Puerto Escondido

Mexico

Mexico Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Getty Images/Panoramic Images

Surfers watching waves, Zicatela Beach, Mexico

Why visit Puerto Escondido

Is this where surfers go when they die? Many places claim to be the world’s best surfing beach, but Puerto Escondido’s Playa Zicatela – 3.5km of golden sand and crashing waves – would make most wave-riders’ top tens. Even if you have no desire to test your balance as a 20ft wave curls over your head, Mexico’s ‘hidden port’ is a highly desirable place, a small mellow town where Mexicans, expats and world travelers intermingle, and surfboards are as ubiquitous as cell phones.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Puerto Escondido

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your Mexico trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Colorful, Creative, and Culinary Oaxaca: 6 Days in Mexico

6 days / 5 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Painting traditional alebrije crafts in a local artisan workshop
  2. 2 Traveling back through time at the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán
  3. 3 Cooking beloved Oaxacan dishes and moles with Zapotec women
from $3,210

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • Day of the Dead in 8 Days: Mexico City and Puebla Cultural Tour
    Mexico

    8 days / 7 nights

    Day of the Dead in 8 Days: Mexico City and Puebla Cultural Tour

    FROM $4,515

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • San Miguel de Allende's Cuisine, Culture, and Crafts in One Week
    Mexico

    7 days / 6 nights

    San Miguel de Allende's Cuisine, Culture, and Crafts in One Week

    FROM $6,500

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Maya Ruins and Mexican Cenotes: Yucatan Peninsula in 10 Days
    Mexico

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maya Ruins and Mexican Cenotes: Yucatan Peninsula in 10 Days

    FROM $3,475

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Caroline Chambers + Mattis + Calum: Yucatán and Riviera Maya
    Mexico

    8 days / 7 nights

    Caroline Chambers + Mattis + Calum: Yucatán and Riviera Maya

    FROM $4,183

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Mexico City: A Week of Cultural and Culinary Marvels
    Mexico

    7 days / 6 nights

    Mexico City: A Week of Cultural and Culinary Marvels

    FROM $2,415

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Puerto Escondido

Discover the best attractions in Puerto Escondido from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Puerto Escondido travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Puerto Escondido is a legendary surf destination and one of Oaxaca’s fastest-growing beach resort towns. Here are the top things to do while visiting.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Puerto Escondido