Top Things to do in Puerto Escondido
Top Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
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9 Free Things to do in Puerto Escondido That You Shouldn't Miss
Looking for a tropical Mexican fishing village with relaxing beaches, oceanfront seafood bars and restaurants, unspoiled reefs for diving and snorkeling, and waves suitable for championship surfing? Puerto Escondido has all that plus the Laguna de Manialtepec mangrove lagoon for tours combining kayaking, boating, bird-watching, and swimming in phosphorescent waters. Regularly scheduled airline service links Mexico City and Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM)Rent an umbrella at the town beach, Playa Principal, which parallels the Avenida Perez Gasga hotel and restaurant row. Stop in one of the hotels near the beach for a drink or take the family horseback riding. A small freshwater lagoon at the mouth of the river, Rio Rigadillo, marks the border with Playa Marinero, which has waves suitable for beginning surfers. The whole family will enjoy the mile-long shoreline walkway known as Andador Escénico, which leads across the rocks to El Faro lighthouse and the Sueño Posible scenic overlook. Beyond the lighthouse, Playa Principal transitions into Playa Manzanillo, a swimmable beach with clear waters extending towards Puerto Angelito. Rent a boogie board or equipment to snorkel the coral and rocks. If Playa Manzanillo gets too crowded on a holiday weekend, catch one of the water taxis linking Puerto Escondido’s seven beaches. Hire a skiff to take the family sightseeing or dolphin and sea turtle viewing. Fish for trophy sailfish or catch a dinner of yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi (dorado), grouper, roosterfish, mackerel, or snapper. Watch the experts surf the 6-15 foot swells and hollow tubes of Playa Zicatela. International competitions in August and November draw the pros to demonstrate their prowess on the Mexican Pipeline. Snorkel or surf the clear shallow waters beneath the high cliffs surrounding Playa Carrizalillo. High red cliffs, housing, and hotels surround riptide-plagued Playa Bacocho, which is good for long romantic beach walks and sunsets. For more adventure, dive Pressure Point’s tectonic plate fault lines or Punta Colarada’s volcanic overhangs, ledges, and lava rock swimthroughs. If you are lucky you will see lobsters, stingrays, moray and snowflake eels, barracudas, yellow tangs, parrotfish, and puffers.
Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
1. Playa Carrizalillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 540 reviews
Small, lesser-known cove that isnt usually crowded.
Reviewed By nhbezerkeley
We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel on this gorgeous beach, so spent a lot of time there. The water was warm and beautiful and great for swimming or bobbing in the gentle waves. Renting loungers is a must to get some shade (the place with blue loungers was 250 for two, the next door place with orange loungers was 150 each), or claim a restaurant table and order food.
2. Playa Bacocho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
The westernmost beach in Puerto Escondido.
Reviewed By blumtnguy - Blue Mountains, Canada
Unrivalled in the area for its thunderous waves on a virtually deserted beach that seems to go on forever Playa Bacocho is the gem in the crown of Puerto Escondido (secret port). Easily accessed by taxi and through either of the two beach clubs at the southern end. Every day at sunset the turtle rescue center releases baby turtles to the ocean ... a must see for the children in your group or even for the child in you! Pez Gallo Restaurante at Playa VillaSol Beach Club provides excellent cuisine as well as an amazing view of the beach as the waves crash onto the rocks.
3. El Mercado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Open air market where many local arts, crafts and delicacies can be tried.
Reviewed By DawnyKnott - Kansas City, United States
Fun place to visit. They have everything at good prices. Fresh fruits and vegetables. Meats, cheeses, spices and snacks as well as crafts and local items.
4. Playa Zicatela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,206 reviews
Beachfront in Puerto Escondido.
Reviewed By Bibliokos - Jalisco, Mexico
Amazing beach right south of Puerto Escondido. Great for riding the waves or hanging out on the beach and taking a quick dip in the ocean. This is not a beach for swimming or hanging out in the ocean unless you have a surf or bodyboard. The surf and undertow are dangerous along this beach. Also, stay away from the over-priced and mediocre to poor quality food that is offered at the restaurants along the main drag of Av del Morro. If all you want is a cold drink and some guacamole and chips that's fine... but don't waste your money on dinner at these places. Take the beautiful walk to the southern area.... La Punta/Brisas (keep reading) The only place you can really just sit in calm waters is at the far south end near the lighthouse. There you can relax and sunbathe and wade out into the water to cool off. This is also where you find the kids who are learning to surf. It's really quite fun watching them tackle the mini waves. This Brisas de Zicatela neighborhood is also the place to stay if you want a younger and more hip and lively bunch to hang out with. Plenty of lodging and good restaurants and the best coffeehouse are down there.
5. Playa Coral
6. Playa Marinero
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 70 reviews
Featuring low tides and undertow, this is known as the best in-town swimming spot.
Reviewed By patriciav140
this is a beautiful beach which offers snorkeling, some waves, and leisurely swimming. For $300 pesos you can hire 2 chairs under the shade which are sued towards consumption
7. Perez Gasga
8. Puerto Angelito Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 382 reviews
Small town featuring fresh seafood restaurants and safe cove swimming.
Reviewed By jaymacdonald57 - Bucerias, Mexico
We visited this beach almost every afternoon of our week in Puerto. Crowded? Yup. Gringos? Nope. Very calm waters here while 15’ surf pounded Playa Zicatela. Lots of local families. Lots of tropical fish (we bought a decent snorkel from the fishing store on the Playa Principal. Great food at Buzos restaurant on the west end of beach. Helps to speak spanish : )
9. Playa Principal de Puerto Escondido
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 178 reviews
Beach in Puerto Escondido.
Reviewed By 516eileenr - Arundel, Canada
A favorite place for local families. Lifeguards on duty sometimes. Area along the area where the boats are is calmer. Nearby local restaurants and bars on the beach as well as vendors selling drinks and fruit and a variety of shrimp and fish snacks
