26 Best Day Trips & Things To Do In Puerto Escondido (2024)
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Not sure what to do in Puerto Escondido?
When I was planning my trip to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca I was in the same boat as you! When looking for things to do in Puerto Escondido I found a lot of beaches and not a lot of anything else!
Before visiting Puerto Escondido it’s hard to know why it’s worth visiting, what to do and what day trips are worth your time (and money), but you’ve come to the right place! I spent weeks in Puerto Escondido so I’m here to be your What-To-Do-Guru.
26 Best Things To Do In Puerto Escondido
Sure, the beaches in Puerto Escondido are gorgeous and most people who go to beach towns like the beach! But while they pop up here and there on this list, there’s a lot more to Puerto Escondido than beautiful beaches.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in town or day trips to places further afield, I bet I’ve covered at least a few things you’ll love!
1. Taste the Elixir of the Gods
One of the top highlights of my trip to Puerto Escondido was taking a tour to a local ancestral mezcal distillery. This tour is FUN! Operated by a local Mexican-French couple, this half day experience is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido and is not one to miss.
Mezcal originates from Oaxaca, so it’s only natural to learn about it and do a tasting while you’re here. This tour includes a little cultural and historical education, a demonstration and walk-through of a local family-run distillery, and a group tasting of 10 different types of mezcal!
If you don’t like tequila, don’t worry. Mezcal doesn’t taste anything like tequila and the variety of flavours of mezcal is part of the fun of the tasting. Plus, the group nature of the experience makes it a great way to make friends and meet new people.
2. Experience the Magic of Bioluminescence
If you’re not familiar with it, bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where plankton light up in the water and create waves of glittering blue lights. It’s a pretty magical experience and Puerto Escondido happens to be one of the rare places in the world you can find it!
There are two places around Puerto Escondido to experience the magic of bioluminescence but the closest and easiest is Manialtepec Lagoon, located a 20 minute drive from town.
Here you can board a boat and float or swim under the stars in the glistening waters – a bucket list item for a lot of people!
It’s possible to do this trip independently or as part of a tour. When you reach the lagoon you’re going to need to hire a boat anyways so if your Spanish isn’t great, you’re better off booking a bioluminescence tour with an English-speaking guide (for fun and safety reasons).
3. Give Life at a Baby Turtle Release
Okay you’re not really giving life, but you’re helping! Puerto Escondido is home to four of the world’s seven sea turtle species and has lead the charge when it comes to protecting them.
Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles give birth to millions of babies on the beaches of Oaxaca each year, and without human intervention the population is at serious risk.
Turtle rescue centres protect the hatchlings and we get the honour of releasing these little guys onto the beach to watch them run to the ocean when they’re ready.
Releases happen every night, year-round between 5:00pm – 7:00pm and the best way to enjoy this experience is by taking a tour to the turtle sanctuary at Playa Palmarito, about 25 minutes drive from town.
The tour will take you out to the turtle sanctuary and you can learn about these special creatures and how we can help them. Then you can release baby turtles on the beach, set to a backdrop of a gorgeous Oaxacan sunset.
4. Marvel at the Sunsets
This is a real recommendation! Being on the Pacific coast gives Puerto Escondido some of the most dramatic and beautiful sunsets you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Every night travellers and locals alike find a spot on the beach to watch as the most stunning sunsets paint the sky in vibrant oranges, pinks, purples, and blues. This experience is so mesmerizing it’s easy to see why it’s something people do every night so don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing the same.
There are a few great places to take in the view but my favourite is on Playa Zicatela with a cocktail or a cold cerveza.
5. Catch a Wave with a Pro
Surf’s Up! Hang Loose! Gnarly! Other Surf Lingo! 🤙This one falls into the “When in Rome” category. If there was ever a place to take to the water and try to catch a wave, this is it!
Now, surfing in Puerto Escondido isn’t for everyone. Surfing is hard work! It’s really tough to stand up on the board and you’ll almost certainly bail over and over again. But the exhilaration that comes from riding a wave is worth the effort.
Unless you’re an experienced surfer, you’re going to want to hire a professional instructor and the good news is, Puerto Escondido is full of them!
While there are instructors on many of the beaches, for beginners who want to take a taster lesson I recommend heading to Playa Carrizalillo. We don’t know the track record of every instructor so it’s best to stay in a more gentle area.
If you want a more structured lesson I recommend Ari and the guys at Silva Surf School.
They provide a two hour lesson (in English) which can be tailored to your experience level. They will give you water safety and theory lessons, time on the beach to practice “popping up” and balance, and time in the water.
Groups are capped at 8 people, so you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention. Plus they provide a board, leash (to attach the board to your ankle so it doesn’t float away) and a rash guard.
6. Watch The Pros In Action
If surfing is more of a spectactor sport for you, a popular thing to do in Puerto Escondido is to find a spot on the beach and watch the pros ride giants.
Playa Zicatela has a number of beachfront bars and restaurants with great views of the waves. Or you can just find a spot on the beach!
La Punta is also a popular spot to watch the surfers and here you can find sunloungers and umbrellas. They usually belong to one of the businesses so you’ll need to order some food or drink to stay there and they could charge a small fee.
7. Find the Hidden Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen is Playa Carrizalillo. It’s so gorgeous you’ve probably seen it pop up in your hunt for information about Puerto Escondido.
When I was researching my trip I saw this gorgeous beach over and over again but had a hard time finding exactly where it was and what there is to do there.
The entrance to Playa Carrizalillo is located next to Cafe Choc (see map below).
Follow the path until you reach a staircase, which will take you right down to the beach. The view from the stairs is spectacular but the downside is eventually you’ll have to climb back up the 157 steps.
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Playa Carrizalillo if you wanted to! There are sunloungers, surf lessons, swimming, and places for food and drink.
This is popular with locals but a lot of tourists don’t take the time to seek it out. It can get busy on weekends but during this week it’s a great spot to relax.
8. Shop Like a Local at the Mercado
Mercados (or “markets” in English) are the beating heart of daily Mexican life and the Mercado Benito Juárez in Centro Puerto Escondido is no exception.
You can find locals here selling everything – and I do mean everything.
Similar types of shops are normally grouped together so as you wander the market you’ll find corners of clothing shops, leather goods, jewellery stores, and shoes. Keep walking and you’ll find fresh flowers, dried fish, produce, and spices – to name a few!
The local mercados are for locals so you’ll notice that prices are much lower than in other stores. Plus, many of the stores in other parts of Puerto Escondido, like La Punta aren’t actually owned by locals, so by shopping at the market you know you’re also helping the local economy.
The quality of most of what you’ll find in this market is outstanding, particularly with the handmade goods. Oaxacans are very proud of their handmade trade and the vendors will be quick to tell you when something is handmade and where it came from.
Even if shopping isn’t really your thing, this is a great insight into the Mexican way of life and it’s definitely worth visiting.
9. Treat the Tastebuds on a Food Tour
Food is a huge part of every culture and a food tour is a great way to learn more about its importance in Oaxaca. The best way to find the best places to try, quickly is by taking a local food tour focused on Oaxacan cuisine.
The tour I recommend is operated by locals who are passionate about food culture in Puerto Escondido.
The small group tour starts at the Mercado to learn more about the typical ingredients and fundamentals. Then over the next three hours, covers more than 10 tastings from local businesses.
10. Try Authentic Mexican Coffee & Hot Chocolate
When people talk about Mexican food and drink it’s always tacos this and mezcal that. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of these things but my kryptonite is Mexican coffee and Chocolate Mexicano [pronounced chaw-coh-LAH-tay meh-HEE-cah-no].
It’s honestly difficult to find a bad cup of coffee in Mexico. The coffee is farmed in the mountains and has a rich but not bitter flavour.
Almost everywhere you order coffee you’ll notice it takes some time to be prepared. This is because the beans are normally ground to order and they don’t rush the process.
Beautiful, delicious coffee shops are dotted throughout Puerto Escondido but Cafe Bi Nisa in Centro is a must stop for anyone who takes their coffee a little more seriously.
This organic coffee company has been operating for over a decade and they take tremendous pride in what they produce. Their coffee is so good it’s served at some of the best restaurants in town but I recommend going right to the source.
They also offer Chocolate Mexicano which you may know as “Mexican Drinking Chocolate” and I know as “insanely delicious”. This isn’t your grandmother’s hot chocolate.
Chocolate is a huge part of Mexican culture and it shows up in a wide variety of foods. Chocolate Mexicano is served hot or cold and isn’t sweet like the hot chocolate with mini marshmallows you’re probably used to.
What makes it special is how it’s spiced. Instead of being sweet it’s rich and warm with notes of cinnamon and other spices. Cafe Bi Nisa does a decent Chocolate Mexicano but the one at Cafe Choc is made the traditional way with milk and chocolate paste instead of powder.
11. Try Modern Oaxacan Cuisine
When people think of Mexican food they often think of street food and tacos. Now, don’t get me wrong, street food has its place but if you really want to be wowed you need to experience food from new wave of Mexican chefs who are disrupting the industry.
Almoraduz is a small, chef-driven restaurant located on the Rinconada in the the area of Bacocho. The husband and wife chef team, Quetzalcoatl Zurita and Shalxaly Macias are the creative force behind this unassuming hidden gem.
With traditional Oaxacan cuisine at its heart, the crew at Almoraduz kick things up a notch with an infusion of the modern and a focus on local ingredients. Although they honour tradition, there’s nothing old-fashioned about what they do!
My experience at Almoraduz was one of the highlights of my trip to Puerto Escondido and is something I recommend everyone do when visiting.
The food here is some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. Plus, they have mixologists whipping up fantastic cocktails and even an in-house sommelier.
The best part is, you don’t have to break the bank to dine out on world-class cuisine.
12. Cool Off at the Beach Club
Puerto Escondido is a hot place and air conditioning isn’t easy to come by so most people turn to water to cool off. The beaches are nice but sometimes nothing beats floating in a beachfront pool.
Villasol Beach Club in Bacocho has a bar, outdoor swimming pools, restaurants, good WiFi and lounge areas. Some nights they even do movies on the beach!
As of December 2022, the Day Pass fee is currently $600MXN [$30USD/$40CAD] but it does fluctuate sometimes based on seasonality. The fee goes toward consumption of food and drink at the bar and restaurant so that’s a pretty good deal in my book.
13. Start the Day with Cheap Eats and a View
If you want to start your day the local way, head to Mercado Zicatela, just off the main drag of Highway 200. Don’t be fooled by how it looks from the road, just make your way to the back and you’ll find the local favourite Restaurante “Doña Claudia”.
This is the place to be for a traditional Oaxacan breakfast and it just so happens to have ocean views to boot!
Most dishes cost around $50MXN [$2.50USD/$2.75CAD] and true to Mexican form, you won’t be leaving hungry because the portions are huge!
Restaurante “Doña Claudia” is one of the best kept secrets in town and you’ll probably keep coming back for more!
14. Enjoy a Beachfront Lunch
In my hunt for reliable WiFi in Puerto Escondido I came across the beautiful Pez Gallo on Playa Bacocho. Not only is this a great place to work from it’s a great place to have some food and drinks.
Located right on the beach, Pez Gallo is only open 8:00am – 7:00pm and serves up delicious fresh seafood along with Mexican and international options. They also offer cocktails but I recommend trying one of the incredible fishbowl frappes for a caffeine kick.
The restaurant is located inside the Beach Club at Villasol but you don’t need to visit the beach club to come here. The staff are really friendly and even though it’s popular there’s no rush for you to leave.
I had a coffee, went for a walk on the beach and then came back for a delicious lunch. I didn’t want to leave!
15. Dine with the Best View In Town
If you’ve done any research into where to eat in Puerto Escondido you’ve definitely heard of Espadín Restaurante. This gorgeous restaurant is perched atop the cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo and offers completely incomparable, unobstructed sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
When I visited Puerto Escondido they were closed for renovations for the entire month I was there so I can’t speak to the food myself, but from everyone I’ve talked to, it’s pretty special.
They specialize in fresh local seafood and although they are a little more expensive, you’re paying for the view. If you want to catch the sunset, make sure you book a table in advance.
16. Sip Cocktails on the Beach
Picture this: you’re lounging in a comfortable chair, the sound of the waves work with mellow music to relax you. The sky starts to change colours with the sunset as you sip your mezcal cocktail and the sand cools beneath your feet.
This is your new core memory for what contentment feels like.
In Puerto Escondido it’s easy to find a beach bar for cocktails but my favourite spot is La Principal Cantina de Mar.
Because it’s located a little beyond the main strip in Zicatela, this isn’t somewhere you’re likely to stumble upon. From the road it doesn’t look like it has any beachfront at all but when you walk through it’s like entering a new world.
They offer service on the beach, excellent cocktails, delicious food, a chill ambience and gorgeous sunset views.
Best Day Trips From Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is fairly remote but there are actually plenty of excellent day trips that are worth your time!
17. Get Off the Beaten Path In Chacahua
One of the most off-the-beaten-path things you can do in Puerto Escondido is take a trip to Chacahua National Park.
Chacahua is an often forgotten part of Mexico with a fascinating history and stunning scenery. This part of Oaxaca, along with neighbouring Guerrero is know as the Costa Chica and is home to the largest population of Afro-Mexicans.
This is not somewhere you’re going to find a gigantic CHACAHUA sign on the beach.
Chacahua has limited WiFi and no ATMs, but what it lacks in modernity it quickly makes up for everywhere else. This is where you’ll find the strongest year-round bioluminescent lagoon in the area, jaw dropping sunsets, mesmerizing birdlife, easy waves to surf, snorkelling opportunities, fresh from the water seafood, and a slow pace of life.
Getting to Chacahua isn’t totally straightforward because you’ll need to take a bus, taxi and then boat. Because of this, most independent travellers choose to spend at least a night before making their way back.
If you’re short on time or don’t want to spend the night you can take the same Chacahua day tour I booked. This is not the cheapest experience and it’s a long day but it is well worth it. You can check out the inclusions below:
18. Visit the Pueblo Mágico of Mazunte
If you’re not familiar, Pueblos Mágicos are a collection of 132 [and counting] towns in Mexico that have been given the designation of “Magic Town” by the government. This is because they are considered to have special qualities like outstanding beauty, cultural richness, history, etc.
The Pueblo Mágico of Mazunte is located an hour and ten minutes from Puerto Escondido and makes for an excellent day trip.
I loved my time in Mazunte, wandering around the sleepy town, sipping delicious coffee, and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches. The vibe here is very mellow and with a population of less than 1,000 people you’ll have no choice but to slow down.
19. Explore the Oaxacan Coast
If you want to venture further than just Mazunte, then why not explore more of the towns on the Oaxacan Coast? It’s totally possible to knock a few of these off in one day or break them down to multiple day trips.
It’s not really possible to do this with transit so you’ll need to drive or take a tour of the Oaxacan Coast with a local guide. Either way, it’s definitely something worth doing from Puerto Escondido.
If you have your own vehicle I recommend aiming to copy the itinerary from the Oaxacan Coast tour. Although you likely won’t be able to do everything that the tour includes like the boat safari in the lagoon and the mezcal, coffee and chocolate tastings, you can use it as a blueprint for your day trip.
This means visiting Ventanilla (lagoon), Mazunte (Pueblo Mágico), Zipolite (nude beach alert!), and Puerto Angel (fishing village).
20. Live the Luxe Life with a Luxury Day Pass
Anyone who follows my travels will know that one of my favourite things is finding affordable ways to have fancy experiences and often that means secret luxury day passes.
The concept of a Day Pass isn’t new. Hotels, often large resorts, will sell day pass entry to their property. The cost of the pass usually includes use of the pool and facilities, towels, and sometimes some food or drink. But did you know luxury boutique hotels also offer these, they just don’t advertise them?
The best affordable luxury things to do in Puerto Escondido is the day pass at the Samora Luxury Resort.
Located a 30 minute drive south of La Punta, this luxury beachfront boutique hotel is the epitome of effortless luxury.
This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. The beach club has unobstructed ocean views, a gorgeous pool, jacuzzi, plenty of relaxing loungers, a bar and restaurant. It’s also not uncommon to see whales and dolphins in the distance.
21. Visit the Atotonilco Hot Springs
I’m a big fan of hot springs. I’ve visited hot springs all over the world because they’re just an awesome feature of nature and almost always a beautiful place to visit.
The hot springs in Puerto Escondido are truly a hidden gem. They’re actually so hidden you have to use a guide to find them on horseback.
To achieve this adventure you’re going to need to have a little bit of working Spanish and I recommend at least some riding experience.
Take a taxi or drive yourself to the town of San José Manialtepec. The drive is about 30 minutes and a taxi should cost around $250MXN [$13USD/$17.50CAD] in each direction.
Once you reach the town you’ll need to ask around for a guide who will then set you up with a horse. Many of the guides don’t speak English but they will bring along a translator to help you communicate.
The rate for the guide and horse will vary but anything in the realm of $700MXN [$36USD/$48CAD] is fair.
The journey to the hot springs is beautiful. You’ll make your way through the jungle, crossing the river until you reach the hot springs. This is a popular spot for local families but you’re not likely to see many tourists here.
Other Popular Things To Do In Puerto Escondido
22. Swim in the Cascada La Reforma
Cascada La Reforma is a stunning waterfall located about an hour and 45 minute drive from Puerto Escondido.
The easiest way to visit the waterfall and the way I recommend is by guided tour. It’s difficult to find tours available to prebook but there are plenty of options around town. The typical tour will cost around $800MXN [$42USD/$55CAD] and includes round trip transportation and a guide.
It’s possible to do this trip on your own with a scooter but I would caution against this. The first 45 minutes of the drive is easy, on a well paved road but after that you’re on a bumpy, dirt road with plenty of opportunities to skid out.
Whichever way you choose to do there will be some walking involved but it’ll be worth it when you get to jump into the cool waters.
23. Enjoy the Nightlife
Puerto Escondido is sometimes referred to a “party town” and while there are definitely plenty of beach parties and club nights to choose from, it also offers low key nightlife that’s all about the ambience.
If you’re about that party life you should head to Zicatela. There are different events every night so ask around at the bars and someone will point you in the right direction but Piedra de la Iguana and Mar & Wana are a good bet.
The parties start late and often run until the morning.
Perhaps you’re more into the chilled, ambient vibe then La Punta is where you should be. Savanna is a beachfront cafe that’s popular with locals. They offer a great atmosphere with cocktail specials.
You should also check out Chicama, a popular Peruvian restaurant with a very trendy vibe and excellent food.
24. Kayaking Through the Mangroves on a Bird Safari
Puerto Escondido is home to a spectacular variety of birdlife. Even if you’re not an avid birdwatcher, a sunrise kayaking trip through the mangroves of the stunning untouched area of Puerto Suelo is a great excursion from Puerto Escondido.
Because you’re in the mangroves and along a gentle river, you don’t have to worry about being an experienced kayaker or super strong. This is a relaxing experience in nature, not a race, so take your time and drink it in.
The tour I recommend is with Kiko, a local guide. He and his team speak excellent English and definitely offer one of the best tour experiences in town.
25. Horseback Riding Adventures
A very popular thing to do in Puerto Escondido is horseback riding and there are so many day trips to choose from. Horseback riding on the beach at sunset, horseback riding to the hot springs, horseback riding through the jungle, the list goes on!
If you love riding horses or have always wanted to try, you’ll definitely find a horseback riding adventure in Puerto Escondido that suits.
The one that I recommend is the River Trail Horseback Riding Adventure which is operated by Kiko and his team, the company I used for my Puerto Escondido day trips.
This half day day trip starts in the afternoon at a local farm before heading off through the countryside. The views on this day trip are spectacular, with the mountains as a backdrop, trotting along the river, and eventually to the beach. Here you’ll stop for a cold beer or coco frío (a cold coconut, ready to drink!) and enjoy the beautiful Puerto Escondido sunset.
26. Dolphin & Whale Watching
Where there’s water, there’s marine life! The ocean is a fascinating place and scientists say we know more about space than we do about the depths of the ocean. In fact, as humans we’ve only explored 20% of the world’s oceans which is pretty wild considering water covers 70% of the planet.
Knowing this, it’s not a surprise that people are fascinated with seeing marine life in the wild. In Puerto Escondido you can see dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, and more.
Excursions for dolphin and whale watching are really easy to come by because many companies operate these sorts of trips. It is important to note that if you’ve never been on a trip like this before it may not be exactly as you imagine.
The captains know the area and share information with their fellow captains. When one of them finds a pod of dolphins or any other marine life of interest them will radio out to inform the others. This means that there are normally anywhere from three to seven boats watching the same animals at the same time.
I’m not saying this is a bad experience but sometimes people can be disappointed on a trip of this nature. If you’re looking for a reliable tour check out this option from Playa Puerto Angelito.
Where Is Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a medium-sized town located in the state of Oaxaca and stretches along the Pacific Ocean in an area known as the Oaxaca Coast. Oaxaca City is located about 6 hours inland from Puerto Escondido and Huatulco is approximately 2 hours down the coast.
It is not possible to fly to Puerto Escondido directly internationally but there are lots of other ways to get to Puerto Escondido from anywhere.
When To Visit
Puerto Escondido has a tropical climate that makes it pretty hot and dry most of the year, with an average year-round temperature of 29C/84F.
The year in Puerto Escondido can be divided into the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season: December – April
Dry season in Puerto Escondido runs from December to April and is the most popular time to visit because this is when the weather is pretty perfect and rain is scarce. This is also high season so the town is usually busier and prices are higher.
Waves are lowest this time of year making it a great to swim but not so great to surf the big waves. If heat isn’t your thing then avoid the hottest months of the year, April and May, with temperatures in the mid-thirties.
Rainy Season: May – November
Rainy season in Puerto Escondido runs May to November. The temperature during the rainy season is within a few degrees of the dry season but of course, rainy season means there will be rain!
The most rainfall happens during June and September. I visited in September and only saw one day of rain but when it rained, it poured! The streets flooded, roads turned to rivers and everything was cancelled for the day.
The upside of rainy season is waves! The waves are at their height in July and August so if you want to catch any professional surfers or competitions this is the time. Big waves also mean that swimming can be dangerous so watch out for the red flags.
Rainy season is also when phosphorescence is at a peak so if bioluminescence is on your list aim for September to December.
Where To Stay
Puerto Escondido is made up of different areas that each offer a totally different experience and vibe so choosing the right one is key to enjoying your time here. I like to break the town into four regions, in order from north to south: Bachocho & Carrizalillo, Centro, Zicatela and La Punta.
People looking for a quieter or more romantic experience should check out Bacocho and Carrizalillo while Centro is perfect for the budget conscious. Zicatela is a haven for backpackers and surfers and La Punta is best described as a mini Tulum.
Puerto Escondido FAQs
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
If you enjoy beautiful scenery, a great food and drink scene, and lots of activities to choose from, Puerto Escondido is absolutely worth visiting.
Because Puerto Escondido is a developing town, parts of it are quite modern while other areas are still very rustic. If things like reliable internet and modern amenities are important to you, Huatulco may be a better fit.
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
Puerto Escondido has a reputation amongst the backpacking crowd as being a party town, but the truth is it can be as wild or as mild as you choose. All-night parties are available to those who seek them out, but relaxed nightlife is easy to find.
What is Puerto Escondido known for?
Puerto Escondido is best known for stunning beaches and a laid back attitude. It is also home to the Mexican Pipeline, one of the world’s top surf destinations.
Is Puerto Escondido cash only?
Credit cards are accepted in larger established businesses in Puerto Escondido like hotels, tour operators and nicer restaurants. Cash is needed for smaller purchases, markets, street food and street vendors.
The ATMs in Puerto Escondido can be difficult to find. The most reliable ATMs are at the major banks in Centro such as Santander, HSBC and BBVA. Only use ATMs that are located inside banks.
Is Puerto Escondido safe?
Puerto Escondido is considered to be a safe area to travel to in Mexico. I spent weeks in Puerto Escondido and never felt unsafe or in any danger.
As with anywhere in the world you should always operate with normal safety tactics. Don’t wander around at night in unfamiliar places, don’t overindulge, keep your wits about you, and trust your gut. Do not purchase or seek to purchase drugs anywhere in Mexico.
Although Mexico can be represented as unsafe in the media the truth is, it is not unsafe for most travellers. Less than 1% of crimes in Mexico are tourist-related.
I love Mexico and have travelled to about half the states as a solo female traveller and I have never personally experienced any crime.
Is there a cartel in Puerto Escondido?
Cartel is a scary word that we hear on the news all the time, often associated with Latin America. Yes, there is cartel in Puerto Escondido but that should not impact your trip in any way.
A drug cartel is a large organization that monopolizes the drug industry in certain areas. As a tourist, unless you are seeking out drugs or intentionally involving yourself in cartel business it is highly unlikely that you will even notice any cartel activity.
Summary: What To Do In Puerto Escondido
As you can probably tell by now, there are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido no matter what your budget or interests are.
If you see something you have your heart set on, make sure to plan and book in advance as spots often sell out. Because Puerto Escondido is a laid back beach town, you also want to leave time to explore on your own and go with the flow.
