For several decades now, this Pacific port has been a favorite choice for Mexican and foreigners alike during any school holiday. You can stay at the small village hotels or go directly to the camping areas where you will find everything you need and just have to think about how to organize your time to get the best out of these wonderful beaches. All levels of surfing are possible, either in Marineros, Colotepe or the experts’ favorite, Zicatela. If you’re not a surfer, there are several other water and beach sports available and you will be captivated by the stunning underwater landscape even if you only have a mask. Walks, cycling, horseback riding and afternoons on the strip of fine sands will combine perfectly with time spent at one of the village cafés or in one of the thatched shelters listening to music.
Although still a fishing village, Puerto Escondido is now also a tourist magnet. 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. Its 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.
A few kilometers from the port lies the Turtle Assistance Ecological Camp, run by volunteers to protect this species. As far as services are concerned, Puerto Escondido has comfortable hotels with tennis courts, jacuzzi, and convention halls, a crafts market and restaurants specializing in fish and seafood.