10 Best Things To Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico?

Puerto Escondido is a small port and tourist center, mostly located in the municipality of San Pedro Mixtepec on Mexico’s Emerald Coast. It lies on the north side of the bay, in the western part of the state of Oaxaca.

While the bay had been used as a port to ship coffee, there was no permanent settlement in Puerto Escondido before the 1930s due to the lack of drinkable water.

Today, however, Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the coast of Oaxaca, thanks to its stretches of pristine sand, vibrant nightlife, rich wildlife, awesome local culture, and tasty food. It is a favorite among surfers and backpackers, as well as Mexican families.

The name “Puerto Escondido” means “the Hidden Port” in English, originating in the legend of a lady who escaped her captors and hid in the village. In the Nahuatl language, the word used to call the area was “Zicatela,” which is translated as “a place of large thorns.” In modern times, “Zicatela” is used in reference to the area’s most famous beach.

10 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Here’s a list of the most fun things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

1. Surf the waves

On top of the most popular activities in Puerto Escondido is surfing. After all, this is what the place is truly famous for.

Puerto Escondido has some of the craziest swells in the world, making it an extremely popular destination for advanced big-wave surfers. However, the town also boasts some of the safest surf spots in Oaxaca that are suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers.

For novice surfers, the best time to surf the waves of Puerto Escondido is between January and mid-April. Playa Carrizalillo is best for newbies due to its shallow blue waters and mellow swells, while Playa Zicatela – which is the top surf spot here – is best for highly-accomplished surfers.

2. Enjoy Puerto Escondido’s nightlife on Zicatela Beach

Zicatela Beach, which is famous for surfing, has also become one of the best places to go to after sundown in Puerto Escondido. Spending time on the Zicatela at night will allow you to experience Puerto Escondido’s famed vibrant nightlife.

Zicatela Beach is home to plenty of waterfront bars and cafés offering live music, mesmerizing ocean views, and cold drinks. The area offers a wide array of options of wooden bars and palapas (traditional Mexican shelters with roofs made of palm leaves or branches) for the authentic Mexican feels.

Some of the best bars here that you shouldn’t miss are The Boneyard, Chicama, Xcaanda, and Caña Brava.

3. Go to a turtle egg hatchery and send a baby turtle into the ocean

Puerto Escondido is one of the world’s most popular turtle nesting places. Every year, thousands of sea turtles come to its shorelines to lay their eggs.

There are several nesting beaches found in the area. Playa del Palmarito to the west of Puerto Escondido is one of the biggest along the Mexican Pacific Coast. Here you can observe the prime nesting season between July and January.

Four kilometers west of Puerto Escondido town center is Playa Bacocho, where you can help in releasing a baby turtle into the ocean. It takes place every day at 5-6 PM. To set free your own baby turtle, all you need to do is show up and give a $5-donation to the conservation organization that runs this project.

This is an absolute must-do in Puerto Escondido!

To book this tour click here.

4. Explore the different beaches along the bay

Exploring the various beaches along the bay is one of most fun things to do in Puerto Escondido that anyone visiting shouldn’t miss. The most enjoying way to do it is going on a catamaran tour from Puerto Escondido.

5. Visit the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

The Chacahua National Park is about 54 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido, not far from the Zapotalito village. The park is accessible through the Federal Highway 200 or by boat from Puerto Escondido.

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park spans 30 km² of dry land and different lagoons, big and small. The park is home to over 200 species of flowers and less than 200 species of animals.

Here you can watch numerous birds in their natural habitat, including storks, blue-winged teals, herons, spoonbills, and pelicans. Three species of sea turtles also come the Chacahua National Park to lay their eggs.

To book this tour click here.

6. Try your hands at sport fishing

Puerto Escondido’s sea is home to tons of marine life – from different species of turtles and dolphins to humpback whales, mobula rays, and of course – fish so abundant it is literally every fisherman’s dream.

You can try your hands at catching some of these fish such as blue marlin, dorado, Pacific sailfish, and yellowfin tuna, as well as Spanish mackerel, rooster fish, grouper, and jack crevaly.

Sport fishing in Puerto Escondido is sure to be an experience of a lifetime!

7. Watch the whales and dolphins

Dolphins can be seen in Puerto Escondido all year round. You can watch and observe large pods from both the shore and a boat. If the conditions are optimal, you can also swim with them.

Whale-watching, on the other hand, is best done between December and March. Both sea animals are a spectacle to behold, so make sure to get your cameras ready for some unforgettable videos and photos.

To book this tour click here.

8. Explore the glowing Laguna de Manialtepec

Definitely one the must-see places in Puerto Escondido, the bioluminescent Laguna de Manialtepec (Manialtepec Lagoon) offers not only a one-of-a-kind experience but knowledge about the phenomen of bioluminescence as well.

You can explore the glowing waters of Puerto Escondido on a boat ride at night. You will learn about bioluminescence after a quick explanation from the guide, after which you can swim with the glowing plankton.

Laguna de Manialtepec is a 30-minute boat ride north of Puerto Escondido. The best time to go is when there’s no moon and the night is darkest. But in case of a full moon, the bioluminescent waters can still be enjoyed as there are covered spaces where you can swim in complete darkness.

9. Visit Cascada La Reforma

Cascada La Reforma (The Reform Waterfall) is one of the best waterfalls you can visit in Oaxaca. It can be enjoyed on a half-day trip from Puerto Escondido, about 1.5 hours away.

There is a small welcome cabin for bathroom breaks, snacks, and even beer to go. More cabins are located along the way, where you can spend the night if you wish.

The path to the waterfall takes around 15 minutes. The walk alone is an experience itself, the path being in the middle of the jungle and offering you different sights to see with every step.

Reaching the waterfall after the hike, you will be rewarded with the enchanting cascade and refreshing, clear waters to swim in – in total calm with green surroundings. It’s definitely one of the best things to do near in Puerto Escondido.

10. Feast on delicious delicacies

The charming beach town is a haven for foodies, with its array of scrumptious foods you can partake in. Various Oaxaca-style restaurants offer seafood and both vegan and non-vegetarian delicacies.

Mama Malu, El Cafecito, Costenito Cevicheria, and Holy Moly are just a few of the best local restaurants you should go to.

For vegans, head to El Sultan, La Olita, or Spirulina.

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

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