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Explore Puerto Escondido & Beyond

From world-famous surf breaks to bioluminescent lagoons, hidden coves, and ancient turtle nesting beaches — discover every corner of the Oaxacan coast.

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Tropical lagoon with palm trees and mangroves in Ventanilla, Oaxaca
Lagoons & Nature directions_car Day Trips

Chacahua Lagoon

Welcome to Chacahua Lagoon, a breathtaking sanctuary nestled on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico! As part of the expansive Lagunas de Chacahua National Park,

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Zipolite Beach with golden sand and crashing Pacific waves
Beaches directions_car Day Trips

Zipolite Beach: A Bohemian Paradise in Oaxaca, Mexico

Welcome to Oaxaca, home to some of Mexico’s most stunning coastal gems! Among its diverse beaches, Zipolite stands out as a bohemian paradise that attracts trav

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The tranquil beach of Mazunte surrounded by lush green hills
Beaches directions_car Day Trips

Mazunte Beach

Welcome to Mazunte, a serene paradise nestled on the southern coast of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico! Renowned for its tranquil vibes and stunning natural be

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Secluded rocky cove with turquoise waters on the Mexican Pacific coast
Beaches

Coral Beach

Discovering Playa Coral: A Hidden Paradise in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 🌴🌊 Welcome to Puerto Escondido, a gem on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico! Among its

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Aerial view of the Oaxaca coastline with dramatic cliffs and surf at sunset
Beaches

Bacocho Beach

Discovering Playa Bacocho: A Tranquil Oasis in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 🌴🌊 Welcome to Puerto Escondido, a coastal paradise on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mex

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Colorful street decorations during a vibrant festival night in Oaxaca, Mexico
Neighborhoods

El Centro

Discovering El Centro: The Heart of Puerto Escondido ❤️🌴 When visiting the vibrant town of Puerto Escondido, one area you simply can’t miss is El Centro. Known

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Manzanillo beach and Puerto Angelito
Beaches

Manzanillo beach and Puerto Angelito

Although Puerto Escondido is a destination mostly known for its big waves and its surfer culture, it also hides many other attractions that include other types

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Carrizalillo beach
Beaches

Carrizalillo beach

Discovering Playa Carrizalillo: A Hidden Gem in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 🌴🌊 Welcome to Puerto Escondido, a paradise on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico! Am

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Manialtepec lagoon
Lagoons & Nature

Manialtepec lagoon

Located just 18 kilometers northwest of Puerto Escondido, is the Manialtepec Lagoon. One of the most important natural reserves in the area. It is also part of

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olas grandes surf
Beaches

Zicatela Beach

Discovering Playa Zicatela: The Surfing Capital of Mexico 🌊🏄‍♂️ Without a doubt, one of the most emblematic and representative places of the magical Puerto Es

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La Punta
Beaches

La Punta

Discovering La Punta: A Hidden Treasure in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 🌴🌊 Welcome to Puerto Escondido, a paradise on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico! Among i

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The sheltered bay of Puerto Angelito with calm swimmable waters
Beaches

Puerto Angelito

Welcome to Puerto Escondido, the stunning coastal paradise on Oaxaca’s Pacific shore in Mexico! Among its array of beautiful beaches, Puerto Angelito Beach stan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about destinations around Puerto Escondido

What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?

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Puerto Escondido has diverse beaches for every taste. Zicatela is world-famous for surfing with powerful Pipeline-style waves. Carrizalillo has calm turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. La Punta offers beginner-friendly surf and a bohemian vibe. Playa Bacocho has luxury resorts and dramatic cliffs. Bahía Principal is the sheltered main bay ideal for families.

Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Puerto Escondido?

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It depends on the beach. Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, and Manzanillo have calm water safe for swimming. Bahía Principal is also sheltered. However, Zicatela is extremely dangerous for swimming due to powerful riptides and waves — it's for experienced surfers only. Always check local conditions and look for red/green flag warnings.

What day trips can I take from Puerto Escondido?

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Popular day trips include: Chacahua Lagoon (mangroves, bioluminescence), the Bays of Huatulco (snorkeling, boat tours), Mazunte and Zipolite (bohemian beach towns), Punta Cometa (best sunset in Mexico), Ventanilla Lagoon (wildlife sanctuary), Agua Blanca (hot springs and horseback riding), and Playa Escobilla (turtle nesting). Most can be done in half or full day.

Can I see bioluminescence near Puerto Escondido?

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Yes! Manialtepec Lagoon (30 minutes from town) and Chacahua Lagoon offer bioluminescence tours at night. The phenomenon is caused by dinoflagellates in the water that glow when disturbed. It's best during the rainy season (June–November) on moonless nights. You swim in the warm lagoon water while it glows electric blue around you — a truly magical experience.

Where can I see sea turtles in Puerto Escondido?

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Playa Escobilla is one of the world's most important olive ridley turtle nesting sites, with mass nesting events ("arribadas") from June to December. Playa Bacocho also hosts turtle releases. Ventanilla Lagoon has a turtle conservation program. Many beaches in the area have community-run hatcheries where you can participate in baby turtle releases at sunset during nesting season.

Want a Guided Experience?

Book a tour with local experts and discover the best of Puerto Escondido — from hidden beaches to bioluminescent lagoons.

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