Puerto Escondido is a traditional Mexican fishing village located 280 km south of the city of Oaxaca and 110 km west of Huatulco Bay in an area known as the Emerald Coast for its magnificent jade-green waters.
Puerto Escondido offers all the commodities of a splendid tourist destination enriched with traditional Oaxacan coast culture.The diverse beaches in Puerto Escondido are one of its major attractions, varying in types of sand, waves and rocky slopes. Playa Principal, is one of the calm beaches in the city, offering kiosks and changing rooms; while Marineros is ideal for novice surfers and Zicatela, considered one of the top 10 surfing locations in the world.
Other popular beaches include Barra de Colotepec, a turtle zone; Bacocho, an open beach with gentle waves ideal for diving; Playa Embarcadero, suitable for skiing and sailing; and Carrizalillo, a bay area perfect for swimming and boat trips. Puerto Angelito, a small bay next to Puerto Escondido, is another great place to visit. Its natural pool, with transparent waters, is ideal for recreational swimming.
The nightlife will satisfy anyone dedicated to late nights and good music. For dining suggestions you will find a smorgasbord of sidewalk cafes, tableclothed restaurants and rustic palapas on the beach.
Puerto Escondido is also renowned for its Turtle Assistance Ecological Camp, located a few miles from the port, and The Living Museum of Sea Turtles, The museum is designed to protect sea turtles and prevent extinction and displays a variety of sea turtles that inhabit Mexico’s shores.
Shopping is another diversion in Puerto Escondido. Local merchandise includes everything from leather ware, cotton/woolen textiles, tinwork and ceramics to stone work, jewelry and the black pottery typical of Oaxaca State.
Language spoken in Puerto Escondido Spanish. English widely spoken in most areas. Currency and exchange used in Puerto Escondido The Mexican Peso is the local currency. Most hotels have a money exchange office on site. US dollars can be exchanged in banks only. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards. ATM's are not easy to find and the Cirrus system is not compatible everywhere. Please be advised that effective December 1, 2012, local purchases in Mexico can only be paid using Mexican pesos or credit card. Passengers can exchange their USD or CAD currency at the departing or arriving airports, a currency exchange service in destination, and some hotel lobbies (subject to availability). Voltage in Puerto Escondido 110V (same as Canada and US) Vacation packing checklist Click here for a vacation packing checklists
While on vacation in Puerto Escondido
Sunwing suggests the recommendations below while traveling on vacation to Puerto Escondido to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Resort Check-in Information
Please have your Sunwing hotel voucher ready for check-in at the hotel's reception. Based upon your arrival and check-in time, it is possible that your room may not be ready. Pack your bathing suit, shorts and sunscreen in your carry-on so that you can enjoy the facilities until your room is available.
Welcome Briefing
Our welcome briefing provides valuable information on Puerto Escondido, your hotel services, money exchange, shopping, and excursions. We will also inform you about the departure procedure and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to attend yours.
Help in Destination
Your friendly Sunwing destination representative is available in Puerto Escondido should you require assistance. Please check the Sunwing Vacations information boards or binders located in your hotel for a schedule of when your Sunwing destination representative is available.
Drinking Water
It is recommended that you drink bottled water while in Puerto Escondido. Most hotels offer bottled water in your hotel room and can also be purchased in the hotel's shop and in grocery stores. The ice and drinking water served in the hotels are generally made from purified water.
Long Distance Calls
Long distance telephone charges in Puerto Escondido can be quite expensive. It is recommended to make a collect call or use your calling card. Service charges may apply when calling from your hotel room.
Safety Deposit Boxes
Please use your safety deposit box for all your valuables, cash and travel documents. Some hotels in Puerto Escondido provide safety deposit boxes free of charge while others may require a nominal fee. You will be required to pay a penalty fee if you lose the key.
Resort Safety
Traveling to foreign destinations can be very exhilarating. Tourists must be aware that potential problems and risks to your personal safety could exist anywhere. Please use the same personal safety precautions and common sense on your vacation that you would at home e.g. apply sunscreen frequently, do not swim alone and do not display cash. Avoid venturing out alone and beware of dark or isolated areas.
Taxes and Tipping
Generally, taxes are automatically added to purchases. The tipping percentage is similar to that at home. If you receive good service, please express your gratitude and offer a tip.
Your Flight Home
Please check the Sunwing Vacations information boards or binders located in your hotel to reconfirm your flight from Puerto Escondido and its departure time. As a friendly reminder, make sure that you have packed your flight documents, medication, or any articles that you must have with you at all times in your carry-on luggage. Seat selection is on a first come, first serve basis at the airport, unless previously booked and paid for prior to your departure.
Documents needed to visit Puerto Escondido Canadian Citizens please click here Non-Canadian citizens please contact the Mexican consulate or embassy for information.
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