You’ve arrived in Mexico’s Puerto Escondido via a short taxi ride from the airport (see taxi York). The sun is blazing, the waves are crashing, and the air is filled with the aroma of spicy Mexican food. A typical day in the life looks like this: get up, do a juicy morning yoga practise, then eat a delectable real chilaquiles breakfast. Relax, surf, and ready for a long day of eating more delicious Mexican food and cold cervezas at the beautiful beaches.
Playa Zicatela is one of the town’s most well-known beaches, and is often regarded as one of Mexico’s best. It’s ideal for people who want to be right in the middle of the activity. By staying at Zicatela, you’ll be near to the greatest bars and restaurants in Puerto Escondido, as well as situated on the shores of the beautiful Zicatela Beach. There are loads of places to stay in Puerto Escondido. For Mexican vacationers, the Playa Principal area is the most popular location in Puerto Escondido. This makes it one of the greatest places to stay in Puerto Escondido if you want to experience more true Mexican culture, eat more authentic food, or practise your Spanish with friendly people.
Let’s have a look at some of the things to do in Puerto Escondido:
- Surfing– Even when there was no tourism in Puerto Escondido, one type of tourist remained: the surfer. Due of its iconic (and terrifyingly large) surf, surfers began flocking to Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela, in particular, is home to the notorious wave, which is known for its world-famous ‘Mexican pipe’ break. This wave is only advised for advanced surfers who are comfortable in a heavy wave during the season!
- Visit the beach– Playa Carrizalillo is one of the best places to decompress when it comes to relaxing, calm beaches. Perhaps it’s quieter because the descent requires 167 steps — and not everyone is up to the challenge. Because the water is calmer here, it’s a terrific spot to swim, but it’s also a terrific location to come and relax in the sun with a nice book. Playa Bococho, like Playa Carrizalillo, is a nice area to rest in peace and quiet. This beach, though, is on the opposite end of Puerto Escondido, so if you’re staying in the town’s centre, you’ll have to take a taxi down here. Playa Bococho is surrounded by more affluent resorts, allowing you to sunbathe while sipping a fine beverage.
- Birdwatching-Exploring Manialtepec Lagoon, a convergence of three habitats, each harbouring distinctive flora and fauna, just 20 minutes outside of the city, is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido if you’re interested in nature. There are 285 kinds of birds in the region, and a trip to this protected lagoon near the village of Bajos de Chila, just 10 minutes outside of Puerto Escondido, can provide up to 70 kinds of birds.
- Snorkelling and Scuba Diving– While Puerto Escondido is best renowned for its world-famous surf, the snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities are not to be missed. The ocean here, which is located on the magnificent Pacific coast, is rich in sea life and coral, with warm ocean surges. Large schools of fish may be seen hovering just over the reef when snorkelling, and a dive expedition can take you even deeper to witness groupers, guitar, and diamond rays.
The Golfina Turtles, which are found only in Puerto Escondido, are one of the most beautiful turtle species in the world. From vantage points in La Punta, Zicatela, and Carrizalillo, be humbled by the majesty of a beautiful sunset. Hike through the rainforest and take a tour of a crocodile-infested lagoon at Barra de Navidad (Oaxaca), which is only a five-minute ride from town through La Punta.
