Getting Around Puerto Escondido. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Colectivos, or Pasajeras, are the most common and economical local public transport. These are white Nissan Tsuru taxis acting as shared taxis, or converted pickup trucks with benches in the back. They operate along fixed routes on main roads, connecting beach areas like Adoquín, Zicatela, Rinconada, and La Punta.

Official route maps do not exist; routes are generally understood by locals. They mainly follow the main coastal road (Highway 200) and other major arteries. Important hubs include the Adoquín area, the intersection near Zicatela, and La Punta.

Colectivo Use

Ask locals for guidance: "dónde va?" (where does it go?) when hailing.
Clearly state your destination to the driver.
Fares are fixed and low, typically 10-20 MXN per person.
Payment occurs when you exit the vehicle.

Colectivo Accessibility

Due to vehicle design (high steps, narrow doors), colectivos are not wheelchair accessible.

Operating Hours

Colectivos operate frequently during daylight hours and into the evening; frequency decreases late at night.

Hailing a Colectivo

Simply wave them down from the side of the road.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Usually green and white, or yellow with a specific number.
Hail on the street or find at taxi stands ("sitios").
Agree on the fare BEFORE entering the taxi; fares are fixed for common routes. Payment is cash.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber and DiDi are not consistently operational or widely available.
Licensed taxis are generally safe. Use official taxis from stands or clearly marked ones.
At night, always use licensed taxis and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Limited selection, higher prices than major cities. A valid license is typical. DiscoverCars.com

Motorcycle/Scooter

Valid driver's license needed. Helmets are legally typical. Roads can be uneven.

Bicycle

No formal sharing programs. Some guesthouses offer rentals. Cycling can be challenging due to hills/traffic.

Traffic Laws

Standard Mexican traffic laws. Beware of unmarked "topes" (speed bumps).

Walking & Cycling

Puerto Escondido has pedestrian-friendly areas. Adoquín, the pedestrian street, is very walkable. Rinconada has sidewalks and is quieter for walking. La Punta features sandy roads and offers a relaxed walking experience.

Walkable Zones

Adoquín: A pedestrian-only street.
Rinconada: Has sidewalks and is generally quiet.
La Punta: Sandy roads, relaxed walking.
The Zicatela beach strip is also walkable.

Walking Distances & Safety

Walking between main areas (e.g., Zicatela to Rinconada) can be long and hot; colectivos or taxis are common for these distances.
No specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians.
Approach poorly lit streets at night and heavily trafficked main roads with caution.
Bicycle infrastructure is limited, with few dedicated lanes.

Specialized Transportation

Boat taxis ("lanchas") are at calmer beaches (Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo) for nearby coves or scenic rides.
Larger boats are for dolphin/whale watching, fishing trips, and coastal tours.
Puerto Escondido's infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs (cobblestone, lack of ramps).

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not typical; tours often use smaller vans.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport methods operate here.
Newer resorts may offer better accessibility within their premises.

Accessibility & Planning

Cobblestone Streets

Many areas have uneven surfaces.

Beach Access

Some beaches have steep paths.

Resort Accessibility

Newer resorts may feature accessible designs.

Navigating the Town

Puerto Escondido's transport system is a mix of local and informal options. Familiarity with them simplifies movement.

Colectivos at a Glance

Shared taxis and vans on fixed routes.
Very low, fixed fares.
Wave down from the side of the road.
Most common method for inter-beach travel.

Taxi Usage Tips

Agree on fare before starting the ride.
Payment is strictly cash.
Use licensed taxis, especially at night.
Ride-sharing apps are not consistently available.

Rental Vehicle Insights

Car Rental

For greater independence and day trips.

Valid license necessary.

Scooter Rental

Offers mobility, but experience is good given road conditions.

Helmets are typical.

Bicycle Rental

For local exploration, but terrain can be challenging.

Limited infrastructure.

Walking & Specialized Modes

Pedestrian Areas

Adoquín and Rinconada are pedestrian-friendly.
Self-guided exploration of neighborhoods is feasible.
No formal large-scale walking tours exist.

Unique Transport

Boat taxis are for short trips between coves.
Larger boats serve for tours (dolphin/whale watching, fishing).
No cable cars or funiculars are present.

Mobility Challenges

Cobblestone streets present uneven surfaces.
Lack of ramps in older areas limits access.
Steep paths to some beaches can be difficult.

Newer resorts may offer better accessibility within their premises.
Colectivos are not designed for wheelchair access.

Navigational Clarity

Puerto Escondido offers diverse ways to get around, from budget-friendly colectivos to rental vehicles.

Getting Around Puerto Escondido