Puerto Escondido

PUERTO ESCONDIDO

WORLD-CLASS SURFING AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

From thunderous waterfalls to lifepacked reefs, across rolling surf to tranquil lagoons, water is a defining feature of life in Puerto Escondido and the region is one of the most captivating in all of Mexico because of it.

Although the name of the city, in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico’s south west, translates as “Hidden Port”, visitors have known for quite some time that this is a place worth finding on any itinerary. Puerto Escondido is one of the country’s undisputed surfing hotspots, but its seven beaches also offer great beauty and the opportunity for perfect relaxation.

This is an ideal spot for young families to begin ocean exploration, or else to dart inland and find extraordinary wildlife in specially protected environments. Fishermen have been hauling exceptional fare to shore for many centuries and the city’s chefs have grown up knowing only the very freshest ingredients. They prepare exquisite regional cuisine to complement it.

There’s no doubt that in certain circles, the name of Puerto Escondido is all but synonymous with Zicatela, a 3km stretch of beach whose waves are among the most renowned in the world. The so-called Mexican Pipeline is the central attraction here, providing a phenomenal thrill for experienced surfers.

Newcomers can find plenty of locations to hone their skills in less-extreme waters—including the more mellow Punta Zicatela, south of the main pipeline action. The whole area benefits from a characteristically laid-back surfer’s vibe, with plenty of beach shack-style cafes and bars.

Playa Principal, to the north of Bahia Principal, is lots of fun for families and has rental boats available for fishing or to head out to one of numerous points of interest. Playa Bacocho has a wide variety of hotels and an especially serene atmosphere, while there’s ample space for everything sun, sea and sand related at Playa Marinero, Playa Puerto Angelito, and Playa Carrizalillo all of which are within a stone’s throw from the centre of Puerto Escondido.

While you won’t be able to stop the surfers haring out into the waves, there are also many much calmer areas, with unique and beautiful coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkelling, and for admiring an extensive and beautiful array of multicoloured fish, molluscs, lobsters and manta rays. You can also join the native fishermen on the open seas, trailing sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi, among other species.

Why not take a kayak into the nearby Manialtepec lagoon, where you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation as you enter the natural habitat of waterfowl and songbirds, in addition to lizards and iguanas? The sunsets are especially magnificent here, and this is also an amazing spot to see a rare show of bioluminescence. Particularly during the rainy season, tiny organisms beneath the surface glow in vivid colours, bringing the water into extraordinary light as dusk falls.

Residents in this part of Mexico treasure the environment that surrounds them, and there are well-established conservation efforts across Oaxaca. These include the national Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte, which is open to visitors, and the ecological reserve area in Ventanilla, with a lagoon that has two invaluable projects: reforesting the mangrove area, and the breeding and rearing of crocodiles.

There are two specialist iguana sanctuaries as well, in Barra del Potrero and in the Chacahua Lagoon National Park. This is where visitors can learn all about the native green and black iguanas and see authentic nests and eggs of the reptiles. In fact, the national park is home to a stunning array of biodiversity. It is a magical place that sustains numerous other reptile and bird species too, and in which it’s also possible to witness the unique bioluminescence of some water-bound creatures. There is also a pristine beach here, across the Chacahua lagoon.

Other fantastic trips in this region include a visit to La Reforma waterfall, where the Chiquito River plunges 60 metres over jagged rocks, forming small pools along the way. It’s always possible to find local guides who will lead bicycle or walking tours to experience the sights and sounds of the waterfall up close.

You also may want to seek out the Atotonilco Hot Springs, near to the community of San José Manialtepec. It’s a real endeavour to reach them, either on horseback or after a hike through spectacular landscapes, but the intrepid traveller is rewarded with access to a unique spot to bathe or swim in the Manialtepec River.

Puerto Escondido is a year-round resort, with accommodation to suit all tastes and bank balances, as well as restaurants stocked at all times with the finest local cuisine. Oaxaca is well known as Mexico’s culinary capital, and restaurants often feature a characteristic Oaxacan touch, with the state’s traditional food offerings, such as tlayudas and moles.

It’s worth pointing out a special event towards the end of the year: the lively Fiestas de Noviembre. This is the coastal community’s most important event: a month-long celebration of all the finest elements of life in Puerto Escondido.

There are concerts, dances and performances happening every night, with the schedule intensifying at weekends. Highlights include openair dancing on the boardwalk, sport fishing, the Coastal Dance Festival, the International Surf Tournament, motocross, and the “Miss Bikini” and “Miss Surf” competitions, as well as a large number of sports events, including basketball, tennis and beach volleyball.