Summary
Oaxaca is one of the most fascinating destinations in Mexico. The southwest state, famous for its delicious cuisine bursting with mouth-watering flavors and unique ingredients (grasshoppers, anyone?), mezcal, and a one-of-a-kind arts scene steeped in local traditions, is also home to thousands of miles of pristine shoreline and low-key beach towns. Moreover, at the center of it all is Puerto Escondido, which has been recognized as one of the top international summer spots for U.S. travelers. Airbnb looked at the destinations U.S. travelers searched for in the first few months of 2022, and Puerto Escondido was the fourth most popular destination.
Puerto Escondido: The Surfing Haven
The small coastal town has remained relatively under-the-radar and looks nothing like resort-dotted Tulum or Riviera Maya, offering plenty of charm and authenticity. Puerto Escondido attracts a steady flow of surfers and backpackers who flock here to surf a notoriously powerful beach break on Zicatela Beach while taking in the laid-back vibe.
However, Puerto Escondido is now attracting more than just surfers to its beautiful stretches of sand, thanks to the town’s tasty food and vibrant nightlife. The local nightlife keeps travelers busy and well-entertained, with Zicatela Beach boasting a myriad of waterfront bars and cafes offering cold drinks, live music, and unbeatable ocean views.
Beautiful Beaches and Natural Wonders
And speaking of beaches, the area is replete with stunning options. With its powdery white sand and emerald-hued waters, the idyllic Playa Carrizalillo, nestled in a quiet bay and surrounded by swaying coconut palms, is the perfect spot to spend an entire day. If you’re searching for a family-friendly beach, the calm waters along Playa Manzanillo make it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Moreover, this emerging destination is one of the world’s most popular turtle nesting areas. Oaxaca’s shoreline attracts thousands of sea turtles each year during the nesting season that occurs between July and January. Playa del Palmarito, located west of Puerto Escondido, is one of the largest nesting beaches along the Mexican Pacific Coast, where travelers can observe this incredible event. Whale and dolphin watching is also popular in the area; humpback whales migrate here between December and March, while dolphins can be seen year-round.
Consequently, if you wish to be enchanted by nature, visit Laguna de Manialtepec, situated about 11 miles west of Puerto Escondido. This coastal lagoon comes alive at night, thanks to phosphorescent plankton that appears between August and December.
