Located on the Oaxacan coast, Puerto Escondido is a combination of multi-colored waters that contrast with the white sandy beaches and green palm trees, giving it the well deserved adjective of a tropical paradise. An ecological refuge, where enthusiasts gather to go fishing, free diving, surfing, snorkeling and other water sports, Puerto Escondido is a special venue for national and international events that has a large tourist infrastructure and offers lodging for any taste or budget, including hotels, villas, cottages, bungalows, trailer parks, etc.

State: Oaxaca

Coordinates:
15°51'43"N 97°04'18"W

Altitude: 0 to 65 meters above sea level

Area:
km²

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 25,902 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 954

Its beautiful beaches are the perfect setting for a wide range of water sports and recreational activities.

You can rent boats for tours or recreational fishing, as well as guides who organize walks or rides to observe the flora and fauna.

Puerto Escondido was named in honor of the old legend of La Escondida which tells the story of a pirate named Andrew Drake, brother of the dreaded Francis Drake, who helped his men kidnap a young Mixtec, who managed to escape the cabin of his oppressor by jumping into the sea and reaching the coast where he hid and was never found. Hence the buccaneers gave it the name of Bahia Escondida and over the years it took the name of Puerto Escondido. In the early twentieth century, Puerto Escondido was known as Punta Escondida. Back then it was just a small fishing village whose harbor was used to export coffee.

It was not until the 1930s, when the activity of Puerto Escondido was firmly established as a commercial port thanks to Mr. Guillermo Rojas Mijangos, who started the shipment of coffee from his farms, giving rise to progress and contributing to the migration of people to this place. This beautiful place has not only become a major tourist attraction, but also thanks to Mr. Guillermo Rojas the first airline Aerovias called Rojas Mexican Southeast was established here. It was the first means of formal communication between the capital and the Oaxacan coast.

Getting There

Puerto Escondido is located about 800 km south of Mexico City and 290 km from the city of Oaxaca, between Huatulco and Acapulco, on the southern coast of the Pacific Ocean.

By Air: the International Airport of Puerto Escondido is located approximately 2 km from downtown.

By Road: By car or by any of the commercial lines are: - Mexico-Cuernavaca- Chilpancingo -Acapulco-Pinotepa National-Puerto Escondido.

-Mexico-Puebla-Oaxaca-Miahuatlan-Pochutla-Puerto Escondido.

-Mexico-Puebla-Oaxaca-Sola de Vega, Puerto Escondido.

-Mexico-Puebla-Oaxaca- Salina Cruz-Huatulco- Puerto Escondido.

Distances from Puerto Escondido to other destinations in Mexico

• Oaxaca, Oaxaca: 257 km.
• Acapulco, Guerrero: 397 km.
• Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas: 567 km.
• Veracruz, Veracruz: 633 km.
• Villahermosa, Tabasco: 715 km.
• Mexico City, Federal District: 760 km.
• Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco: 1550 km.
• Celaya, Guanajuato: 957 km.
• Pachuca, Hidalgo: 728 km.
• Morelia, Michoacán: 1002 km.
• Merida, Yucatan: 1271 km.

Climate

The climate of Puerto Escondido is warm and sub-humid with an average annual temperature of 27 ° C with summer rains.

In the winter, the climate is semi-tempered.

What to pack?

You definitely cannot forget your scuba gear, surfboard, fishing pole, as well as swimwear, sunscreen, sandals, light clothes and shorts.

Jeans and t-shirts are also a good option for comfort.

The beaches of Puerto Escondido: perfect places to relax and surf!

Playa Principal is the most popular and close to the tourist center with approximately 700 meters of turquoise waters where you can go diving, swimming, go for a watercraft ride or go fishing, while at the same time see the turtles.

Playa Marinero is along the Federal Highway 200 towards Puerto Angel where you will find a small beach used to learn how to surf and boogie board.

Playa Zicatela is the so-called beach of professional surfers, where you brave its waters and 4 km of beach which open to the ocean with waves up to 6 meters. You can also go horseback riding, kite flying, and jet skiing. Every year this is the setting for prestigious international surfing championships.

Playa Roca Blanca takes its name from a small rocky island just opposite of it. It’s a meeting point for fans of sport fishing and a famous scene from Mexican films.

Playa Bacocho is ideal for hiking and horseback riding.

Playa Carrizalillo is a small quiet family beach with shallow waters. Perfect for swimming and camping, it has a palapa where you can taste specialties from the sea.

Playa Manzanillo is ideal for snorkeling. Playa Puerto Angelito is west of the main beach in Puerto Escondido whose very calm surf makes it a favorite of families. It has scooter rentals and banana and boat rides to see dolphins and other species.

Holidays and Festivals in Puerto Escondido

In late February, the traditional Carnival of Puerto Escondido is celebrated and starts with the (Burning of Bad Humor), a feast of color, light, and joy.

On September 16 is the Independence of Mexico with concerts, dances, and dramatizations of battles.

November: Throughout the month of November are the November Feasts in Puerto Escondido, with activities, arts, and sports events.

November 1 and 2: All Saints holiday (Day of the Dead).

In late November, a major fishing tournament with domestic and foreign participation is held at Playa Principal.

Likewise, in Playa Zicatela there is the International Surfing Tournament.

November18, 19, and 20: Coastal Dance Festival, a meeting place for different folk traditions of the state.

December 12: Celebrating the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (throughout Mexico).