Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Julio Maciel, Pexels
Puerto Escondido is a vibrant coastal destination on Mexico's Pacific coast, celebrated for its diverse beaches, from world-renowned surf breaks to calm, swimmable coves. It offers abundant opportunities for marine wildlife encounters and maintains an authentic Mexican beach town atmosphere despite its growing popularity.
The social and nightlife scene in Puerto Escondido is concentrated in two primary areas: La Punta and Zicatela. La Punta offers a laid-back ambiance with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants, often featuring live music, and is popular for starting the evening before midnight. For those seeking to party late into the night, Zicatela is the main party hub, with clubs and bars typically open until the early morning hours.
Top 7 Things to do in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido offers a blend of exhilarating water sports, unique wildlife encounters, and immersive cultural experiences.
1. Surf Lessons
Engage with the iconic waves of Puerto Escondido by taking a surf lesson. Beginners can find suitable conditions and professional instructors at La Punta or Carrizalillo beaches, while experienced surfers can challenge themselves at Zicatela. Lessons cover essential techniques and ocean safety, providing a direct connection to the town's surfing heritage.
Cost: Private lessons typically range from 1,000 MXN to 1,500 MXN per person per lesson. Group lessons are often around 1,000 MXN per person. Board rental is approximately 100 MXN per hour.
Transport: La Punta is situated at the southern end of Zicatela Beach. From central Zicatela, it is about a 40-minute walk along the beach or a 60 MXN taxi ride. From the main town center (Centro), a taxi typically takes around 10 minutes and costs between 60-80 MXN. Colectivo (shared taxi) rides are also available for approximately 10 MXN.
2. Bioluminescence Tour in Manialtepec Lagoon
Witness the magical natural phenomenon of bioluminescence in Manialtepec Lagoon. As night falls, microscopic organisms in the water emit a stunning glow when disturbed, creating a dazzling light show. Tours often include a boat ride and an opportunity to swim in the glowing waters, offering a truly unique experience under the stars.
Cost: Tours typically cost between $30-$50 USD (approximately 560-930 MXN) per person. This usually includes round-trip transportation.
Transport: Manialtepec Lagoon is located approximately a 20-25 minute drive from Puerto Escondido. Most tours include convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel or a designated meeting point.
3. Baby Turtle Release
Participate in a heartwarming conservation effort by assisting newly hatched baby sea turtles in their journey to the ocean. This impactful experience, often held at sunset, provides insight into marine life preservation and allows visitors to contribute directly to the survival of endangered turtle species. Olive Ridley turtles are present year-round, while other species are released seasonally.
Cost: Direct participation at conservation camps like Playa Bacocho or Palmerito Beach costs approximately 150-200 MXN, with proceeds supporting the organizations. Guided tours including transportation and a guide range from $56-$82 USD (approximately 1,000-1,500 MXN).
Transport: Playa Bacocho is a common release location; a taxi from the town center costs about 80-100 MXN. Many tours offer hotel pickup as part of their package.
4. Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Embark on a boat tour from the main bay to encounter the rich marine life off the Oaxacan coast. This excursion offers excellent opportunities to observe pods of dolphins, various species of sea turtles, and majestic manta rays. During the migration season (November to March), there is a chance to spot gray whales.
Cost: Tours typically cost between $60-$86 USD (approximately 1,100-1,600 MXN) per person.
Transport: Tours generally depart from the main bay of Puerto Escondido. Many tour operators provide hotel pickup services.
5. Horseback Riding at Sunset
Experience the beauty of Puerto Escondido's natural landscapes with a horseback riding tour. Options often include rides along pristine beaches at sunset or scenic trails through rivers and jungles, sometimes leading to hot springs or secluded coastal areas. It is suitable for all experience levels.
Cost: Horseback riding tours generally range from $60-$100 USD (approximately 1,100-1,800 MXN) per person. Some specific tours may have variations in pricing.
Transport: Most horseback riding tours include transportation from hotels or central meeting points in Puerto Escondido.
6. Explore Local Markets
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting Puerto Escondido's vibrant markets. Mercado Benito Juarez, the largest market in the city center, offers an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, traditional Oaxacan dishes, and artisanal crafts. Mercado Zicatela provides a different experience with local products and restaurants overlooking Zicatela Beach.
Cost: The cost is primarily for purchases made within the markets. Public transportation (colectivos) costs approximately 12 MXN for a one-way ticket, while a taxi within town can range from 60-80 MXN.
Transport: Mercado Benito Juarez is in the city center, easily accessible by walking, taxi, or colectivo. Mercado Zicatela is located along the main road overlooking Zicatela Beach, also reachable by taxi or colectivo.
7. Visit a Mezcal Distillery
Discover the traditional art of Mezcal production, a renowned spirit from Oaxaca. Tours to ancestral distilleries provide a comprehensive insight into the process, from agave harvesting to distillation, concluding with a tasting session. This offers a deeper appreciation for the region's cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Cost: Cost is typically included in a guided tour. Specific individual prices for distillery visits are not readily available, but a half-day Mezcal experience is highlighted as a worthwhile activity.
Transport: Distilleries are generally located outside the immediate town area, so tours arrange round-trip transportation from Puerto Escondido.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
