Getting Around
Top Sights
Playa Zicatela — The Mexican Pipeline
One of the top five surf breaks in the world — a mile-long beach with powerful hollow barrels that regularly reach 5–7m in winter swells. A spectacular spectacle even for non-surfers: watch from the shoreline or the beach bars on the sand. Do not enter the water unless you are an advanced surfer. Hosts the prestigious Puerto Escondido Cup competition each November.
📍View on MapPlaya Carrizalillo
The most beautiful and swimmable beach in Puerto Escondido — a small, sheltered cove reached by a 170-step staircase, with calm clear turquoise water perfect for snorkeling and beginner surfing. Arrives crowded by 11am; get there early or return in the late afternoon. Sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent.
📍View on MapLaguna de Manialtepec — Bioluminescence Tour
A coastal lagoon 14km west of town that lights up brilliant blue-green at night with bioluminescent plankton — one of Mexico's most otherworldly natural experiences. Take the night kayak tour (book through any agency in Zicatela; MXN 300–400 pp) for maximum effect. Best in the dry season (Nov–Apr) when the lagoon is less diluted by rain.
📍View on MapPunta Zicatela — Sunset Point
The rocky headland at the southern end of Zicatela where the surf community gathers every evening to watch the sunset. A long line of beach bars and seafood spots face west — grab a mezcal, find a hammock chair, and watch the Pacific turn gold. The best free show in town, every single night.
📍View on MapMazunte & Turtle Sanctuary
A 70km day trip west along the coast to Mazunte — a small hippie beach village with a sea turtle sanctuary (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga) and clothing-optional beach. The turtle centre houses olive ridley, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles in rehabilitation pools. Combine with a stop at Zipolite (one of Mexico's few legal nudist beaches) and San Agustinillo.
📍View on MapMuseums
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (Mazunte)
Mexico's national sea turtle research and rehabilitation centre, located in nearby Mazunte. See live turtles in large tanks, learn about the conservation program that pulled several species back from the brink of extinction, and — if timing aligns (Jul–Dec) — join a guided night walk to witness a mass nesting event on the beach. Small entrance fee; guided night tours must be booked in advance.
📍View on MapParks & Nature
Playa Bacocho
A wild, wide, windswept beach on the western side of town — too rough for swimming but spectacular for long walks at sunset and watching pelicans dive. The cliffside above hosts several upscale hotels with infinity pools. Best reached by moto-taxi or scooter.
📍View on MapPlaya Principal & El Adoquín
The original fishing beach at the heart of the old town, lined with the pedestrian street El Adoquín — Puerto Escondido's main strip of restaurants, craft stalls, and bars. The beach itself is calm enough for swimming in the morning before the afternoon swell picks up. A good place to watch the local fishing fleet return each morning around 7am.
📍View on MapEat, Drink & Work
Taquería El Crucero
The most reliable late-night taco spot on El Adoquín — al pastor carved from the trompo, handmade tortillas, and a salsa bar that means business. Open until 2am, which fits the surf-town schedule perfectly. Budget MXN 60–100 for a full feed. Cash only.
📍View on MapAlmoraduz
The best sit-down restaurant in town — a creative menu of regional Oaxacan ingredients executed with finesse, served in a relaxed open-air setting a block from Zicatela. The tlayuda with black bean, Oaxacan cheese, and local mushrooms is outstanding. Reservations recommended in high season (Dec–Jan).
📍View on MapBrisa Marina
A no-frills beachfront palapa on Playa Principal where the fishing boats pull up at dawn — the freshest ceviche, pescado zarandeado (grilled with achiote), and grilled shrimp plates on the coast. Lunch-only. Sit at the front tables for a direct view of the waves and pelicans.
📍View on MapRemote work in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is not a nomad hub — connectivity is the biggest challenge. The Zicatela strip has several cafés with WiFi adequate for async work: Café Loup and Third Wave Coffee are the most consistent. Power cuts occur during rainy season. For video calls or large uploads, use your hotel connection in the morning when bandwidth is lower. A Telcel SIM with a data plan is essential — Movistar and AT&T coverage is sparse outside the centre.
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