Puerto Escondido is one of the top ten surfing locations in the world. In November, there is an international surfing championship that draws people from all over the world.

Puerto Escondido is located 368-km (230 MI) southeast of Acapulco, 310 km (192 MI) south of Oaxaca City, and 80 km (50 MI) northwest of Puerto Angel.

Puerto Escondido was a coffee-shipping port in the 1920’s. In 1960, with the construction of the highway, it was connected to other coastal towns. Soon, tourists discovered the low prices and beaches. Development of hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs began. The port activity diminished as coffee shipments began going by truck instead of boat. Now, Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s haven, attracting young surfers from all over the world.

Puerto Escondido has basically two seasons; the summer and wet season, and the winter and dry season. Summer months see temperatures from 79-84 degrees Fahrenheit and winter months at 68-73 degrees Fahrenheit. Early morning and late evening can get chilly enough to require a light sweater.

Due to the increase in tourism hotel prices have been driven up. During the high seasons, mid December to January, Easter week, and July to August, prices rise dramatically. Several of the hotels have pools, gyms, restaurants, and bars. The Hotel Santa Fe has rooms as well as bungalows with kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms next to the hotel.

Restaurants serve "surfer-size" portions at great prices. Art ’n’ Harry’s, open only during the high season, is the spot to go to have a drink and a bite to eat. The Santa Fe restaurant, located in the hotel, is said to be one of the best on the pacific coast.

Live jazz, discos, bars and clubs are all part of this surfer’s paradise. Several nightspots feature live local bands on a certain day of the week. Many restaurants offer sunset happy hours. If partying is not your style head to the library where you can play chess or backgammon, buy books, participate in a Spanish class, or have a coffee from the bar. The Surf Papaya restaurant has an upstairs art gallery and has occasional children theater shows.

Many shops and stores cater to tourists, selling hats, T-shirts, postcards, clothing and art. Casa di Bambole sells top end jewelery, clothing and bags from Chiapas and Guatemala. The popular Bazaar Santa Fe sells embroidered clothing, jewelery, antiques and religious artifacts. During the high season stores are generally open all day but during the low season they tend to close from 2 pm to 5 pm.

With such a coastal location, it’s no surprise that the local cuisine focuses on seafood. There are several locations where you will find vegetarian, Italian, and of course traditional Mexican dishes.

Banks: There are several money exchange desks that are open from 9 am until 10 pm. Banks are generally open from 9 am until 3 pm. You may experience a long wait in the afternoon.

Internet: There are several Internet and cyber cafes around town. The average price for one hour of internet use is US$5.

Transportation: Most beaches, restaurants, and hotels are within walking distance. Taxis are inexpensive and can be hired by hour or day. A shuttle bus runs to the beaches further out approximately every half an hour. Cars, bikes and mopeds are available for rent from several locations. You can also hire a boat to take you to the surrounding beaches.

Puerto Angel: Located 50 miles southeast of Puerto Escondido, Puerto Angel is a tiny fishing port. With its budget hotels and good restaurants, this town is popular with backpackers. The beaches and waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, and snorkeling.

Huatulco: Located 111 km (69 MI) east of Puerto Escondido, Huatulco 36 beaches attract tourists from all over the world.