Driving from Oaxaca to the coast

I agree it´s never been 4 to 5 hours. Unless there were no topes on the highway then. But the locals like the topes because they slow the traffic down and make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, livestock.

The road that serves Pluma Hidalgo was in much worse shape this past winter, with several places where one of the lanes had disappeared down the mountainside. And the road serving Hauatla de Jimenez, from memory of my trip years ago, was also littered with landslides, and the road to Santa Catarina Juquila, etc

Route 175 is by far the most scenic and probably in better state of repair. There are wonderful sections at the top where the road follows the ridges with spectacular views on both sides. Lovely pine forests and cool air.

No, don't blame Google...although I blame Google for a lot of other things! This was me "mis-recalling" what I had read about the trip.

This is great info. I was hoping to hear that it's a rewarding drive even if we decide against going all the way to the coast. Thx!

I have not driven this route for five years, but it was so taxing when I did it (2013) that I promised NEVER to drive it again. When we go to the Oaxaca coast, now, we fly from Mexico City. There usually are good options. When we first came to the coast by car, we arrived by following route 200 down from Guererro State (Acapulco). That drive was fine, along the Costa Chica. But the drive up the mountains from the coast in Oaxaca was awful.
I have been following "progress" on the toll road that has been under construction for years and years. I think this is a big trough, with many bellying up to it; it will not be completed any year soon.

Wow, you were a brave soul. I remember what that road looked like back then. Do your flights go into Puerto Escondido? (And just for my edification how do you define the Costa Chica geographically?)

I remember flying into the old airport of Puerto Escondido on a DC-3. I'm not sure that was any safer than driving!

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