A small port located in a bay surrounded by rock formations and a tourist center, Puerto Escondido is renowned for its beaches and surf spots, the most popular and famous in Mexico. It is a popular destination for families. Its other strong point is the beauty of its natural landscapes.
According to legend, pirates kidnapped a young Mexican girl. Having managed to escape, the young woman hid in the jungle surrounding the bay. The pirates set out in search of “La Escondida”, (The hidden one), without success. The site subsequently became BahÃa de la Escondida, then Punta Escondida and finally Puerto Escondido Oaxaca.
Located at the end of the Sierra Madre del Sur Cordillera on the east coast of the state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is a coastal town. It rises over 60 meters. Puerto Escondido is located approximately 254 kilometers from the state capital, Oaxaca de Juárez.
What to See?
Parks and gardens: Jardin Botanico Universidad del Mar campus
What to Do?
- Observe the birds (pelicans, hummingbirds, herons), numerous in the surroundings.
- Go fishing.
- Practice surfing at Playa Zicatela, which hosts international competitions.
- Explore coffee plantations such as Plantation Pacifico, to understand the manufacturing process.
- Take advantage of the various beaches to swim, walk or laze on the sand, such as Playa Bacocho, Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Principal, Playa Angelito and Playa Manzanillo.
- Learn about snorkeling.
- Explore the surroundings by boat.
- Participate in the launching of baby turtles.
- Party and spend the evening in the city’s liveliest street, El AdoquÃn.
- Get to know the indigenous communities.
- Go on a hike or on horseback to explore the region.
What to See In the Region?
The village of Mazunte: Introduction of the inhabitants known for their actions in favor of the protection of the environment and discovery of the Mexican Turtle Center (el Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga).
Ventanilla: Ecological Reserve
Manialtepec lagoon: during the rainy season, the lagoon turns into an estuary that can be explored by boat. It is the ideal place for bird-watching.
Surroundings Not To Be Missed
In the continuity of Puerto Escondido, after Punta Zicatela, you have several towns on the beach to go and see, even wilder. Here are the cities recommend, to do in 1 or 3 days maximum:
- Mazunte: Punta Cometa (black sand and sunset), San Augustinillo Beach
- Zipolite: the main beach (attention nudist beach at the beginning), Playa del Amor
- Puerto Angel: stroll on the port, Playa Panteon
How to Get Around?
It is possible to take a taxi but you have a much cheaper plan to get there for only 60 pesos (3 $). Take a white collective (mini-van) which is in front of the ADO bus station (42 pesos). The driver tells you want to go to “Zipolite”. It will stop 1 hour later at a junction with an Oxxo, it’s your stop. Then, wait for a small blue-colored van, which will follow the coasts and you will ask for the stop (stop button inside), when you arrive at San Augustillo (10 pesos).
Please note that there is no stop-bus or stop, it’s up to you to ask when you want to stop. So I advise you to always have your Google Maps with you and your geolocation and, be sure to ask the driver before getting on if he is going this way. Then, visit the beaches you want and take these small collectives again when you want to change the beach or town (count around 10 pesos for each trip). And for the return, it’s the same.
Tip to never get lost: If you don’t have data abroad, I advise you to download the Google application and download the maps in offline mode. This way you can have access to your geoloc and GPS even without credit. Otherwise, ask the Mexicans for directions (in Spanish) they are super friendly and will help you without any problem.