OAXACA’S PACIFIC COAST vs THE OTHER MAJOR MEXICO BEACH RESORT LOCATIONS
Unlike the very commercialized and oftentimes crowded México resort locations of Cancun, Playa de Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, and Cabo San Lucas, Oaxaca’s Pacific coast vacation scene is usually much less hectic and more laidback.
With small quaint seaside villages scattered along the coast between the bigger towns of Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, those looking for a warm and inviting tropical escape from their everyday routine will definitely enjoy hanging out on Oaxaca’s warm beaches and touring this coastal region in southern México.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL – ON YOUR OWN
If you decide to plan your own travel itinerary, there are local buses and taxis which can provide the transportation to help you get from one town to another along the Pacific coast .
Of course, if you really want “independence,” you can rent a car at either the Puerto Escondido Airport or the Huatulco Airport when you arrive.
FYI: The distance between the towns of Puerto Escondido and Huatulco is about 2 hours.
You should note that it would be handy to know some basic Spanish as Oaxaca’s coastal region may not be as “English friendly” as in Cancun and some of the other more visited México tourist resort areas.
Also, exchange your dollars for Mexican pesos either before or after you arrive as your home currency may not be accepted everywhere. You should be able to locate ATMs in the bigger towns of Huatulco and P.E. to obtain pesos. Many locations will accept your foreign bank credit card but just in case they don’t, have Mexican pesos in your pocket.
GUIDED PACIFIC COAST TOUR IN OAXACA
Day Tours
There are a plethora of tour companies in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido who can provide you with sightseeing day tours. Since the distances are not that great, you can have them take you to the smaller seaside villages to enjoy their beach and local restaurants. They also advertise wildlife viewing tours. Popular are boating into the ocean to spot dolphins and sea turtles.
Multi-Day Pacific Coast Tours
You can also sign up for multi-day tours to really get to know this Pacific coastal region of southern México. You are assured of having an English speaking guide, nice accommodations, comfortable transportation, and usually included are some of your meals as well as the entrance fees for the listed itinerary activities.
Basically, it’s a hassle-free way to explore this tropical laidback Mexican paradise.
If a Done-For-You multi-day escorted tour seems like the better choice for exploring Oaxaca’s tropical coast, then you are welcome to take a look at our 8 day/7 night Best of Oaxaca ￨ Puerto Escondido to Huatulco Tour
One of our knowledgeable and fun local professional guides will be your host for a relaxed week of tropical exploration. They will be with you every step of the way to show you around where they grew up. Who knows, maybe you will even get to meet their family.
WHAT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR OAXACA PACIFIC COAST VACATION
Puerto Escondido Highlights
– Watching the brave surfers take on the tall waves coming into Zicatela Beach. These waves are some of the biggest in the world.
– In another beach with more calm and beginner-friendly waves, travelers have the opportunity to sign up for a surfing lesson.
– Early morning boat rides into the ocean to look for schools of dolphins and big slow-moving sea turtles.
– In a nearby lagoon, visitors can experience swimming among millions of plankton which explode into light as you move your arms and legs around. It’s called Bioluminescence. In other words, you will be “glowing.”
– Explore the watery world of Chacahua National Park
Huatulco Highlights
– Take a cruise to explore its many scenic ocean bays (bahias).
– Hang out and enjoy the amenities found at your hotel property.
– Huatulco National Park – for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
– Shopping. Shopping. More Shopping.
– Enjoy tasty meals at its many fine restaurants.
Small Seaside Villages Between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco
The small towns of Mazunte, Zipolite, Puerto Angel, La Ventanilla, and San Agustinillo are found dotting the coastline between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Small hotels, bungalows, and restaurants can be found in these villages as well as attractive beaches and lagoons.
FYI: In the village of Zipolite, swimsuits are optional on their beach.
The southern coast of Oaxaca state can be a great alternative choice for a more laid-back and less crowded México beach vacation destination.
For some quick facts about the state of Oaxaca, click here.
Click here to learn more about our 8 day Pacific coast tour in Oaxaca where you and your travel companions can enjoy a guided tour to explore Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, several of the small seaside villages, and also view tropical wildlife.
Nos vemos pronto en México! / See you soon in México!
