Cancún to Puerto Escondido: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Wondering how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

Most people would immediately think of a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Puerto Escondido.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of white, sandy beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re more interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several other archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks within easy reach that your kids will absolutely love.   

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  But if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is pretty close to unbeatable in Mexico.

So let’s look at how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Puerto Escondido?

If you love stunning beaches, awesome waves, and a relaxed vibe, you absolutely need to visit Puerto Escondido. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a coastal paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Puerto Escondido is known for having some of the best beaches in Oaxaca. There are great surfing beaches like Playa Zicatela, beaches with a more tranquil vibe like Playa Carrizalillo, and romantic beaches with sunsets you won’t forget like Playa Bacocho.

You don’t need to love the beach to enjoy the lazy seaside atmosphere of Puerto Escondido. Many of the best hotels in Puerto Escondido have fantastic sun-decks where you just can relax on a sun lounge by the pool.

And for nature-lovers, Puerto Escondido is a nesting ground for sea turtles. You can even participate in turtle releases, which is a heartwarming experience you won’t forget.

So let’s look at how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

1. Fly to Puerto Escondido

If you think even briefly about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly and to get to your hotel afterward.

For those same reasons, it’s also one of the more expensive options.

Fast Facts: Flying From Cancún To Puerto Escondido

Where Do I Book A Flight To Puerto Escondido?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. They will be able to show you the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from downtown Cancún.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at Cancún International Airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Cancún International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has hundreds of different options.

Private transfers will start at around US$40 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Cancún, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$40 to US$50, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Cancún. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Cancún to the airport should cost you around US$40, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

One thing to be aware of is that Uber drivers aren’t allowed on hotel properties of a lot of hotels. This is because there have been cases of local taxi drivers attacking Uber drivers and damaging their vehicles. The violence is due to Uber disrupting the unionised taxi industry, even though a 2023 court ruled that Uber is allowed to operate in the city.

The end result is that you can still take an Uber, but the driver will need to pick you up on the street rather than on hotel property.

5. Public Bus

According to the Mexican government, Cancún had a population of 934,189 at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a great public bus network to help you move around.

ADO runs a service to and from the airport, which you can catch at the downtown ADO bus station in Cancún. You can take one of the local bus routes to reach the station.

The bus station is on Avenida Uxmal and once you board, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the airport. A one way trip will cost US$8 per person.

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Cancún to Puerto Escondido is around 6 hours, which is a huge time saving compared with the minimum 27 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Puerto Escondido. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you head south-west away from Cancún.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Puerto Escondido at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the WHO suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

How to Get From Cancún To Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Flying To Puerto Escondido

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Puerto Escondido?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season, but are typically around US$120 from Cancún. Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Cancún?

Volaris flies direct from Cancún to Puerto Escondido. VivaAerobus and AeroMexico also fly via Mexico City or Guadalajara.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight is around six hours with a good connecting flight. It can be longer, depending on the flight that you take.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Puerto Escondido is approximately 758 miles (around 1,220 km). The actual distance flown will be longer, because you’ll need to fly via Mexico City.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido when you arrive.

You’ll also need to get a connecting flight in Mexico City or Guadalajara. You’ll use either Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) to get your connecting flight.

How Far Is It From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Puerto Escondido International Airport is just two miles outside of the Puerto Escondido city center.

How Can I Get From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or a colectivo to the city.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$15 to US$20 depending on how far you need to travel. You can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator.

Private transfers will start at around US$20 and will take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Colectivo

Another option is to use a colectivo, which is somewhere between a shared taxi and a public bus.

You won’t find much online about them, but they’re used by locals who need to travel around Puerto Escondido. Basically, they’re a shared minivan or covered pick-up truck that makes stops like a bus along the way.

A colectivo will cost around US$0.50 (8 Mexican pesos), and you’ll see them waiting outside the airport. Make sure you bring Mexican pesos as the drivers won’t accept credit cards or US dollars.

Can I Rent A Car At Puerto Escondido International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

2. Private Jet to Puerto Escondido

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Cancún to Puerto Escondido.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Private Jet To Puerto Escondido?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Cancún to Puerto Escondido route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from Cancún.

The options and prices are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying privately as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a private jet below.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Puerto Escondido than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re travelling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Puerto Escondido by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To Puerto Escondido?

If you want to fly privately to Puerto Escondido, you’re looking at around US$13,900 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$41,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance is approximately 758 miles (1,220 km) to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) from Cancún International Airport (CUN).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is just two miles outside of the Puerto Escondido city center.

How Can I Get From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puerto Escondido Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Puerto Escondido

3. Helicopter to Puerto Escondido

If you would consider taking a private jet from Cancún to Puerto Escondido, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Puerto Escondido. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Helicopter To Puerto Escondido?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Cancún to Puerto Escondido route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Cancún International Airport (CUN) in Cancún when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Cancún to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying by helicopter as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a helicopter below.

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than travelling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Puerto Escondido By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter To Puerto Escondido?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Puerto Escondido, you’re looking at around US$13,000 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around 8 hours in total.

You won’t be able to fly that in one journey, because the maximum range of most helicopters is around 400 miles. You’ll need to either stop and refuel at Ciudad de Carmen or split up your trip into two or more flights.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance is approximately 758 miles (1,220 km) to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) from Cancún International Airport (CUN).

As mentioned above, that’s too far for a helicopter to fly in one journey, so you’ll need to stop and refuel at Ciudad de Carmen or split your trip into two or more flights.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Puerto Escondido International Airport is just two miles outside of the Puerto Escondido city center.

How Can I Get From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puerto Escondido Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Puerto Escondido

4. Rental Car To Puerto Escondido

A road trip from Cancún to Puerto Escondido is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Puerto Escondido when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,100 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Cancún, then you’ll pay around US$100 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

Despite being a long drive, the route from Cancún to Puerto Escondido is quite straightforward.

You’ll set off west on highway 180 and stay on it as you pass through Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa.

About 15 miles after you cross the border from Tabasco into Veracruz, you’ll take highway 1800 further east until a town called Minatitlán, where it becomes highway 1450.

Around 25 miles after you leave Minatitlán, you’ll need to turn south on highway 185, which will take you south to Salina Cruz on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.

From there, you take highway 200 west and follow that the last 140 miles into Puerto Escondido.

What’s Great About Driving to Puerto Escondido?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Puerto Escondido.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re travelling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Rental Car From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

A rental car that you pick up in Cancún and drop off the next day in Puerto Escondido will cost around US$1,100. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Cancún, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$100 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Cancún to Puerto Escondido starts off heading west on highway 180 before turning onto highway 1800 shortly after crossing from Tabasco into Veracruz.

At a town called Minatitlán, highway 1800 becomes highway 1450. From there, you continue for another 25 miles before turning south on highway 185 until you reach Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast.

After that, you take highway 200 west for the last 140 miles to Puerto Escondido.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 22 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are some great places to stop along the way, including Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

The total distance is approximately 975 miles (1,570 km) from Cancún to Puerto Escondido.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Cancún?

There are several places in downtown Cancún where you can rent a car. There are Hertz branches on Avenida Xcaret, Avenida Yaxchilán and in the Plaza Las Americas.

You can also rent a car at Cancún International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Cancún. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Cancún have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, travelling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

5. Bus To Puerto Escondido

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Cancún to Puerto Escondido, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Bus From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Cancún to Puerto Escondido are OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón) and ADO (Autobuses de Oriente).

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 975 miles (1,570 km) from Cancún to Puerto Escondido through the forests, mountains and valleys, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Cancún to Puerto Escondido, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Puerto Escondido.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

Prices start at around US$175 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

OCC and ADO are the two largest operators.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Cancún to Puerto Escondido without a stop in between.

All of the routes from Cancún to Puerto Escondido travel via Veracruz before heading south towards the Pacific ocean. You’ll need to change at Salina Cruz before taking a second bus the rest of the way.

If you prefer to travel through Chiapas, it is possible to get a bus from Cancún to Tuxtla Gutiérrez and then taking a second bus to Puerto Escondido, but it’s slower than travelling via Veracruz.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is around 28 hours, depending on the time of day you’re travelling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Puerto Escondido?

The bus route is approximately 975 miles (1,570 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Cancún, the pick-up point is ADO Terminal on Avenida Uxmal for all services.

When you arrive in Puerto Escondido, you’ll use Terminal ADO in downtown Puerto Escondido, not far from Playa Principal, the closest beach to the downtown area.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

What Are The Best Things To Do In Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is loaded with brilliant things to do, and you’ll have no problem occupying your time.

As a beach town, spending some time at Puerto Escondido’s amazing beaches is a must, and Puerto Escondido has dozens of them to choose from.

If you’re looking for somewhere to splash around or where you can let your kids swim without needing to worry about big waves and strong currents, then Playa Carrizalillo (pictured above) is a must.  It’s a beautiful sheltered beach in the Rinconada area that’s great for swimming and snorkelling and is also close to lots of great restaurants.

Another must-see beach is the 2-mile long Playa Zicatela.  If you’re a surfer, you’ll have heard about this beach, which is commonly known as the Mexican pipeline due to its enormous waves that can get up to 20 ft high.  

Playa Zicatela is also the hub for Puerto Escondido’s great nightlife.  Avenida del Morro is the main promenade that runs the whole length of the beach and it’s lined with bars, restaurants and nightclubs where you can party as much as you like.

Beyond the beaches, Puerto Escondido’s environment is truly beautiful, and there are lots of wonderful activities that you can do.  You can swim with dolphins, go whale watching, ride horses and participate in the release of baby sea turtles.  These are perfect to do with kids or as a couple.

There are also tours available to nearby lagoons to see bioluminescent algae and even crocodiles (yes, you read that correctly).  If that isn’t adventurous enough, you can also do ATV and rafting tours, take a helicopter tour, or even go skydiving.

For a small beach town, Puerto Escondido really is full of great things to do and you’ll have no trouble filling the hours.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Puerto Escondido?

When you make it to Puerto Escondido, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Even though Puerto Escondido is a relatively small town, it still has a great range of places to stay for you to choose from. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something great in Puerto Escondido.

If you’re looking for luxury close to the city center, then I think Villas Carrizalillo is a must.  It’s perched high up on a hill overlooking Playa Carrizalillo with amazing views out into the Pacific Ocean.  Another central option is Hotel Paraiso Escondido, which is great hotel that is also a little easier on the wallet.

For luxury outside the city, I think Casona Sforza is the best choice.  It’s hands down the most Instagram-able hotel in Puerto Escondido and it has the benefit of a great onsite restaurant as well.

If you’re keen to stay at Playa Zicatela, Hotel Santa Fe is a great option for an authentic Mexican feel.  If you’re looking for a little more luxury, Hotel Rockaway is also right on the beach and has the option of a room or a luxury residence.

There are also lots of great hostels in Puerto Escondido.  The most well-known is the Selina Puerto Escondido, which is known for having a great co-working area with reliable WiFi.  Puerto Dreams Hostel is another great option.

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like the state of Oaxaca don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Puerto Escondido, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from December to the end of April and the rainy season runs from June through to October.

The average maximum temperature doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year.  You can expect a fairly constant maximum of 85°F (30°C), with lower temperatures during the dry season.

Unsurprisingly, the dryer, cooler weather of the dry season means that it’s the most popular time for tourists. If you can put up with the occasional deluge, you’ll get better rates in the rainy season.  If you’re a surfer, you’ll also get bigger swells at Playa Zicatela during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

What Should I Pack To Go To Puerto Escondido?

Before you travel from Cancún to Puerto Escondido, you’ll need to know what to pack.

Puerto Escondido has warm days all year round, averaging a maximum of 85°F (30°C) cooling off to 72°F (22.5°C) at night. On that basis, other than a light jacket for the evenings, I’d leave the warm clothes at home. 

If you travel during the rainy season from June to October, you can expect some rain, so you’ll want to buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  After a downpour, it can get a little humid, so you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get sweaty.

You’ll do a lot of walking in Puerto Escondido, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a hat for the sun.  It should go without saying, but obviously bring your swimwear, because you’ll want to spend at least a few days enjoying the beautiful beaches.

You should also be aware that there are also mosquitoes in Puerto Escondido and it will be too hot to cover up entirely.  Mosquito repellent can be hard to come by, so I recommend that you bring some with you.  

How to Get From Cancún to Puerto Escondido

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Cancún to Puerto Escondido beyond just taking a commercial flight.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s frankly probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Cancún to Puerto Escondido are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Puerto Escondido!