
Playa Manzanillo Puerto Escondido
A picturesque sandy cove accessed by stairs, perfect for swimming and family fun, with stunning bay views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Playa Manzanillo Puerto Escondido
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque sandy cove accessed by stairs, perfect for swimming and family fun, with stunning bay views.
"Beautiful beach, you can enjoy cocktails and food sitting in the sand. Nice for bathing."

🚶♀️ Stair Access Only
Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues .
☀️ Go Early for Peace
Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Morning Swim Sanctuary
Playa Manzanillo
Join early morning swimmers for a peaceful dip before the beach buzzes with activity. A popular spot for long-distance swimmers .

Scenic Bay Views
Playa Manzanillo
Enjoy the picturesque bay framed by hills and trees, offering a tranquil escape with stunning coastal scenery .

Family-Friendly Waters
Playa Manzanillo
The calm waters make it a great spot for families, especially for younger children to play and swim safely .
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Best Experience Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stair Access Only
Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues.
☀️ Go Early for Peace
Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
🏊♀️ Swimmers' Haven
Early mornings are perfect for long-distance swimmers and swim groups.
🐠 Coral Awareness
Note that nearby coral is close to shore and has sustained damage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stair Access Only
Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues.
☀️ Go Early for Peace
Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
🏊♀️ Swimmers' Haven
Early mornings are perfect for long-distance swimmers and swim groups.
🐠 Coral Awareness
Note that nearby coral is close to shore and has sustained damage.
🍹 Beachside Refreshments
Enjoy cocktails and food right on the sand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Manzanillo is praised for its beautiful scenery and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and families. However, access via stairs and occasional overcrowding, especially on weekends, are noted drawbacks. Some visitors also express concern over the damaged coral reefs near the shore.
"Beautiful beach, but keep in mind it’s only accessible by stairs, so not ideal for those with mobility issues. Go early and on a weekday for the best experience. I went on a Wednesday at 7AM and had the place practically to myself until around noon, when the crowds started rolling in."
Ariel Lherisson
"This is a beautiful place. I went during the week and it was crowded, but didn’t have issues finding a spot to post up. It’s accessible by taking the stairs down. The only sad thing about this place is that the coral is very close to shore so people have damaged them. I don’t know if it’s also due to warmer water and sunblock, but a lot of the coral is dead. A lot of pieces of it wash up on shore too.
If you are a long distance swimmer, or just a swimmer, this is a very popular beach for swim groups early morning around 6:30am."
manuel martinez
"Small pretty bay, but over crowded and with loads of boats mooring. The water wasn't clean because of the boats. No shade unless you want to pay for the sunbeds"
Elena **
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Manzanillo is accessible by stairs leading down from the surrounding hills. There are no direct roads to the beach itself. For getting around Puerto Escondido generally, renting a car or motorcycle is recommended for flexibility, as taxi services can be tourist-priced.
Access is via stairs, which can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. It's a beautiful descent, but requires some physical effort.
Many travelers suggest renting a car or motorcycle for the best flexibility. Taxis are available but can add up, especially for multiple trips. Some also opt for bicycles for shorter distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa Manzanillo is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access it freely, though renting sunbeds or purchasing food and drinks will incur costs.
Playa Manzanillo is open 24/7 as it's a natural beach. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Early mornings are popular for swimmers.
You cannot book a specific spot on Playa Manzanillo as it's a public beach. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is the best strategy to secure a good location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Playa Manzanillo is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic bay. It's also a popular spot for early morning long-distance swimmers and families with young children due to its calmer waters.
While other beaches like Zicatela are famous for surfing, Playa Manzanillo is generally calmer and more suited for swimming and bathing. Some videos mention it as one of Puerto Escondido's favorite beaches, implying a range of activities.
Natural shade is limited. You can rent sunbeds, which often come with an umbrella, but this incurs a cost. Consider bringing your own shade if you plan to stay for an extended period.
Yes, some reviews mention boats mooring in the bay, which can affect water cleanliness in certain areas. It's advisable to choose your swimming spot carefully.
Unfortunately, the coral near the shore has been damaged and much of it is dead, with pieces washing ashore. This is a concern for some visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can enjoy cocktails and food while sitting on the sand. There are vendors and beach bars available, offering a convenient way to dine with a view.
While there might not be formal restaurants directly on the sand, there are beachside vendors and bars where you can purchase food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic bay framed by lush hills and palm trees, especially during sunrise. The stairs leading down to the beach also offer unique perspectives. Early morning light provides beautiful, soft illumination.
Sunrise and early morning hours offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful shots.
The distinctive stairs leading down to the beach are a popular spot for photos. The palm trees lining the shore and the curve of the bay itself create picturesque scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏊♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Swimmers
☀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Puerto Escondido: Getting Around
For shorter distances or if you're feeling adventurous, bicycles and motorcycles are also popular options for getting around town. They offer a more local feel and can navigate narrower streets. However, be mindful of the heat and the condition of the roads. If you prefer not to drive, local buses (colectivos) also operate on certain routes, offering a budget-friendly way to travel, though they may be less direct and more crowded.
Understanding Playa Manzanillo's Environment
However, visitors should be aware of the environmental conditions impacting the coral reefs near the shore. Many reviews note that the coral is close to the beach and has suffered damage, with dead pieces washing ashore. Factors like warmer waters and sunscreen runoff are suspected contributors. While the beach offers opportunities to enjoy cocktails and food right on the sand, the presence of moored boats can sometimes affect water clarity in certain areas. Despite these challenges, the natural beauty and swimming opportunities make it a worthwhile visit for many.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit