Puerto Escondido The Good The Bad The Beautiful
While Puerto Escondido is certainly a hidden gem with a distinct surf town charm, it would be insincere to call it the perfect place. Every city has its flaws along with its unique magic and Puerto is no different. Here are some things to know before your visit.
The Good
It’s a relatively small place, just over 4 and half square miles (end to end roughly 25 min by car). There’s also less than 50,000 people making for a calm vibe to the city and a nice change of pace compared to major city life. With that being said, there is always something to do even in the low season .
Beyond the beaches there are art galleries, parks, courts for different sports, a movie theatre and a seasonal beach theatre. As we mention in the book, the food scene is incredible, especially given the size of this place. There are amazing restarurants at every price point with a good variety of cuisines. There is certainly a night life for those who seek with parties and events almost every night in La Punta and Zicatela.
If that’s not enough, there are tons of tour companies that can help you organize local excursions to Chacaua, Mazunte, waterfalls, sunset boat tours, horseback riding and bioluminescence viewing.
One thing that stood out is the vibrant energy around health and wellness. There are plenty of places to get a workout. But there are fewer with an ocean view like our favorite beachfront gym Coliseo. There are health stores like Moringa and local markets like La Cosecha del Campo where you can get fresh healthy food and various wellness products. Our favorite find was Shred a fitness and wellness community that blends classes, events, and perks to create one of the coolest membership programs around. If you plan to stay a while, getting a Shred pass is a great way to meet new people and learn about some of the things Puerto Escondido has to offer.
Finally, as you will find in the resource repository, there are tons of comfortable places to stay for individuals and groups with amenities that can rival any destination.
The Bad
Even fans of warm weather will have their tolerance tested here. With highs over 80 year round, you will certainly get your fair share of sun and heat. However, there is also a rainy season to be aware of that peaks from June to August. If you plan to travel during this time know that intense showers can come at almost any time and your weather app might not warn you. You can learn more about the weather patterns here.
Another thing to note is that the humidity comes with bugs. Lots of them. Make sure you invest in a good natural bug repellent because you will need a lot of it and anything too harsh can irritate your skin, eyes and nose. You can always ask locals for best practices but you should definitely come prepared with something DEET free.
Something to be aware of is the culture around dogs. It caught me by surprise to learn that instead of home alarms, many locals have guard dogs that are off leash. They mostly bark and only aim to scare you off but it can be very intimidating, especially after dark which happens to be when the dogs are most protective. They often chase loud vehicles (motorcycles and ATVs) and can charge at pedestrians. It is important to stay calm and not to run as this excites the dogs and can put you in danger. It was also an adjustment getting used to the stray dogs. You might run into these at restaurants or on the beach. They are typically harmless and docile, they only want food. Because they are so common, most people either feed them or disregard them. If the dogs are a real bother for you, simply alert the staff and they will usually shoo them away.
Not all roads are paved. While there is a main road/ highway that will get you from one end to the city to the other, many of the smaller side streets are dirt roads. This can be a challenge especially when there is rain. If you plan on an extended stay, we highly recommend renting an ATV or a car.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment for us was the hot water/ drinking water situation. The places we stayed had large water tanks that the city would come fill on occasion. We also had hot water but it is definitely an amenity that is not guaranteed so be sure to confirm that it is available before you book. Also, you cannot drink the tap water so many accommodations have water jug delivery. However, in some cases you may have to coordinate this yourself.
Last but not least, beware the community salsa. While the culinary scene is amazing, be mindful that some of the businesses will have open salsa at the table throughout the day. As a ‘rule of thumb’ if it looks like it has been used, it probably has. To avoid getting sick we highly recommend skipping the salsa unless it comes out with your food and looks fresh.
The Beautiful
Imperfections aside, Puerto Escondido is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for a Mexico trip outside of the typical Cancun, Tulum and Mexico City. The beach is never far. Puerto Escondido is stretched along the southern Oaxacan coast, making the town itself aesthetically pleasant and sunsets extra majestic. The beauty really sets the tone for the chill vibe of this historic surf town. It’s tough to be upset with gorgeous views all around and there’s no need to be in much of a rush when almost everything is under 30 minutes away.
At the time of this being written (2025-26) there is a lot of recent investment and development. The city is in transition and you will notice a blend of local tradition and modern twists that come with infusing international cultures. There is a great opportunity for cultural preservation efforts to protect what makes Puerto special as things continue to advance. The university, though a bit deeper into the city, is a space that can act as an anchor for culture and education. Our hope is that foreign investors are intentional about learning from and integrating with the locals to ensure advancement doesn’t come at the cost of erasure.
There are already thriving small businesses from Centro to La Punta and wonderful places to stay in La Barra. Even the shortcomings have a certain charm. The occasional little black outs remind you that even with all the modernization there is still a lot of growing to come for this ‘Hidden Port’ on the beach.
All things considered, Puerto Escondido a highly recommended destination for both traditional travelers and digital nomads who might be seeking an extended stay. There is definitely a draw that makes people want to stay. Maybe its the views, the cuisine, the party life or they everyday people; perhaps all of the above. One thing is for sure, if you visit, you will understand.
