Puerto Escondido is a place where you can escape from Zoom calls and daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of crashing waves and a simpler way of life. All you really need is a swimsuit and sunscreen. I can personally attest to this, as I visited Puerto Escondido last fall when I was on the verge of burnout during a particularly busy work period. My partner Adam and I decided to take a few days to escape to this paradise on the coast of Oaxaca. Within just two hours, I had completely forgotten about my email inbox. But let me backtrack a bit. You might be wondering, where exactly is Puerto Escondido and why should I go there? I first heard about it during a trip to Oaxaca City last year. As I fell head over heels for this magical state in Mexico, I became curious about other areas it had to offer. Locals recommended that I check out Puerto Escondido, a laid-back port town in the south of Oaxaca.
1 of 12: How to Spend a Long Weekend in Puerto Escondido
I want to clarify that this guide to Puerto Escondido is based on my personal experiences and only covers the part of the coast that I explored. Our home base was Hotel Escondido, which is located about 40 minutes from the busier beaches like Zicatela and La Punta. Once we discovered the hidden treasures along this long and bumpy dirt road, we didn’t want to leave. Unspoiled beaches with rocky formations, massive waves, and vibrant desert vegetation everywhere—it’s truly paradise. So, with that said, here’s what you can do in Puerto Escondido during a long weekend trip.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has a small airport that offers an easy one-hour flight from Mexico City. From the airport, you can take a taxi (our hotel had one waiting for us) for a 40-minute drive to the town. If you plan to explore other parts of the coastline, renting a car is recommended. However, if you’re following this guide, you can easily get around on a bike along the beautiful dirt roads near Hotel Escondido and Casa Wabi.
2 of 12: What to Pack
Repeat after me: you won’t need fancy clothes in Puerto Escondido. It’s one of those destinations where you can practically live in one outfit throughout your entire trip. During the day, wear a swimsuit with a linen button-down and cutoff shorts. For evenings, pair a lightweight blouse or sundress with flat sandals (keep in mind that you’ll be riding a bike!). Leave the heels and hairdryer behind because it’s that kind of place. I was actually surprised by how hot it gets during the day, so dress comfortably and always wear a hat. Oh, and don’t forget earplugs because the jungle sounds can be quite loud at night.
3 of 12: Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
There are some amazing Airbnb options in Puerto Escondido, and I took note of them for future trips with kids or friends. However, since it was just Adam and me on this trip, we decided to stay at one of the beautifully-designed hotels near Casa Wabi.
4 of 12: Hotel Escondido
Hotel Escondido was our home for the trip, and in my opinion, it’s the best hotel in Puerto Escondido (though the other hotels mentioned below come close). Nestled in the jungle, this hotel offers a truly rejuvenating experience from the moment you enter its rock-walled entrance and step onto the pristine beach. The restaurant serves incredible dishes all day, there’s a lap pool overlooking the ocean, and the small spa offers various relaxing treatments. Note that guests must be at least 16 years old to stay at Hotel Escondido. Also, take advantage of the hotel’s bikes to explore the area.
Casa Sforza:
Casa Sforza is a stunning new hotel located in Pueblo Del Sol. Its contemporary cement structure complements the locally-made wooden and ceramic furniture. The hotel focuses on sustainability and supports the surrounding community, making it a perfect choice for design enthusiasts.
Hotel Terrestre:
Hotel Terrestre, the sister property of Hotel Escondido, is just a three-minute bike ride away. We spent a lot of time here enjoying its excellent restaurant and experiencing the unique Hammam spa. This wellness-focused hotel has 14 ocean-facing villas and operates completely off the grid using solar power. Guests are encouraged to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, aligning their activities with the sun’s cycle.
5 of 12: Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido
One of the best things about Puerto Escondido is the opportunity to try local cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants we visited during our trip. While there are decent options in La Punta and Zicatela, if you’re staying near Casa Wabi, you can satisfy your culinary cravings with the fish tacos and mezcalitas along the beach.
Cobarde:
Cobarde is a low-key mezcal bar, but for those in the know, it also offers a chef’s menu prepared right in front of you at the bar. While it may not be fancy with just a few tables and chairs under palm trees, Cobarde exudes its own wabi-sabi coolness. Make a reservation through Instagram direct message.
Kakurega Omakase:
This omakase sushi experience is located in a thatched-roof treehouse in the Oaxacan jungle. It was one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had. Chef Keisuke Harada relocated from Mexico City, and his 10-course menu is a true work of art. The playlist and lively team add to the fun atmosphere.
Punta Pajaros:
Hidden among the palm trees, Punta Pajaros is easy to miss, but you shouldn’t. This palapa-style restaurant offers authentic and delicious Oaxacan cuisine. You can watch as the incredibly fresh ingredients are prepared right in front of you, including guacamole (with or without grasshoppers), octopus ceviche, and tsayludas. Pair your meal with a spicy cucumber mezcalita.
Hotel Escondido:
If we weren’t so enticed by the nearby restaurants, we could have easily eaten all our meals at Hotel Escondido and been perfectly content. From huevos rancheros for breakfast under the palapa to mezcal margaritas and ceviche on the beachside deck, just steps away from the crashing waves, it’s hard to beat. If you only have one meal here, definitely try the battered fish tacos. They’re the best I’ve ever had.
Hotel Terrestre:
Just a short distance away is Hotel Terrestre, an architecturally striking establishment (sister property to Hotel Escondido). It offers a delicious menu in a unique brick and concrete setting, perfect for trying something different without venturing too far from your base. If you can, visit on a Thursday when they have a pizza night featuring their massive wood-burning oven.
10 of 12: What to Do in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a place for exploration. Make a loose plan, but don’t be afraid to deviate from it when you stumble upon a hidden path or an inviting beach bar. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
11 of 12: Casa Wabi
Created in 2014 by artist Bosco Sodi and designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, Casa Wabi is an incredible artist residency located on a secluded Oaxacan beach. The main building, with its impressive 312-meter-long concrete wall, houses exhibition spaces, studios, and bungalows where artists live. The contemporary art on display and the building itself are equally inspiring. Make a reservation online for a guided tour.
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