Looking for exciting things to do in Puerto Escondido? We've put together a few of the best beaches, restaurants, shops and guided tours that will surely make for an enjoyable experience!
Beaches:
1. La Punta Zicatela: beach guide link
- This beach is one of the more touristy areas but for good reason. This little beach town is a laid back, mellow vibe with vegan cafes, coffee shacks, yoga retreats, and very fun/cool bars. While the beach is spacious with white sand, the ocean can be a bit rough here so made sure you are a confident swimmer if you venture in. At the end of the beach (if you can find it), there is a small walk way through the rocks that you have to go through at low tide that brings you out to an amazing private cove called Chingabal'e with stunning jaggered stones that are stuck in the sand from a volcanic eruption. It is a great spot for a picnic or for adventure goers looking for a little hike and also a great spot to watch a sunset if the beach is too crowded. (Feel free to contact us if you are looking for directions to the cove!) La Punta also has one of the best sunsets in Puerto so come down and grab a drink from The Fish Shack and watch the sun set over the waves!
2. Puerto Angelito: beach guide link
- This is a very relaxed beach located in a beautiful bay, where the water is nice and calm which make it a great spot for snorkeling and paddle boarding. The waters here are clear and offer excellent visibility for snorkeling. Or if you are looking for a little more adventure, the boats along the shore offer boat and fishing tours along the coast. This bay shares another beach in Playa Manzanillo and between the two there are numerous beach front dining options and a very chill, local aesthetic if you want a more authentic beach going experience.
3. Playa Bacocho: beach guide link
- This is one of the most stunning beaches in Puerto Escondido and is home to a turtle release sanctuary. At 5pm every day, baby turtles get released. For a small fee, you can learn abou the vital work of the sanctuary and even hand deliver a baby turtle down to the water yourself. There are only two small beach clubs along the beach, which help keep it preserved. Beach Club Villasol hosts a free open-air cinema every Wednesday, which is a perfect way to end a day relaxing on the sands of one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido.
4. Playa Carrizalillo: beach guide link
- Playa Carrizalillo is one of the most sought after beaches in Puerto. Despite it being one of the smallest beaches, this little cove is one of the go-to spots for beginner surfers. The cove creates the perfect amount and size of waves to cruise on. You can rent surf boards for 200p ($10) per hour or 800p ($40) a day, or take a lesson for 800p for a 1-2 hour lesson. The cove is lined with beach bars with palapas serving everything from ice cream to foot massages. The crystal clear are relatively calm and shallow which makes it an ideal spot for families looking to cool off in the ocean. There is fun for everyone here, but be prepared to hike up (and up!) a lot of stairs!
Activities:
1. Bioluminescence Puerto Escondido
The best time of the year to see the Puerto Escondido Bioluminescence is July-September. The water is warm and the plankton is active (however it can be seen all year round). We suggest to go with a tour because there can be crocodiles in the Lagoon. However, it is a magical experience when done correctly.
2.Rancho Margarita
Walk through the mangroves to get to Rancho Margarita to get a bite to eat at the local restaurant and watch the surfers at the beach. If you are lucky you will see the crocodiles swimming in the lagoon just off the patio. Order a Watermelon Agua Fresca and a shot os Mezcal for a refreshing treat.
3. Hiking with The Hikers Of Puerto Escondido
-There are many places to hike around the area and we suggest going with a guide! Choose your hiking level and travel to a starting location with a group of fellow adventurers. There are people from all over the world who hike together in the mountains and it is an unbelievable experience. We suggest going with The Hikers Of Puerto Escondido to see the most beautiful waterfalls, rocks, and other sites.
Restaurants:
- If you are looking for the best seafood around town, look no further. This open air restaurant has a very fun vibe with Mexican music in the background for ambiance and industrial fans to keep the place cool while you dine on a sand floor. The main attraction though is the fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. I recommend going on a Tuesday or Thursday to get their 2 for 1 cocktail special from 4-6pm.
2. Xina: View Location
- Xina is an amazing fine dining experience that offers a tasting menu designed to transport you through Oaxaca via taste buds. The plates that are offered combine unique flavors that are paired with fermented beverages like pulque and kombucha. This restaurant is only open during the week and you can make reservations through their Instagram page.
3.Almazul: View Location High End Sea Food.
- The ambience at this restaurant sells itself once you see it but once you tried the food, you know its the whole package. The wooden tables and light-colored woven chairs are surrounded by tropical plants and trees with easy coastal light fixtures hanging above. This restaurant focuses on fresh fish and state of the art cocktails. This fish selection ranges from a cheffs sushi platter (must try) and other items empasized on lightness such as aguachile negro, sashimi with leche de tigre, and marinated octopus dishes. There is also a vegetarian list that has tempura vegetables that are golden and fluffy.
