Oaxaca, Mexico: 10 places from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca
This 2-3 week Oaxaca itinerary spans 4,133 km across Mexico's southwestern state, connecting coastal towns like Puerto Escondido and Zipolite with mountain destinations including San José del Pacifico and Oaxaca City. The route covers diverse landscapes from Pacific beaches to highland valleys and archaeological sites.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Puerto Escondido
- End
- Punta Cometa
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Puerto Escondido
- San José del Pacifico — Mountain village in the Sierra Madre known for misty pine forests, cool climate, and traditional crafts nestled above coastal lowlands.
- Oaxaca City
- Hierve el Agua — Spectacular natural wonder featuring travertine rock formations resembling petrified waterfalls with mineral pools for swimming, surrounded by dramatic mountains.
- Zacatecas, México
- Playa Zicatela — Famous surfing beach in Puerto Escondido with massive waves suitable only for experienced surfers, one of the best breaks in the world.
- La Punta — Beginner-friendly surf beach in Puerto Escondido offering gentler waves for learners and recreational surfers.
- Playa Carrizalillo — Small beginner surfing beach near Puerto Escondido with gentler waves and intimate bay setting, ideal for learning surfers.
- Mazunte
- Punta Cometa — Dramatic coastal headland near Mazunte offering stunning sunset hikes with sweeping Pacific Ocean views and rugged natural beauty.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Plan at least 14 days for the Oaxaca itinerary to visit coast and mountains comprehensively.
- Transport
- Reach Puerto Escondido via direct flights from Mexico City or Guadalajara, or by bus depending on your origin.
- Timing
- Stay 3-5 days in Puerto Escondido to enjoy surfing, beaches, baby turtle release, nightlife and restaurants.
- Transport
- From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte: take bus to Pochutla, tell driver to drop at San Antonio, then taxi or collectivo.
- Tip
- In Mazunte, hike Punta Cometa for sunset views. Watch for green or yellow flags indicating safe swimming areas.
- Transport
- From Zipolite, take minibus from Lineas Unidas Terminal to San José del Pacifico (5-6 daily, 4-5 hours).
- Tip
- In San José del Pacifico, bring a warm jacket as nights get very cold. Activities include Mirador hike and Temazcal ceremony.
- Transport
- From San José del Pacifico to Oaxaca City: buses leave hourly from main road, taking 3-4 hours.
- Timing
- Stay 7 days in Oaxaca City including day trips to Mitla, Hierve el Agua, and other Central Valley attractions.
- Transport
- Mitla day trip from Oaxaca City: 1 hour by bus or rental car. Alternatively combine with Hierve el Agua on a tour.
- Transport
- Hierve el Agua (70 km from Oaxaca City) accessible by rental car, organized tour, or collectivo from Mitla.
- Transport
- Pueblos Mancomunados: take buses from second class station in Oaxaca City to Cuajimoloyas or Benito Juárez (several daily).
Video on this route
OAXACA, MEXICO | The Perfect Oaxaca Travel Itinerary (Coast to the Mountains in 2-3 weeks)