There are a number of unique options for getting around Puerto Escondido and in this guide, we will look to explore some of the different options and break down the costs involved.
The main methods of transportation that we will break down within this guide include walking, colectivos, and ride-sharing applications such as uber, taxis, and scooters/bikes.
Getting Around Puerto Escondido by Walking
Walking is definitely the most healthy and economical way to get around Puerto Escondido and depending on where you decide to stay most destinations can be reached via walking in less than 60 minutes.
Is Puerto Escondido Walkable?
The short answer is yes, most destinations in Puerto Escondido are walkable but it really depends on where you’re staying. Puerto Escondido can get very hot so people often choose other modes of transportation which we’ll get to later on in this guide.
Walking distances and time examples:
La Punta headland to the other end of Zicatela – around 3.5 kilometers which would take approximately 40 minutes to walk and is a beautiful walk along the beach, especially at sunset.
La Punta to La Barra – around 3.9 kilometers and a 50-minute walk.
Central Puerto Escondido to Playa Carrizalillo – 1.8 kilometers and a 25-minute walk.
Getting Around Puerto Escondido Via Colectivo
The second most economical way for getting around Puerto and something that is highly recommended to experience while here regardless is the Colectivos.
What is a Colectivo?
Colectivos, pronounced (kohl-ect-eevo) translates to collective bus. They are a great and cheaper alternative to taxis for traveling. They are an economical way of getting around due to the fact that they are shared that the price is a lot less than a taxi.
They are usually privately owned so there is no timetable for when and where they’ll be however they are aplenty in Puerto so you’ll normally see one on the main road every couple of minutes.
How much is a Colectivo?
There are two types of Colectivo In Puerto Escondido and the price depends on where you are traveling. If you are traveling locally the standard price for a Colectivo is 10 pesos.
For this reason, we would highly recommend carrying around loose change for when you don’t feel like walking. These Colectivo’s usually have a blue canopy as seen in the image earlier in this post.
Colectivo’s that are used for traveling further such as Mazunte, are vans generally with air conditioning. These will cost more and the price needs to be discussed/negotiated prior to getting inside as these prices can fluctuate.
When you first arrive in Puerto Escondido these are the vans that you can take to your accommodation as a cheaper alternative to a taxi. Prices for local hotel accommodation can cost anywhere from 50 – 100 pesos whereas a taxi will cost anywhere from 200 – 400 pesos.
When do they operate until?
In Puerto Escondido, the Colectivo service normally operates from 8 am until 10 pm at night. This means that if you want to get around at night you’ll either have to walk or get a taxi.
Ridesharing Applications
There are a number of different ridesharing applications that are used throughout Mexico, however, as Puerto Escondido is relatively new on the radar compared to other major destinations there aren’t as many options available.
Does Puerto Escondido Have Uber?
As of 2023 Uber is still currently not available in Puerto Escondido however there have been talks of its introduction later this year as the demand for more ridesharing applications has been increasing.
Does Puerto Escondido Have Didi?
Didi is currently in Puerto Escondido however it is not very reliable and not many drivers are on the application yet.
Getting Around Puerto Escondido Via Taxi
Taxi is another way of getting around Puerto Escondido and there are definitely a lot of them around so finding one will rarely be an issue.
If you wish to get amongst the nightlife, taking a taxi is normally the best and only option after 10 pm unless you want to walk.
Puerto Escondido Taxi Price Guide
The following prices should be used as a rough guide to ensure you don’t pay too much when traveling around Puerto via taxi. If traveling after 10 pm when the colectivo service is no longer operating the prices may increase slightly.
Example: During the day it will cost 60 pesos between La Punta and Zicatela but at night the price increases to 80 pesos.
From the Puerto Escondido Airport to:
| La Punta: | 200 pesos |
| Zicatela: | 150 pesos |
| Rinconada: | 100 pesos |
| La Barra: | 300 pesos |
| Playa Principal | 150 pesos |
From La Punta to:
| Zicatela: | 60 pesos |
| Carrizalillo: | 80 pesos |
| Bacocho: | 150 pesos |
| Adoquin: | 60 pesos |
From Puerto Escondido to:
| Casa Wabi: | 600 pesos |
| Chacahua: | 900 pesos |
| Mazunte: | 1000 pesos |
| Zipolite: | 1100 pesos |
Getting Around Puerto Escondido via Scooter
A scooter/bike is by far the most preferred option for getting around Puerto Escondido as it allows infinite freedom to explore wherever you want to go.
There are certain stunning places to explore such as Barra de Navidad for example, that without your own transport, you wouldn’t consider going.
Generally, most of the roads in Puerto Escondido are sealed and the speed limit around town is 40km/h – 60km/h so they are fairly safe to use as transport.
There are a lot of factors to consider when looking to rent a scooter while you’re here so we have put together a more in-depth scooter guide for your convenience.
Summary of getting around Puerto Escondido
There are a number of ways for getting around Puerto Escondido but it really comes down to your budget and how long you want to spend transiting between destinations.
Walking is by far the healthiest and most cost-effective way to explore the town however Puerto can get quite hot so we’d recommend avoiding long-distance walks during hotter parts of the day.
The next most economical way for getting around is colectivos as they are a cheap alternative to taxis during their operating hours throughout the day.
Although Uber hasn’t been introduced to Puerto Escondido yet, Didi is an alternative option although it is still not reliable.
If you have your license, renting a scooter or bike is definitely our preferred and recommended option for getting around as you will be able to easily explore the town as most destinations are reachable and have very accessible parking options available.
