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Looking for things to see and do in Puerto Escondido? Having spent over a month exploring the city and its surrounding areas, I have the inside scoop!
Are you considering visiting Puerto Escondido? If you’ve done even a little research on this town, you’ve probably read about how great the area is for surfing. With hundreds of miles of amazing beaches and point breaks that create massive waves, Puerto Escondido attracts a large surfing community and people interested in learning how to surf.
However, if you’re more like me and you enjoy floating in the waves rather than riding them, I have the inside scoop for you. So what is there to do in Puerto Escondido? Here’s a quick list to get you started!
1. Release Baby Sea Turtles
Did you know that six of the seven species of sea turtles are endangered? Unfortunately, sea turtles are facing tons of environmental pressures due to climate change and human influence.
Interestingly though, Puerto Escondido beaches host nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles who come to lay their eggs all year around. To support the struggling populations and better protect the turtles from being preyed on, local activists have opened Sea Turtle Release Centers that offer individuals the opportunity to release baby turtles!
These centers sometimes ask for a donation or have a fee for releasing a baby turtle, but every cent goes back into running these centers since the government does not fund them.
This is a great activity to learn more about these precious sea creatures and contribute to their conservation!
2. Visit El Origen Beach Club
If you’re looking for a relaxing daytime activity, head to El Origen Beach Club. This beach club completely exceeded my expectations. After several failed attempts (on different days of the week) to get into the Playa del Coco and Villa del Sol beach clubs by Playa Bacocho, my boyfriend and I decided to give El Origen a shot, and WOW, we were so pleasantly surprised!
For 200 pesos you get a lounge chair by the pool and for another 30 pesos you can rent a towel. We called in advance to reserve two loungers and we got a great spot at the end of the row, which felt private and comfortable. The main pool is also adults-only, which was a major reason we gave this place a shot in the first place, to be honest.
El Origen definitely leans towards a younger crowd and is great for a more private tropical experience. On top of the beautiful surroundings, the drinks, staff, and food were all fantastic!
3. Kayak Laguna Manialtapec
Just a 20-30 minute drive north of Puerto Escondido is Laguna Manialtapec, a large lagoon by the ocean that is most well-known for its bioluminescent organisms!
While I’m sure it’s worth visiting to see the glowing blue lake at night, we decided to visit during the day and take a kayak out. We saw so many beautiful birds and really just enjoyed being out in the sun for a couple of hours while getting a good sweat on. Definitely bring sunscreen and a waterproof bag!
4. Day Trip to Mazunte or Zipolite Beach
If you like La Punta but are looking for a quieter, more authentic feel near Puerto Escondido, take a trip down south for the day to Mazunte or Zipolite. We went to Zipolite for the day, and let’s just say… this is the best place to get an even tan ;)
If you’re looking for even more fun, check out Playa Amor 🌈 It’s a short trek up some stairs at the end of Zipolite beach and then back down to a small, private beach area where you will find many more people strutting around in their birthday suits.
5. Eat at the Zicatela Market
It should come as no shock that I have included a food “activity” on this list! While the food around Puerto Escondido is good, the Zicatela market is the place to find the best eats.
Sit at any of the restaurants along the breezeway and enjoy beautiful ocean views as you eat your meal!
There are so many things to do and see in Puerto Escondido so I hope this list gives you a good idea of the laid-back vibe the city has going on. But don't worry, it's not all zen vibes and lounging on the beach. Here's a bonus tip for party animals: If you like to go out and have a good time, you won't be disappointed! Check out the strip by Zicatela Beach where the fun starts around 10 PM and the beer is cheap ;)
Have you been to Puerto Escondido? Do you know any other fun or exciting tips for things to do here? Comment below!