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

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Wondering how to get from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?

Even though they are only about 45 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 Zipolite cheaply, simply and safely.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

Why Should You Visit Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is a must-see destination for your Mexico bucket-list.

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 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 Zipolite

Why Should You Visit Zipolite?

Zipolite is sandwiched between Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, about 45 miles south-east of Puerto Escondido along the idyllic Oaxaca coastline.

Zipolite is known principally for its main beach, Playa Zipolite, which is Mexico’s only legal nude beach. It’s also known for having some fantastic hotels, such as Hotel Nude, which offer rooms that open right up onto Playa Zipolite.

While Mazunte and Puerto Ángel are known for being laid-back and attracting visitors interested in wellness and yoga activities, Zipolite is known for its party vibe and great nightlife. Everything is within a stone’s throw of the beach, and there’s no cover charge unless there’s a live act performing.

Beyond enjoying the great bars and restaurantes in Zipolite, it’s perfectly located for you to easily reach the attractions of Mazunte. You can watch the sunset at Punta Cometa, visit beautiful Playa de Amor, and if you’re feeling brave, you can even book a tour to visit the nearby crocodile sanctuary.

Whether or not the nude beach is for you, Zipolite is a great base on the Oaxaca coastline that 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 Zipolite and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

1. Rental Car To Zipolite

A road trip from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite 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 Zipolite

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

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.

You can use car rental websites to look for deals, just like when looking for flights. Try DiscoverCars.com to get you started.

What Is The Best Route From Puerto Escondido To Zipolite?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite is an easy one as it follows highway 200 almost 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 Zipolite 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 Zipolite

FAQs: Rental Car From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

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

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

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 Zipolite 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 Zipolite?

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

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

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 Zipolite?

The total distance is approximately 45 miles (70km) from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite.

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 Zipolite?

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 Zipolite

2. Private Transfer To Zipolite

If you’re keen on a road trip from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite 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 Zipolite

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

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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite

FAQs: Private Transfer From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

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

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

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 Zipolite?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite 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 Zipolite?

The total distance is approximately 45 miles (70km) from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite.

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 Zipolite

3. Taxi To Zipolite

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 Zipolite

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 Zipolite?

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 Zipolite

FAQs: Taxi From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

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

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

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

You can expect to pay anywhere from US$50 – US$80, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?

The route from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite 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 Zipolite?

The total distance is approximately 45 miles (70km) from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite.

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 Zipolite. 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 Zipolite

4. Bus To Zipolite

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

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 Zipolite

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

There is no direct bus from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite. 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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite. 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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off At Your Hotel

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

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Puerto Escondido To Zipolite

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

How Much Is The Bus From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?

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

Which Buses Run From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?

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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite?

The bus route is approximately 45 miles (70km) from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite.

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 Zipolite

5. Travel To Zipolite With A Tour

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

Clearly if you need to stay in Zipolite 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 Zipolite

Where Can I Book A Tour To Zipolite?

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 Zipolite and its surrounds.

What’s Great About doing a Tour?

If you’re only planning on doing a day-trip to Zipolite, 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 Zipolite 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 Zipolite

FAQs: Tours to Zipolite

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

How Much Is A Tour From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?

Tours vary in price but start at around US$76 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 Zipolite 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 Zipolite

What Are The Best Things To Do In Zipolite?

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

As a beach town, spending some time at Zipolite’s beautiful beaches is a must, and you have a few to choose from. The most obvious choice is Playa Zipolite, which is the main beach in Zipolite in front of all of the major hotels. Beyond being a gorgeous beach, it’s known for being Mexico’s only legal nude beach, so if you’re feeling free-spirited, you’re free to bare it all to the world.

Another Instagram-able beach option is nearby Playa del Amor. It’s at the eastern end of Playa Zipolite just past the Zipolite sign and it’s tucked in between a few lumpy hills that remind you a little of smaller versions of the Brazilian sugarloaf mountains. It’s not as busy as Playa Zipolite and it’s more sheltered, so it’s better for swimming and splashing around.

You should also visit the very quirky and colorful Avenida Roca Blanca, which is Zipolite’s main shopping street. There are some great little places to grab a drink or something to eat and lots of unique street art, so even if you’re not buying anything, it’s great just for a relaxing morning stroll.

If you really want to get into holiday-mode, a great way to do it is to stop by Spa Shanti, at the western end of Playa Zipolite in El Alquimista Yoga & Spa, for a massage. Previously known as Espacio Shanti, Spa Shanti offers massage, facials, body exfoliants and cupping in a beautiful position right on the beach.

If you feel like venturing farther afield, you can rent a scooter for the day and explore neighbouring Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, each just a few miles away. Mazunte is known for being one of the main sea-turtle breeding grounds in Mexico and also for beautiful sunsets at Punta Cometa, Oaxaca’s southern-most point. Puerto Ángel is a little smaller and quieter but has a gorgeous hidden beach called Playa Estacahuite, which is definitely worth a visit.

Even though it is a small beach town, you won’t be short on entertainment in Zipolite.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Zipolite?

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

Even though Zipolite 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 Zipolite.

Probably the most well-known hotel in Zipolite is Hotel Nude (pictured above). It’s right on Playa Zipolite and it has a beautiful onsite pool area and bar, an onsite restaurant and a DJ from 2:00pm to 10:00pm each day.

Another great option is El Alquimista Yoga & Spa, which is at the eastern end of Playa Zipolite. In addition to having beautiful rooms with ocean view, it also has the best spa and wellness offering in Zipolite and also has daily yoga classes. Hotel Noga, Naked Zipolite and Hotel Playa Zipolite are also great options at the higher end.

If you’re looking for options that aren’t as rough on the wallet, Ballelita and Zipolite One provide great beachside accommodation at a very fair price.

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

When is the Best Time to Visit Zipolite?

The best time to visit Zipolite 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 Zipolite, 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 91°F (33°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. 

How to Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite

What Should I Pack To Go To Zipolite?

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

Zipolite has warm days all year round, averaging a maximum of 91°F (33°C) fairly consistently. However, the average low temperature in the evenings fluctuates a little throughout the year. It will get down to 70°F (21.0°C) during the coldest months of December and January, but in May it will be a fairly warm 77°F (25.0°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 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 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 Zipolite, 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 Zipolite 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 Zipolite

Final Thoughts

So, you now know how to get from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite using various methods. Traveling from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite 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 Zipolite.

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 Zipolite!