
Carrizalillo Beach Puerto Escondido
A stunning cove with turquoise waters, perfect for beginner surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers, accessed by a scenic staircase.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Carrizalillo Beach Puerto Escondido
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning cove with turquoise waters, perfect for beginner surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers, accessed by a scenic staircase.
"The most beautiful beach in all of Puerto Escondido. Highly recommend for any visitors!"

👟 Stair Workout Ahead!
Be ready for ~160 steps down and up. Wear comfy shoes and bring water! :athletic_shoe:
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Carrizalillo is perfect for beginner surfers with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turquoise Waters & Gentle Waves
Main beach area
Crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Ideal for a refreshing dip.

Beginner Surf Spot
Western end of the beach
Gentle, rolling waves make it a prime location for learning to surf. Surf lessons are readily available.

Snorkeling Adventures
Rocky areas near the shore
Discover vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and even turtles, in the calm waters.

Scenic Overlook Views
Top of the stairs
Breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and coastline. Perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Carrizalillo Stairs
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Stair Workout Ahead!
Be ready for ~160 steps down and up. Wear comfy shoes and bring water! :athletic_shoe:
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Carrizalillo is perfect for beginner surfers with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
🐠 Snorkel for Sea Life
Great spot for snorkeling; you might see fish and turtles! :tropical_fish:
💰 Pack Cash for Extras
Palapa rentals and some vendors may be cash-only. Prices can be a bit higher. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Stair Workout Ahead!
Be ready for ~160 steps down and up. Wear comfy shoes and bring water! :athletic_shoe:
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Carrizalillo is perfect for beginner surfers with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
🐠 Snorkel for Sea Life
Great spot for snorkeling; you might see fish and turtles! :tropical_fish:
💰 Pack Cash for Extras
Palapa rentals and some vendors may be cash-only. Prices can be a bit higher. :moneywithwings:
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful beach clean by taking your trash with you. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carrizalillo Beach is lauded as one of Puerto Escondido's most beautiful spots, praised for its clear turquoise waters, gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers and swimmers, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and the convenience of beachside amenities, though some note the stairs can be a workout and prices for rentals and services can be on the higher side.
"Good place to chill, strong waves,but heard that other places you can't even get in the water. Be ready to spend some money for everything, even to throw your trash away. Overall, great place to visit for sure, even getting surf lessons."
Edgar Castillo
"Beautiful place to relax. Good wave action but tame enough for a lot of people to swim in. I think I counted about 160 steps or so from the parking area above, so it's a workout. A little pricey to sit under a palapa. A lot of surfers come here."
Duncan McAuley
"Great local beach… be careful of the strong waves and be prepared for some steps.. otherwise great place to spend the day.. rent a chair and relax"
Akash Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carrizalillo Beach is located a short distance from the main town of Puerto Escondido. Taxis or colectivos (shared vans) are common ways to get there. Many visitors opt for a taxi for convenience. Once you arrive at the top, you'll see signs for the beach and the stairs leading down.
Yes, there is parking available at the top of the cliff before you descend the stairs. It's often a small lot, so arriving early can help secure a spot.
Motorcycles and taxis are popular choices for getting around Puerto Escondido and accessing its various beaches. Colectivos are also an option for budget-conscious travelers.
The primary access to Carrizalillo Beach involves descending and ascending a significant number of stairs (around 160). This may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a considerable walk. It's generally recommended to take a taxi or colectivo for efficiency, especially if you're not staying very close by.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Carrizalillo Beach itself is free to access. You only pay for services like chair rentals, food, and drinks.
The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before it gets too dark for safety reasons.
No advance booking is required to visit Carrizalillo Beach. It's a public beach, and you can simply show up.
While you can bring your own snacks and drinks, there are beachside restaurants and bars that offer food and beverages. Some visitors note that prices can be a bit higher.
Yes, you can rent lounge chairs and palapas (thatched umbrellas) at Carrizalillo Beach. Be prepared for these rentals to be on the pricier side, with some reviews mentioning around $15 USD.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Carrizalillo Beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing, learning to surf, and snorkeling. The calm waters are ideal for a variety of water activities.
Yes, Carrizalillo Beach is known for its gentle, rolling waves, making it an excellent spot for beginner surfers. Experienced surfers might find it less challenging.
Absolutely! The clear waters and rocky areas make it a great place for snorkeling, where you can spot various fish and even sea turtles.
Carrizalillo Beach can become quite crowded, especially during peak hours and seasons. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid the biggest crowds.
The water at Carrizalillo Beach is known for being clear, calm, and turquoise, making it very inviting for swimming and other water activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are beachside restaurants and bars where you can enjoy food and drinks while relaxing on the sand.
You can typically find fresh seafood, local Oaxacan dishes, and refreshing drinks like cocktails and juices at the beachside eateries.
Some visitors note that prices for food, drinks, and chair rentals can be a bit higher than in other parts of Puerto Escondido, so it's good to be aware of this.
While you can bring your own, it's common for visitors to purchase from the beachside establishments. It's always a good idea to check local regulations if you plan to bring a large cooler.
Expect to find refreshing options like coconuts, fresh juices, and cocktails, perfect for a hot day at the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoint at the top of the stairs offers stunning panoramic shots of the bay. The beach itself, with its turquoise water and surfers, also makes for beautiful photos.
While drone footage can capture the beauty of Carrizalillo Beach, be mindful of local regulations and other beachgoers. The cove's layout can offer unique aerial perspectives.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon provides a warm, golden hour glow.
Capturing surfers catching waves, the vibrant turquoise water, and the lush green cliffs surrounding the bay are popular photo subjects.
Yes, some local services offer photo and video sessions, especially for surf lessons, allowing you to capture your experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Stairs and Access
For those with mobility concerns, this beach might present a challenge. However, for most visitors, the stair climb is a manageable part of the experience, often described as a good way to earn your relaxation time on the beach. The top of the stairs offers a fantastic viewpoint, providing a preview of the stunning cove below and a great spot for initial photos.
Carrizalillo for Surfing and Snorkeling
While Zicatela is famous for its challenging surf, Carrizalillo offers a more relaxed and accessible experience for those wanting to try surfing or enjoy a peaceful swim. The combination of good waves for learning and excellent snorkeling conditions makes Carrizalillo a versatile beach destination within Puerto Escondido.
The Vibe and Amenities at Carrizalillo
It's important to note that while the beach is beautiful, some reviewers mention that prices for services like chair rentals can be higher than expected. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on environmental responsibility, with visitors encouraged to take their trash with them to help maintain the beach's pristine condition. This blend of natural beauty, available amenities, and a community focus on cleanliness defines the Carrizalillo experience.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit