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How many days in Puerto Escondido? 3 days of surf, lagoons and Pacific sunsets
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Puerto Escondido is a surf town on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, best known for Zicatela, a beach where heavy waves break close to shore and draw professional surfers from around the world. But the town has several calmer bays, a fishing harbour and two lagoon systems within reach. Plan three days: one on the beaches of town, one at Laguna de Manialtepec for birds and glowing plankton, and one on a boat trip to Lagunas de Chacahua or watching dolphins offshore. Swim only on the sheltered beaches: Zicatela's currents are dangerous.
Short answer
Two days covers the town beaches, a surf lesson and Manialtepec at night. The third day adds Chacahua's lagoons and mangroves, or a trip east to Mazunte and Zipolite.
The 3-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Zicatela, La Punta and the town beaches
Morning. Walk along Zicatela early to watch the surfers on the morning waves, from the cliff-top restaurants or the sand. Continue south to La Punta, the end of the beach, with a gentler left-hand wave used by intermediate surfers and many surf schools; a group lesson costs about MX$700-1,000.
Afternoon. Take a taxi (about MX$60-100) to Carrizalillo, a small cove reached by a stairway of about 160 steps, with calm water for swimming and beginner surf. Rent a board or snorkel gear on the beach. Then head to Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo, two sheltered bays with clear water and small restaurants.
Evening. Watch sunset from Bacocho beach or the cliffs above Carrizalillo, then eat on El Adoquín, the pedestrian section of Avenida Pérez Gasga near Playa Principal. Grilled fish costs about MX$200-350, and a beer MX$40-60.
At Zicatela, do not swim: strong rip currents and shorebreak cause injuries every year. Watch from the sand, or swim at Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito or Manzanillo instead.
Day 2: Dolphins at dawn and Manialtepec by night
Morning. Take an early boat trip from Playa Principal to look for dolphins and sea turtles, and, from about December to March, humpback whales (roughly MX$600-900 per person, 3 hours). Boats leave around 7:00, when the sea is calm.
Afternoon. Rest through the heat, then visit the small fish market on Playa Principal or the Mercado Benito Juárez for local snacks, fruit and mezcal. At some times of the year, conservation groups release baby turtles on Bacocho in the late afternoon for a donation.
Evening. Join a night tour to Laguna de Manialtepec, about 20-30 minutes west, where you can see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water when you move your hand or swim (roughly MX$500-700 including transport). The effect is strongest on dark nights with no moon.
Bioluminescence varies by season and weather. Ask the tour operator about recent conditions and pick a date near the new moon; bring insect repellent for the mangroves.
Day 3: Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Morning. Leave early for Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, about 1.5-2 hours west by road. Most tours take you by boat from Zapotalito through lagoons and mangroves, where you can see herons and other water birds. Tours with transport and boat cost about MX$1,000-1,500 per person.
Afternoon. Land at the village of Chacahua for lunch on the sand, usually fresh fish or shrimp for about MX$250-400. There is a beach facing the open Pacific and a small crocodile breeding centre. Surf breaks off the point attract experienced surfers.
Evening. Return to town in the late afternoon. Finish with a dinner of tlayudas, large crisp tortillas with beans, cheese and meat, or a plate of mole, and a glass of mezcal in the bars around Rinconada or La Punta.
Chacahua has limited cash machines and mobile signal. Bring pesos in cash for the boat, lunch and tips, and pack water, sunscreen and a hat.
Only have 2 days?
With 2 days, combine the beaches on Day 1 with Manialtepec at night, and use Day 2 for a morning boat trip and a beach afternoon. Chacahua is the main loss.
Got extra days?
On a 4th day, travel about 1-1.5 hours east to Mazunte, home to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, a turtle centre, and the viewpoint of Punta Cometa, then visit the beaches of Zipolite and San Agustinillo. Some travellers continue to Huatulco or inland to Oaxaca City.
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | La Punta | Hostels, surf camps and cheap restaurants at the quieter southern end of Zicatela. | MX$500-1,000 |
| Mid-range | Zicatela | On the main surf beach, with cafes, bars and sea-view rooms. | MX$1,500-3,000 |
| Mid-range | Rinconada / Carrizalillo | Quieter residential area near the swimming coves and restaurants. | MX$1,500-3,000 |
| Comfort | Boutique hotels above Zicatela and Bacocho | Design hotels with pools and ocean views, and calmer nights. | MX$4,000-9,000 |
Getting around
Puerto Escondido's airport has flights from Mexico City (about 1 hour) and seasonal routes from elsewhere. From Oaxaca City, the drive on the newer highway takes roughly 3.5-4.5 hours; shuttle vans and buses also run the route. In town, taxis are cheap (about MX$60-120 for most rides; agree the price first) and colectivos cover main roads. Walking is fine along Zicatela and El Adoquín, but distances between beaches can be 3-5 km and roads are hilly. Rent a car only if you plan to explore the coast independently.
What to eat in Puerto Escondido
Oaxacan food is a reason in itself to come. Try tlayudas, memelas (thick tortillas with toppings), mole negro and tamales in banana leaves. On the coast, order pescado a la talla (grilled fish with chile paste), ceviche and aguachile shrimp. Drink mezcal, the local agave spirit, slowly with orange and chile salt. Street food costs MX$40-100 a dish; a meal in a restaurant on Zicatela MX$250-450. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry season, with sunny days around 30°C and calmer seas on the sheltered beaches; it is also the busiest period, peaking at Christmas, New Year and Easter. May to October is the wet season, with afternoon storms, higher humidity and the biggest swells for experienced surfers; hurricanes are possible from about June to October. Zicatela hosts international surf contests in some years.
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | MX$400 | MX$1,100 | MX$3,000 |
| Food & drink | MX$400 | MX$800 | MX$1,500 |
| Sights & tickets | MX$150 | MX$600 | MX$1,200 |
| Local transport | MX$100 | MX$250 | MX$600 |
| Total per person, per day | about MX$1,050 | about MX$2,750 | about MX$6,300 |
Approximate 2026 prices in Mexican pesos; Oaxaca adds a lodging tax to hotel bills, and prices rise around Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Before you go
Common questions
Can beginners surf in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, but not at the main Zicatela break, which is for experienced surfers. Beginners learn at La Punta, at the southern end of Zicatela, and at Carrizalillo, which has smaller, slower waves. Many surf schools offer group or private lessons with boards included. Check conditions every day, as swells can grow quickly.
Is Puerto Escondido safe?
For most visitors, yes, with normal precautions. Use registered taxis at night, do not carry valuables on the beach, and avoid isolated beaches after dark. The biggest risk is the sea: rip currents at Zicatela and some open beaches are dangerous. Check current government travel advice for Oaxaca before you go.
When can I see the bioluminescence?
It is visible on many nights of the year at Laguna de Manialtepec, but strongest in the warmer, wetter months and on dark nights near the new moon. Rain, wind and plankton levels change the effect. Tours run most evenings; ask operators about recent sightings before booking, and avoid nights with a full moon.
How do I get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido?
You can fly from Oaxaca City or Mexico City, drive, or take a shuttle van or bus. The newer highway has shortened the road journey to roughly 3.5-4.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops, but mountain roads can still cause delays. Shuttle vans are quicker than large buses; book them a day ahead in high season.
How this guide was made
Compiled by TonyPlan from official tourism, transport and attraction sources and on-the-ground travel knowledge. Prices are approximate for 2026 and change with season; anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.
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