Puerto Escondido remains a traditional Mexico fishing village in the State of Oaxaca on the southern Mexico Pacific coast. Puerto Escondido itself did not exist as a modern town until the 1920's, when the owners of the great coffee farms in the foothills decided that the protected bay of this lovely little town made an ideal and convenient port for shippinng coffee and other products of the region.
The creation of the Carretera costal (coastal highway) along the Pacific coast tin the 1960's and the later paving of the highway to Oaxaca, opened the area to tourism and was the beginning of real growth in Puerto Escondido.
Puerto Escondido has grown from a small fishing village of 3,000 people to a thriving town of more than 50,000 people. This growth has been due to Puerto Escondido’s importance as a regional center for agriculture, education, commerce, fishing and tourism and has resulted in the town becoming a vibrant community rather than just a tourist destination.
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MUCH TO THE DELIGHT of some and the dismay of others, President Calderon has announced federal financing of the autopista that will connect Puerto Escondido and Huatulco with Oaxaca, bringing travel time from here to there to anywhere between 1 1/2 to 3 hours (depending on your source, the Mexican papers give varying estimates).
The project will be massive - tunnels through mountains, bridges spanning mountains and roadways that will survive summer floods. The announced completion date is for 2110. Part of the project will be the widening of the coastal highway (200) so that it is four lanes from Puerto to Huatlulco instead of the current two lanes. (Pay attention if you're thinking of buying property near the highway.) Calderón says he wants to see the Oaxacan coast develop along the lines of Acapulco and Zihuantenejo as major international tourist destinations.
One hopes there will be some planning so that we don't become a resort area surrounded by shanty towns and urban misery as has happened in other resorts.
- - Warren Sharpe, editor
Puerto Escondido retains much of it's original charm and is sometimes referred to as "The Mexican Pipeline", an internationally recognized surfing paradise and home of an annual international surf contest. Puerto is very Un-Cancun and offers a rare taste of old Mexico with some of the best beaches in Mexico. CHECK OUT THE SURF - LIVE BEACH CAM.
Puerto Escondido was officially founded in 1928, and has long since been a shipping point for coffee plantations. During the 1960's, when the coast road was built, tourism began to develop and continued to increase with the opening of a small airport in the 1980s.
Puerto Escondido is also renowned for its Turtle Assistance Ecological Camp, located a few miles from the port, and The Living Museum of Sea Turtles, located on Mazunte Beach. The museum is designed to protect sea turtles and prevent extinction and displays a variety of sea turtles that inhabit Mexico's shores.
Puerto Escondido has two seasons, the summer/wet season, and the winter/dry season. With temperatures ranging from 75-95 in the summer and 65-85 in the winter, Puerto enjoys the perfect tropical climate. Sunrise enjoyers will want to bring a sweatshirt for the breezy dawns; otherwise, a wardrobe of swim suits, shorts, and t-shirts will suffice. Most important: bring sun screen and mosquito repellant for all tropical climates.
Bus transportation offers a inexpensive way to travel in Mexico. They generally run day and night. If you are able to sleep in fairly cramped surroundings, this is the way to go. Most cities in Mexico have a Primero Clase (First Class) bus station. They are comfortable and safe. Find first class Mexico bus information at Premara Plus or ADO GL.
Warning: It is highly recommended that you AVOID all car rentals in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. You can retain a very friendly, bilingual taxi driver for less money per day than a car. Ask your hotel for a taxi driver reference and you'll see more, learn more and maybe make a friend.
If you feel you must rent a car, be prepared for the 15 bucks extra that the rental agencies charge for 'theft' insurance or maybe some other explanation. Check and confirm with your credit card company on the coverage which is needed and usually included with your credit card use. Pay particular attention to the pre inspection routine for existing car damage - scratches, dents, etc.. A favorite scam is to charge an extra 50 to 100 bucks for minor scratches and dings when you turn the car back in. Also find safe evening parking as rental cars are a target for free gas - always check your gas tank before taking off in the morning. Visit the Mexico Travel Alerts section for very important imformation about driving in Mexico.
Driving in Mexico can be as exciting as taking a bus. Make sure you have current maps and be aware that some listed paved roads are not there at all. Avoid driving between towns in the evening, stick to main highways, take short cuts at your own peril and enjoy the adventure.
