Puerto Escondido is two different destinations. For surfers: Zicatela Beach is the Mexican Pipeline — expert-only, powerful, barreling waves November through April. For non-surfers: Playa Carrizalillo is a protected cove with calm, clear water. The bioluminescent lagoon tour at Laguna Manialtepec is unmissable. Mazunte and Zipolite (50km east) make an excellent day trip.
Puerto Escondido
Plan Your Puerto Escondido Trip →Scroll
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Region
oaxaca
Best Time
November, December, January +2 more
Daily Budget
$35–$200 USD
Getting There
Fly from Mexico City or Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM). Or 5-hour bus from Oaxaca City.
🎒 Gear We Recommend for Puerto Escondido
Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen
Cenote rangers will turn you away with chemical sunscreen. This is not optional — cenotes are closed ecosystems and the rules are enforced.
Packable Wide-Brim Sun Hat
Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban — all open-sky sites with brutal midday sun. A wide brim is the difference between an enjoyable morning and a miserable afternoon.
DEET 30% Insect Repellent
Dengue is present in coastal Mexico. Evenings in Tulum, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta require protection. Natural alternatives fail in tropical humidity.
Filtered Water Bottle (LifeStraw)
Never drink tap water in Mexico. A filtered bottle eliminates plastic waste at ruins and in smaller towns where bottled water may not be cold.
40L Carry-On Backpack
Mexico City to Oaxaca to Yucatan by ADO bus — you want carry-on only. ADO allows overhead bags. A 40L bag handles 12 days with mid-trip laundry in Oaxaca.
Before You Go: Travel Insurance
A medical evacuation from a remote area of Mexico can cost $10,000+. We use SafetyWing for every trip — it's affordable, covers medical and evacuation, and you can sign up even after you've left home.
"We've thankfully never had to file a claim, but having it is peace of mind every time we board that plane." — Scott
Check SafetyWing Rates →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at Zicatela — the Mexican Pipeline is expert-only. Beginners should surf at Playa Carrizalillo (protected cove) or Playa La Boquilla. Lessons are available at these spots.
Laguna Manialtepec, 14km west, contains bioluminescent microorganisms that glow blue when disturbed. Night kayak tours run year-round. Absolutely stunning.