Puerto Escondido

Getting Here and Around

Aeropuerto Puerto Escondido (PXM) is a 10-minute taxi ride from town; most flights from the States connect in Mexico City. You can fly direct from Oaxaca City, but it's usually pretty pricey.

Direct bus service from Oaxaca City is available on several first-class lines. ADO has several first-class buses per day leaving from Oaxaca's first-class bus terminal. Estrella del Valle has buses leaving from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido about four or five times daily.

If you drive from Oaxaca City, there are two routes. The most direct is Carretera 131 (which turns off Carretera 175 south of Oaxaca City) and goes straight to Puerto Escondido (6½-7 hours). However, it's a winding, narrow, two-lane road. Alternatively, you can take slightly less hair-raising Carretera 190 to Salina Cruz, where you pick up Carretera 200 to Puerto Escondido (8-9 hours). Don't drive either route at night.

Taxis in Puerto Escondido start at $2 for a ride from one end of town to another (say, from the Adoquín to Fraccionamiento Bacocho). Renting a car isn't necessary unless you want to explore beaches outside of town. It can be difficult to find a car, as the major agencies aren't well represented. Ask your hotel if it can arrange a rental.