Surf townZicatela & the Mexican Pipeline
Watch pros charge one of the world's heaviest beach breaks, or take a beginner lesson on the gentler waves at La Punta.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Pacific surf beaches & laid-back coves · Flights from Canada
4.7 · 2,400+ Puerto Escondido vacations booked by Canadians
Flights + Hotel · Oaxaca Coast
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is the Oaxaca coast's easygoing surf capital — a string of distinct beaches wrapped around a working fishing port. Powerful Zicatela draws the world's surfers to the 'Mexican Pipeline', while sheltered coves like Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Manzanillo offer calm, clear swimming and snorkelling. Sunsets over the Pacific, bioluminescent lagoons, and grilled fish on the Adoquín keep the vibe unhurried and local.
Puerto Escondido, OaxacaClimate
Climate
28–33°C · dry winters, wet summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Hot and dry from November to April; humid rainy season and Pacific storm risk from June to October.
Currency
Mexican Peso
1 CAD ≈ 13 MXN · USD accepted in tourist spots
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport + tourist card (FMM)
Top Experiences in Puerto Escondido
Surf town
Hidden covePlaya Carrizalillo
Descend the cliff steps to a horseshoe cove with calm turquoise water, snorkelling, and beachfront palapas.
After darkBioluminescent Lagoon
Paddle Laguna de Manialtepec on a moonless night and watch the water glow blue with every stroke.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport, valid for the length of your stay, is required to enter Mexico.
Tourist card (FMM): Canadians receive a tourist permit (FMM) on arrival for stays up to 180 days — keep the stamp or receipt until departure.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Mexico. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Mexico uses 127V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so no adapter is needed.
Time zone: Oaxaca runs on Central Time (CST, UTC−6) year-round with no daylight saving — one to two hours behind Toronto.
Best time to visit Puerto Escondido
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, and warm. Busiest and priciest — book resorts and tours early.
May – AugShoulder season
Hot and humid with the biggest surf swells; short afternoon showers and good value.
Sep – OctRainy season
Wettest months and peak Pacific hurricane risk — cheapest but least reliable.
NovShoulder season
Rains ease off and crowds are thin ahead of the December rush.
Where to stay
Puerto Escondido zones & neighbourhoods
Puerto Escondido spreads along several beaches, each with its own pace — from the surf-and-sunset scene of Zicatela to quiet clifftop coves. Here's how to choose.
Zicatela
South beach
The long surf beach lined with cafés, bars, and sunset spots — buzzy day and night, with powerful waves for watching more than swimming.
Best for
- Surfers
- Nightlife
- Sunsets
La Punta
Punta Zicatela
A sandy-lane neighbourhood of yoga studios, beginner surf, and low-key hostels and cafés at the far end of Zicatela.
Best for
- Backpackers
- Yoga
- Learning to surf
Rinconada & Carrizalillo
West coves
Clifftop streets above the sheltered Carrizalillo cove, with boutique stays, calm swimming, and snorkelling.
Best for
- Couples
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
El Adoquín & Bacocho
Centre & north
The pedestrian Adoquín and Playa Principal fishing port, plus the quiet clifftop Bacocho district above a wide sunset beach.
Best for
- First-timers
- Dining
- Value
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a great base for the Oaxaca coast's lagoons, wildlife, and neighbouring beach towns. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
Natural WonderLaguna de Manialtepec Bioluminescence
Evening · 3 hrsNorthwest · 30 min by car
Kayak or boat across a coastal lagoon where the water lights up blue-green with microscopic plankton.
Insider tips
- Go on a moonless night
- Skip insect repellent — it harms the plankton
National ParkChacahua Lagoons National Park
Full day · 8 hrsNorthwest · 1.5 hrs by van + boat
Cruise mangrove channels to a remote sandbar beach, spot birds and crocodiles, and swim in warm lagoon water.
Insider tips
- Bring cash for the beach palapas
- Long day — start early
WildlifeSunrise Dolphin & Sea Turtle Boat Tour
Morning · 2.5 hrsPlaya Principal · In town
Set out from the fishing beach at dawn to see dolphins, sea turtles, and rays, with a snorkel stop at Puerto Angelito.
Insider tips
- Take motion-sickness tablets
- Bring a waterproof bag
Beach TownsMazunte & Zipolite Day Trip
Full day · 8 hrsSoutheast · 1 hr by car
Visit the National Turtle Centre, hike to the Punta Cometa headland, and relax on the mellow beaches of Mazunte and Zipolite.
Insider tips
- Zipolite is a clothing-optional beach
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Puerto Escondido travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Puerto Escondido?
No. Canadians don't need a visa for Mexico — just a valid passport. You'll receive a tourist card (FMM) on arrival for stays up to 180 days.
How long is the flight from Canada to Puerto Escondido?
There are no direct flights. Expect about 11 hours from Toronto with one connection, usually through Mexico City (MEX) into Puerto Escondido (PXM).
When is the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
November to April is the dry, sunny peak season. Surf swells peak in summer, while September and October are the rainiest months with Pacific hurricane risk.
Is Puerto Escondido good for swimming or just surfing?
Both. Zicatela and Playa Principal have strong surf and currents, but sheltered coves like Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Manzanillo are calm and great for swimming and snorkelling.
Is Puerto Escondido safe for tourists?
It's a relaxed, welcoming beach town. Use normal precautions, respect beach warning flags for currents, and use registered taxis or collectivos at night.
What currency should I bring?
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is best for taxis, markets, and street food. Some tourist businesses accept US dollars, and ATMs are available in town.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Canadian health plans don't cover care in Mexico, and the nearest full hospitals are a drive away.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add tours like the Manialtepec bioluminescence trip and the Chacahua Lagoons day trip to your booking at checkout.