3 Day Puerto Escondido Backpacker Itinerary + Things to do
Puerto Escondido is the gateway city to the Oaxaca coast and destination most backpackers will come across during their time in Oaxaca. In this post I’ll outline the perfect 3 day Puerto Escondido itinerary, list the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, provide accommodation recommendations, restaurant suggestions and more.
Although I only recommend staying in Puerto Escondido for a few nights (hence this quick 3 day Puerto Escondido itinerary) I actually stayed here for almost 3 weeks. Unfortunately “Mexico tummy” got the best of me and I used this as my base to recover before continuing on down the Oaxaca coast.
In saying this I got to know Puerto Escondido quite well and although it’s not my favourite destination in Mexico, there are definitely some gems here worth exploring.
Skip ahead:
- Why Backpack Puerto Escondido
- How to Get to Puerto Escondido
- Puerto Escondido Layout: Neighbourhoods & Where to Stay
- How to Get Around Puerto Escondido
- Things to do in Puerto Escondido
- Destinations Near Puerto Escondido
- Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido
- 3 Day Puerto Escondido Itinerary
- Tips for Visiting Puerto Escondido
- Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
- Puerto Escondido FAQs
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Interactive Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Why Backpack Puerto Escondido
In a way, Puerto Escondido acts as the “gateway city” to the smaller beach towns along the Oaxaca Coast like Mazunte, Chacahua, and Zipolite. Meaning, most backpackers hit Puerto Escondido on their way in or out of the Oaxaca coast area.
Puerto Escondido is a chaotic place. It’s noisy, the layout isn’t ideal for getting around, and the traffic is nonstop. But there are positives about visiting this city too. The main reason travellers opt to backpack Puerto Escondido are for the following:
Surfing: Playa Zicatela is renown for having monstrous waves, nicknamed the “Mexican Pipeline.”
Beaches: there are multiple beaches within Puerto Escondido – some located in small bays with calm water which are great for swimming. The Oaxaca coast lies along the Pacific Ocean so most of the beaches have dangerous currents and huge waves. A few Puerto Escondido beaches offer safer swimming opportunities.
Nightlife: Puerto Escondido is known to have a lively party scene which appeals to backpackers looking to “get a bit wild.”
Nature & Wildlife: Puerto Escondido has bioluminescence tours nearby, turtle releases, beautiful beaches, whale watching, etc.
Convenience & Transportation: Puerto Escondido is the biggest city along the Oaxaca coast which means you can find all kinds of services, grocery stores, and amenities here. There’s also an airport and bus lines here connecting you to the rest of Mexico and beyond.
Wellness: Puerto Escondido has a few great health food stores and wellness opportunities which makes it a great base to eat and live healthy.
Sunsets: Puerto Escondido has magical sunsets (literally) every single night.
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How to Get to Puerto Escondido
There are two main ways to reach Puerto Escondido – by bus and by plane.
ps – I have important transit stops marked with descriptions on my downloadable Mexico map for planning convenience
Getting to Puerto Escondido by Air
Most bus routes in Mexico are long and arduous and getting to Puerto Escondido via bus is no exception to this. If you’re looking for a a quicker (and often cheaper) way to get to Puerto Escondido you can utilize the local airport; PMX.
If you’re travelling to Puerto Escondido from other destinations in Mexico you can often find cheap, direct flights into PMX. I found a direct flight from Guadalajara (including a bag) to Puerto Escondido for $50 USD.
Once you land at the airport there are taxis and colectivos waiting just outside the door to take you to your accommodations. I like the colectivo option (run by the Delfines company; white van with blue stripes) as it only costs 70 pesos and takes you right to your accommodations no matter where that may be in Puerto. As a backpacker this fit right into my limited budget.
Getting to Puerto Escondido by Bus
Many travellers backpacking Puerto Escondido come from Oaxaca in which case using the bus is likely the best option. With the ADO company the bus takes around 3hrs and costs 355-400mxn. If you’re going to Puerto Escondido from other destinations in Mexico you’ll often have to stop in Oaxaca City along the way and transfer buses for the last leg of the journey.
If your Puerto Escondido itinerary begins over in Zipolite or Mazunte you can take a colectivo to the main highway, then connect to Puerto Escondido via the shared van run by the Delfines company. This costs 60mxn.
How to Get Around Puerto Escondido: Local Transportation
Once you arrive in Puerto Escondido there are two main ways to get around; taxi and colectivo. Since Puerto Escondido is so spread out walking is usually not an option – unless you enjoy long walks with no shade under the sweltering sun.
Colectivo: the cheapest way to get around Puerto Escondido is via colectivo which are private trucks with seating areas in the back that run along the main highway (Costera) from about 6:00am – 7:00pm. They’re covered by a blue awning and cost 12 pesos (as of 2025) from one end of town to the other. To use the colectivo in Puerto Escondido you’ll want to stand on the side of the highway in the direction you want to go, flag one down, hop in, press the button when you want to exit, and pay (in cash) as you disembark.
The colectivos are a fun and fast way to get around Puerto Escondido. At first it’s quite weird seeing people hanging off the back of trucks motoring down the highway, but eventually it just becomes normal.
Taxi: there are taxis everywhere in Puerto Escondido. They’re typically quite cheap and are a great option once the colectivos finish running around 7:00pm.
Puerto Escondido Layout: Neighbourhoods & Where to Stay
Puerto Escondido is fairly large and it’s made up of multiple different neighbourhoods, each offering a different experience. The first step to planning your Puerto Escondido itinerary is choosing a neighbourhood to lodge in.
Based on experience I’d recommend lodging in either Rinconada for a quieter vibe or La Punta for easy beach/restaurant/nightlife access. Zicatela if you are there strictly for the party, and avoid Centro (more local vibe, far away from things you’d want to do).
Where to Stay in La Punta
La Punta is located at the southern end of Playa Zicatela.
La Punta is the hotspot for backpackers in Puerto Escondido looking to party and meet other travellers. It’s located at the southern end of Zicatela beach and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and surf schools. The great thing about La Punta is that parties shut down at 11:00pm then everyone moves to Zicatela. This means you’ll still be able to get a good nights sleep without the noise and chaos that Zicatela brings.
Best Hostels in La Punta: Che Puerto Escondido (party hostel), Hostal Akumal La Punta (full kitchen, rooftop terrace, good vibe), Nectar Hotel Cafe & Coworking (bougie, boutique vibe), Bonita Escondido (good value and fun atmosphere).
Best Hotels in La Punta: Casa De Ola Boutique Hotel (top pick), Hotel Casamar Suites (aesthetic pool, next to the beach, mid-range price, good reviews), Raiz Hotel (luxury at a more affordable price), and Casa To (one of the most luxurious hotels in Escondido).
Where to Stay in Zicatela
Zicatela lies along the middle stretch of Playa Zicatela.
Staying in Zicatela puts you steps away from the beach, bars, and nightlife although everything is a bit spread out. It’s the loudest place to lodge in Puerto Escondido so I’d only recommend staying in this area of town if you’re a backpacker looking to party, or a surfer looking to hit the best waves in the area. These are the best places to stay in Zicatela.
Best hostels in Zicatela: Straw Hat Surf Hostel & Bar (biggest surf hostel in the area), Casa Daikiri (quieter), and La Playita Beach House (right next to the beach)
Reliable hotels in Zicatela: Hotel Rockaway and Hotelito Swiss Oasis are both very popular for a resort feel at a modest price
Luxury hotels in Zicatela: Casa Joseph Zicatela (adults only and the epitome of luxury) and Casa Mava (boutique hotel with suites, villas, and houses)
Where to Stay in Rinconada
Rinconada is located at the northern end of Playa Zicatela, closer to the small beaches like Playa Carazillo.
Rinconada is the quietest area of Puerto Escondido which is great for backpackers looking to escape the noise and chaos of the city. There are plenty of great restaurants and calm beaches for swimming here as well as close access to the colectivos if you want to venture elsewhere into Puerto Escondido. I opted to lodge on the edge of Rinconada/Centro when I backpacked Puerto Escondido and would 100% stay there again if I return.
Where I stayed: I lodged at the Madre Tierra Hotel & Coworking Hostel which has the most beautiful rooftop balcony. There’s not a huge social scene here, but it’s a peaceful escape with great air conditioning amidst the chaotic Puerto Escondido city
Best hostels in Rinconada: in this area of Puerto I recommend no other than the backpacker favourite, Vivo Escondido. It offers the perfect blend of party + chill, has a kitchen, rooftop, and a large kitchen
Budget hotels in Rinconada: both Hotel Suites Villasol and Hotel Suites La Hacienda are reliable favourites and reasonably priced
Things to do in Puerto Escondido
The following are the best things to do in Puerto Escondido for travellers and backpackers alike. I recommend squeezing in as many of these activities into your Puerto Escondido itinerary as possible to make the most of your time here.
ps – all these activities/locations are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with personal photos, descriptions, and booking links
Interactive Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Hit the Beach
As a Pacific coastal town you can bet Puerto Escondido’s beaches do not disappoint. The main stretch of beach, Playa Zicatela, is 3.5kms (or 2.3 miles) and connects Rinconada and La Punta – you can walk it, around 1hr one-way. I’d recommend going early morning or evening when the sun is lower as late morning and midday temperatures here skyrocket.
Playa Zicatela is also known as the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ – one of the best surf spots in Mexico. It’s advanced surfing, especially in winter, however the south end of the beach has more beginner friendly swells and surf schools/board rentals.
For a bigger variety of beaches, head over to Rinconada. The beaches here are undoubtedly the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
Beaches in Rinconada
For calmer swimming conditions and varying water/waves you’ll want to hit Rinconada. The best beaches here are:
- Playa Bacocho: infamous beach in Puerto Escondido for sunrises, beach clubs, and turtle releases. You can walk here or take a taxi, although in the evening hours the taxis all jack their prices – no bargaining. At low tide you can also access Playa Coral from Bacocho.
- Playa Carrizalillo: is the local’s favourite, needless to say a stop here is essential to your Puerto Escondido itinerary. It’s quite busy and there’s very limited shady space, but the walk down the steps to the beach is picture-perfect plus the atmosphere is very social.
- Playa Manzanillo: very busy, but lots of restaurants and family friendly as the water is exceptionally calm for swimming (great for kids).
Take a Surf Lesson
As mentioned, Playa Zicatela is known as the Mexican Pipeline and offers some of the best waves in Mexico. There are surf schools littered all over Rinconada and La Punta that cater to beginner and advanced surfers.
If you’re hoping to make friends or learn some skills, adding a surf school or staying at a surf hostel (options listed above) to your Puerto Escondido itinerary is a great move.
Release Sea Turtles at Playa Bacocho
Regrettably, attending a sea turtle release was not something I did, however it’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido. Every day at 4:30 you can show up at Playa Bacocho (with no reservation/booking) and attend a turtle release. Costs are 100-200mxn (as of 2025).
If you’d prefer a more structured approach you can book guided turtle releases here.
Best Sunset Spots in Puerto Escondido
Im going to mention this spot again – Playa Bacocho. This is easily one of my favourite places I watched sunset during my whole time in Mexico, and easily one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido. The strong waves, the pretty colours, the social atmosphere, and soft sand. *Perfection.* This is a beach where everyone claps and cheers when the sun sets below the distant horizon – because it’s just that good.
Add Playa Bacocho to your Puerto Escondido itinerary. Right now!
ps – anywhere in Puerto Escondido has beautiful sunset views as it’s facing the Pacific. Many hotels and hostels have rooftop terraces overlooking the ocean so you may have a great view “at home” to watch it.
See the Bioluminescent Plankton at Laguna Manialtepec
One of the most iconic things to do in Puerto Escondido is seeing bioluminescence. Laguna Manialtepec is a hotspot for it which is why many people specifically add it to their Puerto Escondido itinerary. The best time of year to see it is during the rainy season, with peak months being July – September.
You can book bioluminescence tours here
Go on a Dolphin Tour
Dolphin tours are among one of the most popular activities backpackers and travellers add to their Puerto Escondido itineraries. This is a great location to see ocean wildlife
You can book a Puerto Escondido dolphin tour here
Party in Puerto Escondido
PE is known for its lively nightlife and it’s a huge draw for most backpackers. Hitting the clubs of Puerto Escondido is something I’d definitely recommend adding to your Puerto Escondido itinerary if you’re looking to get a bit wild.
The best “plan of attack” for making the most of the nightlife in Puerto Escondido is to pregame in La Punta, then move over to the clubs in Zicatela around 11:00pm – 12:00am. La Punta has a curfew of 11:00pm whereas Zicatela’s nightlife scene continues all night. The best bars and clubs in Puerto Escondido are:
La Punta: Chicama, The Boneyard, El Arbol, Alaburger, Juana Mezcal, and Xcaanda.
Zicatela: Xcaanda and Piedra del Iguana are the top picks among travellers. There’s also Barfly, Kabbalah, and Isha.
Walk Along the Pacific Coast
This trail took me by surprise. It’s fairly quick and easy, but offers epic views over Playa Zicatela as well as a more deserted beach on the other end of the trail.
Along the way you’ll find caves (at low tide) and multiple viewpoints which I would bargain would be unreal at sunset. This is actually one of my favourite hikes I did while I was in Mexico.
More detailed information about the trail can be found in my downloadable Mexico map.
Go Horseback Riding to Hot Springs
Yes, you read that right. You can horseback ride to hot springs in Puerto. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, I’d totally recommend adding this activity to your Puerto Escondido itinerary.
On this tour you’ll cross multiple rivers by horse and end up at the beautiful Aguas Termales a Caballo.
You can book a horseback tour to hot springs in Puerto Escondido here
Destinations Near Puerto Escondido
For backpackers in Puerto Escondido looking to extend their travels, the next best spots are:
Chacahua: a quiet, rustic beach town renown for its bioluminescence, surfing, and peaceful atmosphere. I personally found this town to be a bit too dirty for my taste, however other travellers (namely surfers) stay for weeks to enjoy the waves.
Mazunte: THE hippie, spiritual backpacker town of Mexico. You want health foods, ‘unique’ spiritual workshops and services, + an endless supply of enlightened individuals? This is your spot.
Zipolite: is home to Mexico’s only naked beach. The atmosphere is very gay and there’s not a whole lot to do here. However I personally found the town to be very relaxing and homey so I stayed for about a month volunteering at a hostel.
Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido
Below are the best places to eat in Puerto Escondido, divided by location. If you’re a healthy eater, I recommend grabbing groceries at Verde Puerto (in Rinconada), Moringa Fresh & Wild (La Punta), and Mercado de Zicatela. These locations all offer some organic produce and healthy cooking ingredients.
ps – all these restaurants are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with descriptions and menu info to make finding food on-the-go quick & easy
Prefer to be a bit more hands-on with your food? You can book an authentic cooking class in Puerto Escondido.
Where to Eat in Rinconada
Vegan restaurants in Rinconada: Sweet Spot Café & Restaurant, Papi Bowls.
Restaurants on the beach in Rinconada: Espadín Restaurante (Playa Playa Carrizalillo, finer dining), Coconuts Beach Club (Playa Bacocho, good food and drinks), and Club de Playa Villasol (Playa Bacocho).
Healthy restaurants in Rinconada: Papi Bowls, Cocos Frios (fresh coconuts).
Cafes and bakeries in Rinconada: Dulce Tierra Bakery & Coffee.
Best Seafood in Rinconada: Los Buzos (located a quick walk away and serves fresh caught fish), Sushi En Rinconada.
Cheap eats in Rinconada: El Cafecito.
Recommended restaurants in Rinconada: Filomena (Argentinian fusion), La Batata Sabor Argentino.
Sweet treats in Rinconada: Fine Gelateria and Helados Palma Negra (vegan, no sugar added ice cream).
Where to Eat in La Punta
Healthy & Vegan restaurants in La Punta: Moringa Fresh & Wild (grab-n-go bowls), Gustav Grün La Punta P.E, Naturom, The Açai Bar, and Armonía Café.
Best Seafood in La Punta: Chicama, and Fish Shack La Punta.
Cheap eats in La Punta: NATIVO (seafood options).
Best burgers in La Punta: Juana Mezcala, Alaburger, and The Boneyard (skatepark inside the actual restaurant).
Other recommended restaurants in La Punta: The Thai Garden, Il Salento (Italian), and Cafe Ole (for variety).
Healthy sweet treats in La Punta: Moringa Fresh & Wild (vegan cheesecake and ice cream), and Helados Palma Negra (vegan, no sugar added ice cream).
Where to Eat in Zicatela
Mercado de Zicatela is my go-to. They have plenty of healthy restaurants and creative dishes for both meat eaters and vegetarians. You can also purchase quality produce and natural skin/haircare products here.
Las Juquileñas: serves up traditional Mexican dishes based out of Oaxaca. It has a real local’s feel.
Cocofam: vegan restaurant.
Mercado Benito Juarez: is a local market with tons of traditional food options ranging from smoothies and meat dishes to seafood and tacos. This is arguably the cheapest place to eat in Zicatela.
3 Day Puerto Escondido Itinerary
This 3 day Puerto Escondido is a speed tour and includes the best things to do in Puerto Escondido. If you’re hoping to party or surf more I’d recommend adding an extra night or two to the itinerary.
My top recommended lodging destinations for your Puerto Escondido itinerary depending on where you opt to stay are:
La Punta (Bohemian Pre-Parties, Shopping, and Surfing)
- Best hostels: Che Puerto Escondido (party hostel), Hostal Akumal La Punta (full kitchen, rooftop terrace, good vibe), Bonita Escondido (good value and fun atmosphere).
- Reliable hotels: Casa De Ola Boutique Hotel (top pick), Hotel Casamar Suites (aesthetic pool, next to the beach, mid-range price, good reviews)
- Luxury hotels: Raiz Hotel (luxury at a more affordable price), and Casa To (one of the most luxurious hotels in Escondido).
Zicatella (Nightlife & Epic Surfing)
- Hostels: Straw Hat Surf Hostel & Bar (biggest surf hostel in the area), Casa Daikiri (quieter), and La Playita Beach House (right next to the beach)
- Reliable hotels: Hotel Rockaway and Hotelito Swiss Oasis are both very popular for a resort feel at a modest price
- Luxury hotels: Casa Joseph Zicatela (adults only and the epitome of luxury) and Casa Mava (boutique hotel with suites, villas, and houses)
Rinconada (Quieter & Lots of Beaches Nearby)
- Where I stayed: I lodged at the Madre Tierra Hotel & Coworking Hostel which has the most beautiful rooftop balcony. There’s not a huge social scene here, but it’s a peaceful escape with great air conditioning amidst the chaotic Puerto Escondido city
- Best hostels: Vivo Escondido, hands-down backpacker favourite
- Reliable hotels: both Hotel Suites Villasol and Hotel Suites La Hacienda are top picks and reasonably priced
Day 1 in Puerto Escondido (La Punta)
- Head over to La Punta for breakfast (I have my favourites listed above), then walk the local coastal trail
- Afterwards grab a vegan sweet treat from Moringa (even if you’re not vegan this place is the BOMB)
- Pick up some groceries for the coming days if you’re planning to cook OR head back to the beach and grab a chair at one of the many beachside restaurants
- In the afternoon opt to do one of the local activities: horseback ride to hot springs (best in the late evening when it’s a bit cooler), dolphin tour (local favourite)
- In the evening opt to see bioluminescence or party in Zicatella (popular bars/clubs listed above)
Day 2 in Puerto Escondido (Rinconada)
- Head over to Rinconada and grab breakfast at my favourite, Papi Bowls
- Go beach hopping at the smaller beaches in Rinconada; surf at Playa Carrizalillo (go early for an unobstructed photo-op on the famous staircase) or take a dip at Playa Manzanillo (calm waves, great for a relaxing swim)
- There are a handful of places to grab fresh coconuts in Rinconada and plenty of tasty restaurants (my recommendations are listed above)
- In the evening head over to Playa Bacocho for a turtle release (5:00pm) and dinner at the vibey Club Bacocho.
- Stick around for an epic sunset. At low tide you can walk over to Playa Coral and avoid the fee at the entrance
Day 3 in Puerto Escondido (Zicatela)
- Wake up early for a surf lesson or walk the length of Zicatela Beach (around 1hr)
- In the afternoon opt to do one of the local activities: horseback ride to hot springs or a dolphin tour (local favourite)
- In the evening opt to see bioluminescence, party in Zicatella, or use the afternoon to move on to your next destination
From here I’d recommend continuing on to either Mazunte, Chacahua, or Zipolite. Here are my complete guides + itineraries:
Tips for Visiting Puerto Escondido
- Choose the right neighbourhood for lodging. Above I dive into the different Puerto neighbourhoods, what they offer, and where to stay for a good night sleep OR a lively evening.
- Withdraw cash from Chedraui – there are multiple ATM machine brands here so you can choose the best one for you. You’ll want to take out large amounts prior to heading to Mazunte, Zipolite, or Chacahua.
- Hit the organic shops for healthy food choices. I have all the best organic food shops listed above.
- I’d recommend only staying a few nights in Puerto Escondido as the beach towns further south are much more tranquil.
- Carry small change to pay for the colectivos.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
November to April is the best time to visit Puerto Escondido for weather and beaches. This is Mexico’s dry season so you’ll find sunny skies and stable weather.
If you’re hoping to surf big waves, May to October is the best time to visit Puerto Escondido. This is wet season so you’ll experience more humid weather and rainfall, however the waves at Playa Zicatela can be monstrous. This is also low season so you can expect to save a few $ on accommodations.
Puerto Escondido FAQs
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in as a backpacker in Puerto Escondido?
I personally preferred Rinconada as it was quiet and close to lots of beaches, however if you’re looking for a more lively surf atmosphere Zicatela or La Punta would be better.
Here are all my recommendations for where to stay in Puerto Escondido.
Where can I get the colectivo in Puerto Escondido?
To use the colectivo in Puerto Escondido you’ll want to stand on the main road (Costera) in the direction you want to go, flag one down, hop in, press the button when you want to exit, and pay (in cash) as you disembark. The colectivo generally runs just south of Rinconada all the way to La Punta and beyond.
How much does the colectivo in Puerto Escondido cost?
When I visited Puerto Escondido in 2025, the collectives cost 12 pesos (one-way) no matter the distance.
What time does the colectivo stop running in Puerto Escondido?
The colectivos in Puerto Escondido do not run on an exact schedule so I would never rely on them for late evening trips. They generally start running around 6:00am and stop running around 7:00pm. After 7:00pm they become very scarce.
Is it cheaper to fly or take a bus to Puerto Escondido?
Flying may be cheaper to access Puerto Escondido and the Oaxaca Coast, however only from further distances. I flew in from Guadalajara which was cheap and fast compared to the bus, however if you’re coming from say, Oaxaca City, the bus is much more affordable.
Is Puerto Escondido loud? Where is the quietest spot in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is generally a loud, busy city, but certain neighbourhoods are quiet. I lodged in Rinconada which was peaceful and never too loud to inhibit my sleep. Zicatela is loud late at night and La Punta is quite lively during the day with an evening curfew of 11:00pm.
Is Puerto Escondido good for partying?
Puerto Escondido is a major party scene with plenty of bars and clubs. Zicatela is the loudest late night spot, whereas La Punta has great Bohemian style pre-parties.
Are there a lot of backpackers in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a major backpacker hub with plenty of hostels, social atmospheres, and nightlife. Puerto acts as a kind of gateway to the Oaxaca coast meaning almost all backpackers in this region pass through here at some point or another.
Where can I buy organic food and health products in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido has a great organic and healthy food scene. My favourite spot was Moringa Fresh & Wild (2 locations in La Punta) for quality meats, organic fruit and veg, plus vegan sweet treats with no added sugar. They also have natural skincare products, supplements, and much more. There’s also Verde Puerto in Rinconada although it’s much smaller scale than Moringa.
What is there to do in Puerto Escondido?
In Puerto Escondido there is surfing, beaches, turtle releases, bioluminescence tours, and nightlife.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
Yes Puerto Escondido is worth visiting, but only for a few nights. Aside from surfing, beach hopping, and partying there isn’t a ton to do here, plus it’s chaotic. The more southern beach towns like Zipolite and Mazunte are much more tranquil and have a nicer atmosphere for longer visits.
Interactive Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Quick Mexico Travel Guide
Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.
Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.
Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” Cash is king in Mexico so it’s best to always have some on-hand. Small bills and change are always helpful for transportation and tipping. Most ATMs have service fees so try to withdraw larger amounts at once.
Local transportation: varies from trams and buses in bigger cities to colectivos in smaller beach towns. Local transportation is cheap, but if you’re looking to travel long distances you’ll need to utilize pricier night buses or fly.
Phone: SIM cards can be purchased at Oxxo. Data plans are generally cheap.
Language: Spanish. In popular backpacking spots you can often get by with English, however having basic Spanish or Google Translate is necessary elsewhere.
Safety: Mexico’s safety varies greatly from place-to-place.
Purchase my Mexico map: which is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and has all my Mexico recommendations & travel tips constantly available at your fingertips.
Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
Hello, I’m Taylor.
I’m a world traveller, adventure enthusiast, and holistic health aficionado.
I spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, road tripping, and camping wherever nature allows it.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.














