TRAVEL GUIDE: PUERTO ESCONDIDO
TRAVEL Guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico
The very first solo trip I ever took was to one of Mexico's most enchanting, seaside cities - Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. This isn't where you go if you're looking for a 5-star, luxury vacation. Puerto Escondido is a surfer's mecca with the laid-back attitude to match. Walking around, you feel as though you stumbled onto an undiscovered beach paradise, and knowing smiles from locals and travelers seem to confirm it - now that I’m in on the secret, I thought I’d share it with you, too. Here’s what to know before you go:
WHAT TO PACK: Keep it casual! There is no reason to dress up here, so leave the fancy stuff at home. Obviously, swimwear is a MUST, but specifically, I recommend packing multiple, sturdy swimsuits (ones that will stay on despite the waves). To quickly go from the beach to the bar, cute cover-ups and comfy sandals are great items. For those with longer hair, bring scrunchies so you can keep your hair up without the tangle. And of course, don’t leave home without some reef safe sunscreen!
WHERE TO STAY: I stayed at the Selina co-working station and hostel. It’s close to everything and has accommodations to fit solo travelers, couples, families and more. Its location is central and close to tons of attractions. For those who have to work while they travel (like me, rough life, I know), there is a co-working space with WiFi, comfy couches and even meeting rooms!
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
BEST BEACHES: Like I mentioned before, Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s mecca, but the huge, rolling waves are not ideal for swimmers or beginner surfers. Don’t fret. Strong swimmers and beginner surfers can still enjoy the warm, bath-like waters at Playa Carrizalillo, a secluded beach known for its smaller, more approachable waves. If you’re more interested in watching surfers (because, well, eye candy), try watching a surf competition. Puerto Escondido hosts several professional competitions throughout the year. While I was there I watched the Oaxaca Pro competition on Playa Zicatela.
WHERE TO EAT:
Espadín - Located in the Villas Carrizallilo Hotel, Espadín has breathtaking coastal views to match its Mexican seafood-inspired cuisine. Indulge in fresh fish while sampling some of Mexico’s finest mezcal.
Atmosphera Estrellas Gourmet - Another gourmet experience with a stunning view. Sip a margarita while enjoying the sunset and let the atmosphere speak for itself! Delicious, hearty portions of seafood and Mexican fare are sure to satisfy!
WHAT TO DO: Start your day with yoga and guided meditation at La Punta, a funky town just 10 minutes by taxi from Playa Zicatela. Follow that by cooling off with a fresh-squeezed juice at one of the area's hip cafes. This place defines no shoes-no shirt hospitality. Expect dirt roads and tourists clad in nothing but suits and flip flops. I spent one morning working at Cafe Ole (the coffee was delish!) before grabbing a Corona and relaxing by the beach.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was an experience releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean. It also introduced me to two new friends - a couple visiting from Guadalajara to celebrate a 30th birthday, and with whom I spent the rest of the evening after the turtle release! We each released three baby turtles into the sea, and my new friends told me to make a wish for each turtle as they reach the final wave that washes them out to sea. NOTE: Since this trip, I’ve done some additional research into what makes a sea turtle hatchery ethical. While the hatchery I visited did not keep babies in tanks (a breeding ground for diseases) and kept sand temperatures strictly regulated to produce a mix of both sexes, we were allowed to handle the turtles with our bare hands (after confirming we did not have sunscreen or hand sanitizer on). Knowing this could potentially harm the turtles or put them at risk of infection, I'll be sure to only handle turtles with gloves in the future.
