Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast
Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Mazunte — 500km of Pacific coastline three hours from Oaxaca City.
Oaxaca’s coast is one of the most diverse stretches of Pacific shoreline in Mexico. Surf breaks, bohemian beach towns, turtle hatching programs, sport fishing, and some of the best sunsets you’ll find anywhere. The new highway from Oaxaca City makes all of it a long weekend away.
Huatulco or Puerto Escondido?
The two main beach destinations on Oaxaca’s coast couldn’t be more different. Huatulco is calm, planned, and family-friendly. Puerto Escondido is raw, bohemian, and surf-driven. This guide helps you choose — or explains how to do both.
Read the full comparison → Huatulco vs Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido
World-class surf, bioluminescent lagoons, sport fishing, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Here’s everything you need.
Huatulco
Nine protected bays, calm swimmable water, Mexico’s first EarthCheck-certified destination, and excellent snorkeling. The family-friendly alternative to Puerto Escondido.
Huatulco vs Puerto Escondido: Which Is Right for You?
More Huatulco guides coming soon.
Getting to the Coast
The new Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway has cut the Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido journey from 7 hours to 3. Here’s how to make the trip.
- 500km of Pacific coastline
- 3 hours from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido
- 36 beaches across Huatulco’s 9 bays
- Year-round surf at Zicatela