puerto escondido, mexico:

playa zicatela

After a day chilling on Playa Carrizalillo, it was time explore further a field and for Andy to score some waves. As I mentioned earlier, Playa Zicatela is a famed surf break, with surfers travelling from all around the world to Puerto Escondido to experience the 'Mexican Pipeline'. The break wasn't as big or pumping as Andy would have wished, but he still had a lot of fun catching some waves in Mexico. 
As you can see, Playa Zicatela, which is the main part of Puerto Escondido, looks really different to Playa Carrizalillo even though it's only ten minutes away. I'll add too, that the beach is really bad for swimming, with heaps of rips and extremely heavy waves. Unless you are an extremely strong swimmer I'd recommend not swimming there.
We also had an explore of Playa Angelito and Playa Principal, two small bays between Playa Zicatela and Playa Carrizalillo, which were both busy with local families enjoying the sun and sand and were dotted with many fishing boats.
Puerto Escondido is a great beach destination, but I'd definitely recommend staying and spending more time around Carrizalillo if you want a palmed fringed, picturesque beach that is perfect for swimming and learning to surf.

next: my Mexican wrap-up before we move on to New York!

how you get your surfboard around town

andy scoring some waves

playa angelito

playa principal

playa carrizalillo, mexico:

After exploring as much of Oaxaca City as possible, we took an overnight bus to the Pacific coast town of Puerto Escondido. Puerto Escondido is famed for it's surf, most notably that of Playa Zicatela, also known as Mexican Pipeline - one of, if not the, heaviest beach breaks in the world. Being married to surfer meant that a visit here was pretty much non-negotiable. I had no problem with that of course, as I'm a true believer that holiday isn't quite a holiday without a little beach action, however Playa Zicatela and the main part of Puerto Escondido didn't look all that nice of beach and area to stay at. But, drive 10 minutes north and you'll reach one of my now favourite beaches in the world - Playa Carrizalillo. Ah-mazing. Staying in a villa perched high above the perfect little bay (I'll do a trip wrap up at the end, so I can tell you where we stayed), we were greeted with clear aqua water, golden sands, lush greenery and no crowds. Hello paradise. It was stunning and such a nice way to finish our time in Mexico. The only problem... we didn't stay long enough.

next: Puerto Escondido and then my Mexico wrap-up before we head on to the USA.

the stunning view from our villa

playa carrizalillo

there were a couple of small fun waves for andy

 

after the storm

 

more oaxaca city, mexico:

So this is the last post from magical Oaxaca City before we head for some beach action on the stunning Pacific Coast.
If you're considering visiting Mexico, please do include Oaxaca. We fell in love. There is so much richness to be discovered and experienced. And the colour. If you love colour, this is the place to be!

I'll just quickly add, too, that once I've finished all my posts on Mexico, I'll add a little trip wrap-up with all our recommendations and tips.

next: Puerto Escondido

templo de santo domingo de guzman

inside the templo de santo domingo de guzman

inside the textile museum of oaxaca

tejate!

the ancient city of monte alban