Puerto Escondido

Altitude: at sea-level

Population: 35,000.

How to get there

By air from Oaxaca and Mexico City (1 hour); by bus from Oaxaca 10-18 hours, from Acapulco 7.5 hours; by car from Oaxaca approximately 265km/165mi along the MEX 131 (numerous bends) via Miahuatlan and Pochutla, or about 310km/193mi on the MEX 175 and MEX 200 (better roads), from Acapulco about 420km/261mi on the MEX 200.

The fishing port of Puerto Escondido lies in a sheltered bay in the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by hills with luxuriant vegetation. Magnificent long beaches extend on both sides of the town. In places the surf is very high. Until recently Puerto Escondido was recommended to holiday-makers looking for a quiet life by the sea away from tourists. However, the building of a new airport has made this seaside resort considerably more popular.