|  Puerto Escondido ideally located on the Emerald Coast of Oaxaca, just 324 km south of the city of Oaxaca and 110 km west of Huatulco, is a paradisiacal spot for both the solitary traveler and the adventurous family. Its jade green waters that have earned it the nickname of the Emerald Coast, together with its impressive waves, have attracted the notice of local and foreign visitors alike.
Puerto Escondido beaches, which have varying types of sand, waves and rocky slopes, extend for 500 m. Playa Principal is a calm inlet with umbrellas and changing rooms which is extremely popular among Mexican tourists. Marineros is the ideal beach for novice surfers while Zicatela, with its rough waves, is only recommended for experts. Barra de Colotepec is a turtle zone, although you can also surf there. Bacocho is an open beach with gentle slopes and waves that is ideal for diving, while Playa Embarcadero has calm waves suitable for skiing and sailing. Carrizalillo, an almost closed bay, is perfect for swimming and boat trips.
Puerto Escondido has comfortable hotels with tennis courts, Jacuzzi, and convention halls, a crafts market and restaurants specializing in fish and seafood. Puerto Escondido is the perfect blend of local village and tourist destination. Whether you want to surf or lounge, fish or shop, eat or dance, Puerto Escondido has it all.
Puerto Escondido beaches
Puerto Escondido boasts several remarkable natural attractions, because of its scenic beauty and extraordinary bays with clear waters and pleasant tropical climate. Its beaches have fine, white sand, offering visitors privacy and tranquility as well as a range of water sports.
Ecotourism in Puerto Escondido
The Oaxacan coast has been sacred for a long time, particularly so for the endangered species that find refuge in Laguna de Chacahua. On these days the tourists can enjoy the nature in Puerto Escondido by walking the surrounding natural areas or riding in bicycle and please yourself with great sceneries.
Water sports in Puerto Escondido
Water skiing, surfing and parachuting are some of the activities available in Puerto Escondido. Parachuting facilities are available at Playa de Zicatela and Bacocho beach in Puerto Escondido as well as Water skiing and sailing classes are available in Playa Embarcadero.
Puerto Angelito, a small bay next to Puerto Escondido, is a sort of beautiful natural pool, whose closed shape and transparent waters make it ideal for gentle swimming. Professional swimmers looking for more of a challenge should head for the beaches.
Snorkel & scuba at Puerto Escondido
One of the best places for diving in Puerto Escondido is the rocks off Carrizalillo. There is also a place near Puerto Angel, 70 km away from Puerto Escondido known as Playa del Amor, whose crystal-clear waters are inhabited by magnificent fish such as red snapper, tuna and black skipjack. Diving classes are available in Bacocho.
Surfing in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is said to be a surfer’s paradise and the 4 m high waves on the Zicatela beach pose a challenge to even the most advanced surfers. People arrive from around the world to participate in the phenomenal Mexican Pipeline, a consistent and powerful stretch of waves perfect for all wave riders. The best time to surf in Puerto Escondido is in the summer, when the waves are big and fast. Less experienced surfers should try Marinero, where you’ll have a great time.
Puerto Escondido fishing
Though surfing put Puerto on the international map, it is by no means the sole local focal point. Fishing is the life blood of the town. Deep sea commercial boats, small family canoes, and every size and shape of boat in between can be seen on the horizon as they bring in tuna, mahi mahi, snapper, jack, marlin, and hundreds of other types of fish. Many of the local boats welcome traveling fishermen and are available for chartered trips to their favorite fishing spots. The catch of the day can be either sold on the beach or taken to a beach restaurant and grilled to your specifications.
Marine tours in Puerto Escondido
Boats aren't limited to fishing trips. The coast of Puerto Escondido and the surrounding area alternates between long, sandy beaches and small, intimate coves. Traveling by boat is an easy way to explore the coastline. Also mixed in with the beaches and coves are fresh water lagoons, home to many different birds and fish. Entire days can be spent gliding through the sea, stopping for a snack of freshly steamed lobsters at one cove and to study the sea turtles at another. Snorkel and scuba gear can be difficult to find in the area, but it is worth the effort. The coves host any number of submerged rock formations and coral reefs; it is an ideal setting for the inquisitive swimmer.
Horseback riding in Puerto Escondido
There are a number of places on Playa de Zicatela where horses are available for hire for riding across the sand where you will enjoy a great day right on the beach or a Puerto Escondido’s dazzling sunsets.
Arts and crafts in Puerto Escondido
Oaxaca boasts the richest and most beautiful variety of handicrafts in the country, such as leather ware, tin work, ceramics, stone work and jewelry. Some of the most popular items include cotton or woolen textiles and of course the black pottery objects that are typical of Oaxaca and can be found on small shops in the village and some hotels of Puerto Escondido.
Where to eat
In either the thatched beach shelters overlooking the sea or the restaurants in the hotels or along Puerto Escondido’s tourist avenue known as Alfredo Pérez Gasca, visitors will be able to savor the local fish and seafood-based cuisine or sample a variety of traditional Oaxacan tamales and further more.
Museums
The Living Museum of Sea Turtles is located on Mazunte Beach. Designed to protect sea turtles and save them from extinction, it displays all the kinds of sea turtles that inhabit Mexico’s shores.
Festivals
Several festivities are held throughout the year in all the regions and communities of Oaxaca, with many of the traditions showing signs of syncretism resulting from over 500 years of cultural fusion.
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Information about Puerto Escondido, Mexico