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Day Trips from Puerto Escondido

Day Trips from Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Mazunte, roughly 60 minutes south, is a "Pueblo Mágico." It has a relaxed, eco-friendly feel, the National Mexican Turtle Center, and Punta Cometa for sunsets. San Agustinillo, just east, is a small, quiet fishing village with calm, swimmable beaches. Zipolite, further east, Mexico's only legal nude beach, has a bohemian atmosphere. Puerto Ángel, approximately 1.5 hours south, a working fishing port with a picturesque bay and tranquil shores. Huatulco, approximately 2.5-3 hours to the south, a larger resort area known for nine bays and a national park for snorkeling, diving, and water trips.

Colectivos or pasajeras are economical for Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite, and Puerto Ángel. Taxis are direct; negotiate the price beforehand. Many local tour operators run organized tours covering multiple coastal villages or specific attractions.

Travel Tips

  • For a calm beach day, consider San Agustinillo or Mazunte. They have more tranquil waters than A Surfing hotspot in oaxaca's main beaches.
  • Colectivos or pasajeras are affordable for Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite, and Puerto Ángel.
  • Taxis are direct; negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Organized tours cover multiple coastal towns or specific attractions.

Natural Escapes

Discover the natural surroundings near Puerto Escondido.

Explore Coastal and Mountain Landscapes

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, about 1.5-2 hours north, is a preserved area of lagoons, mangroves, and wildlife. La Ventanilla, 30 minutes south, is an ecotourism community with boat tours through mangroves to see crocodiles, iguanas, and birds.

Seasonal Phenomena

  • Whale migration: December-March.
  • Turtle nesting and release: May-November.
  • Bioluminescence: Year-round, best during new moon.

Coastal and Mountain Terrain

The rugged coastline of Oaxaca has cliffs and hidden coves, making for scenic landscapes. The Sierra Madre del Sur mountains inland have a different climate and ecosystem.

Travel Tips

  • Mountains offer a different environment for those seeking rural areas.
  • Explore hidden coves along the rough shoreline.
  • Look for stunning views from cliffs.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tours

  • Bring convenience.
  • Often include multiple stops and a guide.
  • Less flexible.
  • May have fixed schedules.

Independent Travel

  • Brings more flexibility.
  • Longer stays at preferred spots.
  • More planning.
  • May need local knowledge.

Recommended Trip Duration

  • Mazunte, San Agustinillo, ZipoliteFull day (6-8 hours)
  • HuatulcoFull day (8-10 hours)
  • Lagunas de ChacahuaFull day (6-8 hours)
  • La VentanillaHalf day (3-4 hours)
  • Coffee Farm TourFull day (6-8 hours)
  • The City of jade3-4 days minimum
  • San José del Pacífico1-2 nights
  • Chiapas (San Cristóbal)Multi-day (flight/bus)

Enhance Your Trip

Book your day trips and excursions in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season. Find experiences on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Explore cultural experiences near Puerto Escondido.

Coffee Regions

San Juan Colorado, a java-growing region in the highlands, brings insights into coffee production.

Fishing Villages

Less developed coastal seaside fishing communities south of Puerto Escondido bring a glimpse into traditional coastal life.

Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is the main destination for historical sites. Not immediately next to The port Escondido, but a worthwhile extension.

Rural Villages

Explore agricultural areas and small rural communities for a different perspective on local life.

Cultural Insights

  • See local farming practices.
  • Interact with community members.
  • Taste traditional rural cuisine.

Coastal Life

Visit traditional fishing villages to witness daily life focused on the sea.

Coastal Traditions

  • See fishing boats and activities.
  • Experience a quieter, traditional pace.
  • Enjoy untouched, serene beaches.

Multi-Day Extensions

Oaxaca CityMinimum 3-4 days
San José del Pacífico1-2 nights
Sierra Madre MountainsExtended treks
Other Coastal TownsOne-night stays
ChiapasFlight/Bus from Oaxaca
Mexico CityFlight out of Oaxaca

Travel Tip

  • Combine your beach trip with The Heart of oaxaca. The new highway makes travel between the coast and city much faster.
  • Direct ADO buses via the new highway bring comfortable options from Puerto Escondido to The City of jade.
  • Buses or shared colectivos connect San José del Pacífico from the highway.
  • Chiapas is accessible by bus or flight out of The Culinary capital of the united mexican states.
  • For a richer cultural and mountainous experience, consider Chiapas, specifically San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your A Surfing hotspot in oaxaca visit for exploration.

Oaxaca City

For cultural immersion, allocate at least 3-4 days to see the sights its historic city center, markets, museums, culinary scene, and nearby archaeological sites like Monte Albán and Mitla.

Attractions

  • Historic City Center.
  • Markets.
  • Culinary Scene.

San José del Pacífico

A mountain town known for its cool climate, coniferous forests, and mushroom tourism, specifically in the rainy season. It brings a peaceful, contemplative escape, best for A single-2 nights.

Activities

  • Forest walks.
  • Relaxing atmosphere.
  • Cool mountain air.

Logical Next Destinations

Destination Options

  • The Green city (via new highway).
  • San José del Pacífico (mountain town).
  • San Cristóbal of the (feminine Casas, Chiapas (by flight/bus from The Culinary capital of the united mexican states).

Transportation Connections

Understand choices for transportation for multi-day extensions.

Travel Methods

  • Direct ADO coaches to The Green city.
  • Colectivos/vans to San José del Pacífico.
  • Flights from The Green city for further travel.

Extension Insights

Time Allocation

1-3 extra days for nearby explorations.

New Highway

The new highway significantly shortens travel to The Green city.

Diverse Experiences

Combine coast with mountains and cultural cities.

Extended Travel Note

Plan for the best travel times of year and consider using e-SIMs for constant connection, check out Airalo for options.