Puerto Escondido offers a myriad of recreation opportunities. "Discovered" by surfers in the 1970's, Puerto Escondido soon became known as one of the most desirable surf adventures globally. Today, people arrive from around the world to participate in the phenomenal Mexican Pipeline, a consistent and powerful stretch of waves perfect for all wave-riders. From early in the morning until the sun sinks into the sea, surfers and boogie boarders can be seen dotting the waves up and down the Puerto coast. There are areas known for their gentle curves, and others for their powerful breaks, making Puerto an ideal location for both novices and experts. Even non-surfers can be seen at dawn, coffee steaming, eyes upon the waves, watching the surf show.

Fishing is the life blood of the town. Deep sea commercial boats, small family canoes, and every size and shape of boat in between can be seen on the horizon as they bring in tuna, mahi mahi, snapper, jack, marlin, and hundreds of other types of fish. Many of the local boats welcome traveling fishermen and are available for chartered trips to their favorite fishing spots. The catch of the day can be either sold on the beach or taken to a beach restaurant and grilled to your specifications.

Boats aren't limited to fishing trips. The coast of Puerto Escondido and the surrounding area alternates between long, sandy beaches and small, intimate coves. Traveling by boat is an easy way to explore the coastline. Also mixed in with the beaches and coves are fresh water lagoons, home to many different birds and fish. Entire days can be spent gliding through the sea, stopping for a snack of freshly steamed lobsters at one cove and to study the sea turtles at another. Snorkel and scuba gear can be difficult to find in the area, but it is worth the effort. The coves host any number of submerged rock formations and coral reefs; it is an ideal setting for the inquisitive swimmer.

The town itself is worth exploring. Located in the information booth on the Adoquin, Gina, the "Information Goddess" of Puerto Escondido, has a great walking tour that will introduce visitors to easily-overlooked aspects of the area. Locals take these things for granted as simply a way of life: three generations of women gathered around a comal shaping and grilling corn tortillas, the home of a woman famed for producing as many as 800 tamales every day, the local molinos who grind everything from the intricate moles to homemade cocoa blends, and the Mercado Benito Juarez alive and buzzing with its many stalls of ripe tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, homemade cheeses, and dozens of other unexpected goodies. These are romantic and exotic sights to foreign eyes.

1. The Puerto Escondido Airport is about ten minutes from the downtown harbor area. 2. Playa Bacocho is a white sand beach bordered with huge granite boulders. 3. The Bacocho community includes a school, hotels and popular residential retirement area. 4. The Riconada community offers a commercial strip with full services for this popular retirement area. 5. The emerald green Carrizalillo Cove borders the Riconada area - a must see and visit. 6. Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are located in another hidden cove which is generally used by local families. 7. Heading northwest from the harbor is an exciting cliff side walking trail below the Puerto Lighthouse. 8 & 9. Playa Principle is the main beach and shopping area ("Adoquin") in the harbor area. 10. The Tabachin enjoys wonderful views and is within walking distance to the harbor and Zicatela beach. 11. Heading southeast along the white sand, half moon harbor cove leads to Playa Marinero and the main hotel area along Playa Zicatela. 12. Playa Zicatela is also known as the "Mexican Pipeline" - a mecca for big wave riders and beginners alike.

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