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 mentioned, this chilled out seaside city in Oaxaca State nonetheless manages to fly underneath the radar of most travellers.
Maybe that’s as a result of lack of worldwide direct flights and cookie-cutter resorts that convey 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 tremendously with gorgeous seashores, pleasant locals, and mouth-watering delicacies.
The Final Journey Information for Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is unquestionably one of many best places to visit in Mexico, and I’ve spent a whole lot of time there on a number of totally different visits throughout my greater than 5 years dwelling in Mexico.
I explored the market in search of the very best meals, kicked again on a number of seashores, and even tried browsing! All of those Puerto Escondido actions are a whole lot of enjoyable and made me wish 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 high issues to do, the place to remain, and a number of 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. You might be questioning the place the title comes from. Properly, there’s an fascinating 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 lady 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 turned often known as 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 consequence of a scarcity of potable water, which got here within the Thirties, and with it the inspiration of a brand new city. Within the ensuing a long time, an airport and the coastal Freeway 200 helped join Puerto Escondido to the remainder of Mexico.
Ultimately, vacationers started to find the gorgeous seashores of Puerto Escondido. Easy lodges 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 tremendously when surfers found the epic waves of Zicatela Seashore (Playa Zicatela). Lately, Puerto Escondido attracts a mixture of surfers, backpackers, Mexican households, and even some digital nomads because the infrastructure develops.
One fascinating factor about Puerto Escondido is that it’s truly break up between two municipalities – Santa María Colotepec and San Pedro Mixtepec.
The border stays a contentious subject, inflicting some enterprise house owners right here to truly pay taxes to each of them. Tensions flare up frequently, together with one incident final 12 months the place a mayor was actually taken prisoner. Let’s hope they resolve it quickly!
Prime Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Now that you already know a bit extra in regards to the city, let’s dive in and check out the very best issues to do in Puerto Escondido.
Go Browsing
Whether or not you’re a newbie or a professional, one of many high Puerto Escondido actions is to experience the waves. In spite of everything, it was surfers who initially put this city on the vacationer map. Surfers from everywhere in the world come right here to experience the legendary waves off the Mexican coast.
The place you determine to go online all depends upon your ability stage. Zicatela is world-famous for its large 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 for those who can’t deal with the waves at Zicatela, it’s value it to go there to seize some lunch and possibly a chilly one on the seaside as you watch from a snug distance. They even host huge browsing competitions right here every so often, so you’ll want to examine and see if one is occurring.
Learners can head as an alternative to La Punta or Carrizalillo. You’ll discover a lot smaller waves at each seashores that are perfect for studying the right way to surf. There are many instructors round and boards for rent. You’ll be able to anticipate to pay round 500 pesos ($25) per hour, together with board rental.
Hit the Seashore
For those who’re like me and fail in any respect boards (skate, snow, surf, ironing), by no means worry – there are many seashores in Puerto Escondido which might be simply positive for chilling out. The aforementioned Playa Carrizalillo is a positive seaside to go to even and not using a surfboard. You’ll need to stroll down 167 steps to entry the seaside (after which again up once more), however this gorgeous 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 stress-free and swimming, and are very fashionable with locals and home vacationers on the weekends. You will discover a number of eating places right here, a lot of which have seaside loungers you need to use as long as you’re ordering one thing.
For those who’ve acquired your personal wheels or don’t thoughts springing for a taxi, you’ll be able to proceed south alongside the coast in direction of the resort city of Huatulco. There are many attractive seashores alongside the best way, so go forward and make a day of it. For those who’d desire to benefit from the seaside in your birthday swimsuit, you’ll be able to hit Playa del Amor (the Seashore of Love), which is clothes elective.
Take a Boat Journey
For those who can convey your self away out of your seaside chair, there’s lots extra to do within the waters round Puerto Escondido. One of the vital well-liked actions right here is taking a ship journey looking for 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 possibly even some fishing. A half-day boat journey often goes for round 450 pesos ($23) per individual.
*Word: occurring a whale watching tour is without doubt one of the high 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, the very 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 usually price between 250-350 pesos ($13-18) per individual. This consists of round-trip transportation from city in addition to the boat journey to see the glowing plankton. This expertise is unquestionably top-of-the-line things to do in all of Mexico.
Expertise a Child Turtle Launch
One other well-liked exercise in Puerto Escondido is releasing child sea turtles again into the water. If there was a hatching that morning, you’ll be able to go and launch a number of the lovable child turtles within the night.
The ocean turtles solely lay eggs between late October and Could. Many lodges in Puerto Escondido arrange their very own child turtle releases, so ask round whenever you get to city. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply go to the child turtle launch centre on Bacocho Seashore.
Chill Out at a Seashore Membership
Talking of Bacocho Seashore, that’s the place you’ll discover the superior Club de Playa Villasol. This seaside membership has two swimming pools, a swim-up bar, and an incredible restaurant. It’s the right place to get pleasure from a soothing day in Puerto Escondido.
You don’t have to be staying on the lodge to get pleasure from their seaside membership. Simply spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($10.50) on foods and drinks for adults or 100 for youngsters and also you’re good to go. They even present motion pictures on Wednesday nights – a cinema proper on the seaside!
Bounce Out of a Aircraft
Adrenaline junkies might be blissful to listen to that skydiving is without doubt one of the well-liked 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 just’re positive to be speaking about for years to return!
Skydiving solely goes on in Puerto Escondido within the excessive season, often round Christmas-New Yr’s Eve or Easter. Remember to examine the web site of Skydive Puerto Escondido to see after they’re working. A tandem soar prices 2,900 pesos (about $150).
Take Half in a Native Pageant
Initially attracting guests through the off-season, the Fiestas de Noviembre has grown right into a month-long celebration with tons of various occasions. There’s a fishing match, browsing competitions, magnificence pageants, live shows, a meals pageant and a lot extra.
Travelling to Puerto Escondido in November is the right solution 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 for those who journey there in November.
Test Out the Road Artwork
Whereas it’s not fairly as widespread as it’s in greater cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara, there may be 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 digital camera to snap some pictures of the cool murals you come across.
Learn how to Get to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
One factor that helps hold 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 will be discovered for as little as $40. If you need to join there anyhow, I like to recommend spending at the least a few days to benefit from all of the superior things to do in Mexico City.
There are additionally flights from Oaxaca Metropolis, however you’ll must guide immediately with the one airline that runs them. Test AeroTucan’s website for occasions and costs. It appears as if 2,550 ($133) pesos is the going fee for a one-way flight. Different travellers have advisable calling the airline, as their web site typically has points with bookings.
These AeroTucan flights are inclined to promote out properly prematurely. An alternative choice is flying AeroVega. Captain Don Vega usually flies the route in his 6-seat Cessna and comes extremely advisable by different travellers. You’ll be able to contact him at aerovegapto@gmail.com or +1 044 954 588 0062 to order a spot on one in every of his flights.
For those who’d desire to save cash fairly than time, you’ll be able to catch a bus from Oaxaca alongside the windy mountain roads to Puerto Escondido. The larger, extra snug buses price 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 experience in a mini-bus, which is likely to be a little bit cramped however solely takes 6-7 hours for a price of round 200 pesos ($10.5). Simply be ready for movement illness because it’s fairly the bumpy experience!
Lastly, some individuals select to simply lease a automotive in Oaxaca Metropolis and drive themselves to Puerto Escondido. Simply be sure the rental insurance coverage settlement is evident in order to keep away from any shock prices. It’s additionally greatest to deal with this drive through 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 seemingly use a mixture of taxis and native public transportation. Getting a taxi from the airport to city ought to price round 40-50 pesos ($2-2.50), or about 70 ($3.50) if headed to Punta Zicatela. Taxi rides inside city solely price 30-35 pesos ($1.50-2).
For public transportation in Puerto Escondido, you’ll be able to 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 price 8 pesos (lower than $0.50) every.
To go to factors additional exterior of city, you’ll be able to 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 arduous discovering cup of espresso right here. Listed below are just a few of the very 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 places – one on the town and one on Zicatela. It’s a very fashionable place to go for breakfast, so don’t be stunned to discover a line for those who arrive within the morning.
- Benito Juarez Market: The native market is the very best place to go store for recent fruit and veggies. You may as well sit all the way 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 bushes, it is 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 get pleasure from 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 acquired a superb collection of mezcal right here.
- Almoraduz (Benito Juárez 12, Rinconada): For positive eating Puerto Escondido model, 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): Stay music, low cost drinks, and a raging celebration are what you’ll discover right here.
- Bar Fly (Av. Del Morro, Playa Zicatela): For those who’re trying to dance into the wee hours of the morning, that is the place to do it.
Consuming and consuming your means round Puerto Escondido is unquestionably a spotlight of visiting this chilled out seaside city. In case you have another suggestions for nice locations to seize a chunk or a drink, please go away 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 centered on browsing will in all probability wish to guide a room on Playa Zicatela to have quick access to the very best waves in Puerto Escondido. For those who head a little bit additional south on the seaside to the realm often known as La Punta, it’s a little bit bit extra laid-back and fewer centered on browsing.
Households and {couples} trying to keep away from the celebration would possibly wish to hunt down lodging up at Playa Bacocho, the place there are many choices.
When searching for out lodging in Puerto Escondido, it’s vital to think about the time of 12 months you’ll be travelling there. Locations refill quick over Christmas, New Yr’s, and Semana Santa (Holy Week). To keep away from disappointment, you’ll wish to guide properly prematurely if travelling there throughout these busy occasions.
Test for distinctive lodging and inexpensive locations to remain on web sites like Booking.com.
Puerto Escondido Security
For essentially the most half, Puerto Escondido is a very safe place to journey. That being mentioned, 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 gaggle. 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’ll want to take these purple flag warnings critically and keep out of the water when suggested to take action.
When travelling to or from Puerto Escondido, it’s advisable to skip out on the in a single day buses to Mexico Metropolis. These go by means of the state of Guerrero, which is without doubt one of the most harmful areas in Mexico. There are numerous experiences of armed robberies on these buses, so that you’re significantly better off springing for a flight with a funds airline as an alternative.
In a preferred vacationer seaside city in Mexico, it ought to come as no shock that medicine are usually not arduous to search out. I’m not going to inform you what to do or to not do in your trip, however simply remember 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 allotting an enormous bribe are surefire methods to damage your journey.
FAQs for Puerto Escondido
Listed below are solutions to some steadily requested questions on Puerto Escondido actions and points of interest.
It’s completely value it to go to Puerto Escondido. It’s often known as the browsing capital of Mexico, however there are numerous extra Puerto Escondido actions to get pleasure from, 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 gorgeous Pacific Coast of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. It has a number of giant, sandy seashores with nice browsing. There are many lodges for all budgets and excellent eating places.
Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca generally are much safer than many different components of Mexico, nevertheless it’s a good suggestion to take fundamental 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’ll want to examine all warnings on the seaside about which locations are protected to swim or not.
The dry season takes place through 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 all over the place else within the nation, Puerto Escondido can get crowded.
Pack Your Baggage for Puerto Escondido!
Properly there you’ve got it, amigos. As I’m positive you’ll be able to see by now, Puerto Escondido has lots to supply travellers who put forth the hassle to make it to this little slice of paradise in Oaxaca.
I’ve gone a number of occasions, and it’s one in every of my favourite spots in one in every of my favourite areas in Mexico. For those who make it all the way down to the southern Pacific Coast, I’m positive you’ll agree.
From browsing a number of the most epic waves on this planet, to free-falling above the ocean and mountains on a skydiving journey, to eating on recent seafood with sundown views, it is a improbable selection in your subsequent trip.
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