Puerto Escondido To Mazunte: 5 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

Even though they are only about 40 miles apart, it’s definitely worth planning your trip in advance. The last thing you want is to get an unpleasant surprise when you’re in-country and about to make the trip along the Oaxaca coastline.

The good news is that you’ve got a few options. You can rent a car, take the bus, get a private transfer or book a taxi. If you’re just looking to visit for the day, a tour is also an option.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte cheaply, simply and safely.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

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.

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 even 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, why should you visit Puerto Escondido? Well, basically because it’s a slice of heaven! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

Why Should You Visit Mazunte?

Mazunte is another beautiful hidden gem on the Oaxacan coastline.

While Puerto Escondido is known to have great beaches for surfers, Mazunte is known for its beautiful sunsets and Mexican laid-back beach vibe.

There are nearly a dozen beaches in Mazunte in total, of which Playa Mazunte is the best known. The colors of the waters are often a clear turquoise, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re looking at pictures of the Caribbean.

Mazunte has lots of things to do even beyond just enjoying the beautiful beaches. You can watch the sunset at Punta Cometa, take a yoga class, and if you’re feeling brave, you can even book a tour to visit the nearby crocodile sanctuary.

Like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte has a laid-back atmosphere that seems to make your stress and worries just melt away. There are also some great hotels in Mazunte where you can wind down with a cocktail between visits to the nearby beaches.

All in all, Mazunte is stunningly beautiful and offers you loads of options, depending on what you want to do. Whatever you’re keen on, you’re going to have a wonderful time here.

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

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

1. Rental Car To Mazunte

A road trip from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte 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 Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 2 gallons to get to Mazunte.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

You can get a rental car in two places in Puerto Escondido: at the airport, and at Playa Zicatela.

At the airport, all of the rental booths are in the car rental center at the airport. You’ll see directions to it when you arrive.

If you’d like to pick up your car in the city center, there is a Europcar branch not far from Hotel Santa Fe on the Avenida del Morro, right behind Playa Zicatela.

Use DiscoverCars.com to find the best deal online.

What Is The Best Route From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte is an easy one as it follows highway 200 the entire way.

If you’re coming from the airport, you’ll need to first head south until you reach highway 200, and then set off to the east.

If you’re in the town center, highway 200 runs very close to Playa Principal and Playa Zicatela, so you can easily join it and be on your way.

You’ll then follow it about 35 miles towards Huatulco before taking highway 175 south into Mazunte at a town called San Antonio.

What’s Great About Renting A Car?

There are some great advantages of driving:

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.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

FAQs: Rental Car From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte using a rental car.

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

A rental car that you pick up in Puerto Escondido cost you around US$30 a day plus gas. Most providers don’t charge you per mile traveled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

One thing to bear in mind, though, is that there is nowhere in Mazunte to drop your car off if you weren’t planning to drive it back to Puerto Escondido. The only other option nearby is Huatulco Airport, but it’s 30 miles away.

On that basis, I recommend that you plan to take it back with you to one of those two airports when you’re ready to fly out.

Important: If you decide you want to return the car to Huatulco Airport rather than drive it to Puerto Escondido, you’ll have to pay a one-way fee of around US$80 when you return it.

What is the Route From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte follows highway 200 the whole way.

After leaving Puerto Escondido, you follow it for about 35 miles and then take highway 175 south into Mazunte at a town called San Antonio.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 1.5 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The total distance is approximately 41 miles (65 km) from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Puerto Escondido?

Europcar and Alamo each have branches in Puerto Escondido Airport, and Europcar has a branch in Playa Zicatela itself.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

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

How is the road to Mazunte?

Highway 200 is well-maintained and very safe to travel.

However, the average speed limit is about 35 miles an hour, as the road passes through lots of small towns and villages, so don’t expect to travel fast like on a US-style highway.

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.

Be aware that there are also speed humps on highway 200 when you pass through towns and villages, so make sure you keep an eye out for them.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

2. Private Transfer To Mazunte

If you’re keen on a road trip from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte but aren’t so keen to do the driving, you can arrange a private transfer.

It’s more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but it lets you relax and enjoy the scenery or even catch up on some sleep.

Fast Facts: Private Transfer From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte?

The easiest way to find a reputable private transfer service is by using a platform like Guatego.

If you would prefer to meet your driver in person before booking, speak to your hotel and ask for a recommendation and then go and visit them at their offices in Puerto Escondido.

What’s Great About A Private Transfer?

Although it is more expensive than a rental car, there are some benefits of getting a private driver rather than driving yourself.

1. No Need To Focus On The Road

The best thing about being chauffeured is that you don’t need to worry about driving.

Watching the road for up to two hours can be tiring and it means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Mazunte.

2. Great For Groups

A private transfer is great if you’re traveling as a group.

You get to share the cost and just focus on having fun and let the driver bring you to Mazunte.

3. Capped risk

The other big benefit of having a private driver is that you don’t bear the risk of having an accident and damaging the car.

Your insurance would likely cover any damage, but having a driver just avoids the risk altogether.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

FAQs: Private Transfer From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

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

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

A private transfer starts at around US$105 per trip for a group of up to 3.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for about 1.5 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The total distance is approximately 41 miles (65km) from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Yes, the private transfer services offered on Guatego use comfortable modern vehicles.

Is It Safe To Travel By Private Transfer?

If you travel with a reputable provider such as those arranged via Guatego, you will be perfectly safe traveling by private transfer.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

3. Taxi To Mazunte

Another great option to mention is the good old taxi.

While not quite as comfortable as a private transfer, once you agree the price with the driver, it’s one of the best options if you haven’t planned in advance.

Fast Facts: Taxi From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

Tip: Make sure that you agree the price with the driver before setting off so that there are no misunderstandings.

Where Can You Book A Taxi From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte?

If you want to book a taxi, the best way to do it is to ask your hotel to book one for you. It’s especially helpful if your Spanish isn’t great, as they can confirm the pick-up time and price and there’ll be no misunderstandings.

If you’d prefer to hail a taxi on the street for whatever reason, there’s nothing stopping you and it’s perfectly safe to do so. You’ll just need to confirm the price upfront.

Bear in mind that your taxi probably won’t have air conditioning. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, a private transfer might be a better bet.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

FAQs: Taxi From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

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

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

You’ll need to negotiate your fare, and you should always do this upfront.

You can expect to pay anywhere from US$45 – US$75, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte should be the same as you would take if you rented a car or booked a private transfer.

However, you should confirm the route with the driver before you set off.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 1.5 – 2 hours.

What is the Distance From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The total distance is approximately 41 miles (65 km) from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte.

Are The Taxis Comfortable?

Taxis aren’t made for long distance passenger travel like a bus or a plane, and they’re unlikely to have air conditioning.

If you’re looking for more comfort, you might be better served renting your own car or arranging a private transfer.

Is It Safe To Travel By Taxi?

Yes, you will be safe enough traveling by taxi from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte. This is particularly the case if you are traveling in a group.

If possible, I’d recommend asking your hotel to book the taxi, as they’ll have a record of the booking, which the driver will know. I would also recommend that sole female travelers avoid taking the taxi at night.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

4. Bus To Mazunte

It’s possible to take the bus from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, but there isn’t a direct service. You’ll need to get off in San Pedro Pochutla (about 10 miles to the north of Mazunte) and get a taxi or the colectivo into Mazunte.

I’d recommend one of the other options set out above unless you’re on a very tight budget.

Fast Facts: Bus From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

Where Can I Book A Bus From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte?

There is no direct bus from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte. ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón), the two biggest Mexico bus lines, can take you from Puerto Escondido to San Pedro Pochutla, but not all the way to Mazunte.

You have two ways of dealing with this, which I’ve set out below. In either case, there are multiple trips per day.

Bus to San Pedro Pochutla then Taxi or Colectivo

The first option is to take the bus to San Pedro Pochutla and you can then take a taxi or the colectivo to Mazunte. The bus will cost around US$20. The taxi will cost around US$10, and if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, there’s the colectivo, which will cost around US$2.

Bus & Shuttle Package

The second option is to book a package deal on Guatego which includes the shuttle bus from San Pedro Pochutla to your hotel in Mazunte.

It costs US$65, so it’s more expensive, but it will be less hassle for you, particularly if your Spanish isn’t strong.

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?

While it clearly isn’t as freewheeling as renting your own car, there are still some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

If you opt for the bus and taxi or colectivo opton, the bus is good value.

It’s cheaper than booking a private transfer and likely cheaper than renting a car (especially if you have to pay the one-way fee) and it still provides a comfortable trip that arrives in a reasonable timeframe.

2. Travel Like The Locals

If you want to get a local experience, taking the bus is the way to do it.

If you speak Spanish, it could also be a great opportunity to hear about the lives of the people you’re traveling with on your way to Mazunte.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off At Your Hotel

If you take the bus from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, you can take a taxi and be dropped off at your hotel in Mazunte.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

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

How Much Is The Bus From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

Prices range from around US$20 to US$65, depending on whether you book the package deal or make your own way to Mazunte from San Pedro Pochutla.

Which Buses Run From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

ADO and OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón) are the two largest operators in Oaxaca and will take you into San Pedro Pochutla. From there you’ll need to take a taxi, the colectivo or a privately booked transfer to Mazunte.

Check out Busbud if you’re going to make your own way from San Pedro Pochutla or Guatego if you want to book a package deal.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is 2 – 2.5 hours.

What is the Distance From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

The bus route is approximately 41 miles (65 km) from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Puerto Escondido, you’ll use the OCC Terminal on highway 200, which is at the south end of the city center on Avenida Oaxaca.

You’ll be dropped off at the OCC Bus Terminal in San Pedro Pochutla on highway 175, and you’ll need to take further transport from there.

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 basis precautions.

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

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

5. Travel To Mazunte With A Tour

If you’re only intending to visit Mazunte for the day, you could book a tour rather than booking your own transport.

Clearly if you need to stay in Mazunte longer than a day this option won’t work for you, but for day-trippers this can be a great way to outsource the trip-planning.

Fast Facts: Tour From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

Where Can I Book A Tour To Mazunte?

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

I recommend checking out Viator and Guatego, which have a few different tours from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte and its surrounds.

What’s Great About doing a Tour?

If you’re only planning on doing a day-trip to Mazunte, there are a few great reasons that you should consider doing a tour.

1. No Planning Required

I think the best thing about booking a tour is that you don’t need to worry about planning the trip, the transport and the destinations. All of that is done for you by the tour organisers.

You can think of part of the price of the tour as an exchange for saving all that time in planning.

2. Focus On Enjoying The Trip

If you go with a tour, you can let go of the wheel and just enjoy the trip.

That’s particularly helpful when you’re traveling with your family or with a group and you’d rather not be distracted.

3. Local Knowledge

Another benefit of having a tour take you to Mazunte is that you’ll visit places that you might have missed if you’d planned your own trip.

That inside knowledge can be priceless if you end up having an amazing experience.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

FAQs: Tours to Mazunte

If you still have questions about taking a tour from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Tour From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte?

Tours vary in price but start at around US$60 per person.

What is the Travel Time?

Most tours are half or full day tours. A full day tour usually starts early in the morning and you’ll come back in the evening.

How Do I find Tours

Check out sites like Viator and Guatego, which have a few different tours from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte and its surrounds.

Is It Safe To Book A Tour In Puerto Escondido?

Yes, platforms like Viator carefully check each of the guides advertising on their sites to ensure that they are appropriately licensed.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

What Are The Best Things To Do In Mazunte?

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

As a beach town, spending some time at Mazunte’s beautiful beaches is a must, and you have a few to choose from. The main beach in Mazunte is Playa Mazunte and most of the major hotels like Zoa Hotel and Casa Pan de Miel look right onto it. The western corner of it is known as Rinconcito (literally, the little corner), and it is a little more sheltered than the main part of the beach.

If you’re looking for an option with fewer tourists, nearby Playa Mermejita is much longer and is great for walking. It’s known for having very distinctive windswept-looking sand dunes, but bear in mind that those features are due to strong currents, so it isn’t safe for swimming.

Between Playa Mazunte and Playa Mermejita is Oaxaca’s southern-most point, a rocky outcrop jutting out into the Pacific Ocean called Punta Cometa. It’s known for being one of the best places in Oaxaca to see the sunset, and you’ll see people making their way down toward it from Playa Mazunte of a late afternoon.

Mazunte is also known for being a breeding ground for sea turtles. In the 60s and 70s, the sea turtles were killed for their meat and shells, but in the 90s steps were taken to protect them and the Mexican Turtle Center was opened. The center cares for adult turtles, incubates eggs, and carries out baby release programs. You can visit to learn more about these fascinating creatures and can even take part in a heart-warming turtle release down on the beach.

There are also lots of things to do just outside Mazunte. Neighbouring Zipolite is known for having Mexico’s only legal nude beach and also for a beautiful hidden beach called Playa del Amor, which is tucked in between a few lumpy hills that remind you a little of smaller versions of the Brazilian sugarloaf mountains. In the nearby mountains, you can also go white water rafting or visit a nearby crocodile sanctuary (yes, you read that correctly).

Even though it is a small beach town, you can rest assured that you won’t be short on entertainment in Mazunte.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Mazunte?

When you make it from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, the next obvious question is where do you stay?

Even though Mazunte is a very small beach town, it still has some great hotels for you to choose from. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something great in Mazunte.

The most exclusive hotel in Mazunte is Casa Pan de Miel. It’s been rated one of the top luxury hotels by Tripadvisor for the last few years and has an infinity pool with a prime position right on Playa Mazunte. It’s so exclusive that you’ll have to actually contact the hotel to book, as they don’t take bookings through any major hotel portals.

Also at the luxury end of the spectrum, the adults-only Zoa Hotel is right next to Casa Pan de Miel. It has an onsite restaurant, Amarte Mar, as well as a private mini-beach nestled amongst the rocky outcrop on which the hotel is built. A little farther along the beach to the west is Hotel Casa Lu, which is also adults-only and has a lovely open air pool shaded by palm trees with private access to the beach.

If you’re looking for options that aren’t as rough on the wallet, there are a few great spots near Playa Mermejita, just a half mile from Playa Mazunte. Casa Mermejita (pictured above) is a great arty hotel on the hill above the beach, and Casa Ofelia is a pretty 8-room boutique hotel right behind the beach that also has its own on-site restaurant.

For hostels, La Playa Hostel has a great location right behind Playa Mazunte and won’t break the bank.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

When is the Best Time to Visit Mazunte?

The best time to visit Mazunte is in the dryer, cooler months from December to April.

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 Mazunte, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April and the rainy season runs from May through to October.

The average maximum temperature doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year.  You can expect a fairly constant maximum of 86°F to 88°F (30°C to 31°C), although it cools down more in the evenings in 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 and there’ll be far fewer Mazunte. 

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

What Should I Pack To Go To Mazunte?

Your packing list will depend a little on the time of year that you’re going to visit Mazunte.

Mazunte has warm days all year round, averaging a maximum of 88°F (31°C) for most of the year. However, the average low temperature in the evenings fluctuates a little depending on the season. It will get down to 72°F (22.0°C) in January, but in May it will be a fairly warm 79°F (26.0°C) at its lowest.

So if you’re visiting during November to March, you might want to bring a light jacket for the evenings. Otherwise, you can leave any warm clothes that you packed in your suitcase. 

If you travel during the rainy season from June to October, you can expect a fair amount of rain, so you’ll want to bring a fold-up umbrella or buy one 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.

If you’re planning on doing a bit of sightseeing while you’re in Mazunte, you should bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes. In any case, definitely bring a hat for the sun in addition to your swimwear, because you’ll spend at least a few days just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

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

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

Final Thoughts

So, you now know how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte using various methods. Traveling from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte is an experience you won’t quickly forget.

You’ll get to see the beautiful Mexican countryside, especially as you inland toward the mountain ranges and past the national park just before reaching Mazunte.

Your options to get there are many, and all of them viable. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Mazunte!