Puerto Escondido Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Save money during your trip to Puerto Escondido. No common tourist discount cards or passes exist for Puerto Escondido. Many free activities and attractions are available: enjoy the beaches, watch sunsets, walk along the Adoquín, and explore different neighborhoods.

Free & Budget Activities

Enjoy the beautiful beaches
Watch stunning sunsets
Walk along the Adoquín
Explore local neighborhoods

Dining & Transportation

Look for happy hour specials at restaurants and bars
Use colectivos (shared taxis/vans) for inter-beach travel
Consider hostels or guesthouses with shared kitchens
Seek weekly or monthly accommodation rates for longer stays

Local Food & Markets

Prioritize street food for authentic and inexpensive meals
Visit local "comedores" at Mercado Benito Juárez
Experience local flavors without overspending
Discover fresh, local produce at the market

Smart Spending

Buy local crafts directly from artisans
Purchase groceries from local markets
Pack light to avoid baggage fees
Utilize free Wi-Fi where available

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your time in Puerto Escondido. Skip-the-line options are not generally applicable for attractions here, as no large museums or theme parks have long lines. For popular attractions, visit beaches like Carrizalillo early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds. Sunset at La Punta can be very popular.

Efficient Movement

Use taxis for direct, faster routes compared to colectivos
The new highway cuts bus travel time to and from Oaxaca City
Cluster activities by neighborhood for efficient routing
Visit popular beaches early to avoid crowds

Booking Ahead

Pre-book popular tours like bioluminescence
Reserve whale watching excursions in advance
Book major surf lessons, especially during high season
Accommodation pre-booking is advised during peak times

Local Travel Flow

Allow extra time for travel during busy periods
Learn bus and colectivo routes for quick rides
Embrace a relaxed pace of life, "Mexican time"
Plan morning activities to beat the heat

Smart Exploration

Combine Rinconada and its beaches for a morning
Head to Zicatela for afternoon and evening activities
Research opening times for local spots
Check for local events or festivals for tailored visits

Local Insights

Understand local insights to enrich your interactions and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Never drink tap water; use bottled or purified water
Unless an experienced surfer, do not swim at Zicatela due to strong currents
Agree on taxi fare Before entering the vehicle
Apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently, wear a hat, and seek shade

Local Customs

"No pasa nada" means "no worries" or "no big deal"
A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" entering shops is polite
Patience: things may operate on "Mexican time"
Tipping for good service is appreciated and important

Social Norms

Bargaining is common in markets, not fixed-price stores
Respect local traditions and dress codes
Always be polite and friendly
Ask for permission before taking photos of people

Impress Locals

"¡Qué onda!" (Kay ON-dah!): A casual "What's up!"
"Con permiso" (kon per-MEE-soh): "Excuse me" (passing through)
"Provecho" (pro-VEH-choh): "Enjoy your meal" (to diners)
"Gracias, muy amable": "Thank you, very kind"

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel group.

Solo Travel Safety

Prioritize safety: stay aware of surroundings
Inform someone of your plans
Use licensed taxis
Stay in hostels or join tours for social opportunities

Family Travel Tips

Prioritize beaches like Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo for safe swimming
Turtle release programs, boat tours (dolphin watching) are great for kids
Keep children well-hydrated
Protect children from the sun at all times

Group Logistics

Pre-book accommodation, transfers, and popular tours for groups
Taxis can be negotiated for group rates
Research accessibility considerations for mobility impairments
Consult tour operators about accessibility if needed

Accessibility Notes

Infrastructure can pose challenges for mobility impairments
Some areas might have uneven sidewalks
It's wise to check specific venues for ramps or elevators
Many smaller businesses may lack extensive accessibility features

Traveler Note

La Punta has a strong solo traveler community.

Puerto Escondido Travel Hacks