Puerto Escondido Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

Short Stays

For a 24-hour layover, focus on one or two beaches. Visit Carrizalillo for swimming, or Zicatela for sunset views. Enjoy a quick meal at a local restaurant or beach club.

A weekend getaway (2-3 days) lets you explore main beaches: Zicatela, La Punta, Rinconada, and Adoquín. Try a surf lesson, a boat tour for dolphin or whale watching, or a fishing trip.

Layover Highlights

Carrizalillo for swimming.
Zicatela for sunset.
Consider a bioluminescence tour if the moon is dark.

Time-Based Itineraries

Plan your visit based on how long you stay.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Explore main beaches: Zicatela, La Punta, Rinconada, and Adoquín.

Activities

Surf lesson.
Boat tour for dolphin or whale watching.
Fishing trip.
Bioluminescence tour at Manialtepec Lagoon.

Book local tours on GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Full exploration of Puerto Escondido's beaches and activities.

Extended Stay Focus

Multiple surf sessions and relaxation.
One or two day trips (Mazunte/Zipolite, Chacahua).
Cooking class or Spanish lessons.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Ideal for a more immersive experience.

Immersion Ideas

Extended surf camp or language immersion.
Multiple day trips to surrounding areas.
Discover more local spots.
Combine with a multi-day trip to Oaxaca City.

Long-Term Stays

Rent an apartment or house and live like a local.

Local Living

Buy groceries from local markets.
Engage in regular activities (yoga, surfing, language classes).
Experience daily life at a slower pace.
Explore neighborhood cafes and eateries.

Time-Based Highlights

Each duration brings different activities and experiences.

Hours

Beach focus, quick meal.

-3 Days

Main beaches, basic activities.

Week

Comprehensive exploration, some day trips.

Planning Tip

For an one-week trip, mix beach relaxation with at least one day trip. This brings a balanced experience of Puerto Escondido and its surroundings.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific interests.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Puerto Escondido itself contains limited historical sites. For this interest, combine your trip with a multi-day extension to Oaxaca City.

Oaxaca City

Archaeological sites like Monte Albán.
Colonial architecture.
Museums.
Plan travel from Puerto Escondido.

The new highway makes travel to Oaxaca City much faster.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Focus on market visits and local eateries.

Culinary Delights

Mercado Benito Juárez visits.
Street food and local restaurants.
Seafood restaurants.
Cooking class for Oaxacan flavors.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Prioritize surf lessons or advanced surfing at Zicatela.

Thrills

Surfing.
Boat tours (fishing, dolphin/whale watching).
Snorkeling or diving.
Paragliding (if available).

Explore the marine life with a diving excursion.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Emphasize calm, swimmable beaches.

Family Fun

Beaches: Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo.
Turtle release programs.
La Ventanilla for wildlife encounters.
Hotels with pools.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

This journey features yoga and meditation retreats, especially in La Punta and Rinconada.

Tranquility

Yoga and meditation.
Healthy eating.
Relaxing beach time.
Nature-based activities like kayaking in lagoons.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Limited options within Puerto Escondido.

Cultural Pursuit

Some local art in small galleries.
Trip to Oaxaca City for significant art and architecture.
Experience Oaxacan art.
See colonial architecture in Oaxaca.

Interest Match

Select an itinerary that aligns with your main interests, be it adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Budget-Based Plans

Plan your trip to match your budget.

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels and eat street food and at local markets.

Cost-Saving

Hostels for accommodation.
Street food and market meals.
Colectivos for transportation.
Limit paid tours to essential experiences.

Budget approximately $30-50 USD/day.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Stay in comfortable guesthouses or boutique hotels.

Balanced Choices

Guesthouses or boutique hotels.
Mix local eateries with mid-range restaurants.
Combination of colectivos and taxis.
Participate in a few organized tours.

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay in high-end resorts or private villas.

Premium Stays

High-end resorts.
Private villas.
Fine dining and beach clubs.

Exclusive Services

Private transfers.
Private boat charters.
Personalized chef experiences.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Optimize your trip for value.

Smart Saving

Travel during shoulder or low season for better deals.
Book accommodation with kitchen access for meal prep.
Take advantage of happy hour deals.
Seek out free activities.

Budget Breakdown

Estimated daily spending ranges.

Cost Categories

Backpacker: $30-50 USD/day.
Mid-Range: $70-150 USD/day.
Luxury: $200+ USD/day.
These are estimates and can vary.

Important Consideration

Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you might be entitled to compensation.

Claim Your Rights

Check services like Compensair for assistance with flight issues.

Season Planning

Research events and weather for your travel dates. This makes for an experience of Puerto Escondido at its best for your interests.

Puerto Escondido Itineraries