Published on April 15, 2025
If you’re an intermediate surfer dreaming of warm waves, vibrant culture, and affordable living, Puerto Escondido, Mexico should be high on your list. I recently spent a week chasing waves in this Pacific surf haven, and I’m breaking down exactly how to plan a surf trip here — especially if you’re not quite ready to charge 10-foot Zicatela.
Getting to Puerto Escondido from the U.S.
I flew into Oaxaca City (OAX) from LAX — a pretty painless flight. From there, I took a private driver to Puerto Escondido, which took around 3 hours along the new highway. You can also take a night bus like ADO or OCC, which is more affordable but a longer journey (around 9-10 hours depending on the route).
Where to Stay: La Punta
I stayed in La Punta, the laid-back southern section of Puerto Escondido. It’s a chilled-out, walkable area filled with surf shops, smoothie bowls, barefoot bars, and taco stands. While Zicatela up north has the more intense nightlife, La Punta offers the perfect blend of surf-town energy and beachside calm. It’s also cheaper and more community-driven than the more developed parts of town.
Surfing La Punta: Ideal for Intermediates
Most of my surfing happened right in La Punta. It’s a left-hand point break that runs along a cobblestone and sand-bottom shoreline. It can get really crowded, especially when the swell is small — which is when I’d recommend hiring a local surf guide. Not necessarily for coaching, but for navigating the lineup and helping you find waves among the pack. When there’s a solid swell, La Punta really turns on with longer rides and less competition for waves.
This break is perfect for intermediates: not too heavy, not too fast, and very surfable at waist- to head-high conditions. Just keep in mind that etiquette and patience are key here — it’s a busy break with lots of learners and experienced locals.
Day Trips to Other Breaks
To mix things up, I also surfed a few other spots:
Barra de Navidad
Not to be confused with the town up near Jalisco, Barra de Navidad in Puerto Escondido is a mellow beach break located just north of Zicatela. It’s way less crowded than La Punta, with gentle peeling waves, making it a nice reset session — especially if you just want to cruise without battling for every ride.
Carrizalillo
If you want a change of scenery, don’t skip Carrizalillo. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever surfed — a hidden cove with turquoise water, surrounded by cliffs, and accessible via a long staircase. The wave is a mellow longboard-friendly right and left, ideal for cruisy turns and fun sessions. A great choice if you’re recovering from bigger surf days.
Zicatela (when it’s tiny)
Known as the Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela is typically way out of my comfort zone as an intermediate. But when the swell is really small, it can be surprisingly manageable and even kind of fun. I lucked out with a tiny day and paddled out just to say I did it. It was clean, punchy, and not nearly as scary as I imagined — but I’d never paddle out here above 3-4 ft.
Food & Vibe in La Punta
The town of La Punta is one of the most vibrant surf towns I’ve ever visited. It’s a beautiful blend of local Mexican culture, international surfers, backpackers, and remote workers.
Food is amazing and affordable — think fresh fish tacos, acai bowls, mezcal cocktails, and tlayudas. You can eat well here for less than $10 USD a meal, and everything is walking distance. There’s no need for a car if you’re staying in La Punta — just rent a surfboard and soak in the vibe.
Final Tips for a Puerto Escondido Surf Trip
- Bring your own board — the rental selection wasn’t the best and I don’t like having to figure out a new board.
- Sun protection is a must — zinc, rashguards, and early surf sessions go a long way.
- Cash is king — not all spots accept cards, though La Punta is getting more tech-friendly.
Would I Go Back? Absolutely.
Puerto Escondido has a magic blend of consistent surf, warm water, friendly locals, and affordable travel. For intermediate surfers, it’s a paradise where you can push your limits, meet fellow travelers, and unwind in one of the most surf-rich coastlines in Mexico.
