Puerto Escondido: Pacific Surf and Oaxacan Coastal Cuisine

Field notes

Puerto Escondido is a small Pacific town in Oaxaca state split into distinct personalities: Zicatela, the long sandy beach famous for Mexican Pipeline surf; La Punta, the calmer southern stretch where digital nomads and yogis gather; and the Centro, where local Oaxacan families run shops and markets. Inland, the Oaxacan food tradition — mezcal, mole, tlayudas, fresh cheeses — is the real reason most travellers stay longer than planned.

Why go: It is one of the cheapest coastal places in North America with consistently good Wi-Fi, beautiful beaches, and easy access to surf towns (Mazunte, Zipolite) along the coast. The food in Oaxacan restaurants is excellent and inexpensive — a tlayuda with mezcal can be MXN 250-350.

How to get there: Direct flights from Mexico City (MEX) to Huatulco (HUX) airport, then 1.5 hours by shuttle or colectivo. Puerto Escondido has its own small airport (PXM) with limited flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca.

Practical notes: Wave conditions on Zicatela are serious; only surf if you're experienced or taking lessons. Tap water is not potable. Pickup trucks run as collective taxis and are cheap and frequent.