What to do in Puerto Escondido and all your FAQs answered

Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?

Yes. Puerto Escondido is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy the beach life and especially if you are interested in surfing or learning how to surf.

How do you get to Puerto Escondido?

The closest international airport to Puerto Escondido is Mexico City. If flying or travelling from Mexico city, the ADO bus takes approx 11 hours and costs approx 1200 Mexican Pesos. We recommend getting the ADO GL as it is the premium ADO bus which just provides that little bit more comfort. The buses are slightly bigger, slightly more comfortable and newer.

If you are travelling through Mexico, a popular destination before Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca City. We highly recommend stopping off in Oaxaca city for 3-4 days if you have the time. It is an exceptionally beautiful city that you won't want to miss.

Check out our full Oaxaca City travel guide here

If you do stop in Oaxaca City first, you can take the ADO bus. This will take approx 3 hours and cost approx 299 mexican pesos.

How long should you stay in Puerto Escondido?

4 days is a nice amount of time to spend in Peurto Escondido. This gives you enough time to explore the different areas, do some of the key activities (mentioned below) and enjoy some downtime.

Is English spoken in Puerto Escondido?

Locals don't speak much english at all which was surprising given how touristy the area is. Definitely come prepared with some basic phrases, use google translate and you will be able to get by.

What is the best area to stay in Puerto Escondido?

There are quite a few areas to Puerto Escondido so this will depend on what you are after

La Punta - Laidback, chilled, touristy but in a nice way. This is where we stayed and we were very happy with our decision. There is a great buzz around, lot's of restaurants and bars and the most beautiful spot for sunset is at La Punta beach. It also still has a lovely rustic charm to it. There is quite a bit of construction happening in the area so I don't know how long that charm will last. Perfect for most kind of traveler but we aware, the La Punta bubble is real, it is unlikely you will venture too far once you arrive there.

Playa Zicatela - This used to be the most popular spot for tourists but in recent years La Punta has taken over. As a result, Playa Zicatela has an abundance of hotels, beach bars and clubs. In our opinion, the area felt a little strange with all of the huge clubs, beach bars and hotels and when we were there it wasn't too lively, a bit dead. That being said, if you want to party Playa Zicatela is the place to stay.

Centro - Definitely the cheapest area to stay. Full of locals, street food and great access to a big supermarket. Not so picturesque but you have easy access too all the beautiful beaches.

Rinconada - Here you will find a mix of locals and tourists. This are is most famous for it's vast restaurant strip and the beautiful beach Carizalillo. Carizalillo is arguably the most beautiful beach in Peurto Escondido and a great swimming beach. If you are a new to surfing, this is also where you will likely begin.

Check out our pinned-for-you map of Puerto Escondido

What is the best accomodation in Puerto Escondido?

You will not be stuck for choice in Puerto Escondido, there are a huge range of places to stay. Where you stay completely depends on your preferred location.

To see a huge range of accomodation available in Peurto Escondido, click here.

We stayed in Casa Beu in La Punta which was beautiful and great value for money. Just off the main street of La Punta, away from the noise but a stones throw away from everything. It had a beautiful pool which was needed in the 43degrees heat. Air con was strong and the breakfast that was included was simple but exactly what we wanted.

Book Casa Beu here

What are the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido?

Best casual seafood in Peurto Escondido - The winner for best casual seafood (in our opinion) in Peurto Escondido has to be La Salsa. Try the shrimp, the tostadas and the sashimi. The cocktails are also amazing too. We were shocked to see that there were never too many people at the restaurant but do not let that put you off. It is all so fresh you will want and will likely come back more than once.

Best upscale seafood in Peurto Escondido - This has to be Almazul in Rinconada. A fine dining experience, beautiful chic but not stuffy decor and the freshest fish. The owners, an Argentinian/ French couple put their heart and soul into every dish and you can tell. The textures, the freshness, the balance are incredible. Truly a fantastic experience and one we recommend highly.

Best sushi in Peurto Escondido- Sushi is one I am wary of when I travel but Sommo completely changed my mind on that. The staff, the atmosphere, the drinks and the food are an 11/10. The cost does reflect that, it is on the pricier side but definitely worth it.

Fan Favourite in Peurto Escondido - A place you will hear everyone recommend is Chicama. This wonderful Peruvian restaurant in the heart of La Punta offers up the freshest ceviche we have ever tried and their daily fish specials are always delicious. We had a sesame encrusted seared tune dish that was one of the best tuna dishes we have experienced. The bar tenders are fun, the place is always packed. Definitely a must visit spot when in Peurto Escondido.

Best casual/ lunch - Our go-to for a casual lunch was Fishos in the food market at La Punta. The tacos were so fresh, full of flavour and generous for the price. They also provided a great range of salsa to choose from. The fish burger is also really tasty. If Fishos isn't for you, the food market is a great casual spot in La Punta that offers a variety of food vendors and bars.

Find all of these places on our pinned-for-you map of Puerto Escondido

What to do in Puerto Escondido? What are the best activities?

Our best experience/ tours of our entire Mexico trip were definitely in Puerto Escondido.

Sunrise dolphin watching and swimming

We cannot recommend the Dolphin Watching/ swimming anymore. An incredible experience swimming with literally thousands of dolphins! You start early, about 4.30am so you can get out for sunrise and you spend the morning swimming with thousands of dolphins.

Cost: Approx 1200 mexican pesos

Total Time: Approx 4 hours

Provider: Roberts eco tours!! We cannot recommend this tour company more. We were the only group we could see that were actually given the time to get in the water.

Click here to book a tour with Roberts Eco Tours.

Sunset horseback riding

This was also incredible. You set off for about 6 hours total, riding along dirt tracks, crossing lagoons, riding along the beach, taking a break for some drinks at Playa Palmarito beach which is largely secluded and incredibly stunning before you head back as the sun is setting.

Cost: approx 1700 mexican pesos per person

Total time: Approx 6 hours

Check out a range of horseback riding tours available in Peurto Escondido

Surfing

If you have never surfed before but are keen to try or an avid surfer, Puerto escondido is the place for you. There are a range of beaches for all levels. It is also a great activity to do in the middle of the day when you just need to be in the water to cool down.

Cost: Approx 800 mexican pesos per person

Time: 2 hours

Provider: Head into the surf schools or surf shops and ask about availability directly. They offers deals if you have groups and better to chat through your requirements, group ability etc.

Watch sunset at La Punta beach

The best way to end your evening in Peurto Escondido is watching the sun set from the beach. Everyone heads down around 5pm with some food, some drinks and just enjoys the last of the days sun and the amazing sunset.