At Playa Zicatela, waves occasionally reach up to six meters. Puerto Escondido combines surfing with other beach activities, a market right by the sea, and a wide selection of seafood and regional cuisine. This makes it possible to plan your trip around different interests: water sports, recreational fishing, shopping, food, and a natural phenomenon in the surrounding area.
Explore Beaches and Activities
Playa Zicatela is suitable for surfing; its waves occasionally reach up to six meters. This height is an occasional peak and does not describe every wave. On June 9, 2025, Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Manzanillo were described as suitable for swimming and various water sports; both beaches are also suitable for freediving. Check current conditions before a day at the beach. Recreational fishing is possible at Playa Principal, including for sailfish, mahi-mahi, marlin, and roosterfish. Boat trips out to sea and through the bays are offered from Puerto Escondido. Availability and arrangements may change, so it is worth asking in advance.
Market, Cuisine and Shopping
The Mercado Turístico de Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is right by the sea. A description from August 16, 2023, counted more than 100 vendors there; offerings included food, handicrafts, clothing, regional products, and organically grown fruits and vegetables. The selection may change. Puerto Escondido also offers a wide selection of seafood and regional cuisine. The tourist promenade, Andador, has a variety of shopping options.
Nature and Culture
The Laguna de Manialtepec, where bioluminescence can be observed, is located near Puerto Escondido. This adds a natural phenomenon away from the beach activities to the range of things to do. Guelaguetza del Mar took place on November 22, 2025, on Playa Zicatela. This cultural and traditional event included music, dance, twelve delegations from the region, and invited delegations.
Plan Your Journey
On June 9, 2025, Puerto Escondido was connected via its airport to four domestic and one international destination: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles, and Houston. Airlines operating these routes included Viva, Aeroméxico, Volaris, and United Airlines, among others. Since flight routes are subject to change over time, check them again before traveling.
The road information is also dated: on June 9, 2025, the new Barranca Larga–Ventanilla road was reported to take two and a half hours from the capital of the state of Oaxaca to the coastal region of Puerto Escondido. For current planning, check road conditions and take your specific destination into account.
Discover more destinations: Santa María Tonameca, Santa María Jacatepec, Salina Cruz, San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, Santa Catarina Juquila, Santa María Colotepec, Santa María Huatulco, Santa María Xadani.
Back to the main travel overview: Oaxaca.
