Driving from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
As avid travellers who relish the independence and flexibility of self-driven adventures, we embarked on an often overlooked exhilarating journey from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
Initially, when we were planning our Mexico trip, looking at the map, we thought getting to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca would be straightforward; after all, they are in the same state. However, we realised it wasn’t as straightforward as we had thought.
If you want to visit Puerto Escondido easily and efficiently, you need to go from Mexico City and not from Oaxaca, as you can fly there quickly using Mexico’s main domestic airlines.
To make things easy, there is currently a highway being built between Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca, but it’s already a few years late on completion and currently bogged down in democracy so you are left with the following options:
Fly on a small plane which has 1 flight a day and is very expensive
Fly via Mexico City, which will take a long time for a short journey
Take a bus which avoids the mountains but takes a long time (usually overnight)
Take a minibus / private car or a collectivo that will make you nauseous and sick
Rent a car and drive
With flexibility the key thing for us, we decided to get a car and drive ourselves, and we are incredibly glad that we did. As long as you are a capable driver and are travel-savvy, the journey is amazing!
*Update February 2024
The new highway connecting Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido in under 3 hours is now open, bringing a 15-year project to an end!
The new highway was inaugurated by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the 4th of February 2024 cutting the drive time to the coast by a significant amount.
We are not sure what the drive on the new highway is like but if you are after an adventure and want to stop of at the charming Mountain town of San Jose, we still think taking Highway 175 is worth it.
The new highway will be toll free for it’s first year.
Highway 175 in Oaxaca taken with a DJI Mini 3 Pro
Dispelling the myths and embracing the drive
During our research, we discovered that many bloggers were adamant that driving is not feasible for a several reasons. below are the common reasons that many people don’t like driving the route:
Windy Roads: While the roads are indeed windy, driving yourself or sitting in the front significantly reduces the discomfort and risk of motion sickness compared to being in the back of a mini-van.
Rough Roads: Despite some rough patches, the roads are generally good and wide enough for two cars to pass by easily so you can take your time and not be pressured by oncoming or overtaking traffic
Lack of Street Lighting: Driving during the day is a must, as the unlit roads can become treacherous to navigate at night.
Variable Weather: Keeping an eye on the forecast is advisable to avoid sudden weather changes.
Despite these challenges, the journey is incredibly rewarding, with plenty of safe havens in small towns, should you need to stop.
Choosing your route
Three main routes connecting Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido are below:
Highway 190 takes you to Salina Cruz and up the coast. It’s the route the big buses take, and it avoids the windy mountain roads and can be done overnight. We would only advise driving this way if you want to visit Salina Cruz or take an overnight bus.
Highway 131: The most direct route but the least developed roads. This road is more up and down compared to the 175, so you may get more sickness, and apparently, there are more animals on the roads to look out for.
Highway 175 and 200: Our chosen path. It is slightly longer but more scenic and well-maintained compared to Highway 131. This route also allows you to pass through the charming towns of Zipolite, Mazunte, and San Agustinillo.
Route Timings
Highway 131: Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Highway 175: Roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a detour to San Jose Del Pacifico.
Highway 190: Around 9 hours, with significant stretches to Salina Cruz and Mazunte.
Our journey to Puerto Escondido on highways 175 and 200
The drive through Highway 175 was a blend of serene flat roads and winding mountain passes. The first leg (around 60 minutes) through the valley had smooth, flat roads with stunning mountains, agave and corn fields on either side and plenty of petrol stations to get your last-minute fuel. After a while, you ascend onto the mountain and pass towards San Jose Del Pacifico, where things get windy!
Getting to San Jose from the start takes about 2.5 hours, and you will pass by many roadside mezcal shops, comedors and baños (toilets). Once you go past San Jose, you’ll continue ascending for 45 minutes before making the 2.5-hour descent down to the coast.
Highway 175 ends once you get to sea level, and you need to keep right to move onto Highway 200, which is a long, straight, flat road going along the coast to Puerto Escondido.
Key Observations for Highway 175 and 200:
The road quality varied, with marked and unmarked speed bumps (reductors and topes), so make sure you stay alert for them
Fallen trees occasionally blocked the path but are usually cleared away swiftly by locals
The scenery is beautiful
There are a lot of small villages where you can stop and explore and an abundance of comedors and mezcalerias especially in the first half of the drive
Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dogs, goats, donkeys and chickens on the roads, they can come out of nowhere and don’t seem to move for traffic
San Jose Del Pacifico
San José del Pacífico is a small, picturesque village in Oaxaca, Mexico's high mountains. Known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, this tranquil mountain town offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It's particularly famous for its mystical and spiritual ambience, partly due to the local use of sacred mushrooms, attracting visitors seeking spiritual or introspective experiences. The village's charm is enhanced by its cosy cabins and traditional Oaxacan food, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine.
San José del Pacífico is beautiful, with lush forests, mist-covered mountains, and vibrant biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. It’s the perfect place to stop over for lunch on your drive. You can easily also spend 1 or 2 nights here to experience the holistic treatments or hiking trails.
Essential tips for driving to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca
Leave early so you can drive in daylight; the roads are not lit up, so navigating them at night will be a nightmare!
Fuel up before you set off and stock up on water and snacks, although there are plenty of rest stops on the way
Bring a jumper. You get quite high on the road, so if you stop for lunch, you will need to wrap up
Ensure your car is well-maintained, especially the brakes as you may need to hit them swiftly
Download Google Maps for offline use and carry a power bank because the signal is quite weak along the drive
Mexican driving etiquette
On the long, wide roads, many cars will drive halfway onto the hard shoulder to allow faster vehicles to pass by with ease.
When you end up behind a slower car on the mountain, they will often start to randomly indicate, which is a sign that they can see the road is clear ahead and you should pass by. However, use your normal driving sense and caution when doing so!
Enjoy your trip!
Driving in Mexico is a lot of fun! This route is beautiful, scenic and one hell of an adventure. We strongly recommend you get a car and take the trip as long as you are confident driving and stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions about the drive
Is it safe to drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, it’s completely safe to drive to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca! However, you do need to know that the current route via Mexico’s Highway 131 is known for being treacherous and curvy, winding through the mountains. If you get good weather and are a competent driver taking the appropriate precautions, the journey will be completely fine so just make sure you prepare for the drive.
How far is Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca?
Puerto Escondido is only 85 miles away from Oaxaca but it still takes a good 6 hours to drive there. That’s because you need to traverse across the mountains. Highway 175 is 121 miles but your average speed will be very low due to the windy nature of the drive.
How long does the drive take?
The journey takes 6-7 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
Should I travel during the day or overnight?
If you want to save a night’s accommodation, then take the overnight bus via Salina Cruz. If you’re driving, leave early in the morning; you do not want to do this drive in the dark.
Are there minivan options available?
Yes, colectivos (minivans) are a budget-friendly option, though less comfortable than buses. They travel on windy mountain roads, and motion sickness is very common.
Are there scenic spots and stops along the route?
The route offers beautiful scenery, including diverse vegetation and temperature changes. There are opportunities to stop at small towns, roadside eateries, and places like San Jose del Pacífico for exploration and breaks.
