Puerto Escondido: Beaches, Surfing and Regional Cuisine

Puerto Escondido has something for different interests: Playa Zicatela is all about surfing, while other beaches are popular for swimming and various water sports. There is also freediving, boat trips, regional cuisine, and a market with more than 100 vendors. Nearby, you can observe bioluminescence at Laguna de Manialtepec. If you are looking for a vacation rental, it is worth first considering which of these sides of the destination you want your trip to focus on.

Beaches and water activities

Playa Zicatela is suitable for surfing. Its waves occasionally reach heights of up to 6 meters—a striking detail for anyone interested in this beach and riding the waves. As of June 9, 2025, Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Manzanillo were described as suitable for swimming and various water sports. Both beaches are also suitable for freediving. This means there are different ways to enjoy the water, without implying that each one is equally suited to every beach.

Recreational fishing is possible at Playa Principal. Fish species mentioned there include sailfish, dolphinfish, marlin, and roosterfish. Boat trips from Puerto Escondido are also available, heading out to the open sea and through the bays. This gives you the option to plan your trip around specific activities: surfing at Playa Zicatela, swimming or freediving at Carrizalillo and Manzanillo, fishing at Playa Principal, or a boat trip.

Market, shopping, and regional cuisine

Mercado Turístico de Zicatela brings together food, handicrafts, clothing, and regional products. The offerings also include organically grown fruit and vegetables; the market has more than 100 vendors in total. It is located right by the sea, making it a destination in its own right for anyone who wants to experience market life and browse a variety of goods in addition to beach activities. Puerto Escondido also has a wide selection of seafood and regional cuisine. The tourist promenade offers a variety of shopping opportunities, complementing the market as another place to stroll and shop.

Culture and nature around Puerto Escondido

Guelaguetza del Mar 2025 took place on November 22 at Playa Zicatela as a cultural and traditional event. The program included music and dance, as well as twelve delegations from the region and invited delegations. This offers a specific glimpse into the town’s cultural life; as an event held in 2025, it has also already taken place.

Another option for an excursion is Laguna de Manialtepec, near Puerto Escondido. The natural phenomenon of bioluminescence can be observed there. If you do not want to focus your trip solely on beaches, you can consider this nature experience alongside visits to the market, regional cuisine, and cultural offerings.

Getting there and choosing your vacation rental

As of June 9, 2025, Puerto Escondido had air connections to four domestic destinations and one international destination: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles, and Houston. Airlines operating these routes included Viva, Aeroméxico, Volaris, and United Airlines, among others. This information reflects the stated situation in 2025.

For the drive from the capital of Oaxaca state to the coastal region of Puerto Escondido, the new Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway allows a journey time of two and a half hours, according to information dated June 9, 2025. When looking for a vacation rental, you can start with your travel interests: consider whether beach activities, fishing and boat trips, the market and regional cuisine, or the nature in the surrounding area are particularly important to you.

Discover more destinations

Santa María Jacatepec, San Felipe Usila, Cacaotepec, Santa Catarina Lachatao, Juchitán De Zaragoza, San Pedro Pochutla, Tlachicon, Salina Cruz.

For the broader travel overview: Oaxaca.