Think endless sunsets, golden beaches, rolling long board and professional short board breaks, turtles, live salsa beach parties, a lack of tourists, Corona’s con limón y guacamole to order straight from your beach bed and super friendly locals. Welcome to laid-back Puerto Escondido on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, the sleepy village is a magnet for surfers and surf lovers due to the legendary Mexican pipeline break at Zicatela beach.
Playa Carizalillo
A small bay west of Zicatela with a reef break a bit farther out from the shore. Early morning it is quiet and we have the bay to ourselves. When the day passes by it gets busier; a good time to observe the other surfers with a fresh coconut in your hand. The relaxed unpretentious atmosphere and the fact that not too many people have found this bay makes it our absolute favorite spot in Puerto and we stayed there for a week.
Villas Carrizalillo
Your best hotel choice when it comes to hotels around the bay. Get up early morning and check (if you have a sea front room) the break from your private balcony. The spacious rooms all are tasteful designed and have a kitchen with all the equipment you need (even a blender!). There is a large swimming pool, hammocks with view and you can walk down to Carizalillo beach on the private stairway. Cool down and have a cocktail in the pleasantly breezy restaurant to have the best sunset view.
Quinta Lili
Stay in a beach villa just a short stroll from Carrizalillo bay. The comfortable villa has spacious rooms and a pool. Every morning you get a fresh home made local breakfast, from the friendly staff. The villa is well located so highlights and restaurants are only a short walk away. Quinta Lili has an intimate ambience, unique architecture and an exquisite cuisine.
One Love
Prefer to pay a little less but stay just as good, make your way to La Punta where you’ll find One Love, this design hostel is only two blocks away from the Beach. The rooms are set in a tropical gardens with Jacuzzi, there are hammocks and a lounge/yoga terraza with ocean view and bar, restaurant with delicious food.
Where to eat
By night, a busy restaurant and bar scene brings live music and delicious food in Puerto Escondido. Make sure to check these out.
Almoraduz Restaurante
This fine dining restaurant is outstanding. Almoraduz offers a unique taste on the cuisine of the Oaxacan coast. The chef offers sophisticated traditional meals and ingredients with a personal twist. The dishes are all made of fruits and vegetables of the season. The passionate owners have set together a delicious 7-course dining experience with pairing wines. A must try!
Sativa Terraza
A great stylish restaurant, with a relaxed atmosphere, very well designed interior and delicious local dishes. Definitely try out the cocktails as they have the best in town! Sit at the bar to have the best beach view during the day.
El Cafecito
This delicious breakfast and lunch bar is not to miss when you visit Puerto. They have very good coffee, every cake you can think of, delicious smoothies and eggs in any style. For a great start of your day make your way over early cause the word is out and this place is always busy.
Pictures by Lotte & Iris
