While the “Escondido” part of its name may no longer be true, Puerto Escondido remains one of my favorite destinations in Mexico. I first visited this gem along Mexico’s Pacific Coast back in 2018, and again in January 2021. I have no doubt that I’ll be back again in the future. It is one of the most relaxed and easygoing beach destinations in all of Mexico, while boasting a sizzling nightlife scene and some unique adventures. Life is simply better here.
Once a popular backpacker haven and hidden gem, Puerto has definitely gone pretty mainstream. It has developed rapidly due to its growing popularity, but I would still recommend Puerto Escondido to anyone. Puerto is a great destination for all types of travelers, especially those looking for some sun, sand, surf, and cervezas. Here’s everything you need to know before traveling to Puerto Escondido.
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Table of Contents
- How To Get To Puerto Escondido
- Where To Stay in Puerto Escondido
- The Best Things To Do in Puerto Escondido
- Nightlife in Puerto Escondido
- Budget Travel Tips for Puerto Escondido
- More on Mexico
How To Get To Puerto Escondido
First things first, how does one get to Puerto Escondido? Back in the day, it was a bit of a trek to get here. The crowds were typically local tourists, devoted surfers, and long-term backpackers. With flights to Puerto Escondido becoming cheaper and more frequent, it is more accessible than ever to reach this coastal paradise.
From Oaxaca de Juarez
Oaxaca City is the main stepping stone to Puerto Escondido. A colectivo from Oaxaca City costs only 250 pesos, or about $13 USD. To catch the colectivo, you can go to one of the transportation companies near the Mercado de Abastos. Villa Escondido is the one that I used. They are all pretty much the same, aside from their schedules. This is the fastest method, as colectivos are smaller and can navigate the mountain roads, cutting out around two or three hours of travel time compared to the main highway. The journey will take between six to eight hours, depending on how frequently it stops.
The other way to reach Puerto Escondido by road is by taking the ADO bus. It takes longer since it can’t go on the narrow mountain roads and follows the highway instead. The bus costs around 700 pesos and takes close to ten hours but it is much more comfortable than a colectivo. I’d recommend taking an overnight ADO bus since saving the money on accommodation will even out the cost difference with a shared colectivo.
Flying to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has an airport, although the flights are infrequent and can often be much more expensive. I’ve found flights for as cheap as $33 (although luggage is usually around $50 for a checked bag), but those are relatively infrequent and require a bit of planning in advance. Booking a flight the week of will usually cost you about $120 including luggage.
There are direct flights from Oaxaca City, but if you’re traveling from elsewhere in Mexico, you’ll likely have to make a stopover in Mexico City or Oaxaca.
Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever you’re out adventuring. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $2 a day.
Where To Stay in Puerto Escondido
Which neighborhood you stay in Puerto Escondido can make all the difference. One can have vastly different experiences depending on where you stay. Puerto Escondido may not be a big city, but it definitely isn’t the most walkable place either. Of the many neighborhoods in Puerto, we can narrow it down to about four that are traveler-friendly.
The Neighborhoods of Puerto Escondido
In another post, I cover the various neighborhoods of Puerto Escondido, and break down where to stay more in depth. To sum it up quickly:
La Punta
La Punta is currently the hotspot for young travelers and backpackers looking to have a good time. It gives me Tulum vibes, but much smaller and much less tacky. This is where you’ll want to stay if you want beach, surf, good food, fun crowds, and nightlife.
Hostel Recommendations: Bonita Escondida, Casa Punta
Zicatela
Staying at Zicatela puts you right on the beach. It is a good home base if you just want beach and nightlife. It isn’t as trendy as La Punta, and is the part of Puerto that most resembles a more tacky beach destination like Cancun or Cozumel. It is a big neighborhood and very spread out, so it never gets as crowded or as lively as La Punta. However, the best parties can be found at Zicatela, mainly at Xcaanda or Iguana.
Hostel Recommendation: Selina, Hotel Las Olas
Rinconada
For travelers looking for something more laid-back, Rinconada is the neighborhood for you. Located close to the beaches of Carrizalillo, Bacocho, and Playa Coral, you have the pick of the litter when it comes to a lazy beach day. There’s not much nightlife in this part of town, but you can find some nice restaurants and cafes. This is one of the quieter neighborhoods in Puerto Escondido, so perfect for that relaxing beach getaway that many travelers crave.
Hostel Recommendation: Vivo Escondido
Centro
The main hub of town, Centro isn’t particularly popular among travelers. It’s not within walking distance to the beaches, and is crowded and hectic. It is the closest thing you’ll find to “real” Mexico in Puerto Escondido. However, that can be a great thing. It is cheap and puts you in close proximity to everything you’ll need, from supermarkets to ATMs to bus stations and more. After all, a cheap colectivo ride or 40 peso taxi will get you anywhere in town, so location might not be your main factor when choosing a place to stay.
Hostel Recommendation: Paziflora Hostel
Before setting off on your Mexico adventure, make sure you have a plan for staying connected. I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to the moment I leave. Navigating directions, coordinating travel plans with new hostel friends, booking a ride, and so on – having an eSIM makes life that much easier when you’re on the road. Data packages for Mexico start at just $5, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.
The Best Things To Do in Puerto Escondido
So… what’s so great about Puerto Escondido? Why has it become one of Mexico’s most desirable beach getaways? Most of the things to do in Puerto Escondido revolve around its amazing beaches, wildlife, and nightlife. There’s always a good time waiting for you in Puerto.
Laze the Day Away at Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is the definition of paradise. While the beach itself may be small, it is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever been to. Flanked on both sides by lush, jungly cliffs and boasting turquoise waters and soft, white sand, Carrizalillo belongs in the dictionary under the word beach. It’s good for hanging out and taking in the views, but is also a popular beach for surfers of every level.
Release the Sea Turtles at Playa Bacocho
For 200 pesos ($10), you can symbolically release a sea turtle hatchling from Playa Bacocho. All you really do is hold a coconut shell and gently set your turtle onto the sand, but hey, it’s a nice photo op and you get to hang out with a cute baby sea turtle. The money goes towards the turtle sanctuaries, so if you want to support a good cause and see some turtles, this is well worth doing.
Catch the Sunset From Playa Coral
My personal favorite spot to watch the sunset is Playa Coral, a small beach right next to where Playa Bacocho starts. It’s a short walk from the Rinconada and Bacocho neighborhoods, and is one of the quieter beaches in Puerto Escondido. It’s perfect for a less-crowded alternative to sunset at La Punta or Zicatela.
See the Bioluminescent Plankton at Laguna Manialtepec
I always heard mixed things about bioluminescent plankton tours. Finally, I decided to do one and it was honestly one of the most unbelievable experiences I’ve ever had. I don’t have anything I could compare it to. It was just pure magic. It’s hard to describe, so just go see for yourself what all the fuss is about. I did mine in Chacahua for 150 pesos.
Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins
During their migration, humpback whales pass through this part of Mexico. While you can sometimes see them right from shore, the best way to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures is by going on a whale watching trip. Along with whales, you might be lucky enough to see sea turtles and packs of dolphins. You can jump into the water with the dolphins, but they are deceptively fast. As soon as you’re in, they’ve already zoomed off far out of reach.
Catch Some Waves at Playa Zicatela
Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s surf capitals. The monster waves of Zicatela Beach are home to many surf competitions, although there is surf to be found for surfers of every level. The beaches of Carrizalillo and La Punta are great for beginners, but if you’re looking for a challenge, Zicatela is where the biggest waves will be.
Soak in the Hippie Vibes of Mazunte
About an hour away from Puerto Escondido, you’ll find the laid-back fishing village of Mazunte. Along with its relaxed pace of life and beautiful waters, Mazunte is home to my favorite sunset spot in Mexico. A day spent reading, swimming, eating, and capped off with a sunset hike to Punta Cometa is a day well-spent. I’ve spent a lot of time in Mazunte, and though my days were filled with doing nothing, I cherished every moment.
Get Naked At Playa Zipolite
About ten minutes from Mazunte, you’ll find the small party town of Zipolite, and its famous nude beach. If you’re looking to switch up the party scene from Puerto Escondido, Zipolite is also home to some pretty poppin’ nightlife.
Go Back in Time to the Island of Chacahua
Perhaps my favorite spot on the Oaxacan coastline is the hidden gem of Chacahua. I genuinely believe this is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, and hope it stays that way. You’ll need to catch a colectivo, a taxi, and a boat to get here, but the journey is worth it. This is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. Life was simple here, and I loved every second of my time spent in Chacahua. Whether it was chasing sunsets from abandoned lighthouses, swimming in turquoise lagoons, or late-night boat rides among the bioluminescent plankton, Chacahua was pure magic.
Puerto Escondido Nightlife Guide: Best Bars and Clubs
The nightlife in Puerto Escondido is nothing short of sizzlin’. While Puerto often feels like a laid-back beach down during the day, it goes absolutely wild at night. Puerto Escondido epitomizes the phrase “coming alive in the nighttime”. The nightlife scene of Puerto centers mostly around the La Punta and Zicatela neighborhoods. Pregame at La Punta, then hit up the clubs at Zicatela a little after midnight or so.
The parties don’t stop until the people stop, making Puerto Escondido one of Mexico’s top party destinations.
Zicatela
- Xcaanda
- Piedra del Iguana
- Barfly
- Kabbalah
- Isha
La Punta
- Chicama
- The Boneyard
- El Arbol
- Alaburger
- Juana Mezcal
- Xcaanda
Secret Parties
The raves in Puerto Escondido are next level. For a relatively small town in Mexico, Puerto Escondido often attracts a lot of big names. However, you won’t find them headlining at the local bar. Oftentimes, you’ll have to go out of your way to find the best parties. They might be half an hour away deep in the jungles outside of Puerto Escondido.
Budget Backpacking Tips for Puerto Escondido
While Puerto is still cheap, it definitely isn’t Mexico cheap. While nowhere near as expensive as places like Cancun or Tulum, it is pretty easy to run up a big bill while in Puerto.
Book Places Long-Term and in Person
The hotel that I looked at would have been about $38 a night on Airbnb after all taxes and fees. In person it was $27, and after I told them I wanted to stay for a week, they lowered it down to $20 a night. That’s almost half the price of what I would have paid had I booked online. It never hurts to ask for discounts for longer stays, paying in cash, or booking directly.
Take Colectivos When Traveling Within Town
Taxis to most places in town will be about 40-50 pesos. However, a colectivo will get you anywhere along the main road for much cheaper. They come very frequently so you never have to wait for too long.
Pregame Hard
A night out in Puerto Escondido can get pretty pricy, especially since the party usually doesn’t stop until well into the morning. Pace yourself and have some pre-drinks before heading out to the bars. You can get an entire bottle of mezcal at the supermarket for the same price as a cocktail at one of the late night bars.
Puerto Escondido is one of my favorite beach destinations in the world, and you can’t go wrong with a trip here.
Buy Me A Beer!
If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.
My Complete Mexico Itinerary
Also, I’ve finally published my jam-packed Mexico backpacking itinerary, spanning 77 pages and 33 of my favorite travel destinations in Mexico. This ain’t your ordinary itinerary, and it’s guaranteed to make sure you go off the beaten path and experience the best of Mexico. Shop below.
My Complete Mexico Backpacking Itinerary
By popular demand… Here is the complete itinerary for one of my favorite countries in the world, Mexico. In this 77-page guidebook, I cover 30 of my favorite Mexican destinations, including how to get to each city, where to stay, and the best things to do in each city. I also include tidbits of useful information like things to know before going to Mexico, as well as my favorite party destina…