Crashing Pacific surf washes down the sandy edges of Puerto Escondido on Mexico's southwest shore. A very long drive down from the US border, this city is remote enough to attract the more dedicated traveler.
During the late summer months, this laid-back beach town comes alive with surfers tackling the big break at beaches like Playa Zicatela. Work on your tan while you enjoy the show, or head to one of the calmer stretches of Pacific water around Puerto Escondido to practice your surf-board skills on more manageable swells.
For visitors who would rather hang out with fish than hang ten, Puerto Escondido has other water-related options. Local fisherman reel in marlin and sailfish. Join them for a day and bring home the seafood, or hire a boatman and head out to spot turtles or dolphins, seasonally.
If you're looking for a break from the sunny days, dive in and bubble around some of the area's scuba sites. Optionally, swim and snorkel the waters off beaches like Playa Carrizalillo. The undertow is strong at certain points along this stretch of coast, so exercise caution as you stroke.
Puerto Escondido is 242 miles southeast of Acapulco along the Pacific and 402 miles from San Cristobal de las Casas.
