Puerto Escondido: Everything I discovered over 8 months of calling this place home

Picture this: it's 6:30pm, you're on the beach, spicy margarita in hand, watching the waves crash dramatically as the sky blazes in dreamlike hues. The day's warmth lingers on your skin, and you bask in the blissful contentment of hours spent lounging on the beach or riding the world-famous waves, knowing you can wake up and do it all again tomorrow. The night ahead is full of possibilities: you might indulge in dinner at a local family-run taquería bursting with local flavours, savour cocktails with your toes sinking into the sand, before dancing into the early hours to the rhythms of reggaeton or techno in a beachside club in Zicatela. You're happy. You're carefree. Welcome to Puerto Escondido. This is the most in-depth guide to Puerto Escondido you'll find on the internet. I share insider intel on the best beaches, restaurants, sunset spots, nightlife, and activities, along with a detailed breakdown of the neighbourhoods, how to get around, and essential information on how to reach the incredible surrounding destinations of Oaxaca City, San Jose del Pacifico, and Laguna de Chacahua. This guide is entirely independent and was created without any paid sponsorships. All recommendations are based on personal experiences and genuine enthusiasm for the places mentioned. This guide is accurate as of January 2025.