Hello all. My friends and I are planning a trip to Puerto Escondido. What is the best time of year? We were thinking June-July. We are novice to intermediate surfers, so were not looking for huge swells, decent climate not sweltering hot. We would be flying into Oaxaca and driving to Puerto, how long would the drive be? Safe for a group of girls? Our main destination would be the beach, but I have heard that Oaxaca has a lot to see. The trip would only be 7-10 days. Should we plan to stay a couple of days in Oaxaca or head straight for the beach? Any must see/do things in this area?
Gracias,
Chris
ca_caliente
1
njscott63
Awesome choice.June and July are the green season, it will rain a little most days and be very lush.Summer is also when the waves are bigger, but there are a few different spots if you dont want to surf the monsters that come in, such as a left point break and a cove.The heat and humidity are higher also but it is a great time, the temp really never varies much.Definitely spend a day or 2 in Oaxaca and see the Zocalo and markets and maybe the ruins Monte Alban, I would save it till the end of the trip because I prefer to get right to the beach first and Oaxaca will be cooler so a nice relief.There are 2 highwys from Oaxaca, both steep and windy with a lot of switchbacks, one via Puerto Angel and the other direct to Puerto Escondido.Anywhere from 6-7 hours is a good estimate.There are also vans, bus and flights.Maybe skip the car and fly, you really dont need a car in Puerto, cabs and collectivos are everywhere.The coast south is also real nice for a day trip, Mazunte and the other beaches in that area.That time of year there is also white water rafting, never been but it is supposed to be pretty spectacular, on the Rio Copalita.Check tomzap, a great website for the area. Scott
2
njscott63
Hey Christina, just read your bio, I have also surfed Rincon, Malpais, Dominical, Salsa Brava in PV and Bocas del Toro, and nothing compares to Puerto, not only for the waves but the cool vibes and laid back town.You will love it. Scott
3
xoyotitla
You will not need to rent a car while in Oaxaca, use buses and taxis. If you are considering renting a car to drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido it will probably be a waste of money and a very scary ride through the mountains. Driving in Mexico is no picnic and throught the mountains demands constant attention, take a bus or van. In addition, if you do not return your rental car to Oaxaca it will cost even more as a one way rental. Do you have surfboards? If you do where are you going to put them in a rental car? Buses are used to carrying surfboards I strongly suggest using buses and taxis, it will cost much less, and lead to fewer problems. njscott63 knows the area well and has good advice. buena suerte
4
geriande
I agree with #3. You don't really need a car in PE. At least I never have in the 10 years I've been going there. A car is handy if you want to explore the other beaches such as San Agustinillo or Mazunte, but you can manage in buses and taxis (or, no doubt, you'll run into someone with a car).
The latest "fad" is suburban/van type vehicles, but frankly I don't find them as comfortable as buses. The bus line from Oaxaca to PE (through Sola de Vega the shortest route) seems to be using what I call microbuses. They are larger than vans, with two seats on one side, an aisle, and single seats on the other side. More comfortable than a van with four across,14 or so passengers. No room for surfboard, however. The fare p.p. from PE to Oaxaca is 130 pesos (about $12). The one I took recently leaves from Calle Arista #116, south of the zocalo in Oaxaca. The company is Service Express. There were two mature drivers. I've heard several reports about "wild" drivers in the vans/microbuses from Pochutla.
You will love the surfing in PE. If you want name of a beachfront budget hotel on the surfing beach, send me a PM.
5
jadedub
Hi Geriande
Do you have any more information on the Service Express bus Oaxaca - PE? Do you know where I can get schedule information?
Cheers
6
geriande
The terminal is loated at Calle Arista #116, a few blocks south of the zocalo. Go south on Bustamante and turn right on Arista. It's right there.
I don't know of anyplace to get schedule info. The buses go every two hours on the half hour (I think), starting early in the morning until at least 5 or 6 p.m. I can't remember. Maybe later. You don't need reservations. I usually buy my ticket the day before. What else do you need to know?
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner