Going Out in Puerto Escondido

Beaches, surfing, fishing and snorkelling are some of the things you can do to pass the time down in Puerto Escondido.

Beaches: Playa Principal and Playa Marinero are the best beaches for swimming. Playa Principal boasts boats for fishing and tours, and restaurants and beach chairs are available along the shores. Zicatela Beach has large, strong waves and is popular with experienced surfers. It is not safe to swim in.

Playa Manzanillo, Playa Bacocho, and Playa Puerto Angelito are all excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Several locals cook food right on the beach.

Sportfishing: With mackerel, snapper, tuna, snook, and sea bass swimming in the waters of Puerto Escondido, fishing is a popular and relaxing activity. Several companies can arrange a boat, gear, and tackle for US$30 per hour.

Tours: There are many companies that will arrange tours and trips for you. Several have guides to take you on an Eco-tour to visit the local flora, fauna, wildlife, lagoons, and beaches.

River Rafting: Big Jim’s River Trip can arrange a river ride down the Colotepec River.

Water Activities: There are several locations that are good for scuba diving and snorkeling. Local companies can arrange a trip or take you on a guided tour. You can rent boogie boards and surfboards from various shops.
    

Shopping

A few of the hotels have gift shops, boutiques or souvenir stores inside. Shopping hours are generally from 9am to 8pm in the high season and from 10am to 2 or 5pm in the low season.

There are several small markets, department stores and pharmacies around town where you purchase daily essential items.

At Casa di Bambole you can find jewelry from Guatemala, clothing and top end clothing.

La Luna sells items such as art, beachwear, and jewelry.

The Hotel Santa Fe hosts a mini-bazaar where you can find Oaxacan embroidered clothes, religious artifacts, exquisite antiques, as well as jewelry.

Sports and Exercise

Sports and exercise in Puerto Escondido comes in the form of surfing, which is the main attraction for many tourists who come here. There are numerous surfing contests throughout the year which include the Mexpipe August Open in August, the Longboard Invitational in September and the International Surfing Tournament at the end of November.

Bars and Nightclubs

Live jazz, discos, bars and clubs are all part of this surfer’s paradise. Several nightspots feature live local bands on a certain day of the week. Many restaurants offer sunset happy hours. The Surf Papaya restaurant has an upstairs art gallery and has occasional children's theater shows.

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