Taking the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight: What to Know
Looking into flights to puerto escondido oaxaca?
You’re in the right place because I’ve done the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight before. In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about taking this flight so you know if it’s right for you.
For those who have the budget, the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is by taking a flight. It is also the most expensive, but it’s just 45 minutes compared to 7-10 hours of drive time.
For Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido flights, you have two options — AeroTucan and AeroVega. As I’ve personally done the AeroTucan flight, you’ll get all my pro tips on that below (though there’s also info for the AeroVega flight).
Ready to learn how to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City by plane? Let’s get to it!
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight
Wondering, Can you fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido? Yes, you can, and in fact, the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido direct flight is the most convenient, quickest, and most expensive option.
Two companies have flights from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, AeroTucan and AeroVega. Each company has just one flight per day — so don’t wait till the last minute to book your flight.
With both, you’ll take a 6-8 seater plane; if you’ve never been in a small plane before, watch this video to see if it seems comfortable.
From the airport, you can book private transportation to your Puerto Escondido hotel, rent a car in Puerto Escondido, or take a taxi.
⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca City, no Uber in Puerto Escondido, and no Uber in Oaxaca state anywhere. There’s also no Lyft in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight
✈️ My Personal experience taking this flight
I took the AeroTucan Oaxaca flight to Puerto Escondido, and really enjoyed it. However, this is a small plane, and it’s a lot shakier than a large airplane.
If you have claustrophobia, or don’t handle turbulence well, you might want to opt for this private driver, or take the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido ADO bus.
Is Aerotucan safe?
From my personal experience taking the AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight, it was perfectly safe. The Aerotucan safety protocol was like any other airline.
🎫 How do I buy tickets for Aerotucan flights?
AeroTucan Contact Info
• AeroTucan phone number: 1-800-640-4148
• AeroTucan local phone number: (+52) 951-502-0840
If you want to take the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight with AeroTúcan, you have to book in advance via phone or at the Oaxaca Airport.
Keep in mind you might not get an English-speaking agent via phone, so have a Spanish-speaking friend or acquaintance nearby to help.
You also have the option to buy directly at the airport, as the Oaxaca Airport is just a short cab ride from downtown Oaxaca City. However, know there may or may not be an agent when you arrive, so the phone is usually a better option.
⏳ Buy your tickets in advance
If you want to take the AeroTucan Puerto Escondido flight, you’ll want to get your ticket as far in advance of your flight as possible.
As there’s usually just one daily flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, you’ll want to make sure you can travel on your preferred day.
✈️ AeroTucan Flight schedule
Have a look at the image above for the AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight schedule.
This has been their schedule for some time now, but know they can change it at any time, so also double check the AeroTucan flight schedule online.
💸 How much are ticket for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight?
One way flights on AeroTúcan average about $3,000-3,500 pesos ($150-175 USD).
Yes, this is a lot more than most other options, but it’s also a lot more convenient as flights are only about 30-45 minutes, whereas the drive takes seven hours by car, and 10 hours by bus.
🤑 Oaxaca Travel Tips: AeroTucan offers a 15% discount on all Thursday flights.
🧳 Do you have heavy luggage?
The final thing to keep in mind is luggage weight. You’re allowed 33 pounds (15 kg) on AeroTucan, which is about 20 pounds less than larger airlines allow.
My luggage was over, and I ended up with a surprise $50 USD fee. Other than that, I loved the flight and will take it again.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
AeroVega Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight
AeroVega is owned and operated by the pilot, Juan Carlos Vega. Much like with AeroTucan, he operates a small plane with just six seats in total.
If you’ve never been on a single-engine plane of this size, check out the YouTube video above of a real experience on this flight.
If it doesn’t seem like it’s for you, and you have the budget, consider hiring a driver and private car. If you’re traveling with a group, splitting this ends up costing about the same as the plane does.
You can also rent a car, or take the ADO bus to Puerto Escondido.
🎫 How do I book tickets for Aerovega flights?
AeroVega Contact Info
• AeroVega phone number: (+44) 954-588-0062
• AeroVega local phone number: (+52) 951-516-4982
• AeroVega email: aerovegapto@hotmail.com
💸 How much are ticket for Aerovega flights?
The flight costs about $2,000-$2,500 pesos ($100-125 USD), which you will pay in cash (pesos), and book directly with Juan Vega.
While this may seem unconventional, I have met people who have flown with AeroVega, and it is a legit company — though there’s no website. Looking for Aerovega reviews? Head here.
AeroVega usually only offers one flight per day, so book as far in advance as you can by calling or emailing the Captain Juan Vega using his contact information above.
If you’re unable to reach him (I was), you can always book with AeroTucan instead.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
How do I get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Wondering, How do I get to Puerto Escondido over land? If the Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido flight isn’t for you after all, you have four more options for traveling to Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
Check out all your Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido options below, with some info on the cost and amount of time each will take. You can click on any link for the pros and cons of each one, or to book.
- Private car with a driver: 7+ hours, about $359 USD per car
- Rental car: 7+ hours. The average price for a standard car is about $30 USD per day (not including gas)
- ADO Puerto Escondido Bus: 10+ hours, about $50 USD per person
- Shared van (AKA Colectivo or Camioneta): 8+ hours, about $15 USD per person. The two most popular are Villa del Pacífico and Service Express.
What’s the best way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Your best way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca will come down to two things: budget and time.
The one other thing to consider is if you get carsick, as this drive is known to cause it. If you’re prone to carsickness, consider the flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
Personally, I opt for comfort on long trips, even if it means paying more money. For this reason, I go with this private driver to Puerto Escondido, or the flight which cuts the journey time way down.
If you rent your own car for the trip, check out this article, Renting A Car in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know, before you do
🚌 ADO Buses to Puerto Escondido
To keep it budget friendly, but still comfortable, head to the bus station in Oaxaca City and take the direct bus to Puerto Escondido.
It’s a long drive, as the bus takes 10+ hours, but you can take the overnight bus. You can easily sleep through the trip, as the departure time for this bus is usually 10pm or 11pm. ▶ Check the ADO bus schedule here.
Is there a Mexico City to Puerto Escondido flight?
Yes — There are several daily direct flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido out of Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX). You can book your Puerto Escondido flight here.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
Private Car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Besides the flight, the safest, easiest and more comfortable option is to hire a private car or van to drive you to Puerto Escondido.
It offers a nice way to see Oaxaca State on the drive, and you’ll pass though cool mountain towns like San Jose del Pacifico. You can request bathroom breaks and snack breaks to sample the local Oaxaca food as needed.
The drive takes about 6-7 hours in normal traffic, which is the same as it takes in a rental car — only you don’t have to do the driving.
The drive to Puerto Escondido is through the mountains so very windy but our driver did a superb job managing the roads and our needs. Highly recommend!
Abby M. (read more reviews)
As you’ll see on this map below, many don’t like to drive on the road from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido because it’s quite curvy.
The cost for a one way trip is about $359 USD, for up to three passengers.
When traveling with a group, this ends up being the most convenient, comfortable and a pretty economical way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City, at about $120 USD each.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Drive (Rental Car)
- Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido distance: About 160 miles (258 km)
- Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido driving time: About 7-8 hours
- For a complete guide, head to Renting A Car in Oaxaca Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
The drive from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido Mexico is beautiful, but do consider a midsize rental car or SUV. You’ll be on a very curvy mountain road with lots of switchback turns, that’s frankly not well maintained in all areas.
As mentioned, this is a bumpy and curvy road (see map image below), which is notoriously bad for anyone prone to carsickness and/or motion sickness.
If you don’t do so well in cars on road trips, remember to pack your non-drowsy Dramamine, or whatever helps you on the road. 🚨 Note: Make sure it’s the non-drowsy version, or you’ll pass out!
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
What’s the best place for Oaxaca car rentals?
For the best selection, there are several Oaxaca Airport car rental companies to choose from. 🤔 Wondering, What’s the Oaxaca Airport code? It’s OAX.
Head to Discover Cars and see what’s available, as sometimes you’ll get a better deal on your car rental in Oaxaca in the Centro Historico or Reforma neighborhoods, versus the airport.
🚙💨 I personally use Discover Cars whenever I rent a car in Mexico. I also opt for their full coverage insurance, which is the cheapest I’ve found at only about $10 USD per day!
Note: You are legally required to have Mexico driving insurance when renting a car in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Map
Use this map for the drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido — but download the offline map, as your cell signal will go in and out when driving to Puerto Escondido.
Note that for much of the drive, you’ll be on winding roads roads that aren’t well-maintained or well-lit in all areas. If you get car sick or are prone to motion sickness, remember to bring Dramamine.
🚧 Highway 175 or Highway 131: Which is better?
There are two main routes to take when getting from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido — Highway 175 and Highway 131.
Highway 131 is the faster and shorter route at 160 miles (258 km), however Highway 175 is better maintained. It is 197-miles-long (317 km), and takes about 30-60 minutes longer than Highway 131.
⚠️ oaxaca to puerto escondido new highway
This road has been in the works for decades, but there has been progress made on the new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. You can read that details in the liked article.
Once completed, the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway will not only shorten drive times — it will cut the drive duration in half! It will also give travelers a much more comfortable road to drive on.
Want to monitor the progress? Check this article for updates on the Oaxaca Puerto Escondido Highway.
🚙 tips for driving your rental car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
1. Start the drive early so you arrive in Puerto Escondido before the sun goes down, as it’s not safe to drive at night. The drive takes 7-8 hours, so hit the road by 10am to be safe.
2. Consider a full size car or SUV, as the roads are bumpy in many areas. If you’re visiting in the Oaxaca rainy season (April to October), a larger car really helps for driving on the muddy roads that can get washed out in some places.
3. Don’t forget to bring non-drowsy Dramamine if you get car-sick.
There are also homeopathic remedies, like anti-nausea ginger chewables, anti-motion sickness wristbands and the anti-motion sickness patch, if you prefer natural remedies.
4. Have at least two drivers in the car, just in case one gets car-sick while driving from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
5. Double check the rental car fees if you don’t plan to drive back from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City. Many Mexico car rental companies charge a hefty fee when you don’t return the car to the same place you rented it from.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
Is it safe to drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Wondering, Is it safe to drive in Oaxaca Mexico? For the vast majority of travelers, yes, it is perfectly safe to drive in Oaxaca. The Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido drive, though long, is also considered safe for tourists.
The one caveat here is that you’ll be driving in a foreign country, where you’re unfamiliar with Mexico driving laws.
Luckily, it’s not too dissimilar than in the United States or Canada, so just have a look at the Mexico driving tips below, and enjoy your trip to Puerto Escondido.
🚗💨 12 Useful Mexico Driving Tips
1. Rent with a reputable company! As they say, “you get what you pay for.” For a reliable Oaxaca car rental company, use Discover Cars to search what’s available, and pick a place with great ratings.
2. Avoid driving at night. When you live in Mexico as long as I have, you start to realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if they can. If you do drive at night, stick to only the main roads, toll roads and well-lit highways.
3. Always use the couta roads (toll roads). Yes, they cost money, but they are much better maintained and generally considered safer. Mexico Travel Tips: Bring cash (pesos) for the tolls.
4. Download an offline map. Your cell signal will go in and out as you travel through rural areas of Oaxaca, so download an offline map from Google or Maps.Me.
You’ll also want to download some podcasts and music while you’re getting that map.
5. Speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. You don’t have to worry about conversion math here; just make sure the speed limit sign number matches your car’s speedometer number.
6. Do not use your cell phone while you’re driving. Not only is this unsafe, it is also illegal. In fact, even having your phone in your hand is a ticket-able offense, so try not to even hold your phone while driving.
7. The rumors are true about the cops accepting bribes. If the cops pull you over, and they usually only will if you give them a reason to, they will expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.
8. Mexican roads are notorious for their abundant amount of topes (speed bumps). Make sure you keep your eyes on the road, as topes don’t always have signs alerting you to them.
9. Mexico’s gas stations are not self-serve. When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take your payment.
Many of these attendants live off tips, so when they finish, it’s customary to tip at least $10-20 pesos ($0.50-$1 USD).
10. Mexico’s traffic lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light.
11. Make sure you purchase Mexican car insurance. You are usually not covered in any way through your U.S. company when you drive in any other country, and you do legally need Mexican car insurance to drive in Mexico.
12. Most travel insurance policies cover driving. In case you’re wondering Should I get travel insurance for Mexico? The answer is hell yes!
🤔 Is the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Drive safe to do alone?
While I am a huge proponent of Mexico solo travel, this isn’t a drive to do alone. Since a lot of people get sick on this drive, you’ll want to have at least two people who can drive.
If this all sounds too risky, book the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido private shuttle instead.
⚠️ OAXACA Bloqueos (Road Protests)
Though not common, road protests in Oaxaca (known as bloqueos, or blockades) do happen from time to time, and can add hours to the trip.
These bloqueos happen when locals are protesting and essentially shut down the road that passes through their part of town. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict these, and no way to tell how long they will last when they do happen.
As an absolute worst case scenario, I have heard of people having to stay the night in the town the bloqueo is happening in — though this is extremely rare.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
Oaxaca to Chacahua National Park
Headed to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park near Puerto Escondido? Smart choice! Chacahua has some of the best beaches in Oaxaca, and the smallest crowds. It’s one of my favorite places in Oaxaca State.
There are no direct Oaxaca City to Chacahua transport options (yet), so you’ll want to fly to Puerto Escondido Airport, or book this private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
From Puerto Escondido, you can book private transportation to Chacahua, or take a taxi or colectivo to the small town of Zapotalito, then the boat to Chacahua.
🏝 Looking for the best Chacahua hotels? Check out Porã Chacahua, Cabañas La Isla Chacahua and Cabañas Alta Mar Chacahua.
Puerto Escondido Travel Guide & FAQ
Where is Puerto Escondido located?
Puerto Escondido, usually just called Puerto by the locals, is located in Oaxaca State, in Southern Mexico.
It sits right on the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the best surf towns in Mexico, but also one of the most popular bohemian beach towns in Mexico.
🗺️ Puerto Escondido Map
🏨 Looking for Puerto Escondido hotels? Check out all the best resorts and best hotels in Puerto Escondido here.
📍 How far is Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City?
The Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City distance is about 160 miles (258 km), or 197 miles (317 km), depending on the road you take.
The Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City drive time is about 7-8 hours — which is why many opt for the private driver to Puerto Escondido.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
What’s the best airport for Puerto Escondido?
Wondering, Is there an airport in Puerto Escondido? and Can you fly to Puerto Escondido? The answer is yes! There’s Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM), located minutes from the beaches.
To get to your Puerto Escondido resort, you can book a private airport shuttle, rent a car or take a taxi. 🚕💨 Note: There’s no Uber in Puerto Escondido, and no Lyft in Puerto Escondido.
What’s the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
Weather-wise, the best time to visit any of the Mexico beaches is from November to March, during the dry season.
🌡️ Puerto Escondido Weather chart
It can rain quite a bit during the Oaxaca rainy season of April to October, when it’s also quite humid and buggy (so don’t forget your mosquito spray 🦟).
November to March is also the Oaxaca high season, or busy season — so expect larger crowds and higher prices. October and April are considered Mexico shoulder season months, where you’ll likely have nice weather, but also lower price tags.
🐳 Best time to see whales in Puerto Escondido
The Oaxaca whale season runs from about November to April, when several species of whales migrate past the coast of Oaxaca State.
The best time to see whales in Oaxaca is from December to March, when you can book a Puerto Escondido boat tour to see them.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flights
What are the best hotels in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is one of the best Mexico beach towns, so you’ll of course want to stay at one of these Puerto Escondido hotels on the beach, or as close to one as possible.
The best beaches in Puerto Escondido Mexico are Playa Zicatela, Playa La Punta, Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho and Playa Manzanillo.
🏝️ Hotel Escondido ($$$$)
Though the decor is rustic-chic, the service is 5 Star luxury all the way at Hotel Escondido, one of the best Oaxaca boutique hotels in the entire state.
It is the perfect place to disconnect from it all, in one of their private beachfront bungalows.
This is a gorgeous boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant, located on a private beach area about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido near Casa Wabi art gallery.
Do note that Hotel Escondido is on the outskirts of town, so you’ll want a rental car to get around.
🏝️ VILLAS CARRIZALILLO ($$$)
Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below — with million dollar views at a reasonable price tag.
Each villa has a dining area and seating area with TV; some also have a terrace and a kitchenette. There’s a gorgeous pool and restaurant onsite with complimentary breakfast.
🏝️ CASA UMI ($$-$$$)
I stayed here for about a week, and highly recommend Casa UMI.
It is located just four blocks from Playa La Punta in the boho chic La Punta neighborhood. The room was huge, with cold AC and a comfy bed, high end finishes in the bathroom, and a private hammock by the pool.
🏝️ SelIna Puerto Escondido Hostel ($-$$)
One of the top names in hostels worldwide, Selina Hostel has a location in a quieter area of Playa Zicatela.
They are known to have the best WiFi in Puerto Escondido, as well as a tropical garden with swimming pool and a restaurant/bar. Private rooms and shared dorms available.
After a long journey getting to Puerto Escondido, Selina Oaxaca Hostel is a nice place to lay your head!
Final Thoughts: Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flights
For travelers who have the budget, the fastest and easiest option for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido trip is to take the flight. Keep in mind that these flights are on small planes — so if that makes you uncomfortable, consider the drive.
Your most comfortable option for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido drive is to hire this private car with a driver. They will drive you from your hotel in Oaxaca City to your hotel in Puerto Escondido, with door to door service.
The six-hour drive in on a curvy mountain road with a lot of switchback turns, and it’s not well-maintained in all areas. If you have any trepidation about that — book your private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido now!
No matter which way you choose, you’re in for a treat. There are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido, beaches to explore and amazing Puerto Escondido tours, that the trek there is absolutely worth the effort.