Puerto Escondido, whose name translates to hidden port, lies on the pacific coast in Mexico within the state of Oaxaca. The town was established in 1928 for the shipment of coffee, but wasn鈥檛 discovered by tourists until Federal Highway 200 was built in the 1960s.
Once mainly known as a hippy hang out, it now attracts all sorts of people from all over the globe. Mainly people who want to experience Mexico鈥檚 beaches, but not a commercialized tourist scene. Its excellent surfing is another drawing point for many visitors. Puerto Escondido鈥檚 Playa Zicatela, home of the Mexican Pipeline, is one of the top ten surfing beaches in the world.
This is definitely the kiddie beach of Puerto Escondido. Lots of locals bring their families here, and you can see everyone from infants to the elderly enjoying themselves. Bring your inner tubes
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This is the surfing beach. New and experienced surfers alike come here to test the waves. The waters are pretty rough here, so swimming is not recommended. It is a great place to hang out and get
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This quiet, secluded beach is in a lagoon and the waters here are quite calm. This is a place to relax without the busy atmosphere of the other beaches. Buy a drink from the palapa bars so you can
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The Z贸calo is a large plaza near the main cathedral in Puerto Escondido. The plaza is the place to go if you want to check out local happenings or people-watch. During festive seasons, the Z贸calo
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If you want a local shopping and dining experience rolled into one, try Mercado Benito Ju谩rez (a block from the Z贸calo). Meat, fish, produce 鈥 some of the best food in Mexico is found at
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A nature lover鈥檚 paradise is just a short drive away (10 miles west along Highway 200) from Puerto Escondido proper. Laguna Manialtepec, which translates into 'place of lizards' in N谩huatl, is
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As the name hints, Playa Principal is the main beach in town. It runs parallel with the road El Adoquin which the highest concentration of restaurants and shops is in town. The water here is calm,
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Puerto Escondido was once a small fishing village and ties to the ocean remain strong in the area. While in town, you can learn how expert fishermen supply the numerous seafood restaurants and get
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If you've never gone scuba diving before and want to learn, or if you're an experienced diver with an itch to venture into tropical waters, Puerto Escondido is a good place to start. There are
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Whether you're an animal or ocean lover or just enjoy the thought of getting out on the water on a beautiful day, Puerto Escondido offers a variety of marine animal tours. Visitors can hire a
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There is not a lot of nightlife in Puerto Escondido, especially during the off season. Don鈥檛 expect to find many dance clubs or discotheques here, but there are bars on the Adoqu铆n and on Calle
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This restaurant/coffee shop/lounge/bar combo is a great hangout. Bring a laptop to use the free wireless internet. La Buena Vida has a range of seating. There are couches and coffee tables as well
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This restaurant is known for its wonderful vegetarian fare, and its large portions. Located in a grass hut right off of Playa Zicatela, it is a perfect place to relax in the shade and enjoy a good
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A peaceful lunch spot or a more hopping place for dinner, Sativa comes with a second-story view of the ocean, complete with surfers. The restaurant has a range of seating:along the bar, tables in the
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Located on the beach of Puerto Angelito and close to a little shopping area, Restaurant Puerto Angelito is known as a local eatery. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Area
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Los Busos, or 鈥淭he Divers,鈥 is a popular seafood restaurant and is often recommended to tourists by the locals who love it. Area fishermen work with the restaurant and the freshness of
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Located on Calle De Morro, this is a nice, casual restaurant. La Hoster铆a has one of the greatest varieties of fare in Puerto Escondido, a range that includes vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is
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Club De Playa Coco's is part of the Posada Best Western Real and, like the hotel, is upscale. The club charges $7.50 to use the facilities - a pool and bar as well as a restaurant - and is a
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La Langosta Loca, or 鈥淭he Crazy Lobster,鈥 is a beautiful restaurant on the bay at Playa Principal. The restaurant offers a view of boats in the bay along with delectable seafood. The camarones a
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Located right on Zicatela beach, El Dragon features hammocks, a thatched roof and a full bar. The restaurant is known for its sushi. Fresh fish can鈥檛 get any better than that! While you're
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Located in the Hotel Santa Fe and decorated with the leather chairs that are in keeping with the colonial theme of the hotel, the restaurant offers gourmet seafood, vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
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For easy, cheap, authentic Mexican food at the beach, check out this hole-in-the-wall. It only has about four tables. Because it is as popular with the locals as it is with travelers, waiting
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