Puerto Escondido is a hidden gem of Mexico that has yet to be overrun by tourists. The surf town is located in the state of Oaxaca and has retained more of its cultural charm and authenticity than other beach towns like Tulum or Puerto Vallarta. Although it doesn’t get as much attention as other Mexican destinations, Puerto Escondido is definitely worth visiting, even for travelers who aren’t into surfing. These are 10 things to do when visiting Puerto Escondido that are sure to make travelers fall in love with Mexico.
10 See The Bioluminescent Plankton
The lagoons near Puerto Escondido are home to some of the few waters in the world with bioluminescent plankton. This phenomenon can occur in areas where there is the right combination of freshwater and saltwater to support the plankton themselves, who are the source of this otherworldly light. At night, the waters will look like a vibrant blue light is emanating from below the surface, providing an opportunity to take unique photos or simply enjoy this unusual sight.
9 Go Whale Watching
Puerto Escondido is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, offering a chance to witness lots of marine life in one destination. Whale watching is a popular activity in Puerto Escondido with travelers sighting various species of whales including humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, and blue whales, depending on the season. Mid-December to February is the best time to visit when hoping to glimpse these magnificent creatures. This is the time of year when humpback whales can be seen migrating off the Emerald Coast.
8 Try Surfing
Puerto Escondido is a popular surf spot with some of the heaviest waves in the world. Playa Zicatela is the ideal beach for surfers looking to catch a big, powerful wave that will challenge them. The intense surf scene in Puerto Escondido can intimidate beginners or those looking to learn how to surf while on their travels, but there are spots that cater to this crowd as well. The bay of Carrizalillo is a gentler area with calmer waters, where absolute beginners can safely get on a board for the first time with an instructor’s help.
7 Release A Baby Turtle Into The Ocean
Nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife conservation efforts in Puerto Escondido, with protections in place to ensure baby sea turtles hatching on the beaches can safely make their way to open waters. To guarantee you can witness baby turtle releases on your trip, find a reputable sea turtle sanctuary that oversees these releases daily at sunset.
6 Go Snorkeling
The state of Oaxaca is renowned for its diverse and colorful marine wildlife, making Puerto Escondido an ideal location for snorkeling. There are plenty of great beach options from which to rent snorkeling gear and head into the waters to explore. Some of the best ones include Manzanillo, Carrizalillo, and Coral Beach. Once in the water, travelers will find themselves swimming alongside sea turtles, manta rays, and puffer fish. Always ensure you’re keeping a respectful distance from these creatures underwater and never touch the animals or coral while snorkeling or diving.
5 Visit La Reforma Waterfall
Cascada La Reforma is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Oaxaca and is ideal to visit on a day trip from Puerto Escondido. This outing provides a nice change of scenery from the beach town by taking travelers to the 147 ft tall falls. This impressive fall is around 90 minutes outside of Puerto Escondido and requires a 10-minute hike from the roadway to reach on foot. Once there, travelers can swim in the rock pool at the bottom and admire the impressive cascade of water falling from above.
4 Go Kayaking In Laguna De Manialtepec
Laguna de Manialtepec is a coastal lagoon outside of Puerto Escondido that travelers can reach by car or by boat. Once there, it’s easy to rent a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) to explore the lagoon. Time your rental so you can watch the magnificent orange glow of sunset over the water from the kayak before returning to shore and embarking on an evening cruise of the lagoon (where you can see bioluminescent plankton).
3 Relax In The Sun At Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is one of the best beaches to spend time on while visiting Puerto Escondido. Travelers should dedicate at least one full day of their trip to unwinding on these sandy shores with a good book before cooling off in the turquoise waters. The white sand beach is on a small bay that is accessible via a footpath of over 100 stairs. The idyllic cove has crystal clear, fairly calm waters that are perfect for swimming, floating around, or learning to surf.
2 Ride A Horse On The Beach
Horseback riding may not be the first thing that comes to mind on a beach trip, but in Puerto Escondido, hopping on a horseback riding tour is another fantastic way to appreciate the scenery. Embark on an adventure by riding your horse along the riverbanks to a branch of the Laguna de Manialtepec, finishing with a sunset ride on the beach after a dinner break. Prices for the tours start at $1500 MXN ($75).
1 Soak In Hot Springs
The Atotonilco hot springs are a must-visit relaxation spot when traveling to Puerto Escondido. Visitors can combine their hot spring visit with a horseback riding excursion by traversing the jungle terrain on horseback to reach the hot springs, roughly 20 minutes from Puerto Escondido. The bubbling thermal springs will relax your muscles after a week of surfing and other adventures, providing a wonderful contrast to the refreshing, salty ocean waves.