Forget Cancun and its glitzy (however jam-packed) Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta and its notorious occasion scene, and Los Cabos’ golden-sand seashores and splendid resorts:
The greatest seashore vacation spot in Mexico this yr, as elected by voters of the Food and Travel Reader Awards, is none aside from Puerto Escondido. As the identify suggests, a real ‘hidden’ spot of the Mexican Pacific but to be spoiled by mass tourism.
Located on the coast of Oaxaca, this laid-back seashore city has all of it: the golden sands, the nice and cozy, azure seas, spectacular ranges of security, and even higher, Americans can fly there nonstop!


Puerto Escondido Is The True Hidden Gem You’ve Been Waiting To Discover
In latest years, so much has been stated concerning the rising ranges of gentrification alongside the Mexican coast, be it the Caribbean or Pacific aspect. Tourist locations like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo have taken the brunt of it, and as some may argue, barely really feel like Mexico anymore:
We’re speaking sky-high costs, a dollarized financial system that is hardly reflective of the particular residing prices on the bottom, the truth that English has basically develop into a lingua franca in sure areas, as a result of inflow of American expats, and so forth.
Don’t get us improper, we nonetheless love vacationing within the Mayan Riviera, and Cabo’s our go-to coastal getaway once we’re eager on splurging just a little and pampering ourselves, however there is not any denying that is not the actual Mexico.


Mexico’s Official Best Destination This Year
If you are searching for a style of Me-ji-co away from the standard crowds, Puerto Escondido is the place it is at: a peaceable seashore city set alongside the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, it’s house to truly-unspoiled seashores, an up-and-coming nightlife scene, and a myriad of inexpensive stays.
It’s no marvel it has been topped Mexico’s Best Destination this yr.
Its principal stretch of sand is named ‘Principal Beach’, and it is backed by tall palm timber and conventional thatch-roofed bars, the place you may normally get a cocktail for underneath $6, and renting a lounger for the day will price round $10–16.
A cut price.


If vacationers go to Oaxaca (the state capital) for colonial structure and Old World charm, these headed to Puerto Escondido are after one factor, and one factor solely: paradisaical seashores stretching for miles on finish, and if that resonates with you, relaxation assured you have come to the suitable place.
The Municipal Beach is the busiest spot on the town, because of its central location near most guesthouses and motels, however Zicatela is equally stylish, and well-known with surfers and watersports fans for its Mexican Pipeline surf break.
For calmer seas and a family-friendly atmosphere, close by La Punta Beach is the place try to be headed. As for the iconic secretive spot, nestled in a semi-hidden cove, sandwiched between steep coastal cliffs, you are most likely considering Carrizalillo, the postcard seashore for Puerto Escondido.


Puerto Escondido Is Cheaper Than You Might Think
In basic, costs in Puerto Escondido are on the cheaper finish in comparison with different coastal locations in Mexico, significantly the overpriced Caribbean:
A meal at a street-style eatery prices $6–8, whereas a sit-down meal in a better-quality restaurant, with perhaps an appetizer and a drink, will set you again $18.
Hotels are equally inexpensive, with Budget Your Trip estimating a 3-day stint in a mid-range resort in Puerto Escondido averages $193.
You can go overboard and pay a whole lot of {dollars} an evening in an all-inclusive keep, however this mannequin of tourism isn’t as inherent part of the tradition right here as it’s in, say, Cancun.


One Of The Safest Beach Destinations In Mexico
Affordability apart, Puerto Escondido ranks among the many least-risky seashore locations in Mexico.
Though we would not precisely encourage you to let your guard down in public areas, or in different phrases, depart objects unattended on public seashores, the security considerations you may be going through listed below are much like these in each main vacationer vacation spot.
As lengthy as you utilize widespread sense, keep conscious of your environment, keep away from no-go, suburban zones vacationers haven’t any enterprise venturing into anyway, and do not paint a goal by yourself again by strolling round displaying flashy watches and jewellery, likelihood is you may be completely high-quality.
Puerto Escondido can be administered by the state of Oaxaca, which, based on U.S. authorities, is formally a Level 2 vacation spot: Americans aren’t discouraged from visiting, however they’re suggested to train warning.


Fly Nonstop To Puerto Escondido From Dallas
Just this month, American Airlines launched its inaugural nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Escondido, including a substitute for prospects who’ve been feeling the Mexican Caribbean fatigue as of late.
In operation since December 3, 2025, flights depart from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) each Wednesday and Saturday, with round-trip fares averaging solely $450.
More data on the flights might be seen beneath:
Outbound
- Departure from DW: 10:10 AM native time
- Arrival in Puerto Escondido (PXM): 1:15 PM native time
- Flight length: 3h25
Return
- Departure from PXM: 2:05 PM native time
- Arrival in DFW: 5:20 PM native time
- Flight length: 3h15
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