Things To Do
in San Pedro Mixtepec
San Pedro Mixtepec, commonly associated with the surf town of Puerto Escondido, sits along Oaxaca's Pacific coast. It blends laid-back beach life with a vibrant bohemian scene, from buzzing markets to casual beachfront eateries. The region is famed for consistent left-hand breaks and sun-soaked shores that attract surfers from around the world.
Beyond the waves, it offers lush lagoons, jungle trails, and colorful markets that showcase indigenous crafts and flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Pedro Mixtepec and settle into your accommodations. Take the morning to explore the town's vibrant market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and traditional Oaxacan snacks. Immerse yourself in the culture by trying local delicacies like tlayudas and mezcal.
Join a guided tour of the ancient ruins nearby, where you'll learn about the history of the Mixtec civilization and see well-preserved artifacts. Savor a delicious lunch at a local eatery, sampling more regional cuisine. Spend the afternoon walking through scenic trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Oaxacan dinner at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties like mole and handmade tortillas. After dinner, stroll through the town square, where evenings are often filled with lively music and dance performances. Wind down your day with a relaxing mezcal tasting at a local distillery.
Begin your day with a visit to the local art studio that showcases the work of Mixtec artisans. Engage in a workshop to create your own pottery or textile, learning about the traditional techniques used for generations. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at a café serving fresh-brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
Head to the nearby artisan village, where you can observe skilled craftspeople at work, producing everything from handcrafted ceramics to woven goods. Have lunch in the village, sampling more delicious regional dishes while chatting with local artisans. Spend the afternoon visiting traditional weaving workshops, where you can purchase unique textiles directly from the weavers.
Return to San Pedro Mixtepec for an evening of live music at a community-centric venue frequented by locals. Enjoy dinner while being entertained by local musicians, and perhaps even join in a traditional folk dance. Conclude your night with a sky full of stars over the serene landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or drink at cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨1-night mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class surf and long, beautiful beaches
- Vibrant bohemian culture with welcoming locals and great seafood
- Can be crowded during peak season; some areas rely on cash-only transactions
- Infrastructure can be variable in smaller beach neighborhoods
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Me gustaría [comer] / [pedir]" - I would like to [eat] / [order]
Places to Visit in San Pedro Mixtepec
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over long, curving breakers; ideal for dramatic wave shots and silhouettes on calm mornings.
Cliffside overlook offering expansive views of the Pacific, surfers, and the coastline to frame wide-angle coastal scenes.
Stepped path down to a sheltered cove—great for portrait shots and intimate beach photography with palm-fringed shores.
Bustling fishing port with colorful boats and early-morning activity, perfect for candid market and dockside photography.
Food in San Pedro Mixtepec
San Pedro Mixtepec Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A whole fish split into two portions, seasoned with chile adobo and lime, then grilled until smoky and tender.
Must-Try!
Shrimp cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and a hint of jalapeño.
Very thin slices of fresh fish tossed with lime, onions, cilantro, and peppers—bright and citrusy.
Succulent lobster cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with spices, a coastal specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market with seafood stalls, produce, and ready-to-eat tostadas and sopes.
Casual stalls along the beachfront offering pescado a la talla, aguachile, ceviche, grilled octopus, and fresh fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días/tardes' and a handshake. Asking permission before photos of people is respectful.
Casual, modest attire is appropriate in town. Keep noise reasonable in residential areas and show patience in service settings.
Bargaining is common in markets but should be done with courtesy and a smile.
Safety
Tipping in San Pedro Mixtepec
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is common if not included. A small extra tip (1-2 USD or 20-50 MXN) for good service at cafes or street vendors is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at markets and street stalls. Many hotels, nicer restaurants, and some shops accept credit/debit cards; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; ocean breezes help cool evenings. Surf season remains strong on the premier breaks; stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Continued warmth with occasional tropical rainstorms; sea conditions vary—check surf reports before swimming at open beaches.
Pleasantly warm days and cooler nights; dry season with lower humidity makes outdoor exploring very comfortable.
Warm and increasingly dry; ideal for beach days and hiking; coral and marine life are active, with vibrant sunsets.
San Pedro Mixtepec at Night
Hiking in San Pedro Mixtepec
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal ridge walk with sea views and photo opportunities of cliffs and waves; moderate demand.
Hike up a hillside for panoramic views of the town, beaches, and the Pacific; a rewarding viewpoint.
Airports
How to reach San Pedro Mixtepec by plane.
Small but functional airport with domestic flights and some seasonal international options; taxis and shuttles connect to town centers.
Larger hub about a 6–7 hour drive from Puerto Escondido; offers more international and domestic flight options.
Nearby international airport serving the Huatulco region; a longer drive but an alternative entry point for some travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local families, Mexican travelers, and visiting surfers, creating a lively, laid-back scene.
A broad mix drawn to the beaches, markets, and affordable eats.
Visible in markets and crafts, contributing to regional traditions and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The main sport here, particularly on Zicatela and La Punta; lessons and board rentals are widely available.
Casual games and local leagues occur in neighborhoods; watching a local match can be a cultural experience.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Pedro Mixtepec.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy beans, rice, corn-based dishes (tortillas, tamales), nopales, grilled vegetables, and queso fresco; ask for no fish stock or shrimp base in sauces.