Puerto Escondido offers an extraordinary variety of white sand beaches, surf breaks, hidden coves and fresh water lagoons. When you tire of exploration, shopping and cultural opportunities abound.

Puerto Escondido offers something for everyone. Favored things to do include horseback riding on the beach, surf fishing, boogie boarding, surfing, eco tours, kayacking, bird watching or just relaxing.

For The Birds

The fastest growing hobby in the U.S. and Europe these days is bird watching. Not really surprising, as we baby boomers slow down some. The great biodiversity of the Oaxacan Coast is just one of its many attractions, and it's a motherlode for birders.

The river-fed mangrove lagoons are typical topography of the of the Oaxacan coast. a meeting of fresh water and the sea, this wetland environment harbors an astonishing variety of birds, as well as fish, flora, reptiles and mammals. You can experience is as close as the wetlands complex of Palmasola and Naranjos at Barra de Navidad, which is just 10 minutes away. More extensive are the Manialtepec and Chacahua systems. We strongly recommend a tour with Hidden Voyages. Biologist Mike Malone and his wife Joan have been studying the region's wildlife for 23 years now.

If you like your encounters with nature more on the wild side, talk to the folks at Rutas de Aventura in the Hotel Santa Fe. Kayaking, mountain biking, rugged hiking, they can tailor an adventure specifically to get your adrenaline flowing.

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Puerto Escondido Attractions Slide Show & Photography by: Bruce Woodworth ©

1. The Puerto Escondido Airport is about ten minutes from the downtown harbor area. 2. Playa Bacocho is a white sand beach bordered with huge granite boulders. 3. The Bacocho community includes a school, hotels and popular residential retirement area. 4. The Riconada community offers a commercial strip with full services for this popular retirement area. 5. The emerald green Carrizalillo Cove borders the Riconada area - a must see and visit. 6. Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are located in another hidden cove which is generally used by local families. 7. Heading northwest from the harbor is an exciting cliff side walking trail below the Puerto Lighthouse. 8 & 9. Playa Principle is the main beach and shopping area ("Adoquin") in the harbor area. 10. The Hotel Santa Fe enjoys a prime beach front location within walking distance to harbor and Zicatela surf. 11. Heading southeast along the white sand, half moon harbor cove leads to Playa Marinero and the main hotel area along Playa Zicatela. 12. Playa Zicatela is also known as the "Mexican Pipeline" - a mecca for big wave riders and beginners alike.

Go to Mexico Map section for Zicatela aerial photo and Mexico map of Mexico coastal resorts. Caution: Avoid evening walks on unlighted beaches.