Though its title interprets as “Hidden Port,” Mexico’s Puerto Escondido isn’t any secret and has lengthy been a favorite amongst surfers and backpackers. That being stated, this chilled out seaside city in Oaxaca State nonetheless manages to fly below the radar of most travellers.
Maybe that’s as a result of lack of worldwide direct flights and cookie-cutter resorts that deliver so many vacationers to locations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. For those who’re keen to place within the legwork to get right here, you’ll be rewarded vastly with beautiful seashores, pleasant locals, and mouth-watering delicacies.
The Final Journey Information for Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is certainly one of many greatest locations to go to in Mexico, and I’ve spent numerous time there on a number of completely different visits throughout my greater than 5 years residing in Mexico.
I explored the market in search of one of the best meals, kicked again on a number of seashores, and even tried browsing! All of those Puerto Escondido actions are numerous enjoyable and made me need to return for extra.
Plan your journey to this superior Mexican seaside city with the help of this complete information. I’ll go into element in regards to the prime issues to do, the place to remain, and among the greatest locations to eat and drink. Vamos, amigos!
An Introduction to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is positioned on Mexico’s Pacific coast within the state of Oaxaca. It’s possible you’ll be questioning the place the title comes from. Properly, there’s an attention-grabbing story behind it…
Because the legend goes, pirates as soon as kidnapped a younger girl right here. Whereas they had been docked within the bay, the girl managed to flee. They referred to her as “La Escondida” (The Hidden One) and appeared for her each time they returned, to no avail. The title caught, and it will definitely grew to become often called Bahía de la Escondida (Bay of the Hidden One).
The port was established round 1900 to ship espresso. There was no settlement right here at the moment as a result of an absence of potable water, which got here within the Thirties, and with it the inspiration of a brand new city. Within the ensuing many years, an airport and the coastal Freeway 200 helped join Puerto Escondido to the remainder of Mexico.
Ultimately, vacationers started to find the attractive seashores of Puerto Escondido. Easy resorts sprang up, as did eating places housed in palapas the place native fishermen ready the day’s catch.
The event of tourism right here elevated vastly when surfers found the epic waves of Zicatela Seaside (Playa Zicatela). As of late, Puerto Escondido attracts a mixture of surfers, backpackers, Mexican households, and even some digital nomads because the infrastructure develops.
One attention-grabbing factor about Puerto Escondido is that it’s truly cut up between two municipalities – Santa María Colotepec and San Pedro Mixtepec.
The border stays a contentious situation, inflicting some enterprise house owners right here to really pay taxes to each of them. Tensions flare up regularly, together with one incident final yr the place a mayor was truly taken prisoner. Let’s hope they resolve it quickly!
High Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Now that you recognize a bit extra in regards to the city, let’s dive in and check out one of the best issues to do in Puerto Escondido.
Go Browsing
Whether or not you’re a newbie or a professional, one of many prime Puerto Escondido actions is to journey the waves. In any case, it was surfers who initially put this city on the vacationer map. Surfers from everywhere in the world come right here to journey the legendary waves off the Mexican coast.
The place you resolve to log on all will depend on your ability degree. Zicatela is world-famous for its huge seaside break, which is known as the “Mexican Pipeline” within the browsing group. These waves are higher left to superior surfers, as they are often fairly unforgiving.
Even when you can’t deal with the waves at Zicatela, it’s value it to move there to seize some lunch and perhaps a chilly one on the seaside as you watch from a snug distance. They even host huge browsing competitions right here occasionally, so you should definitely test and see if one is occurring.
Learners can head as a substitute to La Punta or Carrizalillo. You’ll discover a lot smaller waves at each seashores that are perfect for studying the way to surf. There are many instructors round and boards for rent. You may count on to pay round 500 pesos ($25) per hour, together with board rental.
Hit the Seaside
For those who’re like me and fail in any respect boards (skate, snow, surf, ironing), by no means concern – there are many seashores in Puerto Escondido which can be simply advantageous for chilling out. The aforementioned Playa Carrizalillo is a advantageous seaside to go to even with no surfboard. You’ll should stroll down 167 steps to entry the seaside (after which again up once more), however this beautiful cove is value it.
Heading down the coast, you’ll discover two bays sitting proper subsequent to one another – Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo. Each of those Puerto Escondido points of interest are good for enjoyable and swimming, and are very talked-about with locals and home vacationers on the weekends. You could find a number of eating places right here, lots of which have seaside loungers you need to use as long as you’re ordering one thing.
For those who’ve bought your individual wheels or don’t thoughts springing for a taxi, you may proceed south alongside the coast in the direction of the resort city of Huatulco. There are many attractive seashores alongside the way in which, so go forward and make a day of it. For those who’d choose to benefit from the seaside in your birthday go well with, you may hit Playa del Amor (the Seaside of Love), which is clothes elective.
Take a Boat Journey
For those who can deliver your self away out of your seaside chair, there’s loads extra to do within the waters round Puerto Escondido. Some of the widespread actions right here is taking a ship journey in quest of sea turtles, dolphins, or whales relying on the season.
Each tour operator on the town can set you up for a day of wildlife recognizing, snorkeling, and perhaps even some fishing. A half-day boat journey often goes for round 450 pesos ($23) per individual.
*Notice: happening a whale watching tour is without doubt one of the prime things to do in Cabo San Lucas. If you end up in that a part of Mexico, don’t miss it!
See the Bioluminescent Lagoon
One of many coolest issues to do in Puerto Escondido is swimming within the glowing bioluminescence of the Manialtepec Lagoon. This lagoon is dwelling to plankton that lights up at night time. The darker it’s, the extra you’ll see. As such, one of the best time to go to is across the new moon.
Most journey brokers on the town can set you up on a visit out to the lagoon. Excursions sometimes value between 250-350 pesos ($13-18) per individual. This contains round-trip transportation from city in addition to the boat journey to see the glowing plankton. This expertise is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in all of Mexico.
Expertise a Child Turtle Launch
One other widespread exercise in Puerto Escondido is releasing child sea turtles again into the water. If there was a hatching that morning, you may go and launch among the lovely child turtles within the night.
The ocean turtles solely lay eggs between late October and Could. Many resorts in Puerto Escondido manage their very own child turtle releases, so ask round once you get to city. Alternatively, you may simply go to the infant turtle launch centre on Bacocho Seaside.
Chill Out at a Seaside Membership
Talking of Bacocho Seaside, that’s the place you’ll discover the superior Membership de Playa Villasol. This seaside membership has two swimming pools, a swim-up bar, and an amazing restaurant. It’s the right place to take pleasure in a calming day in Puerto Escondido.
You don’t should be staying on the lodge to take pleasure in their seaside membership. Simply spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($10.50) on food and drinks for adults or 100 for kids and also you’re good to go. They even present films on Wednesday nights – a cinema proper on the seaside!
Leap Out of a Airplane
Adrenaline junkies will probably be joyful to listen to that skydiving is without doubt one of the widespread Puerto Escondido actions. I had a good time flying above the breathtaking Mexican coast after leaping from almost 4,000 meters. It’s an exhilarating expertise that you simply’re certain to be speaking about for years to come back!
Skydiving solely goes on in Puerto Escondido within the excessive season, often round Christmas-New Yr’s Eve or Easter. Be sure you test the web site of Skydive Puerto Escondido to see after they’re working. A tandem bounce prices 2,900 pesos (about $150).
Take Half in a Native Competition
Initially attracting guests throughout the off-season, the Fiestas de Noviembre has grown right into a month-long celebration with tons of various occasions. There’s a fishing event, browsing competitions, magnificence pageants, live shows, a meals competition and a lot extra.
Travelling to Puerto Escondido in November is the right approach to keep away from the bigger crowds (and better costs) that begin arriving the following month. The festivities go on all month, so that you’ll by no means be bored when you journey there in November.
Examine Out the Road Artwork
Whereas it’s not fairly as widespread as it’s in greater cities like Mexico Metropolis or Guadalajara, there’s an rising road artwork scene in Puerto Escondido. Learn our informative information to road artwork in Mexico earlier than you go, after which hit the streets along with your digicam to snap some photographs of the cool murals you come upon.
Learn how to Get to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
One factor that helps maintain this place the “Hidden Port” is the dearth of direct flights from the Puerto Escondido airport to the US or Canada.
Whereas there are direct flights from Mexico’s North American neighbors to the close by resort city of Huatulco, that’s nonetheless a 90-minute drive away. To get from there to Puerto Escondido, your choices vary from a $3 bus as much as a $90 pre-arranged taxi.
Many individuals select to reach in Puerto Escondido by connecting in Mexico Metropolis. Flights from the capital take about 70 minutes and might be discovered for as little as $40. If it’s important to join there in any case, I like to recommend spending at the very least a few days to reap the benefits of all of the superior issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.
There are additionally flights from Oaxaca Metropolis, however you’ll must e book straight with the one airline that runs them. Examine AeroTucan’s web site for occasions and costs. It appears as if 2,550 ($133) pesos is the going charge for a one-way flight. Different travellers have beneficial calling the airline, as their web site usually has points with bookings.
These AeroTucan flights are inclined to promote out effectively prematurely. Another choice is flying AeroVega. Captain Don Vega recurrently flies the route in his 6-seat Cessna and comes extremely beneficial by different travellers. You may contact him at aerovegapto@gmail.com or +1 044 954 588 0062 to order a spot on one among his flights.
For those who’d choose to save cash moderately than time, you may catch a bus from Oaxaca alongside the windy mountain roads to Puerto Escondido. The larger, extra comfy buses value round 250-350 pesos ($13 – $18) and take 10 hours or so. Many backpackers select to take the in a single day bus to save cash on lodging, though sleeping may not be that straightforward on this journey.
You may as well hitch a journey in a mini-bus, which is perhaps just a little cramped however solely takes 6-7 hours for a value of round 200 pesos ($10.5). Simply be ready for movement illness because it’s fairly the bumpy journey!
Lastly, some individuals select to simply lease a automotive in Oaxaca Metropolis and drive themselves to Puerto Escondido. Simply be sure that the rental insurance coverage settlement is obvious in order to keep away from any shock fees. It’s additionally greatest to sort out this drive throughout the day as a few of these hairpin turns can sneak up on you.
Learn how to Get Round Puerto Escondido
To get round Puerto Escondido, you’ll probably use a mix of taxis and native public transportation. Getting a taxi from the airport to city ought to value round 40-50 pesos ($2-2.50), or about 70 ($3.50) if headed to Punta Zicatela. Taxi rides inside city solely value 30-35 pesos ($1.50-2).
For public transportation in Puerto Escondido, you may select between colectivos (shared taxi vans), native buses, and camionetas (pick-up vehicles). These all run from dawn until round 8:30 PM and solely value 8 pesos (lower than $0.50) every.
To go to factors additional exterior of city, you may attempt to rent a driver for the day or simply lease a automotive.
The place to Eat and Drink in Puerto Escondido
Regardless of being a small city, Puerto Escondido is dwelling to lots of of locations to eat and drink. It being a fishing city, seafood is clearly the best choice right here. The state of Oaxaca additionally grows some fairly wonderful espresso beans, so it’s not onerous discovering cup of espresso right here. Listed below are a number of of one of the best locations to eat and drink on the town:
- Cafecito (Boulevard Benito Juárez 1, Seccion C, Native 11, Rinconada): This Puerto Escondido staple has two areas – one on the town and one on Zicatela. It’s a very talked-about place to go for breakfast, so don’t be shocked to discover a line when you arrive within the morning.
- Benito Juarez Market: The native market is one of the best place to go store for contemporary fruit and veggies. You may as well sit right down to an affordable lunch at one of many many distributors there.
- Brad’s Cut up Coconut (Av. Del Morro, Playa Zicatela): Set proper on the seaside amongst palm timber, this can be a enjoyable spot to go for dinner and drinks. They’re at all times cooking up some scrumptious BBQ right here, and the place is often rocking with some reside music.
- El Espadin (Camino Carrizalillo No 125, Carrizalillo): Head to Playa Carrizalillo round sundown to take pleasure in a meal at this improbable restaurant. Order the catch of the day or no matter different seafood you fancy.
- Cayuco (Av. Del Morro 4, Playa Zicatela): One other beachfront restaurant, Cayuco cooks up basic Oaxacan dishes in distinctive methods. They’ve additionally bought a wonderful number of mezcal right here.
- Almoraduz (Benito Juárez 12, Rinconada): For advantageous eating Puerto Escondido type, head to this wonderful restaurant. The cooks right here whip up conventional Oaxacan delicacies with a twist. In addition they make some killer drinks, like a hibiscus margarita with mezcal.
- Congo Bar (Alfonso Pérez Gasga 605): Reside music, low cost drinks, and a raging occasion are what you’ll discover right here.
- Bar Fly (Av. Del Morro, Playa Zicatela): For those who’re seeking to dance into the wee hours of the morning, that is the place to do it.
Consuming and consuming your method round Puerto Escondido is certainly a spotlight of visiting this chilled out seaside city. In case you have another suggestions for excellent locations to seize a chunk or a drink, please depart them within the feedback under!
The place to Keep in Puerto Escondido
Lodging in Puerto Escondido ranges from easy backpacker-style hostels as much as luxurious beachfront resorts. As such, there’s one thing for all tastes and budgets right here.
These targeted on browsing will most likely need to e book a room on Playa Zicatela to have quick access to one of the best waves in Puerto Escondido. For those who head just a little additional south on the seaside to the realm often called La Punta, it’s just a little bit extra laid-back and fewer targeted on browsing.
Households and {couples} seeking to steer clear of the occasion would possibly need to search out lodging up at Playa Bacocho, the place there are many choices.
When searching for out lodging in Puerto Escondido, it’s essential to contemplate the time of yr you’ll be travelling there. Locations replenish quick over Christmas, New Yr’s, and Semana Santa (Holy Week). To keep away from disappointment, you’ll need to e book effectively prematurely if travelling there throughout these busy occasions.
Examine for distinctive lodging and reasonably priced locations to remain on web sites like Reserving.com.
Puerto Escondido Security
For essentially the most half, Puerto Escondido is a very secure place to journey. That being stated, incidents do happen right here, particularly robberies. It’s greatest to keep away from strolling on the seaside at night time. Wherever you might be, it’s suggested to remain in a bunch. Don’t carry an excessive amount of money or valuables on you in order to keep away from drawing consideration to your self.
Maybe the most important hazard in Puerto Escondido is the water. Life guards right here rescue lots of of individuals yearly, so you should definitely take these purple flag warnings severely and keep out of the water when suggested to take action.
When travelling to or from Puerto Escondido, it’s beneficial to skip out on the in a single day buses to Mexico Metropolis. These go via the state of Guerrero, which is without doubt one of the most harmful areas in Mexico. There are various reviews of armed robberies on these buses, so that you’re a lot better off springing for a flight with a price range airline as a substitute.
In a well-liked vacationer seaside city in Mexico, it ought to come as no shock that medication will not be onerous to seek out. I’m not going to let you know what to do or to not do in your trip, however simply bear in mind that cops right here wish to cease gringos at night time for random inspections to see if they will discover something.
Spending a while in a Mexican jail and/or dispensing an enormous bribe are surefire methods to smash your journey.
FAQs for Puerto Escondido
Listed below are solutions to some continuously requested questions on Puerto Escondido actions and points of interest.
It’s completely value it to go to Puerto Escondido. It’s often called the browsing capital of Mexico, however there are various extra Puerto Escondido actions to take pleasure in, like lounging on the seaside, consuming native meals within the public market, and visiting close by locations like lagoons.
Puerto Escondido is without doubt one of the nicest cities on the attractive Pacific Coast of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. It has a number of giant, sandy seashores with nice browsing. There are many resorts for all budgets and excellent eating places.
Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca generally are a lot safer than many different components of Mexico, nevertheless it’s a good suggestion to take primary precautions, comparable to not strolling alone at night time and never leaving your possessions unguarded on the seaside when you swim.
Sure, Puerto Escondido is swimmable, however due to robust undercurrents, don’t go too removed from shore. Additionally, you should definitely test all warnings on the seaside about which locations are secure to swim or not.
The dry season takes place throughout the cooler months from November to March. Keep away from mid-December to mid-January, nevertheless, as a result of that’s excessive season for journey in Mexico, and like in all places else within the nation, Puerto Escondido can get crowded.
Pack Your Luggage for Puerto Escondido!
Properly there you’ve gotten it, amigos. As I’m certain you may see by now, Puerto Escondido has lots to supply travellers who put forth the trouble to make it to this little slice of paradise in Oaxaca.
I’ve gone a number of occasions, and it’s one among my favourite spots in one among my favourite areas in Mexico. For those who make it right down to the southern Pacific Coast, I’m certain you’ll agree.
From browsing among the most epic waves on the planet, to free-falling above the ocean and mountains on a skydiving journey, to eating on contemporary seafood with sundown views, this can be a improbable selection on your subsequent trip.
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