Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico | Best Beaches, Hotels & Things to Do
Last Updated on June 2, 2023
If you’re headed to Oaxaca, its Pacific coast beaches are the perfect way to end your trip – or as a destination in and of themselves. In particular Puerto Escondido offers up killer surfing, chilled-out beach bars, unique nature experiences, and a different beach for every day of the week. Find out how to make the most of your trip to this lively coastal town.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico is a port town on the country’s Pacific coast, in the state of Oaxaca. It’s still relatively quiet and low-key, and is popular for its beach bars, surf breaks, nightlife, and calm swimming coves. Many people know Puerto Escondido as just a surf destination. But its many beaches and activities offer something for every traveler to the area, wrapped in the atmosphere of an authentic Mexican beach town.
In this guide I’ll share all the tips you need to plan your trip to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, including where to stay. I recommend choosing one beach as your home base, then exploring others on day trips. Read on for the best Puerto Escondido beaches, hotels, and things to do for your Puerto Escondido itinerary!
Want to extend your trip? Be sure to read my guide to all of the best Oaxaca beaches.
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Short on Time? Pin these tips for later and check out Puerto Escondido’s best places to stay:
My favorites at all price points later in this guide.
- Boutique budget stay in Zicatela Beach: Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel
- Hotel with the best view: Villas Carrizalillo
- Top adults-only pick for couples on Zicatela Beach: Casa Joseph
- Luxury adults-only stay west of Puerto Escondido: Hotel Escondido
- Rental apartment for up to 4 guests: Casa Caitlin
- Luxury vacation stay with pool & view for up to 10: Oceanfront 5-bedroom home
In this Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Playa Principal | Playa Marinero | Playa Zicatela | Playa La Punta | Playa Puerto Angelito | Playa Manzanillo | Playa Carrizalillo | Playa Bacocho | Hotel Escondido | Planning Tips | Best Things to do in Puerto Escondido
Playa Principal & Playa Marinero, Puerto Escondido
As you might guess from the name, Playa Principal is the principal beach in Puerto Escondido. It’s located in Bahia Principal, Puerto Escondido’s central bay, which is home to Puerto Escondido’s fleet of fishing boats, as well as beach bars and restaurants. Playa Marinero is right next to this beach within the same cove.
“El Adoquín” is the town center and main avenue of Puerto Escondido, which runs parallel to Playa Principal. It’s lined with a variety of nightlife options, including bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. During the day, cars are permitted here, but at night it becomes a long pedestrian walkway This is one of the few (if not only) places in Puerto Escondido where you can find an ATM.
Playa Marinero is a place for sunbathing and bodyboarding, with a little bit cleaner waters than the busy Playa Principal. I recommend visiting this area during your trip, but staying at one of the other beaches. You’ll have hotel and restaurant options in other areas.
It’s also possible to catch water taxis (speedboats known as lanchas) at Playa Principal to get to some of the other beaches, including Carrizalillo Beach.
Playa Zicatela: Surfing & Nightlife in Puerto Escondido Oaxaca
Located adjoining Playa Marinero, Playa Zicatela is a long, wide beach with a surf break, beach bars, and beachfront restaurants.
During the day, Zicatela’s waves make it one of the top 10 surfing destinations in the world. Its sandy beach, lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, is the heart of this surf town. You don’t have to go far to grab a great meal, find a cold drink, and have some fun at the many beach bars and restaurants of Zicatela.
Zicatela is not a swimming beach because of the strong waves and currents. But it’s easy and inexpensive to catch a taxi to other Puerto Escondido beaches like Carrizalillo, Angelito or Manzanillo for an afternoon.
Where to Stay near Playa Zicatela | Zicatela Beach Hotels
Zicatela Beach has a wide variety of beachfront accommodation options. These are the top picks of where to stay in Zicatela!
$$ Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel | Zicatela Best Pick
Adults-only accommodations with a bar, a shared lounge and a garden, with breakfast included
$ One Love Hostal
Top-rated stay with dorms and rooms 500 feet from Zicatela Beach with an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar
$ Casa Daikiri
Guesthouse with dorm beds and private rooms, shared kitchen, and pool
$$$ Casa Alegria
Private villa for 10 with resort pool and bar access
$$$ Casa Joseph Zicatela
Posh, 5-star, adults-only hotel with a pool and beachfront setting
Where to Eat near Playa Zicatela | Beachfront Restaurants & Bars
El Cafecito, Cafe Ole or Elephant Garden for breakfast or brunch. Jardin Escondido for sunset drinks. El Coste Cevicheria, Mar and Wanu, Tribu Restaurante or Fresh Restaurant & Lounge.
Playa La Punta: Surfing & Chilled Out in Puerto Escondido
La Punta (also known as Playa Punta Zicatela) is another great Oaxaca beach option, the southernmost section of Playa Zicatela. La Punta’s smaller waves make it better for less experienced surfers. It’s also perfect for beach lovers looking for a chill yet up-and-coming vibe with bars and restaurants on the beach. Locals say that it’s what Puerto Escondido was like 20 years ago, so later you can be one of the ones to say “Oh, I’ve been staying in La Punta forever…”
It’s a 20-30 minute walk down the beach to the main section of Zicatela, but it’s best to make the walk during the daytime. (As a safety precaution, it’s best to take a taxi or use lighted sidewalks instead of walking down unlit beaches at night.)
Where to Stay Near La Punta, Puerto Escondido
$ Bikini Beach House
Simple hotel with beach access and private balconies on the main strip in La Punta
$$ Punta Zicatela Hotel
Beachfront hotel with a rooftop terrace restaurant, beach chairs for guests, and AC
Where to Eat Near La Punta
Some of the best beach restaruants near La Punta are Piyoli La Punta, El Salvador or Alaburger for burgers and pizza.
Playa Puerto Angelito & Playa Manzanillo: Family-Friendly Swimming Beaches with Snorkeling
Looking for a family-friendly swimming beach in Puerto Escondido? You’ll want to check out Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo, two beaches in the same bay with a rock jetty separating them. Both are sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees, greenery, and rocky cliffs. Both beaches are popular with local families.
As you head down the road to the beaches, Manzanillo Beach will be towards the left and Angelito on the right.
Puerto Angelito Beach is a calm, protected cove perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling. You can also take boat trips from here to see sea turtles and dolphins in season.
Playa Manzanillo has a similar laid-back vibe but is less crowded. There are also fewer boats here, which makes it better for swimming.
It’s best to bring cash for the restaurants and beach bars here.
Where to Stay Near Puerto Angelito Beach & Manzanillo Beach
There aren’t many hotels close to these beaches but you will find great rental homes and apartments. For more options, check out the hotels of nearby Playa Carrizalillo.
$$ Casa Harley
2-bedroom, 2 bath house with pool
$$ Casa Caitlin
2-bedroom house with a balcony and lovely views
$$$ Oceanfront 5-Bedroom House
5-bedroom luxury rental home with infinity pool and stunning view
Where to Eat Near Playas Puerto Angelito & Manzanillo
Smoked Fish Taco has stellar tacos. Los Buzos and Mi Último Amor are some of the better beach bars. Mar Y Sol at Angelito has fantastic views over the beach and great fresh seafood. Plus, check out the restaurants of nearby neighborhood La Rinconanda near Playa Carrizalillo (below).
Playa Carrizalillo: Protected Cove with a View in a Quiet Neighborhood of Puerto Escondido
Playa Carrizalillo is a another quiet beach in a protected cove line with palm trees. This beach is a perfect stay for someone who wants to be able to swim, paddleboard, and even learn to surf.
Getting to Carrillo Beach is a bit of a chore: it’s 157 stone steps down from the parking lot to beach level. Luckily, it’s worth it, and there are thatch-roofed beach bars with beers and tacos to help you gather strength for the return trip! The view of its calm turquoise blue waters are one of the most iconic sights of Puerto Escondido – be sure to have lunch or drinks at Villas Carrizalillo to grab this iconic photo.
To use beach loungers with umbrellas here, you’ll be expected to spend around 200 MX in food and drink (less than $10 US); tables are a little less. Bring cash for the beach bars. You can rent bodyboards, surfboards and paddleboards here and also take surfing lessons.
The full-service restaurants in La Rinconada neighborhood are some of the best restaurants in town, making Playa Carrizalillo a great match for beach-loving foodies who want a quiet stay. Plus you can always grab a taxi to other beaches for a day trip or evening out.
Where to Stay near Playa Carrizalillo | Carrizalillo Beach Area Hotels
$ Cielito Lindo Suites
Bright apartments with kitchenettes plus a pool, less than 10 minutes’ walk to Playa Carrizalillo
$$ Suites La Hacienda
Charming rooms and suites with a pool in a lush jungle setting. I stayed here and recommend it as a quiet stay close to great restaurants
$$$ Villas Carrizalillo
Boutique hotel with dramatic views, pool, stylish rooms and upscale restaurant. Breakfast is included, and their restaurant has the best view of the beach.
$$$ Luxury Oceanfront Home with Pool
Casa Junto Al Mar is a luxury Puerto Escondido vacation rental that sleeps up to 20. With sweeping panoramic views, an infinity pool, and private path to the beach.
Where to Eat Near Playa Carrizalillo
You’re in luck here, because the La Rinconanda neighborhood has a ton of great options! Don’t miss Espadin at Villas Carrizalillo for the view of the beach, or Estrellas Gourmet for sunset drinks and dinner at least once during your stay. Try El Cafecito for breakfast/brunch. And also check out Turtle Bay, Almoraduz, Metxcalli or El Nene.
Playa Bacocho: Secluded Beach with Sea Turtles & in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido’s Playa Bacocho is an idyllic, quiet beach with a big bonus: a sea turtle conservation group here releases baby turtles at sunset during hatchling season. Rescuers have to collect sea turtle eggs from their nests to protect them from poachers and predators until they hatch. Learn more about sea turtle conservation efforts in Oaxaca.
Bacocho Beach is the perfect Oaxaca beach for travelers who want to lounge on the beach, relax by the resort pool, or stroll along the long stretch of golden sand. The setting is the draw of this beautiful beach, as the hotels here and their restaurants have mostly average reviews.
For day trippers, Club de Cocos and Villasol are private beach clubs that offer beach and pool access with a minimum food and drink spend (around $10 US). It’s easiest to get here by taxi.
Playa Bacocho is not good for swimming, due to strong rip currents. Instead, follow the rocky path at the southern end of the beach to find the calmer and even more secluded Playa Coral.
Where to Stay Near Playa Bacocho | Bacocho Beach Hotels
$$ Hotel and Suites Villasol
Simple, modern hotel with restaurant, bar, pool and shuttle to its beach club
$$ Posada Real Puerto Escondido
Beachfront hotel with 2 pools, beach club and restaurants
Where to Eat at Playa Bacocho
Pez Gallo, at the beach club for Hotel Villasol, is the best place on the beach for sunset.
More Puerto Escondido Vacation Rentals
Hotel Escondido & Playa Roca Blanca
Set on a serene and secluded beach about 45 minutes from Puerto Escondido, Hotel Escondido has rustic yet chic palapa bungalows overlooking a pool and beach. This is the beach for you if you want to truly disconnect in a sophisticated setting. Spend your days lounging and surfing, or take a day trip to the nearby Laguna de Manialtepec or artist collective Casa Wabi. Hotel Escondido is remote, so expect to have your meals at the hotel restaurant with an ocean view. Or rent a car to get around.
There are also many off-grid luxury rentals here on this secluded stretch of beach.
Where to stay Near Hotel Escondido
$$$ Hotel Escondido
Eco-chic, adults-only luxury beach resort with restaurant and pool
$$$ Off Grid Adobe Domes with Pool
Artistic off-the-grid adobe house with pool for up to 6
$$$$ Villa Altanera
Sophisticated beachfront villa with private pool directly on the beach for up to 10
More Secluded Puerto Escondido Stays
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Planning Tips
If you’re headed to Puerto Escondido, be sure to grab these tips for planning your trip!
Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a year-round destination for beach and sun lovers. Its dry season is from December to April, while the rainy season runs from May to November.
The busiest time to visit Puerto Escondido is January through May or October through December. If you want to avoid crowds, try not to visit during holidays like Christmas, Semana Santa (the holy week leading up to Easter), and Dia de los Muertos (end of October/first of November).
There are annual surfing competitions in Puerto Escondido in March-April and again in October-November, so expect it to be busy during theses times as well.
- Check weather averages for your travel dates from Holiday-Weather.com
Getting to Puerto Escondido
The Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) has connecting flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Airlines serving PXM include Interjet, Aeromar and Viva Aerobus. Flights can be found for as little as $100 round trip.
Mexico’s ADO buses also serve the region, although it’s a long and winding bus ride from Oaxaca City. (Seriously, people get bus sick on the 10-hour trip through the mountains!) If it’s in your budget, I recommend flying; or find ADO bus routes here or reserve tickets with the app Busbud.
Once you reach Puerto Escondido (PE), taxis are plentiful and cheap at a few dollars US per trip. Expect to pay more for hotel transfers, though, and always agree on a price for taxis before you get in. You can also rent a bicycle or scooter for the day or week to get around – your hotel can typically assist with booking. There are also inexpensive colectivos (shared vans) if you’re comfortable using local transport.
Taxis & Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido
Once you arrive in Puerto Escondido, it’s easy to take taxis to get around town. They’re not generally metered – just agree on a price with the driver before you depart.
Renting a car once you arrive in PE could be a good option for you if you choose a more remote location or want to take day trips to Mazunte. For safety reasons, I would not recommend driving from Mexico City or Oaxaca City. If you think you’ll rent a car in PE, be sure to read my guide to renting a car and driving in Mexico which includes a downloadable road signs chart.
Driving in Mexico: Useful Car Rental, Insurance & Road Tips
From renting a car and insurance to road signs, speed bumps, and gas station scams: detailed tips for driving in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and beyond!
The Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
There’s more to do in Puerto Escondido than just beaches and surfing (although those are pretty great)! Check out these recommendations for more adventures on your Puerto Escondido itinerary.
Nature Experiences Day Trips from Puerto Escondido
- Laguna de Manialtepec: explore this eco reserve on a day trip, or take a nighttime tour to explore its bioluminescent bay. I did the nighttime tour in early November while there was no moon, and it was hands-down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. It was like being in a video game – the water really sparkled when you moved your arms!
- Sea turtle release: help release sea turtle hatchlings at Playa Bacocho with a conservation group. I did this, and I literally started crying when they handed me the little bucket of turtles. I also MIGHT have thrown sand to keep the seagulls away from my babies while they made their way to the ocean. (I totally missed and no gulls were harmed, but it felt like I was helping).
- Dolphin watching tour: take a boat trip with a local guide to try spotting 5 species of dolphin in the region
- Cascada La Reforma: visit these waterfalls in a secluded setting on a day trip – check out this itinerary that includes a sea turtle release
Puerto Escondido Surfing, Beaches & Sunsets
- Surfing at Zicatela: experienced surfers can try the waves at this world-class surfing beach
- Sunset at Zicatela: don’t miss having drinks here at sunset at least once for your stay
- Surf lessons or paddleboarding in Playa Carrizalillo – here’s a good surf lessons tour option with online booking and instant confirmation
- The restaurant at Villas Carrizalillo is also a great place for sunset drinks and dinner overlooking the beach
Activities & Day Trips from Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
- Casa Wabi: visit the artist collective on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido
- Yoga: check out one of the local yoga practices
- Shopping: check out the Benito Juarez market for souvenirs and local handicrafts
- Day trips: take a guided tour day trip to see four Oaxaca coast beaches including Mazunte, and Zipolite
- Take a guided tour of a mescal distillery including mescal tastings!
- Coffee lovers can take a tour of neaby coffee plantations with this tour: Mexican history, waterfalls, and coffee plantation
What to Pack for Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Don’t miss my ultimate Mexico packing list with everything you’ll need for your beach getaway!
Ready to Book your Puerto Escondido Vacation?
I hope this guide gave you all the tips you need to plan your trip! Be sure to save it for later and also check out my other guides to travel in Oaxaca.
Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca | Huatulco Beaches & Resorts | Things to do in Oaxaca City & Where to Stay | Best Oaxaca Beaches | Playa Mazunte | Playa Zipolite
Pin this Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Guide for Later!
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