do Puerto Escondido, Mexico

1. Watch Surfers At La Punta and Zicatela Beach

If you’re even remotely into surfing, watching the pros tear through Puerto Escondido’s waves is an experience you’ll never forget. La Punta and Zicatela Beach are where the magic happens. Although these two spots offer very different experiences.

La Punta is perfect for beginners and casual surfers. You’ll see people doing cool tricks like cuts and 360º turns on smaller waves. It’s more laid-back, and you can even rent a board for around USD 20-30 per hour.

Zicatela Beach, on the other hand, is a world-famous spot for pro surfers. The waves here can reach up to 15-23 feet and create epic barrels. It’s intense to watch, but if you’re not an experienced surfer, don’t try to surf here. The rip currents are strong, and it’s better to just watch the action. If you’re a beginner and still want to try surfing, book a lesson for about USD 30-50 per hour. Also, remember to see the forecast beforehand here.

You can easily watch surfers for free while enjoying a drink at Café Banana or Café Ole, both right on the beach. For a more social vibe, check out Selina Puerto Escondido near La Punta or Hotel Santa Fe for a more relaxed, upscale stay.

If you’re not surfing, the experience of watching pros take on these massive waves is totally worth it – it’s one of the highlights of Puerto Escondido! 

2. Learn how to surf at Playa Carrizalillo or La Punta 

For those of you looking for a new thrill, surfing in Puerto Escondido can be an exhilarating and satisfying experience.

If this is something that interests you, then head to Playa Carrizalillo or La Punta where surf instructors are available to guide you through the surf basics.

The waves are gentle and the surf break is soft sand in Playa Carrizalillo and a bit rockier in La Punta. In addition, boards are also available for rent right at the beach so it’s easy enough to get started right away! 

New to surfing but still want to try it out?

Book beginner surfing lessons here.

3. Surf at Zicatela

If you already know how to surf, this beach break spot is a dream filled with barrels.

Surfing here is not for the faint of heart; it’s known as the Mexican Pipeline and pro-surfers come to experience the powerful tubular waves. It takes skill and training for this place when the waves are big. You really need to learn how to surf well, but sometimes they can be small enough for anyone to have fun. 

From April to October, the swell can run to more than 3 metres/ 10 feet! Broken boards are common although broken bones can happen, too. Ouch! 

4. Take a lazy day at the best beaches in Puerto Escondido

So you probably had an amazing night out or just got barrelled early in the morning at Zicatela, then probably the next best thing to do is lay down on the soft whitish sands and cool off at the beaches of Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho, or Playa Coral. The water is fresh, clean and cool.

When the sun is high, you might fancy tanning for a short time and then hiding under the trees lining up the beach. There’s not much of them though and you’ll find people crowding just to avoid the hot Mexican Sun. Luckily, umbrellas are available for rent and some beach restaurants rent out their beach chairs. 

5. Take a dive

Diving in Puerto Escondido is a must for anyone who loves the ocean. With its world-class dive sites, the area offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned divers.

One of the highlights is Punta Colorada, a spot known for its wildlife-rich lagoon and turtle nesting beach. The calm waters here are home to an abundance of marine life, including fish, rays, and sea turtles, making it perfect for a more relaxed dive.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, Roca Blanca is a world-class dive site where strong currents and waves create an exhilarating adventure. This site is only for advanced divers, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with incredible underwater landscapes and a chance to spot larger marine life.

Pressure Point is another must-visit dive site, offering a diverse range of ocean life, making it a top choice for divers looking to explore Puerto Escondido’s underwater world.

With these world-class dive sites, Puerto Escondido is definitely a paradise for anyone looking to explore the depths of the Pacific!

6. Do a food tour

Puerto Escondido is not only famous for its fun things to do but also for its delicious food and quirky restaurants. Head to the Centro district if you feel like having authentic Mexican experience dining with locals and eating cheap and traditional Mexican food.

If you fancy the more bohemian and chic vegan restaurants or want to get some cocktails while watching the surfers, head down to La Punta. If you’re wanting to eat in seaside restaurants, the Zicatela area not only serves you giant waves but great food too. 

And if you’re headed to the beaches up north of town, definitely stop over in the Rinconada area where many of the restaurants are on the top of Tripadvisors list!

You’ll want to check out my full guide on eating in Puerto Escondido for the best restaurants to fill your calories!

7. Play volleyball on the beach

Looking for a new beach activity? Most likely you’d have already tried it, but this is easy to learn, is fast-paced and perfect for burning calories. Most of all, you’ll get to make some new friends!

If you want to have some fun in the sun with friends or family then head down to Zicatela Beach where there are some nets available. Even at La Punta, it’ll be hard not to find people playing volleyball!  

8. Take a Bioluminescence tour

When my friends at Eco Adventures offered to take me on a Bioluminescence tour, I was over the moon! I’d never seen anything like that before and to be honest, skeptical about how it’s going to look.

This natural phenomenon is something to wonder about. The bioluminescent waters on this tour are close to Puerto Escondido.

The timing had to be perfect where it’ll be a full moon so that you’re in complete darkness. A boat took us to the middle of a lagoon and stopped in the middle of it. 

“Jump”, the guide said. 

I was sceptical, not just that this bioluminescence was not showing, but that the water might be cold, or worse still, there who knows what’s lurking in these dark waters?

The rest of the crew did, so I followed along. To my relief, the water was warm. I also learned that you have to make a splash to see the bioluminescence in action. 

The water gets a beautiful fluorescent white/ blue, giving you an up-close encounter with some pretty spectacular phenomena as small plankton transforms into vibrant lights in front of your very eyes! 

Book your bioluminescence tour here.

9. Dolphin and Whale tours

Imagine yourself on a boat that goes out in the Pacific Ocean. You’re looking for dolphins and turtles, and if you’re lucky you can even see whales and your guide is very experienced, so if there’s something out there, you’ll find it.

The guide will explain a lot of things, for example, that you can see many different types of species of dolphins, turtles and whales! And if you do, they’ll tell you which one is and explain facts about it.

Most of the guides speak Spanish but some of them speak English. What could be better than that? 

Book your dolphin and whale-watching tour here.

10. Horse riding on the beach at sunset

What could be more fun on the beach than riding a horse while catching the sunset? I had the best time riding with Eco Adventures.

They took us via a forest trail that opened up to local farms, which then led to a river crossing (yes the horses crossed the river with us!) and finally to a secluded beach, where we watched the sunset in its glory.

11. Ziplining

Did you know you can go ziplining in Puerto Escondido? I didn’t either, until Eco Adventures introduced this tour to me!

The tour starts early in the morning with transport from Puerto Escondido to the nearby village of San Juan Lachao. The drive takes you through lush landscapes and charming rural towns, setting the stage for an adventure in the heart of nature.

Once there, you’ll zipline through the treetops, gliding above the forest canopy with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The adrenaline rush is incredible, and the best part? The tour ends with a refreshing dip in a secluded waterfall—pure paradise!

It’s a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area, and definitely an unforgettable addition to your Puerto Escondido itinerary. 

12. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Manzanillo

The bay protects swimmers from rough waves, and masks are available in a nearby shop if you need one! Snorkellers can also find underwater fissures there as well as many types of fish to observe in the water.

More than just a great snorkelling destination, Manzanillo Bay has thriving reefs that are still pristine and growing. Unlike most Mexican resorts that have seen their coral reefs die off due to environmental factors such as pollution or bleaching from global warming, Manzanillo’s is flourishing with life! 

Book your snorkel adventure here!

13. Go Fishing 

 Walking around the Playa Principal just north of Playa Zicatela, you’ll find fishermen offering snorkeling tours, whale-watching tours, and fishing. Puerto Escondido is rich in different kinds of fish!

The next thing we knew, my 3 friends and I paid MXN 1000/ USD 50 for every hour on a guided fishing experience, which included the fishing rods. We booked for 4 hours and hopped on at 7 am. In the first 2 hours, each of us has already caught our tunas! Turtles are everywhere too. 

Sadly, it wasn’t the season for blue marlins so we didn’t catch one. Nevertheless, it was fun doing something out in the sea. Be sure to bring drinks and food on the boat as they’re not included in the price. 

Book your guided fishing experience here.

14. Baby Turtles Releasing

One of the most heartwarming experiences in Puerto Escondido is rescuing baby turtles. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly activity that lets you get up close to one of nature’s most vulnerable creatures.

Volunteers patrol the beaches at night, collecting turtle eggs to protect them from predators and ensure they hatch safely. Later on, you can join the release event, where you’ll help these tiny, endangered turtles make their way to the sea. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment – watching those little guys make their first journey into the ocean.

Not only is this experience incredibly fun, but it also helps support the conservation of these amazing creatures. Giving back to Mother Nature while having such a surreal hands-on experience is truly something special.

If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido during turtle season (usually between May and October), definitely check it out!

Book your turtle release experience here.

15. Watch The Sunset On The Beach

If you’re looking for stunning sunsets, Zicatela Beach and Carrizalillo Beach are the places to be.

Zicatela Beach is the most popular spot, known for its lively vibe and incredible views. You can grab a drink at one of the beachfront bars like El Nene or Café Pacifico, and watch the sky turn orange and pink. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown, costing 50-70 MXN (USD 3-4).

For a quieter experience, head to Carrizalillo Beach, a calm, crescent-shaped bay perfect for swimming. You’ll need to walk down 150 steps to reach the beach, but the view is totally worth it. Beach chairs are available for rent at around 150-200 MXN (USD 8-10). It’s less crowded, offering a more peaceful atmosphere for sunset.

Make sure to check the sunset times, usually around 6PM to 7PM, and get there a little early to grab a good spot.

16. Party at the Best Bars and Clubs

If you love to drink and party or are into live music, you’ll love it in Puerto Escondido. Something’s going on every night. 

Indeed, one of the best Puerto Escondido activities is partaking in the lively nightlife of the town.

Overlooking La Punta Beach, Savannah Bar starts the party early with its amazing cocktails. Most restaurants and bars around Zicatela and La Punta offer night music. The best nightlife in Puerto Escondido is in the party clubs of Mar and Wana and Cactus Beach Club. They come alive from 11 pm to 3 am.

17. Souvenir Shop at Playa Principal

 Souvenir shops on the main road of Playa Principal (location) offer a wide array of souvenirs, trinkets and crafts from all over Mexico. You can even buy fresh fruits like mangoes or papaya which are grown locally in this area!

18. Go Biking

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the area, biking is a great option. You can rent a bike from shops in town, usually for around 200-300 MXN (USD 10-15) per day. Hop on and bike through lush forests, alongside rivers, and through local mountain communities, soaking in the culture and scenic views.

One popular route is from Puerto Escondido to the nearby Cerro San Juan, where you’ll get panoramic views of the town and coast. The trail is easy to follow and will take you through tranquil areas, far from the busy tourist spots.

You’ll also pass local communities, giving you a chance to see the real Puerto Escondido. It’s an active and immersive way to experience the area, and definitely a fun way to get your heart pumping while learning about the culture.

Be ready for a bit of a workout, though – some parts of the trail can be steep, but the views are totally worth it. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing!

19. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton

One of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is swimming with bioluminescent plankton. These tiny organisms glow in the dark when disturbed, turning the water into a glittering, starry spectacle that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

If you’re looking for a unique, bucket-list experience, this is a must-do while you’re here.

The best places to swim with these glowing plankton are usually in the waters around Laguna de Manialtepec, a short drive from the main beaches in Puerto Escondido. The lagoon is known for its calm, dark waters that create the perfect conditions for the bioluminescence to shine brightly.

For the best experience, visit on a new moon or during a moonless night, as less light pollution makes the plankton glow even more vividly.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s best to head out after the sun has gone down, around 8-9 PM. Since the plankton glow brightest in darkness, try to avoid the bright lights of the beach as much as possible. You’ll likely be swimming in near-complete darkness, which might feel a bit intimidating, but the glow of the plankton makes it all worth it.

If you decide to go on your own, it’s best to get a local guide or a boat to take you to the lagoon. You can easily hire a small boat from the Manialtepec area or ask around in Puerto Escondido. Prices for a boat ride will range around USD 20-30 for a small group. You can also bring a flashlight, but just be sure to keep it low so it doesn’t disturb the plankton’s glow.

Book your bioluminescent experience here.

20. Kayak the Manialtepec Lagoon

If you’re up for an adventure, kayaking at Manialtepec Lagoon is a must. Just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Escondido, this stunning lagoon offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

As you paddle through the mangroves, you’ll spot a variety of birds, such as herons, kingfishers, and ibises, while the calm waters reflect the surrounding lush greenery. Depending on the time of year, you might also catch sight of turtles and other wildlife.

The kayaking tour lasts around 3 hours and starts early in the morning, usually around 6 AM, so you can enjoy the sunrise over the lagoon. The water is often calm and serene, making it a peaceful experience as you float through this bird sanctuary.

You can book the tour through a local operator or arrange a taxi to take you directly to the lagoon. Most tours cost around USD 30-40, and they often include transport from Puerto Escondido, but it’s best to confirm the details in advance. If you prefer to go independently, it’s easy to reach the lagoon by taxi, which costs around USD 10-15 one-way.

The best time to visit is early in the morning when the lagoon is calm, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the quiet and see more wildlife. 

Book your kayak experience here.

What To Eat In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Having lived in Puerto Escondido for close to 3 months, you can bet we’ve tried almost all the best food there is to offer. You can find the full list of recommended restaurants in Puerto Escondido here.

Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

If I may say so, Puerto Escondido is getting more and more modern by the day. The architecture and modern furnishings are catching up in what was once a laidback town.

I’ve written a more comprehensive list of the best hotels in Puerto Escondido to stay here.

If you’re planning to stay longer, then check out my guide on how to live like a local in Puerto Escondido so you get the best bang for your buck with direct rentals.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Flights to Puerto Escondido

The most straightforward and fastest way is to get to Puerto Escondido by plane. You’ll be surprised to know that there’s actually an airport in Puerto Escondido, albeit a small one. Flying to Puerto Escondido will be the quickest way to get here.

I took a one-way flight from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, spending around USD 130. For a return flight from Oaxaca City, it costs about USD 180.  

The flight takes approximately 40 minutes. It’s a very small plane so be sure to pack relatively light as luggage allowances beyond 15kg have supplementary add-on fees.   

To get from the airport to your place of stay in downtown Puerto Escondido, there are 2 options.   

By a shared minivan

I found this method to be the best. For 50 pesos/ USD 2.50, you hop in a van with a bunch of others going the same direction, and they’ll drop each and every passenger right in front of their place of stay.

I’m actually really astounded by how little it costs, considering how it drops you directly and exactly where you want them to in Puerto Escondido! That’s one reason why I adore local towns like Puerto Escondido. They keep prices local, even for foreigners.  

You can book your round trip airport transfer in advance here.

By taxi

The cost of getting a taxi to your desired location from the airport is around 250 pesos/ USD 12.50. Not expensive by any measure compared to taxis from Cancun airport which start at 540 pesos/ USD27, but knowing that I can get from the centre of Puerto Escondido to the airport for 60 pesos/ USD 3 with the shared van, I’d take the minivan any day. Of course, if you’re in a rush and would like direct transport to your place of accommodation, taxi is the way to go.

By Bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

ADO is the biggest bus company in Oaxaca, so you’ll most likely be on one of their buses if you’re taking inter-city trips. The ADO Central Bus Station at Oaxaca City (location here) is where you want to grab it.

There are 2 buses every day that depart daily to Puerto; both take around 10 hours to get there.  

The first one is the day bus, which departs at 8:30am and arrives at sunset at 7:30pm to Puerto.

The second one is the night bus, departing at 9:30pm and arriving early morning at 8am   The cost of the bus is MXN 580/ USD 29, which is more expensive than the minivan that we’ll be talking about below.

By Minivan from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

After some research and asking around locals, we found Transportes Villa del Pacífico (location) to be the most reliable transport to get to Puerto Escondido. It was also vouched by a local.

How to book

Sadly, you can’t buy tickets online so you have to go by yourself to the station. I recommend going days before or with time to assure availability at the time and day you want.

Frequency of vans

The first shuttle leaves at 3:30 am and the last one is around 11 pm. Every hour one shuttle departs so you can choose the time that most suits you.

Journey experience

Unless you fly to Puerto Escondido, you’ll have to pass through a big mountain, which travels all the way down to the sea level in a steep zig-zag nightmare.

We handled it well, but some people felt sick and had to tell the driver to stop. You may get a little dizzy but this only happens on certain sections of the road. Drivers are used to these roads so they drive fast, making the trip 7 hours and not 10 hours like the bus does.

If it’s any consolation, they usually stop more than once, for using the bathroom and eating. If you need anything, you can let the driver know and they’ll stop for you.  

By Car

Of course, there’s no better way to get to Puerto Escondido than by car, if you’ve already rented a car. It gives you much more flexibility in terms of time and location. You’re not fixed to the main roads; you can stop whenever you want whenever something catches your fancy.

How to Get Around Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Colectivos 

It’s sort of like a pick-up truck with seats in the back. They’re able to pick up anywhere from 8 to 13 passengers at a time.

This is the main means of transport for the locals since they pass every 5 minutes and charge MXN 8/ USD 0.40. They operate mainly during the day. 

Note that they only pass through the main road, from Centro (Mercado Benito Juárez) to La Barra, which is after La Punta, and back.   

Taxi

Here are the rough costs for getting from place to place in Puerto Escondido in a taxi

• MXN 45/ USD 2 from Zicatela to Centro
• MXN 45/ USD 2 from Zicatela to La Punta
• MXN 60/ USD 3 from Centro to the Airport
• MXN 30/ USD 1.50 from Centro to Carrizalillo   

Motorbike Rental

If you can ride a motorcycle, this is hands down the easiest and best mode of transportation to get around Puerto Escondido. The best way is to ask the locals if they know anyone renting a bike. Chances are, they probably do since it’s a pretty common mode of transport here.

Below you can find the costs quoted to us for renting a motorbike in Puerto Escondido:

• day – MXN 300/ USD 15
• week – MXN 1800/ USD 88
• month – MXN 4000/ USD 196

Car Rental In Puerto Escondido

A great way to explore the outskirts and do a coastal tour, renting a car is a good idea when in Puerto Escondido.   You have 2 main options for renting a car: 

From The Airport

You get more variety and international car brands like Hertz. This is the place I’d go if I were looking for a car rental. You can book online directly on their respective websites. 

From The Town

There are some independent car rental shops in town and around the beach. The only caveat is, the options are more limited and they most likely don’t have automatic cars.

There are 3 main routes from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido:

Highway 175 (Shortest but Intense)

• Time: 6-7 hours
• Why it’s rough: Hairpin turns, steep drops, and potholes. It’s a wild ride, and not for the faint of heart.
• If you get nervous easily behind the wheel or have a family with you, maybe opt for a more relaxed route.

Highway 131 (Longer but Smoother)

• Time: 7-8 hours
• Why it’s better: Fewer curves, better road conditions, and a much smoother drive.

Coastal Highway 200 (Best for Ocean Views)

• Time: 2 hours from Huatulco, 8 hours from Chiapas
• Why it’s great: It’s way less stressful than the mountain roads, and you get gorgeous views of the coast. 

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There are never boring days in Puerto Escondido; there’s no shortage of fun activities and things to do in the unassuming small town. I hope that this list of things to do in Puerto Escondido will help you on your next trip to Puerto Escondido. 

If you’ve already been, please share the unique activities you did there!