A Visit to Puerto
Escondido
by Gabrielle Dyson
Among the many beach towns on the Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido is worth visiting. With many different beaches to choose from, the hidden port has something for everyone. Known for its big surfing Zicatela beach is the perfect place to start.
Zicatela, just east of the principal beach Adoquin, has
become a popular destination for backpackers making their way to/ or from
Guatemala. It is a small strip with many hotels to fit any budget. You can rent
a small apartment at the lovely Hotel Ines for about $50 a night or a simple
room at the Papaya surf for around $10 a night. Almost all the hotels have a
pool because the waters are far too dangerous for swimming, because of the
fierce under tow. Though small, there
are many restaurants to meet any craving. If you are looking to dine on the
beach, Los Tios is a good place to start. With their fresh 
produce on display at
the door and a wide variety of typical Mexican dishes to choose from, you are
sure to be impressed. If you are looking for something more traditionally
American, Carmens Cafecito is the most popular, and well- priced, menu in town.
Most meals cost anywhere from $5-$10.
If you are not looking to surf, you can head down to P.J’s cinemar for a movie. This Canadian run store offers a wide range of books, and shows 3 movies daily. At night Casa Babylon packs with travelers looking for a game of chess, backgammon, or somewhere to sit back and sip a mojito!
A $2 cab ride, or 10 minute walk on the beach, will lead
you to the main beach. This side of Puerto Escondido is catered more toward
tourism. The many shops that line the strip offer everything from beach toys to
the hand painted pottery popular to the Oaxaca region. The beachfront is full of
restaurants for you to enjoy a nice meal while burying your feet in the warm
sand. While dining, or sunbathing, you are sure to be offered 
anything from
jewelry to hair braiding by the persistent salespeople that crowd the beach. If
you tire of lying on the beach, the boats that fill the waterfront are ready to
take you on a tour to view
the local turtles that inhabit the surrounding
waters.
The boats can also be hired to take you to one of the other beaches along the coast of Puerto Escondido. For about $2.50 the beaches are accessible by land, but the boat rides are much more picturesque. These beaches, just west of Adoquin, are much smaller and safe for swimming. Playa Carrizalillo is the most beautiful of all the beaches. If you are interested in spending time away from tourists, Playa Carrizalillo’s crystal blue waters are a lovely place to base yourself. The beach is clean and you can rent a snorkel to find some of the most beautiful shells on this coastline. If you are just visiting for the day, it is good to note that 100 stairs stand between the beach and the road-so best to arrange for a boat to take you back to the main beach.
With many different atmospheres to choose from, you are sure to find just what you are looking for here in Puerto Escondido.