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Hello from Puerto Escondido Oaxaca, Mexico. We are back after three years!
I’m happy to say that even though I didn’t rate it highly the first time we were here, I’m so happy I gave it another chance.
It’s also crazy to be recording today’s episode three years later, how much the podcast has grown, how much my business has grown, how much my client’s businesses have grown.
So humbling, the fact that everything I had wanted back then is now my reality.
Where is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a small surf, port, and beach town on west coast of Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HA-ka), Mexico.
It has become increasingly popular with digital nomads from around the world, with its cafes, surf, and availability of Starlink.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido
- Fly to Mexico City Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez MEX)
- Book a domestic flight from MEX to Puerto Escondido (PXM), takes 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Book a taxi from the stand at the local airport to your accommodation
The first time my husband Ragz and I visited was in September of 2020 straight after Brazil.
We flew to Porto Escondido because one of our friends from Brazil spent a lot of time here, and said it was great for surfing.
We flew into Mexico City, the capital, they have a giant international airport, and then we took a domestic flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido.
After you fly into the local airport, it’ll be around like a five minute drive into the city center. Depending on where you stay, it’s all very close and the transportation is really easy to navigate.
You can rent cars, you can rent a scooter, you can rent a motorcycle, or you can take like local taxis or local colectivos, which are like little buses that are apparently really, really cheap to take.
I would say it’s a very convenient and comfortable place to live in because there are so many available options in terms of transportation, restaurants, and places to stay.
You can go grocery shopping and there’s like giant supermarkets.
It’s a coastal town with a lot of modern conveniences.
Puerto Escondido Surf
Puerto Escondido surfing is world class, and the main wave of Zicatela is known as the Mexican pipeline. It is a heavy barrel and for professional surfers only.
I prefer the mellower waves of La Punta Puerto Escondido and Playa Carrizalillo, which are also perfect for beginners to learn.
There are surf shops where you can rent boards from, and it’s easy to organize surf trips or lessons with the many schools on the beaches.
In recent years, there have been a huge increase in surf schools so the waves are getting super crowded.
Personally, I would recommend surfing in Chacahua or hiring a vehicle and driving south. There are waves all along the coast and it’s a beautiful area to explore!
What I Love About Puerto Escondido
Food
One of the main reasons I love Puerto Escondido and why we came back is because of the food. Oaxaca is one of the culinary capitals of Mexico, with local specialties and sauces like mole and tlayudas.
There are so many dining options, street tacos, mezcal, so much to do, so much to see.
Expat Community
Overall, there is a really nice mix of expats versus locals and a really nice balance between entrepreneurs with their own businesses versus just travelers and backpackers.
I think this place attracts a lot of remote workers for people working either Eastern or central or Pacific time.
Starlink has taken over and fiber optic internet is everywhere. Everywhere we go, if there’s starlink, it’s like the main selling factor of the place and they will proudly advertise it.
Dolphin and Whale Watching!
If you don’t surf, there is a lot of snorkeling, dolphin watching and whale watching. If it’s the season, you can hire boats and go fishing, and it’s just the most incredible thing.
There are a lot of healthy eating health foods and it can get a bit like Tulum vibes, where it’s really bohemian, very spiritual going for the hippie vibe, although not as hippie spiritual and bohemian as Mazunte.
If you’ve been to Bali and you love Ubud and that is your vibe, check out La Punta and check out Mazunte because I feel like they are very similar in the people that they attract.
Best Restaurants Puerto Escondido
Almoraduz Cocina de Autor – An amazing fine dining experience where each dish is locally sourced, and they have extensive knowledge about Oaxacan cuisine. Located in Rinconada.
Filomena Restaurante Argentino – My favorite steak place in Puerto Escondido, and of course the owners are Argentinian (best steak in the world)!
Cafe Elephant Garden – This is the go-to spot for brunch and coffee. Garden vibes and healthy food.
Chicama – The BEST ceviche is found at this popular Peruvian restaurant in La Punta.
Cafecito – There are two locations in Rinconada and Zicatela. I always get their chilaquiles!
Best Hotel Puerto Escondido
The best hotel in Puerto Escondido is hands down Tabachin H. It’s right on the beach of Zicatela and walking distance to all the nightlife, but it’s tucked away and quiet at night.
They have comfortable, trendy rooms that is so thoughtfully decorated in every corner.
Plus my favorite feature is their rooftop where you can do yoga, watch the sunset, and check the waves at Zicatela!
Is Puerto Escondido safe for tourists?
Despite western media portraying the whole of Mexico as a dangerous place to travel to, Puerto Escondido is safe for tourists to visit. Just be careful as you would anywhere else at night or leaving stuff unattended at the beach.
I have never felt unsafe in Puerto Escondido after being there for many months.
Because I stay near the center areas of Zicatela and Rinconada, I’ve also been able to walk home after parties at night without feeling sketched out.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
In conclusion, if you are a digital nomad looking for a new surf town to explore, or if you are just looking for a vacation getaway from the states, I would definitely recommend checking out Puerto Escondido!
What to Do Next
- Buy travel medical insurance so you are fully covered in case anything goes wrong. Read SafetyWing review.
- Buy an eSIM card so you are immediately connected as soon as you land! Read Holafly eSIM review.
- Book flights!
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Read Next:
Top 5 Digital Nomad Destinations (for Surfers)!
How I Travel for Free Using Credit Card Points
The Perfect One Week in Bali Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
8 Proven Online Business Ideas That Allow You to Travel the World
How to Start a Travel Blog: Become a Travel Blogger and Make Money Blogging
