The Backpackers Blueprint Puerto Escondido Travel Guide

Tucked along the rugged Pacific coastline of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is a town that lives and breathes waves, sunsets, mezcal, and laid-back vibes. Far from the all-inclusive polish of Cancún or Cabo, Puerto has a raw, natural beauty and an underground energy that’s made it a favourite for surfers, backpackers and creatives for decades.

Surf’s Up

Puerto Escondido is first and foremost a surfing town. It’s home to the legendary Playa Zicatela, nicknamed the “Mexican Pipeline” for its powerful, world-class beach break. But it’s not all for pros; beaches like La Punta and Carrizalillo offer smaller, friendlier waves ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Surf culture is deeply woven into the town’s identity; think board-carrying travellers, oceanfront bars, and salty sunrises. Even if you’ve never touched a board, the energy is contagious.

Architecture & Atmosphere

Puerto’s built landscape reflects its soul: simple, sun-washed and locally rooted. You won’t find high-rise towers here (but thats not because people have not tried). Instead you will find:

Thatched-roof palapas

Low-slung adobe buildings

Boutique eco-lodges that blend into the hillsides

The newer wave of design-conscious spots in La Punta and Brisas de Zicatela show off tropical minimalism: concrete, wood, natural light, and open-air living.

Wandering through the neighbourhoods offers a visual mix of boho creativity, DIY charm, and emerging architectural elegance. Its what I image Tulum was like before it became more commercial!

Chill Days & Wild Nights

By day, Puerto is all about slow living:

Grab a smoothie bowl from a beach shack, watch pelicans skim the surf at Playa Principal, explore rocky coves and cliffs around Playa Bacocho, release baby turtles at sunset with a conservation group.

As night falls, the town comes alive in its own low-fi way. Think mezcal bars in La Punta with live DJs and barefoot dancers, Beach bonfires and late-night taco stands, Full-moon parties, rooftop sessions, and laid-back fiestas. Puerto doesn’t do five-star glitz; it does soul.

Culture & Community

Puerto is still a functioning Mexican town; not just a tourist playground. Its markets, local festivals, and street life give it an authenticity that draws people in and keeps them coming back.

Visit the Benito Juárez Market for fresh Oaxacan produce and handwoven goods. Wander the town centre for local cafés and handicraft stalls. Or hop on a colectivo to nearby villages where Indigenous Mixtec and Zapotec cultures live on.

Nature & Nearby Adventures

Puerto Escondido is surrounded by natural beauty. Don’t miss:

Bioluminescent Lagoon in Manialtepec, kayak through glowing waters under the stars

Dolphin and whale-watching tours out on the Pacific

Or take a trip to Mazunte and Zipolite further down the coast; two relaxed beach towns with yoga, meditation, and endless sea views.

Travel Tips

It’s hot and humid most of the year; pack light, breathable clothes. Puerto’s airport connects to Mexico City, Oaxaca City and Tijuana. Public transport is limited (but fun); colectivos and taxis rule the road and are not overly expensive but get your hostel/ hotel to book you a cab as some driver do chance their arm. Internet can be patchy but it’s part of the almost cast away vibe!

Why Puerto Escondido for Explorers?

Puerto isn’t about checklists; it’s about rhythm. Ocean rhythm, human rhythm, your own rhythm. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and feel alive. Whether you’re here to ride the waves, write your novel, reconnect with nature or just lose track of time, Puerto Escondido is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.