In front of the hotel, and stretching for miles to the south, is beautiful Playa Zicatela, one of the top ten surfing beaches of the world.

A few steps in the other direction brings you to Playa Marinero where you are more likely to see fishing boats and Mexican families on vacation; the sea is gentler here though swimmers must still be very cautious.

For a few pesos you can rent beach loungers and an umbrella or palapa shade for the day, on either beach. You'll probably find shade essential around midday, even in the winter.

The Santa Fe is just a hundred yards from Playa Marinero, the main beach of the town. Here the ocean is generally calm enough for swimming.

During the daytime it's a pleasant walk along the beach to downtown Puerto Escondido, where you'll find more restaurants, bars and stores.