Forget Cancun and its glitzy (however jam-packed) Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta and its notorious occasion scene, and Los Cabos’ golden-sand seashores and splendid resorts:
The greatest seaside vacation spot in Mexico this yr, as elected by voters of the Food and Travel Reader Awards, is none apart from Puerto Escondido. As the title suggests, a real ‘hidden’ spot of the Mexican Pacific but to be spoiled by mass tourism.
Located on the coast of Oaxaca, this laid-back seaside city has all of it: the golden sands, the nice and cozy, azure seas, spectacular ranges of security, and even higher, Americans can fly there nonstop!
Puerto Escondido Is The True Hidden Gem You’ve Been Waiting To Discover
In current years, so much has been stated concerning the rising ranges of gentrification alongside the Mexican coast, be it the Caribbean or Pacific aspect. Tourist locations like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo have taken the brunt of it, and as some would possibly argue, barely really feel like Mexico anymore:
We’re speaking sky-high costs, a dollarized financial system that is hardly reflective of the particular dwelling prices on the bottom, the truth that English has primarily develop into a lingua franca in sure areas, as a result of inflow of American expats, and so forth.
Don’t get us fallacious, we nonetheless love vacationing within the Mayan Riviera, and Cabo’s our go-to coastal getaway after we’re eager on splurging a bit and pampering ourselves, however there isn’t any denying that is not the actual Mexico.
Mexico’s Official Best Destination This Year
If you are searching for a style of Me-ji-co away from the standard crowds, Puerto Escondido is the place it is at: a peaceable seaside city set alongside the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, it’s house to truly-unspoiled seashores, an up-and-coming nightlife scene, and a myriad of reasonably priced stays.
It’s no surprise it has been topped Mexico’s Best Destination this yr.
Its major stretch of sand known as ‘Principal Beach’, and it is backed by tall palm bushes and conventional thatch-roofed bars, the place you’ll be able to often get a cocktail for below $6, and renting a lounger for the day will price round $10–16.
A discount.
If vacationers go to Oaxaca (the state capital) for colonial structure and Old World charm, these headed to Puerto Escondido are after one factor, and one factor solely: paradisaical seashores stretching for miles on finish, and if that resonates with you, relaxation assured you’ve got come to the best place.
The Municipal Beach is the busiest spot on the town, on account of its central location near most guesthouses and motels, however Zicatela is equally fashionable, and well-known with surfers and watersports fanatics for its Mexican Pipeline surf break.
For calmer seas and a family-friendly surroundings, close by La Punta Beach is the place you ought to be headed. As for the iconic secretive spot, nestled in a semi-hidden cove, sandwiched between steep coastal cliffs, you are most likely pondering Carrizalillo, the postcard seaside for Puerto Escondido.
Puerto Escondido Is Cheaper Than You Might Think
In common, costs in Puerto Escondido are on the cheaper finish in comparison with different coastal locations in Mexico, significantly the overpriced Caribbean:
A meal at a street-style eatery prices $6–8, whereas a sit-down meal in a better-quality restaurant, with possibly an appetizer and a drink, will set you again $18.
Hotels are equally reasonably priced, with Budget Your Trip estimating a 3-day stint in a mid-range resort in Puerto Escondido averages $193.
You can go overboard and pay a whole bunch of {dollars} an evening in an all-inclusive keep, however this mannequin of tourism shouldn’t be as inherent part of the tradition right here as it’s in, say, Cancun.
One Of The Safest Beach Destinations In Mexico
Affordability apart, Puerto Escondido ranks among the many least-risky seaside locations in Mexico.
Though we would not precisely encourage you to let your guard down in public areas, or in different phrases, go away objects unattended on public seashores, the security considerations you may be going through listed below are just like these in each main vacationer vacation spot.
As lengthy as you utilize frequent sense, keep conscious of your environment, keep away from no-go, suburban zones vacationers haven’t any enterprise venturing into anyway, and do not paint a goal by yourself again by strolling round displaying flashy watches and jewellery, likelihood is you may be completely high-quality.
Puerto Escondido can be administered by the state of Oaxaca, which, in keeping with U.S. authorities, is formally a Level 2 vacation spot: Americans aren’t discouraged from visiting, however they’re suggested to train warning.
Fly Nonstop To Puerto Escondido From Dallas
Just this month, American Airlines launched its inaugural nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Escondido, including an alternative choice to prospects who’ve been feeling the Mexican Caribbean fatigue as of late.
In operation since December 3, 2025, flights go away from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) each Wednesday and Saturday, with round-trip fares averaging solely $450.
More data on the flights could be seen under:
Outbound
- Departure from DW: 10:10 AM native time
- Arrival in Puerto Escondido (PXM): 1:15 PM native time
- Flight period: 3h25
Return
- Departure from PXM: 2:05 PM native time
- Arrival in DFW: 5:20 PM native time
- Flight period: 3h15
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