Going to Puerto Escondido? — A HANDFUL OF SAND

Are you ready for a surfer's paradise mixed with local markets and cute beaches? Puerto Escondido is a beautiful coastal town located in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Famous for its stunning beaches, great surfing spots, and relaxed atmosphere, it's a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and waves. The town itself offers a mix of local culture, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back vibe that appeals to travelers looking for a more authentic Mexican experience, whereas Punta Zicatela is for me a Mexican Bali.

How to get to Puerto Escondido:

You can either arrive by bus or by plane in Puerto Escondido

By bus: The most common route is from Oaxaca City and takes about 10 hours. If you tend to have motion sickness, you should definitely take some medication with you as the roads can get really tortuous!
By plane: Probably from Mexico City, you will be able to choose from several companies such as Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris among others.

How to get around in Puerto Escondido:

By taxi: Taking a taxi in Puerto Escondido is probably the most hassle free way of getting around, but also the most expensive.
By colectivo: Colectivos are shared little trucks that you jump on from the side of the road. As it is the local’s main mean of transport they can get pretty full quickly, but not to worry as there are many of them. Bear in mind that they stop running at 10 pm, and at 7pm on Sundays!

Cost: A journey costs between 7 and 10 pesos

With a scooter: My all times favorite! Riding a scooter in Puerto Escondido is really chill compared to other places like Bali. It enables you to go to the furthest and most secluded places, as well as being 100% free.

Cost: Around 250 pesos/day but if you take it for several days they’ll give you a discount

🛵 rules: Wear a helmet! Or you’ll risk a huge fine.

enjoy the relaxed vibe that Puerto has to offer

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido:

Casa Daikiri: Located close to playa Zicatela, Casa Daikiri is a super cute property with nice beds in comfortable dorms (they also have private rooms). They have a kitchen if you want to cook, a parking for scooters, an incredible pool, a lovely setting with areas to relax in. It is close to many restaurants and not too far

Puerto Dreams Hostel: This hostel is located more in the center of Puerto Escondido. They have good dorms, great common areas and a kitchen if you want to cook for yourself. They have GREAT coffee and a really nice rooftop where you can work during the day, and participated in activities during the night. They also organize surf lessons and activities outside of the hostel.

Sports and activities in Puerto escondido:

Where to workout in Puerto Escondido:

My all times favorite gym in Puerto Escondido is Zica’s Wellness Studio. They have good equipments and it does not tend to get too crowded (although sometimes it is a bit)

Price per session: 50 pesos / One week: 180 pesos / Two weeks: 250 pesos / One month: 380 pesos

Best Yoga studio in Puerto Escondido:

Jardin Ganesha is the place you’ll want to go for yoga practice. Sabine knows what she is doing and cares for her students. She corrects you every time your posture needs correction. The room itself is very relaxing, her dogs come to congratulate you after each practice (they are so cute!). It was the first time I’ve experience what I believe true Yoga is supposed to feel like. Lots of positive energy here!

Surfing in Puerto Escondido:

Surfing in Punta Zicatela is a blast! Whether you prefer small group sessions or private instruction, you will find what you need. Plus, they typically include surfboards and safety gear, so don't worry if you don't have your own board!

Renting your own board for an hour is 200 MXN

Beaches in Puerto Escondido:

There a several beaches worth visiting when in Puerto! But these are my favorites: Playa Carrizalillo (for its cuteness and blue waters), Punta Zicatela (for its waves and sunset point), Playa Coral (One of the prettiest and quietest beach) and Playa Angelito (cute beach located on the same headland as Playa Carrizalillo)

Food and drinks in Puerto Escondido:

Best coffee spots in Puerto Escondido:

Cafe Sandala , Amarisa Cafe (their pastries are so good), Dulce Tierra (Equally good pastries)

*There is a coffee place on Alejandro Cardenas Peralta street called Punta Mar that is not on google. It is a really small coffee place located somewhere on the opposite side of the street of Shalom that does the BEST coffee with peanut butter + such a nice vibe *

Where to eat in Puerto Escondido:

Local food markets (you’ll find some much typical Mexican food there), Cafe Sandala (I recommend the baked oats with berries, peanut butter), Fish Shack (for some yummy fish Tacos).

Where to go out in Puerto Escondido:

If you are staying in a hostel, they will probably have a lot organized for you already. Otherwise check out these places:

Cactus (Zicatela): Cactus is one of the most well-known club of Puerto! It opens at 11 pm, but the real party doesn't kick into high gear until after midnight, and it keeps going strong until the early hours of the morning. You can expect eletro and dance music here.
Entry: 100 MXN pesos (free before midnight)
Punta Vida (Brisas de Zicatela): Is the perfect place for those wanting to turn up and turn down at a reasonable time. They also have a Sunday BBQ every Sunday with a cover of 150 MXN pesos that is suited for meat lovers and vegetarians. Beers are only 50 MXN pesos.
Cañabrava (Zicatela): For Latin music lovers! Cover is 100 MXN
Check out what other hostels may organize!!

Day trips from Puerto Escondido:

Puerto Escondido to Mazunte: Mazunte is about 1h15 minutes away from Puerto Escondido and is a relatively small coastal town making it easily explorable in a day. It is recognized for its eco-friendly practices. You might find eco-friendly accommodations, initiatives supporting environmental conservation, and opportunities to learn about sustainability. You’'ll also find breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean at Punta Cometa which has become a popular spot to watch the sunset. Mazunte is also known for its yoga so you might consider taking a lesson over there :). Don’t forget to look out for artisanal crafts and chill a little on Mazunte beach!
Puerto Escondido to Zipolite: Zipolite is about 1h25 minutes away from Puerto Escondido. Zipolite is known for its relaxed and bohemian ambiance. It's a favorite spot for backpackers and travelers seeking an alternative beach experience. It is also one of the few official nude beaches in Mexico. Similar to Mazunte, Zipolite offers yoga classes and wellness centers you may consider going to. Regarding surfing, the waves may be quite powerful, so it may be more suited for experienced surfers!
Puerto Escondido to Laguna de Chacahua: Chacahua is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Puerto Escondido. The lagoon is a protected natural reserve surrounded by mangroves. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and crocodiles! I recommend going there if you want to spend some time away from a more noisy atmosphere.
*Maybe consider staying one or two nights there*