The Ultimate Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: 10 best plans

I’m delighted to share my experiences and profound love for one place that has captured my heart – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. This paradise on the Oaxacan coast, with its palm-fringed beaches, turquoise blue waters, and vibrant local culture, has left an indelible impression on me.

Known for its sweeping coastal panoramas, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned surfing spots, Puerto Escondido presents a combination of natural beauty and cultural charm that is hard to find elsewhere. From the thrilling surf competitions that shake up the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ to the colorful Puerto Escondido night markets buzzing with life and flavors, this coastal town offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

This blog post aims to offer you an insider’s view of Puerto Escondido, taking you beyond the usual tourist trails. From the essential sights to the hidden gems, the vibrant culinary scene to the customary crafts that form the cultural cornerstone of Oaxaca, I am thrilled to paint a vivid picture of all that this beautiful coastal town has to offer, and devise the ultimate travel itinerary. Be ready, an unforgettable journey awaits you in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

Pre-travel Planning and Best time to Visit

Ideal months to visit Puerto Escondido and reasons why

This paradise on the Pacific coast is a year-round destination with each season bringing its unique allure. However, planning your travel to Puerto Escondido depends significantly on what you seek. If you’re a surf enthusiast eager to challenge the world-renowned “Mexican Pipeline” waves, the best Oaxaca surfing spots like Zicatela Beach come to life between May to October. But be prepared, the Mexican summer is hot and humid with sporadic tropical showers.

If you prefer mild temperatures accompanied by tranquil seawater, I’d suggest January to April as the best months. These quieter months, with reduced tourist crowds, make exploring Puerto Escondido beaches and Oaxaca coastal towns an absolute delight. The water calm, birds chirping in the horizon, and a serene sunset every evening make these months truly magical.

Essential travel things to pack

Your packing list should complement the tropical climate and multiple activities Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca offers. Comfortable clothing is a must for the high temperatures. A swimsuit, a quick-drying towel, and sturdy sandals are ideal for your beach and surf outings.

A visit to the vibrant night markets and local culinary tours calls for comfortable walking shoes and a light backpack to carry your finds. Don’t forget to make space for sunscreen and bug spray; an absolute essential. A good waterproof camera to capture your surfing attempts or the teeming sea life during a snorkeling session is a great idea.

If birdwatching in Oaxaca is on your bucket list, remember to pack binoculars as well. And finally, a sense of adventure is crucial when packing. After all, Puerto Escondido has so much to offer, whether you’re exploring Oaxaca Mexico tourist spots, trying local cuisines on Puerto Escondido food tours, or shopping for Oaxaca traditional crafts.

Exploration of Puerto Escondido- Top Activities

Detailed guide to unique beach spots and local cuisines

Puerto Escondido is renowned for its pristine beaches. Zicatela Beach, revered among surfers for its famed Mexican Pipeline surfing, is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. For a more serene experience, Carrizalillo Beach offers calm waters bordered by dramatic cliffs, perfect for a refreshing swim.

While at the beach, don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor local cuisines at beach-side stalls. Coconuts and shrimp tacos are my personal favorites. A Puerto Escondido food tour is also a must for culinary enthusiasts, inviting you to sample the richness of Oaxacan gastronomy.

Experiences with local culture, nightlife and surf scene

A travel to Puerto Escondido is incomplete without immersing in the local culture. The vivacious Puerto Escondido night markets thriving with food vendors, craftsmen, and artists will steal your heart. As you walk through, you’ll discover a variety of Oaxaca traditional crafts from beautiful textiles to hand-painted ceramics.

For nature lovers, birdwatching in Puerto Escondido offers the companionable thrill of spotting exotic bird species in their natural habitat. As evening descends, the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Escondido comes to life. You can either enjoy a quiet dinner by the beach or party the night away at a bustling beach bar.

Surf competitions in Puerto Escondido are a major crowd-puller. Even if you’re not an ardent surfer, the sight of surfers battling the giant waves of Zicatela is quite a spectacle. Whether you take part or watch from the sand, the thrilling atmosphere is infectious.

Hiking trails and bioluminescent lagoon experience

For those driven by the spirit of exploration, the allure of Puerto Escondido extends beyond its beaches. Its hilly terrains and diverse ecosystems offer outstanding hiking opportunities. Whether it’s the lush Sierra Madre mountains or the tranquil Manialtepec Lagoon, each hike provides a unique sense of discovery.

My most otherworldly experience, however, comes from the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence in the Laguna de Manialtepec. The sight of water shimmering under the starlit sky, reacting to the slightest of movement, is simply mesmerizing. Remember to plan a moonless night for this unforgettable experience.

Tips for visiting coffee farms and local markets

Oaxaca is noted for its aromatic coffee. Below the coastal towns lies a world where coffee beans thrive. Embarking on a journey to a local coffee farm provides an insightful exploration into Oaxaca’s flavorful brew. Meeting the hardworking farmers, understanding the process from bean to cup, and ending your tour with a freshly brewed cup is unbelievably satisfying.

Puerto Escondido night markets are a true representation of local life. From fresh produce and seafood to regional delicacies, the bustling markets are brimming with gastronomic delights. Don’t forget to try the tlayudas, a traditional Oaxacan dish often touted as Mexican pizza.

Add to that, the markets are a treasure trove of Oaxaca traditional crafts, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. Exploring these markets can be an overwhelming experience with endless sights, sounds, and smells, but remember every trip is an adventure in Puerto Escondido!

Wrapping Up The Puerto Escondido Adventure

Looking back at my journey to Puerto Escondido, several experiences rise to the surface. Of course, the exhilarating surf competitions, and the mesmerizing night markets stand out. But the smaller, subtler moments are what truly define Puerto Escondido. Like the comforting coolness of walking back home on a moonlit beach, or the joy of stumbling upon a secluded surfing spot. I’ve found tranquility in the quieter corners of Zicatela Beach and thrill in challenging the mighty Mexican Pipeline surfing waves. It’s rare to find such seamless blend of peace and adventure, and even rarer to feel so welcomed in a foreign land.

I’ve sampled the local flavors of Oaxaca on culinary tours and have been dazzled by Puerto Escondido’s night-time gleam, bathed in bioluminescence. I’ve walked among the artisans and tasted the simple lifestyle as well as the bold flavors of street-side food stalls. My stays in Puerto Escondido accommodations have been warm and friendly, introducing me to the Oaxacan hospitality which shines as bright as the Mexican sun.

Puerto Escondido’s serenity, surf, and cultural richness will continue to beckon me, like an undying wistful call. And I hope my experiences inspire you to trace my steps onto the golden shores of Puerto Escondido or create your own pathway exploring this coastal town. May you uncover the beauty of this hidden Mexican coastal jewel as you delight in the Puerto Escondido attractions, sample Oaxaca’s rich cuisine, and surrender to the charm of the undulating waves. Bon voyage!