🌴 The Ultimate Guide to What to Do in Puerto Escondido: Best Activities, Beaches & Hidden Gems
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Puerto Escondido, you’re in for a treat. This laid-back beach town on the Oaxacan coast has transformed into a must-visit destination for surfers, digital nomads, and travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top activities in Puerto Escondido, from surfing legendary waves to discovering secret beaches, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the town’s vibrant culture—including the unmissable Puerto Escondido Night Market.
🏖️ 1. Catch the Waves at Zicatela Beach
If there’s one beach that defines Puerto Escondido, it’s Zicatela Beach. Known for its world-class surf, this spot draws surfers from around the globe. Even if you’re not into surfing, the beach is ideal for sunbathing, sunset walks, and people-watching at one of the many beachfront bars.
🏄♂️ Pro tip: Surf lessons and board rentals are widely available along the beach—perfect for beginners!
Location: Zicatela Beach on Google Maps
🌅 2. Stroll Through the Puerto Escondido Night Market
The Puerto Escondido Night Market is a magical experience. Held weekly in the Rinconada area, the market lights up with artisan stalls, street food, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
Here you’ll find handmade jewelry, local crafts, natural skincare products, and regional delicacies like tlayudas and mezcal. It’s also a great place to meet locals and other travelers.
📍 When to go: Thursday evenings, starting around 5 PM.
Location: Rinconada, Puerto Escondido
🐢 3. Release Baby Sea Turtles at Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho isn’t just a beautiful stretch of sand—it’s also a nesting ground for sea turtles. Every evening near sunset, conservation groups host turtle release events where visitors can help baby turtles make their first journey to the ocean.
🐢 It’s a heartwarming, eco-friendly experience that supports marine life conservation.
Details & Tours: Vive Mar – Turtle Release Project
🌊 4. Discover the Secret Beauty of Playa Carrizalillo
the perfect place to take a couple of selfies with the ones you love the most!
Tucked away in a scenic cove, Playa Carrizalillo is one of the most picturesque beaches in Puerto Escondido. The turquoise water and calm waves make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and beginner surfers.
📸 Don’t forget your camera—this is one of the most Instagrammable spots in town.
Location: Carrizalillo on Google Maps
🌿 5. Explore Bioluminescent Waters at Laguna de Manialtepec
For a truly magical experience, take a night tour to Laguna de Manialtepec, where the water glows with bioluminescence. When disturbed, the microorganisms in the water emit a bright blue light—perfect for a surreal night swim or paddleboard.
✨ Best time to visit: Around the new moon for maximum darkness and glow.
Tours Available: Eco Adventures Puerto Escondido
🍹 6. Eat and Drink Your Way Through La Punta
La Punta is Puerto Escondido’s trendiest neighborhood. With a mix of chill cafes, cocktail bars, boutique shops, and street food stands, it’s a hub of good vibes and even better eats.
🌮 Don’t miss the fish tacos at Pepe’s Fish Tacos or craft cocktails at Chill a Kill.
🌄 7. Take a Sunrise Hike to Punta Cometa
Just outside of Puerto Escondido lies Punta Cometa, the southernmost point of Oaxaca. Though technically located in Mazunte (about 1.5 hours away), this cliffside viewpoint is worth the day trip for stunning sunrises or sunsets over the Pacific.
🚶♀️ A must for nature lovers and photographers.
Location: Punta Cometa, Mazunte
🧘 8. Join a Yoga or Wellness Retreat
Puerto Escondido has become a wellness hotspot, offering everything from beachfront yoga classes to weeklong meditation and detox retreats. Whether you’re into vinyasa, sound healing, or ecstatic dance, there’s something for every level.
Wellness Studios to Check Out:
🐬 9. Go Dolphin and Whale Watching
From December to March, the Pacific waters near Puerto Escondido come alive with whales, dolphins, and even manta rays. Local boat tours offer a chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
🛥️ Most tours leave early morning—book the day before and bring a hat and sunscreen!
Book here: Puerto Escondido Dolphin Tours
🧑🤝🧑 Bonus: Share the Dream of Living Here
After falling in love with Puerto Escondido, many visitors dream of making it a part of their life. With co-ownership opportunities through Ancana, you can own a luxury vacation home in this paradise—without the hassle of full-time ownership.
🏡 Explore co-ownership options in Puerto Escondido: Click here
You might also like
Leave A Reply