Heading to Puerto Escondido? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2–4 days
- Best for: Surfers, chilled backpackers, digital nomads, beach lovers, solo women
- Why visit: Welcoming surf haven, affordable eats, easy to meet other solos
PUERTO ESCONDIDO AT A GLANCE
- Population: Around 45,000; compact coastal city in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Once a fishing village turned vibrant surf town and digital nomad hot spot
- Famous for: Epic waves, bioluminescent lagoons, turtle releases, laid-back vibes
- Nickname: The Hidden Port
- Solo vibe: Incredibly friendly & sociable; considered safe if street smart
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- 🗣 Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in touristy areas)
- 🌦 Best time: Nov–Apr (dry, perfect for sun + surf); avoid May–June if you need steady WiFi/power
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Shuttle bus (MXN 300–500)
- Other: Taxi (MXN 350–400, slightly more at night)
- 🧳 Safety: Take taxis after dark, avoid isolated streets at night
- 🎭 Cultural tip: November–March for whales, surf comps, & best fiestas
- 🎦 Plane pick: Watch “Güeros” for a taste of Mexican road-trip vibes
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Bonita Escondida. Right by La Punta’s beach with a chill-but-party vibe that’s perfect for meeting new friends or just relaxing. Pool parties, rooftop views, and daily events keep things buzzing. One of Puerto Escondido’s most in-demand spots—don’t wait too long to book! 🌊
- Best areas for hotels/Airbnb:
- 🏘️ La Punta – Chill, walkable, boho; easy surf, tons of backpackers
- 🧭 Rinconada – Quieter, leafy, ideal if you want sleep but cafés within reach
- Tip: Book a spot with a pool—humidity is real! Lock up valuables, even in hostels.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Main zones are close; beach to beach strolls rock
- 🚌 Colectivos: Shared vans, reliable and budget (MXN 50–100, cash only)
- 🚋 No trams/metro: Just ride those colectivos or taxis
- 🚖 Taxis: Hail street-side, standard fare MXN 55+; Uber not available, bargain before riding
- 🚲 Bikes: Rent by day (check La Punta shops); ride between beaches, but beware hilly bits
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Playa Zicatela – Watch pro surfers, sip a smoothie, or quietly ponder life on massive sand swathes
- 🌿 Carrizalillo Beach – Easy walk, safe cove for swimming, great snorkel or gentle surf sesh
- 🧠 Manialtepec Lagoon – Marvel at bioluminescence on a moonless night; join a tour, it’s jaw-dropping
- 🧭 The Adoquín – Lively pedestrian street; shop, people-watch, grab street bites
- 🎨 Sea turtle release (seasonal) – Hands-on, moving, and gives you big “I did good” feels
- 🔀 Wildcard: Hit the local market (Mercado de Puerto Escondido) for hand-pressed juice, breakfast tacos, and wild local color
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Swimming at Zicatela – Currents are crazy-strong; just watch, don’t risk it
- ❌ Overpriced “eco tours” marketed on the street; negotiate or book through hostels/colectivos for better value
- ❌ Trying to see Chacahua National Park in a day; it deserves an overnight (or gets rushed + expensive)
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly: El Cafecito – Chill, wifi, epic breakfasts, filled with surfing nomads
- 🥃 Pub/bar: Bar Fly – Funky rooftop, cheap cold beers, local musicians
- 🍽️ Try these: Ceviche & fish tacos – Get them at El Rinconcito or Los Tacos de Momo
- 💸 Cheap eats: Mercado snacks – Empanadas or fresh juices (MXN 40–80)
- 🥦 Veg-friendly: Almoraduz – Creative local-meets-vegan fusion
- 🍸 Cocktails: La Punta Beach Bar – Ocean breeze, classic margaritas, sunsets
BEST OF PUERTO ESCONDIDO IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Stroll Zicatela Beach, watch surfers slice through golden waves
- Morning: Grab huevos rancheros & coffee at El Cafecito; browse the Adoquín
- Lunch: Fish tacos at Los Tacos de Momo; sip agua fresca at Mercado
- Afternoon: Relax or surf at Carrizalillo Beach, take a dip
- Evening: Join a sea turtle release or sunset tour to Manialtepec Lagoon
- Dinner: Ceviche + mezcal at Almoraduz in Rinconada
- Night: Dance or chill at La Barra or Bar Fly; walk along the beach if you feel safe/carried home by happy vibes
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Nov–Mar boasts whale watching, surf competitions, and epic beach parties—locals go all out!
- 📍 Hidden gem: Bachoco Beach – Practically empty, golden hour magic, bring a book or meditative playlist
- 📷 Photo ops: Top of Carrizalillo stairs at sunset; mural walls in La Punta
- 🧠 Etiquette: Greet market vendors with a friendly “Buenos días!” before browsing
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Very safe if you taxi at night; keep things zipped up in crowds
- 👀 One last thing: Life in Puerto moves slow—leave your watch behind and let the tide set your schedule!