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This submit was written by Emily Becker, who’s a Mexico-based freelance author for BMTM.
Puerto Escondido captured my coronary heart from the very first time I dipped my toes within the water at Playa Carrizalillo, my now-favorite seashore on the town. A far cry from the resort-speckled shores of Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Escondido gives a way more chill ambiance, with a greater number of seashores.
This up-and-coming vacation spot is beloved by surfers, backpackers, and solo vacationers like myself. It’s touristy sufficient to have all the things you could possibly probably want, however nonetheless quaint sufficient to present you a style of genuine Mexico.
Stick round for my full information to Puerto Escondido; what to do, the place to remain, the right way to get there, and extra:
Issues to Do
1. Chill in La Punta
La Punta is the realm on the jap facet of Puerto Escondido wherein Playa Zicatela lies. It’s simply the trendiest spot on the town and stuffed with younger individuals who come for the nightlife, eating places, and browsing. The primary time I went to Puerto Escondido, I bought huge Tulum vibes from La Punta, however had a change of coronary heart the second time round.
It’s just like Tulum’s resort zone due to its stunning surroundings and quintessential beach-chic decor, however I noticed throughout this second go to that La Punta — and Puerto typically — is far more laid-back and genuine than Tulum. It’s additionally extra inexpensive and is extra geared towards browsing and different sports activities.
In any case, La Punta is a good spot to window-shop, seize a chunk, guide a surf lesson, or sip a cocktail on the seashore. It’s additionally a cool space to remain in: there are tons of hostels, resorts, and Airbnbs which can be fairly inexpensive. I stayed in this little bungalow for simply $40/evening proper within the coronary heart of La Punta.
2. Launch turtles at Playa Bacocho
Earlier than my journey I had seen tons of Instagram images of individuals releasing turtles at Playa Bacocho, and I used to be fairly skeptical of how moral it will be to take action. To be sincere, I’m nonetheless not sure about whether or not or not human intervention like that is 100% okay for the animals, as a result of I’ve seen credible articles on-line for and towards it.
I opted out of truly releasing a turtle myself as a result of I used to be not sure, however I feel it’s a type of issues that everyone is able to making an knowledgeable choice about on their very own.
On Playa Bacocho, there’s a giant construction the place conservationists hatch the eggs of sea turtles in a protected and managed surroundings. Each night round 5pm, they provide guests an opportunity to launch a turtle utilizing a hollowed-out coconut. Everyone can get their turtle, go to the designated space, and let the little creature make its harrowing journey to the ocean.
It’s a free exercise, and regardless that I didn’t launch a turtle myself, I nonetheless loved sitting shut by and watching the little guys waddle to the ocean. Plus, the sunsets at Playa Bacocho are attractive, so it’s price going at the moment regardless.
3. Dolphin and whale watching
A preferred exercise in Puerto Escondido goes out to see dolphins and whales off the Oaxacan coast. Humpback whales migrate to this a part of the Pacific between December and March annually, so that you’ll have an excellent probability of seeing them when you go to throughout this season. Pods of dolphins are seen any time of yr, so it’s positively price taking a ship out to see them.
This sunrise dolphin- and whale-watching tour is a good choice.
4. Take a surf lesson
Playa Zicatela is the place to surf in Puerto Escondido, and also you’ll even see an enormous statue of a surfer on the freeway close to the turnoff that results in the seashore. Your entire city is thought for being a surfer’s paradise, so taking a lesson is the proper technique to actually get into the spirit of Puerto Escondido.
There are many locations to take action, however the one one I’ve tried myself is the Pacific Surf Academy. Don’t be deterred by its no-frills web site. It’s legit, and the instructors are skilled, pleasant, and bilingual in English and Spanish. I went out early within the morning for my lesson and had a blast paddling out, catching waves, and making an attempt (and largely failing) to face up on my board. My teacher was encouraging, and going through my concern of the ocean waves was an empowering expertise.
5. Take a look at Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is my favourite seashore in Puerto Escondido, arms down. I like how it’s a must to descend a bunch of stairs to get to the seashore, since you get a stunning view of the rocky shores from above on the best way. It is usually one other fashionable browsing spot, however I used to be intimidated by what number of huge rocks there have been within the water, so I made a decision to sit back on the seashore as an alternative.
Playa Carrizalillo has extra of a household vibe, and it tends to get fairly crowded within the afternoons and on the weekends. If you wish to have the seashore largely to your self, get there early within the morning on a weekday.
6. Lease a scooter or ATV
You’ll discover instantly in Puerto Escondido that most individuals get round on both a scooter, bike, or ATV. Numerous the seashores in Puerto are unfold out, so renting one in all these to bop round in is an effective way to see as a lot as potential with out counting on taxis.
Leases can differ in value relying on whether or not you select a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Scooters and bikes are round $20/day with insurance coverage, and ATVs are round $40/day. Robert’s Eco Tours is a dependable place to lease a scooter on a weekly foundation, providing a beneficiant low cost from the standard each day charges. Brand X Moto Tours additionally has quite a lot of autos to select from at first rate costs.
7. Catch an epic sundown
There are a variety of secret spots in Puerto Escondido to catch a gorgeous sundown, a few of which I’ll can help you uncover by yourself as to not upset any locals by spilling the beans. For a low-key sundown, although, head to Playa Bacocho, the place you’ll discover volleyball gamers, sea turtle releases, and many picnics on the seashore.
One other incredible place to observe the sundown is at Camino al Faro, the place you may comply with some previous stone steps to a spot proper above the place the waves crash. You’ll discover the doorway at Mirador Un Sueño Posible (see the map under). Get there round 5:30pm to assert a great place. Convey some refreshments and snacks, however make sure that to not depart something behind.
8. Stand-up paddleboard
If browsing isn’t your factor however you continue to wish to get out on the water, strive a stand-up paddleboard! SUP is a bit simpler than browsing, and means that you can benefit from the waves extra peacefully. Though Playa Zicatela is thought for its thundering waves, noon gives calmer circumstances which can be nice for paddleboarding.
Go Do It at Playa Zicatela gives SUP classes and in addition rents paddleboards. You’ll additionally discover paddleboards for lease at Playa Carrizalillo.
9. Dance on the seashore at Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is a small seashore in an inlet close to Playa Carrizalillo. Virtually half of the shore is rocky, with the opposite half boasting gentle sand and mild waves good for swimming. The principle attraction right here, nevertheless, isn’t the water itself. It’s La Isla Seaside Membership, which is a chill restaurant and bar that pumps out dwell music virtually each afternoon.
La Isla is price a cease if you wish to get your groove on with out staying out late or immersing your self in Puerto’s nighttime social gathering scene, as a result of the dwell music often begins round 1pm every day. I frolicked right here for a pair hours once they had a reggae band taking part in and had a blast.
10. Day journey to Zipolite
If you happen to’re up for an journey nearly an hour away from Puerto Escondido, head to Mexico’s solely legally nude seashore, Playa Zipolite. That is one in all my favourite seashore cities in Oaxaca due to its carefree ambiance and ’70s vibe. Relax on the seashore, immersing your self Zipolite’s laid-back tradition. This little city can be stuffed with avenue artwork, so it’s price taking a stroll to see the murals.
Take a look at my guide to Zipolite to start out planning your go to.
11. Discover a hidden seashore in Mazunte
Simply 10 minutes from Zipolite by automobile is Mazunte, one other hippie seashore city on Oaxaca’s coast. Identical to Zipolite, I like to recommend trying out Mazunte whilst you go to Puerto Escondido.
If you happen to make it there, don’t miss out on a cease to Playa Mermejita, a protracted seashore with little or no infrastructure and nil resorts. You will get there by driving to the car parking zone for Punta Cometa (a well-liked sundown spot in Mazunte) and turning proper on the fork, the place you’ll see an indication pointing to a car parking zone for Playa Mermejita.
The gentle sand coupled with the crashing waves on the massive rocks makes this place dreamy and idyllic. I liked that there have been only a few folks there earlier than the sundown, with some trickling in for what seemed like a giant seashore bash later within the night.
My good friend and I liked organising store within the sand to observe the sundown, having ventured all the best way to the westernmost a part of the seashore, the place there was a peaceable rocky cove.
12. Attempt the perfect fish tacos on the town
Does your coronary heart flutter once you reminisce a couple of pleasant meal, or is it simply me? I first tried Pepe’s fish tacos once I visited Puerto in 2021. Pepe, the uber-friendly proprietor, used to have his restaurant in La Punta. These days this rugged roadside taco joint is a bit additional away from the seashore however nonetheless simply as scrumptious as ever.
Pepe’s is right down to earth and about as no-frills because it will get. You’ll discover chickens operating across the property, sneaking up beneath the desk to catch any fallen taco crumbs, and Pepe’s rescued avenue canines shall be desirous to greet you.
The tacos are both fish or shrimp, coming beer battered and coconut crusted. They’re served with a mouth-watering pineapple pico de gallo and home made salsa on the facet. So flavorful, filling, and as contemporary because it will get!
The place to Keep in Puerto Escondido
Despite the fact that it has turn out to be extra fashionable through the years, Puerto Escondido stays one of many most cost-effective seashore locations in Mexico. In any case, it’s a backpacker’s paradise! Even when you’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit extra personal and upscale than a hostel, you received’t have to interrupt the financial institution on lodging in Puerto and also you’ll get a variety of bang in your buck.
Price range: Puerto Desires, $15/evening (dorm)
If you happen to’re going to do Puerto Escondido on a backpacker’s funds, Puerto Desires is my prime decide for you. I stayed right here final yr and had a stellar time. Not solely was my four-person dorm mattress very comfy, however the workers at Puerto Desires have been extraordinarily pleasant and accommodating. It was social, however quiet at evening and didn’t have a heavy social gathering scene contained in the hostel.
There have been free organized actions, and the widespread areas have been clear and ethereal. Puerto Desires can be a terrific spot when you’re a digital nomad, because the hostel has locations the place you may arrange your pc and work with quick Wi-Fi and little or no noise.
Book your stay at Puerto Dreams here.
Mid-range: Bikini Seaside Home, $40/evening
Bikini Seaside Home is a boutique resort that has 4 suites, simply steps from Playa Zicatela within the coronary heart of La Punta. This breezy spot is good if you need La Punta to be your base and don’t thoughts a little bit noise. At simply $40 an evening (plus Airbnb’s charges), it’s a complete steal and features a king-sized mattress and gorgeous seashore views.
Book your stay at Bikini Beach House here.
Luxurious: Villas Carrizalillo, $185-216
Overlooking attractive Playa Carrizalillo is that this knockout boutique resort that incorporates a pool, a personal eating space in each room, and a restaurant on-site. Many rooms also have a terrace that opens to a stunning ocean view.
Right here you’ll get pleasure from peace and quiet with completely no avenue or social gathering noise, simply the crashing of the waves under. I’d select this resort if I used to be visiting with a gaggle of buddies, as there are suites with a number of bedrooms.
Book your stay at Villas Carrizalillo here.
Map of Puerto Escondido
The best way to Get to Puerto Escondido
Attending to Puerto Escondido has turn out to be progressively simpler because it has elevated in reputation, notably amongst foreigners. A brand new freeway connecting it to Mexico Metropolis is underway and can additional improve site visitors right here upon its completion.
For now, the simplest technique to get to Puerto Escondido is to fly there from Mexico Metropolis. It’s a fast one-hour flight, and tickets are low cost, often round $100 USD. You may as well visit Oaxaca City and lease a automobile for a daring street journey by way of the sierras that separate town from the coast. I did this and it was an superior journey that I might positively do once more.
Pin me for later:
I’ve been charmed by Puerto Escondido and can all the time be on the lookout for an excuse to enterprise there. I’m maintaining my fingers crossed that it doesn’t turn out to be overtouristed like so many different beach destinations in Mexico, as a result of I nonetheless see Puerto as a salty surf city with a giant character.
If you happen to’re heading to Oaxaca’s coast quickly, what different locations are you excited to go to?
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