Puerto Escondido, Coastal town in Oaxaca, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is a coastal town in San Pedro Mixtepec in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, spread along several beaches on the Pacific Ocean. The settlement divides into different neighborhoods, ranging from the central harbor area through residential sections to the beachfront zones where hotels, restaurants, and surf camps sit.
The bay served intermittently as a loading point for coffee for decades, but a permanent settlement only arose in the 1930s when drinking water became available. Over the following decades, the place grew slowly from a small fishing village into a well-known coastal town.
The name means "hidden port" and recalls the times when sailors barely noticed this stretch of coast. Today the town is known for its relaxed feel, where surfers from around the world gather alongside locals at the beaches and enjoy life by the sea.
The local international airport offers daily connections to Mexico City and Oaxaca City, while intercity buses run to major destinations in the region. Most visitor points can be reached on foot or by using the local shared taxis that run on fixed routes through town.
A lagoon about 10 kilometers west shows a glow in the water on some nights, caused by tiny organisms that become visible when swimming or paddling. This natural phenomenon is best observed on moonless nights, when the water lights up with every movement.
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