Puerto Escondido

I would say the “good parts” of Puerto Escondido are those with paved roads and sidewalks. Yes, there is a beach. But there are far nicer-indisputably more beautiful and peaceful-beaches in Huatulco, a couple of hours south by bus. Probably the only good thing about Puerto Escondido is it’s cheap.

I’ve been to Puerto Escondido three times, 1st time i was there was summer of 2003, it was beautiful, laid-back, cuasi-virgin beach with 2 different beach clubs in Zicatela “La Piedra de la Iguana” and “Punta”. Pretty cool electronic clubs the type where you can go bear-footed and have a few beers or tequilas for a descent price. The town or “adoquin” was excellent with about 3 or 4 bar-clubs with pool tables, foosball and good music.

The second time i went there was spring break (Mexican Holy week actually) of 2004. The beach was crowded, the tourists were dirty and polluted the beach noticabely. “Punta” had closed and “La Piedra de la Iguana” was not the same. The prices had rised and the concept had changed. You could still go there barefeet but the music was not good (in my opinion).

The “Adoquin” closed 2 of their best bars and changed the names and remodeled them. Like i said, the tourists that were there were the ugly kind of turists. The kind of tourists that go to Acapulco adn Cancun only to get drunk and disturb the beach tranquility.

My thrid time in puerto escondido was May 2005, I went with my girlfriend this time and we staied in Carrizalillo. This place will knock you off yer feet. Its a very small bay, 3 minute taxi drive away from Zicatela but this place is still rather quiet and ‘hidden’. We did go to Zicatela and the ‘Adoquin’ but again, this time the night life was not really worht it. The only difference with my latest visit was that there was not so many tourists so it was really peacefull.

The only place that out of the three times ive been there and it ahs remained the same was the japanese restaurant “Sakura”, no visit to Puerto is complete without having a beer “Michelada” during the sunset laying in a hamock eating sushi. 10/10

I lived here for 11 months. This is an amazing town – world reknown for its surfing at Zicatela beach. There are several other beaches to explore, although they are not all that big. Downtown Zicatela is the place to be at night (either that or the Adoquin – the hub of shops, restaurants, and bars congregate here). Take a trip out on a boat to see dolphins/go sail-fishing, catch turtles, etc. The atmosphere is great: laid back surf style with hard-working locals. They all love to meet and chat with tourists, so don’t be shy or off-standish. They are an easy-going bunch; especially the “gang” at the beach (no, they’re not an actual gang – I just mean the band of ‘brothers’ that always boogie-board/surf down there, including the lifeguards!). This town doesn’t get NEARLY as much tourism as Huatulco, Acapulco, etc (there aren’t any cinemas, shopping malls, etc.) But there are a lot of back-packer, surfers, etc. that hail from all over (i.e. Italy, Norway, Brazil, Sweden, US – California, Canada, etc.)

Its the quietest, most relaxing place I have ever been. My brain actually atrophed after two days.

I´ve been there twice, the first I was about 5 y.o., the last I was 22, Zicatela is a big beach, where all day u r listening psycho music, watching the ocean, meeting people of distant places and most important, u r almost free of all the problems of the famous beaches. No contamination, no clubs, almost no cars… beautiful.

My favorite vacation place

Haven’t been there for over 10 years, but a great combination of traditional Mexican combined with cool surf places.

I spent Christmas ‘92 in Puerto Escondido and had a blast. Very “tranquilo,” but plenty to do. Super spot, at the time not very “touristy” compared to other Mexican resorts. Highly recommend it!