23 Amazing Things to do in Puerto Escondido

Ah, Puerto Escondido – a town with pristine beaches, surf, wildlife, shopping, and an endless amount of things to see and do! So it isn’t a surprise this beach-side Mexican town is quickly growing in popularity for vacationers from all over the world.

What was once only a destination for pro-surfers and Canadian Expats is now a place for every type of traveler. With the wide variety of things to do and see, Puerto Escondido offers everything from massive parties and nightclubs to turtle conservation projects and incredible food! There are so many activities in Puerto Escondido – it’s truly unreal!

All of this is what drew us to finally check out this Pacific gem for ourselves.

It’s safe to say we had high expectations, but it’s also safe to say our expectations were exceeded! Puerto Escondido is home to some of our favorite experiences in Mexico!

If you are looking for a beach-side Mexico destination that is gorgeous, safe, offers tons to do, and still maintains authentic Mexican local culture at every turn, then Puerto Escondido is THE place for you!

In this blog, I’ll outline 23 amazing things to do in Puerto Escondido to prove that there is so much more to this town than surfing and offer a few general travel tips for your upcoming trip to Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Puerto Escondido, Mexico!

Intro to Puerto Escondido, Mexico 

Puerto Escondido is located on Mexico’s southern pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. It is easily reached by bus from the state capital city of Oaxaca, but it also has a small airport that offers plenty of domestic flights from other places in Mexico, such as Mexico City or the Yucatan Peninsula.  

With only 45,000 residents, Puerto Escondido really is a small surf town. By taxi or collectivo (shared mini-van), you can pretty much get anywhere your heart desires in the area in under ten minutes!

The town stretches along the coast covering several beaches. Each beach offers its own unique attractions and things to do. For example, Puerto Carrizalillo is the beach perfect for swimming or learning to surf, Puerto Angelito is right in the middle of town and offers boat tours and incredibly fresh seafood restaurants, and Playa Zicatela is the surf hot spot with a wicked nightlife.  

What is special about Puerto Escondido in comparison to other popular beach destinations is its authenticity. Unlike Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, Puerto Escondido has kept more of its local charm that offers tons of culture. Expect many locals not to speak English (great for practicing your Spanish), small local al pastor taco stands, and lots of smaller guesthouses instead of massive skyscrapers and 5-star resorts.  

To me, this is Puerto Escondido’s charm.  

When to Visit Puerto Escondido 

There is no “right” answer for this. The truth is, it really depends on you and the activities you want to do while in Puerto Escondido, Mexico!  

The rainy season is from May to November. While this isn’t the ideal time of year for relaxing on the beach, it’s a great time of year for surfers. The waves are the best in July to October, and the World Surf League visits the town in October. So experienced surfers will love this time of year. 

For those who are budget travelers, you’ll also find lower prices this time of year, and you won’t have to book your accommodation in advance – unless you’re in Puerto Escondido when the World Surf League is there! The last few times I’ve visited Puerto Escondido has been in October. While it rained most days, the rain only came for about an hour or two in the evenings, so it didn’t disturb my trip at all.  

December to April is the dry season and what is considered Mexico and Puerto Escondido’s peak season. It rarely rains during these months, and the ocean is a little calmer which is better for those not wanting to surf. However, be aware you’ll need to book your hotel and tour in advance and be prepared for high-season prices. 

The BEST Things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

So, now that I’ve convinced you this charming beachy town is a must-visit, what exactly should you do in Puerto Escondido?

Luckily, there are a ton of activities to do and places to explore! Below are what I consider to be the absolute best things to do in Puerto Escondido (I’m sure you’ll love most of them!)

1. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton

Swimming with Bioluminescent plankton is first on my list simply because I think it is likely the most popular activity in Puerto Escondido. Plus, if you have never seen bioluminescent plankton before, then it really is a must-do, in my opinion! 

I’ve swum with bioluminescent plankton in the ocean in Cambodia a couple of years ago. So, in all honesty, it wasn’t the most exciting tour for me in Puerto Escondido. But with that said, I was traveling with some friends who this was a new experience for, and they found it quite fun! 

But what are bioluminescent plankton, and what is the tour in Puerto Escondido, Mexico about? 

On a tour from Puerto Escondido, you will be swimming with the plankton in a lake rather than the ocean. Every time you move the plankton shine, it is as if you’re swimming in a body of water filled with glitter! It is hard to explain, but totally cool! 

The tour we did picked us up at our hotel at 8 pm. From here, we drove for about 20 minutes before parking at a small restaurant. We then walked through the jungle for 5 minutes and boarded a boat. The boat seated about 15 people and came with life jackets.

We then drove around for about half an hour before finding the best spot to swim. Here, we stopped the boat and hopped in to see the glittery plankton! At first, it was a little scary because it was completely dark, but once one person jumped in, we all did!

Surprisingly, the water was warm. Our tour guide explained that it is a natural thermal spring, hence the warm water! 

It’s a great idea to book your tour online in advance in order to avoid being ripped off. Of course, you can book with random salespeople who walk the beaches in Puerto Escondido, but they will try to charge you as much as possible. If you manage to get a good price (like we did), you will likely get stuck with a large group of people and a non-English speaking tour guide (it isn’t fun to have no idea what is going on!)

2. Go Dolphin Watching

Puerto Escondido is world-famous for dolphin watching! Off the coast of Puerto Escondido, only a few miles from the shore, it is possible to see hundreds of dolphins! They travel in large pods and work together to trap (circle) their food (fish).  

The dolphin-watching tour I did went for around 3 to 4 hours and included an English-speaking guide. Carlos, our guide, was fantastic, and we had an enjoyable day out on the water. 

When you’re out on the boat, also expect to see plenty of sea turtles. We must have seen 20 turtles, including a few that were engaged in the act of reproducing – which we were told goes on for 3 hours?!

Lastly, we actually rescued a turtle who had become trapped in a net. Our guide Carlos did not hesitate to stop the tour in order to rescue the turtle, which says a lot about him! Below, you can see the photo of the turtle with a net around her neck.

To me, this is a must-do tour in Puerto Escondido! And for only about $65 USD per person with a guarantee of seeing dolphins, you really can’t go wrong! 

If you ever get seasick or have motion sickness, you’ll likely get a bit woozy on this tour. The waves can be quite large, and it is easy to get a bit seasick on a small boat. Buy some sea sickness medicine from any pharmacy in town and take medicine a good half hour before departing to help prevent this!  

3. Try Sport Fishing

During particular seasons you can catch some incredibly big fish in Puerto Escondido!

The most popular sport fish you can catch is the blue marlin (up to 14 feet long). These fish are catch and release only (thank goodness!), but you will also be able to catch other fish for eating, such as the red snapper, grouper, or tuna. These you can keep and grill up for dinner that night if you choose!

Catching a huge blue marlin is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Unfortunately, we never landed the elusive marlin, but we did catch about 15 other fish, which we divided up to the crew to take home to their families!

When you arrive in Puerto Escondido, you can book a fishing tour like this one at one of the many tour operator offices or even at the beach. Just be sure to negotiate a good price and all inclusions!

Obviously, it largely depends on your group’s size when it comes to how expensive it is, but expect to pay around $250 USD for the smaller, less professional panga boats that seat up to 6 people and about $550 USD for a pro-charter that can take 10 to 12.

Related Read: You can find out the best cities in Latin America to check out here.

4. Release a Baby Turtle into the Ocean

Turtle conservation is a huge issue in Puerto Escondido. In fact, volunteers monitor more than 30 kilometers (18.6 mi) of beaches surrounding Puerto Escondido to ensure turtle eggs don’t get stolen by people who still eat them.

They also have several turtle egg hatcheries to help shade the eggs from the sun. With rising temperatures, more females are born, so the shade helps even the numbers out – but you’ll learn much more about that once you arrive!

At Playa Bacocho, they give visitors the chance to release a turtle into the ocean. The conservation organization runs this project, and every day at 5 pm, all you have to do is show up at the beach with 100 pesos ($5 USD), and you’ll be able to set your own baby turtle free.  

It is actually a really neat experience that they take very seriously. You’ll learn all about the turtles and how vital this project is before getting your turtle. You’ll also get very detailed instructions on how to release the turtle properly.  

I’ve been to a few turtle releases in my life, and I have to say, this one in Puerto Escondido was the best! It was clear that they were making huge efforts toward increasing survival rates and taking the whole process seriously. It is a very organized and well-run experience.  

The best part is, 100% of the proceeds from the turtle release go right back toward this project, so it is a great cause! To me, this is a “must-do” activity in Puerto Escondido!

If you want a more intimate experience, you can book a small group tour to do the turtle release on a different beach called Playa Palmarito. This is a much better experience than the busy tour at Playa Bacocho that attracts hundreds of people because there is the chance they will run out of turtles for everybody! This particular turtle release tour has incredible reviews, and you are guaranteed to release AT LEAST one turtle!

5. Go Snorkeling

Beautiful crystal-clear water means perfect conditions for snorkeling! 

If you want to snorkel, you have two options: 1) go on a snorkel tour, or 2) rent snorkel gear and explore on your own.  

The only problem with going on your own is that the beaches around Puerto Escondido are mostly sandy and don’t offer a ton of interesting reefs to explore with a snorkel. During low tide, you could head out to the rocks at Playa Carrizalillo, but you will want to be careful as the waves can be rough, and the rocks are sharp! 

The best option, in my opinion, would be to book this catamaran and snorkel trip out to Huatulco Bay. You’ll get a professional guide and have a really good chance of seeing turtles and other marine life. You not only get to snorkel but also explore Huatulco Bay and have a relaxing catamaran ride. A win-win if you ask me! 

6. PARTY! 

Despite being a small town, Puerto Escondido has a wild nightlife. The best place to go for partying is the area of Zicatela. The main road that runs parallel with the beach offers a large selection of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.  

Every night of the week, there is a party going on. The club Canabrava is infamous for its ladies’ nights and cheap drinks, whereas Foro Atemoztli has live music most nights with lots of dancing.

We went out one Friday night and ended up starting in a small bar with amazing live music, and then headed to an outdoor after-party.

We saw for ourselves that the people in Puerto Escondido like to party, and we were happy we joined them (although the hangovers the next day weren’t overly enjoyable!)

If you aren’t sure what other bars are hot spots for the locals, then you can join this pub crawl! It includes visits to 3-4 different bars, 3 shots, 2 beers, free club entry, and transport.

7. Kayak the Manialtepec Lagoon

Only a short 20-minute drive from Puerto Escondido is the Manialtepec Lagoon, a sanctuary for birds and also the place the bioluminescent plankton tour takes place.

On a kayaking tour here, you can jump on a kayak and spot fish and various birds as you paddle through tunnels made of mangroves. The tour lasts for over 3 hours, and you’ll be picked up bright and early so you can enjoy the sunrise on the lagoon. Your guide will teach you all about the wildlife here and help you spot rare birds.

It’s a great day out and one of the most underrated tours in Puerto Escondido!

8. Visit Chacahua

Chacahua National Park is a beautiful area to explore offering the chance to see reptiles, relax on the beach, and surf! 

To get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido you must drive for about an hour and then get a boat across a lagoon. Many people stay at Chacahua for a couple of nights to really relax and explore, but it is also possible to visit on a day trip from Puerto Escondido.

At Chacahua there is a pristine beach perfect for surfing. There are also various lagoons around small islands that you can visit as well as a reptile sanctuary where you can see crocodiles! 

If you decide to stay the night in this area, I highly recommend Porã Chacahua. This is a unique glamping experience where you will stay in beautiful huts right on the sand! It’s beachfront and tranquil with nothing else around – you’ll be surrounded by nature!

9. Explore the beach bay of Carrizalillo 

Playa Carrizalillo is my personal favorite beach around Puerto Escondido! Although the steep staircase to get to the beach isn’t all that fun on the way up (quite the workout) it is totally worth it.  

As you start the descent to the beach along the stone stairs, the view is incredible! 

Then, once at the beach, there are tons of restaurants to eat at or just relax on lounge chairs under umbrellas. 

The waves at Carrizalillo are good for beginner surfers and calm enough that this beach is perfect for those who just want to swim. You can easily spend a day here alternating between swimming, eating, and drinking! 

There are surfboard rentals as well as lessons available right on the beach. Board rentals start at 150 MXN ($7.50 USD), and lessons are around 1,000 MXN ($50 USD).

10. Eat fresh seafood on the beach 

You can’t come to Puerto Escondido and not eat seafood! And the best place to do so is right at beachfront restaurants.  

Playa Carrizalillo has a large selection of restaurants but I did find them to be a little overpriced. There are also dozens of seafood restaurants to choose from at Playa Zicatela but again they can be a little pricey. 

Instead, I personally loved eating at the restaurants at Playa Angelito. They were relaxed and reasonably priced. Just be aware, many of these restaurants close around 6 pm so it is best to hit them up for lunch or an early dinner! 

You can eat whole grilled fish, octopus, oysters, lobster (when it’s in season), ceviche, and more! At Playa Angelito, expect to pay around 150 pesos ($7.50 USD) for a whole fish that’s enough for one person or 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) for a fish big enough for two.

11. Go to Huatulco

Only a 2-hour drive from Puerto Escondido is Huatulco, a very popular tourist destination and national park. In fact, many tourists stay here and never visit Puerto Escondido (what a shame!) The area has lots of large and expensive resorts but also is located on a bay of turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.  

You can go on a day tour to Huatulco or take a local bus and spend a night or two.  

I recommend taking this catamaran tour from Puerto Escondido if you just want to explore the different beaches in the bay but if you want to drive there and see the town then this Huatulco city tour is a great option to learn about the history and culture from a local guide.

12. Ride an ATV through the Jungle

Are you looking for a bit of excitement and adrenaline? An ATV experience is the way to go! It is easily one of the most exciting things to do in Puerto Escondido!

The dense jungle and rolling hills create the perfect scene for racing an ATV. You’ll have lots of laughs and get a bit of a rush at the same time! Just be sure not to wear your nicest clothes as you’ll likely get dirty – especially in the wet season!

This particular ATV tour will have you crossing streams and dirt trails through the southern Sierra Madre mountains and also includes a rafting tour. It comes highly rated, and offers high-quality equipment and safety gear.  When you stop at certain points for pictures your guide will share more information with you about the region.

13. Go horseback riding

When you think of a beach-side town, horseback riding probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, am I right? 

Well, in Puerto Escondido horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do!   

Check out this horseback riding tour where you’ll ride your horse on the beach at sunset! It is a 3-hour long tour and includes pick-up at most hotels in Puerto Escondido. The best part is that even beginners can ride because the horses are so well-behaved. This company also really takes good care of their horses, and the reviews are all 5-stars!

14. Stay at a hotel with a pool 

Okay, this might not really be a “thing to do,” but it is essential to mention in my opinion. In Puerto Escondido, it is hot, especially in the rainy season when it is humid.  

Having a pool at your accommodation will be a lifesaver, and I guarantee you will use it! 

We stayed at a lovely place called Casa Losodeli, and to be completely honest, it was one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at.

The owner was so friendly, and the staff went out of their way to be helpful whenever possible. The place was spotless, and the massive pool in the garden setting was perfect. They offered everything from budget dorm rooms to one-bedroom apartments.

If I ever return to Puerto Escondido, I will stay at Casa Losodeli again, no questions asked. However, if you are looking for something a little cheaper or a little more luxurious, there are tons of hotels and hostels to choose from in Puerto Escondido! We even have a guide all about the best Puerto Escondido hotels to help you make a decision.

15. Check out La Reforma Waterfall

Yes, there is a massive gorgeous waterfall near Puerto Escondido. The waterfall is about an hour and a half drive from Puerto Escondido but it is beautiful and makes for a fun day trip! 

The waterfall is massive and nothing short of picture-perfect. But the best part is that you can swim in the pool at its base – so much fun! 

This particular tour visits La Reforma waterfall before also doing a turtle release in the evening – sounds like an ideal way to spend a day if you ask me! There is local pick-up included if you’re staying close to the center of town.

16. Relax at Playa Puerto Angelito 

I mentioned this beach already for eating seafood, but even if you don’t go for food, go for a little look around and swim. Lots of boats anchor here but there is still a sectioned-off area for swimmers only.  

We also saw people snorkeling here but you do have to be careful because of the boats that use the bay. Regardless, Playa Puerto Angelito is very popular with local visitors and is much cheaper than the other beaches!

17. Go on a Food Tour

The state of Oaxaca is world-famous for food! For that reason, going on a food tour in Puerto Escondido is a brilliant idea and one of the best tours to do! 

Personally, I absolutely love food tours because you learn so much about the food and the area, but also leave super full! More often than not, after a food tour, I end up returning to a few of the restaurants a couple of days later just to have seconds! 

Food tours need to be booked online in advance as they often only have space for a handful of people. This Puerto Escondido food tour has awesome reviews and visits some special local gems that are guaranteed to be tasty! Really if you are a foodie this is the easiest way to taste authentic Oaxacan food and drink.

18. Take a Surfing Lesson 

If you aren’t already a surfing pro, don’t worry, you can learn in Puerto Escondido! 

To be honest, I’ve been surfing quite a few times before but I’m still not an expert at all. I still enjoy taking lessons for the simple fact that the instructor physically gives you a push while you’re paddling to catch a wave which gives you enough momentum to actually get on the wave! 

Head over to Playa Carrizalillo and sign up for a private surf lesson. You can just hire one of the guys at the beach (about $50 USD for a 2-hour private lesson).

If you don’t want a lesson, you can also rent boards for about 100-150 pesos ($5-7.50 USD) an hour right on the beach at Playa Carrizalillo.  

Another great option is this highly-rated surfing tour. It is a small group class with an experienced instructor at Playa Zicatela. The experience includes all equipment including a rashguard (a lifesaver if you ask me!) It’s also only $46 USD and has excellent reviews, so it saves you from having to negotiate with the surfers at the beach – go with a reputable company instead!

Related Read: Another cute Mexican town famous for learning to surf is Sayulita. It is located not far from Puerto Vallarta and there’s lots of fun things to do in Sayulita to keep you busy when you visit.

19. Test your balance on a Paddleboard

If surfing seems a little too extreme, or if the waves just aren’t very good, you can have a go at paddleboarding instead!  

At Playa Carrizalillo, the same guys on the beach that rent surfboards also rent paddleboards! Grab one and give it a go! 

Alternatively, you can go on a sunrise or sunset paddleboarding tour through mangroves to bird watch! Such a great setting for biodiversity. It is a 3-hour tour and you can expect to pay about $115 USD per person.

20. Go Shopping at the Local Market 

There is tons of shopping to be done all over Puerto Escondido. Cute shops line busy streets and you will undoubtedly find something that catches your eye.  

For the best deals and biggest selection though, head to the local market in central Puerto Escondido. This massive market has everything from raw meat, and fresh veggies, to arsenal goods! You can even buy cute clothes for a fraction of the price you’ll find anywhere else in town – just be sure to negotiate a fair price! 

21. Go zip-lining through the Jungle 

This is another one for the adrenaline junkies! Imagine, soaring high above the trees on a zip-line with views of the ocean and surrounding mountains – such an incredible experience!  

The zip lining in Puerto Escondido is really good and although the ziplines aren’t the longest I’ve done you’ll still have lots of fun!

This particular zip-lining tour is 5,500 meters long (18,045 ft) and also includes a hike through green forests and plantations such as corn, banana, and coffee plantation. There will be views of the mountains and a visit to a beautiful waterfall as well as rivers and streams! 

22. Go Mezcal tasting

The state of Oaxaca is super famous for its Mezcal! If you have never tried it or are a big fan of it there is no better place in the world (I’m not over-exaggerating) to have a glass and also tour a working facility.

The reason Mezcal in Oaxaca is special is because of the dry land and underground roasting process which you can learn about here. Large companies will try to knock this off due to more effort and equipment needed but once you’ve tasted the real thing you should be able to taste the difference and see why Oaxacans have so much pride in their Mezcal!

In Puerto Escondido, there is an awesome Mezcal distillery tour that will take you through the history and production of the distilled drink and of course sample plenty of Mezcal throughout the experience!

23. See the Copalita Archaeological Site

The Copalita Archaeological Site, located on Huatulco’s Ecological Reserve, is the place to explore for those who love learning about local history. Here, there have been several discoveries of pre-Hispanic monuments underneath the dense forest vegetation. Archeologists have determined that Mexican Gulf settlers game here around 500 BC.

If you visit, you will be able to see three pyramid bases, an old lighthouse, and learn about the 16 different ethnic groups that existed in this area from the on-site museum.

To reach this site, you will need to drive around 2 hours east but it may be more convenient and educational to go on this tour that includes hotel drop off and pick up. After checking out the grounds, your small group will also get the chance to relax, swim, and/or snorkel for a while on a local beach!

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

There are a few different areas to stay in Puerto Escondido and we have an entire blog on the best hotels in Puerto Escondido. It includes hotels and hostels in every budget to suit every traveler!

However, to quickly give you a little info, here are the main areas to stay:

Near Playa Carrizalillo

This is the area we stayed and I personally loved it. We were within walking distance to Playa Carrizalillo, close to the market and local restaurants, and away from the busy streets but still only a 40 peso ($2 USD) taxi to Playa Zicatela!

We stayed at Casa Losodeli and loved every second of our stay. It had a huge outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful gardens. We stayed in the one-bedroom apartment so we could cook, but they have a large selection of rooms to choose from. The owner was one of the nicest people we have ever met (and no, she didn’t know we were bloggers.) Truthfully, you can’t go wrong staying here.

Playa Zicatela

This is the largest beach area in Puerto Escondido and where the majority of the hotels, bars, and restaurants are. However, you can’t really swim at the beach here because of the rough swells and it has no shade. But if you’re after nightlife and restaurants then look no further.

Hotel Rockaway is located just across the street from Playa Zicatela. It features a large pool and fitness center. The reviews are flawless and the price is super reasonable.

For something a little cheaper, check out the Selina. It is a top-notch hostel with everything from budget dorms to fancy private rooms. You get a better bang for your buck in this area.

Playa Punta

This is the beach area to the south of Zicatela but still part of the same bay. This area has more of a “hippy vibe” but is still within walking distance to the main area of Zicatela.

Punta Zicatela Hotel is one of the top-rated properties in all of Puerto Escondido. With two pools (indoor and outdoor) and a rooftop bar with superb views, you really can’t go wrong. It is super cheap too but has all the creature comforts you’d expect from a beautiful hotel.

All the hotels in these areas come up in the search under Puerto Escondido so use the map on Booking.com and select hotels in the area you want to stay.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico FAQs

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Mexico in 2019, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. 

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Thanks for reading!

I truly hope this blog and my complete list of what to do helps get you ready for your travels to Puerto Escondido, Mexico! And, I hope you love the town as much as I did!

If your Mexico holiday doesn’t end with Puerto Escondido, then lucky you! There is a huge range of amazing destinations in Mexico to choose from! Some of our personal favorites (that we’ve written blogs about) include:

• Oaxaca City – Tons of attractions here including Hierve el Aqua
• Tulum – Cenote diving, ruins, and beaches
• Palenque – the most amazing waterfalls you’ll ever see
• Tequila – Where tequila is made
• Puebla – A cute city with tons to explore just on the outskirts of Mexico City

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