Puerto Escondido

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Surfers watching waves, Zicatela Beach, Mexico

Getty Images/Panoramic Images

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Overview

Is this where surfers go when they die? Many places claim to be the world’s best surfing beach, but Puerto Escondido’s Playa Zicatela – 3.5km of golden sand and crashing waves – would make most wave-riders’ top tens. Even if you have no desire to test your balance as a 20ft wave curls over your head, Mexico’s ‘hidden port’ is a highly desirable place, a small mellow town where Mexicans, expats and world travelers intermingle, and surfboards are as ubiquitous as cell phones.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Surfer looking the wave breaking at Zicatela beach, Mexico; Shutterstock ID 749690260; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI
749690260

Playa Zicatela

Puerto Escondido

Legendary 3.5km-long Zicatela is the best-known surfing spot in Mexico courtesy of the tempestuous surfing waves of the Mexican Pipeline. The heart of the…

Playa Carrizalillo

Puerto Escondido

Small is beautiful at Carrizalillo, set in a sheltered cove west of the center that's reached by a stairway of 157 steps. It’s popular for swimming and…

Laguna de Manialtepec

Puerto Escondido

The 6km-long Manialtepec Lagoon, beginning 14km west of Puerto Escondido along Hwy 200, is an essential spot for bird enthusiasts and a fascinating place…

Casa Wabi

Puerto Escondido

Casa Wabi, a sprawling artists' residency that occupies a wonderfully airy building designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, runs tours three…

Bahía Principal

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido's central bay is long enough to accommodate restaurants at its west end, a fleet of fishing boats in its center (Playa Principal), and…