Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a home for fishermen, surfers, vacationers, and an eclectic expatriate community. The initial pull of the tourist began because of the large, powerful and sometimes perfect waves of Zicatela beach, known as the Mexican Pipeline. It is rated in the top ten of all surfing destinations on the planet. Puerto Escondido retains a slight off-the-beaten-track feel and lacks any large-scale resorts, thus maintaining its casual, laid-back atmosphere.
There’s a lot more to Puerto Escondido than its giant waves however. There are a number of other beautiful beaches for bathing and watching the world go by, Carrizalillo beach being one of the finest. For beginner surfers, this beach provides the perfect location. The area surrounding the town has a wealth of natural wonders. Just 20 minutes north of Puerto Escondido, birders can rent kayaks or motorboats to view the pelicans, hawks, hummingbirds, spoonbills and many more that inhabit the mangrove forests of the Manialtepec Lagoon.
The climate in Puerto Escondido is tropical and we have 350 days of sunshine a year. The temperature doesn’t vary much throughout the year: it can get up to 34 in the summer, and down to 28 in winter. Nights can be relatively cool in December and January with temperatures dropping to the high teens.
Below is an outline of some of the activities available in and around Puerto Escondido which can be arranged from the hotel.
Manialtepec Lagoon– Bring out the birder in you with a bird-watching tour or take a kayaking trip for a more active experience around this wonderful lagoon, alive with hundreds of species of native and migratory birds and animals. Also, take a “Swimming with the Stars” tour where you will experience the unique phosphorescent phenomenon and take a swim through the plankton rich waters (seasonal).
Dolphin, whale and turtle watching tours with local guides available year round.
Deep sea fishing excursions available with local experts. We recommend Omar’s Sport Fishing.
Take part in the release of baby Golfina (Olive Ridley), Prieta (Black turtle) and Laud (Leatherback) sea turtles, some of the most endangered in the world. A truly special experience. Available December to May.
Beaches:
Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho, Playa Coral, Puerto Angelito, and Playa Manzanillo are all within walking distance of Villa Lili and ideal for swimming, snorkeling and learning to surf. Bahia Principal, Playa Marinero, Playa Zicatela, and La Punta are the main beaches in the town for the seasoned surfers, taking boat and fishing trips and perfect for a sunset stroll.
Take an evening stroll down the “Adoquin”, Avenida Perez Gazga, one of Puerto Escondido’s main tourist areas, fronting onto Bahia Principal.
There are a number of PADI certified scuba diving schools in Puerto Escondido and also plenty of snorkeling spots.
Walking Tours of Puerto Escondido – Can be arranged at the tourist information booth at the west end of the Adoquin.
Spanish Language Schools – There are a number of schools in Puerto Escondido. Oasis is recommended and a short walk from Villa Lili.
Temazcal – Traditional Mexican steam bath. Experience this as well as a number of spa treatments at the Temazcalli Center
Mercado Benito Juarez – Local market open daily for fresh produce as well as clothing and handicrafts. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Atotonilco Hot Springs – A short drive from Puerto Escondido will take you to the village of San Jose on the banks of the Manialtepec River. From here you will venture on horseback along the river enjoying the trees and nature, until you reach the hot springs. The Atotonilco Hot springs are thermal waters adjacent to the river. Soak and unwind as the curative waters do their magic.
HOT LINKS
Viva Aerobus www.vivaaerobus.com flights to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco
Aeromar www.aeromar.com.mx flights to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco
Interjet www.interjet.com.mx flights to Huatulco
Sunwing.ca www.skyserviceairlines.com Fly from Canada to Huatulco
Aerotucan www.aerotucan.com.mx Fly to and from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco
Travel Agency Dimar www.viajesdimar.com
www.ticketbus.com.mx Buy your OCC bus ticket online
Some things to do around Puerto Escondido
www.facebook.com/omarsportfishing We can arrange trips to Manialtepec Lagoon
Lalo Ecoturs We can arrange trips to Manialtepec Lagoon
www.temazcalli.com Spa with traditional Mexican Temazcal steam bath
www.oasissurffactory.com Surf lessons and Language School
Academia los Bravos learn how to dance latino music
oaxaca-travel.com Tourist Guide to Oaxaca
Bed & Breakfast in Mexico City