PUERTO ESCONDIDO

INFORMATION GUIDE
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PUERTO ESCONDIDO Safety and General Info
OAXACA TRAVEL GUIDE
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Mazunte (Magic Town) / San Agustinillo / Zipolite
Laguna de Chacahua
San Jose del Pacifico
 Safety & General Information

Coming to Puerto Escondido youll find beautiful beaches, delicious food, interesting people,
plenty of sunshine and dancing. However, in order to have as much fun as possible its important
to be aware of the potential dangers.

Beaches and the Waves

Be cautious while swimming in the ocean, the undertow can be very strong.

Watch for the signals from lifeguards, and pay attention to the colors of the flags red is
dangerous, yellow is potentially dangerous and green is safe.

Even in the green zone, the current can be strong and it can carry you out to sea. Playa Zicatela
has some of the biggest, strongest and most dangerous waves in the world. Even the small ones
break with great force. Also be sure to stay aware of the giant rocks on many of the beaches.

Getting Cash
Banks:
This is the safest and quickest way to get cash during your stay. All Banks are located either in
the city center, at the street El Moro (Zicatela), or the Adoquin street.

Credit Cards:
Most places in Puerto Escondido dont accept credit cards so be sure to bring the cash you need
when you go out.

XOOM Money Transfer:

Xoom is a PayPal company that you can use to wire yourself money from your own bank for only
$5 USD per transfer using a computer or smartphone app. Using XOOM you can send up to
$3,000 USD to yourself or anyone else in the world with a Xoom account. If you choose to use
Xoom, you can pick up your money at the Banco Azteca Electra across from the Mercado in the
city center.

Note: You will most likely need to wait a couple of days after signing up for XOOM before being
able to use the service.

Be Aware & Stay Safe!

Dont walk alone on the beach at night. There have been reports of people being physically
and sexually assaulted or mugged after dark, especially in La Punta.
Dont buy or take drugs from anyone. They could be cops or undercover agents.
Dont smoke marijuana, urinate or have sex in public. Police are always on the lookout and
you will be arrested on the spot and taken to jail.
Dont carry too much money with you. Leave your wallet passport and all other valuables
in the safe/locker of your hostel/hotel. Only bring the money you want to spend during
your outing.
Watch out for scorpions and other creepy crawlers. Always check your shoes, bags and
clothes before putting them on or reaching your hand inside. Even though a sting wont kill
you if you are healthy, they do hurt and the worst ones can make you sick and immobile,
sometimes for days.

What to do if you get arrested.

Stay calm, be respectful and follow their orders. If youre lucky, youll only be required to pay a
fine, usually between 500 & 1,500 pesos depending on the offense and your attitude. If you have
the money on you, wait until they take you to the station for processing. After that, usually they
will let you know the fee amount and you can pay them and bereleased on the spot. If you dont
have the money for the fine, call a trusted friend or anyone else that can bring you the money
while you stay in the holding cell. If you dont have any way to pay the fine, youll most likely be
kept in the holding cell for up to two days before being released.

Emergency & General Contact Information:

NOTE: Dial (954) before each number.
Emergencies: Health:
Fire Department: 104-2494 General Hospital: 115-0294
Civil Protection: 582-3538 Red Cross: 582-0550
Health Centre: 582-2360
Police: Air Transportation:
Tourist Police: 582-3439 Airport Puerto Escondido:
Transit: 582-0080 582-0492 / 582-0977 / 582-0982
Bus Transportation: Other:
Buy a bus tickets anywhere in Mexico online: Taxi: 582-0990
www.ticketbus.com.mx Tourist Information Gina Machorro:
582-0276 GinaInPuerto@yahoo.com
 Travel Guide
Day and overnight trips outside of Puerto Escondido: Have Fun & Stay Safe!

How to Get To:

Mazunte (Pueblo Magico) / San Agustinillo

From Puerto Escondido: Take a bus to Pochutla from ADO bus station, but ask the driver to drop
you off at San Antonio, in front of OXXO. (Convenience store) The trip will last about 1 hour and
30 minutes and the fare is MX$35. From San Antonio, take a colectivo taxi van to Mazune for
MX$15 or taxi for about MX$50. (depends on your haggling skills)

The only route between PE and the beach area that includes Mazunte is by Hwy 200. Catch any
bus headed for Pochutla, the city closest to those beaches. However, I recommend that you don't
go all the way to Pochutla as you will have to backtrack and lose time to get out to the beaches. If
you don't want to do that, ask the bus driver to let you out at the San Antonio crossroads (say
bajame en el cruce de San Antonio). This is the western intersection that leads into the beach
area. From the crossroads you can either get a taxi or one of the blue-tarped pickup truck that
are the colectivo taxi van (much cheaper). They will then take you east along the beach road and
Mazunte will be the first major stop.
To Zipolite
Travel via Mazunte and San Agustinillo on wards to Zipolite, simply hail a driver and ask to stop
at Roca Blanca. The colectivos do not operate after dark, your only option is a taxi which will be
more expensive depending on the time.

From Puerto Angel

Puerto Angel is located to the west of Zipolite, to get here take a colectivo taxi but be sure to ask
for Roca Blanca which is located at the east end of Zipolite.
 Laguna de Chacahua

Chacahua lagoon and national park is well worth a visit.

It was after the first rain in May. The sky was grey above, below the day was hot and tranquil. The
route laid out was to Zapolito, a small town beyond Rio Grande, a little more than one hour from
Puerto Escondido, our destination Chacahua lagoon and national park.

This rich ecosystem is home to 163 types of birds according to the official numbers (CONAM,
PROFEPA and SEMARNAT) which are distributed throughout 14,187 hectares.

Getting to Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua

The starting point for boat trips along the lagoons to Chacahua village is the small fishing village
of Zapotalito, at the eastern end of Laguna La Pastora, 63km from Puerto Escondido.

From Puerto Escondido, take a minibus bound for Pinotepa Nacional from Av Hidalgo 5
(departures about every 20 minutes, 4am to 8pm) and get out at the Zapotalito turnoff (M$40,
1 hours), 58km from Puerto (and 8km past the town of Ro Grande). From the turning, taxis will
shuttle you the 5km to Zapotalito for M$60 (M$15 colectivo).

Competing boat cooperatives offer lancha services from Zapotalito to Chacahua village, charging
M$840/1120 one way/round trip for up to 10 people. The round-trip option lasts about four
hours, including about two hours at Chacahua. When there is sufficient traffic, colectivo services
run for M$150/200 per person one way/round trip. All prices go up about 40% at peak holiday
times such as ChristmasNew Year's and Semana Santa.

For drivers, a mostly unpaved road heads 27km south to Chacahua village from San Jos del
Progreso on Hwy 200. It's passable for normal cars except when waterlogged, which it often is
between May and November.

From Puerto Escondido you have several options. If the road is in decent condition, you can take a
cab to directly to the mainland point in Chacahua for about $60 USD.

However, that can become difficult during the rainy season. If you do take a cab to the point, it's
just a two-minute crossing to the island by boat. The cab ride to the point is usually a very dusty
one.

A more common option is to take a cab to Zapotalito $35 -40 USD, but the least expensive way
to go (by far) is take a bus from Puerto Escondido to Rio Grande, and from there take a colectivo
taxi or truck to Zapotalito but make sure to allow several hours for transit using this method. If
you are flying in to Puerto and want to get to Chacahua the same day, take a taxi and you might
be able to catch the last collectivo boat, otherwise hire your own boat for $25-$35 USD.

Once in Zapotalito you have a few options. You can hire your own boat and take a private ride
through the lagoons to Chacahua (this takes about 30 to 40 minutes). If you ask and get lucky (as
this woman did), you might even get a chance to captain the boat (thanks Andres!).

You can also take a colectivo boat to Chacahua. This takes the same amount of time on the water.
You usually have to wait until there are enough people to fill a boat, but it's a less-expensive way
to get there.
A third option is to take a colectivo boat to the closest end of the island to this boat dock.

And then catch a colectivo truck for a bumpy 20-30 minute ride to Chacahua. This is the most
economical means of transportation to Chacahua but it isn't as pretty as the longer boat ride.

Private Boat Tours and Colectivos

For information on private boat tours or colectivo boats from Zapotalito, contact Eustolio or Uriel
at 954-559-3636.

Accommodation in Chacahua
Camping is what you do here! Its FREE and you just have to consume something food and drinks.
Very cheap. Always tip.

Camping at Posada el Tigre (other side of the river)

Private rooms or camping at Posada El Piojo or at any of the place in the island
is good!!
Things To Do in Chacahua
KAYAK the lagoon through the mangle forest. Its another world in there. A most!
Ask for Enrique (a local)

GO to the other side of the river

La PIEDRA beach other side of the river. Always peaceful!

The SUNSET at El Faro across the river (ask around)

 San Jose del Pacifico

Go to the bus station, take a bus to Pochutla and then grab a collective for M$95 per person that
drops you off at San Jose del Pacifco.

The drive itself takes about 3-3.5hours and it such an enjoyable journey. The air-conditioned
minivan is extremely comfortable and the views alone will make those hours fly by. After two-
hours, there is a pit stop in a local town called Mihuahcan, where you can stock up on water, some
snacks. There is also a bathroom available for 3MXN.

Once off the highway, you will find yourself catching flies as the mountainous twists and turns of
San Jos Del Pacfico approach and the collectivo climbs its way into heaven. Upon arrival, the van
stops outside at a local restaurant located on the one (small) main road that runs through the
town. Were talking tiny here. This is where you can catch the collective back to Oaxaca City, or
onwards to coast.
San Jos Del Pacfico Bus Timetable

Accommodation in San Jos Del Pacfico

Cabaas Pacifico

The shuttle will leave you at Cabaas Pacifico, rooms rage from MXN 150 to Mxn250. Also, you
can rent cabins for MXN 500 to MXN 700 with beautiful views over the valley, all wood with
chimney and private bathroom. There were lots of tourists in town, and plenty of restaurants and
hotels to serve them.

You can hike Cerro Nube, the highest mountain in Oaxaca, which is nearby.
El Atrapado Sueo Hostal
You will delight at the sight of the first hostel called El Atrapado Sueo. Its located on the corner to your right;
the bad news is if you keep walking there are much cheaper hostels up ahead.

90MXN (4.50) per person per bed in a dorm room.

La Cumbre Hostel

Up the steps on your left hand side is the La Cumbre Hostel fronted with a sign. You wont miss
it. The price of 100MXN (5) for a private double room plus shared bathroom. You could fork out
on a 300MXN (15) to have a private bathroom but honestly, there is no need for it.

Either way La Cumbres drug-den looking graffiti bedrooms all look the same. Once you
realize you have somewhat your own balcony with unbelievable mountain views and hammocks,
you wont be spending too much time in your room anyway.

The shared bathroom is spotlessly clean, with about 8 toilet cubicles and very little light at night.
So bring torch or your phone. There are showers and for a decent hot shower you will need to
give a little notice and pay 20MXN (1). Oh, and there is no WiFi here, which is normal. Switch off
and enjoy that little perk. I know I did!

The rooftop restaurant is such a nice touch. Climb up a ladder-style staircase and pinch yourself.
What you have here is breakfast, lunch and dinner all with an unforgettable view. The food itself
is home cooked and drool-worthy.

From the biggest and most stuffed Tlayudas weve seen, to the tastiest omelettes and chicken
soup; dont even get me started on the hot chocolate! Whatever way they make it, its a sweet yet
slightly spicy dance party in your mouth.
Casa de Catalina:
From some of the blogs we read online, majority of travellers had discovered and stayed at Casa
de Catalina. A home owned and ran by one of San Jose del Pacificos most loved, and all for
70MXN per night, with meals included.

Reading all the homely tales, the first thing we did upon arrival was ask for directions to this casa.
Unfortunately, we were told that Casa de Catalina no longer runs as a hostel. Were sad to say we
dont have further information than that but while rambling we did come across the house, gates
locked and little life around it.

Things To Do in San Jos Del Pacfico

Nothing.
Thats our first recommendation. We took a day and did absolutely nothing. We lazed in
hammocks, stared into the landscape and enjoyed the company of fellow travellers. Some off their
nut on mushrooms which was highly entertaining (but not at all uncomfortable, worrying or
annoying) it was an experience just to chat to them.

Chilling on the balcony, watching the sun disappear and the moon take over, we lit candles,
enjoyed a sing-a-long and wowed as the clouds fell from the sky forming this thick blanket around
the once clear view. As the clouds set, the black skies shine allowing the stars to sparkle. The best
part was when the moon started to set amongst the clouds and we then too watched it disappear.
Lads, you couldnt write it, as ironic as that sounds.

(foto taken at Cabaas Pacifico)

Take a Hike:
Itll cost you nothing yet will leave you rich. Its also a must do and you will be asked numerous
times if you have been up there yet? You think you are high above sea level now, wait until you
take a trek.

As you walk out of La Cumbre take an immediate left and follow the pathway straight up. The
usual applies; good walking shoes, bring lots of water and give yourself enough time to get up and
back before it gets dark. There isnt a perfectly laid trail waiting for you. While it seems like that
at the start, you will find yourself pushing through the forest and guessing what way to go next.

Theres the longest zipline in Oaxaca. (ask around for la Tirolesa)

Get Your Shamon ON:
Be sure to experience a Temazcal. All the guys in the hostel were raving about it and it seems to
be a once-off experience. We recommend Paco el Temazcalero (info below).

Lasts up to two-hours. Be sure this is for you before you opt in. Its a spiritual and body cleansing
ceremony, known to have many health benefits and encourage inner peace. Its the mother of all
detoxes!

Prices range from 150-2000MXN (7.50) and as mentioned, starts from 10am. You can either
ask at the hostel or pop in to any of the locals. You wont miss the signs up around the town.
Dont make the mistake we did and leave this to last minute. Book it on arrival. Lock it in and
prepare to get your sweat on.

You may be offered the real Temazcal experience and if so, dont think the Shaman is being a
dodgy drug dealer. For an extra cost you will get the full effects of the healing ritual, bearing in
mind that even the elderly take part in this. Its totally normal here.

Starting with the 2/3 hour Temazcal sauna experience, afterwards you will be given mushroom
tea. You can find a peaceful place in the forest or head back to your hostel wherever you prefer.
The Shaman uses the mushrooms to advance the experience, assist you with finding inner peace
and get in touch with your spiritual self.
For some people, this might all sound quite naff but Ill say it again, this is a religious ceremony.
We dont think its weird to see people swallow a circle of dried wheat uttering the body of
Christ every Sunday, do we?

Of course, you dont have to take the mushrooms. Its a choice, so dont worry and dont feel
uncomfortable or under pressure. We met plenty of people who didnt yet still thoroughly enjoyed
their cleansing and hey, they were glowing!

GOOD LUCK.
STAY SAFE.
ENJOY YOUR TRAVEL IN OAXACA!