33 Superb Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido is the type of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The browsing tradition is welcoming, the seashores are world-class, and it doesn’t get extra healthful than the nightly gathering of strangers on the seashore for sundown.

After spending 6 weeks in Puerto Escondido, I used to be not prepared to go away and was nonetheless discovering new actions to pique my curiosity. I explored the city’s wildlife on dolphin excursions and child turtle releases, discovered group surfskate courses, surfed, salsa danced, and attended the well-known Thursday open mic evening – it nonetheless wasn’t sufficient!

On this information to the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you’ll find a complete listing tried and examined over my month and half there. You’ll discover the favored musts, mouthwatering eating places, and people hidden gems that may solely be discovered by spending method an excessive amount of time there (and those that learn this information 😉).

How Many Days to Spend in Puerto Escondido?

You must spend not less than 3 – 5 full days in Puerto Escondido to expertise its highlights. If you’re trying to e book your complete Mexico journey in Puerto Escondido, then I’d advocate between 7 – 10 days.

Learn how to Get to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is on the Pacific coast within the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The city has a world airport and is a well-liked vacation spot for bus routes. Right here is one of the best ways to get to Puerto Escondido from different standard spots in Mexico:

Cancun: Over 1,500 km aside, one of the best ways between Cancun and Puerto Escondido is to fly. There are not often direct flights between these cities and more often than not there’s a layover in Mexico Metropolis first. It nonetheless stays probably the most cost-effective and time-efficient strategy to journey between them.

Merida: Merida is just like Cancun in its distance from Puerto Escondido, however Viva Aerobus usually has direct flights between Merida and Puerto Escondido. There may be normally one per day and the flight takes about 4 hours.

Oaxaca Metropolis: Oaxaca Metropolis is simply 3 hours drive from Puerto Escondido since they opened the brand new freeway in 2024. There are direct buses and vans working between them a number of instances per day on a regular basis. ADO has the most effective coach buses and Lineas Unidas is a good possibility for colectivo vans.

Mexico Metropolis: Mexico Metropolis is about 650 km from Puerto Escondido and affords direct flights to and from. The flights are usually low-cost and solely take 1.5 hours.

The 33 Finest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

1. Calm down on La Punta Seashore

La Punta is the principle seashore in Puerto Escondido. It has expansive sandy shores with distinct rock formations and palm tree hills on the southern aspect. La Punta is a full of life seashore, with seasoned and newbie surfers within the water, distributors strolling the shores promoting snacks, and pleasant canine taking part in within the sand. You may simply spend hours lounging on the tender sand watching the exercise round you or enjoyable.

Like most seashores in Puerto Escondido, La Punta’s waters are sturdy and tough. Solely sturdy swimmers ought to enter the water, and it’s best to keep away from it altogether if the waves are notably excessive.

2. Dolphin Watching Tour

A dolphin-watching tour is a MUST when visiting Puerto Escondido. I’ve by no means skilled wherever else on the planet the place you may get so near dozens of dolphins. From the entrance of the boat, I might have leaned down and touched the spinner dolphins that danced and performed within the currents created by the boat.

Excursions depart from Playa Angelito shortly after dawn. Relying on the circumstances, chances are you’ll even get to leap within the water with the dolphins. Our tour didn’t get this opportunity as a result of there have been too many jellyfish current within the water at the moment.

Most of the excursions can even convey you whale watching to identify humpback and even blue whales! You’ll additionally doubtless spot sting rays leaping a number of toes into the air (I had no thought they did that till this tour).

3. Watch the Sundown

There may be an unstated settlement in Puerto Escondido that everybody stops what they’re doing to collect on the seashore and watch the sundown each evening. At the least, it feels that method with crowds of vacationers and locals exhibiting up earlier than sundown to take a seat on the sand and benefit from the present.

Any of the seashores in Puerto Escondido will work, however La Punta and Playa Zicatela are particularly good. They’re wide-open seashores with unobstructed views and there’s a basic camaraderie.

A couple of locals stroll the seashore promoting snacks freshly made out of enormous containers, reminiscent of empanadas, truffles, and even sushi. The spontaneous picnic provides to the complete expertise.

3. Sundown Hike at Mirador Las Tortuga

Mirador Las Tortugas is a brief hike over the cliffs between Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Coral. The path lasts solely about 20 minutes, however has unbelievable views over the shoreline. Additionally it is an unbelievable spot for sundown, with giant sandy spots and rocks to take a seat on and watch the sky explode with color. The path is a bit steep, sandy, and rocky in locations so be sure to put on sturdy sneakers.

4. Seize Breakfast and Benefit from the Vibes at Malagua

Malagua was my favorite breakfast spot in La Punta due to its Spirulina Pancakes, contemporary smoothies, and stylish outside setting. The restaurant is health-driven and has a hip earthy ambiance. It’s price visiting to both seize one thing to eat or just sit and luxuriate in a drink within the stunning cafe.

5. Discover the Hidden Seashores of La Punta

To discover a bit off-the-beaten-path, head to the far south aspect of La Punta to find a hidden path over the rock formations. When the tide is low, you’ll find secluded seashores on the opposite aspect freed from the crowds. That is additionally an incredible spot to attempt bouldering on the seashore if you’re curious about mountaineering.

Scrambling to the highest of those rock formations additionally gives a view over La Punta and its surfers. You’ll really feel such as you’ve found a secret paradise.

6. Lunch on the Household Restaurant Cocofam

Cocofam is a small family-owned restaurant in central Puerto Escondido. It’s truly situated inside the household’s house with a eating space inside or on their small outside patio. The household is extremely type and the meals is unforgettable.

Cocofam is a vegetarian restaurant, nonetheless it’s nonetheless a should for meat-eaters too. The meals is probably the most flavourful I skilled in Puerto Escondido, with scrumptious tacos and sandwiches. You additionally should attempt their particular agua fresca!

7. Go to Mercado Benito Juarez in Centro

Visiting Mercado Benito Juarez is without doubt one of the finest methods to immerse your self in native Mexican tradition. You will get a real style of Oaxaca from the quite a few distributors promoting every thing from tacos, Oaxacan cheese, and contemporary meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, attempt the native delicacy, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). Mercado Benito Juarez has a vibrant ambiance to discover and seize one thing to eat.

8. Snorkel at Playa Carrizalillo

One among my favorite experiences in Puerto Escondido was when a gaggle of associates and I bought low-cost snorkel kits from the Chedraui (the Walmart-esque superstore) and snorkelled at Playa Carrizalillo. This is without doubt one of the most stunning seashores in Puerto Escondido, identified for its U form and calmer waters. Additionally it is an incredible spot for recognizing sea turtles.

After snorkelling for about quarter-hour, my buddy shouted out that she had noticed an enormous sea turtle. We have been capable of swim and dive beside it because it glided gracefully via the water. I had noticed a sea turtle whereas browsing at Carrizalillo beforehand, so you’ve excessive possibilities of seeing them. Afterwards, spend a while lounging on the seashore having fun with Carrizalillo’s distinctive pure magnificence.

9. Take a Surf Lesson

Browsing is a large a part of the tradition in Puerto Escondido. You gained’t go far with out seeing surfers within the water, carrying their board via the streets, or with their scooters/bikes rigged to hold a surfboard on the aspect. In the event you’ve ever needed to attempt browsing, that is the place to do it.

Surf classes are held at both La Punta seashore or Playa Carrizalillo, relying on the circumstances. La Punta is without doubt one of the finest spots for brand new surfers however the waves can get actually tall there, so on these days you’ll head to Carizallilo the place the waves are softer and fewer intense. Native photographers sit on the seashore taking high-quality photographs. If you’re curious about buying some, let your teacher know and so they’ll talk it to them.

I extremely advocate reserving your surf lesson with Javier from Ponte Chingon. I did my first lesson with him after which ended up doing them twice every week for the complete 6 weeks I used to be there. He’s captivated with browsing, so affected person, and probably the most encouraging man. I’d usually hear him whooping and cheering once I caught a wave.

10. Dinner with Sundown Views at Espadín Restaurante

Espadin Restaurante is situated on one of many tall cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo. It’s an open-air fine-dining restaurant with gorgeous views and delectable meals. The ambiance is laid-back, but subtle.

Sundown is a very wonderful time to go to, as you take pleasure in your scrumptious, aesthetically plated dish accompanied by the pink sky. All of their dishes are unbelievable however make sure that to attempt the fervour fruit cheesecake for dessert.

11. Child Turtle Launch at Playa Bacocho

Some of the unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is taking part within the child turtle launch at Playa Bacocho. Each night at 5 pm, you may be a part of the native conservation group, Vive Mar, to launch tiny child sea turtles into the ocean.

You’ll be handed a child turtle in a coconut cup to take photos with earlier than promptly releasing them to make their journey to the ocean. You’ll watch as they hobble slowly in direction of the waves.

Child turtle releases are rising in popularity in Puerto Escondido, so I like to recommend exhibiting up at Playa Bacocho at 4 pm to get in line. You don’t have to e book something upfront or any excursions. Playa Bacocho is on the far west aspect of city, a few 20 – 30 minute trip from La Punta (relying on site visitors).

12. Calm down at Playa Bacocho

Playa Bacocho is a big, quiet seashore on the westernmost aspect of Puerto Escondido. It has a large expanse of soppy white sand so you may unfold out with out being too near different folks.

The swimming at Playa Bacocho is just like La Punta, the place you have to be a robust swimmer to enter its shores. The waves swell fairly excessive at Bacocho specifically, however it may be enjoyable to leap excessive into the waves as they arrive.

Bacocho can also be house to Seashore Membership Bacocho. For an entrance price, you may chill out on their seashore loungers, swim within the pool, and eat at their on-site restaurant.

13. Horseback Journey to Hidden Scorching Springs

A lesser-known exercise to do close to Puerto Escondido is horseback using to hidden sizzling springs in San Jose Manialtepec. The trip ventures an hour via a forested space, throughout rivers, and winding scenic trails. The recent springs are in a forest with seven swimming pools to chill out in and benefit from the forest sounds.

You may be a part of a tour or take a 30-minute taxi to San Jose Manialtepec the place you’ll discover indicators providing horseback using.

14. Watch Surfers at Playa Zicatela

Playa Zicatela is a well-known seashore in Puerto Escondido identified for the “Mexican Pipeline.” It’s a broad and expansive seashore that surfers journey throughout the globe to expertise. It has highly effective and difficult waves with huge breaks. With that being stated, it’s an absolute no-swimming seashore. Vacationers have been identified to die by being dragged out to sea by riptides.

Why go to Playa Zicatela then? To look at professional surfers and body-boarders trip the exhilarating waves. The very best time to look at is early within the morning between 6 – 9 am or within the late afternoon earlier than sundown. Distributors additionally stroll this seashore, promoting snacks round sundown.

15. Take a Yoga Class at Spirulina

Spirulina is without doubt one of the finest health-focused eating places in Zicatela, however additionally they host enjoyable yoga courses. The open-air studio is above the restaurant and has the sound of crashing waves because the backdrop. Lessons run a number of instances each day (except for Tuesday once they’re closed) and you should buy a single-day go.

Afterwards, seize a chunk downstairs. Their fish tacos are scrumptious, however my private favorite (and one in every of their hottest menu gadgets) is the crispy hen sandwich on a baguette. Be certain to attempt one in every of their smoothies or freshly squeezed juices too.

16. Take a Surf Skating Class

If you wish to attempt one thing new and vibey in Puerto Escondido, be a part of a surf skating class. Surf skating is just like skateboarding, however within the form of a longboard with extra clean, fluid actions that resemble browsing. In the event you’ve ever tried browsing or snowboarding earlier than, the actions resemble carving on concrete.

Be part of the Surf Skate Society for a enjoyable social session. They’re open to finish newbies or extra skilled skate boarders. There’s a social huddle initially to interrupt the ice. Additionally they have a number of instructors to interrupt up the group in keeping with degree of expertise. It’s a enjoyable strategy to attempt one thing new in a relaxed setting.

17. Dance at Mar y Wana or Cactus

Puerto Escondido has a spectacular nightlife scene. Two of the most effective spots to bop the evening away are Mar y Wana and Cactus. Mar y Wana is an outside bar below tree branches and canvas with a enjoyable reggaeton vibe. Cactus affords digital music with a sand dance ground proper on the seashore. There’s a cowl price for each, however in case you present up round 10 it’s usually free. Events in Puerto Escondido final till dawn.

19. Go to Playa Coral

Playa Coral is a lesser identified seashore in central Puerto Escondido. The one strategy to entry it’s to take a hike from the Mirador Las Tortugas cliffs right down to the seashore (which is steep) or to pay an affordable entry price to stroll down via Lodge Villa Mexicana. As soon as on the seashore, it’s a lot quieter than the others in Puerto Escondido.

Playa Coral is encased between two cliffs that jut out on both aspect into the ocean. The cliffs palm timber on them and make the seashore extremely scenic. The water is much more calm right here so it’s good for swimming, nonetheless, I like to recommend bringing water sneakers for the rocky floor. There may be an outdated deserted water park beside the seashore which many individuals get a kick out of.

20. Swim in Bioluminescent Waters

Bioluminescence is a pure phenomenon that causes water to glitter with mild at evening. It’s attributable to plankton that glow when they’re disrupted by motion. There are some extraordinary excursions that convey you to see this magic from Puerto Escondido.

There’s a lagoon solely 20 minutes from the town that almost all excursions convey guests to. You’ll get to swim within the glowing water, whereas seeing the sky shine with precise stars above you.

21. Go to Peaceable Chacahua

Chacahua is a tropical “island” city finest accessed from Puerto Escondido. Whereas not technically an island, it’s only accessed by boat. The city has pristine white seashores surrounded by lush jungle and mangroves. It’s the most peaceable place on earth with the principle actions revolving round napping in hammocks on the seashore, taking part in seashore volleyball, and browsing.

If you’re staying in Puerto Escondido for greater than a few days, then I like to recommend making the journey to Chacahua. It’s technically do-able as a day journey however higher to spend one evening there. In the event you do spend the evening make sure that to ask locals on the town learn how to get to Chacahua’s rock arch to look at the sundown.

22. Take a Salsa Dancing Class and Be part of a Social at Nectar

There’s a wealthy dancing scene in Puerto Escondido, you simply have to hunt it out. Among the finest locations to affix a category of salsa or bachata is on the resort/coworking house Nectar in La Punta.

Nectar hosts a category, adopted by a social, each Saturday evening of their open-air studio. The courses are excellent for all ranges and also you’ll dance with a wide range of companions all through the evening. If you’re feeling courageous or have some dancing expertise, keep afterwards for the social the place the dance ground fills with dancing duos.

23. Spend a Day by the Pool at Selena Hostel

If you’re not the strongest swimmer and really feel extra comfy in domesticated water, spend a day at Selena’s coworking house in Zicatela. Selena affords day passes to take pleasure in their giant pool, solar loungers, pool tables, and extra. Additionally they have a restaurant and bar on-site. Selena is without doubt one of the hottest celebration hostels in Puerto Escondido so additionally it is an incredible place for socializing.

24. Eat Genuine Avenue Tacos at Taqueria Uno y Más

Taqueira Uno y Mas is a tiny taco stand on the aspect of Puerto Escondido’s important street. It has plastic chairs with no bells or whistles however you get to look at them prepare dinner your tacos proper on the stand.

Taqueria Uno y Mas is occupied virtually solely by locals, so the meals is genuine to native tradition. This ended up being my favorite spot to get tacos in Puerto Escondido and really feel immersed in actual native life.

25. Take a Boat Journey to Laguna de Manialtepec

Laguna de Manialtepec is a lagoon wealthy in crops and wildlife solely 14 km from Puerto Escondido. The surroundings is crammed with mangroves and freshwater that homes crocodiles, parrots, herons, and different fascinating species.

There are excursions that convey vacationers on chook watching excursions via the mangroves of Laguna de Manialtepec. If you’re a nature-lover, it is a nice strategy to get off-the-beaten path in Puerto Escondido.

26. Take a Day Journey to Mazunte

Mazunte is one other coastal city about 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido. It’s price visiting as a day journey from Puerto Escondido as a result of it has fully completely different vibes. Mazunte’s allure revolves round pure magnificence and hippy tradition.

Strolling the dust streets in Mazunte, you’ll discover yoga courses, chakra readings, dawn meditations, and extra. The city is considerably smaller so could be explored in a day journey. The very best issues to do there are:

• Hike to Punta Cometa – A viewpoint on the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean shoreline. That is particularly standard for sundown.
• Take pleasure in Mazunte’s seashores – The seashores right here have forest coated cliffs behind it, lined with palm timber, and distinctive rock formations within the water. The principle seashores are Playa Mazunte and Playa Rinconcito. There may be additionally Playa Agustinillo if you’re up for a km stroll in change for much less folks.
• Take a yoga or meditation class – Among the finest studios in Mazunte embrace Meditation Station and Hridaya Yoga. They each have drop at school choices.

27. Take a Deep-Sea Fishing Journey

In the event you like to fish, there are some unbelievable sportfishing excursions out of Puerto Escondido. You may catch Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Bonitos, and extra. There are group or personal tour choices and all of the wanted tools is included.

Screaming Reels Sport Fishing is without doubt one of the finest excursions to go along with. They’ve a sixth sense in relation to discovering the most effective fishing spots and can assist get an area restaurant to prepare dinner the fish for you afterwards.

28. Go Purchasing in La Punta

La Punta’s important strip is lined with outlets promoting clothes, jewellery, surf apparel, and souvenirs. The dust street is a occurring a part of city, with vacationers, surfers, locals, and pleasant canine hanging round. Spend a while merely wandering the road, popping out and in of shops that pique your curiosity.

29. Attend the Well-known Thursday Open Mic Evening

Each Thursday, Punta Origen Meals Park hosts an iconic open mic evening at 8 pm. The sandy ground fills with an enormous crowd having fun with meals from the completely different stands, drinks, and immaculate vibes. The open mic evening hosts actual artists who wish to showcase their expertise. They get permitted and added to the roster beforehand, so this isn’t a ‘sit and watch drunk associates karaoke collectively’ sort of occasion.

The music is carried out on a stage and the viewers usually will get concerned singing alongside. My favorite second was when a girl’s guitarist had bailed final minute, so a stranger from the viewers volunteered to carry out along with her.

In the event you occur to be in Puerto Escondido on a Thursday evening, that is the place to be. Attempt to get there as early as attainable to get a seat as a result of they refill quick. Most individuals find yourself standing or sitting on the bottom.

30. Watch Skate boarders Whereas You Eat on the Boneyard

The Boneyard is without doubt one of the coolest bars in Puerto Escondido and a unique idea. A big skateboarding bowl sits centrefold within the restaurant with tables surrounding it. Whilst you eat wonderful pizza, you may watch native skate boarders whipping round doing tips contained in the bowl. It’s a actually enjoyable vibe to be part of.

31. Have a Drink with Your Ft within the Sand at La Mariinera

La Mariinera is a restaurant on the seashore in Zicatela. There are common tables or extra lounge-like ones that sit low to the bottom so that you can chill out within the sand. The meals is basically good, particularly their tostadas, however it’s fully price visiting for the expertise of eating on the seashore alone.

I extremely advocate visiting for sundown. You may face your chairs in direction of the water and sip a drink whereas the solar dips beneath the horizon.

32. Play Volleyball on the Seashore

Seashore volleyball is one other enjoyable exercise to attempt in Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela is the most effective spot for it, with a number of nets unfold out all through the seashore. You will get a gaggle of associates collectively to play or in case you’re alone, I’ve by no means come throughout a extra welcoming crowd than these in Puerto Escondido. Most video games go on after work hours in the course of the week.

33. Take a rescue canine for a stroll at on the seashore

If you’re staying in Puerto for longer than a number of days and love animals, attempt volunteering for Huellitas de Acero. Huellitas de Acero, often known as Little Metal Prints on Google, is an animal shelter with over 130 rescue canine. The shelter is at all times in search of extra volunteers to play with and stroll the canine. A buddy of mine volunteered strolling shelter canine in Puerto Escondido and stated it was probably the most rewarding expertise.

If you’re curious about volunteering, they’ve a type on their web site the place you may enter your Whatsapp quantity or message them instantly on the Whatsapp quantity discovered on their Fb web page.

Different Superb Eating places in Puerto Escondido:

We’ve already coated among the must-try eating places within the listing above, however Puerto Escondido has dozens of scrumptious eating places ranging in delicacies from Center Japanese, Asian fusion, Vietnamese, American BBQ, Italian, and extra. Listed here are among the different top-notch eating places to attempt in Puerto Escondido:

1. Meals Market La Punta – To not be mistaken for Punta Origen Meals Park, it is a separate meals park on the principle strip in La Punta. There’s a hip hang around house within the centre with giant tables to collect with associates. A number of meals stands line the outer perimeter providing Thai meals, pizza, tacos, and extra. The meals is nice regardless of which vendor you go along with and it’s enjoyable to have your group combine and match the completely different choices.
2. Fish Shack – Among the finest locations to get contemporary fish tacos, the Fish Shack is situated in an alley within the centre of La Punta. Their declare to fame is their coco-fried fish and shrimp tacos that are candy and savoury on the identical time. The seating strains the alley’s sandy floor.
3. La Olita – There are two La Olita places in Puerto Escondido, one in Zicatela and the opposite in La Punta. The meals is remarkably flavourful, providing contemporary seafood and tacos with health-focused elements. The very best half is the free chips they bring about to you earlier than your meal with three completely different do-it-yourself salsas.
4. Pepe’s Tacos – In the event you’re within the temper for outside eating, scrumptious coco-friend tacos, and a view over Puerto Escondido, make your method uphill in central Puerto Escondido to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. No matter you do, solely order one taco you probably have a standard urge for food as a result of they’re HUGE!
5. Chili Backyard – Chili Backyard is an Asian fusion restaurant in Puerto Escondido. Their Chana Masala dish immediately turned a favorite of mine and I ate there a number of instances. Their outside seating is cozy with tree branches overtop and so they have a cushioned ground seating space. Additionally they make do-it-yourself ice cream that’s definitely worth the steeper worth.
6. Savanna – I can’t vouch for the meals right here, though I’ve heard it’s fairly good, however I extremely advocate visiting for the view. Savanna has a rooftop patio overlooking La Punta seashore. It’s the excellent spot to seize a snack, a ardour fruit drink, and watch the surfers.

The place to Keep in Puerto Escondido

La Punta – If you wish to be within the centre of Puerto Escondido’s vacationer scene, then I like to recommend staying in La Punta. You’ll be near the principle purchasing and restaurant strip plus you may swim or surf at La Punta seashore. The principle strip can get fairly loud within the night with reside music and events, so maintain that in thoughts.

Zicatela – Zicatela is my private favorite possibility for the place to remain in Puerto Escondido. It’s strategically situated between the most effective actions in La Punta and Central/Rinconada and it’s a lot quieter at evening. There are nonetheless the 2 greatest golf equipment (Cactus and Mar y Wana) in Zicatela and among the finest eating places in Puerto Escondido.

Central – I’d choose to not keep in central until you’ve a selected cause for it. Most actions, seashores, and issues to do are within the different three areas of Puerto Escondido.

Rinconada – Rinconada is on the western aspect of Puerto Escondido and residential to Playa Carrizalillo, Angelito, and Coral. There are some nice eating places right here as properly. If you wish to be near the good seashores which might be finest for swimming then I like to recommend contemplating Rinconada.

Last Ideas on the Finest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has one thing for each sort of traveller. I like to recommend spending not less than 3 – 5 full days there, however you possibly can simply spend 7 – 10 days in Puerto Escondido with out working out of actions. From watching dolphins dance beside your boat, unforgettable sunsets, snorkelling with sea turtles, and salsa dancing the evening away, it’s no marvel folks get hooked on Puerto Escondido. With this listing of the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you’re positive to make some lifetime reminiscences.

Creator Bio

Hailey is the proprietor/operator of The Stressed Adventurer, a journey weblog that evokes those that discover themselves stressed in anticipation of their subsequent journey. She is a digital nomad who likes to trek up mountains, sleep in hammocks, and feels rejuvenated by uncertainty. Her favourite locations to go to in Mexico are Puerto Escondido and Bacalar!

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