Together with the lagoons La Ventanilla, Corralejo, Palma Sola, Zapotalito and Lagunas de Chacahua, Manialtepec Lagoon is a place of exceptional beauty that you cannot miss during your visit to the State of Oaxaca.

To get to the lagoon from Puerto Escondido you have several options: you can hire a van driver or a taxi that services the lake and the town of San Jose Manialtepec. (16 km west of Puerto Escondido).

Manialtepec Lagoon is approximately 6 km long and consists of several ecosystems in the prevailing low deciduous forest characterized by thorny bushes, palm trees, and lush mangrove areas.  It is home to a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles such as the golden eagle, cormorants, herons, scarlet macaw, pelicans, kingfishers, jacana, armadillo, chameleon, iguana, raccoon, and bobcat.

During a boat trip to the lagoon you can see the magnificent fauna and flora of the place accompanied by a local guide. The boats can carry up to 10 people.

We recommend you bring binoculars and a bathing suit because, if conditions allow (do not hesitate to contact a local tourist guide), you can swim at a place called Bocabarra, a beach with gentle surf where the sea and one arm of the Manialtepec River meet.

Kayaking and sport fishing (catfish, mullet, bream, and sea bass,) are other activities that can be done at Manialtepec Lagoon.

Gallo Island, Las Bugambilias, The Alexandria and El Paraiso are some of the places at the Lagoon that offer restaurant service.

There are palapas on the small beaches where you can delight in local seafood specialties.