Puerto Escondido has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and the world. Previously, this secluded part of the Oaxacan coast was known mainly for attracting surfers as Zicatela Beach has large, fast, and challenging waves. However, now every type of traveler can enjoy some of the offerings found here, as they are quite diverse. And while it’s no longer the hidden secret it once was, there are beautiful areas to enjoy in this buzzing coastal town. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, and interested in culture, nature, or both, Puerto Escondido has plenty to offer its visitors.

If you only have a weekend to spend in this enchanting town, then we’ve got some suggestions! Here’s our idea of the perfect weekend in Puerto Escondido.

If you’re not averse to early mornings, take full advantage of your day and rise with the sun. Head to Zicatela and grab a coffee from any of the many restaurants that line the beach. Bring your thermos or ask for paper cups, avoiding the use of plastic and styrofoam at all costs. Then enjoy the live show of the surfers that take on the waves in Zicatela. It’s also an excellent beach to walk or run if you want to get your body moving first thing. You could even start from Playa Principal, the main port, and walk to La Punta.

However, if you want to start your first morning off in full “Puerto” fashion, take a surf class! While Zicatela Beach is best left to the professionals, other beaches are beginner-friendly. Surf instructors teach classes from La Punta or Playa Carrizalillo. The starting time depends on the ocean, however, you could get to enjoy the sunrise from your board.

Many costeños (residents of the Oaxacan Coast) take the afternoons slowly as the heat comes in full force. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. Afternoons are a great time to find a hammock, coconut, and a beach view from the comfort of a palm tree’s shade. Luckily, you’ve got plenty of places to do so. La Punta is probably your best bet to find a good setup. The ocean is also calmer and usually apt for swimming.

However, plenty of other beaches have umbrella and chair rentals for you to comfortably pass the day. You’ll even find restaurants right on the beach! Playa Manzanillo and Playa Carrizalillo both offer calm waters and the convenience of shade and food. These are the best beach day options, especially for swimming comfortably in the ocean!

Dinner and sunset is a perfect way to end your day in Puerto Escondido. You’ll notice that going to sunset is somewhat of a ritual for many inhabitants of the town. After a full day of exploring, we recommend dinner at one of the many restaurants on Zicatela Beach. At many, you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset from your table.

From there, you can easily continue your evening searching for live music or Latin rhythms to dance to. You can also take a five-minute taxi ride to La Punta. If you’re up for a night out, keep in mind that restaurants and bars in La Punta close at 11 pm, however, places in Zicatela stay open much later.

Nature lovers will want to check out Manialtepec Lagoon. Boat and kayaking tours led by experienced local guides will give you a wonderful experience. Take advantage of the biodiversity that the town has to offer beyond its beautiful beaches. And, birdwatchers will especially enjoy the experience! The lagoon is home to hundreds of species of birds, including many endemic species.

The lagoon is also well-known for its bioluminescent waters. While you won’t be able to see these tiny organisms light up with the movement of the water during a morning tour, you can see them at night. The best time to experience the bioluminescence is on a dark night–basically, if it’s a full moon, or close to one, you’ll see the light much less brightly

After your nature-packed morning, head for lunch in Rinconda. There is a main tourist street located above the entrance to Playa Carrizalillo. Many great food options line the street. You can also check out the stores. There are plenty of local brands and different shops where you can find some fashion-forward looks.

You can also easily pop back down to Carrizalillo from there! However, we recommend checking out Playa Coral. This is another cove with calmer waters that usually allow you to swim. It’s slightly more secluded than Carrizalillo or Manzanillo. You can enter through a hotel, not far from Rinconda. They charge an entrance fee, however, it’s not high and we think it’s worth it! Alternatively, you can get there from Playa Bacocho. You will have to cross the rocks, and depending on the tide, the path can be a little tricky. But, it’s usually quite doable as well.

It’s sunset time again. And we’ve got some options for how to best enjoy your last sunset (for now!) in Puerto Escondido. First, if you’re in Rinconada, head to Mirador Las Tortugas. You’ll walk through the neighborhood behind the main tourist street, and take a little path down to this breathtaking lookout. You’ll watch the sunset on a cliff overlooking the ocean. However, get there early as this lookout fills up fast! We recommend arriving an hour before the sunset and claiming your spot to best enjoy the experience.

Alternatively, you can head to Playa Bacocho for the sunset. While the water’s currents are usually too strong for swimming, a baby turtle release occurs every evening. You can support a local organization that is fighting to preserve this endangered species by paying to release your baby turtle into the ocean. Another option to see the sunset is to rent a boat in Playa Principal and watch the sun go down from the sea.

As Puerto Escondido has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, so has its accessibility. While it previously may have been too secluded of a place to go for a weekend trip, it’s now a wonderful option.

The new highway connecting the town to Oaxaca City allows easy access with just a 2-3 hour drive. There are also many more daily flights not only from Mexico City but also from many other parts of Mexico. And while we provided some ideas for a weekend in this alluring destination, there’s plenty more to explore!