While Puerto Escondido continues to grow, it has not amassed the crowds of other popular Mexican beach destinations. Puerto Escondido is believed to have been founded in the 1930s, but most locals believe there were still only four families living there well into the 1980s. Legend has it that a boat of pirates landed here and buried a treasure. Once they were captured, they only mentioned that it was buried in a “hidden port,” which is supposedly where Puerto Escondido’s name comes from.
Growing up in Puerto Escondido, my older relatives always said that the area became famous because people wanted to visit La Virgen de Juquila or to distribute products in the region. Once the federal government developed roads connecting Oaxaca City and Acapulco to this port, the religious pilgrims and traders started to make stops at beaches in Puerto Escondido. At its start, only attracted Mexican tourists, but soon international travelers discovered the massive waves and pipelines of Zicatela. Today, Puerto Escondido is known worldwide for its surfing, catering not just to professional surfers in Zicatela, but also to beginner surfers in Carrizalillo and La Punta. Everyone can enjoy the calm waters of Playa Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo, as well as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking locations throughout the region.