With a secluded cove filled with lively beach bars, vibrant umbrellas and soft golden sands for your relaxing enjoyment, Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca really is the perfect destination!
I’ve put together some information on what you need to know before going to this gorgeous location as well as well as some recommendations for things to do during your vacation. It’s always good to have done your research and have an idea where you’re going!
And if anyone asks you about what it’s like you’ll be well versed on this beautiful beach in Oaxaca! So read on…
Where is Carrizalillo Beach?
These gorgeous golden sands are located in the heart of Puerto Escondido and it’s easily accessible by a tar-sealed road that leads right down to this beautiful beach.
The entrance to Carrizalillo beach is situated at the end of the parking lot which is where you will find a set of concrete stairs. From the top of the cliff face to the bottom it’s approximately 160 steps, emerging on the golden sands of Carrizalillo Beach.
From Zicatela beach, if you have your own car or scooter rental, then travel time will be less than an hour. If you are walking from Zicatela beach you will have to walk around 1 hour.
Some people may be deterred because of the stairs at Carrizalillo and if you have mobility issues, this beach might not be right for you. But this is the ultimate destination for those who want to see sheer cliffs over crashing waves!
What Makes Carrizalillo Beach Special?
This beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Puerto Escondido. This stretch of beach doesn’t exceed 300 meters and isn’t very large but it’s easy to find peace and quiet here.
Enjoy the wide blue waters from one of its shaded straw-thatched huts or under an umbrella with lush greenery growing on either side.
The area is a haven for nature lovers and has plenty of activities you can do when not lounging around – snorkeling is the one of the best activities to do during the day light hours. You can also fish off the shore which makes a great activity to do with friends and family if you’re vacationing together.
You can rent a surfboard from one of the many beach shacks located down on Playa Carrizalillo. The boards are available for approx 150 MXN per hour and there is no shortage when it comes to waves! If you’re looking for an adventure, this beach won’t disappoint.
The water is crystal clear and although the best activities to do are swimming, snorkeling, and fishing it’s also a popular spot for birdwatching, as there are several species of migratory birds that can be found in the area. If you’re looking for a more adventurous day trip, there are also some other more daring surf spots close as well!
No matter what you choose to do, be sure to enjoy the incredible views and peaceful atmosphere of Playa Carrizalillo. Just waves crashing on the shore..that’s peaceful.
What are the Best Tours in Puerto Escondido?
There are a lot of great tours to be had in the area. Whether you’re looking for an adventure tour, a cultural tour, or just want to relax on the beach, there’s something for everyone in Puerto Escondido.
The best way to find the right tour for you is to ask around. Talk to the hotel staff, or any locals you meet. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and give you some recommendations.
If you’re looking for something specific, there are a few tour companies that specialize in certain types of tours. Below are some of the best ones:
What is the Best Time to Go to Playa Carrizalillo?
Carrizalillo Beach is a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustles of everyday life. You can visit this beach at any point during the day, but I recommend going here earlier between 8:00am – 11am because there won’t be as many people around.
Going to Carrizalillo Beach later in the afternoon (around 4 pm) is a good idea too. Not only will you have space to sit on the beach without a lot of people around, you’ll also be avoiding the hottest part of the day when the sun beats down tirelessly.
You’ll also be the first to see the greatest views as the sky starts to turn towards sunset. And you really can’t miss a sunset in Puerto Escondido. Nothing is so stunning.
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
If you’re looking for the sound of serious waves to put you to sleep as well as an awesome place to stay while visiting Puerto, look no further than Zicatela Beach.
This is the place to stay if you want an itinerary including nights filled with music or great food right on the beach – all within walking distance of your accommodation!
However, where you stay depends on what you are looking for and this isn’t necessarily our only or best recommendation. The waves are very high and most persons are staying in this area since they have an interest in surf lessons and the surfing culture. If this is not your thing, you might want to try a different area.
If you’re looking for somewhere with less tourists or if you don’t surf or perhaps have small children than this beach might not be a suitable choice.
Booking.comBudget Option:
Casa Daikiri is the perfect place for a laid back vacation in Mexico. It has an inviting pool area and comfortable beds with clean sheets, which makes it feel more like home than any hotel I’ve ever been to!
Mid range Option:
Hotel Rockaway is a boutique hotel resort offers bright rooms with lots of natural light, a large bed and well-decorated space. guests can enjoy an outdoor pool as well as fitness center or bar from which they get spectacular views over the ocean!
Luxury Option:
The Vivo Resorts is an all-inclusive hotel in Puerto Escondido with a great restaurant and private bar. The infinity pool has swim up servers, making it one of the best hotels for fun!
How to Get Around Puerto Escondido
Whether you’re traveling on foot, bicycle or scooter – there are plenty of ways to get around Puerto Escondido. The easiest and most affordable option is always just and walking along the beautiful beaches to where you want to go! But if you’re looking for something just a little faster a bike rental is approx $3 per hour.
If, however, you need to go somewhere specific and farther from Puerto then a taxi can always be flagged down pretty much anywhere. Taxis can be booked through your accommodation too; this service might come in handy if visiting multiple tourist attractions during one day.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
When it comes to Puerto Escondido, you have two options: the wet season and dry. The wet runs from June through October with an average temperature during these months of 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit). It also rarely dips under 20 at night-time!
So when should you go then?
I’d recommend going in winter ( November – April) . Even though in the summer everything is lush and green, the rainfall can be high and can reach high levels. That being said, hotels are built specifically for this season so it isn’t anything to worry about. But if you want to avoid the monsoon-like rains, the winter tends to be a better time.
That being said, it is also prime tourist time when Canadians and Americans visit so prices can be higher. The time of year you decide to visit Carrizalillo Beach is entirely your choice, of course, and if you do choose to visit in the summer you’ll still have hot and sunny weather if a bit of rain at times.
Some Essential Mexico Reading
The People’s Guide to Mexico: by Carl Franz & Lorena Havens (Author). This is more of a cultural guide to Mexico instead of a guidebook. From fiestas, holidays, bargaining and planning trips this book makes for a great resource even if you’re an experienced Mexico traveller.
So what do you think about trying out this beach? Let me know in the comments.
Hi I’m Shannon!
Hi, I’m Shannon and I’m a Canadian who fell in love with Mexico on my first trip to Puerto Vallarta when I was a young adult.
That started a 30 year love affair with this country which led to marrying my Mexican husband and building a home in Mexico. And now I have even a stronger connection to this gorgeous and complex country.
