Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Escondido.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Escondido – Oaxaca Destination Huatulco and Puerto Escondido about 250 km from Oaxaca

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Escondido (PXM) 4 km
Terminal de Autobuses de Puerto Escondido 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Puerto Escondido airport (PXM) is about 4 km from downtown, with flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. From Huatulco it’s about 110 km via the coastal highway, and from Oaxaca there is a new mountain road.

How many days

Two or three days: one for the beaches, one for Manialtepec, and one for surfing or relaxing.

When to go

From November to April the weather is usually dry and the cove waters calmer. The big waves at Zicatela usually appear from May to September. Manialtepec’s bioluminescence is usually stronger from July to December.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Taxis connect the neighborhoods and beaches, and tours to Manialtepec include transportation.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Escondido

Morning
Carrizalillo
In the morning descend the staircase to Carrizalillo beach, a calm cove good for swimming and learning to surf.
Afternoon
Zicatela
In the afternoon, walk along Zicatela beach and watch the surfers on the Pipeline Mexicano waves.
Late afternoon
Sunset at La Punta
At the end of the afternoon, go to La Punta at the southern tip of Zicatela to watch the sunset.
Evening
Manialtepec at night
At night, during bioluminescence season, take the boat trip on the Manialtepec lagoon, about 15 km away.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the Pipeline Mexicano?

The hollow (barrel) wave that forms at Zicatela beach, one of the best-known waves in world surfing.

Which beach is best for swimming in Puerto Escondido?

The protected coves, such as Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo.

Can you learn to surf in Puerto Escondido?

Yes. There are schools in Carrizalillo and La Punta, with smaller waves.

Is Manialtepec far from Puerto Escondido?

About 15 km west, along the coastal road.

Back to Puerto Escondido