by If you ask a seasoned surfer about places they want to visit, Puerto Escondido will probably come up faster than you can wax a board. This Pacific hideaway, called the Mexican Pipeline, has a powerful punch that breaks through the sandy gold of Playa Zicatela. For a lot of people, it’s the place where they get hit hard and hear tremendous stories. And if you want to be a part of the story, you’re at the correct place—www.latamsurfing.com/mexico/puerto-escondido will show you the way.
Zicatela signifies business. When the south swells come in, huge A-frames crash onto the beach. There are barrels so deep that they will eat the sun. Someone will say, “Dude, it’ll make or break you,” while they wax up with hands that never shake. But the never-ending waves aren’t just for people who love to surf. In the mornings, the shoulders can be fun and perfect for people who are in the middle of their skill level. Even beginners can find peace at La Punta, where the water lets you breathe between sets.
People here have a lot of different accents and tan lines. International pros fight for space with local legends. Dawn patrol is a tradition. By dawn, boards are bobbing along the horizon, and each rider is eager for his or her turn. There are stories at surfside palapas about wipeouts, glory rides, and the well-known “baptisms” that happen when the waves break on the shore. Laughter bounces off the flaking paint and mixes with the warm, thick air.
Let’s talk about gear. If big Zicatela is pumping, don’t bring your longboard. You want something that is short, thick, and fast. Snap leashes are a sign of respect. Duck-diving? Important. If you can’t, locals will recommend you to stay in La Punta or Carrizalillo. Most of the time, the water is warm enough that you only need a rashie. But when the swells get very bad, caution is more crucial than neoprene.
There is more to Puerto Escondido than just carnivorous tubes. Beyond the foam and sand, taco booths draw in people who want to surf. Fish roasted right after they were caught, chilly coconuts cut open with machetes, and mezcal drunk under worn straw hats. At night, the streets are full of music and laughter, and everyone is salty, sunburned, and alert.
The area is full with energy, just like the lines on a weather map. Yoga sessions to help your sore surfing muscles. Stalls at the market are full of colorful fruit. Cheap hostels where people make friends by sharing sunscreen and stories of who nailed or failed their first barrel.
Back to the waves. Yes, Puerto Escondido is famous, but it doesn’t give up its treasures easily. In this place, patience is a good thing, and a wipeout is always just a paddle away. You’ll fit right in if you like your waves rough and your days full of surprises. Just bring your courage and a healthy appreciation for the Pacific’s strength.