Under $100: Puerto Escondido, Mexico

This tranquil beach town in Oaxaca state attracts a growing number of visitors, and with good reason. Here is how you can see the best of the town for less than $100.

The best breakfast in town is had at El Cafecito. You might have to wait for a table thanks to the popularity of the café, but it’s worth the wait. There are plenty of combinations to choose from, and there are bottomless coffee refills ($5).

Take a walk around the local Benito Juarez market to experience the hustle and bustle of local life, before relaxing on the beach to get some sun. Bacocho Beach is arguably the most laid-back area to catch some rays.

For lunch, stay away from the ubiquitous tacos and try out another Mexican specialty. Ceviche is a kind of seafood cocktail made with marinated fish and shrimp, perfect for a refreshing lunch in the midday heat. Costenito Cevicheria is right on the beach, so you won’t have to go far.

After your food has digested, take out a surfboard ($10) and hit the waves. Puerto Escondido is famed as a surfing mecca, and there are waves to suit every level of ability. Experienced surfers can take on the big ones at Zicatela, perhaps the most famous surfing beach in Mexico, while beginners are advised to stick to calmer areas such as Carrizalillo.

Surfing is famously tiring so you’ll want to relax when you get out of the water. Take a quick shower and treat yourself to cocktails and dinner at Almoraduz (meals $8). There are lots of drinks to choose from, and the meals are made from locally-sourced ingredients.

If you want to carry on until late, head down to Bar Fly in Zicatela or Wipeout in Adoquin (beers around $3).