Puerto Escondido

The questions people ask first about Puerto Escondido, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
• SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
• SafetyPuerto Escondido is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are the ocean at Zicatela, unlit roads at night and overpriced taxis.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeM$40–70
• Street or quick mealFish tacos or a taco plateM$60–150
• Beerdraught / bottle at a beach barM$40–70M$30–50
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in townM$30–50
• Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideM$5
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
• High-end bedDouble room, a night, per roomMX$3,500 (≈ US$190)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,500 (≈ US$85) · High MX$3,000 (≈ US$170)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

PXM Puerto Escondido International (Close to town; colectivo about M$35 per person, taxi more. Flights from Mexico City (MEX) with Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus; a weekly United flight from Houston on Saturdays.) · HUX Huatulco (Alternative airport; about 90 min by road, US$50–60 by pre-arranged taxi.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

M$600–1,000 excl. bed

Mid

M$1,200–2,200 excl. bed

High

M$2,500+ excl. bed

• Playa Zicatela is for expert surfers and strong swimmers only: there is a strong rip current and people have drowned.
• Do not drive Highway 131 to Oaxaca after dark; the surface can be washed out and there are sudden craters.
• Semana Santa overwhelms the town's water and waste infrastructure: book beds weeks ahead.
• Some male surf instructors have a reputation for roaming hands; female instructors are available if you prefer.
• Ask the taxi fare before the ride or you may be quoted more than the going rate.