Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido: 5 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

Most people would immediately think of taking 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

Like all major Mexican cities, Guadalajara is home to a stunningly beautiful cathedral in its historic center, the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Guadalajara Cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style. However, its two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century make it truly spectacular.

Nearby Tlaquepaque is a colorful Mexican “magic town” (pueblo mágico) where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and explore some great local artisanal cafes, art studios, and street art. You can also walk down the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque (the “tourist walk”) and see the beautiful colorful umbrellas creating an artificial rainbow above you.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find.  You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

Before we jump into getting from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Puerto Escondido in the first place.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is a must-see destination for your Mexico bucket-list. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a coastal paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

If you love stunning beaches, awesome waves, and a relaxed vibe, you absolutely need to visit Puerto Escondido, because it 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.

But 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

1. Fly to Puerto Escondido

If you think even briefly about how to get from Guadalajara 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 in layover time and the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly.

Fast Facts: Flying From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Where Do I Book A Flight To Puerto Escondido?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara.

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 the 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.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

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

Private transfers will start at around US$30 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.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Guadalajara, 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$10 to US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Guadalajara and it’s perfectly safe to use. 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 Guadalajara to the airport should cost you around US$10, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Statista, Guadalajara had a population of 5.7 million at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a sophisticated public transport network to help you move around.

Traveling on the light rail or on a city bus is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (called “Mi Movilidad“), which you can get in a Metro station and many bus stations in the city. The card will cost you 30 Mexican pesos (about US$1.50). You can find a map of the Guadalajara light rail and bus lines here.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the metro or city bus stations.

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 9.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00).

You’ll need to take the Ruta T13-A bus from the airport to into the historic center of Guadalajara. The trip will take around an hour.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are buying your recharge card or when you’re topping it up.

FAQs: Flying To Puerto Escondido

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Guadalajara 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 and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$80 to Puerto Escondido.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Puerto Escondido?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly to Puerto Escondido, but only Volaris makes direct flights and there is only one a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you can’t make the direct flight, you’ll need to take a connecting flight in Mexico City.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 1 hours 30 minutes.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido is approximately 519 miles (around 835 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido when you arrive.

There are no direct flights, so you’ll need to get a connecting flight in Mexico City. You’ll use either Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) or Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) for your connecting flight.

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

Puerto Escondido Airport is just two miles (3.5km) east 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 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

2. Rental Car To Puerto Escondido

A road trip from Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 15 to 16 gallons to get 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$850 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Guadalajara, then you’ll pay around US$25 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido starts at the south of the city on highway 23, which becomes highway 90D just to the east of the city.

After around 10 miles, you’ll take highway 15D to the south-east and will follow that for nearly 250 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

After around 60 miles you’ll reach Cuacnopalan and you’ll then turn south on 135D and follow that for then next 140 miles until you turn on to highway 190 for the last 10 miles into Oaxaca City.

From Oaxaca, you’ll then take highway 175 south through the mountains. The new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido has finally been completed, which you will take from Barranca Larga south to Ventanilla, just a few miles east of Puerto Escondido.

When you reach Ventanilla, you’ll just need to head west on highway 200 for the last few miles.

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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

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

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

A rental car that you pick up in Guadalajara and drop off the next day in Puerto Escondido will cost around US$850. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Guadalajara, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$25 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Guadalajara to Oaxaca starts out on highway 15D and follows it for nearly 250 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

After around 60 miles you’ll reach Cuacnopalan and you’ll then turn south on 135D and follow that for the rest of the way into Oaxaca City.

From there you head south on highway 175 into the mountains and take the new highway further south to Ventanilla, which is just a few miles east of Puerto Escondido. You then turn west along highway 200 for the last few miles.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for at least 14 hours, depending on traffic and how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

The total distance is approximately 755 miles (1,215 km) from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Guadalajara?

There are lots of places in Guadalajara where you can rent a car, including on Avenida Niños Héroes and other places downtown and at Guadalajara International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

The car rental providers in Guadalajara 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, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

3. Bus To Puerto Escondido

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

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

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

The two biggest providers of standard bus routes from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido are OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colón) and Autobuses Altamar.

I recommend using Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

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 755 miles (1,215 km) from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido through the mountains, 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown Puerto Escondido.

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

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

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

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

Prices start at around US$115 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

For the route from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido, OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colón) and Autobuses Altamar are the largest providers.

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

Is There a direct Bus from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

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

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 20 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling, the provider you use and the layover time between connecting buses.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

The bus route is approximately 755 miles (1,215 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Guadalajara, the pick-up point is Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, just a few miles south-east of the historic center.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at Central de Autobuses del Norte in the north of the city. The connecting bus to Oaxaca usually departs from TAPO, just to the east of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In Puerto Escondido you’ll be dropped off at the ADO Bus Terminal in the south end of the city center, just a few hundred metres from the beach.

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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

4. Private Jet to Puerto Escondido

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido, even though it is a relatively short distance.

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

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido by Private Jet

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

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

If you want to fly privately from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido, you’re looking at around US$11,000 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$36,000 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 1 hour 30 minutes.

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 from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido is approximately 519 miles (around 835 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) 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 Airport is just two miles (3.5km) east of the Puerto Escondido city center.

How Can I Get From the 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

5. Helicopter to Puerto Escondido

If you would consider taking a private jet from Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

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

The options and prices for getting from downtown Guadalajara 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 privately 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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido By Helicopter

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

How Much Is A Helicopter from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Puerto Escondido, you’re looking at around US$8,500 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 5 to 6 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 Puebla or split up your trip into two or more flights.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido is approximately 519 miles (around 835 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) 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 Airport is just two miles (3.5km) east of the Puerto Escondido city center.

How Can I Get From the 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

What Should I Pack To Go To Puerto Escondido?

Before you travel from Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido beyond just flying or renting a car.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re 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 Guadalajara 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!