Puerto Escondido feels like one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, yet its reputation for world-class surf and laid-back charm is spreading fast. Nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Oaxaca, this former fishing village has evolved into a vibrant destination that balances raw natural beauty with a growing bohemian scene. Travelers come for the thundering waves, but they stay for the golden sand beaches, fresh seafood, and the unhurried rhythm of life that defines the Pacific coastline.
Unlike the polished resorts of the Riviera Maya, Puerto Escondido retains a rugged authenticity that appeals to adventurers and free spirits. The town is spread across several distinct neighborhoods, from the backpacker-friendly La Punta to the local-centric Centro and the upscale hills of Rinconada. Each area offers its own unique flavor, yet all share the same breathtaking ocean views and warm Oaxacan hospitality that makes this corner of Mexico so special.
Planning a trip here means embracing a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities and deeply relaxing moments. You can spend your mornings chasing waves, your afternoons releasing baby sea turtles, and your evenings watching the sky explode into shades of orange and pink over the Pacific. The key is knowing where to go and how to experience the destination like a savvy traveler, not just a passing tourist.
The best part is that Puerto Escondido works for every type of traveler. Solo backpackers find community in beachside hostels, couples discover romantic sunset spots, and families enjoy calm bays perfect for swimming. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a full month, the hardest part will be convincing yourself to leave this slice of coastal paradise.
That said, with so much to see and do, it helps to have a clear game plan before you arrive. From hidden beaches and bioluminescent lagoons to local markets and cliffside viewpoints, the options can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down the essential experiences that should top your Puerto Escondido itinerary.
Here are the most memorable things to do in Puerto Escondido, each offering a distinct way to connect with the region’s natural beauty, culture, and adventurous spirit.
Eco Adventures Puerto Escondido - Tours & Actividades
| Address | Benito Juárez Local 2 Sección C, Rinconada, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 134 7889 |
Highly recommend booking the River Trail Horseback Riding Adventure with Eco! Such a fantastic afternoon that will be an iconic memory of our trip to PE. JP and the cowboys were incredible guides that took us through such varied, beautiful terrain — farmland, rivers, mangrove lagoons, beaches! You can stretch your limits a bit if you want to go faster on the horses or learn more maneuvering — it’s definitely more interesting than your standard follow-the-leader horseback riding session. Fingers crossed for a stunning sunset but even without that, it’s so much fun.
My fiance and I were lucky to have JP for 2 tours (Chacahua sunset and lagoon birdwatching). He was a fantastic tour guide and helped us to learn about local culture and the environment, while showing us many incredible local animals. Check out these photos which we got thanks to JP! Unforgettable experience, thank you!
One of the key highlights of my time in Puerto Escondido was the snorkel + turtle tour with Eco Adventures. At sunset, every 20 seconds a new female turtle came out of the water and it was honestly an unreal experience to witness.
Antonio, Juan and Ixil were incredible, informative and took great care of me by going the extra mile. The experiences were truly eco-conscious, and everything was thoughtfully organized. Ixil provided first hand biology insight and information unique to Mexico culture as her studies with biology and anthropology certainly comes in handy with these tours.
Their communication beforehand and timeliness were excellent, and they did an amazing job capturing photos of me along the way since I was solo traveling. Highly recommended for any size group looking for adventures with purpose.
I didn’t have time, but I when I return I’d love to go on the Bioluminescent and horseback ride adventure as the guides talked highly about those. 10/10. Thanks everyone!
Antonio was the best guide. He picked us up at our place and took us to the start of the trail. The horses were pristine and followed along the trail easily. The craziest part was when we had to get off the horses to cross the water. So efficient is removing saddles, crossing, the river and resaddling. Watching the horses swim across the water was such a crazy sight. And the beach tide was sublime. We got some background on the area, stopped at the beach "restaurant" for a snack then got back on the horses to watch the sunset. It did not disappoint. Definitely recommend and would do it all over again.
I did the horse riding experience and it was phenomenal! From the moment my guide *Jean Paul* picked me up from my hotel the vibes were great! Unfortunately the sky was too cloudy to see the sunset but everything else was so perfect that I barely even noticed.
Baby Turtle Release Centre
| Address | Playa, Bacocho, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 954 114 5568 |
Honestly, such an amazing experience! We loved it. IMO, it’s a great price for such an unforgettable experience. I would totally do it again!
Breathtaking! We arrived around 4pm but it’s recommended to que at around 4:50pm. You pay 150MXP per person for the coconut bowl to hold the baby turtles 🐢🥥
Once everyone had their bowls we were split into English or Spanish speaking groups for a talk. The guy had so much information to share with us about the project and the care they take to try and give these turtles the best chance at life…is amazing. Don’t be put off by people saying about the seagulls as he explains this is just the circle of life and without the help of the project they might never have even got to the point of release.
It’s amazing and so worth doing!! I would say it was the highlight of my time in Oaxaca 💖
If you love animals, do not go here. Turtles mostly hatch at night, so predators can't catch them. 75% of all the turtles are eaten by seaguls. They should do this at night. Watch the video please. This is a big tourist trap, and doesn't help the animals at all. (We watched from the side, luckily we didn't contribute to this cruelty)
What an experience this was! We arrived around 4:50pm and there was already a bit of a line, however, it went relatively quickly and there were enough turtles for everyone to release.
You pay 150MXP per person for the coconut bowl to hold and release one turtle. If you want to release two turtles then the cost is doubled.
Once everyone had their bowls we were split into English or Spanish speaking groups where we were given a brief explanation about their project and what they do there. They all seemed really passionate about the work that they do there and it was cool to hear about it.
We were pre-warned by our guide that the seagulls would attack the turtles once they were released but he also explained to us that this is the circle of life and natural selection. Despite this warning, it was still pretty heartbreaking seeing most of the turtles being swooped up by sea gulls. There are people (working for the center) who were trying to prevent the seagulls from grabbing the turtles by throwing sand at them, but it’s not super effective method.
It was definitely a once in a life time experience being able to release a baby turtle, I would recommend it to people if you’re okay with the high probability of watching your turtle being taken away by a sea gull and not making it to the water.
Everyday they release turtles at 5 pm into the sea.
It cost 150 MXN per person. It’s a lovely activity to help in the conservation of the turtles
Andador Turístico
| Address | Bahia Principal, 71984 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Originally a beautiful park with stairs to the left leading up to a viewing platform and a path to the right leading to the Mirador Un Sueno Posible, The path to the left continued into the marina. The rock path was connected by a series of bridges with several viewing spots along the way. In the middle was a shaded tea house where you could sit and watch the locals dive for mollusks. Sadly a huge storm destroyed much of the rock path along the water and all but one of the bridges all gone. The sections that survived offer great views but be sure to watch your step.
Tried to walk this but it kept being interrupted by collapsed bridges. I wouldn’t really call this a ‘walk’ anymore. Nice area to sit and relax but if you’re here for a walk like I was then you’ll be disappointed
This is the start (or end) of beautiful quiet hike along the water. If you start here at Playa Principal, you can walk all the way along the water and you will end at Mirador un sueño Posible, located at the end of the street: ‘Calle Tercera Poniente’. You can also start there, and then finish your walk at Playa Principal.
Gorgeous little walk, quiet and no tourist. One little section of the trail is missing, but is easily overcome. We did the trail with a 3year old, 2year old and 1-year old..
it is easier to start at Playa Principal than vice versa. Highly recommend.
Unfortunately the costal walk is interrupted due to a collapsed bridge halfway. So it can't be completed without risky climbing. We had to turn around to Mirador Un Sueño Posible, one of its starting point. The scenery is very nice though
Very nice walk near the ocean. Path is broken and never repaired but you can easy climb obstacles.
Playa Coral
| Address | Playa Coral, Del Pacífico Norte, Bacocho, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Google maps will direct you to a closed off entrance. The Hotel Villa Mexicana is they way to go. I was charged 100pp. And the locals chair/umbrella person tried for 350 and came down to 250pp. It wasn't clear to me that the hotel chair/umbrella area was available non hotel members. Give it a try.
The swimming in front of the hotel area is a bit more accessible. Go there first.
Of the 3 beaches I visited in the area, this was the least crowded. It's a beautiful beach.
The easiest way to access this lovely beach is paying for a wristband at the Hotel Villa Mexicana Puerto Escondido. We have absolutely no problem with this. They built the long concrete zig zag ramp and the infrastructure and they allow non guests access so more power to them ! And thank you. If you want to get there there is access from further north. There are different levels of access but we just didn’t the simple $50.P each. There are hotel umbrellas with 2 comfortable looking lounges for $250.P. A little further south there are umbrellas with plastic chairs for $200. from locals. At the southern most cliff there are palm trees and limited shade. Gotta keep moving with the sun, chasing the shade or cook ! Some decent snorkeling in this area depending on the ocean conditions. There are guys that will sell you ice cold beers, pop and chips / snacks for a reasonable price. Lovely way to enjoy the afternoon.
This beach is pretty quiet during the week and has many spots in the shade. There are cute dogs running around, playing with the waves. The waves can be strong, don't swim with glasses. To reach the beach directly from the road, you can either pay a $50 fee to go through the hotel or go through a pretty adventurous path on the side. It's fine if you're fit and don't have vertigo
Beautiful beach with rough waves, entrance was through Villa Mexicana. $50/person to enter and $100/per person if you want a hamburger included. The ramp leading down to the beach is pretty steep, so anyone with mobility issues might have a problem going down/getting back up from the beach.
You have to pay to get in here through the hotel (we paid $100 for two at 7am one morning), but it was worth it for sure. The old creepy abandoned water park is amazing and the beach was perfect for swimming. There’s some rocks and bits to walk around on the right too, which was nice.
Hierve el Agua
| Address | Hierve el Agua, 70477 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 502 1200 |
Of course the natural limestone waterfall which has been made over thousands of years is a natural wonder. And I’d like to think that the 70 (20 + 50) pesos per person spent go towards the local community (which I’m sure it does). But as a “tourist” attraction, it’s very rundown and not very appealing. The walk down from the car park
Is a good 5min. You can do a longer trail if you feel like it and can handle the heat. Overall, not worth the detour as far as I’m concerned. I did enjoy seeing the locals doing Mezcal the old fashion way but we did not stop.
Overall, it was a nice place to visit. It didn’t look exactly like the photos online, which was a little disappointing at first, but it was still worth the trip. The area around it is lively, with plenty of small markets, food stands, and local vendors where you can buy snacks, meals, drinks, or souvenirs. The atmosphere is enjoyable and gives you a chance to experience the local culture. The highlight of the visit was definitely the view—it is absolutely stunning and even more impressive in person. The scenery alone makes the visit worthwhile. Despite the difference between the photos and reality, I had a good experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
Amazing place and not too far only around 1.5 hours away from oacaca city. The hiking path takes you around 20 mins and is a bit steep on the steps but allows you to see the bottom of the waterfall while the water itself is nice as well. Went there when it was pouring which still made it fun since there was no one in the water.
It is a very cool place to visit. They have a couple spots near the entrance were you can get into the water and swim. The water is cold don't let the name fool you. If you want to go the to bottom of the water fall be aware its a long hike. Would recommend water and a hat. People near the entrance sell food water and snack
Wasn’t as crowded but decent amount of people. There wasn’t much water around but enough if you wanted to take a dip. Not crystal clear water either. Best part of this was the scenery, the food stand before going down and the horse ride back up (70 pesos, not bad).
Playa Principal
| Address | Bahia Principal, 71984 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
We particularly loved this beach ⛱️ a beautiful 😍 spot to swim. We sat at the end of the beach under a very large tree, where we enjoyed cervesa and lunch.
LOVED spending the days here, swimming in the cool water, reading in the sun, eating and drinking coconuts. Literal heaven 🌴
This area was so fun to explore! We stumbled on the 2025 Marlin Fest, which offered a cash prize for the fisherman with the largest Marlin catch. There were tons of vendors and families enjoying the water. Such a picturesque area to walk around. We enjoyed local ice cream and explored the neighboring street vendors. Highly recommend to visitors.
The older part of Puerto Escondido and the fishing port area. Charming street. Lots of shops and places for coffee and food. Swimming beach as well.
Large beach with free shade close by, lots of locals come here but it's not too crowded. You can buy fresh fruits and eat on the beach and also there are restaurants.
Mirador Las Tortugas
| Address | 71983, Las Tortugas 2, Bacocho, Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Lovely place to watch the sunset. Calm during the day, pretty crowded at sunset time but you can walk a bit further (be careful, it is sandy and slippery) to enjoy it “on your own”.
You can just go here for free. Views are stunning. Lots of place to sit and see sunsets of just enjoy the view.
Bring some beverages and enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful views!
I went there around 16:00 on a weekday, not crowded at all.
Not much access I saw to get to beach. The climb down I was a little worried with a baby but we did it. It was a nice time sit with family for a little bit. It is beautiful 😍. I would just be careful with kids . A lot of places to drop or fall.
A beautiful sunset place. Come a little early to enjiy the scenery and make pick the best spot. It is a bit of a steep sandy climb, so best to consider your shoes (might need to take off those sandals!). A close walk from the street otherwise.
I’d have to consider this to be the top scenic spot in Puerto Escondido. If you’re trying to find the best place for a dramatic pic, this is the spot. I’ve stopped by a couple times and it also tends to be very quiet without anyone else around.
There are not stairs or a set path, but getting back and forth is quite easy - it’s not nearly as intimidating as it first appears.
Artesanías El Adoquin
| Address | Libertad, 71984 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Good vibes, good prices, lovely artisinal market the day time stores get their souvenirs from. 10/10 try the crickets
This is the place to buy authentic serapes and any other artisans
Great market with a variety of supply, from rings to toys to handmade blankets and wallets you can find it here directly from the locals for a nice price!
Lovely people, I highly recommend coming here to purchase hammocks and blankets, table clothes etc. Good value and prices.
It's a place where you can find local street food: tamales, tostadas, empanadas, tacos dorados, enchiladas, pescadillas, etc., and restaurant food. There's something for every budget.
I tried enchiladas (4 for 70 pesos), bought a tamale for 30 pesos, and ice cream for 40 pesos—everything was cheap.
They also sell traditional clothing, swimsuits, life jackets, beach toys, etc.
Honestly, I loved the tamales; they were delicious. The enchiladas, not so much.
There are many vendors selling handicrafts; I bought souvenirs. There are also many restaurants with a view of the beach.
The heat is intense, so keep that in mind. I was there during the summer; I don't know about the other seasons, but the climate is difficult to deal with. It's very humid. Overall, it's a small place, easy to walk around. It's like a tianguis (open-air market), nothing special, just simple.
Centro Ecoturístico Escobilla en el Santuario Playa Escobilla
| Address | Oaxaca Oax MX, A un costado de la iglesia católica de, México 200 Supermanzana Km 180.5, 70944 Escobilla, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
We had an incredible evening at Escobilla. We arrived at 5pm and our local guide Sostenes took us to the beach to release baby turtles from eggs that had been layed outside the protected zone. Then we returned again at 9pm (recommend Agua Blanca for dinner on the beach in between) to join the night patrol. We paddled across the lagoon and then watched a mother dig her nest, fill it with eggs and then retreat to the sea. Very beautiful experience and Sostenes is brilliant. We arranged out visit in advance through WhatsApp with Edgar.
I came to this location with a group of college students for a conservation/service trip. Our group stayed on site in the cabins for a week stay and I would highly recommend it! The cabins are rustic but provide great comforts like comfortable beds, ceiling fans and mosquito netting. The service was incredible as our package included on site meals at the restaurant, daily room cleanings and connections with other eco-touristic co-ops in the area. The guides are very knowledgeable and have so much experience with the turtles and local fauna. The turtle releasing's and night patrol were the highlight of our trip. Seeing and guiding the baby turtles in their journey to the ocean was such a rewarding experience. We also got to join in on a night patrol which allowed us to view the momma turtles nesting on the beach and help the guides collect the eggs to be taken to the hatchery. Truly an amazing and once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget! The community here is dedicated to this work and it really shows.
Amazing experience. Worth every peso. Our guide Manuel was very informative. He made sure we handled the turtles carefully and gave them the best shot of making it to the ocean. Worth the drive and much less crowded than Puerto Escondido. Make sure to message them for a reservation. We were able to get one last minute. Best part of our vacation.
If you want to go, call/ WhatsApp to schedule a day and time you would like to go. The person who responded to my texts was super flexible, it costs 200 per person. Worth the trip, you see turtles hatching left and right. A truly unique experience. Activity is kid friendly.
We went at the end of the season so there were only a few hatchlings but it was still such a special experience at sunset. What amazing work this group is doing to protect turtles with little support other than from tourists. We can’t wait to come back in season.
Tequila Tours
| Address | Playa, Carrizalillo, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 954 129 0282 |
Great tour where you get picked up from your address in the morning by taxi. Then you head out onto the water quickly on a fast boat. Pretty soon we saw dozens of dolphins and whales. The captains of the different boats stay in contact with each other, so they share tips on where sightings are happening.
The captain was very friendly, and we even got to swim with the dolphins at a few spots! Amazing experience.
The boat holds around 10 people, so it’s quite small for being out at sea. If you get seasick easily, I’d recommend having a good breakfast and taking some pills beforehand.
Bring water and sunscreen!
Lived out my dream of swimming in the ocean with dolphins! Carlos was so accommodating and kind. He made everything easy, comfortable and personable. I had a really pleasant experience with Tequila Tours 🙂
Unbelievable! One of the best tours we’ve ever been on. As expected saw so many dolphins of different kinds but bonus was that we also saw multiple humpback whales and turtles. Captain Charlie was amazing, he navigated to good spots really well with great visibility without harassing the animals. Dolphins come right up and swim around the boat. Don’t miss it
If I could give this one hundred stars I would. This was absolutely incredible. I know luck was on our side but Charlie made it an even better experience. We saw 5-8 whales, we were amongst thousands of dolphins, two turtles and a manta ray!
From the beginning, Charlie was easy to communicate with and book with. He picked us up right on time from our hotel and took us to the beach, he gave us water on board and explained everything in Spanish and English.
The boat was clean with seats for up to 10 people, and the life jackets were very good quality.
Charlie was very respectful towards the whales, we saw boats going dangerously close. Charlie kept a safe distance and made the experience really enjoyable.
When we were with the dolphins he gave us the opportunity to go in the water and borrow his snorkel goggles. This was incredible (I’m a bit nervous in water to be honest!) and would definitely recommend if you get the chance.
I’d highly recommend this tour! An absolutely incredible experience.
We did an early morning Dolphin watching tour with Captain Charlie and it was an incredible experience! He was so knowledgeable about the marine life and we really appreciated how he prioritized the well being of the animals. We saw literally thousands of dolphins and a mama & baby whale. We felt very safe with Captain Charlie and can’t wait to do another tour with him when we return to Puerto!
Mercado Benito Juárez
| Address | Benito Juarez, Juárez, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Great market with really good prices! We loved coming here to get our meats, chicken, and fish - everything is fresh from the same morning. The fruits and vegetables are fresh too.
If you come early in the morning, there are also lots of people selling barbacoa (meat slow-cooked overnight) and it’s absolutely amazing! I’m not sure if they have it every day or only on weekends, but definitely worth trying if you see it!
Great selection of everything. I think it would be better to visit in the morning. We were there about 4:30pm it closes at 7 pm. But it wasn't crowded, took our time to enjoy the experience.
Absolutely the best market I have been to in any country. The place is huge with everything divided into sections. Flowers, fruit/vegetables,Meat, cheese, fish, bakery, spices, and souvenirs. It also had about 50 stalls to eat food. Found some unusual items. A pigs head and a 30lb bags of Cheetos. ( cheecho's )
Decent sized market offering everything from clothing to housewares to food to souvenirs. There is also a large selection of restaurants. Prices are reasonable. Plenty of parking when we arrived on a late Thursday morning.
In most large markets in Mexico you'll find the following:
If the stall is particularly well-organized and is not priced it's probably a little more expensive. Mexicans often don't price their items sol be aware of this and check every single thing they rack up. Especially if you're not Mexican. If it's on a corner or near the door expect higher prices.
The best deals are almost always the farmers that are hauling their stuff in for the day or weekend and they're on a time constraint. If you're a foreigner it's best not to ask the price as you often get a foreigner price. Rather get to know the prices and then ask them if it's a little bit lower than what you've heard and they can just say yes or no. It puts you in a stronger bargaining position. Always be smiling and cheerful when bargaining. If you get a good price show your appreciation. The best prices are almost always at the end of the day especially for ripe fruit. Look for sellers that package or group things together - with prices of course. These are sellers that really want to move their products. Most anyone that is selling at a low price will advertise it with a price.
The Bodega Aurrera and Chedraui are often excellent sources for avocados and meats, plus they often have excellent sales from time to time that often are only for one day. Bookmark their websites.
Also look for sellers outside main markets that just spread their stuff out on the sidewalk. Don't expect pricing but often they have excellent prices.
Punta Cometa
| Address | Cam. a Playa Mermejita, 70947 Mazunte, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Great way to end a day in Mazunte, I loved sitting with everyone and watching the sunset before grabbing dinner in town. Make sure to bring water and have coins for the donation box when you enter! I'd recommend hiking sandals too, they made the trek up and down the steps a breeze.
The highlight of our trip to Mazunte! I was blown away with the views both during the day and at sunset. Sharing an experience as simple as the sun setting amongst a group of people on a cliff side was amazing.....worth the trek!
The experience was surreal. The visuals were stunning and breathtaking. If you are visiting Playa Mazunte, I would recommend going to Punta Cometa. The hike is definitely worth it. However, kindly make the hike during daytime as the trail is unlit.
Wonderful walk from the main beach where you can stop along the way if you need to. Multiple trails to take for great viewing, accessibility varies. We chose to walk down to the beach. Note: bring change to enter the trail to support the upkeep, I think i t was 20 pesos. Bring water with you.
My favorite spot in the world to enjoy the perfect sunset, unfortunately in high season now it's super crowded. It used to be a peaceful place to sit and contemplate almost by yourself. Looking forward to return in low season. Also, they don't let you go all the way to the front climbing the rocks anymore for safety reasons...sad. But I still love the energy of this place.
Tips for Visiting Puerto Escondido
A little local knowledge goes a long way in Puerto Escondido, especially when it comes to transportation, safety, and timing. These practical tips will help you navigate the town like a seasoned visitor, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of your time on the Oaxacan coast. Keep them in mind as you plan your days and you will spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the sunshine.
Rent a scooter or ATV to explore freely. The beaches and neighborhoods are spread out, and taxis can add up quickly. A rental gives you the freedom to hop between La Punta, Zicatela, and Carrizalillo without waiting for transportation. Just make sure you are comfortable riding on sandy, uneven roads and always wear a helmet.
Bring cash, especially small bills. Many restaurants, beach vendors, and tour operators do not accept credit cards. ATMs are available but can run out of cash on busy weekends or holidays. Withdraw enough pesos in advance and keep small denominations handy for tips, taxis, and market purchases.
Time your visit around the seasons wisely. The dry season from November to April offers sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, making it the most popular time to visit. If you want bigger surf, come between May and October, but be prepared for afternoon rain showers and high humidity.
Respect the ocean and know your limits. Playa Zicatela’s powerful waves are famous for a reason, and they are not suitable for casual swimmers. Always check local conditions, swim at guarded beaches like Carrizalillo or Bacocho, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Learn a few Spanish phrases. While many people in the tourist areas speak some English, a friendly “buenos días” or “gracias” goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can help you negotiate prices, order food, and connect more authentically with the community.
Protect yourself from the sun and bugs. The Oaxacan sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so pack a good repellent, especially if you plan to visit lagoons or jungle areas.
Puerto Escondido rewards travelers who arrive with an open mind and a willingness to slow down. The town does not demand a packed itinerary; it invites you to linger over coffee, watch the surfers, and let the rhythm of the ocean set the pace. Every sunset feels like a celebration, and every meal tastes better with sand between your toes.
Whether you are chasing the perfect wave, releasing a sea turtle into the wild, or simply enjoying a cold drink at a beachfront palapa, this coastal gem leaves a lasting impression. The magic of Puerto Escondido is not found in any single attraction, but in the way all its experiences blend together into something unforgettable.
