32 BEST Things To Do In Puerto Escondido For First-Timers (2023)
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Looking for the best things to do in Puerto Escondido? You’re in the right place! In the following post, I outline the best things to do if you’re visiting Puerto Escondido for the first time.
After living in Puerto Escondido for nearly 2 months, we learnt a lot about the best things to do there (and the not-so-great things to do). But even if you have nothing planned in Puerto Escondido, you can still have an amazing time.
Cheap activities like watching the sunset on the beach, swimming in the crystal clear water, and just walking through lively La Punta in the evenings are fun.
There are endless opportunities in Puerto Escondido, and it really is one of the best places in Mexico to stay during your backpacking trip.
Below you will find a list of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, but the list is never-ending especially as Puerto Escondido is becoming more and more popular with tourists and locals!
Backpacking Mexico and want to visit Puerto Escondido? Don’t miss my complete area guide and a list of the best hostels.
Other Mexico posts:
- Mexico City to Puerto Escondido (Backpacker Guide) 2022
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2022)
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho (2022)
- Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide
32 Best things to do in Puerto Escondido: A Quick List
If you’re short on time, here is a quick list of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
- Release baby turtles on Playa Bacocho
- Try surfing for the first time, or take a surfing lesson
- Spot dolphins, whales and turtles on a boat tour
- Learn Spanish at Experiencia
- See the bioluminescent plankton during a new moon
- Join the daily volleyball match on the beach in La Punta
- Dine in the restaurants on the Rinconada strip
- Go kayaking in the mangroves of Laguna Manialtepec
- Do the coastal walk on Playa Principal
- Take a day or overnight trip to Mazunte
- Do a Puerto Escondido skydive
- Relax on one of the many beaches
- Go horseback riding during sunset
- Watch the unbeatable sunset from Playa Carrizalillo
- Listen to live music in La Punta
- Watch a world-class surfing tournament at Playa Zicatela
- Go snorkelling on Playa Coral
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise
- Drink a cocos frios on the beach
- Take a walk around Puerto Escondido’s biggest market, Mercado Benito Juarez
- Go on a day or overnight trip to Chacahua, where you can spot whales from the beach
- Visit the nearby waterfalls
- Go shopping in some of the many shops in La Punta
- Watch skateboarding and rollerblading at The Boneyard
- Visit one of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Escondido, Casa de Los Abuelos (La Punta)
- Party the night away in Juane Mezcale (La Punta)
- Have a late-late night in Xcaanda
- Take a Mexican cooking class
- Try the famous fish tacos at The Fish Shack
- Catch up on some work in a co-working spot (the best wifi in Puerto Escondido is in Sabina and Losodeli)
- Join a local event in Centro
- Try a mix of Korean and Mexican BBQ food in the Smoke Shack (some of the best food I have ever eaten!)
- Build your own burger in Alaburger, one of La Punta’s best restaurants!
Below I have summarised some of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido in more detail. If you need any advice or help about Puerto Escondido, be sure to contact me on Instagram!
- Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
- Puerto Escondido in February: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
- Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido? 2023 Updates
1. Release baby turtles into the ocean on Playa Bacocho
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido, releasing a baby turtle into the ocean has to be the number one activity on your list.
We did this activity for my 30th birthday, and it was one of the best, most unique experiences I’ve ever had!
The turtle release in Puerto Escondido happens at Playa Bacocho every day at 5pm. You’ll have the chance to hold a tiny, baby turtle in a coconut, then place it gently on the sand to help it make its big journey to the ocean. With the sunset as a backdrop, it’s one of the most unique and incredible experiences we did in Mexico!
NOTE: Do NOT book an online tour to do the turtle release (unless you want to spend a lot of extra money unnecessarily). Just turn up around 4.45 pm, get in the queue and have at least 150 pesos cash per person (roughly £6/$8).
You can find out more about the turtle release in my post: Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho (2022)!
Want to see what it’s like? There are lots of videos and photos of the turtle release over on my Instagram. If you want to check them out, they’re all saved in my highlights!
2. Take a surfing lesson
Puerto Escondido is known for its surfing. In fact, it’s one of the best places to surf in the world! Zicatela beach even hosts world-class surfing competitions due to the size of the waves (which we of course, did not try and attempt, but loved to watch!)
If you’re a beginner surfer, your instructor will take you to beaches like La Punta and Playa Carrizalillo. The waves here are perfect for new surfers – although it can get quite busy!
Even if you’re not a surfer yourself, sitting on the beach with a beer in hand and watching the surfers is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido. Especially during sunset, as the live performances roll in and the live music begins. It’s pretty special!
3. Go on a dolphin and whale-watching tour
This is another epic and memorable activity to do in Puerto Escondido. To say the dolphin-watching tour was one of my favourite activities is an understatement!
We booked our dolphin tour through Eco Adventures, and they exceeded all of our expectations. I’d highly recommend booking with them when you’re in Puerto Escondido!
You’ll be picked up from your apartment at around 6.30am, and taken to Playa Angelito to start the tour. The boats hold around 8-10 people, and there aren’t any toilets, so make sure you go before.
A few minutes after leaving the shore, we were surrounded by dolphins. Hundreds, in fact! As dolphins love to put on a show, they swam alongside our boat and jumped high out of the water in unison for us to see. It was absolutely incredible.
There is the opportunity to swim with the dolphins and turtles, but the water is full of jellyfish. They aren’t dangerous or fatal jellyfish, but they do sting! We had a few people jump in from our boat, but they were stung all over. I gave this a miss!
The tour lasts around 3 hours, and the water can get quite choppy. Take some sea-sickness pills beforehand if you’re prone to getting ill.
Sadly we didn’t see any whales, but there is a high chance you will see them on the trip. It’s just luck of the day!
4. Learn Spanish at Experiencia
Backpacking Mexico is HARD if you don’t know any Spanish. If you’re planning on travelling through Central or South America, I recommend signing up for a Spanish school at some point during your route.
If you’re looking for a Spanish school, check out Experiencia. As well as offering Spanish lessons, they have a surf camp where you can learn to surf, a dog rescue centre if you want to volunteer AND offer weekly salsa and Mexican cooking lessons!
We stayed at Experiencia in La Punta for two weeks in 2022. It was one of the best experiences of our entire Mexico trip, as we met so many amazing people and learnt more than we could have imagined. We had three hours of Spanish a day and eight hours of surfing spread across 14 days.
Our Spanish teachers were incredible – as complete beginners, they made us feel so comfortable and welcomed. We picked up so much Spanish during the two weeks, and it encouraged us to book another Spanish school in Antigua in 2023!
TOP TIP: If you’re going to book a Spanish school in Puerto Escondido, I recommend doing at least two weeks. This gives you the chance to settle in and get your head around all of the basics, and even have the time to challenge yourself!
5. See the bioluminescent plankton during a new moon
There are only a few places in Mexico where you can see bioluminescent creatures in the night sky, so take advantage of it if you’re in Puerto Escondido!
To see the creatures, you’ll need to book a tour (I recommend this one). Tours take place every night, with the best chance to see them being during the ‘new’ phase of the moon. This is due to there being as little light pollution as possible (including from the moon!)
You’ll sail on a starlit boat through the lagoons of Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, discovering constellations with a powerful laser and even having the chance to dive into the lagoon for a swim!
Want to book your tour in advance? Click here!
6. Join the daily volleyball match on the beach in La Punta
Amature volleyballers, unite! La Punta is the perfect place to have a game of volleyball, as a friendly match is held every day around 4.30 pm.
If you fancy joining in, just turn up! The volleyball courts are in front of Punta Vida (which you can put into Google maps), and the games are open to all.
It’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido to make new friends and squeeze in a bit of a workout!
7. Eat at one of Rinconada’s many restaurants
If you’re looking for somewhere different to eat, head to Rinconada. Nestled between all of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido, you’ll find a whole strip of restaurants.
Even just strolling along the strip at night, listening to the live music and joining in with the laidback vibes is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
Some of the best restaurants in Rinconada include:
- El Cafecito (£) – traditional Mexican homemade food, with some western options like pesto pasta and hamburgers.
- Pinches Tacos (££) – build your own tacos at Pinches! Plus vegetarian options are available.
- El Sultan (£) – go here for incredible Middle Eastern food. From falafel wraps to shawarma kebabs, it’s one of Rinconada’s cheapest and tastiest options. It’s also 2-for-1 on falafel and houmous wraps on a Wednesday!
- Dulce Tierre (£) – the best bakery in Puerto Escondido (they also have cafes in Zicatela and La Punta). Get the red velvet cake!
- ChupAlitas (£) – undoubtedly the best chicken wings in Puerto!
8. Go kayaking in Puerto Suelo
This is a day trip that takes you out of Puerto Escondido but is still worth doing if you have enough time.
During the tour, you’ll board the kayaks to adventure through a lagoon to see birds, mangroves and even be on the lookout for crocs!
For this tour, I recommend booking in advance. It gets booked up pretty quickly (especially in peak times). You can book your tour here.
9. Take a sunset horseback riding tour
Ever thought about riding a horse through the Oaxacan jungle? Well, now you have!
This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido. Your tour will take you along the beach, across the Manialtepec river and enjoy a bonfire at sunset.
Again, this is another activity that should be pre-booked. You can book your tour here.
10. Enjoy a beach sunset
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido, watching the sunset on the beach is pretty much the law (just kidding, but near enough everyone gathers on the beach to watch the sunset every night)
The sunsets in Puerto Escondido are epic, and aren’t to be missed. Some of the best spots to watch the sunset include:
- La Punta beach. On the left of the lifeguard hut, you’ll find locals and young backpackers with speakers, buskers playing live music and lots of casual drinking and socialising. On the right of the lifeguard hut, it’s more chilled and quiet.
- Playa Carrizalillo: this is a smaller beach than La Punta, and it often gets busy. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset for a good spot! Find out more about Playa Carrizalillo here.
- Playa Bacocho: this beach is the quietest of all of Puerto Escondido’s beaches, but it has some of the best sunset views.
11. Watch skateboarding and rollerblading at The Boneyard
Just off the main street in La Punta is a bar called The Boneyard. In the middle of the bar is a big bowl where skaters go to practise and show off their skills.
Whether you want to join in with your own skateboard or skates, or just watch from the sidelines, this is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido in the evenings!
Boneyard also serves pizza and cheap beer to really make the most of it!
12. Visit one of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Escondido, Casa de Los Abuelos (La Punta)
The food in Mexico is incredible, and Casa de Los Abuelos was one of our favourites. If you like traditional Mexican food at a low price, check this place out.
Located in La Punta, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the whole of Puerto Escondido.
If you need a recommendation, get the tlayudas. A Mexican street food originating from Oaxaca, it’s a large corn tortilla that’s cooked until it’s crispy, folded over and then filled with beans, meat, or veggie options. Whatever you get, make sure you add Oaxacan cheese!
13. Try the famous fish tacos at The Fish Shack (La Punta)
Now you may have heard about Pepe’s fish tacos, but have you heard about the Fish Shack?!
These tacos are some of the best you can get in the whole of Puerto Escondido. And don’t just take my word for it – the line is out the door every evening!
Located in La Punta (right next to Amoki, the home of the giant burrito, which is also delicious), the Fish Shack is one of the best places to eat in Puerto Escondido.
Need a food recommendation? For fish eaters, get the fried shrimp tacos. For veggies, get the coconut cauliflower tacos. Honestly, I am salivating just thinking about them.
Plus the atmosphere in the Fish Shack is fun. There’s loud music playing, the staff are friendly and the beers are cheap. It’s a great place to start pre-drinking!
Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido? I’ve got you covered! Check out my recent post: 25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023)
14. Head to a co-working spot for work
Puerto Escondido gets a bad rep when it comes to wifi. Being digital nomads ourselves, this was always a worry. But wifi in the area has improved dramatically in the past few months, so it actually isn’t that bad anymore.
We found the wifi to be reliable 90% of the time in all of our accommodations. This included hostels and apartments in both Centro and La Punta. Every now and then it would stop, but this would be fleeting. This usually only happened at night.
If you need reliable wifi, strong enough to upload big files and photos, head to one of the following:
- Sabina (La Punta). We used this co-working cafe nearly every day whilst living in La Punta, and I couldn’t fault it. It allowed me to blog, upload heavy files, edit videos, upload on Instagram and do everything else I needed to do. It’s free, but you need to spend at least 150 pesos in their restaurant (which is easy to do – the food is AMAZING!)
- Cafe Losodeli (Centro). Losodeli is also a co-working hostel, so you can expect reliable wifi. If you’re visiting for the first time, get the Nutella pancakes (you can thank me later).
- Malagua (La Punta). Malagua is one of the most aesthetically pleasing co-working spots, but it comes at a cost. It’s around 120 pesos per hour to use their wifi. The food and coffee at Malagua is amazing, and I again recommend the pancakes!
- Sativa (La Punta): Directly opposite Malagua is Sativa. This is a budget-friendly co-working space with no fees whatsoever. You will just need to purchase a coffee, smoothie or food to work there.
15. Join a local event in Centro
Centro is where most of the local Mexicans live, and if there’s anything I know about Mexicans, it’s that they love to celebrate!
No matter the time of year, there will be an event, parade, party or something going on in Centro. We saw parades, food competitions, live music events, street parties, fireworks and even bingo in Centro whilst we were there.
You can either search for events online or just wander around Centro yourself. You’re bound to find something!
One of the busiest months for festivities and celebrations in Centro is November. Check out why here!
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
Looking for the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido? I’ve written a guide on the best areas in Puerto, as well as the best hostels.
But if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:
🛏️ Best hostel in Puerto Escondido for backpackers: Book here
If you’re a solo traveller and looking to party in Puerto Escondido, I recommend this hostel in La Punta. It’s known for its wild events and activities, has its own pool and isn’t far from the beach.
Getting around Puerto Escondido is easy, and if you prefer one area to another, taxis are cheap and widely available.
Getting around Puerto Escondido
Getting around Puerto Esconido is easy, and most commonly either by scooter, colectivo or taxi. It is possible to walk, but journeys like La Punta to Bacocho would take a couple of hours, and it’s HOT!
If you need to know the ins and outs of getting around, check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide.
When to visit Puerto Escondido
Let’s talk about the best time to visit Puerto Escondido. This is always going to differ depending on your preferences.
🌍 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a backpacker: November – April. The rain has come to an end, hostels are full of life and partying, it’s continuously hot and sunny, and the famous Puerto Escondido sunsets from Playa Carrizalillo. Note this is the hottest time to visit Puerto Escondido, and most days your weather app will tell you it ‘feels like 45-48°C’. It is CRAZY hot!
💻 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a digital nomad: October through May for atmosphere, sunny days and blue skies.
💰 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for the cheapest deals: May-August, due to the rainy season (but the waves are still great!)
👫 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for avoiding crowds: May-August, again due to the rainy season.
🏄♀️ Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for surfing: Peak surfing season in Puerto Escondido is between April and September. This is when the waves are at their most consistent, and is the time when large surf competitions and events are held on Zicatela. The quietest surf time is in November.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
Yes! Yes and yes again. Even if it means taking an 18-hour bus! If you’re backpacking Mexico, make sure Puerto Escondido is planned for your route. It’s truly one of the friendliest, liveliest and best places to be in Mexico, and it is perfect for solo backpackers and digital nomads.
We loved Puerto Escondido so much that we lived there for nearly two months! This blog is packed full of Puerto Escondido information, so be sure to check it out!
- Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2022)
- Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2022 Guide)
- Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2022)
How many days do you need in Puerto Escondido?
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido for the first time, 4-5 days is enough time to do the main activities, explore the best beaches and experience the Puerto Escondido way of life.
However, this of course depends on what you’re coming to Puerto Escondido for! It’s definitely one of those places that you’ll instantly fall in love with and never want to leave.
We spent nearly 2 months living in Puerto Escondido, whilst taking Spanish classes and surf lessons and working as digital nomads. This was a great amount of time for us, but we definitely could have stayed longer!
La Punta in Puerto Escondido is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to – I couldn’t recommend it enough! If you have the luxury of time, stay for at least 2 weeks to familiarise yourself with the people, culture and atmosphere!
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
Whilst there is a big party scene in Puerto Escondido, you can also spend your time there chilling, surfing, relaxing and eating. Puerto Escondido is big enough to either throw yourself into the party nightclub scene or stay completely away from it.
If you’re looking to drink in Puerto Escondido, the best place to start is La Punta. This is where most backpackers stay and is located in the south.
La Punta is known for its live music, chill bar scene and laid-back atmosphere. Most people tend to head out to Zicatela from midnight onwards, as La Punta comes to a close.
Zicatela is known as ‘the party doesn’t stop until the people stop‘ place, so your night can last until the early hours!
But like I said, if you stay out of Zicatela, you don’t need to engage with the wild, party side at all! Even when we were in La Punta, we never felt like it was too ‘wild’. We loved the laid-back atmosphere of La Punta. It’s an atmosphere like no other.
If you want to know the best places to party, check out: Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido? I’ve got you covered! Check out my recent post: 25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023)
Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico
If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Best things to do in Puerto Escondido: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2022)
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2022 Guide)
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho (2022)
- Playa Coral, Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2022)
- Puerto Escondido in November: Weather, Tips + More (2022)
- BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2022 Guide)
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
