Local Amenities
Travel Information
Puerto Escondido, or Puerto as the locals call it, has been described as “the best overall beach value
| the best overall beach value in Mexico |
| Frommer's Travel |
In addition to being a heavenly beach destination, Puerto offers some of the worlds best surfing, excellent sport fishing, fascinating ecotourism, as well as scuba diving, great markets, festivals and a wonderful community full of friendly people. The location of Puerto makes it an ideal jumping-off point for ecological explorations of neighboring jungle and estuary sanctuaries, as well as indigenous mountain settlements. Increasingly, it attracts those seeking both spiritual and physical renewal, with abundant massage and bodywork services, yoga classes, and exceptional and varied healthful dining options. What Puerto doesn’t offer is huge mega-resorts, a “Spring Break” party atmosphere, big box stores or American fast food restaurants. If this is what you are looking for then Puerto may not be the best place for you.Puerto lies on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico approximately 200 miles south of Acapulco, it was established in 1928 as a port for shipping coffee, but was discovered as a tourist destination after the coastal highway was built.
The beaches of Puerto Escondido allow you to enjoy crystalline waters, pristine sand and a seemingly endless array of outdoor recreational activities. Playa Zicatela, the main surfing beach is long with soft sand and a steep slope, making it a good spot to do aquatic sports. Known as the Mexican Pipeline, the waves can reach up to 6 meters (20 feet), which is why it hosts the only International Surfing Tournament in Mexico. Then Playa Principal, as its name suggests, is the most central beach in Puerto, this 500-meter beach with warm waters and mild surf offers boat rentals to tour the bay as well as water taxis to any of the other beaches in the area. Adjacent to Playa Principal is the Adoquin, the main area for shopping and restaurants. The adoquÌn is open to vehicular traffic during the day and becomes pedestrian-only at night. Playa Carrizalillo is located in a small bay at the base of a long set of steps, although it’s quite a walk down to the beach it is well worth the effort. It’s a small horseshoe shaped bay with white sand beach and blue-green waters it offers good swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The waves are small, making it a good spot for children. There are a number of small restaurants on the beach where you can enjoy the view and a lunch of fresh fish. Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are some of the most visited beaches in the area. In addition to warm waters and quiet atmosphere, it offers equipment rentals for snorkeling. Playa Bacocho, northwest of town, is a long beach with warm waters but can be dangerous due to heavy surf and undertow. This beach is divided into three sections by large rock formations. In the surrounding areas you can take a walk among the abundant vegetation that surrounds the bay. It is important to note that many of the beaches in Puerto have significant surf and currents, please exercise caution when swimming and when accompanying small children. Ask at the tourist office located on the Adoquin for more detailed information.| We’ve been to Maui, Bahamas, Turks, Dominican, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Rico, Florida keys, San Diego… and there is NO place as good as this. You nailed it. It’s the best area, and then on top of that you’ve got the best house in the Puerto Escondido area. |
| Dan, Denver Colorado |
Puerto Escondido has several spots where you can go fishing for marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna throughout the entire year. At Playa Principal you can rent boats and equipment for inshore and offshore fishing excursions. In November, you can compete in an annual fishing tournament. The area also has the Laguna de Manialtepec, located 16 km (10 mi) west of Puerto Escondido, off Highway 200, is a 8km long lagoon and is surrounded by mangroves and dense vegetation. This is one the best places to go fishing where you can catch mojarra, bass, mullet and catfish. The lagoon is a spot of incredible beauty and should be on everyone’s list of places to visit while in Puerto, in addition to great fishing you will also spot aquatic bird colonies such as the cormorant, pelican, anhinga, many songbirds and iguanas.
Puerto Escondido is also renowned for its Turtle Assistance Ecological Camp, located a few miles from the port, and The Living Museum of Sea Turtles, located on Mazunte Beach. The museum is designed to protect sea turtles and prevent extinction and displays a variety of sea turtles that inhabit Mexico's shores. At the same time it serves as an educational site, providing both local residents and tourists alike with a greater knowledge of their environment and of these fascinating creatures.In Puerto you’ll find many creative examples of Oaxacan crafts, such as various textiles or objects made of seashells and black coral. You’ll also see many leather products, including purses, wallets, belts, hats, huaraches (Mexican sandals) and much more. You can buy these items at the outdoor markets and artisan markets on the Adoquin and along the streets of 9 Norte and 4 Poniente.
Wherever your interests lie, Puerto offers something for everyone. From the adrenaline rush of extreme sports, to the ultimate in relaxation you’ll find it here.
Puerto Escondido Weather
The weather outside your home may be frightful but here most days are delightful- sunny, warm with average temperatures in the mid 80's.
Puerto Escondido Surfing
The largest beach strand of Puerto Escondido, Playa Zicatela Beach, on the top 10 list of surf locations in the world and home of the famous 'Mexican Pipeline'. April to October is the best time- you'll find 5 to 15 foot waves and develop a smooth tube for a nice finish. Learn to surf while you're here lessons available. Romantic honey moon surfing in Puerta Escondida Mexico info.
Dolphins and Whales
In the fall months, whales begin their migration from Alaska to Mexico. Along with dolphins which are a permanent fixture on our coast are often seen close to shore playing and jumping out of the ocean. See info, videos pictures and facts about these beatufiul creatures in their natural habitat.