Escapada cultural y playera: Oaxaca & Puerto Escondido (México)

About the destination: Oaxaca City is a beautiful colonial city with charming cobbled streets, gallery-lined walkways, lively squares and colourful markets. It is a cosmopolitan city, full of excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, yet very traditionally Mexican, featuring Mexican folk art all around. The main Zocalo or square is a gorgeous and bustling place to hang out and enjoy the region’s unique and fantastic food in one of the sidewalk cafes. Around the Zocalo there are many fine crafts stores and markets. The church of Santo Domingo is a stunning historical church and a glorious example of Baroque architecture, blending Spanish and indigenous influences to spectacular effect. Next to it, we find the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, a museum of regional history and culture.Near Oaxaca City we find Monte Alban, one of the most impressive ruins in Latin America. The surrounding landscape, a set of spectacular mountain scenery, part of Mexico’s central volcanic belt, is, as well, worth exploring. Don’t miss out, Oaxaca City is one of Mexico’s most bewitching places.

About the destination: Puerto Escondido, on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, is a laid‑back beach town that blends surf culture, local tradition, and rugged natural beauty. Unlike more polished resort destinations, Puerto Escondido has a bohemian, come‑as‑you‑are atmosphere where barefoot mornings and ocean sunsets set the rhythm of the day. The town stretches along a series of bays and beaches, each with its own personality, from lively and social to quietly secluded. The beating heart of Puerto Escondido is Playa Zicatela, a long golden beach famed for its powerful “Mexican Pipeline” waves. This is one of the world’s top spots for experienced surfers and international competitions, and even non‑surfers will enjoy watching the spectacle from one of the many beachfront cafés and bars. Nearby La Punta, at the southern end of Zicatela, is more relaxed, with mellow waves ideal for beginners, hostels and boutique hotels, yoga studios, and sunset happy hours that spill onto the sand. For swimming and calmer waters, head to Playa Carrizalillo, a postcard‑perfect cove accessed by a steep staircase, or to Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito, where local families gather and seafood restaurants serve fresh fish and ceviche under palapa roofs. Snorkeling, stand‑up paddleboarding, and boat trips to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and, in season, whales, round out the ocean‑focused activities. At night, take an excursion to nearby Manialtepec or Bioluminescent Lagoon, where microscopic organisms light up the water with an eerie blue glow. While the beaches are the main draw, Puerto Escondido also offers a taste of Oaxacan culture. Wander through the local mercados to sample tlayudas, tamales, and artisanal mezcal, or visit small galleries and crafts shops to discover textiles and handmade goods from the surrounding villages. Life is slow here: most visitors fall into an easy routine of sunrise surf sessions, long seafood lunches, afternoon siestas, and evenings under starry skies, making Puerto Escondido an ideal escape for travelers seeking both adventure and simplicity.