Tourist Attractions Puerto Escondido Mexico

Beach and Offshore Activities

Puerto Escondido has earned its place as one of the favorite destinations for surfing in the world. The legend of ''The Mexican Pipeline'', also known as ''The Mexpipe'', has spread all over the globe. This phenomenon consists of a huge wave that forms a fantastic tube of water, very similar to the very famous pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii, considered one the most powerful waves on the entire planet. The Mexican version may be less dangerous but its shape is pretty much the same. The Mexpipe breaks on Playa Zicatela, the best beach for surfing in the area. The waves at Zicatela are fast and sometimes can be hard to catch but once you find the way the experience is out of this world.

Surfing is a seasonal sport and depends heavily on the weather conditions. The rainy season draws more attention to the bay from surfers. Although there's good surf all year round, small and mid-size waves can be found from the end of November until April. The swell then tends to get bigger from May until the end of October.

 

 

A few boats set sail from Playa Principal for beaches that are only accessible by sea, and to also take tourists sport fishing in the fertile waters. It's possible to find lots of sought-after species of fish off the coast of Puerto Escondido, such as marlin, goldfish, sailfish and tuna, among many others. Puerto Escondido is the venue for a renowned yearly fishing tournament. This tournament started in 1987, thanks to the effort of local fishermen, and today it is highly regarded, attracting anglers from around the globe. Many people come for the thrill of the competition and also to spend some leisure time in this gorgeous destination.

 

Actividades Terrestres

Puerto Escondido is in the very heart of an area overflowing with exotic beauty. When heading towards Acapulco, about 10 miles away from Puerto Escondido, there is a huge lagoon known as Lagunas de Manialtepec. It consists of a four mile stretch of water, which you can travel across by boat or kayak. While traveling through the mangroves it is possible to see herons, jacanas and ibises. At one point, the sea, the river and the lagoon all meet at a unique beach called Bocabarra, also known as Playa Lagarto (Lizard Beach).

 

Just a few miles after Lagunas de Manialtepec, there is an area called Aguas Termales de Atotonilco, which is considered as a sacred thermal spring by the Chitinos indigenous tribe. After passing through corn fields and indigenous villages, you'll arrive to a canyon, which the Manialtepec River runs through, and the magic of the place is immediately apparent. To make this adventure possible it is important to let the locals guide you because they know the safest, easiest routes. At the end of the journey, when you arrive to the final destination it will be well worth the effort. The reward is a swim in the high temperatures of the thermal springs, ideal for physical therapy and relaxation.

If you have time on your side, there is a place located northwest from Puerto Escondido that reflects the rich biodiversity of Oaxaca, called Lagunas de Chacahua. This national park has 14,000 hectares of salt and fresh water, with a coastline that stretches for about 20 miles. El Cerrito is the mountainous part of the park where you can enjoy trekking and other outdoor pursuits. If you love nature and the outdoors then you really will enjoy visiting this incredible national park.

 

 

This area is a natural refuge for twenty species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. There are also more than one hundred endemic and migratory species of bird living here. The sandy shoreline of Playa de Chacahua is a sanctuary for leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach. After staying in this incredibly beautiful place, people often grow more sensitive towards the environment and become more aware of the huge responsibility that humans have to protect the earth.

Zipolite

Forty five miles away from Puerto Escondido there is a lovely beach that has become the most popular nudist beach in Mexico and probably in Latin America, called Zipolite. Wake up with the breeze gently touching your face, feel the soft sand between your toes, dive into the ocean and feel the warm water on your skin; enjoy all these sensations and more at Zipolite Beach.

 

 

Textures, Smells, Colors and Flavors

The cuisine in Oaxaca differs in every town although it also has many similarities with traditional Mexican food. Corn is the most common ingredient and there are a few basic products which cannot be missed off the daily Mexican menu, including tortillas. The cheese known in Mexico as Queso Oaxaca is simply called Quesillo in Oaxaca and is the primary ingredient of the famous Quesadillas.

 

 

In Puerto Escondido, as well as in surrounding towns, fresh fish is always a great option for a meal. However, there are lots of exotic products to be found in the area for gourmet dishes, such as grasshoppers, ants, iguanas and edible plants. In this destination you can introduce your palate to a whole host of new flavors, textures and tastes.

Wednesday and Saturday are market days, when the inhabitants of the mountains come down to town to sell their wares. When you walk through the Benito Juarez Market, you'll be in awe of the many colors and shapes, flavors and scents; a real treat for all the senses.

El Adoquin is the main pedestrian street that runs parallel with the beach and has a great selection of stores. Here you can find handcrafts, jewelry, textiles and wooden pieces. When night falls, all the bars and restaurants come to life and Puerto Escondido takes on a different vibe. Come and enjoy the fun, easy-going atmosphere of Puerto Escondido.