PUERTO ESCONDIDO & HUATULCO
The Pacific Coast of Oaxaca is a tropical paradise where emerald mountains meet the turquoise ocean. It’s a captivating blend of adrenaline-pumping surf culture and eco-focused luxury.
This region offers a stunning contrast: the rustic, world-class waves of Puerto Escondido and the nine pristine bays of the carefully planned resort area of Huatulco.
Most Popular Attractions
Puerto Escondido: Surf, Beach & Town Core
Playa Zicatela: Home to the “Mexican Pipeline,” one of the world’s most famous and powerful beach breaks, attracting professional surfers.
Playa Carrizalillo: A stunning, sheltered cove perfect for beginner surfing lessons, swimming, and relaxing by palapas.
El Adoquín: The pedestrian street in the town center, lively with shops, restaurants, bars, and street vendors, especially in the evenings.
Puerto Angelito & Playa Manzanillo: Two small, calm bays next to each other, ideal for swimming and family-friendly beach time.
Punta Zicatela: The southern end of Zicatela, known for its laid-back vibe, quieter beach area, and stunning sunset views.
Playa Bacocho: A long, beautiful beach famous for its nightly sea turtle release program.
Benito Juárez Market: The central market, offering an authentic taste of local life, with fresh produce, textiles, and traditional food stalls.
Huatulco: Nine Bays & Ecotourism
Bahía Tangolunda: The main resort bay in Huatulco, featuring luxury hotels, an 18-hole golf course, and calm waters.
Bahía Santa Cruz: The primary tourist hub with a cruise ship dock, marina, market, and main town square (La Crucecita).
La Crucecita: The principal town of Huatulco, known for its central square, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and souvenir shops.
Bahía Conejos: One of the most beautiful and remote of the nine bays, featuring white sand, clear water, and a large resort.
Bahía Órgano & Bahía Maguey: Often visited together on boat tours, these bays offer excellent snorkeling opportunities and secluded beaches.
Huatulco National Park: A protected area covering several of the bays and surrounding jungle, offering extensive hiking and birdwatching trails.
Playa La Entrega: A beach famous for its calm waters and excellent snorkeling right off the shore, making it a favorite for day-trippers.
Regional Experiences & Nature
Laguna de Manialtepec (Puerto Escondido): A coastal lagoon famous for its mesmerizing bioluminescence tours, especially during the new moon.
Mazunte & Ventanilla: Nearby coastal towns known for the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (National Turtle Center) and the eco-reserve of Ventanilla, a mangrove estuary.
Chacahua Lagoons National Park: A boat trip through vast mangrove systems, known for abundant birdlife and ending at a remote Pacific beach.
Cascadas de Copalitilla (Huatulco): A series of beautiful natural waterfalls and pools nestled in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, perfect for swimming and exploring.
Coffee Plantation Tours (Fincas Cafetaleras): Day trips into the surrounding mountains to visit historic coffee fincas, such as Finca Pacífico or Finca El Pacífico.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours: Boat trips from both Puerto Escondido and Huatulco to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating humpback whales (seasonal).
Zipolite: A famous nearby beach known for its bohemian atmosphere and being Mexico’s only legal nude beach.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Surf Lesson at Playa Zicatela (Puerto Escondido): Learn to ride the waves at one of Mexico’s most famous surf spots, known internationally for its powerful “Mexican Pipeline” break. Many local schools offer beginner lessons on the safer end of the beach.
Go on a Bioluminescence Tour in Laguna de Manialtepec: Experience the magic of the glowing plankton by kayaking or taking a boat trip on the lagoon after sunset, one of the most unique natural spectacles in the region.
Witness the Turtle Release at Playa Bacocho: Participate in the conservation effort by helping release newborn Olive Ridley sea turtles into the ocean at sunset (seasonal activity, primarily July to November).
Snorkel or Dive in the Bays of Huatulco National Park: Explore the nine stunning bays of Huatulco, known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
Take a Boat Tour to the Nine Bays of Huatulco: Rent a boat or join a tour to hop between the picturesque bays, including the quieter, less-developed ones like La India and Cacaluta.
Visit the Fincas Cafetaleras (Coffee Plantations): Take a day trip into the Sierra Madre mountains to tour an organic coffee farm (finca), learn about the bean-to-cup process, and enjoy a fresh cup of Oaxacan coffee.
Explore the Traditional Mercado Benito Juárez (Puerto Escondido): Immerse yourself in local life by wandering through the vibrant main market, sampling regional fruits, mole pastes, and fresh tlayudas.
Learn to Cook Traditional Oaxacan Cuisine: Take a cooking class focused on the region’s culinary specialties, such as the seven varieties of mole, tlayudas, and traditional chocolate drinks.
Go Deep-Sea Fishing: Book a charter for sport fishing off the coast of Puerto Escondido or Huatulco, a prime location for catching marlin, sailfish, and dorado.
Hike to the Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla (Huatulco): Take a scenic trip inland to these beautiful natural waterfalls and pools, perfect for swimming and enjoying the jungle environment.
Watch the Sunset at El Faro (The Lighthouse) or Mirador Escénico: Climb to a high point in Puerto Escondido or Huatulco for a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean as the sun dips below the horizon.
Local Tips & Transport
Taxis are the Primary Transport: Taxis are the easiest and most common way to get around both towns. Always agree on the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used.
Colectivos (Shared Taxis/Vans): For cheaper travel, especially between major spots or into the central areas, look for fixed-route shared taxis or small passenger vans (colectivos). This is the local way to travel.
Getting Between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido:
- Bus: Reliable, air-conditioned buses (like ADO) run regularly, taking around 3-4 hours, with the new highway making the journey much faster.
- Shared Van/Private Taxi: Faster but slightly more expensive options are available at bus stations or from private drivers.
Huatulco’s Planned Layout: Huatulco’s nine bays and sectors (like La Crucecita, Santa Cruz, and Tangolunda) are spread out. Taxis are essential here, but distances are relatively short.
Puerto Escondido’s Neighborhoods: The town is divided into distinct areas (Zicatela, La Punta, Bacocho, Carrizalillo). Walking between them is possible but can be hot; a short taxi ride is often preferable.
Renting a Scooter/Car: While available, be cautious. Roads are often steep, unpaved, and poorly lit at night. Drive only if you are very comfortable with Mexican road conditions.
The Pacific Sun is Intense: The sun here is strong, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM. Seek shade, wear a hat, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate coral reefs.
Beach Safety: Pay attention to flags on the beaches. The ocean currents can be very strong. Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is for expert surfers only; for swimming, stick to protected bays like Carrizalillo or Bahía La Entrega.
Oaxacan Cuisine: The state of Oaxaca is a culinary capital. Don’t leave without trying:
- Tlayudas: Large, crispy tortillas topped with cheese, beans, and meat.
- Mole: A complex sauce, often chocolate-based, served over chicken or enchiladas.
- Mezcal: The local artisanal spirit, usually sipped, not shot. Look for local palenques (mezcal distilleries).
Tipping Culture (Propina): Tipping is expected in tourist areas, especially in restaurants (10-15% is standard), for cleaning staff, and for guided tours.
Puerto vs. Huatulco Vibe:
- Puerto Escondido has a more bohemian, backpacker, and surf-focused vibe. It’s lively and less polished.
- Huatulco is more resort-focused, with a cleaner, planned, family-friendly feel, emphasizing eco-tourism and relaxation on its many bays.
Hidden Gems:
- El Faro (The Lighthouse) in Huatulco: Climb the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula for stunning, panoramic views of the entire coastline and the nine bays.
- Adoquin in Puerto Escondido: This pedestrian street comes alive in the evening with vendors, street performers, and a lively, safe atmosphere.
- Playa Majagual (Huatulco): A beautiful, undeveloped beach, perfect for a quiet afternoon and sunset.
- The Sunrise at La Punta (Puerto Escondido): Walk to the far end of Zicatela/La Punta to catch a spectacular sunrise over the ocean.
Top Restaurants
Bladu’Yú Restaurant [$10-$20] – This colorful, family-run spot in Bahía Chahué, Huatulco, brings the authentic, often overlooked, flavors of Oaxaca’s Istmo region to the coast.
Antojitos Los Gallos [$5-$15] – A cozy, family-run corner restaurant in downtown La Crucecita, Huatulco, serving authentic, budget-friendly Mexican street food classics like flautas and chicken soup.
Comedor Esperanza [$5-$15] – Located inside the local market in Huatulco, this is a reliable and highly affordable spot for hearty, traditional Oaxacan food that locals frequent.
Tlayudas del Sector I [$5-$15] – A casual, no-frills spot in the Sector I area of Huatulco perfect for enjoying authentic, customizable Oaxacan tlayudas (large, crispy tortillas) with a full salsa bar.
Doña Oly – Tlayudas y antojitos [$5-$15] – A simple, delicious local favorite in Huatulco for traditional tlayudas and various antojitos (small snacks) that capture the essence of regional home cooking.
Restaurante LuzMar [$10-$20] – A welcoming, family-owned spot in La Crucecita, Huatulco, known for a diverse menu including regional specialties like moles, tlayudas, and fresh seafood, with a popular menú del día.
La Takeria [$5-$10] – A tiny, authentic, cash-only taquería in the Brisas de Zicatela area of Puerto Escondido, run by a friendly couple and famous for its flavorful, traditional tacos served on the customary plastic-lined plate.
Tacos Paco [$5-$15] – Known for one of the best deals in town, this is a must-visit in Puerto Escondido for double-stacked shrimp tacos served with a rich, savory shrimp consommé.
Taqueria La Playita [$5-$15] – A local favorite situated behind the airport in Puerto Escondido, highly regarded by residents for its authentic carnitas and traditional, decades-old taco recipes.
Taqueria Uno y Mas [$5-$15] – Staying open until 2 am, this Zicatela-area spot in Puerto Escondido is perfect for late-night eats, famous for its al pastor cooked on a proper trompo with pineapple.
Hermanitos Tacos Árabes [$5-$15] – Found in the Bacocho neighborhood of Puerto Escondido, this spot offers unique Lebanese-influenced tacos árabes with spit-roasted pork, showcasing the region’s diverse culinary influences.
Mezcalería Chávez [$5-$15] – Located near the beach in Brisas de Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, this spot is lauded for its excellent range of mezcals and seriously authentic tacos de guisado (stewed fillings) served from large ceramic pots.
Las Cazuelas [$10-$20] – A classic spot in the Centro district of Puerto Escondido, best known for their hearty and traditional pozoles (hominy stew).
Antojitos Regionales Las Juquileñas [$10-$20] – Located in the Centro district of Puerto Escondido, this is where locals head for reliable, traditional Oaxacan fare beyond the tourist strips.
Mercado “Benito Juárez” [$5-$15] – The main local market in the Centro district of Puerto Escondido, it’s not one restaurant but a hub of comedor stalls offering a wide, cheap variety of authentic, homemade local dishes.
Mercado de Zicatela [$5-$15] – A fantastic local market area in Puerto Escondido with small restaurants behind it, providing authentic Oaxacan street food like tlayudas and tacos at budget-friendly prices.
Costenito Cevicheria [$15-$30] – A bohemian-styled spot right on Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido that serves arguably the best grilled octopus and excellent ceviches.
Restaurante El Curandero [$15-$30] – A bustling, locals’ favorite seafood joint near Playa Manzanillo in Puerto Escondido, specializing in incredibly fresh, made-to-order ceviches, seafood cocktails, and grilled fish.
El Che Bichero [$15-$30] – A highly-regarded spot on Zicatela in Puerto Escondido known for serving some of the freshest fish in the area, offering a menu of aguachile, sashimi, ceviche, and oysters.
La Tosta del Mar [$15-$30] – A popular Centro Huatulco seafood spot known for its fresh fish preparations and ceviches, drawing a consistent local crowd.
Alvelú [$15-$30] – Another great, locally-known seafood spot in Centro Huatulco that specializes in a variety of fresh daily catches prepared with Oaxacan flair.
Don Crudelio [$15-$30] – Located in Sector I, Huatulco, this is a go-to for crudelio (raw seafood dishes) like excellent ceviches and aguachiles, with a strong local following.
El Camaron Borracho [$15-$30] – Literally “The Drunken Shrimp,” this Huatulco restaurant focuses almost exclusively on shrimp, preparing it in nearly every way imaginable.
El Grillo Marinero [$15-$30] – A reliable, good-value seafood restaurant in Centro Huatulco, known for its consistent quality and various grilled and fried fish options.
Turtle Bay Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located on the Rinconada in Puerto Escondido, this popular spot focuses on fresh, high-quality seafood, with Dorado being a standout dish prepared in various ways.
Océan Huatulco [$15-$30] – A well-liked Huatulco restaurant that serves excellent fish tacos and a massive, refreshing ceviche served beautifully in a coconut husk.
Almoraduz Cocina de Autor [$30-$60] – Situated on Rinconada in Puerto Escondido, this casual-elegant gem, led by a husband-and-wife chef duo, is Puerto Escondido’s true fine-dining experience, offering creative, refined Oaxacan plates with an optional tasting menu.
Atarraya [$30-$60] – Perched beautifully above La Punta in Puerto Escondido, this refined, chef-driven restaurant offers a sophisticated touch to coastal dining in a modern, world-class setting.
Espadín Restaurante [$25-$50] – Set atop a cliffside in the Rinconada area of Puerto Escondido, this spot offers a more upscale take on Oaxacan flavors, known for its polished seafood dishes and unforgettable sunset views over Playa Carrizalillo.
Chicama [$20-$40] – This highly-rated Peruvian spot in Puerto Escondido (La Punta) delivers incredible Peruvian dishes with a lively atmosphere, known particularly for its excellent ceviche and tiraditos.
Mercader [$15-$30] – Considered by many to be the best overall restaurant in Huatulco, this local favorite in Santa Cruz offers a unique fusion of flavors, specializing in Asian-inspired dishes like Pad Kee Mao and Udon Noodles.
La Chicatana [$20-$40] – Located on the terrace of Hotel Nonni in La Crucecita, Huatulco, this restaurant offers modern Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like a popular Oaxacan Tasting Platter and house-made crispy blue corn tortillas.
Metxcalli [$25-$45] – Found near Bahía in Puerto Escondido, this sophisticated restaurant elevates traditional Mexican dishes with love and care, creating an impressive range of plates and excellent mezcal pairings.
La Olita [$15-$30] – A popular taco and seafood restaurant in Puerto Escondido with new-age surfer vibes, known for its fusion-style tacos, aguachiles, and beautifully presented grilled squid tacos.
Glou Glou [$20-$40] – While technically a chic wine bar located inside Casa To in La Punta, Puerto Escondido, its small-plate menu is considered one of the best culinary offerings in the area, blending casual cool with culinary seriousness.
Pez Gallo [$20-$40] – With a cool, minimalist, design-forward edge near Playa Bacocho in Puerto Escondido, this restaurant delivers a sleek experience with a focus on fresh, flavorful food perfect for lunch or brunch.
Sommo [$25-$50] – Tucked away on a quiet street in La Punta, Puerto Escondido, this elegant, softly lit spot offers sophisticated Japanese cuisine, providing a calm contrast to the usual beach town vibe.
Iguana Soul [$25-$45] – Known for its focus on fresh, often raw and cooked, seafood, this spot in Puerto Escondido has a sophisticated beach-side feel and a focus on presentation and unique flavor combinations.
Terra Cotta [$15-$30] – Located in the Hotel Mision de los Arcos in La Crucecita, Huatulco, this is a well-established, air-conditioned staple known for consistent, good Mexican food, often with slightly milder flavors perfect for all palates.
Cafecito [$10-$25] – A quintessential Puerto Escondido institution with multiple locations (Zicatela, Rinconada, La Punta), famous for its hearty Mexican and International breakfasts, great coffee, and baked goods, often with a line.
Dulce Tierra Bakery [$5-$15] – An artisan bakery with a few locations across Puerto Escondido (La Punta, Zicatela, Rinconada), essential for anyone craving freshly baked pastries and great coffee in the morning.
Sandala Café [$10-$20] – A great Rinconada, Puerto Escondido spot for delicious, healthy, and aesthetic breakfasts and lunches, offering creative dishes beyond the usual.
El Nene [$20-$40] – A casual-elegant spot on the Rinconada in Puerto Escondido that is low-key on the outside but offers beautifully presented food, with a focus on charcoal-grilled meats, octopus, and burgers.
La Ola Taquería [$10-$20] – A great spot in Brisas de Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, semi-hidden down a sandy alley leading to the beach, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner of tasty tacos.
Casa de Burrito [$5-$15] – A super casual, simple shack in the La Punta area of Puerto Escondido that is known for making absolutely massive and delicious burritos—a great, quick, and satisfying feed.
Las Margaritas [$5-$15] – Located on the Rinconada in Puerto Escondido, this restaurant offers some of the best value for lunch with hearty, traditional Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros and simple fare.
Brisas Del Mar [$10-$20] – A classic, local eatery on Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido that offers simple Mexican food at affordable prices, often bustling with locals and offering great sunset views.
El Rincón de Los Almendros [$10-$20] – A relaxed restaurant and grill in Puerto Escondido, known for its straightforward grilled meats and fish in a casual atmosphere.
Zicatela Market Stalls [$5-$15] – Various food stalls around the Zicatela Market in Puerto Escondido that are a reliable source of local street food and cheap eats.
El Horno Escondido [$15-$25] – Located in the Lazaro Cardenas area of Puerto Escondido, this spot is a hidden gem for fresh, quality seafood and other Mexican dishes.
Cañabrava [$15-$30] – A restaurant located directly on Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido, offering great food with a front-row view of the ocean and the famous waves.
Cayuco [$15-$25] – A popular, casual beach restaurant right on Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido that is a local favorite for fresh, simple ceviches.
Restaurante Eliel [$15-$30] – Worth the short trip to Agua Blanca near Puerto Escondido, this beachside spot is famous for its super fresh oysters, which you can enjoy right on the sand.
Bar La Punta [$10-$20] – Right on the beach in La Punta, Puerto Escondido, this spot is ideal for drinks and a casual bite like ceviche while relaxing in a rented lounge chair and watching the sunset.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
KARA SALADA Mexa Cocktail Bar (Puerto Escondido): Located at One Love Hostal in Zicatela, this bar is known for offering some of the most creative and upscale cocktails in Puerto Escondido, with a focus on Mexican spirits.
Juana Mezcala (Puerto Escondido): A popular spot in Zicatela right next to Chicama, this bar is a mezcal lover’s haven with an impressive selection of the Oaxacan spirit, great mezcal cocktails, and a lively “hole-in-the-wall” atmosphere.
Palapita Beach Club (Puerto Escondido): Situated at the northern end of Playa Zicatela, this quintessential beach bar is famous for its massive piña coladas served in pineapples and offers comfortable seating for enjoying the ocean view and sunset.
Mombasa (Puerto Escondido): One of the latest additions to La Punta’s bar scene, this is a great spot to start or end the night, known for its good cocktails and often packed late in the evening.
La Bruja Olvidada (Puerto Escondido): A more upscale bar and bottle shop in Puerto Escondido, offering quality cocktails, natural wine, mezcal, and craft beer in a fun environment that often hosts special events.
Maz + Mezcal (Huatulco): Located in downtown La Crucecita, this bar lives up to its name, offering dozens of mezcals and mezcal cocktails. It features a lovely leveled lounge area perfect for people-watching and sometimes a live DJ on weekends.
PARAISO ESCONDIDO (Puerto Escondido): A zero-frills, family-run beach bar right in Brisas de Zicatela, it’s a favorite spot for watching the sunset over the crashing waves with a simple, relaxed vibe.
Chicama (Puerto Escondido): While known as a restaurant in La Punta, this spot transforms into a great place to kick off the evening with a tropical atmosphere, craft cocktails, and an ideal setting for sunset drinks.
La Crema (Huatulco): La Crucecita’s popular and perhaps oldest bar, famous for its excellent pizzas, craft cocktails, and a lounge bar vibe, often featuring live music.
The Boneyard (Puerto Escondido): A unique skater bar in La Punta with its own skate bowl, perfect for a chilled-out vibe and a few cold beers or cocktails while watching people skate.
Mezcalería & Tacos Chavez (Puerto Escondido): Found in Brisas de Zicatela, this patio bar offers a simple yet satisfying menu of mezcal, mezcal cocktails (like their refreshing mezcal mule and fruit-flavored mezcalitas), and tacos.
Punta Vida (Puerto Escondido): Located in La Punta, this bar/restaurant best represents the area’s laid-back side, ideal for sunset drinks and a chill atmosphere before the main party spots pick up.
Espadín Restaurante (Puerto Escondido): Perched atop the cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo, this restaurant and bar offers unparalleled sunset views and is a great spot for a more sophisticated cocktail experience.
Congo Bar (Puerto Escondido): Located just behind Playa Principal beach, this popular bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and is a great place to go salsa dancing.
El Pacifico (Huatulco): A new bar in downtown La Crucecita that is popular with both locals and foreigners, often featuring a live band almost every night of the week.
Xcaanda (Puerto Escondido): A lively nightclub situated directly on Zicatela Beach, this is one of the most popular spots where partygoers flock late at night for a mix of reggaeton and house music with a late-night tropical beach bar vibe.
Chula (Puerto Escondido): A go-to club in Zicatela, especially popular on weeknights when other venues are quiet. It offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with a sand dance floor and varied music.
La Papaya (Huatulco): By far the most popular nightclub in Huatulco, known for its beautiful bar, large dance floor, and unique feature: a pool visible through porthole-style windows, often hosting a mermaid show late at night.
Cañabrava (Puerto Escondido): A beachfront venue in Zicatela known for its Latin music (cumbia, reggaeton, salsa), lively atmosphere, and a rooftop with private tables, making it a hotspot on Friday nights.
Piedra de la Iguana (Puerto Escondido): Considered an after-hours spot in Zicatela, the party here doesn’t start until 3 AM and goes on until sunrise with DJs spinning electronic music on an open-air dance floor.
Cactus (Puerto Escondido): One of the most popular bars/clubs in Zicatela, drawing a mix of locals and visitors, especially on weekends and its famous Monday night party.
Mar & Wana (Puerto Escondido): Located opposite Cactus Bar in Zicatela, this spot is a top destination for nightlife, especially on the weekends, known for its loud music and tropical party atmosphere.
Insomnia (Huatulco): Situated above Maz + Mezcal in the heart of La Crucecita, this is another popular dance club in Huatulco that tends to draw a slightly younger crowd with loud pop beats.
Mandala Puerto Escondido (Puerto Escondido): A club option for those who love to dance, offering a varied music selection and an energetic atmosphere in Zicatela.