Puerto Escondido

Playa Zicatela is home to the legendary Mexican Pipeline, one of the most powerful and dangerous beach breaks in the world. This 3km stretch of golden sand draws professional surfers during international competitions and provides an incredible spectacle for spectators. The consistent barrels and massive waves make it best left to experts, but watching the sunset over surfers riding monster waves is unforgettable. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore.

Playa Carrizalillo regularly tops lists of Mexico's best beaches. This crescent-shaped cove with turquoise waters is accessed via a steep stairway from Rinconada. The calm, swimmable water is protected by rocky headlands, making it perfect for snorkeling and families. Beach loungers, restaurants, and public restrooms are available. Arrive early in high season as this small paradise fills up quickly.

Experience one of nature's most magical phenomena at Laguna de Manialtepec, just 20 minutes from Puerto Escondido. During night tours, you can swim in warm lagoon waters that glow electric blue as bioluminescent plankton react to movement. Best experienced during new moon phases from July-December when the plankton are most active. Tours include boat rides and swimming under tented areas for maximum darkness.

This traditional Mexican market in Centro is where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, seafood, and everyday goods. Wander through colorful stalls selling tropical fruits, Oaxacan cheese, chocolate, mezcal, and handmade crafts. The food section offers authentic, incredibly affordable meals - try tlayudas, tamales, and fresh seafood cocktails. It's the perfect place to experience local life and practice Spanish.

The rocky headland at the end of La Punta offers Puerto Escondido's most spectacular sunset views. Locals and travelers gather each evening to watch the sun dip into the Pacific, often with cold beers or fresh coconuts in hand. The bohemian atmosphere, with musicians sometimes playing, creates a communal experience. After sunset, head to nearby restaurants and beach clubs for dinner and nightlife.

Puerto Angelito is a calm, family-friendly beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The protected bay has gentle waves and clear water ideal for beginners. Local vendors sell fresh ceviche and cold drinks, and you can rent snorkeling gear to explore underwater. It's smaller and more intimate than Carrizalillo, accessible by foot from Centro or a short taxi ride.

El Adoquin is Puerto Escondido's main pedestrian street that transforms into a vibrant night market each evening. The stretch of Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga near Playa Principal closes to traffic, filling with vendors selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and street food. It's the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, enjoy a meal, and soak up the local atmosphere with both tourists and Mexican families.

Puerto Escondido's beaches are important nesting sites for sea turtles, and several non-profit groups work to protect them. From July-December, you can participate in baby turtle releases at sunset - a magical experience watching tiny hatchlings make their first journey to the sea. The turtles must crawl through sand on their own to imprint the beach, ensuring they return to nest as adults. Tours often combine with bioluminescence.