Puerto Escondido in 5 days

Oaxaca's Pacific surf capital: powerhouse waves, laid-back beaches and boho beach life. Best time to visit: November-April (dry, sunny season). Average daily budget: $70 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: La Punta Zicatela, The boho, walkable surf village at the south end, with hostels, yoga, beach bars and beginner-friendly surf.

Morning: Learn to surf at La Punta. Mellow, forgiving waves and dozens of surf schools make La Punta one of Mexico's best beginner surf spots.

Afternoon: Explore La Punta Zicatela, The boho, walkable surf village at the south end, with hostels, yoga, beach bars and beginner-friendly surf.

Evening: Swim at Playa Carrizalillo. Descend the long staircase to a picture-perfect turquoise cove with gentle waves and beach clubs.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and grilled fish tacos

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Playa Zicatela, The long, powerful main surf beach, home of the 'Mexican Pipeline' and a lively hotel and restaurant strip.

Morning: Watch pros at the Mexican Pipeline. Playa Zicatela's world-class barrels are best watched from the sand, especially in the summer swell.

Afternoon: Explore Playa Zicatela, The long, powerful main surf beach, home of the 'Mexican Pipeline' and a lively hotel and restaurant strip.

Evening: See bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon. Night boat trips through the mangroves reveal glowing water in the right seasons, a magical experience.

Eat: Oaxacan tlayudas and mole

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Rinconada & Carrizalillo, A quieter clifftop area above the stunning small cove of Playa Carrizalillo, popular with families and swimmers.

Morning: Baby-turtle releases on the beach at sunset in season.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Rinconada & Carrizalillo, A quieter clifftop area above the stunning small cove of Playa Carrizalillo, popular with families and swimmers.

Evening: Sunset at Punta Zicatela. Sit on the sand or a beach bar as surfers ride the last waves under a legendary Pacific sunset.

Eat: Mezcal from Oaxacan family palenques

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Centro & Playa Principal, The town's original core around the fishing beach, with the market, boat trips and viewpoints.

Morning: Hidden coves along the coast reached by lancha boat.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Centro & Playa Principal, The town's original core around the fishing beach, with the market, boat trips and viewpoints.

Evening: The clifftop mirador above Playa Carrizalillo.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Beachfront brunches and smoothie bowls at La Punta

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: La Punta Zicatela, The boho, walkable surf village at the south end, with hostels, yoga, beach bars and beginner-friendly surf.

Morning: Mezcal tastings from small Oaxacan producers in town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore La Punta Zicatela, The boho, walkable surf village at the south end, with hostels, yoga, beach bars and beginner-friendly surf.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh ceviche and grilled fish tacos, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in La Punta Zicatela.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and grilled fish tacos

Hidden gems

Baby-turtle releases on the beach at sunset in season.
Hidden coves along the coast reached by lancha boat.
The clifftop mirador above Playa Carrizalillo.
Mezcal tastings from small Oaxacan producers in town.

Getting around

Puerto Escondido is spread along the coast, and the easiest way to move between beaches is by inexpensive collectivo trucks and taxis; rideshare like DiDi also works. Within La Punta, Zicatela and Rinconada, walking works for short trips. The airport is close to town, and the coast can also be reached by long bus rides from Oaxaca City.

Safety

Puerto Escondido is generally safe for travellers, especially in the beach neighbourhoods, but take normal precautions: use taxis or rideshare at night, keep valuables minimal on the beach, and don't leave belongings unattended. The ocean is the biggest hazard, Playa Zicatela has powerful waves and strong rips, so swim only at protected coves like Carrizalillo and Manzanillo, and always respect local surf and swim advice.

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