Puerto Escondido is a beach town on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, famous among surfers for Zicatela, a powerful beach break often called the Mexican Pipeline. Beyond the big waves, it has small, calm coves for swimming, a long fishermen’s beach, a laid-back surf village at La Punta, a growing food and music scene, and lagoons where birds gather by day and plankton glow at night. Once a remote fishing village, it is now much easier to reach thanks to a new highway from Oaxaca City and direct flights from Mexico City. Hurricane Erick passed close by in June 2025 and caused damage in town, which has since been repaired. November to April is the dry season and the best time for most visitors; the biggest surf arrives from about May to September.
Right now in Puerto Escondido
- Wed24–29°C76–84°F13 mm rain
- Thu24–29°C75–83°F22 mm rain
- Fri24–26°C74–79°F31 mm rain
Top tours in Puerto Escondido
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Puerto Escondido at a glance
- Best for: surfing at every level, from lessons at La Punta to watching the pros at Zicatela, calm swimming coves, lagoon trips, sunsets and an easygoing beach-town life.
- How long: 3–4 days for the beaches and a lagoon trip; a week to add Chacahua, Mazunte and surf lessons.
- Best time: November to April, when it is dry and sunny; May to September for big-wave surf, with afternoon storms from June. The Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30.
- Getting there: Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), just west of town, with flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca City; or by road from Oaxaca City on the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway.
- Getting around: walking, taxis and colectivos along the coast road; a car or tour for lagoons and day trips.
- Before you go: entry rules, money and general safety are in our Mexico travel guide; for the state capital, see our Oaxaca guide.
Puerto Escondido’s areas: where things are
The town spreads along a curving bay and the beaches to its east and west, with Highway 200 running behind it. The center and the fishing beach sit in the middle, Zicatela and La Punta to the south-east, and the calm coves and the Rinconada and Bacocho neighborhoods to the west.
El Adoquín and Playa Principal
The old center around the pedestrian street known as El Adoquín has shops, cafés and restaurants just above Playa Principal, the main bay, where fishing boats come in each morning and the water is usually calm enough to swim.
Zicatela
South-east of the center, Zicatela beach runs for about 3 km (2 miles) of thundering waves. The street behind it is lined with surf shops, hotels, bars and restaurants and is the liveliest part of town at night.
La Punta
At the southern end of Zicatela, La Punta is a laid-back village of hostels, surf schools, yoga studios and beach bars around a gentler left-hand point break. It is popular with backpackers and digital nomads.
Rinconada, Carrizalillo and Bacocho
West of the center, Rinconada is a quieter residential area with restaurants and hotels near the calm coves of Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito; Bacocho, further west, has larger hotels on a wide beach near the airport.
Top things to see in Puerto Escondido
Hours and fees below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
Zicatela and the Mexican Pipeline
Zicatela’s waves break over a sandbar close to the shore and can be enormous, especially from about May to September, drawing big-wave surfers and international competitions. It is a spectacular place to watch from the sand or a beach bar, particularly in the late afternoon. It is not for beginners: the waves are powerful and the currents dangerous, and swimming is not safe. See our surfing guide.
La Punta’s surf break and schools
La Punta’s point break is the town’s best spot to learn or improve, with several surf schools offering lessons and board rentals. Waves are still real ocean waves, so take lessons with a certified instructor and let them choose where to paddle out.
Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito
Carrizalillo is a small, horseshoe-shaped cove reached by a long staircase down the cliff, with calm water for swimming, gentle waves for beginner surfers and simple beach restaurants. Puerto Angelito, nearby, is a pair of sheltered coves good for snorkeling and families, with boats to and from Playa Principal. Both get busy at weekends and holidays. See our beaches guide.
Turtle releases at Bacocho
Between about July and March, conservation groups on Bacocho beach release baby sea turtles at sunset, and visitors can watch and make a small donation. Follow the volunteers’ instructions: no flash, no touching, and keep behind the line.
More to see
- The mirador and sunset spots: the lighthouse hill above Playa Principal and the cliffs above Carrizalillo are favorite places for sunset.
- The market: the Benito Juárez market, in the upper town, for Oaxacan food, fruit and local life.
- Playa Manzanillo: a small cove next to Puerto Angelito with calm water and snorkeling.
- Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Other things to do in Puerto Escondido
Manialtepec lagoon and bioluminescence
About 20 km (12 miles) west of town, Manialtepec is a mangrove-fringed lagoon with herons, ospreys, kingfishers and other birds, best seen on early-morning boat tours. On dark nights, especially in the warmer months, plankton in the water glow when you move your hand or swim; night tours leave around sunset. Go with community guides, without sunscreen or repellent in the water.
Fishing, snorkeling and wildlife
Fishermen at Playa Principal offer sport-fishing trips for tuna, dorado and sailfish, and boat tours that look for dolphins, sea turtles and, in winter, humpback whales offshore. Snorkeling is best at Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo when the sea is calm. See our boat trips guide.
Food and nightlife
Eat fresh fish and shrimp at beach palapas, tlayudas and moles from Oaxaca, and the town’s growing number of cafés and international restaurants. Zicatela and La Punta have beach bars, live music and parties that run late.
Day trips from Puerto Escondido
- Lagunas de Chacahua National Park: about 1.5–2 hours west, a park of lagoons, mangroves and a remote beach with a fishing village and a lighthouse, reached by boat across the lagoon. CONANP lists its fee as set by the Federal Law of Fees; local boat operators include it in their prices or collect it on the way.
- Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Zipolite: about an hour east, relaxed beach villages; Mazunte has Mexico’s national turtle center and the Punta Cometa sunset point.
- Huatulco: a calmer, planned resort of sheltered bays, about two hours east by road.
- Hot springs of Atotonilco: natural thermal pools in the hills north of the coast, reached by a rough road and a walk.
- Oaxaca City: now about three hours by road on the new highway, or a short flight; see our Oaxaca guide.
Nearby destinations
- Huatulco102 km
- Oaxaca de Juárez138 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) lies just west of town, a few minutes by taxi from the center and Rinconada. It has flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca City and, at times, seasonal routes from other cities; check which airlines currently fly your route. Huatulco’s airport (HUX), about two hours east, has more international flights.
By road from Oaxaca City
For decades, the road from Oaxaca City to the coast was a slow, winding mountain drive. In February 2024 the federal government opened the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway, 104.3 km (65 miles) long, with two toll plazas, bridges, viaducts and tunnels; according to the government’s projects portal, it saves about four hours on the trip from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido. Buses and shuttle vans run between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido, and first-class buses run along the coast to Huatulco and Acapulco. Drive by day.
Getting around Puerto Escondido
Walking works within each area, but the town is spread out along the coast. Taxis are cheap; agree on the fare before you get in. Colectivos (shared vans) run along Highway 200 to Manialtepec, Mazunte and other villages for a small cash fare. A rental car or tour is easiest for Chacahua and the hot springs.
When to go and how long to stay
Puerto Escondido is hot all year, with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from June to October. SMN-Conagua publishes no recent climate normals for the town; the rainy-day figures below come from the 1981–2010 normals for the Cozoaltepec station, about 35 km (22 miles) east near the coast, and the temperatures are typical values for the town.
| Season | Typical high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | about 31 °C (88 °F) / 20–21 °C (68–70 °F) | 0–1 | Dry, sunny and warm, with smaller surf | Swimming coves, lessons at La Punta, whales offshore |
| Spring (Mar–May) | about 31–32 °C (88–90 °F) / 21–23 °C (70–73 °F) | 0 in March, 6 in May | Dry and hot; the swell builds from May | Beaches, surfing, lagoon tours |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | about 31–32 °C (88–90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F) | 10–13 | Humid, with afternoon and night storms; biggest waves | Big-wave watching, turtle releases from July |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | about 31 °C (88 °F) / 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) | 14 in September, 1 in November | Wet until October, then dry | Quieter beaches from November |
The Cozoaltepec station recorded about 985 mm (39 in) of rain a year, almost all of it from May to October; September is the wettest month, with about 230 mm (9 in).
Hurricane season and Hurricane Erick: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, the eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. In June 2025, Hurricane Erick made landfall as a category 3 hurricane in the far west of Oaxaca, and its center passed about 55 km (35 miles) from Puerto Escondido, where the Hurricane Center’s report records downed trees, signs and debris on the beach. If a storm threatens, follow the instructions of Oaxaca’s civil protection authorities and your hotel, and check Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the National Hurricane Center.
3 to 4 days in Puerto Escondido
Day one, swim at Carrizalillo, then watch the surfers at Zicatela at sunset. Day two, an early boat to Puerto Angelito for snorkeling, a surf lesson at La Punta in the afternoon. Day three, a sunrise bird tour on Manialtepec and, if the moon is dark, a night bioluminescence tour. Day four, a turtle release at Bacocho in season.
5 to 7 days in Puerto Escondido
Add a full day at Chacahua, a day trip to Mazunte and Zipolite, a fishing or whale-watching trip and more surfing. With a week, continue to Huatulco or drive to Oaxaca City.
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido and the hotel taxes
- Zicatela: surf hotels, boutique hotels and apartments facing the waves, close to restaurants and nightlife.
- La Punta: hostels, cabañas and small hotels with a backpacker and surf-school vibe.
- Rinconada and Carrizalillo: quieter hotels and rentals near the calm coves; good for families.
- Bacocho: larger hotels on a wide beach near the airport.
Room rates are often quoted before tax. The State of Oaxaca charges a lodging tax reported at 3% under its state finance law (we could not confirm the rate on the state’s site, so we flag it for checking), and federal VAT (IVA) of 16% is added on top. VISITAX does not apply here; it is a Quintana Roo fee only. Prices rise at Christmas, Easter and during big surf events.
Practical tips for Puerto Escondido
- The sea: Zicatela and other open beaches have dangerous waves and rip currents; swim only in the calm coves, and never swim at Zicatela.
- Cash: carry pesos for colectivos, taxis, beach restaurants, lagoon tours and turtle-release donations; ATMs are in the center and on Zicatela.
- Surfing: know your level, ask locals and instructors about conditions, and respect the line-up.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; tip guides and boat crews.
- Safety: the tourist areas are busy and generally relaxed. Don’t walk alone on dark beaches at night, use taxis after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and don’t buy drugs.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Puerto Escondido
Bring swimwear, a rash guard and reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, sandals and water shoes, and a dry bag for boat trips. Add strong insect repellent for the lagoons and evenings, a light long-sleeved layer, a headlamp, and a rain jacket from June to October. If you surf, bring your own wax and leash; boards are easy to rent. Plugs are the US type.
Puerto Escondido travel FAQ
Can you swim at Zicatela?
No, it is not safe: the waves are powerful and the currents strong. Swim at the calm coves of Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo, or at Playa Principal when it is calm.
Is Puerto Escondido good for beginner surfers?
Yes, at La Punta and Carrizalillo, with surf schools and gentler waves. Zicatela is for experienced surfers only.
How do I get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido?
By the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway, opened in 2024, which saves about four hours compared with the old road, or by a short flight. Buses and shuttle vans also make the trip.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
November to April for dry, sunny weather and calmer seas; May to September for big waves to watch or ride.
Where can you see bioluminescence near Puerto Escondido?
At Manialtepec lagoon, about 20 km (12 miles) west, on night tours on dark, moonless nights, especially in the warmer months.
Was Puerto Escondido damaged by Hurricane Erick?
Erick passed close by in June 2025 and caused damage in town, including downed trees and debris on the beach, according to the National Hurricane Center’s report. Businesses have since reopened.
How far is Puerto Escondido from Mazunte and Huatulco?
About an hour to Mazunte and two hours to Huatulco, east along Highway 200.
When can you see baby turtles released?
Roughly from July to March, at sunset on Bacocho beach, with local conservation groups that ask for a small donation.
What taxes are added to Puerto Escondido hotel bills?
16% IVA plus Oaxaca’s state lodging tax, reported at 3%. There is no VISITAX here.
Does Puerto Escondido have an airport?
Yes. Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), just west of town, has flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca City.
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. The Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway: the federal government’s projects portal; Hurricane Erick: the US National Hurricane Center’s tropical cyclone report; Lagunas de Chacahua: the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP); hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; rainfall: SMN-Conagua 1981–2010 normals for the Cozoaltepec station. Typical temperatures, the lodging tax rate, the airport’s routes, distances, surf seasons, turtle-release seasons, lagoon tours and local sights come from secondary sources or general knowledge and are flagged for checking. Prices and timetables change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Mexico travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)