Puerto Escondido travel questions

If you've not been to Puerto Escondido yet, you probably have some questions. Whilst the town is growing quickly (both in size and popularity), there's not quite as much info online as there is for places like Cancun, Tulum or Mexico City.

So, we're pulling together some commonly asked questions, for this complete Puerto Escondido travel guide.

Travel questions

How to get around Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is not that big, so you can walk lots of it (as long as the heat isn't to unbearable). You can definitely walk around the separate neighbourhoods, like Rinconada, La Punta or Zicatela.

The next cheapest way to get around PXM is by Colectivo. If you're not sure what that is, it's basically a flat bed car with a few seats in the back (and some room to hang off the back). They're privately owned so there's no specific timetable, but you should see them driving up and down the main roads every 10 minutes or so. You can get a Colectivo for around 10 pesos. Bargain.

You can also hire mopes, bikes or quad bikes if you're happy to take your transport into your own hands.

Or, finally, there are loads of taxis in and around PE. It's best to arrange a price upfront for these.

Rough guide for taxi prices:

• Airport to La Punta: 200-250 MXN

• Airport to Zicatela: 150 MXN

• Airport to La Barra: 300 MXN

• La Punta to Carrizalillo: 80-100 MXN

• La Punta to Bacocho: 150-200 MXN

Does Puerto Escondido have Uber?

Uber is not currently available in PXM, though there are talks that this might be coming soon.

How do you get from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City?

There are numerous non-stop flights from MXN to PMX and vice versa, mainly via Viva or Aeromexico. You can also fly from NLU.

Flight times are usually listed as 1.5 hours, though we've often arrived in less than an hour. Because the town isn't huge, once you land you probably won't be too far away from your accommodation.

Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) to:

• Bacocho: 5 minutes

• Rinconada: 10 minutes

• El Centro: 10 minutes

• Zicatela: 20-25 minutes

• La Punta: 25-30 minutes

• La Barra: 25-30 minutes

How to get from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca?

Puerto Escondido is less than 200km from Oaxaca City, they're both in the State of Oaxaca so it's easy to travel by road between the two.

The first time we came here was before the highway had been built, so it took us 9 hours in a tiny minibus with no AC and a driver who kept deciding the windows should be done up...

Now, you can catch an ADO bus and travel in comfort, for about 350-400 MXN.

You could also hire a car and drive yourself, if your budget allows it and your driving skills are up to it.

Something to note is that there are often hiccups along the way, including protests or road closures which can quickly add time onto the journey. So, be prepared to arrive later than you think you will.

Even though these places are relatively close to each other, the flights aren't great yet between PXM and OAX. Lots of the flights seem to stop somewhere else en route, so travelling by road might be your best option.

When to visit

Best time to visit Puerto Escondido?

The weather fits into two seasons, dry season and wet season. The best months to visit will depend on what you want out of your trip!

The dry season is from November to April. Temperatures will be high (25-29°C) and there will be little to no rain. The beaches will be busy, accommodation might be more expensive, and there will be lots of people around. Especially over Christmas and Santa Semana (Easter), which is probably the busiest time in Puerto Escondido.

The dry season is best for:

• Relaxing on the beach

• Getting the best weather

• Swimming (small waves and warm water temps)

• Meeting people

The wet season is from May to October. Temperatures might be even higher (24-33°C), but there will be afternoon rain and more humidity. The beaches will be quieter and accommodation might be cheaper.

The wet season is better for:

• Wildlife watching

• Surfing

• Chilling

Best time to surf in Puerto Escondido?

The best time to surf in Puerto Escondido is generally May to September, this is the peak surf season. The town is a playground for adrenaline surfers who like big waves. Especially on Zicatela Beach, the "Mexican Pipeline". During summer, the waves are usually always over head height but they've been known to get as big as 40-60ft when big swells come in.

If you're a beginner or an intermediate, the best time to surf will be between October and April. As the peak subsides, the waves are tamer but just as exciting and beautiful.

When can you see whales in Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido's whale watching season starts as early as November, though the peak time will be December to February. You'll be able to see humpback whales that travel the up and down coast of Mexico to give birth to their young. You'll probably be able to see dolphins on the whale watching tour too.

We've seen humpbacks even just whilst standing on the beach. Keep your eyes scanning the ocean and you might witness them surfacing for air.

When can you see bioluminescence in Puerto Escondido?

You can see the bioluminescence all-year, but, the best time is usually from April to November, especially during the rainy season (May-September).

You can book onto an arranged tour to see the bioluminescence, or you might be able to see it Carrizalillo beach, in the water. It's best to go on a dark night, when there is a new moon or cloud cover.

When can you release turtles in Puerto Escondido?

You can usually release baby turtles year round, as the Olive Ridley turtle can be found hatching all year. For Leatherbacks, Green and Hawksbill turtles, you would need to visit between October and March.

General questions

Is Puerto Escondido safe?

This is usually one of the biggest things people are worried about before visiting PXM. In short, it is a safe place, but it will depend on what you are doing and how you handle yourself whilst you're here.

The community do a great job at controlling crime, as they want to ensure Puerto's reputation is as a great place for tourists and travellers to visit. However, a couple of things to bear in mind...

• Try not to travel alone at night, this is the same case as most places.

• Even if it's not late, catch a taxi if you are heading home after dark.

• Be careful walking through the streets at night, there are stray dogs and they can get territorial at night.

• Be extra careful in the sea, whether you're swimming or surfing. The waves can get big, there are rip tides, and not every part of the beach is supervised by lifeguards.

• Whilst the mosquitoes aren't a huge issue here, there are cases of Dengue Fever in Mexico, so carry bug spray.

• The tap water is not safe to drink.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?

That completely depends what you are looking for.

If you want to swim Playa Manzanillo and Playa Carrizalillo are the best beaches to visit. However, they can get very busy and there is not a huge amount of sand to sit in (especially if the tide is in). At the top end of Zicatela beach is Playa Principal. The waves are smaller here too, though there are lots of boats moored in the water so it's not as easy to swim.

Playa Zicatela and La Punta are better for surfers, though we would always be very cautious about getting in the sea here. If you're going in to cool off, make sure you keep your feet on the ground!

Where is the best place to stay?

We're going go talk about this in more detail, in another post. But in short, there are a few key areas where most tourists/travellers end up staying:

• Rinconada: A quieter area close to the airport, there are a few restaurants here and you'll be close to both of the swimming beaches.

• Zicatela: Sits right along the beach with loads of restaurants on the sand, the biggest waves are here and so are the clubs.

• La Punta: A busy area towards the end of Zicatela beach, probably the most touristy area but there are lots of places to stay, eat and drink. The bars shut at 11.