What are the Best Things to do in Puerto Escondido?
Your Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Pacific Paradise
Puerto Escondido isn’t just another beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast – it’s a vibrant blend of world-class surfing, incredible wildlife encounters, authentic Oaxacan culture, and meaningful ways to give back to the local community.
Whether you’re planning a trip from nearby Huatulco or flying in directly, this laid-back coastal paradise offers experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. From releasing baby turtles into the ocean to swimming in bioluminescent waters, here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
1. Volunteer at a Local Dog Rescue
Before diving into all the adventure and relaxation Puerto Escondido offers, consider starting your trip with something truly meaningful – volunteering at a local dog rescue. Huellitas de Acero A.C. is a volunteer-run dog rescue and shelter that provides a safe haven for over 130 abandoned, injured, sick, and abused street dogs at any given time.
This incredible organization relies entirely on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and the community to give these deserving animals a second chance at life. Located right in Puerto Escondido, Huellitas de Acero offers visitors a unique opportunity to make a real difference while experiencing the warmth of Mexican hospitality and animal welfare advocacy.
What makes this experience special? Unlike many tourist activities, volunteering at the shelter connects you directly with the local community and allows you to contribute to solving a real problem. The dogs at Huellitas de Acero are rescued from the streets, often in terrible condition, and volunteers help with daily care including feeding, walking, cleaning, general shelter maintenance, and providing much-needed love and socialization.
The shelter operates year-round and welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers. Even spending just a morning at the shelter can be incredibly rewarding – many visitors describe the experience of seeing these rescued dogs light up with joy when they receive attention as one of the most heartwarming parts of their entire trip.
The shelter also runs educational programs in the community and has successfully placed over 140 dogs in forever homes in Puerto Escondido, Canada, and the United States.
Getting involved is easy!
2. Experience World-Class Surfing
Playa Zicatela: The Mexican Pipeline
No discussion of Puerto Escondido is complete without mentioning its legendary surfing scene. Playa Zicatela is the crown jewel – a 3.5-kilometer stretch of beach that hosts some of the biggest and most powerful waves in the world. This spot is famous for producing waves that can reach 15-20 feet, sometimes even higher, earning it the nickname “The Mexican Pipeline”.
Important note: Zicatela is absolutely not for beginners. The waves here are incredibly powerful and can be dangerous even for experienced surfers. The beach break produces hollow, fast-moving barrels that attract professional surfers from around the globe, especially during peak season from May to October. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the pros tackle these massive waves from the beach is absolutely mesmerizing.
The northern end of Zicatela is where most of the surfing action happens, and there are plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants where you can grab a cold beer and watch the show. For the best views, head up to Mirador El Morro for stunning panoramic vistas of the entire beach and coastline.
La Punta: For Intermediate Surfers
If you’re an intermediate surfer looking to challenge yourself without the extreme intensity of main Zicatela, La Punta is your spot. Located at the southern end of Zicatela Beach, this point break offers more manageable waves that are still challenging enough to push your skills.
La Punta features consistent left-hand waves that are less powerful than the main Pipeline but still require solid surfing abilities. During smaller swell days, you’ll find surf schools operating here, but when the waves pick up, it becomes a serious surf spot with its own set of challenges including rocks and strong currents.
Playa Carrizalillo: Perfect for Beginners
For those just starting their surfing journey, Playa Carrizalillo is an absolute gem. This stunning horseshoe-shaped bay is surrounded by palm trees and golden sand, creating one of the most picturesque surf spots you’ll ever see.
The waves here are much more mellow and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners and surf lessons. Two separate point breaks work into the center of the bay from either side, and the waves are best surfed at middle to low tide when they’re about chest high. You can rent boards right on the beach for around 500 pesos, and many local surf schools operate here.
3. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
One of the most magical experiences Puerto Escondido offers is swimming in bioluminescent waters at Laguna Manialtepec. This natural phenomenon is caused by microscopic organisms that emit light when disturbed, creating an otherworldly light show in the water.
When to go: The best time to experience bioluminescence is between May and October, with tours typically departing around sunset. The phenomenon is most visible on darker nights when there’s little to no moon, as the contrast makes the light more intense.
What to expect: Tours usually last about 3 hours and include boat transportation to the lagoon, located about 18 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido. Once you’re in the water, every movement creates streams of blue-green light – it’s like swimming through liquid starlight. Many visitors describe this as one of the most magical experiences of their entire trip to Mexico.
The tours are typically limited to small groups of around 10 people, ensuring a more intimate experience. Most include transportation from Puerto Escondido, a local guide, and sometimes food. The lagoon is also an excellent spot for stargazing, as the lack of light pollution creates perfect conditions for seeing the Milky Way.
4. Release Baby Sea Turtles
Participating in a baby turtle release is not just an unforgettable experience – it’s also a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation. Four of the world’s seven sea turtle species come to the beaches of Oaxaca to lay their eggs, and all of them are currently in danger of extinction.
Where and when: The most popular turtle release location is Vive Mar on Bacocho Beach, where releases happen every evening at 5 PM. No reservation is required – just show up at the designated area and look for the small building with educational signage about turtle conservation.
The experience: For just 100 pesos (about $5 USD), you’ll receive a coconut shell containing newly hatched baby turtles – some only minutes old. The money goes directly to supporting the conservation program and the volunteers who work tirelessly to protect these endangered species.
You’ll carry your turtles down to a designated line drawn in the sand, where you’ll release them to make their own way to the ocean. This natural journey is important for their development – they need to navigate to the water themselves rather than being placed directly in the waves. Watching these tiny creatures instinctively waddle toward their ocean home is incredibly moving.
Conservation impact: While Olive Ridley turtles can be released year-round, the other species (Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green turtles) nest from October through March. The conservation teams work through the night to locate nests, carefully relocate eggs to protected areas, and care for hatchlings until they’re ready for release.
5. Discover Incredible Beaches
Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho consistently ranks as one of the top beaches in Puerto Escondido for good reason. This expansive stretch of golden sand offers excellent swimming conditions (unlike the powerful Zicatela), and it’s where you’ll find the turtle release program mentioned above. The beach has a more relaxed vibe compared to the surf-focused Zicatela, making it perfect for families and those looking to simply relax by the Pacific.
Puerto Angelito
For a more intimate beach experience, Playa Puerto Angelito offers a smaller, more secluded setting. This charming beach is perfect for a quieter day by the water, with gentle waves suitable for swimming and a more laid-back atmosphere away from the crowds.
Carrizalillo Beach
Beyond its excellent beginner surfing, Playa Carrizalillo is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The horseshoe-shaped bay is framed by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a tropical paradise perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun. The protected bay means the water is typically calmer and more suitable for swimming than the open ocean beaches.
6. Explore the Incredible Food Scene
Puerto Escondido’s food scene is a delicious blend of fresh Pacific seafood and authentic Oaxacan cuisine. The town has evolved into a foodie destination that satisfies everyone from street food lovers to fine dining enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes
Fish Tacos are absolutely essential eating in Puerto Escondido – they’re practically the town’s signature dish. The local favorites include Fish Shack (an institution famous for its coco-fried shrimp tacos), La Olita (known for incredible tempura batter), Pepe’s Fish Tacos (generous and fresh), La Casa del Surfer (big portions), and El Viejo (amazing smoked fish tacos).
Coco-fried shrimp tacos are a Puerto Escondido specialty and the closest thing the town has to a signature dish. These feature Pacific shrimp coated in shredded coconut and fried to perfection – absolutely divine.
Traditional Oaxacan specialties you must try include mole negro (rich, chocolate-infused sauce), tlayudas (crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, and vegetables), enmoladas (tortillas bathed in mole sauce), and fresh ceviches made with locally caught fish.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Comedor Tere offers an authentic local experience with a daily menu that includes classic breakfast items like chilaquiles and enfrijoladas. This casual spot is always packed with locals, which is always a great sign – just arrive early since popular dishes tend to run out by mid-afternoon.
Nana Pancha highlights fresh seafood and Oaxacan specialties with creative twists like cecina al pastor tacos and pulpo gorditas. They also serve craft beer made in-house.
For those craving international flavors, Puerto Escondido has evolved to include excellent Italian, Japanese, and vegetarian options alongside the traditional Mexican fare.
TRAVELING TO PUERTO ESCONDIDO OR HUATULCO, MEXICO?
Becoming a Flight Angel might be the perfect way to combine your passion for travel with the joy of helping a rescued dog find their forever home!
Why Become a Flight Angel?
Becoming a Flight Angel is an incredibly rewarding experience. You’ll witness firsthand the power of adoption and play a pivotal role in a heartwarming story.
- Make a Real Difference: Your willingness to share a bit of space on your flight directly impacts the life of a deserving dog. You’ll be the reason they get a second chance at happiness in a loving forever home.
- Witness the Joy of Adoption: There’s nothing quite like seeing the pure joy of a rescued dog meeting their new family for the first time. You’ll be a part of that unforgettable moment and the start of a beautiful new chapter.
- Travel with a Purpose: Turn your next trip into a meaningful adventure. Instead of just visiting a new destination, you’ll be a hero on a mission to reunite a dog with their loving family.
- Simple & Rewarding: Becoming a Flight Angel is a straightforward process. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on the joy of the experience.
If you don’t know what a flight angel is, it’s when you volunteer with a dog shelter to take a dog on a flight to it’s new adopted home on your way back from vacation.
When you travel, check with nearby dog shelters and ask if they need a flight angel to your home town. They are always so desperate for them; they and the adopted doggie parents will be forever grateful to you.
It’s how I give back to the community I’ve been visiting. It doesn’t cost you anything and the shelter takes care of everything, it’s super easy! You just have to love dogs. 🙂