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Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
January 2001 to January 2003

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Will Our Cell Phone Work In Puerto Escondido? I've just recently discovered your web site and am enjoying reading it. My husband and I are coming to Puerto Escondido March 9-16 in 2001, staying at a friend's condo - I don't even know where it is at this point. We have been to Mexico 7 or 8 times, but this will be our first visit to Puerto Escondido. Can you tell me, do you know if my cell phone will work between Vancouver, B.C. and Puerto Escondido. I just want to be able to keep it with me, since we are leaving our 4 year old son and my newly created business in Vancouver, and just want both caretakers to be able to reach us if absolutely necessary. This is my only concern about coming to Puerto Escondido, and although people say "you can't relax on holiday if you have your cell phone", I WILL be able to relax if I know that both my caretakers can reach me with some degree of reliability. Thanks in advance for your reply. December 2000

Your site is the best for info. Was in PE in '81 and was a fanatic runner and biker, as I still am. When reaching the cliffs at the far end of the bay very early one morning, I took off my daypack and my running shorts and went for a swim. While floating on my back I saw three teenagers coming down the cliff. I swam to shore as fast as I could and one of the boys and myself reached the daypack at the same time. All three of them drew guns. Needless to say, I backed off. In my pack (stupidly) was my camera, some money, passport, etc. They took everything, including my shorts, shoes and towel. I was pissed to say the least and even traced their footprints up the cliff for a while until the cacti got unbearable on the plateau. I scrambled back down the cliff. I was a little embarrassed as I bobbed in waste-deep water until I saw the first tourists who were willing to loan me a towel. The police had a good laugh. I have never been back to PE since then. I ask in all earnestness, because I am tempted to give that area of Mexico another try. I find Baja Sur laid back and fairly safe and of course Puerto Vallarta is an island of civilization. I just want some peace and quiet and sun and tropical fruit, where the people are tolerant and friendly, and it's generally safe for everyone, even if you're running a few miles down the beach. What happened in '81 was a long time ago and I trust things have changed for the better. But maybe not. I think you are one who could answer that for me. So my main question is: Of all the places you are covering in your web site, which, if any areas, provide the most enjoyable (or least paranoid) environment for a gay man. And which areas are the safest for lone runners and bicyclists? Thanks in advance for your help. Hope it comes soon as I am freaking in this cold, damp Seattle climate and have to get out! If Mexico hasn't changed, I'll go back to South India or Thailand. December 2000

Hi, just to say that there is a new plane flying from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido called Aerotaxi with good prices and very nice service. December 2000

Hi Tom, thanks for the memories your web site has brought back! My wife and I spent two glorious weeks in PE in 1991. Your web site brought back many great moments, the only thing that seems to be missing in all my searching is any mention of the Hotel Margeos, a small family run hotel & restaurant that we stayed at located at the east end of Av Perez Gasa. The family that operated this establishment (especially Edith) made you feel right at home. Could you please let us know whether the Margeos still exists or is it just a good memory? The last address we have is Hotel y Restaurant Margeos Av Perez Gasa S/N Esq Carretera Costera PV, Oaxaca, Mexico Ph# 91 958 2077. December 2000

Gina says the Margeos has changed names and has a new owner. Tom Penick for Gina Espinosa Goddess of Information GinaInPuerto@Yahoo.com

Thanks for the info. Do you have any idea the flight times and the cost?

Want to rent beach front condo or house from Feb. 1 to 4 (3) nights. Need two rooms with bathroom. Must have good view and very clean and well funished. With daily cleaning service. Can be between P. Escondido and P. Angel. Reply with location, rate and picture file as email attachment.

Looking for clean, close to beach, 2 bedroom condo for 3 Canadians, on Zicatela for 3 weeks starting feb 10, 2001. Thanks

Looking for clean, close to beach (Zicatela or Marinero or close), price reasonable, 2 bedrooms with bathroom or condo for 4 peaple ( 2 couples), 1 week starting feb.

Looking for clean, close to beach (Zicatela or Marinero or close), price reasonable, 2 bedrooms with bathroom or condo for 4 person ( 2 couples), 1 week starting feb. 7. Reply rate and picture file as email attachment or if somebody little to inform me about some good hotel, to inform to me would be apprecited. tanks a lot!

Hopefully going to Puerto Escondido soon, possibly for an extended stay. My boyfriend needs to be on-line for a short time each day. Does anyone know 'if' and where this is possible in Puerto Escondido....at a reasonable rate???

Marcel, I know a couple that are staying at the "Ricon Del Pacifico" 011 52 9 582 0056, 011 52 9 582 0101 (voice/fax) They have returned to this location several times. $22 U.S. double room. They indicated that it was a very basic room right on the beach. Sorry this is all the info. that I have. Vern.

Hello, We own unit number #4 in Eglantina. If you go to www.mexico-condo.com you will find a beautiful picture of our condo. We are to the left and above unit number #2 which is marked. Our unit is very similar to the unit number #2 about which you can find much information on the Web. If you are interested, please send me an email. Garret Sobczyk

Hi, I'm flying down to see a great musician named Jack Dekeyzer does anyone know where he's playing

I would also be interested in flight info or telephone/fax contact for this Aerotaxi service. I will be traveling from PE to Oaxaca. Thanks, Paul

Hi! We are looking to go back to PE for our honeymoon and would love to know where I can find information on this new flight. Anything to avoid that long drive from the other airport!!! Let me know where I can find out more! Erin

Hi, I will be going to PE soon to meet myfriend who is alreadythere. (sry for typos-am at the gym) He got mugged at knifepoint his second day there, on the beach and in mid-afternoon.

Yikes! I'm considering a solo trip to Puerto Escondido and while I have heard of robberies/rape in the past, I was hoping things had changed. Perhaps not? Or is it just that no matter where you go, you're always at risk, even in downtown Vancouver, BC where I live. I'd like to know more about the incident you're talking about earth maiden ... Thanks! Jill

Would be interested in flight availibility and prices. Thanks.

This will be our 5th visit to Puerto Escondido. Last year a tourist housing development was started at the Trailer Park at the top of Carrizalillo beach, our beach. Much to our horror, the developers were also planning to charge for access to the beach and "improve it". I am just wondering if the beach is still freely accessible and more or less the same. (We pray it is.) Does Maria still have her palapa restaurant there? Thanks for responding.

Last year there were at least half a dozen internet providers in Puerto. I presume there are more now. I can't recall the price but it was not very high. The main problem is that it is very, very slow and it crashed from time to time. So patience is required. Hopefully thing have improved. But it will probably be fine for your boyfriend if he really only needs to use it briefly each day.

Hi: if you could please forward this airlines phone or any info. Does it fly from Oaxaca to Huatulco by any chance? Thanks Jeff

Hey Terri Yes Carrizalillo is still the same. I've been in Puerto in November 2000 and I'm still in love with this beach. When do you go to Puerto the next time. I hope I can go back this year again. Greeting from Suiza Maja

Hi Jennifer: I went to Puerto during the new year holidays. Mi cell was operating all the time; of course is a nationwide service. May be you must ask to your cell provider if you have access to the Mexico´s nationwide service. Congratulations for your visit. Puerto is, even, a paradise. Luis

First time to southern Mexico. Interested in suggestions for two female friends staying in PE {1st choice} or Huatulco for favorite moderate $ bungalows, villas, etc. Prefer small, quaint, clean, comfort, near beach, and friendly proprietors. Traveling mid-Feb 2001. Thanks!

The Ben Zaa is the place to stay it"s like a dorm room in days past!!!!GREAT PEOPLE we will be there jan20th until feb 10th too short but well loved!!!J+L

You'll probably want to stay on Zicatella. That's where most of the beach crowd stays, but there is an age group mix throughout PE. There are lots of palapas, bungalows and hotels along that road. Arcoiris, Hotel Ines and some newer ones. Most of them are $30 US and up. Unfortunately, a lot of them haven't been added to the list on this site, maybe I should scout up that info for Tom this year. The hotels along the Adoquin are populated more by retirement age people, and Mexican vacationers, but the accomodations are good and I think that the prices are similar. The Rinco, Las Palmas and I think Casa Blanca are along there. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a place, but maybe you should reserve a couple of nights at a hotel and spend your first day checking out what's available. Moderate price is a relative term. The cost in PE will be about half what it is in Huatulco, but you won't be in a 300 room resort with entertainment in the dining room. Puerto attracts a more laid back type of tourist and probably has the highest grey-haired pony tail population on earth. I guess that's what brings us all back every year.

HI-- I have been in Puerto since late November. The principal reason for my visit is to improve my Spanish. I already speak pretty good Spanish, but I would like to return to the States in late April and find a job as an interpreter. I am trying to find a situation in which I could speak Spanish, in whatever field. In the right situation, I would be willing to work for no pay. The only thing I´m looking for is an opportunity to interact with Mexicanos for a couple of hours a day--more if necessary. Doing volunteer work in a hospital, a school, or other such facility comes to mind. Hey, I´ll work in a bar, a pool hall, or other such institution of higher learning, if it will give me the chance to use my Spanish! If you know of any such opportunity, please contact me at wilrib@yahoo.com. I am a tenant (Unit 3) at the compound owned by Danny and Carmen, the owners of El Cafecito, on Zicatela Beach. The compound is about halfway up La Bajada Las Brisas, across the brightly-painted bridge (the color escapes me) and up the road maybe 100 meters, on the left. You can enter through the second gate (the small, rust-colored gate) in the big green fence. Just ask for Bill. Thanks. Bill Yribia

Hey anyone and everyone, I spent time a bit further south in Central America last year and had several good people tell me that I would dig what I found in Puerto Escondido a great deal. I've got a little time to play with at the end of March, and am thinking of coming down. I've got a couple questions though. One is that I am living in Tennessee and am having some difficulty figuring out the best combo of flying and driving to get down there without eating up to much funds. Should I be flying in to Huatulco? Is it better to fly to a larger city and grab a bus or a car? Is there any good middle man I should talk to? My other question is about PE itself. A handful of us are looking to come check it out, but just a couple of us surf. Would Carrizalillo be a good spot for us to call home? Any advice or wisdom would be much appreciated. Thanks for any help.... -Wes

I would like to let you know that there is a dive shope in Puerto Escondido named AVENTURA SUBMARINA we are P A D I certified instructor. We operated a 27 ft. boat with capacity for 8 divers. Fun dives, nigth dives, deep dives, snorkeling tours, dolphin and turtles snorkeling adventures etc. Our phone # 52 958 223 53

We are arriving in Puerto Escondido on January 26th for 3 weeks. We are interested in a snorkel tour and wondered if you have an office in town? Trying to use the phone may be a problem as do not speak Spanish. Jo

Hi i have been going to PE yhe last 4 years &have gone diving with jorge each year and it has been great jorge even cooks on occasion it is loads of fun

Does anyone know distance between Huatulco and PE? What is inexpensive way to get to PE from Huatulco airport (no car)?

Hi Holly; Never been to PE but going in Feb. From my investigation, walk out to highway from airport, it's only a short walk, a block or two, and flag down a bus.There are small busses and large first class busses. try to get the first class bus, it's faster and not as crowded.The distance is about 60 miles.I think there is a bus every 2 hours. Good Luck Bob.

The first class busses don't run that frequently. Last year there was one at 10:00 a.m. and one at 4:00 p.m., according to the schedule, which is another story. First Class busses go into Pochutla to pick up passengers, and it takes about 2-1/2 hours. Second class busses don't go direct. You'll have to change in Pochutla, so it will take about 4 hours. Then you have to get from the bus station to the hotel. If you're travelling light and don't mind making the effort, it's a good instant acclimation to the area, but it can be a pain after a flight to struggle with luggage. We took airport transfer into town, to the bus station, checked the busses and ended up negotiating with a taxi to take us to Puerto for 400 pesos. Depending on how many people are travelling together, that might be the easiest way to go. The airport transfer to Puerto direct will probably be about 1000 - 1200 pesos. These are all the options I've tried, hope this helps.

Hi: Did you recieve my message?

hello, we have rooms avail to rent with the preferences you stated and close to Carrizalillo beach...the best beach in I think Jorge speaks english like he was born in east L.A.

One way to save some money would be to fly to Mex.city and then take a 1st class bus. The price is better than reasonable and the bus is air conditioned and has more leg room than I have ever had on any bus or airplane or car for that matter. I'm 6'3" and could literaly stretch out. I think the only bus leaves around 6:00 or 7:00 PM and arives in Puerto around 6:00 AM. This is a good way to save maybe $150 US or more.

...not sure of the availability, but there are some just up from the beach toward town. I didn't need much.. just some place to kick back, so at the corner (ha, great directions? huh?) going up into town there is a little nook that was $5/day with hot water and a sheet. (the fan above the bed was nice to cool off on, and you can go up on the roof if you want). you can meet people there in the place... but it is not earthquake proof.. where when i was there a 6. el seismo hit. weird..now there was another south of san salvador. ..

honeymooners, while in oaxaca i went to mexicana airways and they set me up for a flight... it is only an hour flight at most, and there is a taxi or bus to and from the aeroport. i would say about $120 us dollars round trip. but the fried fish, tortillas and early morning walks, warm swimmin is all worth it. have fun under the sheets

.... after 5 weeks in oaxaca and 1 in mexico city, i was attacked near my rental apt in oaxaca. after getting off the bus, i shot pics of a group of kids, two of which followed me. They tried to grab my camera bag, which was secure on my belt, but didn't get to it... they threw some punches and got me behind the ear with a screwdriver. They only fled when i yelled "ayudame." Other young kids whom i made friends said that "bandia" liked to fight. I was later extremely upset when i heard that 13 kids from this bandia were out for my neck, apparently because i defended myself... as far as my one week stay in puerto escondido, i walked wayyyy up and down either direction of beach... and had no trouble. i cannot say if it safe....

It takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours by bus. Different bus lines from first and second class. I've done it a couple of times - as I recall it was about $5 each way. Let me know if I can answer any of your other questions

I've been to PE quite a few times. Have taken the bus from Acapulco to PE (7 to 8 hours). As I recall it cost about $20. If you go to Huatulco the bus ride is about 2 hours. My favorite place in PE to stay is Castille de Reyes (about $12 per night) If you go there tell Fernando hi from me. Let me know if I can be of any more help.

My favorite is Castillo de Reyes - about $13 per night. Say hi for me to Fernando. I've stayed there probably 8 times. Glenn

I recommend the direct bus from Mexico City to PE. We made the mistake of taking a bus to Oaxaca city and then taking a second class bus to Salina Cruz that then made a stop in every beach town before making a final stop in PE. The ride to the coast was grueling. Just about everyone on the bus was suffering from severe nausea (there is a two hour stretch of curves through the mountains). We paid about $40 US each for the entire one way trip from Mexico City. We flew back on AeroCaribe at the end of our stay in PE. We heard later that it's nausea-free ride to go to Acapulco and then take the bus along the coast to PE. Also, keep in mind that the buses sell out often so buy your tickets as soon as you are aware that you are going to need them.

We will be in the area from March 12th through March 18th 2001 and were interested in fishing trips. Any ideas on where a good place is to charter a boat or get in on an existing charter. There are two of us and some of the prices I have seen on the web seem high. All coments/suggestions are welcome.

...can i go with you? i have a case of pino colada and two bottles of spf 50 nivea MILK to keep my skin from peeling... i 'll see you at the aeroport in oaxaca, i 'll be the one in pink. see yaaaa

The Hotel Jardin Real in the bacocho area is for sales, the hotel has 22 rooms, pool, restaurant, all fenced, the surface is about 3200mts2 (29,728ft2) and the construction is about 1600mt2 (14,864ft2). if you need more info. please contact me. It is a family hotel managed by my family, it has about 12 years and it is in a very good conditions.

Hey Wes. Sounds like you're in for a fun trip. In regards to where you want to stay, you can't go wrong. Carrilalillo is a beautiful and mellow beach great for snorkeling and just kicking back in the sun (or shade, as there are several palapa restaurants there). It's my favorite beach here; when you see it you'll understand why. There is only minimal surfing there, though. Since a couple of you are wanting to surf I'd recommend staying in the Zicatela beach area so you don't have to deal with toting surfboards back and forth in taxis. Zicatela is a neat little tourist strip with several hotels, restaurants, shops, etc... I don't think non-surfers would be at all bored here. Happy travels.

Internet access is not a problem down here if you don't mind using a cafe and paying by the minute, a peso a minute at its highest I think. The fastest cafe is right on Zicatela next to Cafecito since they are their own server. It makes up in speed what it lacks in ambience. If you want a funky little internet cafe that truly accents the cafe part (they serve coffee and breakfast snacks) Tigre Azul on the Adoquin is great. If you're bringing down a laptop and want to get your own account, there is a provider here called Results, but you'll have to make sure you have access to a phone line. This is not as easy as it miight seem, but not impossible. Good luck.

Can anyone inform me where Super Bowl, Jan 28th will be broadcast in PE? Either respond to my e-mail address or send your message direct to Jay Bedell at JayBedell@webtv.net Jay is a good friend of mine and he is thinking of delaying his trip to PE so that he can watch his NY Giants in the Super Bowl from his home in NJ. If anyone can confirm that he can watch the game in PE, he will arrive as scheduled on Jan24th. Please send your message ASAP as he has to finalize his trave arrangements in 3 days. I promised I would hlep him find information. Also, does anyone know if the Split Coconut is still in operation? It so, and you are around there, say hello to Bill and Dee and say hello from Mike and Rita. We will see them soon. We arrive Jan. 26th. Regards, Rita Prince George, B. C. Canada

We have a 3 story house for rent that can be rented in it's entirety or as 3 separate apartments. Total of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Walled yard with security gates. Rinconada subdivision. Walking distance to private cove. Each story has it's own kitchen. Fully furnished. Ocean view. Phone available. Available starting March 1, 2001.

Hi Rita; I`m sure that Bananas Rest. will be showing the superbowl 100% sure of that! I`m pretty sure the split-coconut is still happening and they too would have the superbowl on with a great dinner included. Don`t forget Art & Harry`s as it would have it on also. Hope to be back in PE mid Feb./01 Have fun! Mike

Hi Rita: PE has the SKY service. It´s means that there are many places with Direct To Home TV (satellite) in wich your friend will have the opportunity to enojy the Super Bowl Luis

hey rita and mike look forward to seeing you in pe in feb.heard cam and mary not coming,too bad.tell jay every bar in town should have the game on.for those who dont know jay is a big giant fan.

Is it safe to travel the highway in a rented car between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido? Some travel books say it is not. I'm a fan of the subcommandate, but I'm going on vacation. ron

Would anyone happen to have an email address or phone number for Steve Posing at the Ben-Zaa hotel in PE. Much appreciated. thanks very much, dennis / vancouver ps if you're interested in fishing in PE, Steve is your guy.

Steve Posing at the Ben-Zaa hotel in PE is a good guy to go out with. My wife and I did last year with another couple. Steve is not expensive, and with another couple, it is very reasonable. Would be interested in doing the same this year. We will be in PE March 9 or 10 for 2 weeks and looking to hook up with Steve. Maybe see you there. Dennis & Linda / Vancouver

THE PHONE # FOR THE BEN ZAA IS ON THIS SITE if you can't find it ask again and I will tell Jeff

Fishing in Puerto last year cost 200 pesos an hour, and the fishermen were looking for 5-6 hours out per trip. If you go down to the beach at 1:00 - 2:00 when the boats come in, you can see the catch and talk to the fishermen about booking a trip. Most of the fishermen are good, but everybody has their favorites. If you walk along the beach someone will come up to you and ask if you want to go fishing or on a boat ride to see turtles etc. They are in a co-op, so they all charge the same price. Most people ti the fishermen, and take part of the catch if you have someplace to cook it.

Hi Joanne: Our office is rigth at the end of the "A D O Q U I N " in front of the tourist information booth. Open from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 pm. Thank you for contacting us Jorge

I'd read about Gina on Tomzap (the Information Goddess at the PE Tourist Office) before my trip to PE in late December. I started corresponding by e-mail with her for questions on hotels, best place for New Years\

I am interested in a long term rental in Puerto Escondido, preferably furnished and with off street parking. Would appreciate details of your house for rent; would need only one floor (unit). Thanks much. Jerry

I'm pretty sure Art & Harry's will have the game on satellite while you get a great cheeseburger.

Jerry, You must have entered your email in wrong since I have tried 3 times to contact you and it returns undeliverable.

I absolutely agree with you. Gina is one of the nicest and most helpful persons we have dealt with. The information she gives you is useful. Last year I also corresponded with her before we left for PE and she took the time and effort and really doesn't get anything from it. Bob & I went on her walking tour and it is unique and not the regular run of the mill tourist tour. I reccommend it highly We leave January 26th for three weeks and can't wait. Linda

Rita do you mean Jay would have delayed his trip just to stay home for the Super Bowl!!!!! We also wondered if the Super Bowl would be on, maybe we will see you at the Split Coconut. How many more sleeps????? Linda & Bob Prince George "has beens"

Hi there, a friend and I are planning our 1st trip to PE in FEB. Do you have the email address for Gina, i have so many questions about were to stay and how to get there from Mexico city etc. If you have her email please forward it on. Thanks!!!!

Last year my friends I had a hard tuime getting tickets from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. Trying now more than a month in advance, one-way tickets from Mexicana are $151 US!!! Any information on contacting and making reservations with other airlines would be deeply appreciated!

Hi Bill, your problem is mine, too. I'm from Germany and my family and I spend a lot of time in Puerto Escondido. I speak Spanish quite fluently and have been looking for a Spanish teacher who's got some experience with foreigners. Up to now I've not been able to find one. The only information I've got but haven't tried myself yet is Sheila (an American lady, supposed to speak the language perfectly) who lives in the light house. She's not exactly a native speaker, of course. Well, if ever you find someone to have serious conversations with, I'd be more than happy if you provide me with some details(I'll be back in June, July 2001) Ellen

From the airport to the crossroad is a short walk--less than 1/4 mile. At the crossroad you can catch a bus, or a local truck with benches in back. For a few pesos you just start heading up the coast. You might get one going as far as the crossroad to Puerto Angel, and then hop on another one to the next big town. I was furtunate enough to catch a bus--not first class but a great experience. You also can take a taxi into Hualtuco and wait in the bus station for a first class bus, which is probably going to stop in Pochutla first. Sometimes a few tourists get together and take a transport taxi to Puerto. Outside of the airport is a stand where you might be able to arrange this. The last time I took a transport, the cost was $50.00, but if you have five or six people it becomes reasonable. When are you going?

If you are refering to Maria Gonzales Hernandez, yes she does still have her restaurant. I am taking her some new dishes to use that she does not know about yet. I have also designed a menu for her. I plan on slipping it into the computor that her son uses so that they can keep prices current. I have known Maria since she came to Carrizilillo (my beach too) in the 1970's. She came with a child holding one hand and a baby in her arms. Maria and Enrique are as close to us as family. I am glad to know that people outthere appreciate her cookingand her clean restaurant. shirlee

Try Arco Iris in Zicatela. They have great food, nice rooms, and you are right in Zicatela.

If you can fly directlyto Puerto without having to stay in Mexico City overnight, do that. If you have to stay overnight in Mexico City you might as well throw $125 out the window. If you cannot make it in one day, fly into Hualtuco and if a group of people are renting a transport (five or six people) it might cost about $10.00 each. If not, walk out to the highway, less than a quarter of a mile and catch a "collectivo". This form of transport might only get you to the Puerto Angel-Pochutla crossroads where you will have to pick up another to Puerto Escondido. It's quite an advernture, but fun.

Any information on the 3-day festival in Chila, (about 15 miles west of PE) in mid February ??

Hi, Ken. I have been at the Chila festival several times over the years. I believe it usually lasts more like a week. There are cockfights,bullfights, an evening carnival (food, ferris wheel, games,etc.) The weeklong thing culminates in a big dance where a major band is imported from Acapulco or somewhere. The ticket to get in to the dance is relatively expensive ($10-$20), so it's a pretty big deal. There is also a running race and a bike race, which I have participated in. I would like to know the date of the bike race this year if anyone out there in cyberlandia happens to know. Maybe Gina, la diosa de informacion, can help us. I never find out until I arrive and start listening to la Voz del Puerto and hear the ads. It is possible that the schedule has not been finalized yet. I am arriving 2/7 and might miss all or part of it. Nos puedes ayudar, Gina? hasta luego, Micky

Elsewhere in these pages it lists Gina's email address as: ginainpuerto@yahoo.com. I will echo everyone else's praise - last year we went on Gina's walking tour and got to know her (as almost every visitor does) - she is invaluably friendly, helpful, spunky and generous. We are going on our 3rd annual PE adventure/vacation in 2 weeks (YAY!!) and will visit Gina again. Good luck & enjoy!

Any info would be great; I am flying into Mexico city Feb.19th for the first time. I`ve read people saying to take the first class bus to P.E. Does anyone know which of the four bus stations this bus would depart from? I think it might be the Sur (south) station but not sure? We land at 4.50pm and would like to catch the night bus right away. I`ve done the Acapulco route with no problems but have never been to M.C. and really don`t want to stay there. thanks; Mike

I don't personally have the answer to your question, but the Cristobal Colon website has schedules and fares listed. Quite possible that they also list the station. I'm not sure that the site is in English, but it's pretty easy to use.

Hi, we plan to be in PE 1st week of march 2001. We would like to have reference on a place where we can stay all 6 in 3 rooms and having our private terrace or balcony with ocean view. We want to spend just enough money to have a clean place with full bathroom (hot water shower). Thanks. (reference quebecoise serait appreciee. Merci)

Hi. The station to take is the same one you take for Acapulco, which is not the South Station. I often took that bus from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido and we always took the bus route through Acapulco. Sorry I can't give you any additional info right now.

Just wanted to say hello and that I hope that you are enjoying yourself.

A friend and I are going to Oaxaca city in early Aprl for 3 days, and then would like to go to a beach town, either Bahias de Huatulco or Puerto Escondido, for 3 days. We will need to fly from Oaxaca city down there. Has anyone been to both and can offer an objective opinion as to which one we should chose? We like to explore a little and also lounge a little. When we go to Cabo, we prefer San Jose del Cabo over Cabo San Lucas if this gives you a clue. Thanks for any help! Gary

Yo, should you hear more specifics about the bike race in Puerto Escondido, would you pass it on, por favor. I just rode the downhill of pico de orizaba bet MC and Veracruz and would like to check out more Mex biking options. &Thanks in advance

Hey watch it.....who wants to grow up. Does not the technique that comes only from experience count for anything! Anyone know about a February bike race in the area. I just did my first mex bike riding, from 14,200 down the 18,800 pico de Oizaba W of Veracruz. Wanna come back and do more fun..........even if the temples are graying Robert D

Puerto is less expensive than Huatulco. The beach is about 3 miles long, open all the way. There are no jet skis, parasailing, golf courses or 5 star hotels. Puerto has good clean hotels and restaurants hotels in town and along the surfer's beach as well as cabanas and camping facilities. There is nothing wrong with wanting a little luxury when you're on your hard earned annual retreat, but Puerto is a little more basic than Huatulco, a lot more laid back, and you can get a nice hotel room for $30-$50 US. There is daily air service to both from Oaxaca. Hope this helps you out.

Huatulco is beautiful, which is why they put in all the resorts that they have. If you're looking for a resort vacation, to have glorious vistas and simply enjoy the space there, then go to Huatulco. The town of the townspeople is not that interesting. Puerto Escondido is more rustic. It does have some nice hotels. It all depends on what you want to spend. There are a lot of excursions you can go on in the outlying areas - hot springs, tropical lagoons, bird watching, scuba diving. You can get a more local experience here, if you choose to. Enjoy your trip to the Oaxacan coast!

HI! I used to take the bus from la Costena Station to P.E., route through Acapulco. The buses with the stars are a little more comfortable.

If you go trough Oaxaca the buses depart Mexico City from the TAPO (Terminal de Oriente) which is the bus terminal for the eastbound routes (Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Yucatan, etc..). As far as i know the best line for Oaxaca is ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) from Oaxaca to P.E. you have to take another bus and I do not have much expeirnce with that but I'm sure you can inquiere locally. This at least a two day journey. If you want to take the direct bus from mexico City to P.E. then it departs from Taxqueña (south) bus station (buses for Acapulco, Cuernavaca, Taxco, etc..). The bus usually leaves late at night for an all nigh trip (10-12 hrs) through Acapulco. Hope this helps

From: donna emmanuel <> To: tom@tomzap.com Tom: Just returned from a holiday trip to Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. Of course, your site was a big help in planning. Thought we'd share some information about Puerto with you in hopes it would be useful to others. We were traveling from Oaxaca City to Puerto, so we took Estrella del Valle bus line from the second class terminal, thanks to Gina's advice. She remains the information goddess. [http://www.tomzap.com/gina_e.html] The ride wasn't too bad, $10. per ticket, although these are not fancy buses! No bathroom (we did make 3 stops), no airconditioning, and rather small seats. The ride took 8 hours, including 30 minutes to let the brakes cool off on our way down the mountains. We staid at the Flor de Maria and the new hosts, Paul and Joanne, are delightful! They are from Canada, and know the previous owners quite well, and things have remained wonderful. The rate was about $45.00 per night, high season. Rooms are still great, and the food in the restaurant is fabulous! They are former restaurant owners, and have maintained incredibly high standards. Nothing too fancy, but a great variety of dishes, all wonderful. They were incredibly accomodating, and very helpful. Alexandro is the current bartender on the roof, and did a great job of keeping us supplied in refreshments! Ask him about his magic tricks! Our favorite beach was Carizalillo, a short taxi ride away. Great for swimming and snorkeling, and we usually wound up at Luis's palapa. A great conversationalist! Two outstanding activities: The Hidden Voyages Ecotours with ornithologist Michael Malone was awesome! We went on the Manialtepec Lagoon trip which lasted all morning. We wound up with an impressive list of all the sightings we made, including a peregrine falcon, several hawks, amazing herons, and even a parrot! Iguanas as well. We all were given binoculars and the driver of the boat was a local and very adept at spotting bashful birds. Also, Temazcalli, a place for massages and steambaths. A short taxi ride from the beach, all types of massages, and a traditional steam bath with heated rocks and herb scented water. One hour massages are $20. and steambaths are $12. for two people. It was great! Some guests at the Flor were going every day! We also found ourselves hanging out at Lizza's place, just down the beach from the Flor. She has great guacamole and quesadillas. A great spot for music is Split Coconuts, just down from the Santa Fe on Zicatela beach. We spent New Year's Eve there and enjoyed a pig roast with side dishes the locals contributed. Informal dining (whatever happens to be on the grill), great drinks, and good company. Say hi to Bill and Dee. Carmen's is absolutely great for breakfast (the one just up the street from the Flor). Best coffee in town. We often ate food served at the palapas, both on Manzanillo and Carizalillo, all delicious and no ill effects. The only down side was that when we arrived, it was VERY crowded. Lots of Mexican visitors had chartered buses and there were lots of buses! The beaches were packed, and the one campground between the Flor and town was wall to wall people sleeping on the ground. The closer it got to New Years, the less crowded it became. By the time we left on the 4th, it was almost deserted, so if you go over the Christmas holidays, be prepared for crowds! We looked at several other hotels as we plan on returning, including the Tabachin behind the Santa Fe, the Arco Iris, and several others from your web site. We will definately be returning to the Flor de Maria! We met such wonderful people there, lots of Canadians, folks from England and some from the US. For the price, it is one of the best values I've ever experienced. An aside - the owners don't allow children, so if you're traveling with your family, look at the Arco Iris, or one of the others. We had a wonderful experience and will certainly be returning when we can. We had an early morning flight out of Mexico City, so decided to take a flight from Puerto to Mexico City. Aerocaribe charged around $200. per one-way ticket and that was with about 2 weeks notice. Definitely plan on making reservations for your hotel and travel by air if you are going over the holidays. There were some folks there who got lucky with accomodations, but almost everything was sold out. Also, I never felt unsafe, even strolling at night. We often walked from the beach where the Flor is to Playa Principal for dinner. The floodlights were on and there were lots of people about. Also walked back and forth to Zicatela with no problems. Could've been because there were lots of people about because of the holidays. Use common sense and you'll be fine. Happy traveling! Donna and Michael Emmanuel

I just wanted to say sorry for the misinformation I submitted. Joaquin is right, you DO take the South Station. If you just want to get to Puerto, I really suggest going through Acapulco, the ride is direct from Mexico City and you can sleep through the night, making the trip quicker. A note on the trip to PE through Oaxaca, the stretch from Oaxaca to the coast is very, very curvy.

dennis, i know steve but he doesn{t have an email address yet. if you have a message for him or questions, write us and it will get to him. we are renting marias house in las mengales and will be here through march. Steve is very busy with the gringos at this time of year. miguel sucio

We are planning on going to Puerto near the end of February and because of the cheap fares to Acapulco we were hopping to fly there and somehow make our way to Escondido. Are there any buses that go that way? Also I havn't been there for about seven years and was wondering about the cost of hotel rooms. When I was there I paid about $25 for a room. Is there anything reasonable now? JENN

We are going to be staying at the Hotel Santa Fe in early February. I can't believe we are paying $180 per night. I thought Puerto Escondido was supposed to be a bargain. Does this sound right or has my travel agent screwed up. What is the best way to get around in P.E.? Taxis, rental car, horseback, or what. Thanks. H.H.

The Santa Fe is the most expensive hotel in Puerto. At that price though, you must be getting more than a standard room. You usually get around on foot, it's not a long walk from the tourist strip (Adoquin) to the Santa Fe, about 1/2 mile. Collectivos go from the main road to anywhere in Puerto for 3 or 4 pesos, and taxis are about 10 pesos to anywhere but the airport. Most of the people at the hotel have been there many times and they will help you out. Puerto is a friendly, relaxed place. Enjoy!

Jennnifer - there is a bus that travels between Acapulco and PE -- no problemo. The trip takes about 9 hours and I believe the cost is $50 US round trip. Schedules change but there is usualy a 6:00 p.m. bus and an overniter that starts late and gets in early in the morning. Prices have gone way up since seven years ago.

Jill, Don't let this incident keep you from going to PE -- just be cautious and don't bring anything you can't afford to lose! And, especially if you are traveling alone, I would recommend a taxi at night. PE is great, the people are nice (especially to the lone female traveler) and you will have a great time!!! When are you going?

Available now: One bedroom and private bath for rent in a new private cliffside home. One of the best views in Puerto. Daily / Weekly / Monthly rates. Pics available to interested parties.

I would like to spend a week or two in Puerto E. I am a single male, 48, never been down that way but have a friend who winters there. She works at Plumas Pines Resort at Lake Almanor in the summers. She loves it. Pics would be great and trans. info would be much appreciated. Thanks and Tight lines, Dennis

... I don't recommend ANY buses to Puerto Angel or Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca. They are very long, bumpy, and hair raising on some curves according to a friend. I would spend the extra $100 or whatever for an hour's flight... which to my experience can be purchased through Mexicana Airlines either by e- or on the northwest edge of The Zocalo in Oaxaca. Then again.. to each their own experience... after you see the road you are flying over into PE... you can thank yourself.. chris.. ps. the collectivos are a good way to travel locally, however, and the drivers are safe..

I've been there 3 times, and going for 10 days in Feb. My wife and I have never had a problem, on the beaches, town, at the Mercado or anywhere. You have to be aware of who is around you, and just think smart.Feel much safer there than in the states at 2 in the morning. good luck!

Hi Jennifer, Just took that bus trip in Dec. from Acapulco to Pochutla,be prepared for a long,winding, not too comfortable ride. I know everyone says this is the Mexican experience, but I didn"t enjoy it! mind you just my opinion. bon voyage

I just want to apolizage for the misspelling word Costena, the right word is Taxquena. Sorry.

Hi Dave, Going to Barra-Melaque or Puerto Escondido in May! Have to decide soon. Please send pics and price for two weeks. May 1 to 14. Thanks, Erich

look at www.mexico-condo.com for information on and pictures of Puerto Escondido. As far as I know, it's the only site on the www (or in print) where you can find pictures of all of Puerto Escondido's beaches, including aerial perspectives. I just came back from 5 weeks there - more information and pictures will be added to the site in the next few weeks...

have a look at www.mexico-condo.com Eglantina #2 is already rented during that time, but if you are interested and the prices aren't too high for you, there are other similar options available in the immediate area. Let me know if you want further information. if you are seriously interested, tell me a little about the three couples: ages, etc...

have a look at www.mexico-condo.com - the pictures speak for themselves, plus lots of info on Puerto Escondido, including the only place you'll find pictures of all the beaches, including an aerial perspective...(The condo is rented through April 2...) Also, look at the "Travel" link - I'd call Gene at Vista Travel for airfare scheduling/rates. He's done lots to help us get there and back.

I assure you the view and location of this privately owned house beats handily the view and location of www.mexico-condo.com and its condos.

There is a first class bus (AIR CONDITIONING, lots of leg room, no stops) that takes about 5 hours that leaves from the (I think) Ejido bus station. It leaves at about 3 or 4:00 pm but I cant be 100% sure. All you have to do is get in a taxi and tell him that you want to go to the bus station that has the Primera Clase Autobus to Puerto Escondido. It will be the best (most comfortable) bus ride you will ever do. Ha Ha For real

There is very frequent service all along Hwy. 200, hourly much of the time. There are different classes of service available. Much of the service is de-paso, busses that stop along the way to pick up and discharge passengers. These busses have more frequent departures. Some first-class service is available, and the advantage of taking those busses is that they are air-conditioned (well, ususlly...if it is working!). There are frequent delays with the first-class bus and it moves along way off schedule. I usually take the second-class bus because it seems to be more 'reliable\

I was in Puerto Escondido last week (jan 23 2001) and collected the following information regarding Aerotaxi at the Erickson Travel Agency. From inside Mexico, the telephone number is 01951 57270 and fax is 01951 56211. From another country, it would be, I think, International access + 52 + 951 57270. The plane used is a Cessna Gran Caravan 1999 with a 14 passenger capacity. The trips to Oaxaca from PE are in the morning. Here are the fares, one-way, in Mexican pesos, including two other destinations: Oaxaca (OAX) - P. Escondido (PXM) $1103.20 P. Escondido - Oaxaca $1129.53 Oaxaca - Huatulco (HUX) $1160.70 Huatulco - Oaxaca $1160.70 Oaxaca - Acapulco (ACA) $1292.95 Acapulco - Oaxaca $1319.28 Children (under 10 or 12, can't recall) have a 67% discount. For those who would require such a flight 'right now\

hi there....THIS IS DARLENE AND GENE FROM PUERTO ESCONDIDO....TO ANSWER SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS.....HUATULCO IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TOO MANY TOURISTS......BIG HOTELS AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE TRY TO AVOID.....PUERTO IS A SMALL TOWN MOSTLY MEXICAN TOURISTS FROM OAXACA AND YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A QUIET HIDEAWAY IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK....WE LIVE BY THE CARRIZALILL BEACH AREA AND HAVE 2 ROOMS TO RENT FOR VERY REASONABLE PRICES....WE CAN ALSO INCLUDE BREAKFAST.....IF YOU DECIDE TO COME TO PUERTO WE MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION FROM HUATULCO,,OR YOU CAN FLY INTO PUERTO WITH AERO CARIBE....OR TAKE A BUS FROM OAXACA BUT THAT IS 8 HOURS OR MORE...YOU WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOU CAME TO PUERTO...WE LOVE IT HERE AND LIVE HERE FULL TIME ....IF YOU WANT MORE INFO EMAIL US AT genedar@hotmail.com......or call us at 582 2646 good luck in your travels.....

We're planning a trip to P.E. in early April and haven't been there since 1982.I've read good things about the Hotel Santa Fe. Has anyone stayed there or have any comments regarding it or an alternative hotel? We have two boys (15 and 13).

We're heading to Puerto Escondido in a couple of weeks, and we're curious as to whether last week's earthquake (reported to have been in Oaxaca state) had any effect in the P.E. area?

Didn't stay there, but had a fantastic breakfast there a few time last Jan. The pool was mostly in the shade of the hotel late morning, and very small. We stay at the Posada Real, and wonderful pool with an island in the middle. Right on the beach, miles to explore. Prices are very similar. See the Posada on this website.

Our family has been going to P.E. for the last 2 years and my brother inlaw and his wife spend the winters down there. E.P. is a great place, we stay at the Flor de Maria, walk about town and has visited all the beaches etc. We have not had any great problems. In most cases we have found the people to be very kind, proud and friendly. E.P. is not your average tourist trap. There are no large all inclusive resorts and gated properties. You have to remember that you are a visitor in a third world town in a poor province in Mexico: act accordingly. Yes, there is porverty and problems that come with such dispair. but being aware of your surronding and common sense (head up - open eyes) and a little pre-trip research and planning, will take care of most of your concerns. Stay at a recommended hotels,travel by reputable carriers & abide by the available travel tips and advice. Don't bring anything with you that you don't want to loose. Use this website and your local embassie's site for travel advisoies etc. and look up Gina when you get there. If your want you can also contact me. I run a security consulting firm, specializing in Close Personal Protection, Travel briefs & contingency planning. We love the character and atomsphere of P.E. Relax and enjoy, Cheers Imre

look at www.mexico-condo.com lots of information on and pictures of Puerto Escondido, including an aerial perspective. Our condo, Eglantina #2, may or may not be available in early April...

You can get cheap flights thru Mexicana's Mexipass. You must be it in the US. I just purchased 3 tickets: Mex City - Oaxaca; Oaxaca - Puerto Escondido; Puerto Escondido - Mex City for $275 incl. tax. Lisa

thanks for your e-mail is pretty good, and contains many information, I been thinking go to puerto escondido for knowledge and experiences, but I have small problem, i need work for pay all my expenses, so pease if you can ,please reply me and tell me what you think. thanks for all. i hope you enjoy your next trips wherever you go. Juan carlos de la Cruz.

Spoke to my dad in Puerto last sunday (Jan 28, 2001).... very few people in town even felt the earthquake, no damage reported. Enjoy your trip. I see you've got a telus e-mail... are you flying via huatulco out of Vancouver or some other route?

There is no question; if you're going fishing in Pt. Escondido, the best guy to take you out is Rudolpho. Who would know this better than me- who has been going out with him for 7 years- and the other fishermen in town. They will leave you alone if you tell them you're going out with him. He drives a grey pickup- luxury for one in his proffession- and you can ask for him at Art & Harry's, or at The Flaming Pearl Restaurant( La Perla Flamente), downtown. After you go out and catch your tuna, sailfish and hopefully a dorado, tell Rudolpho you want to keep some of the fish. He'll have it filetted and send it over to Flaming Pearl for you, where they will cook as much as you want for free. They'll charge you for the rice and salad and veg that'll be on your plate-maybe two bucks U.S. Other restaurants will do this as well. If you want to eat your tuna raw at the restaurant, take a cooler with ice on the boat with you. Otherwise the fish will sit in the sun on the floor of the boat until you get back to land. The abovementioned restaurant has, in my opinion, the ONLY sushi in town worth eating. And try the margaritas. They look small but they sure pack a punch. And be warned: if the water is rough, someone on the boat will get seasick, regardless of experience, and you better hope it's not you. Take the medication that's available in any Farmacia. Cheap 'n easy prevention. Say hi to Rudolpho from me. Karl

Just got home to Vancouver on the 28th. Was in Puerto during the quake, and didn't realize there was one till I was told. I've been going down there since the 70's and the place has never looked better. This year we flew Air Canada to Mexico City via LA on points. Spent 3 nights total in the capital (2 there and 1 back), flew to Oaxaca, did 3 ruins, spent 2 nights then took the Sola de Vega road to Puerto for 10 days. My Dad lives in Puerto and he drove. Great trip, including a couple 1-day side trips to the Mazunte, Puerto Angel area as well as Chila, Rio Grande, Roca Blanca, Cerra Hermosa etc. It was my 1st time in Puerto Angel in 20 years and thought it looked pretty sad. I remember it looked cleaner and more prosperous than Puerto Escondido back then. I guess it shows how well P.E. has done in comparision. But the Zipolite, Mazunte and San Agustinillo strip has really developed and looks pretty funky. There wasn't a good road through there then, but there is now. Didn't get down to Hualtulco this trip, but remember Tangolunda completely undeveloped, as the perfect beach before Fonator came in, so Huatulco is really not my scene. Cal, is your father Ron or Ross Machin? My Dad knows him. I met him at Barb and Bill's last week. He mentioned something about Vancouver. Next year we'd like to be able to fly direct from Vancouver, like we were able to for a couple of years in the early 90's with Canada 3000, I think it was and we had to land in Mazatlan to clear customs. Then the airport in Puerto wasn't international like it is now, so a charter can now be non-stop. It is a great town and beautiful area, and there is lots of good and inexpensive food and empty hotel rooms, restaurants, condos and houses, perfect for bargain hungry south seekers. One doesn 't get that ripped-off feeling, like in Acapulco or Vallarta. And this website is loaded with good info and great links about Oaxaca. Congrats Tompaz. Many BC people in Puerto and it has a good international mix. Its funky, a bit trendy, has great beaches, the best climate, and lots of character. It's bustling, clean and not too big. As far as the crime is concerned, I've never been afraid there, and there is more crime in my back lane in Vancouver. If it was charter cheap to get there like it could be, I'd go more often and avoid awful places like LA. US Customs there is archaic, chaotic, stressful and intimidating. Not so much the officers as the whole system. Vancouver's customs is faster, far more accomodating, respectful and people are treated with more dignity.

Hi Bruce, I've tryed to sen you an E-mail but was returned! I live in Vancouver also,and have a few questions re PE. Could you e-mail me? Tanx, Erich

This is the same question we have? Has anyone responded to your email? We wanted to fly in from Oaxaca or possibly take the bus and fly back to Mex City from one of these towns from the the web sites I've looked at Huatulco looks very developed but I really don't know. I will forward any info I find to you. Look forward to hearing from you. Patti and David Bess ( N. CA)

Eric, My email address is: brucer@telus.net I entered it wrong here at first and yours is wrong too (at least the message I sent you bounced back...) -bruce

Can a trip from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido on Aerotaxi be booked from the US? Any guesses as to how much a roundtrip ticket costs?

People who LOVE Huatulco tend to have little good to say about PE while true fans of PE tend to say nothing good about Huatulco. I love the entire CostaEsmeralda and have stayed in everything from hamacas in Zipolite to mega-resorts in Huatulco. The Cancun-Ixtapa-style mega resort experience is ONLY in the Tangolunda section of Bahias Huatulco. Santa Cruz Huatulco and La Crucecita are MUCh more laid back. Puerto Escondido has an arts community and is one of the world's top destinations for surfing. But if you body surf rather than board surf, there is a school of thought that Zipolite is better if only due to the variety of waves. San Augustinillo, near Mazunte, has one of the prettiest places to swim in the whole area, and there is a new place to stay there. I realize that all I've done is muddy the water. Intentionally. It IS a personal choice type thing. When I get back in July, I'll be in Huatulco.

going to Peurto Escondido for Feb 26 2001 prices, pics, currency exchange, surfing, horseback riding, jungle tours,river trips, fishing prices-cheap, snorkeling, What about prices for to and from Parque nacional lagunas de chacagua and sights to see there?

I've been to Huatulco twice, and Puerto Escondido four times. Will be back in PE next week for 10 days. The hotel area in Huatulco is kinda a comparison to Ixtapa. High prices and fight for a chair around a pool at 7 in the morning. Just a 45 dollar cab ride up the coast to Puerto Escondido, is much more relaxful, and where I go the chairs are never half taken. The town is small, but the Mercardo is wonderful, and the open air restaurants are the best, with a great meal at 15 to 20 dollars with drinks. I've stayed a a few different places, and now always have a room reserved at the Posada Real. Not the hamock type place, and expect to pay 60 to 70 per nite for a double, depending on your bargaining skills. A wonderful restaurant, 2 pools and the beach club is very quiet, kidney shaped pool with a large island in the middle, and a great happy hour from 1 to 3 pm. The beach is 1 1/2 miles long, very remote, and the sunsets from the cliff side are the best. You can always rent a car and drive down to Huatulcofor the day, and then return to peace and tranquility.

i met jorge 7 years ago when i first came to puerto.now i go back every year to dive with him.we became good friends over the years and had many great dives together.even if you don`t dive now jorge can give you the discover diving couse in the morning and you will be in the water diving in the afternoon.he is a great guy and will accommidate any level of diver form beginner to advanced.we have senn whales ,dolpins,turtles and almost every type of sea life there is .it`s a great way to see puerto,from under the water.

We (husband and myself) are planning a trip to P.E. next January and would like to find accommodations with a kitchen, preferably close to town. A pool would be nice, too. We want to spend less than $50US a day. Has anyone stayed at the Barlovento or the Bungalows Villa Marinero? Or does anyone have any recommendations for other places? Thanks

The bus stattion is Taxqueña, I dont think they have a web page, but busses useD to go out at nigth around 7:00 PM. there is another way to do it, but is a longer trip and the services is almost the same. SALUDOS

although i surfed alot here in so-cal growing up i have not gone as much lately. i want to plan a trip to puerto not only for waves but for the total experience. my question is: are the waves just totally outrageous throughout the entire season? like what always double-overhead? thanks in advance for any response.

I would like to know the price for 1 floor in march or april Thank you

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but my friend was just almost robbed again! Maybe he just bad karma.... Was standing on a rock outcropping looking for whales with 2 friends and 4 "gentlemen" climed the rocks behind them brandishing knives. They jumped out into the surf, backpacks and all, and swam away, safe butshooken up. Still, it isn't stopping me from going so don't let it stop you!

Totally flat right now....

We had a wonderful couple of weeks back a few years ago at Flor de Maria - Lino and Maria were wonderful and we enjoyed Maria's wonderful cooking and Lino's dry sense of humor.... After all the problems in that area in the past couple of years we have often wondered how they were and if they were still there - please send us some informaiton - could not find a web site for them and they used to have one. Many thanks. We never had any problems walking the beaches, etc. but we were careful and never left anything on the beach unatttended.. we are an older couple and really enjoyed watching all the surfers on Zigatella Beach. Mo & Larry

Hi Shirlee, I'll be flying to Huatulco airport February 15, arriving at approximately 11:30 AM. From there, I would like to go to Puerto Escondido. I understand that Estrella Blanca has air-conditioned buses going to P.E. every hour. I don't know if this is accurate, nor if I can get the bus at the airport gate or whether I need to go to Potchutla or La Crucecita to get the bus to P.E. Do you have any info on this? I'm not sure if this e-mail is accessible to others on the P.E. Visitor's Comments site, but if it is, I would like your feedback. Also, if any of you are travelling to P.E. from Huatulco the same day, perhaps we can split a taxi, if necessary. Thanks, Gerry

Check out my website http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Beach/5432/oldindex.html for pictures of the Santa Fe and some comments. It actually has 2 swimming pools - one always in full sun and one partially in shade in the PM. It is never crowded as the place is not that large. This is the place to stay if you want to feel like you are in Mexico and not in a chain hotel that could be anywhere in the world. It is right across the street from Zicatella beach and just sitting watching the waves and listening to them is incredible. Feel free to mail me with any questions.

Gerry - You CANNOT get a bus from the airport terminal to either town. All the busses at the airport are hotel-specific charters. The cabs are also higher if taken from the airport. The cabbies have to pay a VERY healthy fee to pick up passengers at the airport and if the authorities at the airport allowed busses, everyone would lose a lucrative source of income. From your questions on the Huatulco page regarding room prices (which range from 25USD in La Crucecita to the 325USD you were quoted for a Zaaschila suite), I take it you are interested in economizing. If you travel light, the highway is only 1/4 mile from the terminal. You can get a cab for a fraction of the terminal price or flag down a bus, anything from the Pochutla micro to the Acapulco 1st class! Adventure is cheap. John

i am planing a trip to PE in april just wondering if any one can give me some info on good places to do some snorkling....and also would like some info on fishing on fresh water inland lakes. in the PE area....thankyou........

If you fish in Huatulco I can highly reccommend Isidro Cruz...he is very good and very safe to be out with. I was there during January and they were catching a lot of tuna and dorado plus the usual barrieletta and chulas. His rates I think are @$25 US per hour and he usually goes for 4 hours. He has two well equipped boats and should be available with a day or two notice. Just ask at the Marina in Santa Cruz for him and someone will help. His phone # is 71067 although his english phone skills are not the greatest.

I just returned from the area and travelled back and forth from Huatulco to P.Esc. many times. The cheapest way from the airport is to walk out to the main road...it's close and catch a micro (small bus) to Pochutla. This costs 8 pesos. In Pochutla you can take another micro to P.E. for 16 pesos or catch a collective (a taxi that gathers together 5 people who want to go to the same place ) This is faster than the micro, but is 50 pesos per person. There is also a bus station in Pochutla with sceduled first and second class buses. I think it is about 35 pesos on these. If you want a bus from Huatulco to P.Esc. you have to go into la crucecita first. It is 65 pesos just to do this and about 50 pesos for the first class sceduled bus ride to P.E. I really like travelling by collective because it is quiker but the busses are probably safer as some of the taxi drivers have "intimidating" driving styles...but they do know the roads because they make the same trip day after day. Hope this is a great vacation for you....I've spent alot of time there and absolutely love both areas.

I've visited Puerto Escondido often over the last 6 years and have never seen them absolutely huge...wild maybe but not huge. I'm told that this does occur but usually in August. Otherwise the only fact is that they change everyday...if there are bad waves in Marinaro the surfers are at the Point of Zicatela.... I've seen all levels of surfers in the water in Puerto Escondido on any given day. As I understand it the beauty of the area for surfing is in the tubes that can be formed along the top of the wave.

As I stated in an above comment I truly beleive that First Class is the way to go unless just a few dollars make a difference. As far as the travel time difference is concerned I totaly disagree. I took a 2nd class bus because it left FOUR hours earlier. I should have known better because I had just taken 4 First Class busses oves the previous 3 days and was totaly impressed. Busses left on time and the air conditioning worked. They even had videos. Anyway about 1/2 hour outside of Puerto hear comes the First Class bus flying by us with all the passengers holding filled frosted beer mugs, laughing and looking like they just had a massage after watching videos of the beach experience they were about to have in Puerto while I was sweaty, stinky, dirty, totaly exausted and was wondering why I didn't go to the zocalo in Acapulco and have some cheap delicious local specialties with an ice cold Negra Modelo and wait for the First Class bus. After traveling in Mexico for over 25 years by every possible mode of transportation I truly think the relitively new First Class bus system is the best way to to go unless there are other special factors involved. Mike

I totaly agree with John Williams. I personly vote for Puerto and suggest you find a couple of more weeks or months to check it all out for yourselves. You must go to Puerto and I promise you will do all in your power to return as soon as you can the area for a much longer stay. Mike

What are the coordinates of Puerto Escondido?

I think 15.5 north 97.1 west. Does that sound right?

Hi Jessica, Not that I know of, we are going down the end of March. We are staying at Casa Caruso in Oaxaca and the owner there graciously offered to get the tickets ahead of time if we sent the money along with our deposit for the hotel. It is about $200 each/round trip (kind of steep, no?). Good luck, Gary

hi chris,i just came back from puerto,good place for snorkling are the smalls beaches close from the main beach.they are call playa carrizalillo,playa manzanillo, playa angellito.for fishing in fresh water i guess your best bet is the laguna ,they are two of them not to far.they advertise it all around town.

hi yvonne,try casa de playa (acali)on zicatela beach it is very close from town and they have a pool,kitchenette,its a little bit rustic but the people are nice.

15-51.407, 97-04.150 Puerto Escondido GPS at Eglantina Condominiums, just to the west of the lighthouse

Regarding lodging costs: I stayed in Acapulco for about 8 days in 1996. I paid less than six U.S. dollars per night for a clean room in downtown Acapulco near the zocalo. Buenas suerte! From: Terry in Escondido, California, U.S.A.

I usually stay in the Beach Hotel Ines, it is safe and have some rooms and apartaments, with sea view, you can see the web page in this link in hotels I think you will enjoy have a good trip.

I would like to have more information about the place that you are renting for a month, does it have pool, or ocean veaw, or acces to a beach club, tell me more about it.

try the beach hotel ines at zicatela it is nice and have a nice pool, they have diferent pices, and diferent kind of rooms, from cabanas to apartaments.

we usually go to the beach hotel ines, they have all kind of rooms from cabanas to apartaments, and they have web page so you can see all the information, look for it an this page in the hotel information I dont remember well but I think is www.hotel_ines,com.mx not sure have a nice trip to puerto

I would like to have more information about the place that you are renting please send by email. monthly rates

We are arriving in Mexico City Feb 14 and will be in PE by Feb 28th and staying for a month. Just my wife and I. Can you tell me more including rates? Thansk, Brian

i have stayed at villa marinero for 15 years.its the best for me.best location ,on beach and middle of everything..they have kitchens and cool pool.for 50bucks you might have to rent 2 apts lol.owners are real nice and security is exelent.a lot of regulars of p.e. stay there and are real friendly.feel free to e mail me with questions....ps im from vancouver bc canada.you cant go wrong with marinero...if so you can all ways move..you can pay by day or week.

Canadian couple trying to find out about getting married in Puerto Escondido. we want an intimate beach wedding, on Playa Carrizalillo. All the paperwork, accomodation and reception are taken care of (it's our 3rd trip to PE), we just have heard that the Judge/Official is not into marrying travellers and doesn't perform much of a ceremony. We're leaving in 3 weeks. If you have any info PLEASE HELP!! Thanks, Cath

Thanks for your responses! I tried to email Al for more info on Villa Marinero, but the message was returned. So Al, can you please send me a working email addy? cheers

Perfect, thanks all.

Hi Al, We are from Wpg. Manitoba and are heading to PE for three weeks in March/01 and were also wondering about the Villa Marinero. What we would like to know is if it is quiet for sleeping and also how many beds are in the one bedroom cabana. How are the kitchen cooking facilities? Are the rooms clean? What are the owners like? Thanks very much.

Hi Yvonne, We are also going to PE in three weeks and we would also like info on Villa Marinero. We will let you know what we think when we get there. I also tried to email Al and got no response.

Thanks, mag! I really appreciate that. Say, if you happen to be over by the lighthouse one day, and it's not too much trouble, could you take a peek at the Barlovento for me? :) Hope you have a great time in PE. Have a margarita for me. cheers...

I spend time in both places during all my trips and both are great. Puerto is less expensive overall but huatulco can be just as inexpensive. If you like to be on the beach snorkelling as opposed to surfing go to huatulco... tthere are lots of beautiful beaches with coral reefs right off shore. Huatulco is also in my opinion safer to be out in at night. If you love the big surf of a wide open beach go to puerto...lots of surfers and tourists from Europe as well as Mexico. No good places that I know of for snorkelling.

We just bought tickets for trips to Oaxaca, PE and back to Mexico City through Mexicana under the "Mexipass" program that costs $50 one way from Oaxaca to PE. Some information is on the mexicana web site (http://www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/destinos/mexipass/home.asp) If you call them for details, you'll likely find that they're unfamiliar with the program.

try this email honestlink@aol.re:villa marinero re:Yvonne

Hi Al, Hope you get this. We are going to be in PE for three weeks in March and are interested in the Villa Marinaro. Could you please tell us how many beds are in the one bedroom. Also is it quiet there so we can sleep at night? We like to party too, but we also like our sleep. ALso is the kitchenette clean? Is the hotel safe for belongings, ie passport, travellers cheques etc. What about water, do they have purified water outside or do we buy the big bottles at the store. Your immediate response would be great as we are leaving for Mexico City on Thursday morning. Adios for now. Thanks.

Hi, I've done this trip dozens of times. Here are your options: The cheapest way is simply this: walk out of the airport to the highway and wait for a bus (any bus ) to come by ( heading north, that's to the right as you leave the airport ). You'll want to wave it down, and he'll most definitely stop. The bus might take you all the way to Pt. Escondido, but it may only be going as far as Potchula, a city almost half way between the airport and Escondido. There you'll get on another bus to Escondido. Just ask anyone. In total, it should take you 2 hours, and cost you about 30 pesos ($3 U.S.). When you get off the plane at Huatulco, there will be alot of drivers with really nice white Suburban vans, and they'll take you there. Be warned that there is NO set rate. It's up to you to bargain. They'll try to get you for as much as $50 U.S. per person, but I've had them as low as $80 U.S. for 8 people. If you aren't shy, ask other travellers if they'll join you. You can also walk out of the airport (200 yards) to the highway and hail a cab. The same cab will charge triple if he picks you up in the airport. The same applies to the van drivers. Catch them outside of the airport and it'll be cheaper. Going in to Huatulco will be a waste of time and money, you'll find. My advice is to avoid it altogether. I don't know if you're travelling alone, if you speak any Spanish, if you're going for a long visit, if you arrive at night......... Don't be overly brave and adventurous when you first arrive. They see you without a tan and they know you are new and that you don't know any better yet. Even as simple as buying a bracelet. The price will be half once you're tanned and you look a little less new. Have fun, and let me know if you need any further recomendations. I can't get down there (from Toronto) this year, and I'm missing it in a big way. Have fun. I know you will. Karl

Okay, first timer here, sitting on the phone ringing airlines for flights to get to Puerto Escondido...surely it is easier than this?! So, anyone with any suggestions for the best way to get there from either San Fran or LA ? I want to go April 3-15. Also, which is the best place - Beach Hotel Ines or Flor Del Maria ?? I am down to these two at the moment...happy with either and then I see Santa Fe in the corner of my eye...hmm Any help, gladly and thankfully received... Mardi

8 years in PE. Stay at the Villa Belmar south down Zip Beach.. Love it. Ines can be noisy in the late evening when the young folks come in from the all night parties, not for this couple. Flor del Maria is nice place, not much of a balcony view from most rooms I think but could be wrong. Pool on the roof with bar service. Sunset is different view from up there, point is in the way for viewing as it hits the water, Arco best for that. They are under new ownership, just sold few months ago. Nice personalable owners, waiter is always rushed but good, as is the lady at the bar. Some guests said the resturant can be noisy in the evening but said it quiets down by the time they are ready for lights out. Said sound travels up the center of the complex but this is not a problem as this is just a dinner crowd, not bar crowd.The beach they are on is the best and only place for SAFE swimming, surf beach is dangerous if you are not used to it. Cafecito original bakery is just across the alley and good place for a fresh bakery snack made by Caren and Dan's staff from Zip Beach. Mexicana I think is the place to start and they will get you then to PE from Mexico City thru Air Caribe(Not daily service and often changes) Worth the hassle. Enjoy your vacation marc

It's less expensive and there are more flights to the Huatulco airport than to P.E. Even with the expense of transportation from huatulco to Puerto you might still save money. The trip takes about 2 hours each way and there are many different forms of transportation available. Our experience with the flights into Puerto are that there are problems...the flight has been cancelled, the times changed, all requiring stays in Mexico City. If you are lucky and the trip goes as sceduled it is the best way though more expensive. If they do change your flight times note that Mexican airlines are not as accomodating as American carriers and unless they delay you for over 24 hrs they are unlikely to offer any services.

When do the waves begin to increase in size (Playa Z. / The Point)? Others?

Hi Norma, I'd like more information. First, how much US$ are you selling the property for? Can you send me some pictures? How much income does the hotel generate? Why are you selling it?

We found the cafe in the rental space outside the lobby of the new hotel next to Hotel Inez to be just fine for our needs. Rates were all the same I found. Have no experience with the one Adoquin. We found going after dinner worked best, say 8:30 and messages went faster as the cafe was not busy. mjhalver

The robberies during the day seem to be continuing and also at night in the dark areas. Mostly at knife point. Spoke with those that were robbed, not rumor. After 8 years of our Januarys there we know what to do and where not to go after dark. Getting worse, I guess not, just the same. They know we aren't going to resist so they sieze the opportunity to take what they think they deserve and the police don't seem to get too involved, just drive up and down the beach. Sorry to hear of this happening each year we are down there. There is a problem, don't let anyone tell you there isn't a problem. It happened to our group at 10 AM.

Just got back from P.E on the 16th. We stayed at the Flor for the 10th year. Price is 360 pesos, restaurant is not as good as it was when Maria was there. I would recommend getting a room on the second floor as there is some noise from the restaurant, and people hang around the lobby area talking aerly (6:00 am) in the morning. The BelMar is a nice hotel, but it is way down the beach and you have to take taxis after dark if you want to go to restaurants. The beach is not Zip, its Zicatela, Zipolete is over by Puerto Angel. There are some new restaurants which a worth a visit. Just across from the Santa Fe are Fanys, fany used to run the original Carmens for Dan & Carmen. Excellent food & value. Just near Fanys is El Sorbo, where the food is graet. Try the Deluxe Paella.

talk to Gene at Vista World Travel - links to him on Penick's site or via the Travel link at www.mexico-condo.com - he makes all our reservations there from the west coast and does a great job...

Hi Mardi, You've probably figured it out by now, BUT ... yes, it is tricky! I agree that if you include the possibility of flying into or out of Huatulco, that will increase your options. We just went Feb 3rd through 13th (our 3rd trip ... WONDERFUL!) and we flew from Santa Barbara CA to LAX to Mexico City to P.E. (took 16 hours overnight including long layovers) and returned from Huatulco to Mexico City to LAX to S.B. I would ask a good travel agent to make you their personal challenge! As for hotels, we have stayed at the Flor de Maria in years past; it is good. The Beach Hotel Ines looks OK... We stayed at the Arco Iris this year and were extremely satisfied. I would say not to waste your money on the Santa Fe except maybe for your first night or two if you just want to land someplace extra nice. It is beautiful; we stayed there on our first trip, but it is honestly just "more" hotel than you will probably need unless you demand the comforts of home! My advice (you asked!) - it is probably more a question of whether you want to be on the surf beach (Zicatela: Arco Iris & Santa Fe) or closer to town (Flor de Maria) or actually in town (Hotel Paraiso Escondido is beautiful). And wherever you decide upon, feel confident that you can easily change once you're there. If you want any more info, or to "chat", don't hesitate to email me directly. Have fun! Sarah

Chris, We just got back from our third trip to Puerto last week. In addition to the beaches Bernard named (& named!) - Playa Bacocho was beautiful & oh-so-clear. We spent a magical morning there with only a few other people in sight. We didn't actually snorkel, but the conditions were perfect. Enjoy! ... Sarah

Regarding Chacagua: once you are in Puerto, go talk to Jesus at the Dick Tracy Travel Agency on the Adoquin. Jesus loves Chacagua, and will arrange whatever kind of tour you like. The office is right in the middle of the Adoquin, next to Los Crotos restaurant and the Bank. Jesus is there most nights, is a native but has great English skills which he loves to use (unless you would rather work on your Spanish skills with him!) Tell him that Fred & Sarah from Santa Barbara California say hi. Have fun!

Just wondering if anyone knows if the Japanese restaurant is still in operation? Have any other new and interesting places opened since last year??

I too am looking at PE around March 15 and have looked at a B & B for 200 peso's and supposebly in a quiet section of town. Anbody else stay at Genne and Darlene's

Charters to Huatulco should be easily available from most major metros, air-only via charter is definitely the best value. From Huatulco it's a 90-minute cab ride to PE, or there are lots of bus options too. I've stayed at the Santa Fe and investigated, but not stayed at, the Flor and Hotel Ines. The Santa Fe is very very nice and has a great central location right between the town beach and Zicatela. Ines is nice, it's along the Zicatela strip and is more for the free-spirited type of traveler. It has an attractive small pool area, with many beach amenities nearby. Flor de Maria is among the small streets and sandy alleys in town that verge on the beach, all reports say it's very good as well as an exceptional value. As others have said, you can always change to another hotel (except perhaps at Easter time).

Salut Jennifer, L'année dernière en Mars nous avons fait le voyage d'Acapulco à Puerto Escondido en autobus, à l'allée nous avions pris la seconde classe et le voyage à été très très long environ 9 hrs, c'était un voyage de jour et je ne te le recommande vraiment pas. A notre retour nous avons opté pour un voyage de nuit en autobus de première classe, c'était vraiment mieux mais très froid à cause le l'air climatisé, alors apporte des vêtements chauds, le voyage à pris environ 5hrs et on a pas perdu une journée, le seul inconvénient l'armée à arrête l'autobus à 6 reprises pour faire des vérifications de passeport, avec des passeports Canadien nous n'avons eu aucun problème. Pour ce qui est de l'Hotel nous avons passé 7 jours à l'Hotel Flor de Maria, nous avons adoré et c'est possible d'avoir un prix réduit si tu dis que tu demeures plusieurs jours, si je ne me trompe pas notre chambre nous avait coûté 42$ canadien par soir. Il y a une autre hotel en ville qui était très très bien mais je ne me souviens plus du nom malheureusement. Nous avons adoré notre voyage et te le conseillons fortement. Josée

If you are going to be in Puerto at Easter you definitly need a reservation someplace and you will not be able to find another place to move to unless you are one of the luckiest people around. Don't think you will pull into town and grab a room someplace because there won't be any rooms to be had. Easter is the biggest holiday in Mexico. It is also a popular holiday for North Americans to travel for obvious reasons. Puerto during Easter and Christmas is not the same place as the whole rest of the year. Does anybody else out there agree? Mike

We'll be in P.E. approx April 10 - May 1st. Can you please send us pictures, rates and your location?

We will be in P.E. from approx April 10 - May 1st. Can you send on pictures, rates, description, location? Thank you.

Hi. I spent a month or so in PE in 1987 [Jan.] and had a great time. I,m now retired and looking to get away from the lousy Washington weather. Can anybody give me info. on living in PE as far as cost and expensives go? I am an experienced world travler [40 countries], single, resourceful and don,t need hair dryers or other consumer goods. Michael Merrill

Would appreciate info re retirement cost in various beachfront locations on the west coast of mexico, the further south the better. Michael Merrill

If Bruno's is still there... it is great and right on the beachwalk on Playa Z. Joey

Brunos hasn't been there since 1990. It was operated by Bill & Patrice for a couple of years, and has been turned into a really good restaurant called Cafecita. There are a couple of new places, Fanys & El Sorbo across the road from the Santa Fe are good. There is a little place between those two that I have only had lunch at. Spent some time under the umbellas and had quesadillas, incredible guacamole, fries etc. Galeria on the Adoquin was good. The vegetarian place, La Goda Vida, on Zicatella, was also good.

It's never easy to get there!!!! Mexicana to Mexico City and then it is an Aero Caribe flight operated by Mexicana to Puerto Escondido The hitch is as of today (It changes frequently) the flight out of Mexico City is not flying on Tuesday and Wednesday and there is only one flight a day and it is at 11:20 a.m. I have been going for 5 years. While there...check with the airport before you're planning to leave because they'e been known to cancel the flights with no new ones planned. I ended up last year with the option of an 8 seater to Oaxaca then going to Mexico city or a bus! Enjoy, it's wonderful once you're there.

We just booked a trip to Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido. We made full travel arrangements with our travel agent. We were told purchasing tickets in Oaxaca for Puerto Escondido were very expensive and to do it in the U.S.

This is to everyone out there who is planning on going to Puerto Escondido, or to any beach anywhere in the southern states of Mexico especially Chiapas and Oaxaca. I just came back from there two days ago.......my vacation was wonderful but towards the end of my trip my boyfriend and I decided to go to Bacocho Beach to relax. When we got there we were extremely happy because nobody was on it and it was a beautiful 2 mile beach. There was a hotel called the Best Western "Posada Real" on one side with the beach club, but on the other side there was a beautiful secluded beach. My boyfriend and I thought that was great because we wanted to have a nice romantic peaceful walk. We walked all the way to the end of the beach and saw the sunset, when we started walking back, we got robbed at knife point by two young males. It was the WORST feeling in the world! One had a knife and the other had a machete on his belt and a wooden stick on his hand. They took my purse with all of our vacation money. They took my boyfriend's Tag Heuer watch, his wallet with all his credit cards and driver's license, our two hats, our necklaces which were two hearts cut in half with our names engraved on the back, the room to the hotel key, and our new camera. This was all we had with us. Once they got everything they ran away. I just started crying and my boyfriend took my hand and started running towards the hotel. There were four people playing volleyball and we told them what happened so they could be careful, they were nice enough to give us a ride back to our hotel, which was called Hotel Loren. When we got to the hotel, the people there acted like nothing, they acted like this happens all the time. They were no help, all they told us was that we should have never walked on the beach alone and by sunset, and that we should never take money or valuables with us, and that we should have left our room key with the hotel. When we tried to use the phone to cancel our credit cards, it was a nightmare! (and I am fluent in Spanish!) Nobody helped us on how to make calls to the U.S., we tried dialing 800 numbers and some didn't go through because they charge you to just connect to it, so we had to get a phone card, and even with the phone card it was a nightmare calling anywhere, after three hours we finally had Mastercard call the hotel and that was how we were able to stay on the line. I am not telling you this story to scare you away - I just simply want to warn you and tell you to be careful. It is a gorgeous place! Here are some things you can do to stay safe: 1) Do not go to any beach at sunset and at night unless it is well lit and with a lot of people. 2) Stay were all the people are. 3) Pay attention to your surroundings, if you see people leaving especially the locals, you should do the same. 4) Don't carry a purse, money, or any valuables. 5) Leave your hotel key with the hotel receptionist. 6) Call your credit cards and get their collect call numbers. Trying to call 800 numbers is a nightmare, it is so much easier to call collect. 7) Once in Mexico, be familiar with the phone system and know how to make an international call and where to get a phone card. 8) Always walk to the beat of the drummer - in other words, stay where all the tourists are, even though everything will be more expensive, it is much much safer. 9) If you are carrying a lot of cash, use the Hotel safe. It's the best place. I never ever thought this would happen to me, but it did and it could happen to you, so please be careful!! Thank God they didn't hurt us nor kill us - THANK GOD!!! We went to Huatulco and Oaxaca City and everything was absolutely breathtaking - it is a beautiful country. Just be careful. If I can be of any help to anyone, I would gladly help. Thank you.

I'm sorry this happened to you, but you did all of the things you shouldn't have. You need to be careful about where you go no matter what country you're in, but in Puerto, if you're not carrying money, jewellery etc., the people who robbed you will just leave. It's not like Florida where they kill you first. The bacocho area is isolated, and not frequented by gringos because it is isolated. The vast majority of tourists to Puerto have no bad experiences, and the unfortunate incident you had is not commonplace. Anybody who knows Puerto (Gina for example) would have told you not to go there.

Chris please let us know how it works out, I for one will be curious to know. Thanks!

Jackie, I am so glad that you relayed your experience so that others can benefit from your story. That must have been an awful experience for you. I have to add, though, that we just came back from our 3rd trip to Puerto including an absolutely magical morning on Playa Bacocho. We spent several hours there swimming and painting - two local fishermen were the only other humans we saw the entire time. It was daylight. It was beautiful. And I guess we were just luckier. We did, however, have one 'incident' on our trip. My boyfriend's wallet was "lost" (stolen??) in the Mexico City airport. Broad daylight, crowded, we don't know exactly what happened except that it suddennly wasn't in his pocket anymore. This was on our flight going down there. We spoke to the Mexicana officials; didn't even bother going to the police; and we had a similarly challenging time cancelling credit cards from Mexico. Gina even offered to help us. We ended up emailing a friend in the states who did it for us. However, the $200 or so in cash that we lost didn't ruin our trip; we had 10 wonderful days in Puerto ... learned from the experience & kept on going. I truly think that a vacation in Puerto is less dangerous than in most other vacation destinations. Be careful, use common sense, and don't carry more cash than you can afford to lose, just in case.

Want to let people know about a little treasure we discovered on our recent time in the PE area. San Agustinillo now has a wonderful little posada owned by Jeff and Ana who are charming and helpful hosts. The posada is new and is still a work in progress. The rooms are large, very clean and very comfortable. The food is terrific. We liked it so much that we went once in Jan and again in Feb. It got better the second time. For anyone looking for a spot in SA that is definitely a step up from the usual cabana we heartily recommend the Posada Dona Sol. There is no phone but they can be reached by e-mail tierrapin@hotmail.com. Ana checks the mail regularly when she goes to Pochutla to shop.

DIP @!#$

Dear Zach and Heidi, Our house is available for rental starting April 1. It is truly a beautiful home, with a gorgeous view - probably the best in Puerto Escondido. People who visit here say it looks like a movie set. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equiped kitchen, two palapas with tables and chairs and lounge chairs. It is cool and very comfortable. There is a king size bed in one room with a full view of the ocean. The other bedroom has two double beds. Banana trees, bouganvilla in bloom - the works. It rents for $950 (US) a month, or less if rented for more than a month at a time. Let me know. Subagh

We have a gorgeous, brand new, two bedroom, two bath, two palapa, full kitchen home for rent. It sits on the cliff right next to the lighthouse and overlooks the ocean and bay. Mountain view from the upstairs palapa. It truly looks like a movie set. There is a king bed and two doubles. Tables and chairs, lounge chairs. Banana trees, bouganvilla, fully equiped. Rent for a month is $950 (US). Discount if rented for longer. Please email me at subagh@earthlink.net or call. The number is (from the (US) 011 52 9 582 0700. Subagh

Flying out of Seattle can't decide best direct route Mexico City or Acapalco. First time to PE would like direct route. Once i know best route, then I can decide on second route - bus or fly to PE. Your help is most appreciated.

Have narrowed location in PE to beach Carrizalillo or Marinero. We like to swim and snorkel do not surf. What do you think? Thanks

Mag did Al replay I have the same questions as you. Also did you Email Villa Marinero and did you get a price. Good luck

Mike...absolutely agree with you re: PE at Easter......was there last year at Easter and it was a nightmare! Have been to PE many times and love the place but last year's experience really was a turn off! We're going to Europe this year and will return to PE next year (maybe), after the memories from the last trip have sufficiently faded away!

Puerto Angelito or accross the bay from Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo......Just something else to think about when you think you have your choices narrowed down the the two best. Mike

USE THE AERO CARIBE FOR THE QUICKEST ARRIVAL BUT THIS FLIGHT CHANGES ALOT, LOOK AT AA THR REPLYS FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS. WE USED TO DO NON STOP CHARTER TO ACAPALCO BUT THEM WE STARTED STAYING TOO LONG. THE BUS LEAVES FOR PE ABOUT 11 PM..CHECK THE OLD REPLYS. YOU ARRIVE IN PE VERY EARLY MORNING. JUST CURL UP AND TRY TO SLEEP. WE STUCK A TRAVEL ALARM IN A POCKET TO WAKE US UP ONE HOUR AHEAD. INTERESTING TRIP, DON'T SIT BY THE BATHROOM!!!! MJHALVER

Look at www.mexico-condo.com and go to Beaches link. Pictures, and information(including aerial pictures) of all Puerto Escondido beaches.

stop by the dive shop at the end of the adoqin,adventuras submarinas,jorge is the owner .he does snorkel trips as well as fishing and dive trips.you might even want to take the discover diving class,you spend some time in the pool in the morning and do a dive that afternoon.check it out it`s great!

All of the beaches are only minutes apart by water taxi. Staying at a place near the smaller beaches just makes it more difficult to get to the restaurants on the Adoquin and Zicatella. If it's your first time in Puerto, you'd be better off staying at one of the hotels closer to the bigger beaches. After you know your way around, you feel more comfortable going out after dark.

Michael are you talking of buying/? renting/? no beachfront really legally availble to gringos. I have bought and built a home in Puerto. Let me know what you are wanting to do.

The requirements for a fma 3 is a minimun of 1000.00 per month U.S. dollars.There are places for sale $20,000.00 to 150000.00 U.S.

Michael are you talking of buying/? renting/? no beachfront really legally availble to gringos. I have bought and built a home in Puerto. Let me know what you are wanting to do.

Hello! We just got back from PE last week and we had an amazing time. We (my parents and my husband and I) stayed at the Flor de Maria. We loved the hotel and thought the food was excellent. When we return to PE we will definitely stay there again. Anyways, before we left for our vacation we consulted this website numerous times. We knew that it should only cost us $40-50 US to get a taxi to PE from Huatulco. Imagine our surprise when the taxis at the airport were charging at least $1300 pesos. (About $210 Canadian- i know our dollar is low but not that low!) We ended up walking out of the airport (about 2 minutes, if that) and got into a cab for $500 pesos. Our driver's name was Mario and he ended up taking us to his "casa" and getting us some cervasa and then we were off to PE. Just thought that we should mention that you do have to leave the airport grounds to get a good deal. We found PE to be very safe. We used common sense and didn't take any chances that we wouldn't take in Canada. Use your head. None of us brought any valuables with us. Who needs them in PE? All you need is a bikini, sunscreen, sunglasses and a book! Oh, and maybe some immodium!!!! Take care, Melissa

checking things out,going to retire in next 2 years. $1500.00 approx per month-rent,buy,or build. got lot"s of ? medical fac. groceries,rx med"s. we r planning to fly to p.e. on late april and hope to find some of the answers.

Just returned form 10 wonderful at Puerto Escondido, (the 10th to the 20th of Feb.). We stayed at the Posada Real resort and had --NO-- !!! problems. You have to think a little bit when in a foreign country. We spent some time around the pool area of the Posada every day, and then went out onto Bococho Beach, and yes, we even went all the way to the far end, (up the coast, about 1 to 1 1/2 miles). We took with with us some cold beers, a few colas, our towels and some suntan lotion, and a cheap disposable camera,,,, NOTHING ELSE !!! If you look like you have nothing with you, they will ask for nothing. I believe that from the way you describe the two guys, they might have taken our picture, with out cheap disposable camera. Anyone who has traveled in Mexico should know that you take NO Money, NO jewelery, No credit cards, No room keys, No fancy necklases when you go the the beach. We spent 5 or 6 hours every one of our ten days on the same beach and had no problems whatsover. We also talked to quite a few people and they had problem free days also. At sunset time, you should not be on the beach, but up ont he cliff of the Posada Real where it is safe having a cold refreshment. and enjoying the view. Just because you were very unwise on your trip to the beach, does'nt mean that is is unsafe.

Sorry to hear what happened to you and your boyfriend. I have travelled that beach a couple of times but only in the daylite. Being a photographer I always try and find out from local people what is "safe" and what is not. First, never go anywhere in the third world with real jewelry(real stuff) and don't ever leave home with a fancy watch. I was approached on a beach south of Acapulco some 22 years ago as I ran at a pace of about 9mi/hr. The fellow was waving his hands and I stopped, it was 1pm, the sun was out and I was about 5mi. north of the airport. All I had on was a pair of shorts, running shoes and my Rolex watch. I spoke very little spanish and had a strained conversation with this young man. Among other things he told me that a family of 7 or 8 could live and eat for at least two years with the value of my watch. He told me never to run on an empty beach with anything but myself and never get out of site of other people. I pass it on for what it is worth. Puerto is a great place, one of my friends has been going every year for 24 years. He doesn't go on beachs unless it is with a pack of people, and never goes at noght unless it is lite. He has never had a incident. What happened to you is a scarry thing. Leave as much at home as you can and remember you are a prime target where ever you go, even in Chicago!

i am looking for a house for next year in puerto,i just came back on the first of feb.i was at condo carrizalillo it was nice and very clean do you have pictures of the house?it is big enough for 4 peoples?do you have a web site?thank in advance bernard.

have a look at mabrealty.com - lots of information and pictures specific to what you are interested in. also mexico-condo.com

Plan to travel to P.E end of April via bus from M.C. Any information on hostels or budget accommodation around Playa Zicatela. Clean and Safe.

The Taxis, yes. The deal is that Taxis need a 'license' to operate at Airports Mexico-wide. They are then gauranteed customers and customers are gauranteed Taxis,all for a price. These 'licenses' are of course very expensive and so the cost for Taxis increases exponentailly. Are they realy Taxi Airport licenses or licenses to steal? LOL!!! Thanks for the report on Flor de Maria I spent 2 weeks there some years go truly a lovely spot. Did Lino ever talk the municipality into paving the street?

There is a sign at the exit of the Beach Club clearly indicating the dangers.

http://mailweb.pue.udlap.mx/~sobczyk/eg4.html

Marinero is great for swimming, particularly if you like frolicking in waves (great place to try out boogie boarding). But not for snorkeling, I would think. Haven't been to Carizalillo.

Flip flops: check Tank top: check Board shorts: check Sun screen: check Head: check I know this has been mentioned several times before but you need to watch out for yourself and stay aware of where you are and how it is to be perceived by the other people around you, good or bad. I am a rather small guy and have traveled to PE on several occasions and have backpacked all over southern Mex. Whether by myself, girlfriend or buddies we know to keep our heads while there or anywhere. The typical rules you hear for any crime possible areas should be noted. Stay to the better lit areas at night, don't venture too far from others you can get help from if needed, do not wear fancy clothing to bring attention to yourself, or jewelry. You don't need that stuff anyway. One thing I do in New York, while on business, is to carry a wallet that has a few small bills and non essential things in it ready to hand over to anyone that may "need" it. Don't carry your entire trips stash with you! Take what you need for the few hours of the evening and no more. You can always come back to the hotel, or ATM for more. As for leaving things on the beach, come on, keep your head! Take your risks and fears and make them an integral part of your trip planning so that when you get there you can smile, soak up tropical rays and sand in your trunks!

The Posada Canon Devata is in full operation in Puerto Angel. I was there. The place is being run by Mateo and operated by a caucasian named Steve. The place is clean, secure and quiet. The meals are not macro biotic anymore(standard fair) and they miss a meal at times. The Posada's phone # is 011.52.958.4.3137. The rooms run from 150 to 400 pesos. Mateo's wife(Chelli) has opened the "Galeria Cafe" below the grade school by Mateo's house in town. The chef is a Swiss gentleman by the name of Peter. The food is European, Seafood, and vegetarian. The meals run from 20 to 60 pesos. I ate there and the food was high grade but not spicey. Reply To This Message List Regions | New Topic | List Topics | Go to Topic | Threaded View | Search Reply To This Message Your Name: Your Email: Subject:

C: I be sure to have the info ready when you get to PE contact me at the tourist offoce in the adoquin. 1)you need birdt certificates originals. 2)passports originals. 3)inPe we had to go to the notary to certifait hwo you are ! 4) blod test (for the two of you) 5)then pay $$$ 3000pesos or less to the goberment service.You will have a ticket gob stamp. 6)Then we wil had to see the judge to get the date and location of your reunion. See you here Gina. I all ready toalk to the owner of Carrizalillo beach.Good news.

Aerovega $920 pesos you had to get the reservation from Oaxaca city in the Hotel Monte alban. csesnna &plazas. no problem is de best.flys early in the morning. gina

Please call me (9) 58 202 76 Gina in puerto@ yahoo.com

Jennifer, Spent January in PE this year, another couple from Ontario had driven down, used the digital cell all the way down until about 300 miles into Mexico from their Canadian provider. Once in PE they went to a cell phone service across the street from the big supper market downtown to get a access number and minutes on it. Cost was 50.00 US for phone and number and about 50.00 US for 100 minutes. They were very happy with the service, made for instant calls back home to check on the business and elderly parents. If you exit the grocery store and look slightly to the left and up 3 or 4 businesses you will see a sign above the business windows. If memory correct it had a picture of a cell phone painted on it. We plan to bring ours next year, set up times with family when to call and enjoy knowing that when we are off the grounds of the Belmar I can be reached. Marc in Minnesota

i am very interested in renting the house but would like to see some photos if possible. are there any periods during the year when it is unavailable? thank you.

Nope, it's still dirt! And Lino & Maria are still in Puerto but don't own the hotel anymore...

Sorry about your personal experience. I am a mexican guy who loves traveling around the world. There are some UNIVERSAL caution mesaures that you didn't take, and I won't repeat them. I have traveled several times around my country and central america and you MUST have a minimal amounto of common sense. By the way, also traveling I have been robbed twice in USA (Philadelphia and Minneapolis) during dayligth, in downtown (no much money because I never carry lots of money). Pleasure of traveling worths the risks we take, so we MUST minimize them.

I know! You have it all under control. Chill-out mate, hang loose.

The Hotel Loren has signs clearly indicating: 1)leave key when leaving the room and 2)hotel safe available for valuables. That's where your credit cards, extra cash, and expensive watch belonged. Only take the minimum that you need (water, small amount of cash if needed). And always be off the beach before dark, generally about 7 PM this time of year. Hopefully the Hotel was able to re-key the lock, an expensive endeavor for them and one that should not have been necessary if the key was left as directed. I do not mean to appear uncaring, but this was an incident that should have not happened and does not reflect on the safety of PE.

I am thinking about staying at the Gala resort and we would like to fish and golf. I have read alot about the fishing and I would like suggestions on the best time of year for Dorado. I have read that the end of Nov to March. I would like to go in Sept but I hear it is the rainy season and the fishing is not that great. I have gone to places and they told me the fishing wouldn't be great the time of year that we were going to travel but we were pleasantly surprised and had such a wonderful time catching lots of fish. WHO knows??? Please let me know what you think. Thank you, April

Jackie, I can see that you got all kinds of responses to your message about getting ripped off. Some of them not so nice. Remember that there are a lot of people who really like Puerto, like myself, who don't want to see negative things about it. Your experience must have been very scary and disillusioning. After traveling to Puerto for over 25 years I can assure you that your experience was very rare. Oh it happens and when it does it can become magnified because of the crowd that the news travels in but it really doesn't happen often. Also, by the responses, you now know that you made some mistakes even though you may think you should have the right to do the things you did. In a perfect world that is probably true but...... I just hope the people who read about your experience take it as a learning opportunity. I learned something from what you wrote. Even after spending so much time traveling there. I also hope that you can look back and see that you had one bad experience that ruined your whole trip but in reality Puerto Escondido was a pretty nice place to visit if you can look beond that one bad part that most people don't experience. Maybe you can give the place another try some day. Mike

Looking for a place to keep my swing in check, when I visit. thanks

Ask Jeff and Patty at Art and Harry's about Mango Creek. They are just finishing the greens now and taking orders for condos ont the sixth farway.

when i am there it is a must to play and keep my game solid. what are the options?

After taking off this year from Puerto, after two back to back great years we want to come back down again next May 2002 till July. I am looking to rent an apartment for me, my wife, and daughter, near Zicatella beach. I don't care about air conditioning, but access to a pool would be essential for my family. Does anybody have any good contacts? What is the weather that time of the Year? Is the town closed up at all? Is there an off season in Puerto? What would be the price of an apartment for that time of the year? Thanks for the help? paul cales

We just came back from Puerto Escondido the middle of February and did not hear anything about a golf course Mango Creek. Could you fill me in as we are definitely going back next year and like to play golf.

You will have to get info from Jeff or Patty or somebody who is in contact with them. They are the owners of the fabulous "Art and Harry's" on Playa Zicatela. I know the clubhouse is built because I saw it 2-3 years ago and I was told the fairways were laid out. They were also going to do condos or time share or something. They had a couple of homes for sale up on the hill near the clubhouse. I'm sure sombody knows all about this because it was BIG news at the time.

have a look at www.mexico-condo.com If you are interested, e-mail me: dmiller@polarnet.com . We could "negotiate" rate because of off-season months and length of stay.

Can you handle one more email on this? One more warning -- do not walk with daypacks either --even if they only have atowel and snorkel gear. And be thankful that you are so "wealthy" that youdon't need torob to feed yourfamily!

How are the surface water temps now? I'll be in Puerto next week and am hoping the water will be bathwater warm like it was for my first visit in '98. 1999 was a La Nina year and the water, even in the hotel pool, was a tad chilly for my me.

David: Just returned from Puerto after 5 weeks in paradise. We are looking for accomodation for 2002. Could you provide some more details re:house for rent. Do you have a pool? What are the rates? We could be interested in the entire house or 1 apartment. We are looking at a minimum for 1 month. Is there maid service, gardener, etc.? What is the address? Are you near the Sports Bar? Thank you, Rita

Viajes Dimar is offering van service to/from Huatulco airport at the cost of $80 pesos per person based on the van being full (eight passengers). You can make reservations to have the van pick you up in Huatulco by calling 52-958-20734 or 52-958-21551. You'll need to check with the van the day prior to flying to see if they've been able to pick up more passengers but at the very least they'll send a taxi for you and charge you approximately $500 pesos. Adios, Vicki Cole

Michael, Let me know when you're in town and I'll be glad to steer you in the right direction. I've been living in Pto. Escondido for the last eleven years and because of continually being asked similiar questions decided last year to start a business called Your Helping Hand to help foreigners just like you. I act as a translator and liason for people who need help with purchasing property, establishing residency, processing immigration papers and car documents, forming Mexican corporations, concessioning for the federal zone, etc. I don't actively sell nor rent property but have contacts with other individuals who do - I help with the legal aspects of closing, etc. to make sure you understand the process and what you're signing. I also have personally gone through all of the above mentioned paperwork so having learned by experience and can pass on advice and suggestions. My phone number in Pto. is 52-958-21673 or email at vicric@ptoescondido.com.mx.

I'm looking for accomodations with exquisite bathroom (bath tub). My wife and I would like to enjoy a sunset bubble bath. Anyone have recommendations?

Best bet: Grab the Cristobol Colon 1st class down to Bahias Huatulco and knock out a round or two on their GREAT Fonatur course.

Some folks need an excuse to venture out of the immediate locale of their hotel. Golf is a great excuse to rent a car or take a first class bus down to Bahias Huatulco. The course there is great; starts in the jungle and ends on Tangolunda beach. If you rent a car, make it a fantastic day trip by turning off Hwy 200 at San Antonio, passing the turtle beach of La Ventanilla, stopping by the museum at the National Institute for Turtles in Mazunte, passing the beautiful beach at San Augustinillo, going through the Euro-hippie haven of Zipolite, passing through the famous fishing village of Puerto Angel, then rejoining Highway 200 just outside Pochutla. Chances are, you will have killed the better part of a day with the irresistable side trips and find yourself in Huatulco too late for a round of golf on that same day. Solution? Grab a room at Club Plaza Huatulco on Tangolunda (just accross from the Barcelo) and get an early start golfing the next day! Just don't tell the people in Puerto Angel your plans - they'll try to talk you out of it as they fear losing clientele to the nicer end of the coast!

Hi Paul We have a fully furnished two bedroom/two bathroom apartment with washer and dryer, on the top floor of Condominios Eglantina overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Being on the top floor it is quite breezy and cool, and the view, of course, is magnificient. The building has two swimming pools, one quite small overlooking the ocean, and the other a lap pool just behind our buildling. If interested, please e-mail me for further details

Hi Paul Sorry I didn't give you my e-mail address: Amarsheila@ Yahoo.com

I don't knoe Puerto Escondido well enough to make a suggestion, but the Hotel Club Plaza Huatulco in the Tangolunda section of Bahias Huatulco has a hot tub set-up on the balconies of several of their rooms that would make a superb option for your sunset bubblebath.

Zach & Heidi Our condo at Eglantina is available from April 10 to May 1st. Please have a look at my website for info about the condo and surrounding area. http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts/homepage The weekly rate at that time of year is $500. Paul

The Puerto Connection can take care of ALL your vacation and extended stay needs and desires while you are in Puerto Escondido. Check us out at www.puertoconnection.com and let us know how we can be of service.

Arriving on April the 28th and looking for a room to rent for a week. Would love more information on avail, cost, pics etc. Thanks Matthew

David, This is a test. Iam trying to call Jaime Hill at Casa Loma, 120 Caminoal Faro and apparently have the wrong phone number. Could you get this phone number for me? Also, I have several digital photographs for two of the employees at Rincon del Pacifico, but do not have a source in P.E.to download them. They might be helpful to them for self-promotion. Have you any suggestion as to how I can get these in the hands of the two employees? If you can pull this off, I will be eternally greatful, Cy Horine

Where is it easier to find budget accommodations : Puerto Escondido or Acapulco? If you had to chose between the two, what would you pick? WHich is better for snorkelling? Thank in advance for your advice

Where is a good spot to snorkel? How good is the snorkelling in the region of PE and around? Is the water warm? Thanx for your wisdom!

How much should i budget for a day in PE? Whats the cheapest hotel room i can expect to get? How much do i need for food? Thank you for your tips!

If you want to disco all night, there are cheap accomodations in Acapulco, especially in the older part of town. That is not why I go to the Mexican Pacific. Since budget seems to be a primary consideration, have you considered Zipolite? Or Puerto Angel? Both can be extremely low budget and there is good snorkeling in the area, probably superior to either PE or 'pulco.

Try cabanas at Hotel Ines or Rockaway. They should be around $10-15 per night and are VERY VERY clean. The break is a short walk straight out from in front of both of these places. Closer down the beach toward town are the Zicatela bungalows, and the Acali, but I don't think they are quite as nice as Rockaway or Ines. Rockaway also has a clean pool and a small store on premises with good beer prices. April is usually hot as hades, so be prepared to sweat. Have a great trip.

For great wave potential try anytime from June through October. That's when you have a chance at PE getting swells up from the southern Pacific. Last couple of years, it is generally flat or too small the rest of the year. PE has a beach cam now at www.mexicanpipeline.com. It doesn't zoom in on the break very well but you will know it if the surf gets HUGE.

Hi, Which house is Casa Loma and i will be glad to go by there to get the number? I dont have a phone book here but will try to find the number for you. How big are the photos? You can email them me, I can download them, print them on my printer and take them to Rincon del Pacifico. I have a Mac and it doesn't have a place for a floppy so I have no way to download them onto disc or I would. If a printout is fine...I can do that. Dave

Hola Paul, Please consider our beautiful Eglantina condo as described on our web page: http://mailweb.pue.udlap.mx/~sobczyk/eg4.html Garret and Wanda

check with jorge at adventuras submarinas,it`s at the end of the adoquin.the water is always warm in puerto.there is great snorkeling at many sights.jorge owns the dive shop and also runs snorkeling tours as well as scuba diving.if you are interested in learning how to dive he offers discover diving which will have you in the water diving the same day.go by the shop for more info jorge is a great guy and will be glad to help you out

I was with Paul and Linda Gordon when we stayed at Posada Dona Sol in February and I agree with them that this is a treasure of a place. The beaches are not crowded and go for miles. Ana and Jeff are excellent hosts and the meals are tremendous. I can't wait to get back and see the new gate installed. Ana and Jeff also have plans for a cyber-cafe when they get a phone line. Good luck! They can be contacted at tierrapin@hotmail.com

My experience has been that Acapulco offers more, and a wider range, of budget accomodations. The same is true for restaurants/dining. A very small part of ACA is discos and nightlife. ACA is larger than PE, and other locations mentioned. You need to decide just what kind of holiday you are looking for. As for snorkeling, I think that each of the areas mentioned are comparable. The central PacificCoast is not as good as someplace like Cancun, for example. I like Puerto Angel, but it is very laid back and not very much to do, or many options; but, many like that environment. That said, I have had some great times in PA. I'd not recommend Zipolite, the beach is not very good, and unless you're into naked lesbians or pot heads who haven't heard that the hippie generation is past, you'll probably not like it either. As for the beaches in PE, I don't think they're that nice. Yea, Zicatela (the surf beach) can be nice (and at times dangerous because of the waves), but the main beach would rank as the lesser of any of the places already mentioned. The rule I follow is that if I'm not satisfied with one location I always have a 'backup' choice which I can move on to, you might want to follow the same plan. There's no reason to feel that you're 'locked into' any one choice, the region offers many options. I do think, however, that the Acapulco area may best meet your desires. Enjoy the trip!

Does anyone know the population of Puerto Escondido? Thanks

There are several inexpensive hotels....Hotel Ines, The Rockaway, Arco Iris, Sante Fe...just to name a few. You can get by on about $30 USD a day for food and drinks (depending on how much you drink). We stay at the Hotel Belmar, south of town about 1/2 mile....has a beautiful swimming pool, right on the ocean. Depending on how long you are planning to stay, monthly rate of $600.00 USD.

I think that there is a sign on the way in from the airport that says the population is 45,000.

Carlos, I think I know the place. We stayed at the Buena Vista in Puerto Angel 2 years ago in a bungalow on the third level. (118 steps up from the street - we counted) This bungalow has large 2 rooms, both with custom onyx bathrooms, custom 4-post beds and a private balcony/deck complete with hammocks. The large doors and windows of both rooms fold out of the way to allow for maximum views. The largest room has a big onyx bath tub, big enough for two people to slosh around in. The large floor length windows overlook the bay to the south and a round one looks out to to sunsets along the canyon and hillsides of PA to the west. Mosquitos are bad at sunset and in the morning. We,(two couples) rented both rooms for 700 pesos in March 1999. We never ate there as we tried other places in town and on the other side of the bay. Although there is no tub, we did look at the Brundige House advertised on the PE webpage. The rooftop palapa has a spectacular view of Playa principal and Zicatela and the sunsets are second to none. The house is about half a block back from the cliff above the concrete andador. Have a nice trip.

We are planning a trip to Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. Any suggestions for places to stay that are affordable and near the surf?

puerto escondido is cheaper, snorkeling is much better, waters and beaches are better and we happen to have two rooms for rent near the Carrizalillo beach entrance in a modern, newly built home with secured parking and area and great grounds to relax in. the rooms cost 150 pesos single, 200 pesos double occupancy per nite. hope to see you soon. telephone 9.582.2646 gene and darlene

All right, I'll answer my own question then, now that I've been there and just returned. Surface sea temps were a little cooler once again compared to my first visit to PE, in 1998. Pool temps nice but not the bathwater I was hoping for. Perhaps this is more normal?

Just back from Puerto Escondido on 3/20. We had planned to go into Las Crucecitas from the Huatulco airport and then hire a town cab from there to Puerto. The airport taxis wanted 360 pesos just to go in to Las Cruces! (it's about 10 minutes.) So we started walking toward the highway to catch a passing town cab instead. On the way there an airport taxi pulled up and offered us a ride in for $20 bucks. It was still too much but we said okay. Pulled up to the Hotel Flamboyant, unloaded, and the first cab we saw there offered to take us to Puerto for 420 pesos. We gladly went for that.

Just back from PE, was looking forward to snorkeling at Carizalillo but when I was there, there were big waves. Great for swimming fun, but not much for snorkeling.

I stayed at Mario's [la playa azule?] Cabanas inside steel fence just passed the santa fe hotel. Is he [they]still there? Did he sell? Do you know the rates for nmice cabvanas at this time? thanx

I was in PE late 80s met a Dave from cal. was building a house down towards the point. We stayed at Mario's. Is Mario still around ? Hack from Texas says Hi. Would love to hear whatsup nowadays . thanx

In Puerto Escondido there are lots of places to stay along Zicatela Beach, with a wide range of amenities and prices (and cleanliness). All offer easy access to the surf, which is right across the street. Unless you go around Easter (Holy Week) you shouldn't need reservations. You could stay at places like the Arco Iris or the Hotel Ines, which are very nice and relatively inexpensive (about $30 for a double room last time I was at the Arco) or stay at any number of cabanas, like Rockaway, Acali, Bungalows Zicatela, etc. Some are really nice, others pits. Most are within a 4- or 5-block strip starting at the east end of Zicatela (in front of the Santa Fe hotel), and it's an easy matter to go along the sidewalk checking them out until you find one to your liking. See the "Hotels" section of the home page for Puerto Escondido here for suggestions by budget category. Sorry, can't help on Acapulco.

Oops, sorry, make that "west" end of Zicatela.

Are you looking to stay near the water, or stay near water where you can surf? There's no surfing in ACA, but there are more inexpensive places there than you'll find in PE. If it's surfing you're looking for, Zicatela is the place (when comparing ACA to PE). ACA is large and offers a wider range of things to do, see, eat, sleep, etc. But, that doesn't mean that PE is the lesser. Much depends upon your personality and just what experiences you're looking for. Enjoy!

While I agree that if surfing is the primary water sports activity, Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca and San Blas in Nayarit are the primary destinations. However, if Acapulco is the intended destination ANYway, you can bodysurf in Pie de la Cuesta...

Hi! Myself and a girlfriend are coming to PE from May 1st to May 31st. We need a place to rent. Could you please send us info.? Rates, size, etc Thanks! This is our first visit to Mexico!

I'm heading down to PE from Santa Cruz, CA in mid April. Do I need any immunizations for malaria or hepititis?

Firstly, you can't get immunized against malaria. You take tablets, allopathic or homoeopathic, your call. Drink lots of tonic water, as has quinine in it. Secondly, Hep A and B you can get shots for although they are not compulsory. You can't immunize against Hep C - a big killer in the UK where I am from. It's passed through blood.

Hepatitus shots need to be given in a series over the course of six months or so. I've been to P.E. many times, and never heard of hepatitus problems. The same with malaria, although sometimes it's recommended around Puerto Angel. Malaria tablets can be obtained from public health or doctors in Mexico.

Check the U.S. Center for Disease Control's web site for traveler recommendations for specific locales, at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Last time I checked malaria was not much of a concern down there. Immunizations for Hepatitis B are often recommended as it can be passed via food preparation. If you get the first shot a couple of weeks before you leave for your trip, you're good as long as you get the followup shot 6 months later.

Oops sorry, in my previous post I meant Hep A, not B (passed via food prep)

can you tell me more info. like price for all or one apartment,thank`s

The only serious problem on this coast - rare, but there - is dengue. Malaria is exTREMEly rare. Best peventative for either is alternating days of Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil with DEET.

Diego: I own a condo at Eglantina, the premier address in Puerto. Fantastic view, spacious apartment. Have a look at my website http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts/homepage. Drop me a line if you have questions. Paul Heuts

I know of a case of a Canadian tourist that contracted both Hep. and Typhoid. Get immunized.

in puerto escondido you have two good places to surf depending on the waves......carrizalillo and zicatela....zicatela is for experts only due to the big and rough waves.....carrizalillo is safer and smoother waves.....we have two rooms to rent at the entrance to carrizalillo beach in our newly constructed home....the rooms are downstairs and have their own bathroom ....outside patio area and bbq area for your use...email or call us at 9582 2646.....see ya

Perhaps you are better suited to go to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun with 20 foot fences and 24 hour security. You are food for the desparate people of this third world country, and as long as they are being fed they will return again and again. The cold truth is you and your boyfriend were not thinking. You are an embarassment to the entire travelling community. Please stay home and thank goodness you were not treated much worse by these desparados. Sincerely, A 15 year return visitor

Well since i have a house there i cant speak about prices in accomodations (i know there are cabanas for as little as $5 per night). however i was able to do well with about $20 -$30 each day like 10 -15 bucks for meals, and another $10 - $15 for going out in the night to 'el tubo\

I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO PE BEFORE AND AM THINKING ABOUT GOING DOWN THERE WITH TWO OR 3 FRIENDS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2002. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A CONDO OR SOME SORT OF CHEAP TO REASONABLE HOUSING I COULD FIND FOR A MONTH OR WHAT THE PRICE WOULD BE FOR ROOM OR CONDO FOR 3-4 PEOPLE? I AM ALSO GUESSING IT WOULD NOT BE SMART TO DRIVE DOWN, ATLEAST THATS WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD. ANY INFORMATION OR ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT THANKS. JAYME JAYMEMEYERS@HOTMAIL.COM

011.52.958.2.01.48

The phone number for Casa Loma is 011.52.958.2.01.48

Karl, They were young, and in love which clouds good judgement once in a while. They did some stupid things and got nailed. You, on the other hand, are one sick puppy. Blame it on the victim. The old "she was asking for it" rape defense. I would think that 15 years in Mexico would have softened you up a little but once a bitter, nasty, "go home and stay away from me" bastard, always one.

Driving down there is not that big of a hassle. I drive down every year from Calif. and survive nicely. Sure it is a long drive but I feel that I know the country of Mexico pretty well because of it now and it is pretty interesting. There are many routes all of which offer unique experiences. Driving in Mex. can be stressful but if you pay attention to the road and other drivers it can be relatively safe. As for a place to stay I would recommend the people at www.puertoconnection.com. They have a lot of connections and can set you up with exactly what you want. Bill

I would check out www.puertoconnection.com.. They have everything. Cheap, expensive, luxurious or a place to put your tent. Mike

We had a great little breakaway from Puerto Escondido to San Agustinillo and stayed at Posada Dona Sol. Jeff and Ana are excellent hosts. Ana provided delicious meals with Jeff as her able assistant. The accomodation is rustic but adequate and adds to the charm of Posada Dona Sol. It you feel a need to spend a little time away from it all, San Agustinillo is the place to go. The beaches are pristine and almost deserted. We look forward to returning in 2002. This is certainly worth a visit.

Take a look at my website http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts for info and photos about our condo at Eglantina, the premier address in Puerto. Also info about Puerto and travelling to Puerto.

we went to get massages there and were molested by the massage guy. he was compeltely out of line, inappropriate, disgusting and harassing and he also was a horrible masseuse. he basically moelsted me until i had to run out of there. (he did the same to my friend) when we complained to management, they didnt even want to give us our moeny back! the manager was unpleasant and told me to put it down in writing and she walked away. DON'T GO THERE. DEFINETLY DO NOT GET A MASSAGE THERE. BE CAREFUL. this guy took advantage of us an foreigners and one of us who did not speak the language. it was a HORRIBLE experience.

If a condo is what you want and a LONG walk to downtown or the famous Zicatela Beach you may be interested in the Eglantina. I for one prefer to be closer to the action and watch the world famous surfers surf the world famous Mexican Pipeline. You can also rub elbows with people where the elite meet at the hugely popular Cafecito for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Of course there is the wonderful restaurant Santa Fe or maybe the delectable Arco Iris for your dining pleasure. Both just a stroll down the promenade. There are a few other acceptable choices so as to not get bored with one dining experience. Yes all this is within walking distance if you stay at one of the many choices on Zicatela Beach. I know that everybody has his or her own opinion but I would rather stay where I play. (Or close to it) This is just to let you know that there are other choices than the self-described "premier address in Puerto" Mike

Mike: If you are a surfer on a limited budget, or a beachbum, you are correct. For everyone else, I'd rather stay on the right side of the tracks.

Hi Tom, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to write about our traveling experiences through this public forum. We would like to warn unsuspecting tourist about the pitfalls of a private apartment renting in Puerto Escondido. We rented an apartment at the Villas Bacocho via the Internet based on the information of this web site and the recommendation of Wayne Adams (the e-mail addressee of the Villas). As it turned out, it was a nightmare from the start on until we left. Our experiences begin with water shortage the next day after we arrived. There was no water in the apartment, the taps were dry and there was no one to ask for help. We had to purchase bottled water to flush the toilet and to wash ourselves. When we were finally able to contact the owner/manager Flor Marques, she told us of a severe water shortage in Puerto. She then proceeded to pump water from her underground cistern to our water tank on the roof, but just enough to last us for about three days. I could not believe that we would have to play that sharade of begging for water for the rest of our vacation. It did not make sense, when we realized that she was watering the entire property's lawn every morning between 8.30 and 11.30 front and rear with two sprinklers from our villa's metered city water line. As it tuned out, there was no shortage as the city was supplying water regularly every morning to the Bacocho sector to fill roof top water tanks. But ours was not being filled, as there was not enough pressure to reach the roof with two water sprinklers running all the time every morning. We figured that it was probably her own private version of Montezuma's revenge against all the Gringos, who knows? Then there was the issue of the receipt after she insisted for full payment for our three months stay. She gave us an official accounting receipt showing only about half of the amount paid. She claimed that it was not important, that it was merely for accounting purposes. After insisting for a receipt showing the full amount paid, she finally relented and gave us one typed on plain paper. (I can imagine the other owners of the property and the government getting the short end of the shaft with this type of accounting). Then there was the issue of two bed linen and towel changes per week as agreed by our original booking agreement. She claimed her washing machine was broken and she did not want to do it. It wasn't a big thing, but in my books when someone doesn't keep her word over a small issue like that, she does not deserve to be in business. Then finally there was the issue of trash pick up, it took her three weeks before she notified the truck driver to do the pick up at our address. Dogs and smell finally got the better of her I suppose. After living under those conditions, we decided to move out of the place. Needless to say she refused to reimburse us for the remaining unused time portion of our three months payment. Consequently our vacation turned out to cost us quite a lot more than we had planed for. To summarize we have only one suggestion, if someone plans to go to Puerto Escondido and rent a villa, please beware of Flor Marques of the Villas Bacocho. Gerard and Lisette Migneault Gatineau, Canada Gerardmigneault@hotmail.com

Now there is no point in getting into a war of words but I can't let misinformation and innuendo go without a correction. If the Hotel Santa Fe and the Bungalows Santa Cruz next door (not to mention the 4-5 other elegant lodging possibilities) were accommodations for a limited budget then consider my budget limited. Anybody who has been to Puerto and ventured beyond the sterile confines of a gated condo complex would know that there are enough places to stay on or near Zicatela that even the most finicky tourist can find a suitable habitat and not have to rent a car or hail a taxi to get to the world famous Playa Zicatela. (That's Zicatela Beach Paul) Of course there are more places to rest your head than these and some of them might be considered lower budget but in my book variety is the spice of life. Oh and the food available on the wrong side of the tracks is something that a food critic from the N.Y. Times would have a hard time finding enough words of praise. As far as being a beach bum I can't think of a better complement. I think Jimmy Buffet made a nice career out of describing the life and has a rather large following. I wonder if they would think that Playa Zicatela is on the wrong side of the tracks. Salud. Mike (A beach bum and surfer)

OOOHHH-just got chilly on this message board. I do not consider them an "embarassment" to the whole traveling community so don't lump everyone else into your angry diatribe. Everyone is entitled to their own mistakes, and forrtunately they weren't hurt. I agree with Andy, Mexico is where I have learned appreciation for all the things we Americans take for granted, the culture has also given me a mellower view on things, including avoiding the harsh judgement of others. I hope Mexico eventually does its wonders on your tranquilidad.

I can't agree more with your first statement about a war of words and your second about not being able to let misinformation and innuendo go without a correction, because for one, nothing in Puerto is a LONG walk from anything. I've walked many a time from Eglantina to Zicatela and many other places. There are indeed a number of enjoyable places to eat at Zicatela, including some of the ones you mentioned. On the other hand, there are equally good restaurants in-town (for example on Ave Perez Gazga, or in the old town just north of Eglantina) and then there are also the more secluded beaches of Puerto Angelito and Playa Carrizalillo next to Eglantina. And that's what is so great about Puerto: there is enough to enjoy around town for all of us. Cheers.

Hi We are a family of four traveling to Huatulco for a dive trip in July we are staying at the Gala. But we want to raft and surf while we are there. Should we get a car to get around to surf spots or get in on the "outfitter" thing. We were hoping surfing will be our cheap day, the diving and rafting will be bucks for the four of us. We are adventorous and willing to explore. What do you think?

Hey Family of four going on a dive trip in Huatulco. Want to spend a couple of days surfing. The four of are novis save Dad he's just old and still loves to surf. can I surf in Huatulco area or should we plan on renting a car, is that safe looking for a spot or are they all surfer secrets?

I hate to see this site become a place where people advertise their rental properties, especially by saying that they are the ONLY place to stay. Puerto has lots of places to stay for all budgets. I have been going there for 11 years in a row, and can tell you that all of the hotels on the Adoquin and Playa Zicatella are not on the wrong side of the tracks. If this is your first time in Puerto, I recommend staying closer to the main beaches. That way you get to see what goes on, and talk to lots of people about restaurants etc. Staying out on the other beaches has it's advantages, but at night you have to take a taxi to get anywhere, which makes it easier to just stay at the condo. After you know your way around, staying out of town may be what you want to do, but in Puerto, eating at the numerous restaurants is not much more expensive than cooking yourself. Hotel Ines and Arcoiris both have kitchenettes, and you can get an apartment at the Santa Fe if that's your style. The BelMar has kitchenettes too, but is a little out of town in the other direction, but for $600 a month or so is more affordable than the condos at $500 a week and up. I'm not saying that the condos these people are flogging aren't nice, I've never seen them. Some good friends of mine stayed there this year, and enjoyed it. However, they have been going to Puerto for 12 or 13 years, and know the restaurants and have friends at various hotels that they see all the time. Make an informed decision, and enjoy the real Puerto, the town and the people, the market and beaches. One of the most enjoyable sights is the Playa Principal on weekends, when the Mexican families spend the day. Much more fun than sitting around the pool behind the walls.

OK OK OK....You can walk anywhere in Puerto. There are many different beaches and all should be explored. Kris makes some excellent points. He is so right about missing things if you don't venture out to find them. Paul advertised his rental as "the premier address in Puerto" and I thought that in reality he is the only one I have ever heard say that when there are soooo many other places to stay and everybody has their own idea of " the premier address in Puerto". I don't think this is the best place to advertise but I'm sure it helps people find a place to stay. This web site does have a section on hotels but it isn't the main reason for the site (I don't think) and doesn't do much more than give you a name. There are other sites to explore. For example http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts, www.mexico-condo.com, and www.puertoconnection.com. I think Puertoconnection is doing a good job and as they grow they should have all kinds of options and they can help you decide by you telling them what you want. The whole point I think I am trying to make is Puerto really has something for everybody and nobody should limit himself or herself to one thing. Mike

Yes Leslie it is pretty safe if you don't go where it is deserted. In Puerto Escondido you might want to try La Punta on the south of Zicatela. It will be a little easier for Pops. When you get to Hualtulco just ask and if they don't know what a surfboard is drive to Puerto Escondido and ask there.

I am going to Puerto Escondido in July. How far is Bahias Huatulco and what are green fees? Thanks.

There is only one bay close to town for surfing...la bocana and it can be reached easily by taxi. For better surfing you need to travel farther to puerto escondido. There is bus service easily available. (about 5 dollars each way per person)

Leslie - You might consider just a one or two day car rental to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido. Check everything out first, though. July, especially if there is a rebalse, may produce surf in PE that only a native of Oahu's North Shore would be fully equiped to handle. Sometimes when it's REALLY big, people will go from PE to Majahual on the OTHER side of Huatulco to find more manageable waves. This is the Pacific we're talking about. There are no promisses nor accurate predictions this far in advance. You might check out Luis at Iguana Bar in La Crucecita for day rentals. He used to have some Fiat Topo replicars (VW running gear) to rent. John

Hi, We are a family of five, three young children. we are looking for a cabin with kitchen, to rento for one month during the summer. We want to b on the beach, close to town, AND have lots of contac with mexican children as our children are bilingual. What do you sugget? You seem to know PE well. Thanks.

Hi, we are a family with three small bilingual children. We are looking for cabin or house on the beach, preferably near town. We will be going for one month in June, July or August. Does anyone hava a great suggestion. I am overwhelmed by the choices. Thank you,

Hi, we are a family with three small children. We are looking for cabin or house on the beach, preferably near town. We will be going for one month in June, July or August. Does anyone hava a great suggestion? I am overwhelmed by the choices. We would like to have lots of contacts with mexican people. We are all bilingual. Thank you,

www.puertoconnection.com We can find whatever you are looking for.

I am planning a trip down there for the last week of may. I will be staying down there for a week, then my wife and 9 year old little girl will be joining me. What is the best way for me to do this? Is there a bus from the Airport to the Hotel Santa Fe? We do not want to spend 1200 pesos to get them into Puerto... How would YOU do this?? Thank you all so much!

Puerto Escondido to Huatulco is about 60 miles; Bus ride costs about $5usd; taxi or rent-a-car whatever you negotiate. Green fees are 450 pesos low season to 550 pesos high season. You will be going in low season. Equipment rents at 120 pesos. Caddy and cart each run about 150 pesos. Since you're going in the rainy season, the jungle will be at its greenest, most luxurient ball-eating beauty. You start in the jungle and end up on the beach. I'd recommend a cart, since summertime humidity is high.

The airport has its own transportation system of vans/cars/SUVs which will take you from the airport to wherever you want to go in town or on the beach. Their system is the only one -- cabs or other means of transportation from the airport are not allowed. When you get off the plane and go into baggage pickup, there will be a booth selling tickets for these transport vehicles, usually about 25 pesos per person. Get a ticket, get your luggage and hotfoot it out to the front where the drivers will be waiting. It will be first come, first served. Everybody knows where the Hotel Santa Fe is, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. Have a good trip.

"We Americans"???? How presumptiuos of you. Be careful who you lump in to your own unfortunate heritage. I love you too much, Karl P.S. Funny thing: In all the 15 years I've been lucky enough to visit P.E., I can't remember one American who was well recieved by the lovely locals.....or by other travellers, for that matter.

Hey, Karl, maybe you should change websites from bellglobal to beligerentglobal.com. Got a 'tude, bud?

Just got back from PE, stayed at the Hotel Santa Fe for the second year in a row. It was superb. There is an adult pool on the upper level, and another pool with kiddie pool on lower area. Always a spot where you can find sun or shade, you can always find a spot where your spouse can be in the sun, and you in the shade and still be side by side!!! I would go back again, it is just so convenient, and has ALOT of charm. (request a room with a quiet a/c though). There are definitely alot less expensive ways to go while in PE, unfortunately I cannot give you a single report on them - I was too content. Don't be totally brainwashed by my devotion though - it HAS its quirks, they just somehow seem insignificant when you remind yourself that you are not at a cookie-cutter high end resort. Have fun!

We just returned from PE and Oaxaca City. It was our second (not last) time in PE. We took a day tour to Huatulco with the thought that next time we may want to get a package deal and go to Huatulco, then stay an extra week and get PE in too. The hotels were fantastic, definitely not somewhere to "experience" any culture though. (keep in mind anything that I say about Huatulco is only from a one day trip - not the voice of authority) I was a bit annoyed with the prices at the different shops that we visited, PE has much more character for just wandering and finding neat keep-sakes. The things that I comparison shopped (yes they were exactly the same) were 2 to 3 times more expensive. But they did have more high-end, top-quality boutiques. At the beach it was a bit much to be totally inundated with in-your-face wandering sales people who would only leave after 3 "no gracias" and one "NO", only to return to you within the 1/2 hour. I am not kidding, we had someone approach us at least every 5 minutes who wouldn't leave after a simple "(smile)/no gracias" Having said all that, I think we would go though!!! ha ha, now I will try to explain! PE is only a two hour drive away, and is completely different. I like the beaches a PE better, and although I love the 'perfect' hotels at Huatulco, I prefer the lower prices and charm at PE. I love the feeling that you are surrounded by 'real' people, not just employees that MUST cater to you as part of their job description. I think that you should see both!! I would recommend that you 'do' Puerto Escondido first though. You will enjoy Puerto immensely for more reasons that I can say - without being let down by any standards or expectations that the 'resorts' have set. Then, go to Huatulco and just veg! Maybe snorkle or something, just make sure that you are good and numb for the jolt back to reality you will get when you step off the airplane and go back to work!

There are no cabins or houses in Puerto which are "on the beach" in the sense that cottages are "on the lake". The best you can do in Puerto is across the road from the beach, which is 100 yards or so to the water. You can find places on the cliffs overlooking the water, but I don't think that's what you're after. There are some places along Zicatella that have cabanas or apartments, but Zicatella is not a beach for adults to swim in, let alone children. Playa Principal is better for swimming, but the hotels on that beach, the Rincon and Las Palmas, may not have cooking facilities. If you want a condo or apartment, you will probably have to travel a short (1/2 mile or so) distance to the beach.

Are you talking about Puerto Escondido airport or Huatulco airport. If it's Puerto, it's only a 5 minute drive. If it's Huatulco, that subject has been covered in every possible way in prior discussions on this board, including the Puerto Connection, which may be worth looking into.

Derek, see the post below titled "Taxi from huatulto" (sic) to get a better idea of options for getting to Puerto from Huatulco. The town taxis from Las Crucecitas are small (e.g. Ford Cortinas) but will fit 2 adults and a child comfortably if you don't have large suitcases. There also is a comfortable first-class bus from Las Crucecitas to Puerto, made only one stop in Pochutla. When I took it two years ago it was about $9 US per person. The name of the bus company was Cristobal Colon, and the station was a couple of blocks off the square in Las Crucecitas. There also are second-class buses which are cheaper but make more stops.

Karl, 15 years and you haven't met one nice American? With your warm fuzzy outlook on life in general and people in particular, it's ns wonder. Man, it must be a real cold lonely place inside that head of yours. I suppose it goes something like this. American Tourist (AT) Hi. Karl (K) Why in the hell aren't you in an all inclusive resort where you belong. (AT) Huh. (K) You heard me, nobody thats really cool like me wants you here. (AT) Walks away quickly (K) Well its no wonder nobody likes them, he didn't even say good-by.

Hi folks I've been coming to this website for over two years now, getting my virtual Mexico fix until I can go back in person. I've always enjoyed the visitors' comments (good and bad) as well as all the other great info. Anyway, someone who has just been down to PE sent me their impressions of their trip and gave me permission to post them here. So, until I can post my own experiences of the area, here's what someone else said... "Well we just got back from Puerto Escondido. I think you better find another place for a visit. I would not go back there. "It is expensive. The prices apparently have doubled since November. For example based on the Cdn. dollar we were getting 6 pesos to the dollar from the bank. Money exchanges were 5.70 pesos. Beer in restaurants was 16 pesos, margaritas, rum drinks, etc. were 25 pesos, if you got booze in them, strawberry margaritas, dacquiris etc. were made with strawberry jam, even in Mexico City. "Red snapper was 65 - 90 pesos, shrimp dinners for large were approx. 100 - 120 pesos depending where you ate. On the beach the fish is not that fresh, got sick one time from fish soup. Lots of pasta on menus but not cheap either. Cabs are 15 pesos no matter where you go to, one block or 15 blocks. "We stayed at the Hotel Belmar. Excellant. Genero their hotel manager was a real sweetie. Spoke perfect english and took good care of all the tourists. There are only 24 rooms in the place and when we were there, there weren't too many people left, but they were all a nice bunch of people. Check out their web site. It is old but gives you an idea. Prices have gone up there as well. What more can I say? We checked out Villa Marinero, what a dump, as well so was Ines, etc. Barlvento is now just hotel. No kitchenette. Flor de Maria was ok for one night, wouldn't spend my money there. "Food was good but not cheap. The people were down right rude, nobody had change, spoke hardly any english in all the restaurants, we were constantly being ripped off one way or another. I have been to Mexico 13 years and I have never been so disappointed in all my life. "There are no street lights along Zicatela strip. Very scary walking at night, not because of robberies but you can't see where you are walking. The reason there are not lights hooked up, the light standards are there but not lighting is because PE won't pay for the electricity and they want the hotel owners to pay and they won't so guess what no lighting. Playa Principal is lit up at night but you don't want to be walking in sand at night, too many sand fleas and mosquitos. We were badly bitten. "The snorkling beaches are somewhat a little rough. We never made it snorkling. Carrizilillo Beach was the prettiest. Angelito and Manzanillo beaches were nice, but they are not very big. Manzinillo was the tourist beach and over the rocks Angelito was the Mexican beach, no palapas to sit under at that one, and you need them as it is extremely hot. We went to Puerto Angel for the day and spent the night. It is pretty but not much to do there. We also went on Michael Malone's lagoon tour in the morning. That was well worth the trip. " Well, how does this jibe with what others have recently experienced? Let's hear some more trip reports!

Puerto Escondido isn't Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. The hotels aren't 5 star all-inclusives, and the people who go to P.E. like what they get. If your friends think the prices they paid are high, let them try one of the large resorts. My wife and I have been going to P.E. for 11 years, and have always stayed at the Flor de Maria. We are quite happy with the hotel, clean, friendly and helpful owners and staff. Well worth $35 U.S. or so. We paid 10 pesos for beer, up to 25 pesos for Margaritas, but we don't drink coctails that frequently. We went to a number of restaurants this year, including Fany's, Cafecita, Sorba, The vegetarian place next to Cafecita, El Tore up near Angelito, and many more. The prices are up a little from last year, but consider the complaints. What would you pay for a whole grilled red snapper in Canada? More than $10 I'd say. On the whole, I think your friends were expecting 5 star treatment for 3 star money. I, and I'm sure most of the other return visitors to P.E. have always found the residents of P.E. to be friendly, helpful, and some of the happiest people I've found in my travels. Even with my limited spanish (maybe 100 words) I say hello to most of the people I pass in town on my way to and from the market, make comments about the weather, their children, etc. and we always end up smiling or sharing a laugh. You get back the same amount you offer. All of the restaurants have menus in Spanish and English, and some have German and Italian. Collectivos and busses are 2.5 pesos, and get you wherever tou want to go. A taxi at night is a good idea, but it depends on where you're going. In conclusion, I don't think there is a place to go that is much cheaper than P.E., but if you want an all-inclusive luxury holiday, don't go to P.E. I can afford to go to a more expensive place, but since I go to Mexico because it's too cold to sit outside in a bathing suit in Canada in January, and I only go to my hotel room to sleep, change and shower, I don't see the point. A friend of mine spent $220 U.S. a night for his hotel in Playa de Carmen, and had no regrets. I spent $35 U.S. and feel the same. I guess those people didn't get what they wanted, and I don't think they ever will. Their expectations were unrealistic. My only complaint is the same as 99.99% of those who go to Puerto. I had to go home.

I hope people like your friends never come to P.E. and leave it for the true travellers. I just got back from spending a month in P.E. and wouldn`t trade the experience for anything. Stayed in various hotels on Zicatela for $15.00 U.S. for two. Not always hot water but we had mosquito nets and fans to cool you off. Like Kris says you only need a room to sleep, shower & change. We never paid more than 12 peso a cerveza and even as low as 7 peso`s at happy hour. We ate very well at place like Art & Harry`s; Cafecita; Banana`s at very reasonable prices for good size portions. If they wanted great snorkling they should of went to Playa del Carmen or anywhere along the caribbean coast. I`ve travelled all through Mexico for many years and P.E. is by far one of the better travel bargains. Thank god P.E. is still not that easy to get to ( major bus rides ect.). I hope P.E. never changes its laid back ways for all travellers to enjoy! The people are truely friendly and go out of their way to help you. If you want english spoken clearly then head to Cancun, P.V. ect. Not that those place are bad to visit, but give me P.E. anytime! See you next year!!!!! cheers

Re: Zicatela not being lit up at night, I for one am glad of that. The stars over the ocean are gorgeous, and I hope they never will be obscured by the floodlights which currently are unused. One can see just fine walking down the sidewalk on Calle del Moro (the street along Zicatela) at night, there are pleny of lights along the way on the buildings fronting the street. The sidewalk is only dark for a short stretch near the Santa Fe and a small flashlight answers fine for that. I've been to Puerto 3 times and hope to return many more, I think it's wonderful. If your friends know a place on the Pacific Coast where there are lower prices for equivalent or better amenities, by all means ask them to tell us where it is. Prices are going up the last couple of years for tourists all over Mexico, and I'd like to think this indicates that economic conditions are improving for people there.

Okay, here we go again, Andy is of the same mind set...I have been received lovingly by the many Mexican communities I have spent time in. It could be, Karl, that you do not show any COMPASSION...that is something that cannot be learned however, I am so sorry for you. I have worked in Emergency Medical Services for many years and have seen people at their absolute worst and I go to Mexico to relax and to reconnect with my family. As I mentioned before, I am grateful for the many material things I have. One way to assuage my guilt feelings for having a good job and having money that I don't NEED to spend, is to send or bring medical supplies to those Mexican communities who rely solely on donations (even in areas where dumb tourists do dumb things like get intoxicated to the point of coma- they are treated by Mexican EMT's or doctors but many times do not donate anything for their treatment). You have an entirely mystifying (to me anyways) attitude, I do not understand how you even fit in with Mexico, unless you barricade yourself immediatley upon arrival and avoid the reality of Mexico. Oh well, you caught me on a bad night (5 untimely deaths this week). I hope you gain some serenity before you leave this life.I'm still working on mine, but for different reasons than just being intent on making everyone else's life miserable.

Dear Sandy, I congratulate you for all of your hard work and fine achievements. I apologize for making you miserable. And I thank you for your pity. I remain, seeking serenity, Karl

Hello, I will be in PE in May, and I would like to know a good place to surf (beginner).Can I rent a surf board? Thanks hasta luego

It won't be hard to find out where to surf. Read the material Tom has written about surfing in the P.E. literature. There is info on surfing and links to websites. Come on people, lets at least read the stuff before we ask questions.

thanks, Zicatela should be good. La punta will be perfect for a start. I will check out for a really cheap hotel.

I am also going to be down there the end of May. (Turns out that my two friends cant go, so let me know if you are looking for someone to surf with) If you want some real good info. on surfing down there, go to www.swell.com and look at there travel section. It is the best info I have found, and I have been looking into this for about two months now.

My fiance and I are wanting to get married in Puerto Escondido, but during the first week of August, 2001. I saw your earlier message (on the message board in January) and wanted to see if someone can help me arrange it. Thanks!

Hi Amanda, You are absolutely going to LOVE getting married in Puerto Escondido. Doug and I got married about a month ago and it was absolutely spectacular. We had a LOT of support and help from Vicki Cole, she organized everything according to our needs and ideas. I have her e-mail address at home, I am still at work right now. I will e-mail you with her contact information ASAP. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or would like to know more about Puerto (though I'm assuming you know Puerto if you are marrying there), let me know. More soon, Cath

hi: You might want to get immunized for typhoid as I just returned and a friend had typhoid when I left.

www.puertoconnection.com We still have lodging available for the Easter vacation period. Several private homes are ready for weekly rentals. Check us out.

Patrick, if you are planning to surf PE, you better be in excellent physical shape and be a more than above average swimmer if you intend to surf the beach break at Zicatela. PE is no place to play and they don't call it the Mexican Pipeline for nothing. I've surfed the other pipeline in Hawaii and PE is tougher when it is medium to big. The currents are strong and you can get held under for several minutes by the incoming sets if you are not careful and paying attention to what's coming in. The point is a great wave when it is breaking, as is the beach break, but make sure that you are up to the job before you paddle out. PE is a great place but not for the reckless. You can rent boards fron Central Surf right on the beach. There's a photographer on the beach in the mornings named Reuben who shoots when the waves are good -- you can buy your picture (and negative) from him in the late afternoons. He hangs out at Central Surf and his brother will repair broken boards for the unlucky. (Did a great job on my 8-4). By the way -- PE has a beach cam at www.mexicanpipeline.com -- it doesn't zoom in real good right now but you can at least see the beach. It will start getting big in May. April isn't much to write home about. Good luck dude!

Thanks for the report Yvonne but your friends sound like the kind of Canadian crap who permanently settle here in the south. If they don't have anything to do they complain about where they are and the rest of us just wish they would go the hell back home if they hate it so much. Sounds like they expected something for nothing, forgot their flashlights, and expected everyone to speak english even though the national language in Mexico IS spanish. Hello? I guess they haven't figured out that people in Mexico (or anywhere for that matter) aren't so rude if you use "please" (por favor) and "thank you" (gracias) frequently. We don't speak fluent spanish by any means but get along fine with these two basic words. We've travelled Mexico for 25 years, been to PE at least 15 times in the past decade and no this does NOT jibe with any of our experiences ever. We're glad they had a rotten time -- maybe they'll go somewhere else next time and leave PE and Mexico for those of us who care about the place and enjoy it to its fullest. Adios!

My husband and I just spent our fifth winter going to PE for vacation. We think it is the greatest place ever. We have found the people there very gracious and have come to be friends with many; know them on a first name basis. They remember us from year to year. We have stayed at many hotels, Las Palmas, which has deteriorated greatly, Hotel Arco Iris, and the Olas Altas. Love them all for their various character and charm. We find it a very inexpensive vacation. Three years ago we introduced our friends to PE and now they come back every year for us. Mosquitoes may be bad at times, but that's what they make bug dope for. Try getting along in the Boundry Waters of Northern Minnesota. Then you'll really know what fighting mosquitoes is all about. We plan to retire down there someday in the future, spending two or three months every winter.

There's also good surfing at the other beaches besides Zicatela, e.g. Carizalillo, Bachocho, where the consequences for messing up aren't so hairy.

beginners should definitely surf Carrizalillo...not Zicatela we have rooms for rent near the Carrizalillo beach entrance...if interested pls reply or call at 958.2.2646 thanks and have fun gene and darlene

Under the thread "second hand report" there is a comment by somebody calling themself "Bobbi Jo". In the comment she referred to someone as Canadian crap. I hope this forum isn't going to degenerate into something like Thorn Tree on the Lonely Planet web site where people have nothing better to do than ridicule other people's country of origin. Although I responded, (the first reply to the original post) and think that the visitors were the kind of people who just can't be pleased, Canada isn't the only place that kind of tourist comes from. We have all met people who "expected better accomodations" or "are used to better food" in our travels, and wish that they had stayed at home. But to call all of the people from a country "crap" is less than I would expect from someone who enjoys Puerto Escondido, even if it is a girl with two boy's names, and neither of them is spelled right.

The person who wrote the bad review of Puerto said that they have been going to Mexico for 13 years. I wonder where they have been so that we can compare their other experiences with this one. I just can't believe the Mexicans in Puerto would insult her and try to comunicate in spanish. Yvonne please tell us where they normally go in Mexico to have such a good time. Bill

I got the impression the author was herself Canadian. If so she's entitled, much like I am entitled to slag one of my own particular ethnic heritages. (You'll have to guess, but a hint: Europe above the Arctic Circle.)

I've been teaching English happily in Puerto Escondido for eight years in a classroom on the bottom floor of my home. I only teach six months a year--three in the fall and three in the spring. The classroom accommodates 15 students. I teach two beginner groups, one intermediate and one advanced group with a total student load of sixty. Teaching anywhere is not very lucrative, and it's not so here, but it's rewarding, fun work. I can foresee a time when I'll want to cut back and have thought that there may be someone who might like to take over the beginner level classes and/or use the totally equipped classroom in the months I don't teach. I would only consider renting to someone who has experience as an E.S.L. teacher and is fluent, or nearly so, in Spanish. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that the person should be emotionally stable without any drug or alcohol issues. Ideally, such teacher would be someone who would like to make Puerto Escondido his or her home for at least several years. The classroom was designed to be converted to an apartment when it's not in use for teaching. It's possible that someone could live and teach in the roomy space which has its own entrance, bathroom, t.v., refrigerator,rustic kitchen and patio. I'm in no rush. In fact this idea has only recently occurred to me, but I thought I'd cast a net. If you'd like to explore this idea, please drop me an e-note. I should be very clear that I'm not looking for an employee. A teacher would have his or her own instituto.

I was really hoping that by posting that trip report, it would encourage people to reply to the specifics it referred to and post some of their own trip reports, with specific details, either rebutting or agreeing with the points the original trip report brought up. I certainly didn't want it to lead to the character-bashing of some strangers, but hey, it's a public forum... Personally, I've never met the people who sent me that detailed report, but I thought it was very nice that they took the time to do so, even if it was not complimentary to the place where I plan to spend part of my next vacation. It wasn't *their* best vacation, but that sort of thing happens. I think people should hear the good and bad of how some place is perceived and then make up their own minds. So they found the beer and other drinks expensive. 16 pesos for a beer did seem a little excessive to me, so thanks to those of you who said it could be found for less. Actually I'd really like to know which bars and restaurants can be counted on to have good prices on such libations and what they charge. Who has the best happy hour, for example? Similarly for the food prices. They paid over 10 bucks for fish fillet dinners, which does seem expensive, depending on the restaurant, I guess. Which places in town serve less expensive fish fillet dinners and what did they charge? I mean, what one person thinks is reasonable, another might consider pricey. It's hard to tell without the price, which is why I appreciated that these people actually told me what the prices were. I thought the hotel reports were interesting. I want a reasonably-priced place with a kitchen and pool so I will still check out the places that were deemed "dumps" but it's nice to know not to get my hopes up. So far I've had two people really recommend the Belmar. I just wish it wasn't so far out of town. I'm glad so many people said the people of PE were friendly. I don't know what happened to the people who sent me the report but they're entitled to their opinion, too. I don't know how well they speak Spanish, or how well the people they met spoke English. Maybe communication problems soured some of their experiences, but that's just speculation. We all have different expectations when we travel, and maybe that report convinced a few people out there that PE wasn't for them. So even though it was a bad review of PE, the report may have done some good by helping to steer those people in a different direction. I still want to go, though :-) and I will post a detailed trip report (with prices!) when I get back. And thanks to that report writer, I will bring a flashlight! In reply to Bill who asked where the report writer had vacationed before -- apparently they've spent their last 4 vacations on Isla Mujeres - they didn't send me a report on there, though :-) so I can't comment.

Well Yvonne you seem to have stayed above the fray with your dignity intact,and that's refreshing. RE: recommendations, I really like La Galera restaurant on the top floor of the Arco Iris Hotel. It has a fantastic view of the beach, I have always found the staff friendly and attentive, and the food is great value; not the fanciest in town, just darn good. I wish I could remember specific prices there, but you can get an appetizer, a couple of drinks, entree and dessert for like 12 to 14 usd. The Santa Fe's restaurant is a really nice change of pace, but it's more expensive (e.g. more like 20-25 for the above). I hang out mainly on the west side and along Zicatela so don't know much about downtown places, but I can recommend Junto al Mar for dinner. La Gota de Vida is great for vegetarian, health foods and licuados (fruit smoothies); and of course you've heard all about Carmen's Cafecito. Like you, I hope to see others' recommendations also. Heck, I like to read anything at all on this site, helps stimulate pleasant reveries....

Re: prices at restaurants. As far as the Santa Fe is concerned it is an excellent place to eat and can be "expensive" but what I do if I want to save money there is not order cocktails because they are (in my opinion) over priced. Their fish I feel the same way about even though it is good. Their traditional Mexican meals tend to be much more reasonably priced and they are also delicious. For some unknown reason my wife (to her and me) likes the tofu burger there. I agree with the report on the Galera and their cocktails are good and very reasonably priced. I think their happy hour is 4:00 to 6:00 or something like that. As far as actual prices they change often but usually stay relative to each other. The Cafecito is actually 2 restaurants next to each other and prices and food and quantity are all good. The Junta Al Mar is good but (again in my opinion) way over priced. Like I said though it is good. There is a whole bunch of places that are good so you will have to have the fun of finding some on your own and reporting back. Oh, for tacos or pazole you have to go to Rosie"s about a block up Ave. Oaxaca on the left. A hole in the wall. GOOD and cheap. Bill

I, being Canadian, am beginning to understand the reason that people are describing us as whining about prices. Yvonne, having never been to Puerto, is saying that $10 is expensive for a fish fillet dinner! A Huachinanga, as most of us know, and I stated in my first response, is a whole fish, grilled. One of the best meals I have ever had was a Huachinanga Veracruz style in a now defunct retaurant in Puerto. Anyone who says that you can get a whole red snapper in Canada for $10 is full of @!#$. Food in restaurants in Puero is cheap. I know people who go to Cancun etc. and have told me what meals cost in resorts. You can find excellent food in Puerto restaurants for what the raw ingredients cost at home. 10 pesos or maybe 12 is the norm for a beer at any restaurant in Puerto. You can't buy beer anywhere in Canada for $1.50 to $2. In previous postings, I mentioned the restaurants across the road from the Santa Fe, Fany's, Sorba, and the one between them, El Tore near Carazalillo, and even Hermans, although I didn't go there this year. Puerto Escondido is an excellent vacation spot for those who like that style. You can't eat at McDonalds for what it costs there, and as someone previously stated, if there is a cheaper place in Mexico, let's hear about it. And Yvonne, if the prices you're hearing sound expensive, maybe you should try Ixtapa, and leave the pricy areas to the rest of us!

Now now Kris. I didn't get the impression that Yvonne was saying that it sounded to expensive as much as she just wanted to hear what people thought about the letter somebody wrote to her about Puerto. I will say this though. Puerto Escondido is much more expensive than it used to be but everything else seems to be more expensive also. Some places in Mexico are more expensive and some are cheaper. I think the style is much more important, though I don't think it is near as expensive as Yvonne's letter writer does. The restaurants that you mentioned can easily be defended as good places to eat. Good for you on finding El Tore. It is a bit out of the way for most people and not many people would find it on their own. There is another that I did not mention because I forgot the name (my wife says "Mayor Domo") but it has good authentic Oaxaqueño food. It is off the hwy at the first entrance to Bacocho but instead of going toward Bacocho make a right and go toward the mercado about 2 blocks. Good food. Bill

I spent 3 weeks in PE in February 2001. I have gone to either PE or Puerto Angel each year since 1990. I found the prices to be about the same as always - which means very reasonable. I stayed at the Hotel Loren - 250 pesos for 2 - I think that was about the same price in US dollars as my first trip to that hotel in 1990! Taxis are 12 to 15 pesos depending on distance - 15 pesos from the Playa Principal area to the market on the top of the hill; 12 to closer locations. I found, as always, inexpensive and delicious food, but I do tend to not eat large restaurant meals. Soups are great and inexpensive, as are sandwitches, and Fruit in the market is very reasonable. My 2 favorite places to eat are La Playita and the Tropicana above the highway on Oaxaca - a delicious meal for a couple dollars US. And the people are unfailingly gracious and friendly. Did the writer go to the same PE?

PE Friend & Bill - We know Mexico well enough to be delighted to take a meal or two at the Luncherias in the Mercados. For those of you not experienced in this sort of dining, this will often be the best and cheapest food in town; is available in major markets everywhere in Mexico, and is where the locals eat, especially when shopping. As an aside, appliances are taxed very heavily in Mexico and are therefore relatively expensive, especially if you're living in the peso economy. While nearly any condo furnished for gringo use will have a refrigerator, the same cannot be said for most Mexican homes. No fridge means you have to go to the market EVERY DAY for your perishables. But for someone who has no comfort level with el pais verdad, the real Mexico, the typical Luncheria or Cocina Economica is just a bit too , uh, rustic. They are going to eat at places like Santa Fe. They'll buy there drinks one at a time at a "nice" bar rather than buying a bottle of rum or brandy and set-ups. And they won't know that during holy weeks and Christmas-New Years the prices sometimes double!

Oh dear, I was hoping this wasn't going to get personal. I mean - how could it, I was just reporting what someone else had said... Please, Kris, read what I wrote. The person who wrote to me said that they found the fish dinners expensive. This was for a *fillet*, not a whole red snapper, btw, Kris. I said, 10 bucks could be expensive, but it * depends on the restaurant. * I live on Vancouver Island and I could go out right now and get a fish dinner costing anywhere from $3.99 to $39.99, but it depends on the restaurant. You pay what the market will allow. I have no problem with that. 10 bucks is average for a fish fillet in PE? Ok, whatever. I don't care. Just nice to know. I probably would never order a fish fillet dinner in PE anyway and in any case the price of such would certainly would have no bearing on me changing my vacation destination from a place I have researched for two years to wherever the cheapest restaurant meals in Mexico are. -- Sheesh. I actually don't eat out very frequently when I'm on vacation, but that's just me. We all have our own preferences. As a former restaurateur, I cook whenever I get the chance. When I go to Mexico I go to the markets and to the beaches and I use those fresh materials to make us some great dinners. That's why I'm looking for a place with a kitchen. When I go out to eat in Mexico, I usually do so with an eye to reproducing those unique flavours at home. A grill at a beach side restaurant will often give me some great ideas, whereas going to a fancy shmancy restaurant might not. Hey, your mileage might vary. There's room for every one -- isn't there? Anyway, I'm going to PE next January, even if some don't think I'm "worthy." I'm going to do a ton of birdwatching and nature stuff and try to learn how to cook some mole sauces. I'll check out some restaurants, and if people ask questions on this board, I'll try not to be too supercilious if their ideas of "reasonable" differ from mine. Peace out.

hey, thanks to pe friend and bill and the illustrious John W for their right-on comments.I wish I could reciprocate for PE . The only excellent recommendations I have for cool places are five years old and only applicable to the old town/ playa muertos area of Puerto Vallarta. But we had the best meals and snacks at this tiny little hole in the wall called El Jackal in old town. Ate there every day. Lunch for two, with two beers each, was less than 10bucks. Sigh. Prolly twice that now. They had the best tacos...

This is it. After this I give up. You can't get red snapper fillets. It is served as a whole fish. A tuna or dorado fillet, or fish tacos, or whatever, is going to cost from 25 pesos up. These are not fancy shmancy restaurants. You can go to cafecita and feed 2 people with two beers each for under 100 pesos. Like I said, it will probably cost you as much for raw ingredients as it would to go to a restaurant. You can buy mole at the market that comes from family recipes for pennies and take it home to remind you of your trip. True, the orange juice guy in front of Cabo Blanco wears a tuxedo. I stop there every morning on my way to Cafecita for my caffeine fix and Dan's daily gripe. I've been to Puerto too many times to listen to someone judging the place on second hand drivel. Over and out.

Cath: No problem I need to hear from you , call me at (9) 5820276 at nitgh to let you know about your weding. Gina

Sheila, Could you please give me more information on your private english school? Location in Puerto, cost for classes, age requirements for children. I would like my long time friends girls to learn the correct English language. It would be a great personal gift from me to see them become bi-lingual. I would like to visit your school my next trip to Puerto. Terry

Yvonne, there are places with kitchens that are very reasonable but the cost usually correlates with the "rusticness" of the property as you would "prolly" assume. The Arco Iris has rooms with kitchenettes and The Villa Marinaro is a little more spacious but shall I say rough around the edges. Which is all right for a lot of people. Dan at he CafecitO has rentals with kitchens but I think he is booked for that time of year until the next coming. There is a place across the street from Dan's that has 4 'apartments" that have a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, sitting area and pool. It is very reasonable (maybe 4000 pesos mas o menos per month) and just a little rough around the edges. They also have family that are there over the xmas holidays but tend to leave just after the first of the year. The owners are just the nicest people as well. There are some places near Carrizalillo that are very nice and very reasonable too. If you are trying to make reservations from home I would contact Dave at dave@puertoconnection. He is a super nice guy and is as helpful as possible. Check out his web site at www.puertoconnection.com. Remember that you can always change places after you get there and scope it out. Good luck and you will have a fine time in Puerto. Bill P.S. John this site has heated up a bit don't you think.

Sweetie, you say you hope this isn't becoming a nationality-bashing site, but yet you posted a brand new email with a "berating other nationalities" subject line? And I just happen to have two boys names that YOU say aren't spelled right -- it IS Chris with a "K", right? That's all right hon, I know where you're coming from. Kissy-kissy!

Kris, short for Kristinn, Icelandic spelling. The subject line wasn't an invitation to berate nationalities, just a comment on what you were doing Robert Joseph.

First, allow me to dismiss the rif-raf by saying this: Huachinango is the spanish word for red snapper. Nothing whatsoever to do with it's preparation. Sure, it's a difficult fish to filet, but it is done. Any time you want. Just ask. Kris, I've read your thoughts. You've offerred nothing productive. You haven't been able to stimulate any thought provoking discussions. Just self-agrandizing conjecture. I've known Dan for years and I've heard his "gripes", as you most interestingly put it, and I pity him for your daily visits. Keep your promise and sign off. Now, Yvonne, When I first discovered P.E. at the age of 19 -in 1984- we used to gather at La Perla Flamente (Flaming Pearl) at sunset for margaritas and chips with salsa (always a green and a red ). We would sit and drink and watch the fishing boats return from their evening work. Upon their return, the restaurant owner would meet them and select the fish to be offerred that night. We'd watch him walk back up the beach to the restaurant carrying his chosen catch. Usually 3 or 4 choices, most often aton (tuna), dorado (mahi mahi), beila (sailfish, probably mis-spelled) and huachinango. They offerred a choice of 3 preparations for any type of fish. What a delight to experience this with a tasty and powerful margarita in hand. They're still there, on the main strip, and they still offer incredible food and drink. It is a little more expensive than the cheaper fare, but not to the degree of the Santa Fe. They also offer tuna sashimi, caught and iced on the boats every day. Oysters rockefeller is a staple on the menu. You won't spend $10 unless you drink alot. I go there every time I'm in P.E., and every time my sentiments increase. Another favourite food item for me is the tuna and garlic pizza at Marios Pizzerria. Give it a go. And one more before I sign off: the street burgers sound scary but they're not. Their made with love and they compliment a late night out. I hope this is useful. I have more to share. Another time. Karl

Hi everyone, I will be living in Puerto this June and July doing some research on sustainable development and getting to know the area a bit. I was living in Mazunte during my last college semester abroad and visited Puerto then but am wondering what the weather will be like in June/July. Besides sweating a lot, what can I expect in terms of rain and temps? Also, I have some contacts at El Tigre Azul and Villa Temezcalli. If anyone has any information about either place, I would love to know. Thanks in advance for your responses and maybe I'll see some of you there!

Go to the main menu. Find weather. Click on it. The historical data is there. June and July are in trainy season, but the rain usually is pretty light during those months. Temps in the high 80's to low 90's F just like all the rest of the year. That part of the rainy season, you'll see the storms build over the sierra just about every afternoon but they will USUALLY fall apart before getting to Puerto Angel. The really rainy months - usually September into the first days of October - the rain tends to move on-shore and is more of the tropical storm variety.

Hot, muggy and sometimes wet. Go to Mexpipe and buy some nylon swimwear. And finally, take your shower in the morning if you want to be refreshed. By the afternoon, your sun-drenched water tank has made pea soup of your bath water.

Whooee, this has gotten interesting! Yvonne, good for you for hanging in there. Boy, some people are really poor listeners (or readers). You'll love Puerto, you sound like you'll be a great addition to the community of folks who've discovered it for themselves. I'm looking forward to reading your impressions of your visit.

Is there transportation between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido by air? Is so can you give me a price in us dollars and tell me how to make a reservation.

OUCH! - Take it easy bro' - people are just responding to your nasty reply to Jackies original posting. She was just giving fellow travellers/tourists{apparently there's a very distinct difference} a 'heads up' and sharing a bad experience. She also said many nice things about Mexico and her vacation, but it's getting pretty bad if one cannot mention anything negative without being banished to the all-inclusive gulag. Think wa-ay, wa-ay back to your early travelling days, didn't you ever do anything imprudent? Personally speaking, I look back of some of the really daft situations I got into in some very unsavoury parts of the worlds and shudder - no doubt Jackie and her boyfriend are not the first folks to wander along this beach with their 'stuff ' and won't be the last, but sometimes your'e just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Cheers, Sara

Hello to all and thank you for your thought provoking responses to my not-too-clever remarks. Indeed, thank goodness that Jackie and her lover were not further harmed. And indeed yes, I can recall several scary moments when I, too, was unprepared for the dangers of my surroundings. Now allow me to share a story about this infamous playa. A couple of years ago an Italian fellow lived and worked in P.E. He lived there for several years and was memorable for the resemblance his shaved head and tatooed and pierced body shared with his ( seemingly always increasing ) family of pit-bulls. Scary looking family. His name was Max ( I think ). Remember him? Well one afternoon he and his girlfriend ( not Stephanie; it was after her ) took a stroll down playa Bocacho with their three pitbulls. Apparently they met with the same mis-fortune as Jackie, as he was seen by many, returning to town on foot with girlfriend and dogs in tow, naked as the day he was born. It seemed that these theives robbed him of everything, including his "Mexpipe" surf shorts. They left him with only his dignity.

I finally returned to Puerto this past November after a one year hiatus. I was truly glad to get back there. Saw all of my old friends. For anyone of you out there who may surf in Puerto, be sure to stop in at Central Surf and give props to Rene' Salinas. He's one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet and he'll go out of his way to help you with whatever you may need. I just wanted to say that, I still think Puerto rocks and I still dig the scene. I hardly doubt that Puerto will ever achieve Cancun status no matter how hard they try. No matter, here's a warning to anyone visiting "la vaca loca" for whatever reason. A friend of mine from Cali. who I met in Puerto, got stiffed bigtime there. Without going into any detail, if you decide to visit the red-light district, watch your money closely and for god's sake don't lay it on the table! Calling the local police won't help either, as my friend painfully found out! Anyhow, I would also like to add that if your visiting Puerto on a budget and have decent name brand clothes, don't hesitate to sell them to the locals. I found out that fitted baseball caps and c.d.'s can also make you a quick buck. [I actually sold my Limp Bizkit and DMX c.d.'s.] Anyhow, just a quick shout out to Belem from Veracruz, (never seen anyone finer baby) and the girls from New Zealand, you rocked! Finally, don't forget to stop in at Banana's. They have the best pizza in town baby. Thanks to Claudio for the drinks, all night, I was drunker than I've ever been! Let's hear it for Cuba libre's! Anyhow, !viva puerto! and hope to see you there next November. adam alexander

Hey\r Looking for a cool & buena onda & cheap place to stay, near to or at the beach (Zicatela etc )\r gracias\r Fran

do you rent it for less than a month? Is it close the restaurant and beach area? Never been to Puerto....need some info. thank you

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As long as it's still there, (I haven't been there in 4 years, but it is on the main page of the site), Hotel Loren is cheap and about 2 minutes from the beginning of the beach. You walk down hill a bit, when you hit the pedestrian mall, take a right and you're on the beach. Clean, basic rooms, nothing fancy, all-tile baths with shower and two twin beds, but the birds in the one large tree outside were very cool, all started singing every day at 6 or so. Also had a small wading pool, kinda silly if you ask me, when the ocean is so nearby. They built that between my first visit in '89 and second visit in '96. There's still some nice patio furnture out there, though, and a bit of shade in the afternoon, which should not be underestimated. Ceiling fans in the room should be left on cotinuously, especially if you can't get a room on the first floor. They don't speak English, but are very friendly, especially if you make the effort in Spanish.

I stayed at the Hotel Loren for years before I changed to Zicatela. It's been built up nicely over the years, offerring everything that I need, including the only good cup of coffee in town, restaurants for every meal and every type of eater, a money exchange, the best view of the sunset, nightlife, and fantastic accomodations. For the $ you'll spend at Loren, you can stay in a newer place on Zicatela with all the amenities. Where as Zicatela used to be a beach one would walk to in the sunshine, it has now become home to many and the mall is now a destination place. I must say this: Hotel Loren is run by a REALLY nice family ( I still visit them when I'm around ) and you'll feel secure in their care. Nice rooms, bathrooms and poolside fun, with a great view of the town and Zicatela. The above mentioned ceiling fans are infamous. Many people (myself included) have recklessly damaged a finger or a hand by reaching too high changing a shirt or what-have-you and getting in the path of it's, by now, dull blades. The fans are hung too low. Be careful. And if you forget, there's a doctor right across the street. He'll likely know why you're there. If you make your way around this site, you'll find plenty of useful tips about where to stay.

Dear Sheila, My wife and I wish to correspond with you regarding the possibilities at your ESL school. We are both fluent in Spanish and have extensive living and working experience in Mexico. We also both love Puerto and have been there many times. I first visited Puerto in 1966 and lived there for a year during 1980-81. We plan to move to Puerto within a year and we are both teachers with a lot of experience teaching ESL. We would like to correspond with you in a more private way than this site allows. Please contact us at wsloniker@aol.com All The Best To You And All The Others Who Love Puerto Escondido. Bill & Laura

I was wondering if there was a specific place anyone would reccomend 4 teen girls going on vacation. We would like to be able to relax and soak in the atmosphere in the daytime but also to be able to go out danceing or partying in the night. We would like someplace somewhat safe also as there is only 4 girls going on this vacation. Thank you

Wrong side of the tracks? I'd pay money to see anyone try to explain what that means to a local.

hi fran, we have a newly built home near Carrizalillo beach entrance in which we have rooms to rent for only 150 pesos per nite...close enough to the action to be nice but yet quiet enough to sleep in the morning. we have nice secure grounds with bbq grill and covered patio area. look forward to hearing from you. gene and darlene 958.2.2646

Hi! I am moving to Puerto to this weekend to join my husband who is from there. I have visited several times and have finally worked up the courage to make the move. I don't plan on working for at least a year, or at least until I become more fluent in my Spanish, but I would love to assist with your classes, just as a volunteer and for the experience. If you are interested in this assistance please let me know. You can reply to my e-mail by Wednesday May 2, 2001. Or call me in two weeks at 958.2.2192. Thanks!

I don't know that Puerto Escondido would be the best place for 4 teenage girls to go. Not that it's not safe, but it's not a big party place like Cancun or, to a lesser extent, Huatulco. I would think teenagers would find it kind of dull, you wouldn't see a lot of other tourists near your age. Also not as much English spoken at PE as at the bigger places. Is it your first trip to Mexico and will you be unaccompanied by adults? If so I'd recommend Cancun or Huatulco.

My girlfriend just returned and she told me that 4 shark fishermen had been lost at sea for 18 days and was wondering if they have been found yet and in what condition. I know one, he is my neighbor in Las Brisas de Zicatela. His name is polo, if Gina knows anything please reply. Thanks Lynn

retired canadian couple non smokers are interested in a long term rental of a fully furnished house for the period nov 1/01 to mar 31/02. would prefer view property, and close to or on the beach. prefer quiet and solitude. we have been staying winters on the s. baja for the past few years and thought we would try the s. pacific shore this winter.

I've read/heard rumors that Alaska Air is considering flights to Huatulco. I e-mailed them - here's their reply: Mr. Miller, We have no plans to begin service to Huatulco. However, I'll certainly forward your message to our planning department for their consideration. Thanks for taking the time to write. Heidi, supervisor Alaska Airlines Consumer Affairs

Hey i would like to know if the person who's in charge of this is in puerto ! Thanks

(Apologies in advance if this posting happens to appear twice.) I was reviewing old files recently and came across this trip report to friends and family from my first visit to Puerto, in March of 1998. Thought others might enjoy some impressions. Well, my trip to Puerto Escondido didn't go as planned, but it was still a great time. I went down with a buddy of mine named Randy. Originally we planned to fly a cheap charter to Huatulco, a new megaresort area carved out of the jungle on the way-south Pacific coast just in the past 10 years, then go straight to Puerto Escondido about 90 miles away, and at some point in the week spend a couple of days in Oaxaca City. But the contingencies started when our charter flight was four hours late taking off due to the pusher breaking a piece of the landing gear at the terminal because the pilot forgot to release the brakes first. So we had to change to another plane, a smaller one, which meant a previously unscheduled refueling stop in Dallas. That put us into Huatulco five hours late, too late to try to get to P.E. that day. But hey, when the flight costs only $152 round trip, who can complain? So we got a room that night in the town of Las Crucecitas, which is one hub of the Huatulco resort area. Nice hotel, right on the square. The town was not on the ocean, which is what we went for, but what a pleasant shock to be just off a plane from chilly Minnesota, walking around in the hot moist subtropical air on the square of a small Mexican town. Next day we hired a taxi for Puerto for what seemed like a reasonable 400 pesos (about $50 US, not bad for a 2-hour trip). We thought, "beach, here we come!" But when we got about an hour out, driving on the twisty narrow highway through scrubby dried-out jungle, we came up on the tail end of a long line of stopped vehicles. Turned out the road was blocked a mile up ahead. We had heard that Zapatista sympathizers sometimes did this; I asked the driver if it was Zapatistas and he said, "no, no, just the people. It's political." No one had any information about whether the block was being or might be cleared. (We never did find out what it consisted of -- rocks, trees, people? There was no evidence of it we could see when we did get through there later.) Apparently we could have walked up to the roadblock and caught a taxi on the other side to continue the trip. But, as Randy would have had to lug a heavy suitcase (I had a pack) a long way up the road in the blazing sun, we elected to return to Huatulco. We booked a room in the Sheraton in the tourist zone, so we could finally get on the beach. It was way expensive, but worth it to us to finally get on the ocean. Next day we still couldn't get any good information about whether the road was open (had my Spanish been better, we probably could have). But we didn't want to repeat the wheel-spinning of the day before, so decided to let another day go by, to make sure, before attempting it again. Besides, we were feeling quite seduced by the luxury of the Sheraton, though it is of course a nest of bourgeoisie decadence. (Actually, since it's the least expensive of the very expensive beachfront resorts in Huatulco, it's kind of a redneck heaven. But nice.) It had a huge pool and a great beachfront, and we swam, swam, swam; the ocean was warm, and the pool even warmer, which was great cuz I really dislike swimming in cold water. When we were bourgeoised out, we hired a cab for Puerto again, and after landing Tuesday, finally got there on Friday. Puerto Escondido is a small fishing town on the coast, about 40,000 people. (Not so small anymore I guess, as it has grown fast in the last 10 years. But that's how all the guidebooks describe it.) It's known as a laid-back, small-scale hangout for budget travelers looking to escape the rest of the tourists. It also has a somewhat unsavory reputation, as there's a fairly well-known problem with crime. Indeed, the week after we left, an American woman was raped and murdered along Zicatela Beach in broad daylight. That had happened the year I was in Puerto Vallarta, too. But we didn't feel like it was a dangerous place; like most places here or there, when you get away from the safety of numbers you want to keep your wits about you. In Puerto we booked at a budget hotel on Zicatela Beach for 3 nights. This is a famous surfing beach that starts just outside town, fronting on the open ocean, with high waves along a 2-mile, broad sand beach. Used to be no one went there but surfers and hippies in microbuses. It's more touristed than that now but still way off the beaten track. There are good beaches right in town too, but Zicatela, the granddaddy, starts about a half-mile from town. Along its upper end there's a strip of mostly ramshackle, budget beach development along a dirt road, and that's where we stayed. We thought our hotel was wonderful at first, with cool shady gardens, a small pool for relief from the heat, and a really good restaurant on the 3rd floor, open to the breezes with a view of the beach. Simple but nice enough rooms, each with a balcony or patio. However, in the evening our first-floor room proved to be breathlessly hot and full of mosquitoes, which had laid low during the heat of the day but became very active at night. The screens were good but there were gaps all around the doors. We didn't have nets or adequate repellent, and it was way too hot to cover up (even with a ceiling fan; no A/C), so we got almost no sleep that night. Plus Randy came down with a cold and by morning was feeling miserable. So we packed up and moved a few blocks up the road, nearer town, to the Santa Fe. Apparently it's the best hotel in town. That was a beautiful place. Lush gardens, beautiful tiled stairways, good rooms with cross ventilation and A/C (which hadn't been a priority for us but became so for Randy with his cold). All this comes at a price, of course, about $84 US for our room, three times what we paid at the other place. But we thought worth it. Next time I'd go right back there and spend the whole week there. You could walk out of the hotel courtyard, across the street and down to Playa Marinero for swimming and boogie boarding, or a little to the left and on to Zicatela for long walks and big waves. Every afternoon we would take day packs and hang out under the palapas along Zicatela. There were sets of them along the beach with beat-up beach lounges under them. We'd stake out a spot, settle back with paperbacks, and enjoy the thunder and crash of those big waves and the play of the sea breeze. That's my idea of true mindless vacation loafing! Sometimes a kid from one of the rickety palapa cantinas near the road edge of the beach would come and ask us for 10 pesos for "rent," other times not; no big deal. If we got hungry we'd cross the sands over to the Arco Iris, our first hotel, which had the best restaurant we found: great meals for cheap, you could even eat the vegetables without risk. (Seems like Mexican restaurants are into presentation much more than we are, even simple meals are usually presented with interestingly cut vegetables or pilafs. Meals seem so sensible there. We seldom were served portions large enough to pig out on. When cheese is used, it's just a modest amount, and if there's beef or pork, it's usually thin-sliced cuts.) There's a dangerous undertow on Zicatela so swimming there is best left to surfers. (As one beach vendor told us, "Surfing, that's for young boys.") From the restaurant at the Arco Iris you could see some awesome rip tides, big tongues of swirly sand-filled water being sucked rapidly off the beach for several hundred yards out into the ocean; it would be really scary to get caught in one of those. But there was another beach, Playa Marinero, below the Santa Fe where the swimming was really good. Big waves still, but not so big as Zicatela. We rented boogie boards there from kids on the beach and had a great time riding breaks of maybe up to 8 feet. The waves break in all different places, so picking a spot for takeoff is tricky. It worked best for me to stand in about chest-deep water and then spring off the bottom onto a breaking face, rather than trying to paddle onto them. The acceleration is incredible, it feels like getting picked up and flung. But if you misjudge the break of a big wave and don't dive for the bottom before it crashes over you, you can really get "maytagged." On several occasions while being power-flushed head over heels toward the beach at what felt like 30 miles an hour, I was really glad there were no rocks or coral on the bottom. Seemed like everyone would come down to the beach on Zicatela to watch the sunset; the waves were especially great then, when it got low enough the setting sun would shine redly through the glassy walls of breaking waves from behind. Even the locals would ooh and aah when the bigger sets came booming in. We'd bestir ourselves for a slow amble and people- and sunset-watching, and when the orb had finally dipped, we'd go back to the hotel, scrub off a greasy layer of sunscreen, and start thinking about where to eat dinner that night -- hmmm, shrimp, red snapper, fish fillets? -- fixed lots of tantalizing ways. Then we'd head downtown, where they cordon off the main street to create a pedestrian zone in the evening. The town is tucked back in a small bay, where the sea breeze didn't reach as well; in the evening it usually felt pretty hot, and your clothes would cling uncomfortably. Though there was plenty going on down there at night, it's not the most charming of towns and the heat in the evening was often stifling. So we were never tempted to hang long in town, and it seemed better to get back to the quiet of the beach zone. (To catch a cab from Zicatela to downtown was only 10 pesos, about 60 cents each. At that rate it's cheaper than walking! You just stand along the road and there's a cab about every two minutes.) Back on the beach, if you wanted to, you could walk down the darkened road along the strip and check out what passed for night life, little cantinas where a few people would be hanging out, usually listening to something like the Doors or Jimi Hendrix, a couple of dogs sleeping under the tables. One place set up a big TV at night and showed videos, people would stop on the sidewalk to watch. Coming back from town in a cab one night we passed by an open-air palapa bar, all by itself on the beach, maybe a dozen people boogieing down hard, a bartender behind a plank counter hacking open coconuts with a machete. It made kind of an arresting impression: an isolated little island of light a ways off on the dark beach with the huge black ocean as a backdrop, nothing else around it. Mysterious. (I checked it out next day, in the daytime it looked abandoned, no indication at all that it might be a happening place.) Along the road barefoot surf punks would pad silently past in the dark, an occasional big booming wave making shaking the ground a little. There are bird sanctuaries along the nearby coast to tour, a sea turtle hatchery, and the town itself undoubtedly has some further attractions we didn't get to see. But we, with out truncated time there, had eyes only for the ocean. Oh yes, and seafood. Alas, after only three days of wonderful indolence, we had to get back to Huatulco, and to avoid any more surprises with the road we went back the day before our plane left. To spend another afternoon and evening of decadence at the Sheraton. (Well, somebody has to stay there!) The last night in Mexico, I was enjoying a margarita alone on the beach, listening to gentle surf washing in, and there were crickets singing as well. How nice, I thought, what a wonderful summertime sound. And then thought, it will be five months yet before we hear crickets at home. So I'm already laying plans for a return trip. Screw cold and snow! Make mine the tropics, please.

Hey, Cat! The person in charge is Tom, and he doesn't have time to answer you right now. As stated in the "What's New" section of this website, on May 18, 2001 he becomes quite possibly the oldest recipient of a BS in Electrical Engineering ever to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. Gifts are gladly accepted. Offers of employment in Electrical Engineering in North Austin are even MORE gratefully welcomed! And while I was living in Oaxaca when Tom and his lovely wife Nancy so graciously started this website, that was a couple of unsuccessful Mexican business ventures ago, and I, too, am back stateside - until the next dream wafts by and I go blindly stumbling off behind it. If you need to speak to someone on site, you might address your missives to Charlie at the Barcelo or to Hector at Buceo Sotavento. They read this stuff regularly and even answer when their servers are working! John

We would like to warn unsuspecting tourist about the pitfalls of a private apartment renting in Puerto Escondido. We rented an apartment at the Villas Bacocho via the Internet. As it turned out, it was a nightmare from the start on until we left. Our experiences begin with water shortage the next day after we arrived. There was no water in the apartment, the taps were dry and there was no one to ask for help. We had to purchase bottled water to flush the toilet and to wash ourselves. When we were finally able to contact the owner/manager Flor Marques, she told us of a severe water shortage in Puerto. She then proceeded to pump water from her underground cistern to our water tank on the roof, but just enough to last us for about three days. I could not believe that we would have to play that charade of begging for water for the rest of our vacation. It did not make sense, when we realized that she was watering the entire property's lawn every morning between 8.30 and 11.30 front and rear with two sprinklers from our villa's metered city water line. As it tuned out, there was no shortage as the city was supplying water regularly every morning to the Bacocho sector to fill roof top water tanks. But ours was not being filled, as there was not enough pressure to reach the roof with two water sprinklers running all the time every morning. We figured that it was probably her own private version of Moctesuma's revenge against all the Gringos, who knows? Then there was the issue of the receipt after she insisted for full payment for our three months stay. She gave us an official accounting receipt showing only about half of the amount paid. She claimed that it was not important, that it was merely for accounting purposes. After insisting for a receipt showing the full amount paid, she finally relented and gave us one typed on plain paper. (I can imagine the other owners of the property and the government getting the short end of the shaft with this type of accounting). Then there was the issue of two bed linen and towel changes per week as agreed by our original booking agreement. She claimed her washing machine was broken and she did not want to do it. It wasn't a big thing, but in my books when someone doesn't keep her word over a small issue like that, she does not deserve to be in business. Then finally there was the issue of trash pick up, it took her three weeks before she notified the truck driver to do the pick up at our address. Dogs and smell finally got the better of her I suppose. After living under those conditions, we decided to move out of the place. Needless to say she refused to reimburse us for the remaining unused time portion of our three months payment. Consequently our vacation turned out to cost us quite a lot more than we had planed for. To summarize we have only one suggestion, if someone plans to go to Puerto Escondido and rent a villa, please beware of Flor Marques of the Villas Bacocho. Gerard and Lisette Migneault Gerardmigneault@hotmail.com

I would like to ask anyone interested in the truth in this situation to leave their email and I will have 3 people contact you with what really happened. This man simply did not get everything he wanted and could not have been pleased no matter what happened. This man tried to take advantage of a women trying to support her family and did not succeed. She explained everything to him several times but he refused to do what was necessary here in Puerto to have his trash picked up and water tank filled automatically everyday. This repeated posting is his attempt at revenge. All it will accomplished is providing the rest of us the pleasure of his absence in Puerto.

If you continue with this attitude Jim you'll eventually find yourself and the few like you all by yourself in Puerto. You see you missed the point with my posting. The purpose is not to tolerate anyone like Flor Marques to give such a bad image of Puerto. Puerto Escondido is a wonderful place; we managed to pursue our vacation in a friendly, beautiful place. We enjoyed immensely the morning walk on Zicatella beach, the superb eating at Cafecito, the friendly neighbors from many places in world, the resourceful help of Gina, who helped us with itineraries while we traveled many times on the excellent service of Cristobal Colon buses to Oaxaca, Cholula, Tlaxcala, Ciudad Mexico etc. So Jim, if you don't mind... we will go back next year to Puerto and enjoy this wonderful vacation place. Gerard and Lisette Migneault

I have no problems with you coming back as Puerto does not belong to me or anyone else. My problem is with you lying and/or distorting about what actually happened while you stayed in Puerto and saying nice things about people you got your way with while giving a bad reputation to good people who were not able to change Puerto into your own personal kingdom. I am making sure anyone who cares about coming knows that there are 2 sides to every story...not just yours and giving them the opportunity to research the claims you make should they desire to do so.

"We rented an apartment at the Villas Bacocho via the Internet." If anyone had tried to convince me back in '84, when I first discovered P.E. at the age of twenty, that in 2001 people would be able to rent condos in this remote jewel over the internet, I would have laughed. Now I just shake my head. The wonderful charm of my P.E. included arriving without arrangement (still does). Back then, and until fairly recently, that contingency dissuaded MOST vacationers from this remote location. The type of visitors were those who would, without even questioning it, pump their own water. Before the pumps were common-place, and still for those who can't afford one, it was pulling buckets from a well. And when the old woman next door was struggling with her's, you offerred your help. "Then there was the issue of the receipt after she insisted for full payment for our three months stay."..........."I can imagine the other owners of the property and the government getting the short end of the shaft with this type of accounting." You realize that this is a developing nation, don't you? It's clear that you don't know what this means. "Then there was the issue of two bed linen and towel changes per week as agreed by our original booking agreement." Does anyone else find this ridiculous? You couldn't find anyone to clean your sheets in Mexico. I hope, at the very least, she made your bed and fluffed the goose-down feather pillows every day. Your'e not sounding very resourceful at this point. "Then finally there was the issue of trash pick up, it took her three weeks before she notified the truck driver to do the pick up at our address." I'm surprised she tolerated the trash for that long. I would have thrown you out long before three weeks. I can't express in words just how much people like this remove from P.E. It's not my town. It's my town to respect.

There is another archaeological site that needs a new project of a walking tour. Tom we are very happy to see nice options of ecotourism coming. I dont see the government coming to develop the site yet. And in this case we are thinking of keeping the area protected and just show the area special, not for collectors of this history. Only for the dream of being there and walking the patios. Love gina Gina Machorro Espinosa (Information Goddess) GinaInPuerto@Yahoo.com Posted for Gina by Tom

Maybe if enough people asked the same question, they would take some action. Here's the URL for Alaska Airlines contact information: http://www2.alaskaair.com/help/contacts/email.asp Tom

This web site does have a hotel list at http://www.tomzap.com/escondio.html#hotels where 40-something hotels, condos, homes are listed. Most listings have the address, phone number, approximate price and a brief description. Some have email addresses, some have links to photos, some have links to more detailed information. Some are advertisements but information on this site tends to be matter-of-fact and not overstated (to avoid getting ripped apart on this forum for one thing). There are even a couple of the Eglantina Condos listed there http://www.tomzap.com/DM.html http://www.tomzap.com/eg22.html Oh yes, if you see anything that needs updating, send the update to me and it will be done. Tom tom@tomzap.com

I don't want to sound like a pimp for puertoconnection.com but I have been down here for about three weeks now and after seeing their mentions on this web site I thought I would check to see if what was written was true or if it was just self promotion. Everything I have to say is good. Dave seems to do anything he can to please anyone. He will try to find what ever anybody can come up with. One thing people have to remember is this is Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico and not Maui or St Barts or even Cancun. (Thank God.) Air conditioning with maid service and dog walker, gardener, limo service and someone to wipe the sand off your toes at the beach are hard to find at one address. So if you want all this you will have to figure out the 2 or 3 most important things and I know that Dave will do his very best to pull through. I have been coming down here for 25 years and never thought that there would be such a service possibe but somehow they have pulled it off. I think Dave was here for a little while and got bored so he is trying keep active. There is no way he is doing it for the money because he doesn't make enough to do his satuday BBQ that anybody who shows up to is welcome. I can't believe you are pulling this off Dave. You must have been veeeeery bored. If you need a place to stay in Puerto I highly recomend getting in touch with Dave at puertoconnection@.com. I promise he will do anything within reason to help you but I think he is still looking fo a toe duster. Bill

Hey Lynn I spoke with my boyfriend who also is a fisherman in Puerto and he told me that they didn't find them till today. I'm so sorry. I also know one of them and am verry sad. Maybe I can give you better news in one week. greetings from Switzerland Maja

That's an interesting point - maybe internet access does provide a false sense of security to those folks that like to cross all their t's and dot the i's prior to heading out on a trip.It's a bit of a paradox really, in that the internet appears to make some of the less "touristy" places more accessible and appealing to those who really get into researching and pre-planning in a big way, only to be dissapointed when things don't fall nicely into place - simply because they are travelling to a third world destination, where the rules don't always apply.

AMEN, SARA! For those who do not like surprises, especially those who tend towards anal retentiveness, then Cancun and Los Cabos is about as much Mexico as you will ever be able to handle. Even San Miguel, in la isla paraiso Cozumel, is too unpredictable for some folks, as I found out years ago while guiding dive groups there. Real Mexico is for those who thrive on chaos and can ride that metaphysical wave! And even planned resort comunities become testbeds for chaos theory when, like Bahias Huatulco, they sit there for a couple of decades without the expected tourists ever showing up. This is not a coast for the pampered nor easily flustered.

Check out the beach cam daily which is live from 9-10 am Puerto time. www.puertoconnection.com

Sorry my friend: The japanese is gone, but pronto we will have another option's don't worry eat happy.....in PE. gina

Dave; I love that cam. I check it out every morning with a coffee before work. I just picture myself on zicatela like I was two months ago. Can`t wait to be back next year! cheers...

Check the actual surf report on puertoconnection.com in the message board down at the bottom.

Hello, We are coming to PE for the month of January 2002 an looking for a 1 2 bedroom accommodation. Please let me know what is available and rates for the month please. Thanks

Jim: I am the person who referred this couple to Flor in the first place, and, needless to say, I am not pleased. Their dis-satisfaction and the way things are now turning causes me great concern. Please contact me as deedub@coastworks.com.

Looking for a basic budget room for 2 weeks in August. Clean, secure, cheap are pluses. Noisy at night, minus. No need for TV, AC, etc.(Of course I wouldn't rule a place out because of amenities) Any suggestions?

Yeah. Show up. Look 'em over. Pick out a couple. Start negotiating. It's not like there's any competition for rooms in August. I hope you don't need crowds to entertain you.

Puertoconnection message board is not working so here it is. Surf was up last week. 20-30 foot faces. It was suppose to get bigger but it never happened. Not many people out because it was out of control. Point was more in control but a lot of water moving that made for non stop paddling. Fun waves though. The surf has gone down now 5-8' faces but not enough off shore wind to clean it up. We need some rain to create off shore in the afternoons. Soon, we all hope. Other spots have been working well but transportation is a problem for most. Too bad. ......Surfs Down

Surf continues to drop..... 6'-7' faces but real fun. 6 year old kid named Mathias is ripping the point. Stay tuned. Surf is Down But Fun

I am a 22 year old male US college student and was thinking of travelling to Puerto Escondido in mid-September after coming through Oaxaca. I have read some articles about Puerto Escondido where it has mentioned some crime against tourists. I know very little Spanish, but will be studying for several weeks in Cuernavaca before going off to travel. I am wondering how safe 2nd Class bus travel from Oaxaca to Puerto is, as well as what I should expect and be careful of travelling alone and staying in Puerto. I would like to stay for 3-4 days and enjoy the beaches and surf, but I have heard several people advise against going to beaches around Puerto alone. This will be my first extensive trip into Mexico by myself as well as my first outside of the more touristy areas, (Tijuana, Mazatlan, Cabo). I am not trying to sound worried, I am just trying to be careful before I embark on this trip. Any comments are greatly appreciated. Gracias

Travel is safe. You will meet people on second class busses and most likely will be taken under someone's "wing". No more generous folks in the world than Mexicans and you'll meet the best of the bunch while traveling by bus. You'll be going in the rainiest month of the dead season. There will be very few tourists or travelors. Lucky you. And fortunately, the worst of the ladrones tend to be from the cities - Chilangos, Jarochos - and they tend to come during the busy season as the pickings are so much better. However, like Zipolite, Puerto Escondido does have some home-grown bad guys. If you avoid being the only one on the beach or wandering through dark alleys alone, you should be all right. anything you can't affoard to lose should be locked in the hotel safe, not left in your room. Make sure any cameras, laptops, etc are covered by your homeowner's or renter's policy. Use plastic and don't carry a lot of cash. If you get there and just don't feel safe, you might bus over to the La Crucecita section of the Huatulco resort. It's nearly as safe as your back yard! But there are some expats in PE. Go to some of the restaurants and bars listed in this site and you should find them. By mid-September, they're probably longing for someone who can speak English! And you say you'll start the trip with a stay in Cd Oaxaca. Talk it up with the people you meet there. Make it sound interesting enough and you may not be traeling alone! John

have a look at www.centralsurfshop.com , the "apartments for rent" link. I'm not sure of the price, but they are relatively inexpensive, newly constructed, and operated by a great family.

Surf has not changed much. Wind is not as bad today and there is hope for a afternoon session with possible offshore later. Maybe even rain? Stay tuned. Surfs about the same

We have several available also. Have a look and let me know if you are interested. Thanks, Dave www.puertoconnection.com

I also want to say that Angel and his family ARE a great family, his places ARE very nice and you should check them out. I just wanted to let you know we are also here and have options should you choose to look further. Dave www.puertoconnection.com

I haven't been down to PE is a few years. I heard that they put some jetties in at Chicahua. Can anyone give me any surf updates on Chicahua. Planning a trip next month and want to spend a couple of weeks down there if nothing has changed.

Surf is smaller but with the tide somewhat high in the morning it is pretty fun and lumpy. About 4'-5'. The tubes that the place is famous for are not as open as they are normally but most wave are makeable. Not too crowded even for a saterday!! Small but fun

Naturally, the highest surf conditions will be during the periodic "rebalses" as described elsewhere in this website. The major rebalses usually occur three or four days after a full moon during the first months of the rainy season with the possibility of a minor rebalse two or three days after a new moon. Since the new moon was May 22, this would be about the time the minor rebalse will start, if you get one this month. The best chance for the next major rebalse (those 20-30 foot faces mentioned in the "surf conditions thread) will be around June 9. Remember that the most recent rebalse caused mulriple drownings in near-by Huatulco, so y'all don't go beyond your abilities, OK?

I have been traveling in Mex. for the last 17 years. It is real simple. your in their country, live by their rules. The people that have trouble in Mex. are the same people that have trouble in the states. I've spent time in P.E. don't walk the beaches alone late at night. Pay attention to what is going on around you! and all is cool. I've been robed once at gun point at Ticla. But when it was all over I realized they were as sared as I was. Keep your cool if anything happens and you'll walk. It is a great country with really good people. But, when you go to known tourist areas you're a target, no different than L.A. or New York. RT Have fun, I'll be spending a couple of weeks with my son in the same area in late June..

hey out there in internet land. just wondering if anyone of you fellow adventurers out there who surf in puerto ever made it down to costa rica? from what i read so far the waves rip year round and with two coasts to surf it's always happening. not to detract from puerto escondido but i'd like to broaden my surfing horizons.....any advice would help out.....thanks mi'gente'.....special agent donnie brasco.....

Did the storm passing by help the surf?

The effect from the storm was minamal. It just seemed to churn up the water and brought junk from the arroyos and rivers. Waves did not get much bigger but got bumpier. There was a lot of rain at times but not for long periods. It did seem to clean things up but now there is mud instead of dust. Chose your poison. Even though the storm has passed there is more weather out at sea and it rained last night even though the afternoon was sunny and delightful. We need some off shore winds for the waves to clean up but the tide is high in the morning so it could get good and peeky if this happens as there are a lot of sand bars from the big swell a couple of weeks ago. Hasta luego, Storm Surf

The swell has dropped and The Mexican Pipeline is about 4' and relitively mushy. Some fun waves can be had but people don't usually travel here to surf fun mushy waves. The point is secciony and barly rideable. The weather is still about the same with rain clouds promenent but not much rain and no wind. Sometimes it seems hot and humid and sometimes it seems fresco. Depending on what you are doing. Breathing or taking a shower. It is amazing to see the green emerge so fast. Adios, Surf is Down

No real change in the surf or the weather. So go out and Just Get Wet

traveling in mexico is not any diffrent than traveling anywere else. their is people that will try to take advantage of you anywere go. just use your head and don't do anything diffrent in mexico than you would in the usa.

Okay, I'm over-excited about my trip to PE next year, what can I say...:-) Just (finally) had a look at the last few replies to my previous foray here, back in April. Thanks to everyone especially Bill and RAP and Karl for their kind remarks and good suggestions. I am pretty sure we will just end up in town and see what we like in a room/bungalow/cabana (with a kitchen and pool) depending on what is available between Casas de Playa Acali /Villas Marinero/ Arco Iris/ Hotel Ines/ Hotel Belmar, but now I'm curious ....I have found a couple of nice condos for rent which have a pool and kitchen. Has anyone stayed at/seen El pueblito (http://www.condominios.com.mx/puertoescondido.html) or Villas Puerto Escondido (http://bedandbreakfast.com/bbc/p621978.asp) ? I am trying to keep prices down for our stay so the US$500/week condos are not in our ballpark. Something around US$350/week (or less) is more our style this time around. I also was wondering about the neighbourhoods many of the condos seem to be in -- i.e. close to Manzanillo and Carrizalillo beaches. Are they like suburbs (strictly residential) or do they have stores and restaurants, etc? Since I'm a total natural sciences geek I really like the idea of being close to sheltered coves with a lot of sea life I can look at rather than just miles of breakers. On the other hand, it sounds kind of lively down by Marinero/Zicatela -- and I don't want to be isolated in a condo behind gated walls... Anyone have any good insight on the pros and cons of condo or hotel accomodation in PE?

What is your budget?

Only the hotels on Zic Beach, 8 years at the Zic Beach counts. Marc

we are a retired canadian couple who have spent many years visiting Mexico,and for the past 4 yrs wintering on the east cape of the baja. We have decided that our age dictates we winter further south were it is a bit warmer. Consequently we picked out P.E. Our previous experience has taght us that it is not always wise to make long term rental commitments by long distance. What we would like to ask you local experts is, seeing we want to winter from nov 1 to end of march, how adviseable would it be for us to show up in P.E. early nov, stay in a hotel for a few days and try to obtain a suitable long term rental on the spot. Seeing that the canadian dollar isnt worth the paper its printed on we would be looking for medium rent [$750 US/mo ?] Any help or advice you could give these two old farts would be greatly appreciated and "spiritualy" rewarded at happy hour when we get there. in advance thanks, john & anne barlee

Highly advisable, John. I would suggest no other way. Show up smiling and you will leave in March beaming. Makes me wish retirement was sooner in my calendar.

Hi John and Anne - please be sure to let us know how your winter in Pto. Escondido turns out, since you have actually reached the point of being able to do exactly what I plan on, in just a few more years.It would be really interesting and helpful to hear about your experiences, particularly since you also have to struggle with our crappy dollar. Have a great winter, and many spiritually uplifting happy hours- Cheers!

I'm really interested in learning how to boogie board-55yrs. 6'1'' 220--are lessons available/necessary?I am thinking of bringing a board with me rather than renting.What would you suggest that would be appropriate for my height/weight/and non skill level.Love to here from those who started "late".

I did my first boogie boarding in Puerto Escondido, at age 45 and weighing 250 lbs. It was a piece of cake and a blast. No lessons needed. I started by just watching the kiddie boarders to see how they do it, then renting a beat-up board from the vendors on Playa Marinero below the Santa Fe. I'd look for an area with medium-sized breakers (3 feet or so), wade out about up to my stomach, and then wait for a wave that looked like it was going to break just in front of me. Just as the crest gets to you, spring toward the beach with your board against your chest and onto the breaking face of the wave. If you hit it right -- and it only took a few times to get the timing down -- you'll be on or just below the curl, being propelled forward in a rush that you can ride all the way in til you're beached. Start out on whatever size waves you're comfortable with, then work your way up to bigger ones, or try catching the wave by swimming onto the curl instead of jumping onto it. That's the extent of how my technique has developed now in 3 visits. But I still have fun with it. No way will I ever be a Kahuna -- waves over 6 feet or so scare the crap out of me -- but it's a lot of fun to goof around with. The main beaches around Puerto have boards for rent by the hour. Make sure you know how to avoid being maytagged by collapsing waves by going under them.

In regard to transportation, I am being told that Mexicana Air will not take any board over 7 ft. Do you know if there is anyone down there having a problem with getting there boards on the plane? Thanx!

Is there anyone surfers that might be looking for a travel companion to share expenses to Puerto? I want to go, but not solo. The other problem is that it looks like there are delemas with getting boards on the plane. Anyone drive down there? I know its a long haul, but I have been told that it is worth it, and sometimes the only way to bring a decent quiver of boards. Is there any other way to get there?

Hello, I am trying to contact or find a way to contact Elizabeth from Veracruz, Mexico who was a Dos-equis XX cerveza model at the 1997 puerto escondido sailfish tournament. If anyone has any idea on how to contact her or find her please reply at adamalexander40@hotmail.com I know that all i have is a first name and a city but there were only a handful of dos-eqis models there and i'm sure that she was the only one named elizabeth. thanks, adam

She sounds fine, bro'. Let us know how the search goes. Sorry your girlfriend dumped you.

I wish there was a problem with getting boerds down here. Then maybe it would not be so crowded. Anywy the surf has gotten a lot better in the last 3-4 days. Some good double overhead waves. Today was a little closed out but not bad. It seemed more crowded the last few days and I was informed that schools are starting to get out so that makes since. A lot more kooks to weave your way through. The weather has become sunny and as always warm or should I say hot. The rain was nice but it was starting to get old. All is green and the dust has been washed away. Time to go enjoy another beautiful day in paridise. Surf has Been Decent

Have you concidered paddling down?

Hey, "Try Paddling", Have you considered spelling lessons?

Hey Gina, Long time no see! But where are these newly found ruinas located? Are they near Nopala? Are they Chalino? I'll look forward to investigating them when we return later this Summer. Valla Con Dios, Siempre, Ken Richards

With all due respect (and genuine sympathies), Gerard, the fact that a property manager or rep wanted a 3 month payment-in-full upfront should have raised some immediate Red Flags with you from the getgo.........under ANY circumstances. Whether its Puerto Escondido, Timbuktu or 'anywhere USA\

karl, you certainly have a good since of humour but unfortunately finding this person is far more important than chasing after a hot assed chica, mi entiendes? So if anyone has any "real" helpful leads for me please don't hesitate to drop me a line. And karl, i'll be sure to let you know when i find her, bro'..... adam

Look up Rene Salinas at the Central Surf Shop on Zicatela. From '93-'97 he was the Mexican national champion boogie boarder. He teaches surfing and boogie board lessons. Their website is at www.centralsurfshop.com . look especially at the "Salinas Family" link, and the "Surfing Lessons" link

Have a look at www.mexico-condo.com, and at www.mabrealty.com . There is lots of information on and pictures of the Puerto Escondido area, including all the beaches and aerial perspectives also. I did both websites, so there is lots of duplication. The price ranges are higher than your $750/mo - I'm mentioning the websites just for background information/pictures of the area. e-mail Marco on the www.mabrealty.com website - he may have some ideas on cheaper accomodations. You won't have any trouble finding a place to stay by just showing up in November, into mid December. Finding a longer-term rental for the winter months might be a problem, however. Also have a look at www.centralsurfshop.com , the "Apartments for Rent" link - they would be at or below your price range. Good luck...

Have a look at www.mabrealty.com, especially the ""Aerial Perspectives" link. El Pueblito is shown on the aerial pictures. It's a 5 minute walk to Playa Manzanillo, less than a 15 minute walk to the Adoquin, the "tourist" center of town with all the restaurants and shops.

Hi, Check us out at www.puertoconnection.com since we add properties constantly. If you didn't find what you want, please just email us and we will go out and try to find it for you since we are here in Puerto. Thanks, Dave dave@puertoconnection.com 58-22030

Check us out at www.puertoconnection.com to see if we have what you are looking for. If we don't, just email me and I will do my best to find it for you. We also have a live beach cam so you can see what Puerto looks like on a daily basis. Dave dave@puertoconnection.com 58-22030

Yo Nate, Doo yu need a lest of other webb siets you can chec the speling on? Juhn

The surf has not changed much. If anything it has dropped a tad but not much. Still hot and sunny. Everybody seems to be having a lot of fun. Regarding boards on the plane I really think that there is no problem. There are many many boards that are longer than 7'0''. If you have a question about it call Mexicana and ask them. I will continue to inquire about this but it is a low priority. Taking a siesta will have to come first always. Fun Surf

I'll be traveling to Puerto Escondido next month. This is my first vacation in 8 years, so I'm looking forward to a week of R&R. Just a question, has anyone out there stayed at the Posada Real Hotel? I made arrangements with my travel agent and she said it was a great hotel. But, I'm looking for the opinion of another "turista". What are some things I should look out for while I'm down there? What kind of excursions are there? I'm planning on being down there from the 15th to the 22nd of July. If anyone can gave me their insights, it will be greatly appreciated. Cheers. Armando Castillo

Thanx for the info.! I really apreciate it! Heres the deal, Mexicana Air has a policy that they will not take any board over 7'. Its on there website. But the thing is, I dont think that they actually check the length of the board/policy at the counter. So I guess the bottom line is that I didnt want to get "denied" at the last second. Other airlines have been having embargos on boards to south America, so, thats why I checked! But thanx again! many waves to you!

Arriving in early Nov. Will be staying at the Posada Real . Trying to figure out how to get bus service from Huatulco Airport yo PTo. And once we arrive how do we get to the hotel. We are planning to spend our last 5 nights at the Barcelo in Huatulco . Where would we get off on our return? Hope someone can help us. We have been to many places in Mexico, but this will be our first trip this far south. Really looking forward to it.

Primero: Travel light. It's a quarter mile from the air terminal to the highway. If you get on a taxi at the terminal, it's over $35.00 USD to La Crucecita and even more to Pochutla. If you get to the highway and wait for a bus (they WILL stop for you!) it'll be a couple of bucks. You'll turn right for the Pochutla-Puerto Escondido-Acapulco direction. Secundo: Take a primera classe bus from Puerto Escondido to La Crucecita. From the bus station at La Crucecita it's no more than a couple of bucks to get to the Barcelo by taxi. Taxi prices arer posted in a number of places around Huatulco, including the sitio just outside the Barcelo. Tercero: Damn, I never AM going to be able to convince you folks that the Tangolunda hotels tend to be a waste of money, am I? Oh well, just make sure you get to La Crucecita and Santa Cruz to eat - and to La Crucecita to party. Yoou've GOT to get out of the Tangolunda golden cage to really enjoy Huatulco - or at least to figure out what it's all about. At least at Barcelo you've gpt Charlie at the watersports shack to make sure you are well-advised on what to do on the ocean. And at least you're not going to the Med, where most people stay so bottled up on the property that they leave Huatulco as clueless as they were when they arrived!

Rosey for additional information on your questions check out the previous topic titled "taxi from huatulto" [sic] started by melissa floreani on 4/02/01. You can find it by going to the bottom of the current messages and clicking "older messages." There are three classes of bus service in that area. If you're uneasy with waiting for one along the highway -- though there's little reason to be other than perhaps not wanting to stand waiting along a very hot road -- you can take a taxi into Las Crucecitas to the first-class bus depot, it's just a block or two off the square. Last time I did that (1998) it was about $9 usd for a one-way ticket to Puerto. The bus was similar to Greyhounds in the U.S. -- comfy, air-conditioned, and punctual.

Another alternative would be to take a collectivo back into La Crucecitas and get a Primera Class to Puerto, depending on what time you arrive. The Posada Real is way out in Bacocho, a hard walk into Puerto, busses and colectivos run pretty frequently. The beach at Bacocho is both treacherous and beautiful, for swimming etc., the other beaches are recommended.

The swell came up a little over the last two days . 6-10' faces. From what I saw of the Beach Break the shape was not too exciting but I heard later that it was pretty fun. It's just one of those things, you have to keep checking it. The point was fun yesterday but got blown out when the tide would have made it better. Today it was real fun as it got a little bigger and some good outside waves. You have to remamber that most peaple don't travel 1000s of miles to surf the point and some people never even look at the place their whole trip here. It sure was fun today though. Many Waves to Everybody

thanks for the info. Can we get a collectivo on the highway outside of the airport. Will they stop for someone with luggage.? We have gone to Guayabitos in Nayarit for many years and the Collectivos would not take us if we had luggage. They did not want to anger the taxi drivers. Without luggage it was no problem. Perhaps we will just go out to the highway and see what comes by first. Rosey

That's the best bet, make sure you have little enough luggage to make the quarter mile walk (take half the clothes and twice the money, remember) then see what stops first. If it's anything but a bus, haggle. The most frequent thing to pass may be the La Crucecita - Pochutla micro. Then get another micro in Pochutla to go to Puerto Escondido.

Once you're at the highway you'll get all sorts of offers for transportation. One of the airport taxis (big Chevy Suburbans) may pull up and offer you a reduced rate, but the smaller taxis from town will be much cheaper. One small caution: in the past there were alleged incidents of banditos on the short stretch between airport and highway, but there haven't been any reports of anything like that for several years or more; nonetheless, keep your wits about you and try to walk out to the highway with other folks if you can.

Rosey Now that you have all this advice you must remember that this could be the easiest part of your trip. No need to worry at all. When you get to Puerto get off the micro at the stop light. Then grab a taxi to the Pasada and then ask yourself why you are staying there and not on the beach. Bill.

Bill, You might consider the possibility that she is well suited for the Posada and will be more comfortable under those living conditions. Planting the idea in her head that she won't enjoy it, BEFORE she has a chance to judge that for herself, doesn't sound like advice that would be offerred by any of the many cool people I have enjoyed in Puerto over the years. I'm glad not to have met you................. Karl P.S. Rosey, knock yourself out! Have a blast. And don't think about the rest of us poor, envious soles who don't have the good fortune to be down there.

I reading all the helpful e-mail for Rosey and wondering what will happen to me when I show up with 1 luggage bag and a very large (8' 6" long) board box consisting of 3 boards? Will I have problems getting from Huatulco to PE via the bus or should I just take a taxi? Mahalo, bill

Karl, I agree with what you said about pre judgeing and I think that I made a mistake because I know we all have our own ideas. I think that Rosey will have a great time and the Posada is a great place. They have this real nice pool club down on the beach that can be a real blast or romantic or relaxing depending on what you are looking for. Karl, you might consider the possibility that you might think I am one of those cool people you have enjoyed over the years in Puerto and have acually met me before you get all in a huff about some minor opinion. I'm very sorry if it bothered you so much. Bill

It's true about the pool. Great little afternoon to be spent. When I've been living in P.E., it was always enjoyable to go with friends visiting for a short time to that pool and get out of the sand for a while. Especially with kids involved. Sorry to jump all over you, Bill. It was unnecessary. We're here to share our common love for P.E., not to point out our differences. I'll buy you a beer if I ever meet you at the bar. Humbly.......Karl

Hello, i've had family living in Puerto Escondido for over thirty years and i've heard that soon there will be an american owned courrier service offering transportation to and from the surrounding airports to hotels as well as transportation to and from local points of interest such as pinotepa as well as chacaua and possibly the ruins in oaxaca, etc.... from what i've heard the service will especially cater to surfers, and non-spanish speaking tourists (i.e.room for surfboards, etc....) For those who don't speak spanish visiting puerto it will be ideal as to avoid swindlers and the like. I don't know when exactly it will be in operation but i believe it's just over the horizon. anyway, be on the look out for that in the future. from what i heard, my cousins friend is buying a couple of America style Jeep Wrangler's with softops and trailers for extra luggage. A perfect way to travel around Puerto with the wind blowing in your face and everything in plain view. You might be paying a larger fee for the service compared to the taxi's or the bus but I think that it will prove effecient for some travelers. Since i have family in puerto i usually get a ride from them to the airport or anywhere else i go when i stay in puerto however i think that this service will find a good niche.....anyhow, hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful puerto, !pura vida!

Bill D, it's common to see buses and taxis with boards strapped to the roof in that area, so I doubt you'll have a problem. The airport Suburbans will be happy to take you and your boards to PE, but you'll pay through the nose. Unless you can lug your boards out to the highway from the airport, you might have to bite the bullet and take one at least into Las Crucecitas ("official" price $36usd last year). But once there you can hire a taxi in town -- much cheaper, I've paid around $40usd in the past with just a little bargaining. The second class buses have roof racks, and the first class bus (~$9usd one way to PE) probably can fit your boards in the luggage compartments.

Eglantina Condo (front) unit No. 4 with a Noah's Ark view of the Pacific. See the webpage http://mailweb.pue.udlap.mx/~sobczyk/eg4.html for more information.

Ok, It was getting WAY too boring in here so I thought I would do something to make at least half you people mad. Yes...Texans invented Barbeque and ONLY Texans can do it or teach it to others. Texans got drunk and wandered to Kansas where they spilled the beans and now people from Kansas think they invented Barbeque. I live in Puerto, have built the perfect TEXAS smoker pit and invite anyone visiting to Puerto to come dispute my claims. Dave www.puertoconnection.com

Also, chile con carne was invented in San Antonio, Texas while it was owned by the Spanish (yes, pre-Mexican occupancy.) And if it has beans in it, it's not chile, it's soup!

Dave, Good to know Texans have egos as big as their state! I'll be down in December & welcome the chance to learn from a "master". I promise not to pass any of your teachings along to anyone here in Seattle when I return home. Heaven forbid these folks up here try reinvent true Texas BBQ! Drop me an email (or tell me if you'll be posting info on the Puerto site) & I'll see you in the third week in December. Hasta entonces, Mike

Thanks Mike, You and your friends, and anyone else that visits Puerto, is welcome at our BBQ's. I also want to make sure everyone knows I am just having fun on here and not meaning to offend with my "ego" which, of course, is in the shape of Texas like all swimming pools should be...just kidding. Email when you are coming and we will have extra waiting. Dave

Texas? Huh? Thank goodness for Texas. It has provided for us all a source of great entertainment for the next four years in that homegrown comedian.....what's his name? You know. The funny guy in charge..... B.B.Q.s and Presidents. Y'all must be reeeaaalll proud!

Pride is nothing to be proud of. I am just having fun with fun people. I will be glad to discuss politics and my personal beliefs on a personal basis with anyone (by email and not on here where people get too serious). This place is for fun and for getting fun people to Puerto...that's all. Please just understand I did this only to let people know Puerto is a relaxed, enjoyable, beautiful place that even a "prideful" Texan can find friends. Dave

Dave et al, It is interesting that I see Seattle and Texas BBQ in this Puerto forum. Many years ago I had the great good fortune to learn about BBQ from a true pit master, Dallas Jimmy Beale. Jim owned The Wild Boar Soul Pit BBQ in the Central District in Seattle. This generous transplanted Texan took a stupid hippy from Eastern washington and taught him the fine points of good 'Q. I haven't made it back to Puerto in a couple of years but I look for you, Dave. By the way, there is a guy here in Oregon by the name of Uncle Wally. Great BBQ. I'm hoping to get him to Cannon Beach to do a BBQ and wine tasting in conjunction with my shop, The Wine Shack. Stop on by, y'all!

Let's pay props to Lyle and Double D's double smoked Fred Flinstone pork chops when the Grizzly Bar was hot. Anyone know what it's called now?

is this the same 2D from alaska...and digger+crow and so on gang?I LIKE the BQ STORY and enjoy the web cam in PE .its like taking a two min holiday every day.thanks dave for starting another texas yarn lol....im al from vancouver.you guys are great.dave dont let that texas thing get to you!! it keeps it alive ok out .ps ive got 17 or so GREAT years in pe.

Yeah, Digger....I can see him now......strolling down the street with a beer in his hand (highly illegal, but who is gonna tell him that?) cussing that "this beer don't get you drunk" and heading for his bottle of Bacardi back at Grizzly. I maintain that the coolest thing to come out of Texas since Stevie Ray has got to be George W.'s daughters. It's the same trouble I got into when I was a teen, but I didn't have the nerve to be the President's daughter. ...........Oh yeah....and where the heck is Waco?

still love diger old school and palls

Hey, Karl, an Austin radio station did a contest. The winner got a weekend in Waco. Second place had to stay a week!

Hello! I can vouch for that - texan barbecues are the best! I'm lucky enough to have tried Dave's myself - mmmmmmmmmmmmmm its good - I'd come all the way from Scotland just to try it again!!

I'll be down in Puerto for a whole week in mid-July...I look forward to eating some BBQ at Dave's...thanks

Any interesting eco-tours in PE? I heard about horseback riding...but are there any that travel by canoe, boat, etc.?

Hi again Dave, Where's your sense of history? Don't you know Eve was the first ---- in the garden, and used her own rib. Hope to be down latter part of January, but will be in touch before. Don't know why people have to wait for the northern winter to set in. Been checking your weather, and it's better than Texas, but maybe that's why you're there. Kindest regards, Cy

By the way, of the 20 best places in the U.S. for bbq, only 5 were in Texas. Ref: http://local.msn.com/special/bbq.asp

Rosy, If you don't want to drag all of your luggage out to the main intersection of the coastal highway and the airport, I'd suggest one of the two following alternatives: Call Jesus Ziga at 52-9-582-1117 and make arrangements for him to pick you up at the Huatulco airport in his large taxi. He has air conditioning and a rack for extra luggage or boards if necessary. He charges $550 pesos per trip so if you find other people who need a ride to Pto., just split the costs. Jesus is a very reliable dependable person and is allowed to enter into the airport area to pick you up at the gates whereas most sitio taxis cannot enter. The other alternative is to check with Viajes Dimar (the old Rodimar travel agency) as this past year they were scheduling a van to/from Pto. to Huatulco for approximately $80 pesos per person. Their number is #52-9-582-0734. Can't tell you what they may charge this next tourist year but it's worth checking on. The only problem with Dimar was that you never knew until the day prior if they had enough people to fill their van. Depending on the number of people or lack of them, they would charge accordingly. Hope this helps! Vicki

I want to thank eveyone who took the time to answer me. All the information has been very helpful. As far as staying at the Posada. We are a senior couple and at this stage of our life want a little more comfort. We have been to Mexico many times and have stayed at a variety of places. Not having been to this area before I like staying in a place that is recommended in the guide books. I guess the only problem is that it is a mile from town. Are there restaurants other then the Posadas\

Hi Sheila I noticed your msg and am not nearly fluent enough in Spanish to take up your offer. By the number of replies no doubt you've sorted something in the meantime. I was hoping to get some advice from you tho' about ESL teaching in Puerto or Oaxaca city itself. Can you suggest any schools to contact. I am Cambridge RSA qualified and do have experience - just not a lot of Spanish. Thanks for any help you can give me. Sue

When we do this trip we take airport transportation to huatulco (I think it is about 75 pesos per person), spend a night in huatulco...there is a lovely hotel near the bus depot ...Mission de los arcos...in November you shouldn't have trouble getting a room. Their rate in April was $35 /night. It is right on the zocolo to give you an instant "taste" of huatulco. Easy to find anything you need. The bus to PE leaves early in the AM or around 5:30 PM. It takes about 2 and a half hours and costs @45 pesos/person. The cab from the bus depot in Puerto to your hotel will be 20-25 pesos. It is easy to do but we find it is nice to take a break after the plane ride...you could do it in one day if you arrive early enough to huatulco.

hi i went tu Puerto escondido and recomendo tou sleep in amacas is very nice because after parting all night is awful tu drive o to go fare tu sleep theres a place with amacas and is 3 Dll for night and you can find a lot of wed there if you want to

To get to other places to eat in Puerto it is very easy to get a taxi at the Pasada. I'm sure they will even call one for you . About 20 pesos to where you want to go. Bill

good wed?

is the condo available oct19 to nov19 2001? if so --the rental price?

Is the condo available for etheir january 2002 or febuary 2002? Also, could you please inform as to the exact location of the condo and any info on the near-by towns and beaches. thank you

Hi Neck operation puts me out for ski season..... would like to try a hand at snorkeling instead. Looking for apartment/ small house rental for January and Febuary. Price range $300-$400. Thanks for any info

Hi, Would like to go to Pto in beginning of feb for about 3 weeks, we have travelled all over Mexico, and have stayed in Rincon de Guayabtos, about 1 hour north of Pv for the last few years, but it is time for a change. i have heard many wonderful things about Pto and would like to find a moderate hotel, maybe with basic cooking if available. I like to be close to things and the beach. Not far away. Most things in walking distance if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. Linda, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Rosey I agree with Vicki Cole, arrange with a taxi service from Puerto. We have done this for ourselves and for our friends many times. We have always used Agencia de Viajes (I think that is Jesus' company) and their e-mail is: dicktracy@main.resultsp.com.mx We have always found them to be very reliable and will meet you at the airport with a little board with your name on it. No hassles. Just contact them and agree on a price. Lots of good restaurants and don't forget the little ones on the beaches at Playa Zicatela, Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo and, of course, CafeCito (sorry, not the correct spelling) on Zicatela

hey. i'm trying to decide where to go p. escondido or p. angel. i will be travelling from oaxaca. still trying to decide whether i should come on the weekend or weekday. any advice on buses? anyways, i will be with my mother and am trying to decide which will be better. i like the idea of beauty but i also want good food and good accommodation. it would be nice to get something to drink at night or something like that. is that available in p. angel at all or is that strictly in p. escondido? thanks!

Please check our site at www.puertoconnection.com and let us know if we can be of any service to you. Thanks, Dave

good news to all those from vancouver....just found out that signature holidays is doing vancouver to huatulco...not sure if it starts this november or december...probably...but i know it runs through to late march....been to pe once before in ' 94 and went charter direct from van....was really surprised to find out that this service wasnt available when i was inquiring about flights last year.....had the best time of my life when i went there with six other friends....fondest memories.....the sweet sweet smell of the air arriving to manialtepec lagoon in the early a.m.......the most amazing grilled pescado dinner in a beachfront open air restaurant outside huatulco.....the name of the place escapes me...was it santa cruz??...also remember getting off the plane in huatulco and going thru the charming little airport and then the sadness of waiting for our plane to leave at the same airport.....so many memories.....cant wait to get back in ' 02.....

looking at the map of huatulco area....i think it was san agustin where we had the amazing grilled snapper......

Hey Vincent Any idea what air fare only is from Vancouver to Huatulco?

Well, I grew up in East Texas....Dave's right! Texans make the best BBQ! The best places are not the "established" restaurants complete with tables, chairs and a parking lot. The best places are found along the side of the road where an up-and-coming entrepreneur hauls in a pit and serves ithe BBQ up nice and hot either in your own container or on a bun...you can't beat that. Let's not also forget the BBQ Sandwiches sold at Friday-night High School football games! In my book, it doesn't matter in what state the BBQ is made. As long as you've got beef, charcoal, and good sauce (and an ice-cold beer!) that's plenty. Cheers, Armando

Different strokes for different folks. You will never know for sure until you get there. I vote for Puerto Escondido. Tom

I haven't yet been to either place yet, so I'm certainly no authority. But I'm going to Puerto Angel and Mazunte next month because of reading the posts and the different sites here and it just feels more like what I'm looking for. I'm not fond of lots of tourists and crowds in general and I don't like things very developed. Puerto Angel seems to have ample restaurants, etc while still being as undeveloped as possible for such a beautiful place in this day and age. Puerto Escondido seems a lot more of a "scene" which doesn't interest me. We're all different. Zoe

52 yr.old Canadian is very interested in finding a "no strings att." travelling bud to share a 2br.apt.with and do some exploring with in the Puerto Escondido area for 2 or 3 months, say Sept.-Nov. Very flexible in the timing. First time in that part of Mex.for me but it sure looks great. I have had e-contact with agents who represent apt. owners in the area and their presentations seemed quite thorough. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

if you haven't already, have a look at: www.mexico-condo.com there is a lot of information on and pictures of Puerto Escondido, including aerial photograhps of all the beaches, etc. I hope to be at Eglantina #2 myself for 2 weeks in early October. Except for that, it is available September-November.

have a look at: www.mexico-condo.com . there is a lot of information on and pictures of the Puerto Escondido area, including aerial photographs of all the beaches. I mention the www site not to "push" the condo, but to help give you more of a perspective on Puerto Escondido.

hi,i been going to puerto for 20 years to escape the winters of montreal,i start by living for 3 months in a hammock at the marinero i used to spend 800 dollards cn.for 3 months then getting older i tried the hotels (las palmas,daniel's,etc)that was still cheap.then i lived on zicatela at posada acali they had a little kitchenette a pool and the ocean across the street,and last year i rent a condo in carrizalillo for 500 us a week for 4 persons.has you can see i tried every way of living in puerto and i can said one thing about puerto i never had any problems of any kind the people were always nice to me,helpful,for the prices of food its the same thing in montreal you just have to go around or ask mexicans were to go for fish etc.it work very fine.3 years ago i bring my girlfriend for 2 weeks in playa del carmen she loved it then 2 months after we went to puerto for 2 weeks,on the ride to puerto from huatulco she could not believe the difference between the two places but after the two weeks she enjoy more puerto than playa,she said that you really fill that you are in mexico in pto.the difference in prices between the two places is double or more.go to pto and find for yourself,i am sure you will love it. p.s. sorry for my spelling my french is better take care and go for it.

Now you can stay on top of Puerto Escondido's news, current events and calendar of upcoming events online. Click on the El Sol button at www.puertoconnection.com and find out what will be going on during your visit. You can also view the beach and weather conditions through our live beach cam daily. www.puertoconnection

hello, just wanted to let you know that we have rooms to rent within a 5-min walk from Carrizalillo beach that are secure, private, quiet and with continental breakfast included for the fairly cheap price of $200 pesos per nite, but we have weekly rates if you want to stay with us your entire time. we have a bbq grill, covered patio area, and large yard for your outdoor enjoyment. we offer services of laundry, beer, soda, ice, for a nominal charge. we will pick you up at the pto escondido airport or bus terminal at no charge. Carrizalillo is one of the most beautiful beaches with great boogie boarding and snorkeling conditions. So give us a call at 958.2.2646 or email us back. look forward to hearing from you. gene and darlene

i´m 25 and i dont know how muchsafe it is . but im going there first from guadalajara to oaxaca - salina cruz-huatulco-puerto escondido- zipolite-ixtapa and troncones. On july 20th. i am going with a friend and we want to know all the beaches, we are going by car. e-mail me! i speak spanish and 70% english oscar

i am 25 hey im going huatulco pto escondido zipolite ixtapa and troncones with a friend. what do you recomend , does the tipe of car influence people to rob me? i am going on a windstar 2000. i want to camping at the beach, but safe, your experiences i would apreciate thanks oscar

Third (top) floor unit at Eglantina with beautiful 270 degree view of ocean, beaches and mountains. Corner unit with wrap-around balcony. Eglantina consists of just 21 units, has two pools, many other amenities. Please see website http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts/homepage

Catch and release sport fishing is coming to Puerto. This is for the sport fisherman that travels looking for how it used to be. Check it out. www.puertoconnection.com/kip.html

No camping is not safe in Oaxaca state. Get a cheap hotel and don't walk the beach at night.

C&R was always practiced in PE. I fished there years ago and had no problem talking my Pangeros into releasing what we caught, I just increased the tip accordingly. As to this C&R lodge it looks like a joke/clip joint. Have a good look at the Pez Vela (Sailfish) in the picture-see the bronze colour on it's flanks? That fish is suffering from Hypoxia-oxygen starvation-it's dying before the photographers eyes, not that anyone cares one way or the other. And that big Grouper in the other picture-how alive is it? Looks like Dinner to me. What's the big deal??? Looks like the same old Mexican BS (pendejada) to me, only the price has gone up, PE fishing was always grossly overpriced. I also note that there are no pictures of the rickety old Pangas a person is asked to pay $US2,400 a week to fish from, even Cabo San Lucas is cheaper than that. Heck it's not even on the Beach!!!

What "El Gordo" (great moniker did your mother give it to you?) doesn't know is this may be another thing Puerto needs to attract more money. Believe it or not there are many fishermen who like nothing better than to be pampered while being with their fishing buddies. A few hours of fishing then having the kinks beat out of your muscles by an expert massage therapist while drinking an ice cold Dos Equis before hitting the tennis court might sound like heaven to a lot of financially secure fishermen. The icing on the cake is, of corse, shooting a few hoops after dinner at an up scale Puerto eatery. And you think you can find all that for cheaper. Show me where fat boy. Jesus (A Puerto resident)

We have a beautiful, 2 bedroom, 2 bath house in San Miguel de Allende Mexico. San Miguel is a well preserved colonial town with lots of history, art, good restaurants etc. We would like to spend the month of December or at least the last two weeks in Puerto Escondido with our two adult children. Anybody interested in doing a house exchange. We can e-mail pictures and more info. e-mail for more information

any info on busses from Zihuatanejo to Puerto Escondido? I will be traveling in early March 2002 and have only 2 weeks to visit the coast from Escondido to Puerto Angel. At this point air fares to the Oaxaca coast are just too much money so I'm thinking web special to Zihuat then a bus trip if it does not burn too much valuable time. Any info on bus lines, travel time and cost would be much apprecited.

I just got back from PE where I spent 8 great days of rest and relaxation. You guys were absolutely right! Puerto is a wonderful place and I appreciate the information I got from your website. I highly recommend PE as well as the tours the local travel agencies offer to places like Manialtepec Lake, Chacahua Lake, Mazunte (where the turtles are) and the Huatulco Bay tour by boat. I do have pictures from my recent vacation in .jpg format. The photos are of the Posada Real Hotel (especially the sunset from there!) and the tours mentioned above. If you'd like to receive them, please let me know by sending me an email and I'll be happy to send them to you. My email address is: armando_castillo@seagate.com Thanks again. Cheers, Armando Castillo

i have narrowed it down to four hotels that i'll be staying in when i go to pe in march of next year...flor de maria/arcoiris/beach hotel ines/tabachin del puerto....any comparative feedback would be appreciated...also like to know if any of these hotels have two bedroom units.....i know the area well since i've been down there before and know that the four hotels are all in the zicatela/marinaro beach area.....

I got back recently and while i didnt stay at arcoiris, i hung out there some, and it seemed very nice. I was down the street at hotel rockaway, which i really enjoyed. I would recommend arcoiris. It had a nice third story resurant with good food. Enjoy your stay! Matt

There is a nice new restaurant called "A la Casa" right on the beach across the street from Hotel Rockaway and next door to Los Trios (i think). They serve great food at cheap prices and it is a wonderful place to watch the afternoon session. Matt

Two rooms availables on the main street of Barra de Navidad, just 30 feet from the beach, Restaurants just across you door. The cealing is Palapa (palm tree leaf) Bathrooms out of the room Fan, Color TV, TVcable, Internet Access. visit: www.geocities.com/barradnavidad or just type: go.to/barradenavidad

thanks, now i am at troncones guerrero, it is like camping, it is safe . i recomend it to you.

At the risk of being attacked by Karl, here's what I can tell you. The Flor, which I know very well, has an apartment in the basement, where Lino & Maria used to live. There are also the 2 rooms on the roof that they lived in. I know the current owners are renting the rooftop rooms, but I don't know about the basement. Just from their website, I understand the Ines has 2 bedroom units. I think Arcoiris does as well, but I'm not positive.

I've stayed at the Arco and the Tabachin. Relative merits of the Arco: Right on the beach, rooms all have patio or deck and ocean view, rooms spartan but nice, friendly staff, very nice pool and gardens in back, excellent (and reasonably priced) restaurant with great Zicatela view. Tabachin: more "village" ambience but still near beach (right behind the Santa Fe), learned and personable American proprietor, excellent breakfast served in small courtyard with fountain is included, large spacious rooms have verandahs with excellent beach views (particularly top floors), no pool.

Flor de Maria: great restaurant, always heard rooms were extremely clean Arcoiris: even greater restaurant, excellent drinks, clean with nice pool Hotel Ines: clean, too -- they have a wide variety of rooms but no restaurant Tabachin: We stayed there at least once a year from 1989 to 1999. From about 1995 on, things seemed to get worse each time we stayed: every couple of days the septic system backs up if you get my "drift". Makes one wonder about airborne diseases when you're in a second or third world country...we used to come home with colds and a touch of the flu until we stopped staying at Tabachin. While not paying attention to the road, the owner's "chauffer" struck a pedestrian while driving us into town. Luckily the gentlemen he hit was only bruised. Next trip, we were repeatedly awakened during siesta hours by workmen sanding down the wooden finishes of our unit's doors and windows. This went on for a solid week, even on Sunday. Of course, the straw that broke out camel's back on our last stay was we made a 2 week reservation months in advance for a particular unit. Upon our arrival, the only person to greet us was a young teenager who'd been up on the roof burning an offering to the weed gods. When he finally located our room's key, we entered only to discover that it had been at least a month since the room had been aired or cleaned properly. And all of this for $40.00 per night? To make this even better, our host informed us two days later AFTER WE CLEANED THE UNIT OURSELVES that he had promised our room to some friends from Oaxaca and we would have to move. Right! Needless to say, we did not move and have never darkened the Tabachin's door since then. Vincent, there are lots of great places to stay in Puerto, depending on your taste and budget. Quite frankly, Tabachin ain't our cup of tea for more reasons than I can list here. The best seafood restaurant is La Perla Flameante in town on the autokeen. Check it out, and have a GREAT trip!

Hola, I'll be in Puerto for all of november to celebrate 'fiestas de noviembre' as well as take part in the pez vella fishing tournament later in the month. I'm looking for a place to rent for the whole month of november. I'm aware of all the listings of places to rent elsewhere in this website however, I'm seeking advice from those who've rented long term like I'm planning to do. Any advice or suggestions will be of great help. "pura vida", Alex

I would like to add a few pointers of my own : Hotel Ines: from a 3-day stay in 1999 : not so clean, sometimes noisy at night (especially if your room is near the pool), nice surroundings, great beach 100 meters away, sort of expensive for what you actually get Flor de Maria: i have never stayed there but have been to the restaurant more than 20 times. About the restaurant : not as good as it was 10 years ago, a bit on the expensive side. About the hotel : that place has always been exceptionaly clean and there is a very nice interior courtyard with lots of flowers. I am sure the rooms are OK as well. About the surroundings : the hotel is on a dirt road, badly lit at night. This road leads to a not so interesting part of Playa Principal. On the good side, just across the street from the hotel is the original Cafecito cafe/bakery/restaurant where you will find excellent breakfast and lunch at a reasonable price. Tabachin: i have never been there so i have nothing to say Arco Iris: By far the best choice. It is ideally situated on the strip of Zicatela beach. Yes, the rooms are simple, but they are very large and many have a nice balcony where you can watch the sunset every night. The pool is just perfect, surrounded by gardens. The service is excellent, but a word of warning : no english is spoken there. To get excellent service, knowing a bit of spanish really helps. They will take (and respect) reservations made by phone... if you speak spanish. The restaurant is good, but not excellent. Let's say that you get a decent plate for what you pay for. Very nice place to have a drink at sunset. Have fun in Puerto Francois Leclerc Montreal, Quebec, Canada

For me is very important, that you coment me more about you

congratulations, for your vacations, not only is Oxaca, but also another places that you would visit in your next vacations like Chiapas, Villahermosa, tabasco, etc. cheers,

Is there any other areas in Puerto Escondido or Puerto Angel area that nude sun bathing is accepted? I know of Zipploite one hundred times over..are there others? Thanks...Joe

My husband and I are looking for a house, villa, condo to rent for the first two weeks in August. Please respond if this fits the description of your condo. Thanks Allison

My husband and I are looking for a house, condo, villa for the first 2-3 weeks in august, can you email me any pertinent information thanks, allison

I would not recommend it except in deserted areas. The Mexican culture is rather conservative in this regard.

Yes it's a joke, the whole operation is grossly overpriced. The same kind of thing can be had for much les in Cabo san Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Mazatlan. Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, and even La Paz. I note that you didn't dare contradict me on what I said about the Catch & Release policy being Bullshit-because that's what it is! Jesus/Dave old man you need to get outta town you been in that end-of-the-road-dump too long! Mexico is changing and the kind of clip-joint clown show like yours is being overtaken by professionally run operations that offer a lot more than scows like those in PE! Have a look at the competition you amateur! http://www.marlinvip.com.mx/ BTW-Mexicans find hefty people attractive-just ask your Hermana!

There is a direct overnite bus from Zihaut. to Puerto Escondido that goes daily from the second class bus station at I think 7;30 pm . It actually goes straight to Pochutla so you need to get off in Puerto Escondido. It costs around 35 or 40 US and takes about 13 hours. To fly from Zihua-Puerto you need to fly to Mex city first and change planes. This is as of this last March... hope its helpful!

I agree with Gregg. Many people mistakenly think that it is accepted in places like Zipolite. Even in Zipolite it is merely tolerated. The locals won't say anything to you, but that doesn't mean they like it (except maybe some of the young male residents). I speak fluent Spanish and got to know a few residents of Zipolite fairly well. Believe me, they do not like that their children have to see people exposing their "bits and pieces" on the beach. So, if you don't care about respecting your host country's culture and the values of it's people then by all means get naked. But, if you are sensitive to their way of seeing things, even if it is not in line with your way, then cover up the appropriate parts. To answer you question, Zipolite is the only place on the Pacific coast where it is tolerated. Your other option is one of the many deserted beaches. I hope you have a great trip.

Zoe is right; we are all different. They are both great places in different ways. If you really want to get away from it all, then the beaches near P.A. (like Mazunte) are a better choice. Mazunte is beautiful and pristine. But P.E. does have more going on and is more lively. P.E. is touristy but not at all on a scale like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, P.V., etc... There are no high rises and it is lively yet laid back at the same time. P.E. is also very beautiful. My problem is that I like both places equally. I like to be in a bit of a "scene" for a while, but I also like to be where there is almost no development or other tourists. Do both if you have the time!

How does the Puerto Escondido area compare to the Costa Alegre? I currently live on Maui, but am seeking a peaceful retreat on the Mexican Pacific coast. My interests are surfing, scuba diving, spear fishing, sailing and hiking. Although I prefer a quiet setting, I am a single male and some social intercourse is mandatory. I look forward to your comments. Mahalo!

Will be taking bus from Oaxaca City to PE next week. Have heard different opinions as to whether to take 1st or 2nd class bus. Which bus line? Any suggestions? As long as I'm on the subject, does anyone know which bus from Mexico DF to Oaxaca? I'm thinking a 1st class bus from the TAPA station.

Hi, Amanda I've been traveling to Puerto Escondido regularly since 1995 - I've been there seven times. The main reason I keep returning is that I have a very good friend who lives there. Actually, he lives about 10 miles west of town in a small community called Las Negras, which is right on Laguna Manialtepec. His name is Margarito Bustamante. He owns a canoe and makes his living by taking tourists on excursions through the lagoon. He is a very intelligent and resourceful person, holds himself to high professional standards, and prides himself on showing tourists the natural beauty of the lagoon. He is also trustworthy, has a wife and two children, and does not drink. I think this is important for you to know, because being a woman, you naturally need to be concerned for your safety. He is well known throughout Puerto Escondido, values his reputation, is licensed, and is concerned about maintaining his livelihood. He has escorted women out many times, and is very responsible and concerned for your safety. His tours of the lagoon, while very simple and humble, are totally awesome. You must see this place for yourself. Traveling by canoe gives you a quiet, up close, and intimate experience with the natural environment. The best time to go is early mornings, when the birds are coming to life. When I go there, every year we travel by canoe to where the river passes by the beach, build a fire there, and camp overnight. Those have been the best times of my life. He may be able to arrange that for you. That beach at sunrise is as beautiful as any national park I have been to, and it is totally secluded. I have no concern for my safety, as he knows the area and is always vigilant. His english is so-so (I speak spanish), but he can still communicate well enough. There is also a Canadian in town he does bird watching tours of the lagoon by motor boat. He is extremely knowledgeable of the bird life, and his trip is worthwhile as well. However, for a true natural encounter, there is no one I have met in Mexico that does it any better Margarito. He is a personal guide par-excellance. He can be found at El Cafecito, on Playa Zicatela. That is where he hangs out while looking for clients. You can ask around, and they are sure to know him. It is a small town, and you will be sure to bump into him there. I met him on my first trip in 1995, and had the most memorable day in my life (I caught a marlin that morning and in the evening we cooked some of it on an island in the lagoon). I have since returned many times to renew our friendship. I stay over night at his place regularly, and am well known in the village of Las Negras. In previous years I have stayed as many as two weeks with his family, getting to know the people in his humble community. In addition to a breath taking experience, you will also enjoy the company of good man and wonderful personality. His fee should be about $30 for a morning trip, and $50 - $75 for overnight camp out (that is not per person, but the total cost) Be sure to tell him that I recommended him to you. Regards, Craig Attanasio

Hi, ARMANDO, I guess I've been on the computer too long and didn't read your name correctly. No offense, amigo. Craig

We took the Cristobal Colon from the ADO, (first class) station. The trip took about 9 hours. There are a couple of busses, a day and a night. The night bus arrives in Puerto fairly early in the morning, so you're kind of stranded for a couple of hours. We took the day bus to Puerto and the night bus back to Oaxaca. The day bus takes a little longer because they stop for lunch. There is a curtain behind the driver, so if you want to look out the front window, get a seat on the othehr side. These busses are seriously air conditioned. Wear long pants and take a sweater. There are a few checkpoints along the way, mostly between Salina Cruz and Oaxaca, but we weren't asked for papers or anything. We had no problems except for the ride being a bit rough through the mountains. If you get motion sickness, sitting near the front and aome gravol are recommended. Lots of great scenery.

Hi I am organizing my trip for December and am flying in to Mexico City at 11pm in the evening is there a bus that goes to Puerto Escondido that I can still get I don't want to stay the night in the city. I have looked through the travel books book can't find the proper bus line. Also I am arriving December 22 should I have any problems getting a hotel room or should I try and make reservations I am going to be staying in the area for about 4 weeks. Thanks in advance for any suggestions also.

I,m also taking the bus from Mexico City airport to P.E. From what I understand, busses leave more or less hourly from the bus station nearest the airport for Oaxaca (about 6 hours). We're staying there for a day or two. Then I've been told to take the second class bus toP.E. (as it is quicker) I am not positive as to the accuracy of my info, I wonder if any readers here have any input?

I'd like to rent an apartment/condo/bungalow with double bed for 3 weeks (from 18th of Dec. until 4th of Jan). Preferably Zicatela. Pls advice; price, facilities etc. regards Janne

A new all inclusive sport fishing retreat is opening in Puerto. www.puertoconnection.com

Talk to us, Dave. Don't advertise at us! Sigh. Zoe

Zoe, I think Dave just wants to let people know that there is something available in Puerto that is new. If anyone is more interested in his service then they can go to his site and find out more. I find it less intusive than some of the other "advertisements" for condos and dive shops and hotels etc. on these tomzap sites but I also try to not let it bother me. It's just my opinion and I know that some people don't agree and I hope that I didn't offend anybody with what I think or my spelling. There is so much info that can be found here and not everybody is interested in all of it. If someone is not interested in a condo or plane fares or sport fishing or somebody elses vacation or Texas BBQ they they don't have to read it. Your reply was by no means mean but some of the replys to other topics are down right rude and that just says more about the writer than the subject. As you can tell I seem to have more time on my hands than is good so I will just leave it at that and hit the beach. Orginal Bill

Getting a place to stay on the 22 of Dec will be almost impossible. Bring a tent if you can. I believe that a first class bus leaves for Puerto around 8 pm. There are second class busses that leave much more often. The best way to go; in my opinion, is through Acapulco not Oaxaca although going through Oaxaca is not a terrible plan. The busses for these too places leave fron different bus stations . Just tell a taxi driver where you want to go (Acapulco or Oaxaca) and he will take you to the correct station. Good luck, Bill

Christmas is a very busy time in this area as many Mexicans are on vacation as well...It would be quite difficult to find a place without reservations so take care of that as soon as possible. After the first week of January it quiets down so you should be able to change your location easily for the end of your trip.

Que pasa?, It's Adam here again. I'm visiting Puerto for all of November this year. Can't wait for the fishing tournament and the surf competiton, not forgetting everything else Puerto has to offer (i.e. hot little mexicana mamas, etc.). I was just dropping a line for all of those partiers who are going to be in Puerto this November as well. Look for me in all of the hotspots, I'll buy you a drink! Also, if anybody needs something (reasonable) from the good ole' U.S. I would be happy to bring it with me and deliver it to you. Anyone, feel free to drop me a line to discuss various party topics or possible imports (cuidado-i'm not making a drug reference, for god's sake you're in mexico what more do you want!!!!!). Nos vemos amigos. I'll see you on the other side, of the border that is.....

This spring we had the experience of taking the bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, and back two weeks later. To Puerto we took a first class bus as we were travelling with small children - but made the mistake of taking the long route (about 12 hours) through Salina Cruz. (Cristobal Colon busses I think)We "thought" we were on the 6 hour bus - so you can imagine how long THAT trip was!! Good story to remember and laugh about though. (had both sets of parents with us too). On the way back we took the 6 hour trip directly North from Puerto (also first class- Istmo busses I think) through San Pedro. This is a night time only bus, and I would do it again. I have never, ever been on a more windy road and it was impossible to sleep, but it WAS the quickest way. If you get motion sickness make sure you take medication. I only wish it was a day trip because the scenery would have been fabulous. We sat in the very front seat (not drivers side) and laughed for the first hour because the road was so unbelievable (windy) Take change though - the one stop the bus made you had to pay to use the biffy.

Jane: The only problem you will have is.Are you a surfer? will you like to get some leasons? I like to help you knowing more about you, are you caming with family? haw many people?.there is some options in Zicatela not perfect apartments becouse there are more Hotels, and cabanas .The time you like is the more $$$. let my know your budget> Gina There are other lacations not noice (no dogs, no rusters) .

Senor: We have what you like surfing in zicatela the best! whenare you planing to come? scuba with Jorge Bravo and expert and good fishing equipmant,not big boats,but good.Fishing with a harpon with Jorge Bravo let me know when are you caming so I can help you in your reservations. Gina

Ronaldo: Your bus from Zihua to PE name EStrella Blanca direct from Zihua to us. Gina I don't now the times but most be only one a day.suerte

Randy: The pleace name CHACAHUA there some changes but srile good for surfing, I think you will fine Chacahua as beutifull as before. Gina For this time of the year you need mosquito repelent.

DAVE - hello there, i don't know if you able to help me or if in deed you are the right person to talk to but i figure it is worth a try. i was just in puerto for five weeks and it was absolutely amazing. i am from england but partly live in north carolina, i came there with my friend from north carolina, also called dave. anyway to cut a long story short, i had to leave but he decided to stay on. he had a restaurant job at la casa, opposite hotel ines on zicatela but he left that pretty soon after i went yet he stayed in zicatela. i have been speaking to him often over the last two weeks he was out there and he has been emailing everyday. however the last time i spoke to him was on tuesday and he hasn't sent or picked up any of his emails since then and i am beginning to worry. he hasn't contacted his parents at all either. he also was supposed to be on a flight from mexico city to come home on friday. the airport said he was a no show.all of it is very unusual behaviour and i just don't know what to think. i know that he has been hanging out regularly with another guy called dave at the surf shop 13, by the supermarket place on zicactela. and also Manuel's brother, (the guy who fixes the board with red beetle) he is staying at a place just by mex pipe, it is a private house run by a lady call oga. if you are walking to la punta, as you pass mexpipe, you turn left up the hill and just before the hill gets steep there is a mud path on the right that leads to the house. it has large gates and a dog whose bark is much worse than his bite. she has no phone so i have not been able to contact her at all. i don't know if there is anyway at all you can help me or even when you are out just ask around, im just scared something has happened. i know this is a long shot in the dark but i read all your articles about the bbq and your friend bill seems to think that you are a good guy. i thought at first you might be the guy from split coconut but i don't think you are. anyway you have my email and if there is absolutely anything you can do to help i would be so very grateful. yours - erica

p.s. not sure how all the replies work but if you want to email me you can on edunton@hotmail.com - thankyou

Dear Gina I'm gonna travel with my boyfriend. I've stayed at different places (apt. & bungalows) at Zicatela before, paying 100 - 120 pesos a night. The last place I rented (last year) was Las Olas Bungalows - a nice, clean bungalow with kitchen, bathroom w/ hot water, balcony and a hammock. Since we're gonna rent a place for a few weeks, I would hope that I could get an alright deal. As it looks today, we're gonna arrive Escondido 15th of dec. and stay until 8th of Jan, 24 days altogether. (we haven't considered surfing lessons yet) I'm 27, norwegian, works for a record label. best regards Janne

I'm not going to say anything bad about others hotels. Just, when you go to Puerto Escondido take a look to the Jardín Real in Bacocho it's cheap,clean, beautiful and you are welcome by his owners. my page is http://www.geocities.com/almacos614/jardinrealhotel.html Thanks.

Hotel for sale in bacocho Puerto Escondido. 23 rooms, pool,restaurant, and more.... http://www.geocities.com/almacos614/jardinrealhotel.html

Yes

YES______________J W

Please, would someone settle what the definition of internet SPAM is. Thank you

Have you seen my page ?

SPAM is the internet equivalent of junk mail: stuff you don't want to read sent by people trying to sell you something.

Therefore, correct me if I am wrong, posting anything on a message board cannot be SPAM since it was not sent to you and you can skip the post at you own will. It is the same as putting an ad in the newspaper...correct?

We've done the bus trip before from Acapulco to PE which I don't mind but I do wish they had first class buses. Does anyone know if SUVs are available for hire just like from Huatulco to PE? I know it would be expensive but it would be a lot more convenient. Thanks for your help. Joanne

I DO TRANSPORTATION FROM HUATULCO PUERTO ESCONDIDO AND ACAPULCO PUERTO ESCONDIDO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY SERVICE OR TOUR A REAL ESTATE. www.monolith-mis.com/dicktracy.

Thanks for your reply Gilberto. What is the fee per person from Acapulco to Puerto Escondido? Does it depend on how many people you are driving? What kind of vehicle do you have? Please give me as much information as you can.

Thsi Guy Dave has the police in 4 countries after him and if desperate to rip off some sucker to invest in this Bogus operation. Dave you're time is up and there's a cell in San Quentin waiting for you. Can you say 'Bunk Muffin'?

El Gordo, what the hell are you talking about? Dave's a criminal.

To all readers, Since I have now been accused of being a criminal and criminal activities, I feel I must respond even though I try to use these message boards only to post messages that relate to Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas and not use them as chat rooms as many do. I invite any reader to contact anyone in Puerto Escondido and ask them anything about Dave at the Puerto Connection. I am confident that the truth will then be made known that I am neither a criminal nor involved in any criminal activity. I have a legally registered Mexican Corporation that pays taxes and does all business according to Mexican law. Additionally, I do not own or operate ANY business or property listed on the Puerto Connection (www.puertoconnection.com). I only serve as a leasing / rental / reservation or advertising agent for local businesses and owners. I charge nothing for ads and listings that go on our site and only collect a commission if I bring money to the advertiser. Local businesses are free and I collect nothing from them every. I, as tomzap is, only want to promote Puerto Escondido and bring new and repeat tourism here (since I live here year round) while giving the tourist the info they want to make an informed decision when coming. Since I have appearantly angered a few, I apologise to the rest of you. To those who I have angered, I am sure you would like to supply the information to the boards that prove my criminal status in the world and the criminal activities I am now engaged in. Please feel free to contact all businesses and names listed on the tomzap page and ask each one of those about me and my activities. Thanks, Dave

My family (2 adults, 2 kids 10&12) hope to head to Huatulco mid March 2002 - problem is trying to find affordable airfare. From Toronto Canada, best price is about $1200 Canadian which means that the airfare is almost as much as the price of a week at an all inclusive. Problem is, we're not fond of all inclusives - prefer getting a small condo and exploring on our own. Tried cashing in our Air Canada Aeroplan points, but apparently there are no spots on Mexicano flights. Any suggestions?

Try travelocity.com they might offer a cheaper fare then what you're currently looking at. In my case i found fares there a couple of hundred dollars cheaper then what a travel agent quoted.

Try Royal Airlines - two and three week flights Vancouver to Huatulco in the winter for approximately $1,000.

Try the charters - Air Transat or Royal. I am hoping to go down to Puerto in March and certainly hope I can find something cheaper than the $1200 you mentioned. If you are hoping to go in the March break forget any cheap deals - just be happy (?)with what you can get!

Dear Tom: I have been researching PE over the past few weeks and have found your site to be most informative. I understand that PE is presently served by one AM and one FM radio station that are both programmed in Spanish and geared to the local community. Do you think that a English FM station that played Oldies/Classic Rock geared to the 25 - 54 age group would be well received in PE? More important is knowing if local PE merchants would be willing to pay a modest price to advertise to upscale locals and tourist. I imagine the station would have a minimum of talk and provide some network news from the states. I look forward to receiving feedback from your readers and again thank you for your great web site. By the way, what do you estimate is the number of American or English speaking people who live in PE? Sincerely, Bruce Miller Earle ingbme@hotmail.com

Hi, Can anyone help??? I am looking for some reasonably priced accommodation for 3 adults and a 9 year old boy, if possible close to the beach. We hope to stay between 14th December and the 4th Jan. Also, is PE a child friendly resort or would you suggest anywhere else - any advice, comments gratefully received!!! Tamara

Royal Airlines have been taken over by,and are now part of, Canada 3000. FYI

Hey El gordo can you back your statement up? Or spell for that matter? Can you say IDIOT???

yes please e-mail details mike

Dave's business is his own El Gordo. There are alot of people in Puerto who have the police after them trust me. Maybe your somebody like that. Whatever the case mind your business and get the hell off of this website unless you have something productive to give to someone.....like for instance how to lose the "gordo".....

Gilberto: I would like the same information requested by Joanne. We will be traveling the end of October. Kremer

Dear visitors to this board, You will read, among several positive comments about our modest hostelry, one vitriolic correspondence which cannot say enough bad things about us, which I sincerely regret. I know the source, a nice young couple from Florida, Lisa and Russel, who in fact stayed with us on numerous occasions, and until the final visit, seemed to be satisfied at least enough to return many years running. It is true that we had - past tense- some temporary problems with our septic system, for everyone in this part of Mexico depends on these systems for treatment of waste waters. As far as most of Lisa´s comments concerning cleanliness and attentiveness, I must disallow them for they clearly express a rancourous and deliberately hurtful attitude which is designed to "pay back" an imagined slight. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I shall be fully candid in answering all your questions and doubts. I am really shocked that Lisa would write such material, and find it interesting that the complaints did not carry her full name, nor even the mention of her husband´s name. Sincerely, Paul Cleaver, Manager, Tabachín del Puerto, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México.

The charter companies recently issued their winter season packages. I was quoted $879 (taxes included) for a non stop flight from Montreal to Huatulco for 2 weeks in Feb./ 2002. Signature Vacations also goes there from Toronto and Vancouver. Check Air Transat as well. Any travel agent should be able to help you now that the winter season schedule is out, or check the websites for Signature or Transat. You can book online.

Expensive! Close to $1,000 with taxes for 2 weeks through Canada 3000. Found out that 3 week is not available. Flights slightly cheaper to Acapulco but then you have to take a 7-8 hr bus ride to PE. That's approx. $25 one way Cdn. Hope this helps.

Hi There, I'm travelling to Puerto Escondido on the 18th Sept. Is it necessary for me to take malaria tablets before and during my stay. Thanks in advance Dan

Dear Bruce, To my knowlege there are about 25-30 yearround gringos in PE, so I'm not sure how lucrative an English speaking radio station would be. Also I'm not sure how many tourist bring a radio to paradise. Miguel Sucio

Would driving during day light hours between the Huatulco Airport and Puerto Escondido be considered safe. I have no problems with army highway check points in Mexico, and in fact sometime this presence deters other people from with less than good ideas from pulling you over. In general what is the condition and class of highway 200 between these two points? Is there anything else that a automotive traveler should be aware of if this trip is made? Thank you for your time with my questions. Bruce Miller Earle

Hi Bruce. Don't worry about anything. The drive is only about 1-1/2 to 2 hours and we've done it twice. I would worry more about the drive from Acapulco to PE. The highway is quite safe - the damage done by earthquake about 1-1/2 years ago was quite bad but we did it last Feb and it was great. Driving after 7:30 p.m is never a good idea. Take care. Joanne

Hi Dan - I don't think it's necessary. Just use a good bug spray. I've been to PE at least 5 times, allergic to mosquitoes and have never had a problem. Malaria tablets will do more harm to your body than good and they make some people photo sensitive. It's true that the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas are listed as malaria areas and when I give blood, the Red Cross only takes my plasma and not my blood because I've been to these areas. Sept could still be humid. You should check the weather on the internet. Are you planning on sleeping outside? Have fun and take care. Joanne

My husband and myself are doing our homework on Huatulco and surrounding bays and would love the best of both worlds. So we plan to go to book a package all inclusive one week with the intention of staying 2 and spending our first week at hotels recommended on the Web between Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido. That way we feel we are getting the best value for money. Signature holidays seem to be the way to go. We are going for last 2 weeks in Feb.2002. Marg. B.C. Canada

Tamara, We stay at theVilla Belmar every year and there are always a few kids enjoying the pool plus the staff is good with kids. Reasonable, that you need to decide, go to their website and then call. Rooms are very tight anywhere during your dates mentioned. All the guests are very friendly and there is a get together with all the guests at New Years. We arrive on the 4th to a room we have reserved a year in advance. mjhalver

hello, we wanted to let you know that we have two rooms for rent near the entrance to carrizalillo beach, which besides the playa principal is the only beach your nine year old should swim. zicatela is too rough. our rooms are in a recently constructed home with bath and hot water shower and a sitting room for reading, relaxing. outside we have a covered patio with bbq grill that you can use, and we know of swimming pools in the area that you can use. but once you go to carrizalillo you will not want to go anywhere else. we have availability at that time if you reserve it. with three adults and one child you would want both rooms which we can give you a deal on if you are interested, because prices for four persons will be high at that time. please email your reply. thank you. gene and darlene

i suppose you can advertise stuff as long as you dont do it in a way you upset the other readers. if you post your ad several times your post could be considered as spam btw SPAM = Stupid People Advertisemennt Message

The drive is basically a straight road with alot of potholes...it is tiring because you need to watch the road not enjoy the scenery...It is safe though and goes through many small "towns". There are rarely any check points until you near Puerto Escondido or just when you leave the airport. Remember that it does get dark before 7 Pm in this area. And driving in the dark is neither safe nor easy on this road.

We will be in Puerto in early November for 8 nights and we are staying at the Posada Real. Would like some info on good but not overly expensive restaurants to go to. We like all types of food and I would like to try a different one each night Would we be able to take buses"' or would we have to take cabs. Thanks Rosey

I don't think there are busses in Bacocho. During the day you can walk out to the highway and get a bus or collectivo, but at night you should take a taxi. It only costs about 15 pesos. Some good restaurants are El Tore, not far from the Bacocho, Cafecita on Zipolite for breakfast, good coffee and Oaxacan Cuisine, La Goda Vida, a veggie restaurant next to Cafecita, Santa Fe, almost vegetarian, Sorba, a spanish restaurant. There are a few to avoid, Bananas has terrible service and is very busy. Probably the most expensive restaurants are Galeria and Nautilus, but they are cheap compared to U.S prices. You will meet lots of people to give you advice on dining. The only negative thing is that the Posada Real is out in Bacocho, several miles from town. There are many good, inexpensive hotels in town that keep you closer to any "action" there may be along the Adoquin. I recommend that first-timers stay in town, and if you return, you have the option of staying out of the downtown area. Check the listing of restaurants on the main page, or do a search. If you're a little adventurous, there are some great taco restaurants in town that are only open in the evening, a great way to see what Mexicans eat on vacation, cheap and delicious!

Just to second Kris' opinion he or she is right on. Junta al Mar on the Adoquin is good for seafood but a bit pricey. Galaria you can't go wrong but it is basicly Italian if that is what you want on one of your eight nights. Don't waist your time or money on the resrtaunt at the Arco Iris. I find the holes in the wall are pretty much the best way to go for authenicity and price. You can ger sick anywhere but probably won't get sick because of the food but because of the climate change. I'm just trying to say eat anywhere and don't worry about it. Have a good time!!! Bill

Hi, check out Moreno travel at 416-252-5701 ask for Monica or Margarita.They have always come through for me!!!! Tell them I sent you. Also I agree with the others when they suggested Puerto Escondido and the surrounding areas,I have many contacts there so if you need any more help just e-mail. Buena suerte Anne

I was wondering if you would have a room to rent for a long-term stay. My boyfriend and I will be in this area for November and December and are looking for a resonably priced accomodation for these two months. Could you please reply with details, or perhaps let us know where we might be able to find out about other rentals in Puerto escondido Thanks alot! Jane Ehrhardt

My boyfriend and I are looking for a place to rent in Puerto Escondido for the months of November and Doecember. Something not too pricey- 1 bedroom is good. We arent too picky, we would just like to make PE the base for our first trip to Mexico.

I guess I'm going to have to disagree with Bill. At least during my 3 visits to Puerto, I found absolutely nothing wrong with the restaurant at Arco Iris. In addition, they have a great Happy Hour...inexpensive, and a perfect place to watch the sunset. Our favorite restaurant, hands down, is Junto el Mar. I don't know exactly what "pricey" is, but I can tell you we have spent many long, lazy hours enjoying the food, the drinks, and the service without spending half of what we would spend at any comparable U.S. joint. The restaurant at Flor de Maria was always exceptional when Maria ran the place. I don't know how it is under new ownership, but I would guess it to still be good. A charming place, and a great hotel. The restaurant at Hotel Santa Fe has always been great. Carmen's, as everyone knows is the best bet for breakfast. There are many others, and although we have tried every possible dining adventure during our stays in Puerto Escondido, there are surely new places to explore. I do agree with the previous posts regarding your choice for lodging. The real P.E. experience is found closer to the "town" near the beach and the local life. If it's not too late, consider your options.

I'd just like to kick in my two cents worth to suggest you look at some of John William's suggestions, mostly at the Huatulco Forum. I my opinion, you can't go all inclusive and save money over paying for a room, and going to restaurants and bars on your own. John has laid out itineraries of hotels, restaurants etc. for Huatulco, and the same info is here for P.A and P.E. To each his own, but my wife and I went to Oaxaca for a week, spent lavishly on restaurants taking friends out for meals, staying in a 400 peso per night hotel, then went to P.E. for 2 weeks, paying 360 pesos per night at the Flor de Maria, ate and drank very well and in the 3 weeks, including gifts, souvenirs, transportation to and from P.E. and Oaxaca, staying overnight in Toronto on the return spent $2000 Canadian. I can't figure out what there could be in an All-inclusive that would make up the difference, but if you go one week each way, I guess you'll have a chance to compare. I find that if I don't get completely lost or otherwise screwed up at least once each time I go to Mexico, I haven't learned anything. Have a great time.

Hey Brian it is OK to disagree. Pricey is relative. Comparing the prices to U.S. it is cheap. I would just say it is one of the more "expensive" places as is the Santa Fe which I also agree is great but the cost is a little more than most places. I would never hesitate to go there though. I say Santa Fe for everything but fish because in my humble opinion the fish is way over priced there and maybe the Junta Al Mar is better for fish. As for the Flor de Maria it is as good as ever and you can get things there you can't get other places. The Arco....I can get much better food for far cheaper but its hard to beat the location and the Happy Hour is recommended. One thing that bugs me is paying 15 pesos for beer but hey to bad for me. Right? I know some really good non tourist places that serve authentic food that is as good as anywhere in the world but they are out of the way and some people would think they may be dirty even though they are not. If you eat at a place you and are worried about how clean it is it can make the meal a disaster. I am lucky enough not to let it bother me so I have been able to find some great food in places where you might not want to take your finicky friends. Does that make since? Anyway there are a lot of places to eat so try as many as possible. Bill

If Since you have 2 months before you leave, you have time to make some changes that will greatly increase your enjoyment. First -- and of course my opinions are purely subjective, but that's what this page is all about ---- forget Posada Real or anything in that area. It's out of town, boring, self-contained and really offers a rather poor imitation of "resort vacation" in an area with so much more to offer. Stay on Playa Zicatela -- the surfers' beach. Better food, better hotels for the money and a much more interesting scene. Hotel Arco Iris is around $40 a night, has a nice pool, a good open- air restaurant upstairs on the 2d floor, and attracts a good group of people. It faces the ocean, all rooms have views,etc. If you like a more upscale place, with flowers on you pillow etc, Hotel Sante Fe is the nicest place between Acapulco and Huatulco (not that those tourist traps hold anything of interest, but they do have lots of luxury hotels). It is built in old colonial style, is architecturally interesting,has handcarved furniture, Mexican tile everywhere, etc. Several pools, great restaurant, etc. Rooms start at $75. If you have a family , ask about their suites called the "Bungalos Santa Fe"-- each has two rooms with kitchen, face the beach, very comfortable. Wherever you stay, take some mosquito spray like the non-aerosol stuff you rub on your legs. Food -- try happy hour and dinner at Art and Harry's on Zicatela. Very casual, open air, faces beach, chlklboard menu changes often. Excellent appretizers -- ther's this bacon wrapped shrimp thing...--as well as seafood and meat dishes. Owners are Canadian -- I think the name comes from the owner's two grandfathers' names. Cafecito is good, it's in between Hotel Santa Fe and Arco Iris, open for three meals a day. Hotel Santa Fe is sort of pricey, for Mexico, but worth a splurge -- great fish, pasta, also elegant breakfasts. It's an open air place with thatched roof, looking out at the town beach on one side and the big waves of Zicatela on the other -- the kind of place that plays classical guitar music, soflty, and brings you good frozen drinks. No meat, but all manner of seafood and vegetarian dishes. All these are on Zicatela. You can walk on the beach to town and eat at the places there as well. There is no need for a taxi or rent car --unless you stay where you are thinking about. From the beach in town, get one of the fishermen to take you on a late afternoon crusie to Carizallilo ("Kah- reez a lee yo") -- a nice beach, good for a sunset cruise -- or if you fish, go for a morning fishing excursion. Bargain -- it's expected. If you're adventurous, go down to Puerto Angel and Zipoliti for a day or more -- it's an hour south. Rent a car and go for a day or more. I usually prefer it to Escondido, but it's a matter of taste. The scene at Zipoliti is European-backpacker circuit, bordering at times on Grateful Dead show parking lot ... beautiful -- if dangerously rough -- beach, nice people and interesting perspectives. Everybody just hangs out on the beach or in the palapas tha line it -- very cheap, good food. easy to meet other travelers. Best food at night -- el Alchimista on the beach (literally in the sand) at the north end of Zipoliti (the area of Zipolitiis called Roca Banca, named after a huge rock just offshore). If it's getting dark, you'll see the torches in the sand and the tables with candles.-- Have fun. Take chances.

Does anyone have an e-mail address or phone number for Jeff, owner of Art and Harry's Surf Inn? I have a friend in Leon who need to talk to him about who to hire in Mexico City for some legal work on a topic Jeff has faced before. Thank you.

i agree with Bolilla - as much a some would say the Posada is great (to each his own), I would suggest that if you didn't chose Zicatela you should at least pick a place on the strip. This way you would get a good look at what Puerto is all about for your first trip. On your next trip you certainly could choose an area that is more to your liking, by then you hopefully would have explored a bit. There are so many eating places, as have been listed in previouse posts - and many more. Unfortunately quite a few people get 'stuck' in a place as Posada and never bother to venture any further. At least promose all of the Puerto Escondido lovers, after 16 years I am deffinately one, that you will take off those 'wristbands' and join us in the other parts of town! Have a great trip,

I know Jeff and Patty well. You may contact me for any info...Tony

Hi Dave, I'm trying to reach Warren. Do you have an independent e-mail address where I could write him? All the best Tony Houseman( friend of Jeff and Patty)

hello jane, we would like to let you know that we have rooms to rent in our recently constructed home near the Carrizalillo beach entrance...which is minutes from the center of town and much more private and quiet. Carrizalillo is as you may or may not know, one of the most beautiful beaches along the oaxacan coast...safe for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding...Zicatela beach is dangerous for swimming or snorkeling, and surfing for that matter, and the main beach is always so crowded and dirty looking. we have just two rooms for rent and if you are interested and want a monthly rate we can make some special arrangements. we have a covered outdoor patio, bbq grill, horseshoe pit and secure grounds for your convenience, and we could even include a continental breakfast if you desire. we look forward to hearing from you. just for your info our usual rates for two people per nite per room is 250 pesos, but like i said before we could always negotiate for your monthly stay. take care and hopefully we will hear from you. gene and darlene

Hey Tony; you wouldn`t happen to be the same Tony that was the chef at Art & Harry`s this past winter?

I also endorse Bolilla's comments. Have been to Puerto 3 times, staying on Zicatela. Though there are many good restaurants, I end up eating often at the Arco Iris (the name of the restaurant there is La Galera) and the Santa Fe because they are just hard to beat. It's just so much more interesting to be near town and on a beach strip that is very individualistic (i.e., small scale and non-corporate). So many good restaurants to choose from. One place I discovered last time, unfortunately after we'd already dined for our last evening there but which I'd love to try next time, was Cipriano's Pizza. It's a palapa restaurant right on the beach near the Arco Iris. We strolled past there in the evening, and found it had the most lovely and intimate-looking candlelight dining. It looks right out on the dark beach and booming waves, and looked like a very romantic spot. And the food looked (alas!) great. And for excellent vegetarian fare and wonderful fruit smoothies (licuados), don't forget La Gota de Vida, right next to the Cafecito.

As I accidently came upon this travelers page while surfing the web for PE sites as I sometimes do, I read this comment and I must say feel compelled to reply. I have been travelling to PE for 10 years, usually twice a year and with the exception of my first year, have always stayed at the Hotel Tabachin. I find it nearly impossible to imagine such a grim experience that Elisa speaks of. I have always been greeted with only the most professional and attentive service, always receiving the room that I had booked in advance, the food top knotch and always consistent in quality on a daily basis, my (always) extra special requests for my room taken care of immediately, by a seasoned, efficient and very, very friendly staff. The proprietor and his staff have always gone above and beyond the call of duty to assure my stay is pleasant. My visits are usually a minimum of 2 weeks to a month at a time, never long enough. I have sent many, many friends/aquaintences to this hotel, all of which make a point to thank me upon their return for such a wonderful recommendation and 9 out of 10 return year after year. As for sewage and construction problems, I suggest that one might consider a more homogenized version of Mexico, perhaps Cabo San Lucus,Puerta Vallarta or Hualtuco where for lots of money and little character you might avoid these slight ocassional inconvienances that are a way of life in Mexico. For anyone considering a trip to Puerto Escondido I highly recommend the Hotel Tabachin for accomadations. The rooms lucious and capturing the quintessential flavor of this beautiful spot they call Puerto Escondido.

Rosey, You have received a lot of good info, but let me throw my 2 centavos in. I have chosen to stay at Bungalows Villa Marinero many times over the last twenty five years. I love the location, right on playa marinero, just a short walk along the beach to downtown. The owners are great and the price is not too expensive. My favorite restaurant is Los Crotos, right on the beach on playa principal. Great food at modest prices. You will love the food in Puerto. Have a wonderful time

Hi, I have the same question are you the same chef Tony, if so Anna from the split says hello! Anna xo

hello there i'm travelling to puerto in the next few weeks and by the looks of the pacific ocean and its sunsets it could be the kind of place where some people might smoke weed sometimes just out of interest how much would they expect to pay? and how easy would it be to get hold of? i am not asking anyone to sell me any here just curious yours Hairbear

Hi Hairbear...Although it has been quite awhile since I last visited PE, I've never had problems scoring there. Best sources for me have been the campgrounds. I once scored a Marlboro box full of buds for $2!! Two friends and I worked on that box for a week and still had to throw some out before the trip home. Wonderfully potent. Don't be afraid to barter as the stuff grows like, well, weeds in the area.

Dan, I'm an old PE veteran, having travelled there numerous times since the 70s and have never had a problem with mosquitos. They are probably less prevalent now because of the great growth of the area compared to the "old days" when there was a lot of standing water (well, actually, sewage) and little regard for health.

I have heard conflicting stories with regards to sewage treatment and disposal in PE. Is there a treatment facility for the town or is it true that the raw sewage is just piped out into the ocean? Thanks, Bruce Miller Earle ingbme@hotmail.com

During the last major hurricanes to hit PE, how much of the town was covered in water and to what height did it rise in the Zicatela beach area. Were any homes located on the hills over looking Zicatela beach covered? Thanks, Bruce Miller Earle ingbme@hotmail.com

I read a while back that PE was goverened by two different city governments and mayors. Has this been changed since the new national government came into power last year in July? Is PE under a local PRI or PAN administration? Thanks, Bruce Miller Earle ingbme@hotmail.com

I would appreciate any recommendations for a house rental during the month of March 2002. We will need accomodations for four adults and three children. Our preferences include oceanfront, oceanview, pool, and above average condition. I have reviewed what I believe to be most of the websites with rental info - I just thought that I might uncover other options via this group. Feel free to send me any recommendations or comments to douglas.austin@home.com. My own visit last January was spectacular and I now wish to share Puerto Escondido with my wife, boys, and grandpa and grandma. Thanks.

Con quien me puedo dirigir directamente sobre las hoteles Englantina, Zaachila, Egla.

I have seen various estimates of the population of Puerto Escondido, from a low of 10,000 to a high of 40,000. Can anyone help in giving me a close estimate of the true number? Thanks.

Inasmuch as Puerto Escondido is not incorporated, there are no set boundaries. A good estimate of the population of the area generally referred to as Puerto Escondido is between 35,000 and 40,000. That area includes the colonias (living areas) on the north and northeast sides of the Coastal Highway which Santa Maria Colotepec considers to be under its jurisdiction.

Your plan is a good one, though the difficulty you will probably encounter is that many homes, condos and apartments are probably rented between December 20 and January 20--the highest of the high season. Perhaps you could arrange to spend part of that time at an inexpensive hotel. It's a pain to have to change living arrangements, but perhaps you won't have to. Be sure to check in with Gina Machorro at the tourist information booth on the Adoquin--the main tourist area that fronts the Main Bay/Bahia Principal. She often has good tips. Perhaps you can e-mail her in advance at: ginainpuerto@yahoo.com I've lived in Puerto going on nine years and hope you come visit. As someone else has suggested, do read all the information on the various web sites available. Good luck!

This website is a great place to express opinions and share our joy concerning our love for southeren Mexico more specifically Puerto Escondido, it's landscape and people. However, today is a hard day to express anything but sadness and anger. Although I know this forum is specifically for people's opinions and advice concerning Puerto Escondido, I know that the majority of people who write here are Americans and even if you're reading this and you're not American it doesn't matter because a terrible thing has happened and everyone can relate to human suffering. Just to put it in perspective, when your taking your trip to Puerto Escondido next time and boarding your plane, as many of you must fly planes to get to Puerto, upon taking your seat look around at the faces of your neighbors whether they're friends, family or strangers it doesn't matter who they are. These are the same people who lost their lives in the four flights that were chosen at random to sacrifice their lives unwillingly. When I say these were the same people I simply mean it doesn't matter who you are, where your going or what your doing you are a target if you are an American(or anyone else for that matter) traveling abroad. While we can't live in fear all of our lives, I for one know for sure that the next time I'm flying from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido I will get lost in a moment of meditation thinking about all of the innocent people who were on a flight just like I'm on, going somewhere just like I am but who never made it because of fates sad ending.....I hope to see you all in Puerto this November. I hope you all make it there safely, I hope you make it to where you want to go without facing what many have had to face these last two days.....I hope you are able to experience many more Puerto sunsets in your future. God bless. See you in puerto drowning sorrows with tequila for my fallen comrades, brothers and sisters....Salud para los muertes del estado unidos de america, recuerdos siempre.

My first visit to PE was permeated with the odour of Raw Sewage, this was in '84. By '87 a treatment plant had been built but of late has been somewhat overwhelmed especially during rainy periods. NEVER swim in the Ocean after a rainfall, anywhere in the developing world. The most offensive part raw sewage problem is dumped by visiting yachts who just @!#$ off the back of their boats early in the AM before most Folks are awake.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never been to Mexico have you?

I surfed in the water and noticed a great deal of "foam" which I interpret to be sewage residue and wave action. I say this because I discussed this with a expert in the sewage treatment business who informed me of how sewage leaches out of non-contained cesspools in the beach area. This problem is also found in the North Shore of HI. Laws have been passed that requires containment and disposal of raw sewage. Even if they don't dump raw sewage directly in the water it can find otherways to get in there if not taken to a treatment plant.

I did it round trip without problems for $500 pesos. Not sure if I'll do it again since it is a barren road with open access for "banditos" to kidnap. I don't know of any kidnappings on this stretch of road.

...not to mention the major cruise lines which dump their garbage before reaching a port...I have to believe this is a bigger problem than the yachts...talk to the fisherman in the area if you think this is not a problem.

please need information regarding local education services and local traditional foods and music thanks!!!! how's the surf? thanks!

Alex, I don't want you to think that I am disrespecting you but I think that there is a time and place that we can all write and talk about our grieve regarding the terrorist attacks in the US. and this board is not one of them, the reason I came to this board is to escape all the news and media coverage that has completely engulfed all aspects, there is nowhere to go without hearing or discussing this event. Yes I know that sounds cold, but after so many hours, days listening and whatching the footage, its now in over-kill mode and sometimes we need to go to another place or web site, such Tomzaps where we can plan our vacation and look at many pictures of serenity and tranquility. Please don't get me wrong and think that I am being a cold person I am not but we know what has happened and there are some places like this web site that we just don't want to think about it anymore (or even for a few minutes.) thanks by the way I totally agree with you Alex with what you wrote but I would prfer to have read it on CNN's message board.

Gary, I'm sorry that I disrupted your "tranquility" my friend, perhaps I overstepped my boundaries in trying to respect the hundreds of dead innocent people that were murdered. Some people, myself included, just can't help but feel disgusted and sickened by what has taken place to my brothers and sisters. Also, if your in Mexico in November and would like to discuss personally your opinions about my conduct I will be happy to meet you in the Adoquin to resolve this situation. By the way I'm an Army Ranger and will most likely be taking bullets in defense of America's freedom, which ungrateful, unpatriotic scum like you take advantage of. But hey, that might disrupt your "tranquility." On another note my family has lived in Puerto for over fifty years. I remember when the Hurricane hit I was alongside my Mexican brothers and sisters helping clean up and resolve the situation. Where were you my friend? Let me give you some advice, don't come to Puerto, you're more suited for a place like Acupulco. No, stay home, you're more suited for the couch watching "CNN" or behind your computer lecturing me about how expressing my grief is inappropriate for a website like this. To everyone else visiting this website I apologize if you take offense to my expressing myself the way I did. I just wished to shed some light for my friends whom I meet in Puerto Escondido, which by the way Gary are very many. Again Gary, here's my invitation, meet me in Puerto I'll be happy to "discuss" my viewpoint with you.....

The US America Empire has murdered it's way to the top of the world economic food chain. Enslaving millions to debt they can never escape, funding Death Squads, supporting the worst kind of Third World Dictators, interfering in almost every way thinkable in other people's lives. So now you've got some of your own back-What Did You Expect?

Hey El Gato, Show me a Nation who hasn't in some way done some of what you've mentioned? How about the Zapatistas and the Mexican Government pushing it's indigenous people further and further south until there's nowhere else to go. That "BS" won't work with me El Gato. Every civilized nation wheter it's America, Mexico or in your case Canada has "dirty hands" my friend. Everyone just likes to put America in the limelight as the great evil. Yeah we're so bad, we go to a war with a country annihilate it and then build it back up again. Her's the thing El Gato, aside from what you think you know, you're a conspiracy theorist and show me proof of what you've said America has done. Another thing you said America has gotten back what it deserves, well my friend maybe so, but I assure you that the Taliban (El Gato funny how you forgot to mention the Taliban's great human rights absuses against women but not America's "inherent evils") Bin Laden and any other Muslim Fundamentalist based terrorist will get what they deserve as well.....

Another point El gato, Don't be mad at America for what you say as "murdering it's way" to the top of the "socio-economic foodchain" because if it weren't us, then it would have been your friends the Soviets or Red China. Let's just be glad that they didn't have as much power and influence as the USA or else your first born female child might have been murdered or your uncle might have been killed by the KGB. As far as your question "what did I expect", I at least expected honor in the way these terroists "stood for their beliefs", not some act of cowardice like hijacking a plane of innocent people and murdering them.....but hey El Gato you have a grasp on everything that's wrong with the world so you're probably right America is to blame for everything, not these idiot idealist, muslim terrorists who have nothing better to do with there lives than kill people.

Not that I know for sure amigo, (I've only studied terrorism and terrorists for five years now) but last time I checked Muslim terrorist organizations declared jihaad or "holy war" on any group of individuals who aren't Muslim. So when these great represenatives of peace and justice come to your backyard (assuming that you aren't Muslim) and blow up your backyard, your friends, and your loved ones let me ask you "what did you expect?", bud! So El Gato put that in your pipe and smoke it, with whatever else your smoking!

Hey El Gato and Gary, I think you're both made for each other. I think El Gato's problem is that he's repressed and in the closet which leads to his apparent bitterness and Gary well he sounds a little fruitloopy as well.....you too would make a good love-connection!

Yeah man I was just wondering how do I get to Puerto Escondido.....I'm coming from off of the top of your mother.....from the Soutern most point.....any information would be greatly appreciated. Sucka!

Hey Boy, don't you know you's stupid? What you coming in on this here website talkin' like you did about the ole' US? Where you from boy? Canady-a? You's nothing but a jive turkey. You better not come down here to the ole' DirtySouth USA chump.

Stop this nonsense everyone. It's time to get serious and give attention where it's due! This is a Website dedicated to visitors comments about Puerto Escondido. So without further adue, I would just like to say that El Gato and Gary are the most, friggin brilliant people in the world. I would just like everyone to e-mail them and applaud them for there amazing contribution to humanity and also more importantly to this website. If it wasn't for you two distinguished minds all the rest of us would be, just plain stupid. Thanks once again from your fans everywhere, I'll gladly nail you in the rear anytime you want (you're both coming over again at 5PM right?; don't forget your whips).....you suck!

El Gato sounds suspiciously like El Gordo. Maybe he is El Gato Gordo. I think this guy has some serious mental problems so it is best to ignore him and maybe he will go away. If you don't want to read something don't read it. Simple. Bill

Dear Armando, We're planning a trip to Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido for late December/early January, and are having a hard time making up our mind between the Posada Real and the Hotel Santa Fe (assuming we can get into either...) What advice would you give us? Thanks, George

Of the two, I'd say that the Santa Fe is the best bet. It's more centrally located, very attractive architecturally, and generally considered to be the best hotel in P.E., although the Aldea del Bazaar (not positive on name) in Bacocho is nice. As usual, I recommend staying in town as opposed to the 'burbs, but to each his own.

enough about this ridiculous topic, in case all of you have forgotten this is a message board about PUERTO ESCONDIDO not self centred americans wishing to "vent" about the atrocities that happened in their country.How typical to assume that "the majority of persons who write here are americans" as if no one else does exist, Tough guy marines who offer up a discussion on the beach of their different opinions sound to me like snivelling crybabies

Let's just say that the US is about to clean house since WE are the only ones who can. We do not need to worry about who gets mad...just do it. The ones who get mad show themselves as enemies and should/will be treated as enemies. Puerto is a great place but it is great because it is safe and beautiful. It is safe because Mexico is attached to the US since anyone here knows that if Mexico were in South America it would be like those countries...a lot worse off than it is now.Tourism keeps Mexico alive and will not suffer that bad because the US PROTECTS it's neighbors and the world knows it.Sometimes I wonder if Mexico appreciates it but I still love this place.

How much did the bus ride cost? Is there one very late at night? I'll be arriving in Oaxaca on the 2nd very late at night.

Yeah, but the scuzzy-looking foam to which you refer is actually an algae bloom, from the same types of little critters that make a red tide. This is not to say that the effluent doesn't have anything to do with it, but that's not a direct-sewage-foam. The requirements for the concrete in a sewage treatment facility are only matched by the requirements of a nuclear power plant. The substances contained in both are extremely corosive and require huge amounts of structural steel. Very expensive. Without a Fonatur - style infusion of government money, it's extremely rare for a treatment plant to be built to the necessary specs. And if you take a hard, honest look at the town from the bus station side, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that many of those edifices just never got around to paying a hook-up fee... Ah, well, just watch the currents and tides and enjoy Paradise...

Hey Vincent! I stayed at the Tabachin and found it to be a unique and beautiful place. Breakfasts that I dream about now. A lovely owner and staff who went out of their way to make our visit special. A restful shaded patio to start siesta with a beer by the fountain. A roof to watch the waves and stars. Big rooms to imagine my Mexican home in. A place to call my own in Puerto Escondido.

So Alma Castillo is a perfect example?I came to learn about Puerto Escondido and it seems like I went to the wrong place.All this person wants to do is sell real estate.I just want to go for vacation and have a good time.

why do you insist on returning if it's so horrible?I'd like to know.I'm curious.

SORRY,I guess my post was for the OP. It's (Puerto)and the people are the finest.By any chance,do you speak Spanish or took the time to know the locals?

Hi--- It's Adoquin,not adokeen.

Hey There, I am looking for a rental for this coming holiday season. I will be in P.E. from Dec.15th to Dec. 30th. Dont really need fancy, just clean and convenient. I appreciate any ideas you might have if you have no availability. Thanks for your time. Peter/Atlanta

Hey, Is the condo available from Dec.15th, 2001 to Dec 30th, 2001? If so, what is the price for a two week rental? Thanks for your time and any other suggestions you may have if your unit is not available. Peter

Hey Dave, That was a pretty good unsolicited testimony. I am coming back to P.E. for two weeks this holiday season. I will be there from Dec. 15th to Dec. 30th. I will have a friend or two visiting for a couple of days so an extra bed would be good. I would like a clean place that is convenient to the smaller beaches. Ocean view is always a good thing and kitchen facilities should be good. I know I can get a room real cheap but would like to rent a place this time. Did I hear something about a BBQ? Can I bring you anything from Atlanta? Thanks for your time and help and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Books? Spices? ?????? Peter

Why do you all assume El Gato is a fag? Clearly she's a woman, no? Further, I've never found a larger collection of Uncle Sam's Vietnam draft dodgers in one place than I've met in Escondido over the years. Wonder where they'll all go this time. Canada no longer needs them to teach them how to grow pot, and the rest of the world isn't really interested, except maybe George jr.'s new best friends to the south. God bless the innocent. Sleep tight.

Does anyone know what fiestas de Noviembre represents and what is planned this year?

Beauty Contest Fishing Competition Surfing Competition In 2nd and 3rd weeks of November supported by the local Chamber of Commerce and the beverage companies. All are low key,

Dear List, For anyone---but especially the enlightened---traveling to Puerto Escondido, I highly reccommend El Tabochin for the most convenient, restful, and beautiful vacation you will have in years! I have had the good fortune to stay at Paul Cleaver's little paradise on two occassions, (several years apart) and the food, service, accommodations, and breakfast company were delightful and consistent. You will get to meet wonderful people from all over the world, partake in stimulating conversation with other guests, the proprieter, and his staff over meals, or enjoy complete solitude on your own gorgeous balcony overlooking the ocean. The rooms are immaculately clean, with well stocked kitchens, book collections, and special touches like marble showers. I had a wonderful time at El Tabochin, and will return there every chance I get to go back to P.E.!

Look in the main index of this site or ask the information goddess "Gina" or look at puertoconnection.com for the local bi-lingual news del sol

im in nov. hi freddy

Janie and I took the 1st class bus from Mex to PE last Jan. It cost approx. USD 120.00 and took 13 hrs.( They said 10). However I felt very safe as they checked us over very well and had to clear security similar to that of boarding an aircraft. Unlike ten ywars ago when mybud Clint and I were robbed at gunpoint when the entire bus was busjacked! Even on this trip the bus driver stopped and waited for another one before continuing on the coastal highway from Pinotepa Nacional. On the way back to Mex City we bussed from PE to ACA, then 1st class to Cuernavaca, where we switched to another 1st class bus directly to the airport. It just worked out better that way to meet our JAL flight back to Van., BC. I recommend using the Metro(subway) to the south bus station. Save 40 bucks taxi ride and is quicker too. Any other info I can provide , let me know, Don

When Janie and I first got to PE this year we went first to the place where I've been going for some 15 years, the cabanas at Aldea Marinera. Unfortunately they have put up asolid brick wall at the back and so there is no breeze there like before. So we decided to rent a cabana right on the beach. First we went to Villa Zihuaraya, where we had agood cold Dos Equis. I was some what surprised that Patrona Gabriella charged us 2 bucks each, but Oh Well! We then started to negotiate for 5 weeks stay. We finally agreed on one of the cabanas on top of the restaurant for three hundred Can. equivelant. So we went back to Aldea Marinero and got our bags(one suitcase was loaned to us because it had wheels) and when we got back and she saw our fancy suitcase, the rent upped to 500 Can. Boy! Was I cheesed off! I had to go for a run down the beach to cool off. On the way back tho, I went to Cabanas del Puerto which is just across from Villa Zihuarayo and got my original deal. And beer is still a buck! Viva Mexico! Needless to say we had a heck of a good time as I always do in PE. It's like a home away from home. Our host, Saul, is aalways most helpful, even as to going to Juatulco to pick up or drop passengers at the airport, for small tip , of course! Thats the Mexico I Love!

What are the nearest medical facilities in or near P.E? Hospital? Clinic? Preferably English speaking. Thanks.

Hi Dave, Hope all is well in Puerto. Let's not forget Jeffe's sunday BBQ ribs at Art and Harry's. For Puerto, or any other place other than Texas, I must say, they're pretty darn good. I hope to see everyone down there this coming winter, including Diger, Crow, Al and all the other good hearted people who add flavor and good laughs to a wonderful place. I'm stuck in Miami, but hope to get down in dec. Look for Flytini's to go off. Tony

hey ya Skippy...What's goin' on......I'm dyen ove hea....can't wait to get my ass back to the real world....Puerto is the @!#$....all the good people minus the red tape and beauracracy I'm so accustomed and molded to. I light of recent tragedies, I hope Puerto has a successful year. Getting back on everyone's feet, curing the ailing Mex. flights into Puerto, and generally trying to coax foreign travelers to come would help it's fragile economy. Art and Harry's is a great spot, and Flytini's night club will see its grand opening coming soon. To all the locals, I wish you well and hope to see you in the coming months. Un sueno posible... Keep surfing....... Tony Houseman

Hi, We're a Canadian family with 2 kids aged 6 and 8. We're heading down to PE in January as part of a 3 month Mexican adventure and are very excited about spending an extended time in PE for the month of January. Would anyone be able to suggest a reasonable place for us to settle in to for that time. Our daughters are extremely well behaved and are curious and appreciative of new experiences. My husband and I are both teachers on leave. Another query - we are planning to tow our tent trailer down the west coast as far as PE, although we don't plan on camping in PE. We're wondering about the coastal highway and weather we'll have any problems towing a trailer. It would be great to hear from anyone who's done the driving thing! Thanks for any help, Karen

Please check our site and let me know if we have anything you might be interested in. Let me know details of your requirements. www.puertoconnection.com I will be glad to send info and photos of any property on our site or try to find what you are looking for if we do not have it yet.

A tent trailer is a fine way to take your accommodations with you. I met a guy and his wife that did just that a few years ago and they had no problems except one. They had to have the axle area reinforced a couple of times while traveling. It was an easy thing to to down in Mexico because there are many many welders everywhere. I think that type of trailer can bounce and this would cause the problem over a long haul. I would say have some reinforcement done before you go and keep an eye on it while you travel. The roads can be "bumpy" and with a light trailer it can cause some problems but nothing that can't be delt with. Take your time driving. I'm sure Dave from the Puerto Connection can help you out with accommodations in Puerto Escondido. Have fun. Bill

Hello, I am renting a car in Mexico City and driving to PE. Staying one night in Oaxaca City to break up the drive. How safe is this drive and where can I get driving maps? Also, I've heard conflicting info as to how long this will take, any ideas?

AAA

Look at the Oaxaca web sites you can go to from the index on this site, Maria is especially helpful.

DON'T take the direct Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido route!!! You'd be better off going through Pochutla - or if anyone tends towards motion sickness, go Salina Cruz-Huatulco-Pochutla-PE. Guia Roji isn't nearly as good as the venerable old Pemex travel log was, but it is fairly up-to-date and readily available.

YES______MORE INFO __PLEASE

SEND DATA---PLEASE

Have seen some listings---would like to see more before trip south---------

John I don't know when the last time you were on the direct route to Puerto but it has gotten better and as a matter of fact it was the only way a couple of years ago when the Pachutla route was washed out. It is paved virtually all the way. And the most important part is that in the town of Sola de Vega there is a restaurant that serves hand made! blue corn tortillas with your meal. As you can tell I dream about oaxacan food. I would say go by the tourist office in Oaxaca (city) and ask about both routes. Ask them to phone the bus station and ask them how the roads are. I do agree with you John that the Pachutla road is usually in better condition though. As the rainy season is just coming to an end is a good idea to check though. Bill

If you are going from Mexico City to P.E. it is much faster to go through Acupulco via the Auto-Pista then 5 hours on coast highway you are in Puerto. I drove it in one day but left Mexico City at 6:00 am and spent the next 11 hours driving. You could then go back through Oaxaca City on your return .

Through Acapulco is the way I go and I think it is the easiest but if you want to see Oaxaca (city) there is nothing wrong with that way. Auto-Pista all the way to Oaxaca then the mountains which is NOT Auto-Pista. It is a beautiful drive though. Bill

My son wants to visit Puerto for graduation. He is a boarder and says it would be awesome. Our family visits Puerto Vallarta every year. I have read about safety issues. How safe are we in Puerto Escindido??? Can we take a family vaca and have fun? Where do we fly in? The best place to stay? Is the night not very safe? Give us a clue :-) We plan on June 2002.

We have a lot of additional info on our site. Please take a look if you are interested. www.puertoconnection.com

I think Puerto Escondido is safe. Just take the normal precautions such as not walking on the beach in the dark, don't carry more money than you may need at that particular time, don't ware fancy jewelry, and there will be no problem. Common sense goes a long way.Would you do any different in Puerto Vallarta?You will have fun. There is plenty to do. One place to find things is at the tourist kiosk at the west end of the Adoquin (tourist street downtown) and talk to Gina. She would be able to fill you in on a plethora of things to do. There are many different types of places to stay. For a good list of places puertoconnection.com is loaded and Dave will set you up with what you need. Puerto has an "international airport" and Huatulco is about an hour and a half away. Both are used to get to and from Puerto Escondido. Bill

we want to stay in Puerto Escondido Feb. and March and need a two bedroom house or condo to rent. any suggestions? thanks. Bobbye

Margaret, Unfortunately we do not have a hospital yet in Puerto Escondido; however, there are several clinics in the area. You can find an occasional doctor speaking English but, on the whole, the staff at the clinics speak Spanish. If you do have an emergency and need help, please call me or any of the people on the International Friends of Pto. Escondido's Emergency Response Team and we'll be more than willing to help translate and make sure that you're in good hands. For a list of our phone numbers and names, look under Misc. at www.tomzap.com. Our services are free and most of the people listed on our team have lived in Puerto for a long time and understand what needs to be done in emergency situations. We have a list of local doctors, their specialties, and their ability to speak English available. We also have lists of air and land ambulance services and hospitals in Oaxaca and Pochutla if necessary. So please let us know if you need help! Adios, Vicki Cole

Can anyone recommend a good restaurant for lunch overlooking a beach and not too far from the bus station; Thank you Wendy

Hello, does anyone know if there is any gay nightlife in Puerto.

if you have not already done so, have a look at www.mabrealty.com . I am in Puerto now, due back home to my own computer about Oct 23. If you have specific questions, try to use the e mail address on the website, or e mail me after Oct 23.

Non-smoking 50 year old male from Southern Ontario looking to share driving to PE. Excellent driving record many years experince. Contact me at: johnsparling101@home.com

no homo's in puerto...try thailand

I have never visited Mexico and want to visit Puerto. Has anyone stayed or heard anything about Paraiso Escondido Hotel. Any recomendations about Oaxaca hotels would also be greatly appreciated

Dont be so intolerant and offensive; OK

www.puertoconnection.com Check the events calendar updated daily to stay on top of things happening during your visit to Puerto.

The Paraiso Escondido is a pretty hotel. I have never stayed there, but have been in to see the grounds. It has a nice pool. It is located up a flight of stairs from the bank. It is slightly outside the Adoquin, about a quarter of a mile. There is a flight of stairs next to the hotel that leads past the cockfights and to the crossroads. Note that any flight of stairs in Puerto becomes a public urinal at sunset. I have never been in that area after dark, but I go by there almost daily on my way to the market, and it seems OK. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to the beach. It is closer to town than the rest of the tourist hotels, if you're interested in the "Mexican" part of Puerto. If you want to be nearer to the beach, the Santa Fe is probably a better bet, at about the same price. Although I enjoy going into town and looking in the market stalls and hardware stores, it's not for everybody. In Oaxaca, I've stayed at Los Golindrinas a couple of times and found it to be excellent. A really intimate setting, you won't believe the courtyard after looking at the hotel from the street. The last time I was there I stayed at the Hotel Parador San Andres. It's about 2 blocks from the Zocalo, a bit noisier than Las Golindrinas, has only 6 rooms. I think they're both about 400 pesos.

There may be Maricones in PE but they are way in the back of the closet. It's a rough place at the best of times and for your type could easily end up being 'the end of the line'. There are no Gay Clubs as such and never will be-this I gaurantee!

email me .grad. is a great time.what time of year in PS im a 16 yr vet .of pesc.will tell you were to stay.by the way i ran a restaunt in PV in 1981.

not to worry P.E has somthing for every body.does EL GATO remember BRUNO from france?he would stand on a table and kick you sorry ass out of town.you can email me any time...I dont hide from any one....ps my brother is gay and i stand BEHIND him..lol..and he is still my brother.PS got 16 years in a row in P.E the real people in porto dont realy care neil

honestlink@aol.com send you red neck coments to me.see you in dec.again alls welcome.

I have heard about your fair city and I am looking for a winter refuge. I wonder if you know the contact # for ArcoIrirs which has been recommended to me- I am hoping to paint and have a peaceful stay- Regards Isis

www.puertoconnection.com can take care of everything

Ok people, This is ridiculus.There are many, many homosexuals from, living and visiting Puerto.No there are no gay night clubs or bars in Puerto but to go one step further there are a few drag queens parading around without shame(ie: Nelly ) I have been to el Tubo on many a night and danced with several of the town queens.Puerto is machisimo but where in Mexico isn't. DO NOT let someone's ignorant opion ruin your holiday plans. You will be fine, Puerto has somthing for everyone.Just be careful and use good judgment and that goes for all. I have seen more loudmouth gringo's get into trouble when visiting Baca Loca or their freindly neigourhood dealer than anyone else.Trust me! Oh and Bruno is from Quebec. Anna

Is Telmex or anyone else providing internet services for local homes? If so, what does the ISP charge on average for this service? Thanks for taking the time to let me hear from you. Bruce Miller Earle ingbme@hotmail.com

Hi, I have prodigy internet from Telmex here in Puerto for my business, Puerto Connection (www.puertoconnection.com) and it is 199 pesos per month or you can pay 1000 pesos for a year. However, higher quality service is also offered by Armando from a different service with the same rates. He is located across from Ahorrara, the big grocery store. I highly recommend him over Telmex since you acutually get to talk to a person if you have problems. I only use Telmex because Armando cannot dedicate a modem to me as I stay online 24 hours a day. Thanks, Dave Crews Puerto Connection www.puertoconnection.com

Kris, I'm pleased to hear that someone else likes to visit the market and the hardware shops in Puerto. We sent some friends to Pueerto years ago and they were bored by the lack of "shopping". We spend most every day in town and at the market if only for an hour or two. See you amongst the lime squeezers and knock-off Braun razors.

Gilberto: I would like the same information requested by D.Kremer and Joanne!

your message is very informative. we are thinking of gong there in late january or early february. the only thing i need now is to find an airline! we are going from cleveland. do you have any info? i just thought maybe you would since you seem so versed on puerto escondido. thank you for any info you may provide.

how are you going? i am kind of in the same boat! from cleveland - we wanted to use continental miles, visa miles or american express miles - i am having a hard time finding flights? any suggestions? i hope that you find the answer you are looking for also! thanks again. lisa

what about topless? just being curious!

what about safety? locks? safety boxes? or am i just a worry wort?

we have never been this far south either! hopefully you can help me! i need info on what airport to fly into - i as told to fly into PXM - but now am finding out to fly into HVX - which is correct if you know - we are from cleveland - and how did you get from airport to hotel? what hotels looked nice? which restaurants did you like or very much dislike? any info and help you could provide would be great! thanks!

Puerto Escondido is a good deal more "rough-edged" than Vallarta, which is a long-established resort area for moneyed foreign tourists. PE also is a resort area, but is much less oriented toward the moneyed crowd. It is distinctly more "bohemian" than mainstream resort areas like PV, but that of course is part of its charm. A typical American who's accustomed to vacationing at more upscale places like PV would probably find PE a little shabby or ragged-looking by comparison, at least at first. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful place to visit. It's a medium-sized coastal city where working people are making a living, with a medium-sized tourism business. Because tourism there isn't nearly as big as at places like PV, the government hasn't invested the same effort to make the place comfortable and safe for tourists who want or are used to having things be just like at home. You won't find PE as "family oriented" as PV (at least for Americans -- although vacationing Mexican families certainly seem to love it). But it has some very nice hotels and restauraunts. I've been there three times. Before my first visit I was a little concerned about safety; but I've never had any problem, and I found that some of the warnings I'd heard before my first visit (1997) were from an earlier time when PE was farther "off the track" than now. I wouldn't call it particularly unsafe. As mentioned earlier, a little common sense is all you need; don't walk on dark beaches at night, and if you are in doubt about your surroundings just stick near others. Your son is right, surfing there can be awesome, it's a world-class surfing destination. He'll find plenty of compadres to hang with.

Quisiera que alguien me hechara la mano estoy organizando un viaje para un grupo de 10 veinteañeros quieren lo mejor de puerto escondido, un hotel con playa lo que no se es en que bahia o en que playa esta mejor el ambiente y que hotel me recomiendan. muchas gracias por su ayuda Gabriel

there goes El Gato again! seems to me he's got be forthright on commenting about not liking gay's because he himself is gay but still in the closet and repressed! That's alright baby gato, you'll come round.....no pun intended. P.S. You should change your name to "el puto".....

I have been unable to find an email address for Grupo Estrella Blanco. There is one for Baha, but I cannot find the one who would serve P.E. from Mexico City. I took a first class overnight bus from P.E. to Mexico City in February and found it tolerable, and was wondering if their Ejectivo service was available in the late afternoon or early evening from Mexico City. Anyone out there who can shed some light on this subject?

The last time I did that trip there was only one first class bus that left somewhere around 6:00pm or 7:00pm. I took a Primera Clase to Acapulco at around 7:00am and then there was a Primera Clase that left Acapulco at around 4:00pm I think. I made the mistake of taking a 2nd class that left earlier and arrived in Puerto after the later 1st class. I hope this helps even though the times may not be exactly accurate. Puerto Bill

There goes El Gato Gordo trying to make friends again. He just can't seem to understand that people think he is a very unhappy person who likes to show his inner anger with life in unacceptable ways. At least it is nice to know who the bad people are so we don't have to guess. Bill

if you have Star Band (www.starband.com) internet service in the US you might try taking your satellite dish to puerto as i ve been told it would work. You probably had to orientate the dish properly but other than that that would be a great option* for a speedy mostly fail safe internet connection in beautiful puerto *as compared to a modem, it obviously no better than a cable or dsl link rene mendoza

So I guess the nearest airport is Huatulco but how far away is it, how much by taxi and/or bus. Are flights the standard $600 +/- like Manzanillo. And finally, how is Puerto without reservations in Feb. I just want so surf to play in this year .... or I would return to Melaque

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Its a very long drive. I have only used the acapulco way. The highway from mexico city to acapulco is known as 'autopista del sol' and is a world class quality very safe speed way. from acapulco to puerto the road leaves a lot to be desired as compared to autopista del sol because it has lots of curves and its only 1 lane in each direction. it is 100% paved but its not as good as autopistas even worse depending on road conditions you might encounter that sometiems there is a lot of traffic in the road. (this happens when small parts of the road are destroyed by events like flooding , hurricanes and then are open to the public) This is the part when you might have issues about safety (its extremely unlikely) this is where people have reported about robbery or retenes The robbers are known to put trees, large rocks or other obstacles in the road in the ending of a curve segment. when the car stops to avoid the obstacle robbers appear and steal things from people at gun point.* retenes are like check points by the army or federal police. this are harmless and its purpose is to check for drugs. families traveling (mexican or otherwise) usually go unchecked. on the other suspious looking individuals (.) and their vehicles are carefully checked. The average gringo probably wont have any problem at any of this checkpoints and will not be bothered *about robbery to car drivers: i havent witnessed any of this nor i known anybody who has. however this is exactly the technique used by bandidos to attack coach buses it happened to me in a 1st class bus going from puerto to mexico details available upon request as this does not have anything to do with the topic of your post. rene mendoza

Here is the website of Cristobal Colon. Cristobal Colon is a brand by Grupo ADO who is the second largest bus network in the country. They have a website with an online thingie to check schedules and pricing www.cristobalcolon.com.mx (click on 'horarios y precios') or http://www.ticketbus.com.mx/ and here is the link to Grupo Estrella Blanca whichis the largest bus network in mexico, http://www.grupoestrellablanca.com.mx their website is a lousy one and is of little use. the good thing about it is that lists their phone numbers so you can give them a call rene mendoza

have two nice rooms for rent near some of the best shore fishing on the oaxacan coast. if you desire fresh water fishing there is a large lagoon nearby. you do not have to spend your entire vacation money to catch great fish. we can even grill the fish for dinner outside on our patio after returning. all these services are very reasonable when compared to the prices you have to pay to go out on a boat. just give us an email and we can prepare a complete vacation package for you....thanks much and come enjoy puerto escondido

Just found this site, hope you guys can help. I am planning to drive from Mexico City (specifically Toluca) to Oaxaca. How long will it take, and what is the best route. Then, for a day trip from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, how long will that take and the best route. I will have my own rental car by the way. Also, in PE, are there any Scuba day trips. If so, any email or tel numbers would be welcomed. Comments also about the dive. thanks

Jay.....re:hotels in Oaxaca.......have been to Oaxaca 5 - 6 times in the last dozen years......best place I've stayed was Las Bugambilias.......it is a little more expensive than other perfectly acceptable places........depends on your travel budget. Re: Paraiso Escondido...........was the first hotel I stayed at on my first trip to the Oaxacan coast about 12 years ago.......have stayed there only once on subsequent trips........nice place but is a little bit of a walk down to the beach .....not too bad in the morning going downhill but a little more effort required going back after a day in the sun and several cervezas. Have stayed at the Flor de Maria the last few trips to PE but not sure about it now due to change in ownership......could still be fine but you never know. Kris' recommendation, the Santa Fe, is a nice place and a great location......haven't stayed there for awhile but it used to be considerably more expensive than other places (but worth it if it fits your budget)

Lisa: Have you looked at using your "miles" to get to Mexico City or Oaxaca and then purchasing a roundtrip between that city and PE? The airfare between either of those two cities and PE is usually pretty reasonable. That's the way I usually get there. My recommendation would be to try to route thru Oaxaca because if the flight schedules/connections don't allow for same-day travel to PE you'll have to spend the night in your "connection" city and I'd personally rather spend that night in Oaxaca than in Mexico City.

Yep, nearest airport is Huatulco. It's about an hour and a quarter by taxi, or a couple of hours by bus (1st class with a stop in Pochutla). In March 2001 we easily got a taxi in Las Crucecitas to Puerto for 400 pesos; if you take an aiport cab you'll pay maybe triple that. I've flown one-week charter flights from Minneapolis (no longer available) and Chicago for between $149 and $400. Reservations in Feb not needed, there'll be plenty of vacancies.

It's about a 6-7 hour drive from Oaxaca to P.E., so you would be hard pressed to drive there and back in a day, let alone go scuba diving. You would be better off planning to spend three or four days in P.E. I haven't seen anyone scuba diving in P.E. Huatulco is probably a better choice. There are numerous postings on that page.

Lyn From Toronto you can probably get a fairly cheap charter to Acapulco. If you have the time, the savings from a direct flight would more than likely offset the cost of an overland trip to Huatulco. Its an easy bus ride via PE from there. If memory serves we took the Estella Blanco bus to PE in 1999, it was about 3-4 hours. The road is fine, with a few rough spots and a few great ocean vistas. You can get another bus to Huatulco from there, about another two hours I think. However, don't skip Acapulco entirely, its got some interesting things to do, see and eat. There are several economical and pleasant hotels near the Acapulco bus depot in the Parque Papaguayo(sp?) district. These are typical of safe, clean and affordable hotels you find all over Mexico. We stayed in a hotel with a small courtyard and pool for 270 pesos/night in 1999. Staying over night would give you a chance to get your bearings, start to sweat and sample some great food, either near the zocalo in the old city or along the beach. I recommend Amigo Miguel's, either in the old town or in their palapa on the beach. Parque Papaguayo was a combination park/zoo/amusement park but was not fully functioning when we were there but your kids might like to wander through. Again consider staying overnight in PE before heading to Huatulco. Its cheaper than Huatulco in every way and the food is very good. Going back you should be able to time your arrival so you can get a taxi to the aiport right from the bus station in Acapulco. You'll like the entire southern Pacific coast. As for me I'm off to the Yucatan in February.

Don't laugh, but on the map the distance between these two towns is about 150 miles. WHy am I hearing that it is a 7 hour drive. Are the roads that bad?

Yes

Windy, mountains, windy, some dirt, windy, buses. Yes it takes 5-7 hours depending on pee breaks, food, rest, buses, slow trucks and raod conditions. If you try to do it faster you will only become frustrated. Puerto Bill

Am I missing something here? There is an airport right in Puerto. Actually has been upgraded to International. Usually only flights from DF or Oaxaca. Would be nice if they would start some charters but from what I remember in the past sixteen years of traveling to PE that happened only one year.

My understanding was that the PE airport was only regional. If it's upgraded now, that's good. Myself, I prefer to go without connecting in Mexico, which mostly means charters to Huatulco.

Yeah ... I feel the same about going thru DF and would rather bus up from Huatulco even if I have to overnight there. Busing is a great way to see the country anyway and I've never been down there.

PE aeropuerto was upgraded to intl. several years ago.....only hassle is no direct flights (that I know of) from US.....must connect thru DF or Oaxaca (and most transport from OAX is via small aircraft which is kinda fun if somewhat risky...but so is driving/bus service in MX)

hi is there a place in puerto where a beginner can surf? i have tried Marinero. lots of fun with a body board but i dont think its any use for a surf board. one of the life guards offered me surfing lessons and whe went to punta zicatela. it is nice but the currents are very strong and the water is a little too hollow for me. i was pretty safe with the lifeguard guy i guess but id like to go to a place that is shallower and with calmer waters so my buddies and i could go by ourselves some people pointed me to carrizalillo but when i was there in aug 2000 a guy from chicago named kieth told me the surf was very flat, not even 1ft. (in comparison marinero surf was much bigger) there is also bachoco but i dont remember a lot about it since i only went there for a couple of hours on my very first trip. after reading all my rants which do you think would be a good place in Puerto or near puerto for a beginner to surf (long board/surfboard) and how much should i expect to pay for a used beaten surfboard/longboard also there is this surf camp in Salina Cruz Oax. i was wondering if anybody has information on how long the trip by bus is from Puerto to Salina Cruz or from Oaxaca City to Salina Cruz thanks guys rene mendoza

i forgot. im going november 15-30. so please sendme your tips taking in account that. btw i got a place in puerto is not super fancy nor is that close to the beach but if one of my friends who are going to puerto bails then somebody who might need a place to crash might find it useful.

Answer to your first question is YES. But as to which beach or which area of Zicatela, that depends on the conditions at the time. End of November is the transition time from the larger surf of summer to the smaller surf of the winter months. La Punta is often the best bet, but sometimes Carrizalillo is perfect for "beginners". i have never experienced bad currents at La Punta, but I've only been there in Dec and Jan. Have a look at www.centralsurfshop.com , especially the "surfing lessons" link. There are a series of pictures of "beginner" waves at La Punta, in December. Rene Salinas at the Zicatela Central Surf store teaches surfing lessons - he can direct you to the best beach for the daily local conditions. They rent various sized boards for $10/day. Many palapas along Zicatela sell used boards, as do MexPipe and Central Surf. I've seen them anywhere from $90(beat up) to $250(good shape). (I don't surf myself, but my daughters do and I know the folks at Central Surf well...)

by the way, there are pictures of all of Puerto Escondido's beaches, including aerials, at http://www.mexico-condo.com/Beaches.htm

Gary - I've been driving variations of this route - Ontario, Canada - Puerto Escondido Oax for 14 years. Toluca - Mexico City - Oaxaca is all 4 lanes or better, approx. 8 hours. Once past Puebla traffic diminishes and the new autopista crosses incredible cactus forest canyons, with reduced traffic all the way to Oaxaca City. From Oaxaca to Puerto is 7 hr rushed, more to stop and enjoy the incredible vistas of San Jose del Pacifico and Candelaria. The highway peaks at 8,400' in mature pine forests of San Jose, then descends through lush tropical evergreen forest and cloud forest remnants, arriving at the tropical deciduous forest of the coastal plain. Puerto is then ~ 1 hr west along the coasstal plain. The Dive Master in Puetro is George Bravo, who has operated "Aventura Submarina" for 10 years or so, from his shop at the west end of the Adoquin, across from Gina's state tourism office complex. His clients have spoken to me of diving great vertical walls, and the reefs offshore from Bacocho. I've seen manta rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and incredible tropical fish justt from s from snorkeling.

Gary - I've been driving variations of this route - Ontario, Canada - Puerto Escondido Oax for 14 years. Toluca - Mexico City - Oaxaca is all 4 lanes or better, approx. 8 hours. Once past Puebla traffic diminishes and the new autopista crosses incredible cactus forest canyons, with reduced traffic all the way to Oaxaca City. From Oaxaca to Puerto is 7 hr rushed, more to stop and enjoy the incredible vistas of San Jose del Pacifico and Candelaria. The highway peaks at 8,400' in mature pine forests of San Jose, then descends through lush tropical evergreen forest and cloud forest remnants, arriving at the tropical deciduous forest of the coastal plain. Puerto is then ~ 1 hr west along the coastal plain. The Dive Master in Puerto is George Bravo, who has operated "Aventura Submarina" for 10 years or so, from his shop at the west end of the Adoquin, across from Gina's state tourism office complex. His trips are best booked from being on site there. His clients have spoken highly to me of diving great vertical walls, and the reefs offshore from Baccocho. I've seen manta rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and incredible tropical fish just from snorkelling these beaches. Apparently grouper and dolphin are often observed as well on his dives. Puerto is worth the extra effort to get to for the wealth of natural beauty it offers.... Michael Malone Hidden Voyages Ecotours Turismo Dimar Pto. Escondido

Great to hear from you Michael. I assume that you will be heading south soon. I highly recommend Michael's lagoon tours. Nobody will be disappointed. He is so full of info that it is as good as any collage course. He really knows his stuff and is so happy to share it. Have a good year Michael. Puerto Bill

non-smoking 52 year old female may be interested in driving to pelives in denver--need more details

Mike Are you there. Hello from Australia. Bet on Freemason in the Melbourne Cup. Mick Taylor

HI IAM PLANING A TRIP TO PE IN MID NOV. HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE HACIENTA REVOLUTION. IS THAT A GOOD PLACE. HAVE ANY BEEN THERE ??? RGDS ANDERS

What is the best way to travel from Toluca (40 miles from Mexico City) to Oaxaca. I am interested in buses or traines, first class. What bus lines do you recommend and where are the points of departure from Mexico City. Any idea if there is a seperate bus service for Toluca to Mexico City.

should try Oaxaca forums or MexicoConnect's "on the road" http://www.simplymexico.com/forums/index.php?f=11&custom=mexconnect http://www.mexconnect.com/forocalle/

I'm not familiar with Toluca, but ADO seems to be the biggest bus line south of D.F. They own Cristobal Colon, a very good bus line. If you do a search for Cristobal Colon, I think you get to a site with all of their lines. If that doesn't help, try going to Lonely Planet Thorn Tree. Ask the question on the Mexico forum, and you'll get the information you want and a bunch of flamers.

I went to pe last year, and as a mexican I recomend the hotel inez, it is in zicatela, in Puerto escondido, just in front of the beach, a 10 minute ride from all of the "nightclubs", bars, there... it is owned by a german lady named Inez, who is married to a gorgeous italinan... lorenzo.... but well, i guess you don't care about that. it is cheap, nice, it has a swimingpool, it has nice rooms, and well, very well located. there is a place to eat very near by, 5 min walk.. I really recomend it. have fun!! and go to the Bar Fly, it is a bar... and at night go to the sea and see the little flurecent lights that are in the water, its some weird phenomenon that happens there but nobody realy knows about it, or at least i have not found anybody who has seen it.... more questions, email me! bye

Eglantina Unit No. 4. Please see the website http://mailweb.pue.udlap.mx/~sobczyk/eg4.html for more information and prices.

We're a Canadian couple wanting to flee the cold, move to Puerto and buy a business. We had originally thought of a small bar but would be interested in other suggestions, i.e. a small restaurant, hotel, book store. Or perhaps people reading this forum have ideas as to what kind of service is missing in town that we could provide. We're planning to travel to Puerto in the next few weeks but would like to do some research before we get there. Any ideas would be most welcome! Regards, Sandra

Just to reply to Mike (Hi, Mike and Joan), anyway, have just heard yesterday that the highway from Oaxaca going through San Pedro/Juquila/San Gabriel instead of Pochutla is in much better condition. They have been working on it all summer and have done nothing on the Oaxaca-Pochutla highway. Also don't know when you're planning on driving down but the town of Santa Elena has been having roadblocks this past week because of political problems and they're creating delays of 5-6 hours. At this point, there's no end in sight to the roadblock situation. ( Santa Elena is a small town about 40 kilometers south of Puerto.) Hope this helps with travel plans. Vicki

I was in Puerto Escondido Oct 3-18, travelling through Anchorage, Seattle, San Francisco, Mexico City to get there and back. No airport delays in US at all, although you did have to show picture ID three times to board plane, and they carefully checked name on ticket with ID with face. Most airlines only allowing one carry-on, plus a small purse, briefcase, or laptop(laptop must be scanned outside of case, by itself). At least 3 armed National Guardsmen and/or Customs officers at all US airport security scan areas, but no delays, at least to me. Only difference in Mexican part of route was that Aerocaribe/Mexicana would not accept luggage checked at Puerto Escondido all the way through to San Francisco - you had to reclaim it at Mexico City, and re-check it for flight to San Francisco. At Mexico City, bags (including checked luggage)were opened and searched. This did add a good 1/2+ hour to the process, and I almost missed the connecting flight. Two changes to Puerto Escondido: the Adoquin was in the process of being re-paved with approx 10" octagonal blocks. Workers had completed less that 10% of route(the remainder was torn up down to dirt/sand), but it's supposed to be completed in November. Also, the main road from Bacocho past Av. de Oaxaca and into the Zicatela/Sante Fe turn-off was being widened to 4 lanes, by cutting into the hillside to the north. A new bridge to accomodate the 4 lanes over the river before the Zicatela turn-off is included. Workers made a lot of progress in the 2 weeks that I was there. I took an accurate thermometer to Manzanillo - the ocean water temp was a very warm 87.5 F(30.8 C). Daytime highs were a consistent 87F(30.5C), night time lows were 81F(27.2C). Most if not all local folks are concerned about the effects on tourism from the Sept 11 events. I am sure there will be an effect, but to what extent is unpredictable. These are approximate numbers, but last Sept and Oct this "Visitor's Comments" site was getting about 1-3 new posts per day, maybe even more. I checked a period in October this year, and I think there were 11 posts in 16 days... I didn't talk to any hotel people in Puerto Escondido, so I don't have a feel for any possible drop off in bookings and/or cancellations. October is the "low" tourist season to begin with, but there was no noticeable difference to me in the number of "tourists" in Puerto Escondido this October as compared to last October, when I was there also. Finally, the coctel de camerone grande(large shrimp conctail), about 60p($6.60 USD), at Los Tios restaurant is an awesome taste treat! Los Tios is on Zicatela, across from and a bit beyond Cafecito. For lots of information on Puerto Escondido, including the only place where you will find quality pictures, including aerials, of all of Puerto Escondido's beaches, have a look at www.mexico-condo.com. I'm not "pushing" the condo via this post, just trying to share quality pictures of the area... This will conflict with New York Mayor Rudi Gulliani's request for us all to get our lives back to "normal" and come to NYC and spend money, but Puerto Escondido needs your money also... Puerto Escondido is still a great travel destination!

I have tried your web site many times and cannot connect to it.

great report felt like i was eating shrimp at los tios,the bridge is good.never liked walking over it as i do daily when going to town.hope they leave some room for me on the side.whats the price of a beer?meals aprox?...i really dont care cause im goin any way,as i have the past 17 or so years.dennis tell us more about your time in PE.also did you fly from mex city?apox $?need more ......take care and thank you .

It has always been a bit of a challenge to get to Puerto. I find it difficult to believe that there has never been a consistant weekly winter charter to PE from Vancouver, Seattle or Portland. I live in Vancouver and have been going to Puerto Escondido since the late 70's as a teenager and almost every winter in more recent years. There is a strong affinity of PNW people to the Oaxacan coast. They always have a considerable prescence there and I think it would be a 'no brainer' for some tourist operater to connect the two regions a bit better. Last year we spent a couple of nights each in DF and in Oaxaca on the way to PE but had to connect in LA. It was a great tript except I'd rather not have to do LA airport ever again if possible. I've arrived in PE many different ways, taken Vancouver charters to Acapulco and Hualtulco and car or bus to PE. One year, not too long ago I took a Vancouver charter straight to PE before it was international (so we quickly cleared customs in Mazatlan). That was great and not too expensive. I've driven from Canada a couple of times (it is a great road trip if you have the time). This year we just want to get there as quickly and inexpensively as possible without lousy connections and it is looking as grim as usual. The best bet, advertized in the Vancouver Sun, though I don't know anything about details is Canada 3000 air only Vancouver to Acapulco for $699.00. Not bad and the Estrella Blanca bus lines to PE is pretty good. I hear Signature Vacations may have a charter from Vancouver to Hualtulco coming up this winter. That could be good if they offer a reasonable air only price and there aren't too many stops. What would it take to make a weekly charter to PE work? Like one originating in Vancouver with a stop in Portland or Seattle then all the way to PE? 100 people per week for 3 months? I think this travel conscious region of several million people could support a multipackage charter to Puerto (and Huatulco).

Meal prices at restaurants haven't changed much in the 4 years we have been going to Puerto Escondido. You can get a great dinner with 2-3 drinks for less than $8 USD - at more/most expensive places maybe same for $12 USD. Cerveza prices also the same - 5.5 p to 9.5p at stores, 10-15p at restaurants, depending on brand - I like Negro Modela: 9.5p in stores, not too much more than Corona in restaurants. Great breakfasts, more than many of us can eat, burried in fresh fruit, are 25p($2.70 USD) Exchange rate while I was there started out 9.4p/USD at on Oct 4 to 9.1p/USD at Oct 18. We always use Gene at Vista World Travel for reservations/logistics: http://www.tomzap.com/vista.html - never bothered to compare prices but service is great when flights are changed, etc. On Mexicana, I paid $611 USD from San Francisco to Mexico City to Puerto Escondido(last leg via Aerocaribe DC-9 jet), round trip. All flights on time. (When you see advertised airfares, keep in mind they probably don't include taxes, which can add lots of $$ to prices.) For upcoming Dec 12 trip I am paying $676 for same route, reservations made/paid in July. I wouldn't be surprised if current prices for Dec are $800+ - Mexicana really jacks up prices during Dec. Mid Oct. made reservations Columbus-Atlanta-Mexico City-Puerto Escondido and return, Delta/Mexicana for $883 USD. For reservations made in July for Dec travel, we have had several changes already due to Sept 11 events. This is where a competent agent is invaluable, and well worth possibly extra $$ For those who need to stay "connected" lots of Internet cafes throughout Puerto Escondido. Prices have come down to 10p/hour(about $1.10 USD) - last Dec they were 40p/hr - Prodigy via TelMex has come to Puerto Escondido, and prices have dropped(although they might spike up again during Dec). We love the Puerto Escondido area, go there with 12 and 15 year-old daughters, feel completely "safe", etc. Some of the most honest, caring, fine people I've met have been "locals" from Puerto Escondido. As John M. Williams constantly brings up on his posts in the Hualtulco "Visitors Comments" section, a great experience is awaiting anybody who ventures out into the local community. Walk Av. de Oaxaca, out of the "typical" tourist area, meet new people(you don't need to be fluent in Spanish), etc. See how the "locals" live, try to learn to appreciate their lives/attitudes, and your lives will be more meaningful as a result... I'm a pilot in Alaska, don't do much flying in Dec-Jan due to dark and cold, have "vacationed" for 30+ years in mostly Hawaii and occasionally Caribbean islands, and have "settled" on Puerto Escondido. Got tired of too much blatant commercialism in Hawaii and Caribbean. No high-rises in Puerto Escondido(zoning limit of 3 stories), no major brand hotels(although the Posada Real is a Best Western), population about 45,000. It's not for everybody, but it's a great place for me and our family...

Vicki, tell us more about the Santa Elena fiasco. 5-6 hours? Sounds like a verrrry long time for a 2 taxi town. What more do you know as this is the only road down to Puerto Angel and those places. I for one am very interested. Maybe make a new post about this subject. Thanks, Puerto Bill

Just a quick reminder before upcoming new tourist season in Puerto Escondido. I won't bother anyone with the complete message on this board, but for those who wish to read the full details, please go to: http://ca.geocities.com/gmigneault/

Dear Gerard, Your persistance to undermine Flor Marquez is evil. By all accounts from ALL your neighbours while you were at Villas Bacocho, their stories are TOTALLY different from yours. This harmful and false public slander of that poor woman is inexcusable. I resisted responding to your initial attacks because Visitor's Comments is NOT intended to be a public court and I thought I could just leave it alone and you would go away. But your ongoing attack has led me to HAVE to say something here. I want everyone who reads your posts to know: THERE IS ANOTHER SIDE TO THE STORY I am not going into details because it is not my story to tell and I don't want to incriminate anyone. Not even you. I am very familiar with Villas Bacocho and know that Flor runs her villas the best she can. She is a generous person with a big heart and will bend backwards to help people. She would never intentionally do anything to inconvenience any of her guests. It is unfortunate that your perception of the situation is so negative. She does not deserve the awful slander you are bringing upon her and her livelihood. I can only suggest if you need to find someone to slander, at least pick on someone who deserves it. Please leave Flor alone. Sincerely, Bruce

We are two travelling seniors who have to overnight in Mexico city December 13th on the way to P.E. Anybody know a suitable reasonably priced hotel, preferably not an expensive taxi ride from the airport. ???

Puerto Bill, Hate to speculate and say how long this roadblock thing will last in St. Elena as you never know here. It could be over tomorrow. At this point the road has been blocked for the last week. They allow cars to pass for 20 minutes every 5-6 hours. This type of blockade is quite common here on the coastal highway especially now with local elections taking place. Apparently the town of Sta. ELena is upset with the Oaxacan government over something it claims the govt. did or didn't do so to draw attention to their plight, they block the highway. They claim that they're going to continue the blockage indefinitely until their needs are met. Who knows? and if you ask the Highway Patrol about whether the intersection is blocked or not, they'll always tell you it's not blocked and then upon arrival, there you sit. Given past experience, they usually will resolve the blockage within the next few weeks. Just to be on the safe side, come through Oaxaca or just plan to sit a few hours on the highway. There's always the chance that some entreprising farmer will open up a route through his cornfield and charge cars $50 pesos to go around the blockade. Bien suerte! Vicki

our family is in the same situation - we opted for the Hilton, right inside the airport building itself, $165/night for 2 double beds. There is a Marriott that's connected to the airport building by a short walkway - don't know the $$

Trate Aeropuerto Plaza wich is very near from the airport and they have a free shutle bus. If you want to make a reservattion ask for the FIESTA REWARDS rate or week end rate is better. TEL 01 5 7858522 This hotel has a very good restaurant also and very good service. another opttion (les quiality better rate) is JR PLAZA but I don´t know the phone number. saludos

Thanks Vicki. Mexicans are so resorcefull at getting things done one way or another. It also sounds like a good place to set up a tamale stand. Puerto Bill

i have sayed at a place called the Hotel Riazor on viaducto miguel aleman many times on my way to P.E. It's not too far from the airport, The rooms are nice and there is a nice restaurant as well. Also the rooms are very reasonable and acceptable by anyones standards.

I stay at the Riazor also on my way through to PE every year. Excellant place. Last year ticket at taxi stand at Airport was 70Pesos. They have their own taxi service at the hotel if you want to go anywhere. Have always felt welcome and safe there (solo female traveler) . Nice rooftop area with pool, if you get stuck for a day. Great lounge(nightclub) too. The phone number is 011 525 726 9998. They usually can find someone who can help out in English on the desk. Whereever you decide, enjoy!

J: The fiestas start )3 nov The night of the ladys whi may be the quin of the Fiestas. 10 nov the election in los mangales location. 10 nov the moto cross race, first time for two days the finals are the 11Nov. the 16,17,18 nov the fishing tournament. 17, 18 The festival de la danza (dances from the indigenist areas near PE) The last day of the fishing we have sand figures countest.Bahia Principal> the last weekend the surfing tournament for more info Call my office (9)5820175. gina

Does the daily 11:30am Mexicana de Aviacion flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido generally depart on time or does it run late? And are their seats available for stand-by? My flight arrives in MEX at 11:15am and want to know if it is possible to get on this flight.

I don't think you will make it...it takes at least an hour to get through immigration and customs in mexico city. From what I have heard that flight is very unpredictable and even cancelled at times.

There is no need to worry about the new ownwers of Florde Maria. They are really nice people and the place seems to be better than before. Especially service in the dining room. It is a much friendlier place to go than it was.

Hmmm. I have no trouble connecting.

We have a flight in Feb. that leaves Mexico City at 2:20 PM goes Puerto via Oaxaca and Hualtulco. Arriving in Puerto at 6PM. I know it is a pain but at least it will get you to Puerto on the same day. All on Mexicana and aero caribe.

My husband & i are driving from Laredo, TX to Puerto Escondido. What's the best route to take? Also, are there any satellite providers in PE for 1 way internet connection? One more question, we were unable to obtain a fm3 visa from the consulate here in Austin, TX & are entering on a tourist visa, but want to bring some gym equipment, etc. with us that's not on the "list". Does anyone know what the taxes are like? We've been told very different stories. Thanks for your help! kerstin & Bob

Hi there, not only do we have a small hotel on the hill above Zicatela (Hotel Buena Vista) but on Jan 3rd > 10th Canadian Recording Artists Jack deKeyser and Peter Sabourin (SAB) will be in Pto for there annual working vacation and will be playing at the new 'SPLIT COCONUT' on Marinero beach. These are award winning blues acts and if you don't beleive me check out there respective web sites! Thanx, Paul

Right across the street is the Hotel Airporter with restaurant and transportation. It's p$400/night (I was there last week).

Saludos! Coming to PE with my esposa during month of Feb. I'm 71, my wife is 80 but you wouldn't know it to look at her! We both love Mexico.I am in tour biz and have done countless viajes to Mexico with groups. But phasing out now and perhaps 9.11 has something to do with it. Do not know Costa Esmeralda but want to check it out. Can you recommend anything that might fill the bill: (1) 3 or 4 star hotel or b/b..(2) Must have room with private bath as requested by my wife..(3) Not too many steps to climb..(4) On or near beach..(5) $50-60 per night range.. I speak Espanol fluently, former teacher in SFO Bay area. I very well understand Mexican culture and way of life and love both as does my Senora. So, any advise will be much appreciated. Muchas gracias y abrazos..Roberto

I drove from Huatulco in September and crossed the border at Loredo. I have made the trip 6 times and have tried several ways. The best roads are going thru Monterrey on to Mexico City, Acapulco, then down. It is freeway type toll roads as far as Acapulco. From there it is about an 8 hour drive on a 2 way highway. The toll from Mexico to Acapulco is expensive but the road is great. When you get to P.E. drive on down to Huatulco and check us out. Use care when driving thry Mexico City. Get a good map and stay on the bypass. Before you leave check with your consulate and find what days you can pass thru the City. They have a number system based on your license plates. Being out of the country does not exclude you. I know from experience. Pam, Bahias de Huatulco Language School and tours. www.huatulco-oaxaca-tours.com

Vicki or Bill I am going to PE this Dec. I intend to bus from MC to Oaxaca and then to PE, so your road information is valuable. The last time I drove 131 it was wild. I stayed on a river just south of PE where one forded the river to get to Angel. It was a tiny hamlet but great. I understand a bridge goes across the river now. I wonder if anyone knows the status of this small hamlet? It was referred to as La Barra then. R.

Bill, The last time I was in Puerto was 73. I am flying JAL from Van to DF. I intend to bus to Oaxaca and then PE. On the way back I am considering via Acapulco. Any advice or experience? JAL is more expensive but direct ($850). I Leave Dec 10. Discount airlines were not flying until closer to Xmas.

I want to reserve a hotel room in DF Dec 31. The Riazor sounds good. Does someone have a more exaxt address? I wish to see its location on map

I do the same as Pam mentioned except I DO NOT GO THRU MEXICO CITY. I go thru Toluca and then to Taxco and then to the toll road to Acapulco. I have heard tooo many bad stories about Mex City. Puerto Bill

How long ago were you there. La Barra (still small) is still there and there is a big bridge over a fairly large river. 131 is pretty good unless a recent storm has ruined it...again. Paved..... pretty much. Puerto Bill

Hey Zoe, I think Bob is spamming us. Will you tell him about the rules. Puerto Bill

Zoeeeeeeeeeee

http://www.puertoconnection.com/elsol_2001-11.html

Roymario, the address for the Riazor is Viaducto Miguel Aleman No. 297. Really, it is not more thenn15- 20 minute ride from the airport, and I am sure you would enjoy. I would book early for that date though!.

Does anybody have a contact in Puerto to arrange pick-up at Huatulco airport ... to be driven back to PE? Looking for a safe driver .... and would like to pay less than the high rate charged by taxis at the airport. Are cabs available outside the airport compound that may be cheaper that getting one right at the airport? And ... does anyone know of a rental in Puerto for mopeds of scooters?

Do u know how much Saul charges for the Huatulco - PE run?

Having read Elisa's commentary(preceding)I feared the very worst had befallen the Tabachin. Having stayed there myself on a number of occasions I was crestfallen. The Tabachin was my very favorite accomadations in P.E. The apartments are the equal of some I seen cost (literally) hundreds elsewhere. The views,the decor the service. I wondered if something had happened to the management or that perhaps it had been sold. It's difficult traveling alone. You feel so vulnerable at times. The tabachin and its staff had allways made me feel so cared for and very much a part of thier family, all the while without being obtrusive.The Tabacin had been the most health concious with the staff in constant cleaning mode. Apparently, my lttle place in the sun had come apart. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT that nothing could be further from the truth! I have just returned from Puerto and the Tabachin and all is well! The Place is as beautifull as ever. They continue to maintain and improve. The same caring and genuine staff. The same gorgeous apartments. The fantastic food and great breakfasts and the great attention to detail as well as the tight security I am not sure what this Elisa's agenda was. It's fairly apparent she is nursing some grudge. I cannot imagine what would cause a person to speak so bitterly and so untruthfully.I resent to some degree personally that she spoke the way she has. I had allmost changed my plans. I'm glad I didn't. A selfish part of me hoped people would get scared away...More for me. Pat P.S. When asked about this Elisa person The owner only spoke kindly of her and expressed his regret and mystery at such behavior.

Just came across a reply you made to someone re: a place in Puerto E if it is avalable for a week or so could you sent more info? thanks

I am looking for infor or a tel no. for Aldea Marinera. I believe it is right behind Flor de Maria, or beside Gabriella's. If you have a no. or prices, etc....pls let me know....thank-you

Roymario: Don't know if Seattle is an option or not but you can get a r/t fare from there to OAX for approx. USD$600-700. (Not direct flight, a couple of connections.) You could then take Aero Vega to PE for approx. USD$100-150 r/t.. Only problem is you can't book Aero Vega until you get to OAX so your choice of what days to go to PE and return to OAX might be limited. Re: Acapulco. It will take a day of your time traveling in each direction between PE and ACA.

Barb, the new ph# I got for Hotel Riazor is 011 52 5 764 9098 I believe (my spanish is not great) that I have a reservation Dec 31. Thank you for your help! Can anyone suggest a hotel in Acapulco for one night. We plan to split our return bus trip PE to Acapuco (1 night) and then Mexcio City (1 night). Roy

Have been to P.E. a number of times and have often wondered about shore fishing. Licence requirements? Tackle,bait,spinners or spoons? Will be in town in 10 days time.Accomodation arranged. What would the price be for a one day excursion? Any info appreciated. Thanks, Charles craven.

Has anyone heard how the drive is from Nogales to Pto. traveling down the coast? Is it safe and how much will the tolls run? I'm thinking of making this trip in mid Dec.

I've made that trip many times, but not for a few years. The roads improved over the years that we drove down, so I imagine that they might be even better now. (Although it IS Mexico were talking about!)

Oops, I got cut off, so I'll continue here. We travelled with kids, so we took our time. The Mexico part of the trip took us about 6 days. It's a long way! I don't know if you're familiar with driving in Mexico, but it's always best to travel in the daylight hours. I'm sure you can still get Sanborn's insurance. It's worth it, just for the mile by mile road log. The roads get worse the further south you go, until you reach Oaxaca, where they can get pretty bad. Just drive cautiously and every thing will work out just great, the way they usually do in Mexico! I don't remember how much the toll roads were, but I'm sure they're different now anyway. Do it; you'll love it! It's a beautiful drive!

Gerard, Sounds like the whole world is against you, Gerry. A little piece of advice: don't for a minute flatter yourself into thinking that anyone cares enough about your tiny existence to listen to you slander this lovely woman. I, too, heard the other sides to your story, and, frankly, I find you to be a snivelling, bitter whiner who has spent most of his life avenging those who didn't like you. Take a close look at your self and take some measures to change. This life is much more enjoyable when you're not despised by those who meet you. Don't deny it, either. I know you. If you choose to continue posting this conjecture, choose to watch your back. Reality hurts.

Wanna pay 100 pesos? half ounce " " 1000 " ? kilo Rule #1: don't get caught. Rule #2: if you get caught, make sure you have some $ for the cops. Offer it right away. The longer you wait, the more it'll cost you. Pacha Mama Pogo

Last year both (Dec. &Feb.) they were good all the way. It depends on the rainy season. If the hurricane didn't bring a lot of rain they should be good. I'm leaving myself just after Thanksgiving and doing the same route, if you would like drop me an e-mail the first week of Dec. and I'll give you a report. Drive only in daylite hours and you shouldn't have any problems. It's actually a kick-GREAT ROAD TRIP!!!

We stayed at Flor de Maria this past winter and enjoyed it very much. Owners very nice and the food was great!

Any advice on drive from La Ciudad de Oaxaca to Pto. Angel and then on to Pto. Escondido? How many hours? Better to make a stop en route. Thinking of S. Jose del Pacifico and then on to P.E. or Huatulco next day. Comments, por favor y gracias. Bob

After mulling it over for a few days I have decided to comment on the comments which followed the original comment. First of all, I think you two advocate censorship when you demand that someone keep their comments to themselves. I don't believe the name of the owner was ever mentioned in the post, yet you two have plastered her name all over your remarks. Bruce chooses to refer to her as a "poor woman" as though she were Mexico's ranking martyr. Pogo chooses to make veiled threats regarding Gerards physical being. I think this makes both of you a couple of jackasses. Everything he said was probably true and I assure you I have experienced enough of Mexico to know that everything he complained about happens regularly. We all know there are two sides to every story and we don't need the likes of you all to remind us of this. I agree Gerard sounds like a complainer and maybe even a whiner, but I do not see anything wrong with airing one's grievances about their experiences. People have just as much right to complain as they do to extoll the virtues of their hosts. That you all cannot seem to accept this makes me believe that you are exactly the kind of people who are nice when things go your way and idiots who refer to those who do not agree with their philosophy of life as "Why you neo nazi racist mother ...s" when you are in disagreement about something. This is typical drivel from the ignorant. Gee, I guess I'll have to watch my back from now on as well.

Sounds to me like one did.

Wendy, you could arrange for pickup at the Huatulco airport and transport to Puerto Escondido by contacting Paul Cleaver at the Hotel Tabachin or contacting the Santa Fe Hotel. Ask them to have Jesus or Andres pick you up. They are very reliable and safe drivers, and charge the "official" fare which is quite reasonable compared to the airport cabs. I'm not sure if they work only for clients of those hotels, but Paul could tell you.

The drive from Oaxaca is beautiful. It takes anywhere from 6-9 hours depending on what you do along the way. San Jose del Pacifico is a good spot to stop and eat or spend the night. If you leave very early from Oaxaca you will arrive in San Jose fairly early so you may want to just keep going or you can stay in San Jose and just kind of hang out. From your other posts it sounds like you might not be wanting to go for a hike so if you plan to hang out it may be best to leave Oaxaca a little later and arrive in San Jose after noon, maybe about 3:00 or so. The hotel is nice with private bath and fireplace. It can be pretty romantic. If you want to drive all the way to the coast it is really not that long from Oaxaca. 6-7 hours seems long but if you leave early you can be at the coast at a decent time. If you really lollygag it can take longer and that is not a bad thing. The time goes by quickly and if you get tired you just stop and eat or pull over and check out a river or something for a little while. The climate change and the geographic changes are unbelievable for such a short distance. The road after San Jose is very curvy and can get nerve racking. People get stressed when they think they should be able to drive faster and make the relatively shot distance in better time. If you just realize that it is going to take as long as it takes you will not get as tired. Enjoy the views. Stop and rest. When you get to a bus wait to pass until it is safe. They stop often. It is not the nightmare drive that it may sound like. I have done several times with a 1 year old and 2 year old and 3 year old etc. (same kid different years). I have also done it by bus a few times and THAT can be a nightmare. One time I road on top of the bus when it was real crowded but that was when I was young and the road was dirt. Bottom line: If you stay in San Jose del Pacifico arrive later in the day. If you want to drive all the way leave as early as you can and if you decide to stop in San Jose when you get there you can or just stop and eat. Accept the fact that it will take a while to drive to the coast and it may be one of the best drives you have ever done. Have fun. Puerto Bill

You are absolutely right Frank. Puerto Bill

Frank is right. The reason Mexico is losing tourists has nothing to do with anything except Mexico cannot understand that quality and service matter. I cannot comment on either side of the basic story since I don't know the details. However, hiding flaws or threatening those who expose them will never correct a problem in the same way that lieing about a non-existent flaw will not do damage to anyone that it does not apply to. The truth will come out and the truthful will win.

Once again I'll be in Puerto in mid-February and am seeking hardy road cyclist companions who might want to join me in ambitious day trips (Pto Angel, Chacahua, Juquila) or a multi-day adventure to Oaxaca city either thru Sola de Vega or Sn Jose del Pacifico. Any other maniacs out there?

Going to PE around middle of Jan 2002. I am looking for a bungalow/kitchen around playa principal- marinero area for a month. Not low budget! If anyone knows of a place pls let me know.

hi charles.......give me a call when you get here....582 2646.....100 pesos a day and i will furnish everything you need......the fishing has been pretty good from the shore recently and the bait sardines have been running puerto angelito every morning around 6:30 and 7:00 ....we live in the 3 story blue house with palapa top on the new fracc. carrizalillo area...when you come up from the beach at carrizalillo just look to the west and you will see it.....more later...gene

So, Frank, you just had to bring race into it. I almost bought into you're dribble, then you go and blow all of your credibility in one stupid statement. Congratulations!!!!

I loved you with the Sones, Mick!!!!

anybody with any ideas im traveling to puerto from 12/17 through 12/27 and im having a little trouble finding a place to stay. hoping to find something more like a home than a hotel atmosphere. 2adults,2seniors,2kis <10yrs. all ideas welcomed,HELP! Nestorduran1966@aol.com

HI ! is your condo still available we are going to P.E. from 12/17---12/27 we will consist of 2adults,2seniors,2kid <10yrs. we purchased a lot in the don goyo site last december and we are returning to complete some paperwork with the burciaga family. please let us know if available and if so the rate$ sincerely, Nestorduran1966@aol.com

Muchas Gracias, Puerto Bill. I really appreciate the info and both my wife and I look forward to our Feb. visit of the Costa Esmeralda.It sounds like a beautiful area and we are sure to enjoy not only the drive but also the delights of P. Escondido and La Costa Esmeralda. Have been doing a lot of research preparing for this trip. Bob and Eve..

Just arrived back yesterday from Oaxaca City driving the route through Sola de Vega, San Gabriel and San Pedro way. It took us 5 1/2 hours - driving carefully. Leaving Oaxaca, the first part (the two hours and 1/2 hours are okay driving - rough road in need of paving, lots of topes at the beginning as you leave Oaxaca but not potholey), the next 3/4 of an hour was great (it had just been paved). After Sola de Vega, the road turned bad again back to having to be very careful watching for potholes and curves. A couple of areas of the road had been washed out but nothing serious or that was holding up traffic. It took the longest part of the trip going 145 klm. to Puerto from Sola de Vega because of the potholes and the curves. Anyway have fun and have patience!

Wendy Contace Jesus Ziga at 001-52-954-582-1117. That's his home phone but you can also contact or leave a message for him at the Santa Fe. 001-52-954-582-1070. I always use Jesus when I need a ride to/from Huatulco and he always gives me a fair price. He speak English so that helps. Vicki

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew whether aerovega and the aerotaxi service were still operating between Oaxaca City and P.E. and what the prices are. Thanks Laura

Laura, I used aerocaribe last year december to get from oax. to puerto and I noticed that aerovega was also functioning same place, i think they have different flight schedules that dont coincide with each other. I paid about $125.00 per ticket but it was a bit sudden we just showed up at the airport and bought tickets.I recomend you have a travel agent preschedule the flight maybe save some $ ,Idont think it will drop under $100.00 US. nestor

I need some info regarding ground transportation from Huatulco to PE in mid-Dec. Is anyone doing this and what are the rates?

The airport cabs from Huatulco to PE are very expensive, at least $100 U.S. A town cab from Las Crucecitas will take you to PE for much less, I've paid around 400 pesos a couple of times. To get one you could take an aiport cab into town or walk the short distance from the airport to the highway and flag one down. Same for buses (2nd class and below, at least). The 1st class bus was about $9 US one way a couple of years ago. Second class less but don't know how much exactly. Not sure if there are colectivos to PE.

Rather than go through the whole thing, the message above is basically correct. If you look through older postings, possibly Jan & Feb 2001, there are absolute volumes on the comings and goings. It mostly depends on how many, how old, and how much you can take after a day of travelling.

Kip's Bed and Breakfast just opened for business last week - check out www.puertoconnection.com. for reservations, information and prices. It's not on the beach but close enough, has a great view, private and quiet, only 8 or 10 rooms total, owned by an older retired American gentleman, pool, tennis court and lots of space for kids. It has more of a family feel to it - puppies, etc. Most of the hotel space is already full here in Puerto for Xmas week plus the place is crazy with cars, people and noise so something like this off the beaten tourist section may be just want you would want - anyway check it out.

Go back to old visitors comments. Does anyone else find it a wee bit suspicious why Gerard chooses to beat this topic to death? How many responses going back and forth were there? Twenty something? More? Reminds me of my son saying "I didn't do it! I didn't do it!" with a look of guilt in his eyes. Please re-direct your energy elsewhere, Gerard. This isn't fun anymore. It wouldn't take much for me to expose you for the person you really are. Quit now, while you still have the Texas redneck in your corner. You never know when you might need a Texas redneck watching your back.

vicki, thanks for your imput i was lucky enough to rent a condo in zachila complex the the time ill be in . but I just want to express my gratitude I really enjoy the feed back and exchange of info between all you folk somehow connected to puerto the more i know about puerto the more convinced i am that purchasing my lot there was a good decision. SEE YOU IN PUERTO,X-MAS 2001 nestor duran

Redneck???????? - hardly.

Check out Vicky Cole's message from April 2001 in the section "Taxi to Huatulco" that describes Voyages Dimar's airport service. I took it to Huatulco for only 80 pesos. It was a bit crowded but we made it there safely and on time. I plan to see if the will pick us up this year from the Huatulco airport.

Laura, I just booked with AeroVega from Oaxaca to PE. The flight leaves at 8:30am takes about 30 minutes and cost about 1000 pesos. You can book with them at the Monte Alban Hotel at the Zocalo. Bill

DR, We have an hour and a half most times and just don't even plan on catching it, need to accept an over nite in MC. Many friends in PE have had the cancelled flight to MC when they get to the gate. We have had a call at our hotel in PE on our day of departure that the flight has been changed to on even flight going to MC. That is the price you pay going to a great city. We have yet to see this flight full going either way in early or late January. Ask for the names of a couple hotels near the airport that are reasonable. Marc

Because Signature Vacations have cancelled Vancouver /Huatulco flights, my family have rebooked to Acapulco - arriving December 24th, overnight Acapulco and plan on taking the bus to P.E. on the 25th. Does Estrella Blanca travel on the 25th? With the usual 10 trips? Where is the bus station in Acapulco, and also what would be a convenient/reasonable but good hotel for an overnight stay? Hope someone can help out. Thanks, Margaret.

Margaret, We went to Pto. Escondido via Acapulco in 1998. Estella Blanca departs from the bus terminal on Av. Cuauhtemoc about a mile east of the zocalo just beyond Parque Papagayo. I don't know their schedule over the holidays, but its likely they would be running. There are several modest hotels in the neighbourhood, (within 4-5 blocks of the bus terminal) that would do quite nicely. Or if you want more luxury, walk the two or three blocks down to the Costera where there are lots of high rise hotels along the beach. This is the western end of the Costera strip. Your best bet would be to check it out when you get there. Our approach has always been take a cab to a cafe, leave our bags with half the party and send someone out to scout out a room, its been our experience that the many of best hotels for quality/value are found by walking around a little. Your kids could have a swim and a snack at the many palapas along the beach in front of the Parque Papagayo. The Parque has lots of stuff for kids as well. The area is safe and designed for families. In the evening you will find many good restaurants either around the zocalo or in the immediate area. We particulary liked Amigo Miguel's, either at their main restaurant near the zocalo or on the beach, (Playa Hornos I think). The beach location ajoins the Costera, the busy thouroughfare that runs all along Acapulco Bay so you sure to be safe and well fed. Plus the breeze off the bay is refreshing. By staying away from the hotel zone you avoid a lot of the throng. The zocalo has a nice feel to it with several inexpensive cafes. Its not the same as the zocalo in Oaxaca or the parque central in merida but we found it to be qite agreeable. Have a nice trip.

Margaret - just curious - what airline are you flying on and what rate did you get? I think you're from BC as we are . We're ready to book for our February trip to PE and have decided to do the same route as you (bus from Acapulco). cheers, Lily

Tickets from Discount Warehouse 604 482 8999 "Skyservice" $700 Cdn. The flight the family is taking is Vancouver 9.15 am Acapulco 4.50 pm. December 24th. returning January 7th Good Luck. Margaret

Nestor, Check out our IFOPE Holiday party information on December 25th - perhaps it would be something your family would like to attend. Tom has it listed on the front page of his website or check under Pto. Escondido, Misc. information - International Friends of Pto. Escondido. V

I've done this trip a few times. First of all, you're going to have a really hard time finding a hotel room in Acapulco on Xmas Eve. Everything will be booked. I don't know what time your flight arrives in ACA, but you might consider trying to get on a bus as soon as possible. The bus station near Papagayo Park is not the main bus terminal. Buses are much less frequent from this terminal. You should go to the main terminal which is central. There is usually a bus leaving every couple of hours and they run all night, if I remember well. The trip takes about 8 hours. Take a jacket with you inside the bus as the air conditioning can be lethal!

I plan to visit PE from Oaxaca in February and would like to know about the first class bus fares and schedules. Thanks for any info anyone may have.

Hi, I have just read your comments, and I would like to reply to your questions. It is yet too fast for the new goverment to have all their proyects take place in all Mexico, there are still big changes by having a new goverment in Mexico, they actually won the elections because there was other political parties joining them, but, the big or still major party continues to be the PRI. next PAN and following PRD. Puerto Escondido has had a dispute for decades now, regarding the boundaries and jurisdiction between the two municipalities that are San Pedro Mixtepec and Sta. Maria Colotepec; The areas in dispute are from Puerto´s main street Alfonso Pérez Gazga, and almost all Zicatela beach. Puerto Escondido is an Agency that belongs to San Pedro Mixtepec Municipality, and this Municipality belongs to Sta. Catarina Juquila District, which happens to be the ninth district of the Oaxaca State. Puerto in general is still governed by PRI administration. There are other seven region parties like PAN and PRD, PPS, PT,PCN and others. - I must let you know, with all respect, that political issues are not permited by Mexican Law, to foreigner interferances. You have the rights to get to know whats happening in regards to the country, but in general every foreigner is not permited to intervine in political administration or take sides with parties.(I let you know this for your own protection,hopping I am not offending you) Thanks, Flor Márquez.

vicki, thanks for the formal invite im going to go from puerto to oaxaca on the 25th but thats not still definate,dont count me out yet.hope to attend,thank you, nestor

www.puertoconnection.com real estate vacation rentals hotel reservations current events calendar local newspaper online Live beach cam

Got info. on line for puertoconnection.com and was given a name and phone for Tim Hinkle to contact as we were interested in a property to rent. Nothing but busy signals and number not in service. Would like to get in touch with Tim on rental inquiry from 31 Jan 02 to 17 Feb o2.

Another option is to contact a local Puerto cab company, for instance Zicatella Dorada, aka Dick Tracy, and pre-arrange for pick up from Huatulco for a set price that you negotiate with Dick Tracy. He has a large airconditioned Suburban in case you need lots of space (for more money) or ordinary city cabs for less money. I have a link to his website and e-mail on my website http://mywebsite.netscape.com/pheuts/index.

Dave, I am impressed. This will be our third visit to PE. Stayed at Inez the first, Olas Altas ( at a reasonable negotiated rate) last year. Looking for something different this year can you help us out. Arrive Jan 30 /02 from MEX and leave on the 17 FEB 02. Cory and Jean

Hello, I went to PE in Dec98 and stayed at hotel Ines for 2 weeks. Now I have saved enough to return for a long time, and want to know where the cheapest place to stay is, or if it is possible to rent rooms from local people. Also, I would like to know if there are any EFL schools in PE.

Hello, I went to PE in Dec98 and stayed at hotel Ines for 2 weeks. Now I have saved enough to return for a long time, and want to know where the cheapest place to stay is, ideally on Zic. beach or nearby. I also wondered if it is possible to rent rooms from local people. My accommodation requirements are very basic. Also, I would like to know if there are any EFL schools in PE.

read your reply on shore fishing question from charles. going to be in p.e. 12/6 through 12/10. are you still doing shore fishing set ups.

try calling Tim at 011 52 954 582 2183 at 6 AM PE time (CST).

You have to take the bus from the second class bus station in Oaxaca and it takes about 8 hours. Apparently it is a first class bus, but it leaves from that station. I took a bus to Puerto last year from Oaxaca and we left at 10:30 at night and arrived very early, but was nice because we slept on the bus overnight. The bus station is very run down and a little scary for us girls that were traveling alone. ** We ended up buying a package from a travel agency in Oaxaca that was very cheap. They took car of the bus tickets and hotel for us. You might want to look into that. ** If you get carsick AT ALL make sure to buy some Dramamine at a farmacia before you go. This ride goes through the mountains and is very bumpy and curvy.

You can go from the ADO terminal, which is first class. Last year there was a day bus and a night bus - 155 pesos. The trip is a little longer because it goes through Salina Cruz and Huatulco. The night bus is a little faster, but gets you into Puerto at about 6:30 a.m. This bus ride is a little more comfortable than the other one. I would recommend the day bus for the scenery. In any event, if you're on a first class bus, long pants and a sweater are necessary. The air conditioning is set on "meat locker".

Hi I´m travelling with some friends next easter to Puerto escondido. I thinking to stay a few days in Oaxaca City and later go to the cost. We are four girls the idea is to rent a car is it dangerous? We want to go to the beach and have some fun, we are 28 yers old, will be PE a suitable place to stay? Do you have any recomendation about acomodation or transportation? Thank You Soledad Bs As Argentina P.S you can answer in english or spanish

Try www.puertoconnection.com

I am planning on going to Puerto in January with a friend. I visited Puerto last Octuber when I was spending a semester in Oaxaca. The last time I went to Puerto, some friends and I rode the bus and then ended up finding a hotel when we got there. My question is: Are the hotels full in January? I think this is a high tourist time and I am wondering if I should make reservations before hand? I would rather not because my friend and I do not have a specific date planned ( we will be in Oaxaca and Huatulco also), but at the same time do not want to be out of a good hotel. *one more question, has anyone stayed at Casa Blanca? I looked at it last time and thought it seemed like a good deal and good location* Thank you!

Hi, I have a place that may be suitable for you, in Bacocho suburb, at $3,500.00 pesos per month, if rented for more than three months. If you are interested get in touch through my e-mail. It is my undestanding that there are two English Schools in Puerto; But, I do give private English lessons, hopping that I can open my own school. Sra. Flor Márquez.

Hi, I have a place for two people, in the Bacocho suburb; if you are interested get in touch. I might be able to give a special rate if rented for one month or more, as I work with residential rates and tourist rates. Thanks, Sra. Flor Márquez.

I want to thank you and all those persons who have answered or replied to the latest original message, and who have answered in a neutral way or on my favor. I want to thank you for your comments. Gracias, Sra. Flor Márquez

To all the ones who may come to read these posts: I am glad that there are places like this one when some body or just any body can express freely, just about any topic in regards to Mexico, my country. I like my country and I love my country with all the good and bad sides that it may have, probably just like any body else would love theirs, and if I can do something to help my country grow I will do it, if it is in my hands to do it. I want to apologize publicly if I did not attend or served in a properly way or the way they had expected, any of the guests I ever had staying in my place. I'm very sorry I really am, if there was some one who was not happy to stay in my place. It was never my intention to hurt or make any one unhappy. Yes, there is a truth, for all people sayings, and I want to stay with the truth. I do not want to spend my time in answering false accusations, but instead, I offer my apologies to Gerard and his wife, hopping that they might find the place where they can really enjoy themselves and be happy with all the surroundings. Yours Truly, Flor Márquez Mejia.

I have checked with some people I know who are familiar with the sistem in Puerto and they told me that there are two major containers at both sides of the main tourist street, at the end of Pérez Gazga st, on the side of the main beach is #1; and #2 is below the "Regadillo"bridge, on the side of Marinero beach. From container #1, once gets full, it pumps out to the second container whatever excess it has by using two authomatic pumps, then #2 uses two 200hp manual pumps, to direct the sewage to the main treatment plant located on the other side of the hill where Bacocho beach finishes. In general all the sewage of all Puerto should be going there. If there are places that are not connected to the main city sewage, by law they should have built in their property sewer wells, if they don´t have this then they are ilegally dumping the sewage where they should´nt; but, then they are caught by the inspectors, and the problem has to be fixed soon. Hope, this answers your question. Flor Márquez.

I have a one-bedroom unit available for that time, it is located at bacocho suburb, it has two single beds, one bathroom, kitchenette, living room, front and back terrazas, ceiling fan, cost available per day, week or month, if you are interested get in touch with me at my mail.

Dear Miss Marquez: Thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Sincerely, Bruce Miller Earle

Ola from the tres amigos, Al and hope to arrive February 14, 2002. Unfortunately George has decided not to attend due to heart problems. He is doing well but needs to stay in touch with his doctors. We hope the friends we have met in the past are all going to to be at the Rin Con happy hour. Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. See you soon. The international dancing bear!!!!!

The week around Christmas is a busy time in most places; I haven't been in Puerto at that time, but would guess from what I read and hear that you'll have little trouble finding lodging. There's plenty of rooms available all the rest of the time. The general decline in flying may make that even more the case. Sorry, haven't stayed at Casa Blanca.

Go to: www.puertoconnection.com Click on: Ana's Map of Puerto It is large, detailed and printable.

Dave: Where on the Puerto sight is Ana's map located?

We are flying into Zihuatanejo and than after a few days, plan on taking a bus from Zihuatanejo to Puerto Escondito. Does anybody have any information about the bus schedules? Is there a direct bus from Zihua to PE or do you change buses in Acapulco? We understand it is a 12 hour bus ride and would like to know if there is an airline service from Zihua to PE or from Acapulco to PE? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

Hi Jim, Go to the front page: www.puertoconnection.com It is a little way down from the top. Click on Ana's Map.It will be very big on your screen so you can read it but you should be able to print it from your browser. Thanks, Dave

It's located under the title of "Ana's Puerto Escondido Map". I was told it had a whorehouse marked in Lazaro. Puerto Bill Made you look.

That's a nice touch, Senora. Your remarks contained all of the class and grace that Gerard's lacked. Hats off to you. Gerard, you suck.

Dear Mr. Miller, You are very wellcome. I am interested and trying that the real truth or facts regarding Puerto Escondido´s are spread correctly. Flor Márquez M.

YES WE HAVE A TEACHER TO HELP YOUR SPANISH, HER NAME IS YOLANDA SHE TEACH IN THE AFTERNOONS SO YOU CAN PLAY ON THE BEACH AND PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH. HER PHONE NUMBER 582 0837. WHEN YOU CAME LET ME KNOW AND WE GIVE YOU A BASIC ROOM FOR RENT IN UP TOWN. LET US KNOW. GINA

when you haqve your tickets ready , we will have more houses ready to rent, is important to know if you like to have a pool and we can make your reservation in other option no pool and how many rooms you need? LET ME KNOW.GINA

We (4 or 6 people) plan on being in PE during the 2 lasts weeks of march 2002. We would like a place to stay, with kitchenette, private bathroom, pool, near the beach (playa marinero, principal or Zicatela), not too expensive, not cheap either. If anyone knows a place, please let us know. By the way, are there any flights leaving Montréal in Canada and going to Puerto Escondido airport and not Huatulco ?

Where is the hotel Flor de Maria situated exactly.

Is the condo available during the 2 last weeks of march 2002. We would surely be 4 people, but possibly 6. What would be the rate for that period, in pesos please, or canadian $. Thanks in advance.

You will have to change buses in Acapulco. And no, there are no flights along the coast. But it's worth the effort to get to PE. I just got back from a very pleasant week there! Jim

Hi, Check us out and let me know if we have any place you like. Thanks, Dave www.puertoconnection.com

Hi, We have new houses, apartments and condos online now so let me know if we have anything that interests you. Dave Puerto Connection www.puertoconnection.com

When I was there last year I visited that hotel. It seemed nice and clean. Does any one know more about it. What are the rates for march 2002 ? We would be there 2 weeks. And are there any kitchenettes there ? Thanks in advance.

Hi, I would appreciate it if someone could pass along how the quality of cellular coverage is in PE. Also, what is the charge for international long distance - on a cellphone - back to the U.S. Thanks, Doug

Hi, Is anyone aware of a broadband offering provided by any of the satellite television companies servicing the Puerto Escondido area?? If so, how do you find the quality? What are the linespeeds? What is the cost? Are there any other options?? Thanks, Doug

Doug: On a recent visit to Pto. I found excellent coverage with my AT&T cell phone. I had good in car send and receive signal from Huatuclo into Pto. I had no shortage of useable signal in any building in the area. My phone switched automatically to "extended roam" without me having to switch the phone. Overall I would rate the audio quality to be as good as I get at home. In honesty it was easier to initiate calls from Pto. as opposed to using the same cell phone in DF. I also noted that the phone operated in the "digital" mode all during this trip. I cranked up a Sprint phone that belongs to my wife just to see what would happen. Upon turn on the phone would not lock on a signal until I switched it to scan mode of "automatic". At that point it locked onto a "analog roam signal" that displayed minimul signal strength. I think that Sprint has a roam agreement with the Mexican cellular carrier Pegaso in most of the country. I have used my Sprint phone in Monterrey and DF with the phone in the "analog roam" position. The only thing that drained faster than the battery in that position was my wallet when I got home and paid the bill. For this reason I did not chance making a call back to the states from Pto. on that phone. I will make a posting on what the LD charges were on my AT&T phone when I get my next bill. All and all I was very happy with the quality of cellular coverage in Pto. Bruce Miller Earle

Bruce, Thank you for the very informative message. I will count my blessings on two counts. 1) I don't have to get a new phone/service provider (I use AT&T in the U.S.), and 2) the coverage sounds terrific. Lastly, I will hope that the ILD minutes are not too exorbitant. Send us some more good news!! I appreciate your quick reply, Doug

There are a number of bungalows and cabanas along Zicatela with kitchenettes in a range of prices. Walk along and check them out. We stayed at Bungalows Zicatela in 1999. It was okay, not fancy but served our purpose. The units in the wing we were in reminded me of outfitters cabins we have up north, because they were finished in pine. Longer stays improve the price, If memory serves, 2 weeks for four of us cost 3,000 pesos. They have a pool, a small tienda in the courtyard(5 peso beer two body lengths from the deep end), a restaurant and the beach right out the gate. We checked out other places but settled on Bungalows Zicatela for price and availability of a kitchen unit. There are other options in town as well, but we liked being on Zicatela.

I was in Puerto Escondido in 1990 and '92 and will be returning in February. I am curious if there is an ATM on the pedestrian zone now, and if so, is it reliable. Are travellers cheques a better idea? Ten years ago there wasn't much in the way of palapas on Playa Principal, and therefor no shade. Has this changed? Is there food and beer available on the beach now? And lastly, ( I have a lot of questions eh) is Playa Carrizalillo still the perfect unspoiled beach it was? Thanks for any answers you can provide.

Yes, yes, doesn't matter, no, no. PB

Thanks

I am wondering if any particular bank is better to deal with regarding making deposits in the US and having it register in a checking account in PE. My first thought is it might be easy with Banamex now being part of the global Citibank group. Are dollar accounts welcomed at all local banks and what are the major Mexican banks with branches in PE? Thank You, Bruce Miller Earle

Looking to share a cab from Huatulco airport to Puerto Escondido on Thurs Jan 17/02. If you are interested, reply and we'll compare arrival times.

Also just ask around on your plane, chances are there will be someone else from your flight heading there.

ATMs are available, but I always bring travellers checks and have no trouble cashing them at the cambios. Plenty of palapas and refreshments now avaiable on Playa Principal, same on Zicatela. Carizalillo has palapas nearly from end to end. I liked hanging out there, the water was great and it didn't feel crowded. But then I hadn't see it before it was undeveloped. I've only been going to Puerto for the last five years. But even I could tell the place is changing when last year, for the first time, there was one of those "banana" rides operating in the bay. It didn't have a lot of customers, though. At least there weren't any jet skis! (yet)

Carizalillo is no longer the hidden gem. Too many loud gringos in too small of a space. Why is it that European and Mexican tourists can go about their business of vacationing without shouting at each other? We Americans need to practice volume control. I'd still go - but try to get there very early in the morning to appreciate it. P.S. I saw a lone jet ski off the lighthouse last February. Bummer...

Hi Wendy, Just got back from PE via Huatulco. My whole flight was package tourists, so when I asked around if anyone was going to Puerto, they just gave me a blank stare. So I walked out of the gate to the highway and flagged down the first taxi. After a not very hard bargaining session, he wanted 400 pesos. To come back, I once again didn't find anyone to share the ride. So I bargained a 450 peso ride with a local taxi. Total: 950 pesos. Hope you have more luck finding people to share. And by the way, Playa Carrizalillo is heaven!!!

The new ATM in the pedestrian zone wants to charge you a 25 peso commision for each transaction. Instead, there is a bank half way up the hill that has ungreedy ATMs. The obnoxious Gringos weren't on Carrizalillo the days I was there. It was heaven!!

Take the 1st class bus from Oaxaca. You won't need a car in Puerto - it's too small. And car rentals are VERY expensive.

We are planning a two+ week trip with teenager to Pto. and Huatulco next week. Any advice on avoiding spending all the time in the John? Or if we get the misery what's the best cure?

cipro

You cannot get a dollar account at any bank in Puerto unless it is a corporate account. Bital is good for getting in and out quick but all are completely incapable of doing business at a reasonable level of quality. You will have to jump through hoops, go through multiple lines and then find out that you cannot do a normal transaction as is in any bank in the world. Puerto banks are nothing but Casa de Cambios to get money to spend here. Expect long lines, long waits and always the answer NO. Just get a debit card from the US and use it in the ATM machines or get ready for inferiority at every turn

Start Pepto Bismal before you leave the states, two or three days before and take it the whole time you are there.

If you like Carrizalillo now you should have seen it before it was "developed". Just the old boy with a simple shelter as you would come to the end of the steep trail. Remember him coming down the trail with a wheelbarrow full of beer and sodas with a block of ice every am. Playa completly deserted. Was a daily habit. Now I just go there occassionally. Does "back to back\

A long time ago an older guy in Guatemala told me that if you eat an onion when you get to your exotic (or was it erotic) destination, you will not get the revenge. I have never eaten a whole onion but when I arrive I try to eat a salad with a lot of onions. I don't usually get sick but I don't know if the onion has anything to do with it. Also people can have problems just because of the climate change or because they drink and party too much. One good thing is most of the time it takes a week or two before......Another thing is that some people catch a "cold" because of the climate change so I make sure to take with me some decongestants (Contac, Tylenol cold medicine or something like that). The main thing is to not obsess about it. It is possible to worry yourself sick. Just go and have a good time and don't think about it. Be sure to enjoy the food. It is the best!!! PB

yogart, either the pills you can get at any health food store prior to going and for sure take them for a week or so before you head out, and if you can find it there eat some every day. Builds up the good bacteria to ward of the bad. But as the above poster says, don't over indulge on anything including the sun!!!! Have a great time.

Will be driving Oaxaca to Puerto soon after the first of the year. Would like to hear from recent drivers over Hwys. 131 and 175 about road conditions and any problem areas. Washouts and that type of thing, along with delays and bad road reports. Is one or the other in such bad shape that you wouldn't recommend it. Appreciate any and all reports.

Check "Need Scuba info on PE, and driving times" Last post 11-18 I think. PB

Thanks for the answer, P.B. I'd seen those comments but had forgotten them. I'm hoping for a bit later update, if available. Also was wondering if "Double D" was still around, and if Crow, Digger, Roscoe and others were back in town. I have an excess of pesos just waiting for a poker game. Thanks again.

I second what Phyllis said re: the Pepto. My first trip to MX years ago I was told by a friend of mine (a doctor , who is, coincidentally, married to a Mexican woman and has consequently spent mucho time there) to do exactly what Phyllis recommends........I follow that routine and never experience much of a problem. He also advised me to avoid fresh salads unless I was pretty confident that the greens had been rinsed in purified water; don't imbibe iced drinks unless sure that the ice was made from purified water; and avoid eating foods offered by street vendors. I invariably violate all of these "rules" but hardly ever get more than a touch of the "flu".

Soledad, a word of warning: PE at Easter is unlike PE most any other time......have been to PE 7 - 8 times over the years and have always loved it except the last time.....Easter 2000......way too many people! If you're already committed to going there at Easter just be aware that it will probably not be a quiet, idyllic beach experience. (PS - Oaxaca City was just as crazy with tons of people in the city.) I'm not saying you won't have a good time.....it'll just be different from most other times of the year.

Has anyoner done a horsebacking (or burro-backing) tour in the mountains around Puerto? If so, how was it and can you please send me the details (eg. who to contact, etc...) Thanks, Sharron

Same message, but I forgot that my e-mail adress has changed to skusiar00@rogers.com

Best to find the cure where the problem occurs. Make sense? Go to the farmacia and ask them. They'll give you Immodium. Take it. It works like a cork.

Jim's got the right idea. I take cipro with me every trip to Mexico. At the first sign of stomach trouble, take a dose, followed by another about 6-8 hours later. If there's any lingering trouble, take a third the next day. I have almost never had to take a third dose. Works for me every time. If I was going to be able to stay in Mexico for more than about 10 days to 2 weeks, I'd go without the antibiotic, and let more natural remedies take their course. Unfortunately, it's been years since I've been able to spend more than 2 weeks in paradise at one time, and I don't want to spend more of my time than necessary dealing with preventable e. coli problems. Above approach was recommended by a doctor friend in Pto. Angel when we were there together, and confirmed by my doctor at home since then. Cipro is available by prescription, so confirm it with your own doc first.

Oh yes. It was 1984, and I had met a beautiful Swedish girl at the disco the night before. She had invited me to spend the day with her and her equally Swedish friends at this small beach a short walk from town. As I passed the trailer park and looked down at the desolate Carrizalillo, I saw the old man with the wheelbarrow at the end of the beach, and the 8 naked Swedish girls, bathing in the sun. I got a sunburn on my back that day, not daring to turn over and reveal my appreciation........Truly unforgettable!!! I'd love to read more of these types of stories here, as opposed to the usual solicitation and the same old questions over and over.

I am seeking hardy, adventurous road cyclists who are going to be in Puerto between 2/6 and 2/20 and who might want to join me on local daytrips or more ambitious rides further afield. I have years of experience riding the local roads and would like to show someone the cycling pleasures of the region.My phone in town is 20180.

Thanks I have some CIPRO to take along.

I agree with Bill from Cincy's recommendations. A travel doc told me a few years ago that Pepto can be effective when taken with meals becuase bacteria tend to bind with the bismuth (from which I guess "bismol" comes). Has always worked for me; I take the swallowable caplets, as opposed to the icky-tasting chewables. Best bet though is to do Bill's common-sense tips about food, and stick with bottled beverages. Bottled water is readily available, just ask for "agua purificada" (purified water) or "agua mineral", either "con gas" or "sin gas" (with or without fizz), and "sin hielo" (pronounced yay-lo, meaning "without ice"). You'll probably still get a touch of some exotic stomach flora, that's nearly inevitable going anywhere foreign. With any luck it'll wait 'til you're home before it. Personally, I'd save the Cipro for only in case you get something really nasty, which is not likely. That stuff is powerful and nothing to mess with, it kills EVERYTHING -- all the "good" bacteria your digestion needs as well as bad.

You see that salsa on your table when you sit down at a restaurant? Put it on everything, like the locals do, and you'll be alright. If that still seems a bit risky, ask for the HOT salsa. It'll kill anything inside of you that your body isn't accustomed to. Leave your pills back home. Listen to what Kalin said. If you need it down there, they have it down there......even corks!!!!

I'd take Cipro with you. 10 years ago when I was in Guatemala for a few months, I came down with a nasty case of something. What I can't tell you. I can tell you that I was in bed with a 104 fever, throwing up, and felt like I was going to die. Everytime I even tried to stand up to get tp the bathroom I couldn't even take 1 step from the bed, as I was shitting black paint. I'm dead serious, if I even atttempted to stand up, the black paint would hit the floor. The family I was staying with wanted to go get a doctor, but I had fears of gettting stuck with a needle in a foreign country. I had quite afew different prescriptions with me, one being Cipro... as it was in my shave kit... really didn't intend to take it with me to Guatemala. The Cipro was a lifesaver. I took 2 that night and 1 the next morning. Pretty much slept 24 hours straight and woke up feeling Chipper as can be. Well maybe not that great, but the fever, vomitting, and shits were gone. Sorry so detailed... but now you at least know how great Cipro can be. Jeff

There is a 4 or 5 hour horseback organized ride up to a hot springs to the West of Puerto Escondido. Any of the many information centers in Puerto Esc. will have the details. I enjoyed the trip very much and it was at a reasonable price.

Dear Sir, I hope this information may assist you. The two major banks in Puerto Escondido are BITAL and BBVA-BANCOMER; I know that Bancomer has a dollar account´s service with a branch of their own in L.A. I asked at the bank and they said that it was possible to have a Us, account with them, people have to inquire for it. Bancomer can receive money transfers from mostly any place in Canada or Usa, the only problem is that they will not make the payment valid in us funds, they pay you the equivalent in pesos. If you already have a mexican pesos checking account, the transfers will go directly to your account if you request that at the bank abroad in North America; you must have all the information required by the banks as they use "swift keys". As any other places, there are rush hours at the banks too, so, it is better to avoid going at that time, specially mondays and fridays. BITAL, is the other bank, and I understand that they work also with money transfers, also they will need an account here; they work with payment orders too. Payment orders are a risk, because sometimes they take more than a week to get here, and if for any reason the senders and receivers information was not given right then it would be a big problem. I don´t know if BITAL has the dollars accounts available. I am not familiar with the other banks in town: BANAMEX, BANCRECER, BANRURAL. Hope this helps. Sra. Flor.

Dear Sra. Flor: Once again thank you for taking the time to respond to one of my many questions about how things work in Puerto Escondido. This news about the various banks and the services offered was most informative and will be of much help to me. Sincerely, Bruce Miller Earle

Jeff's situation is what I meant when I recommended saving the Cipro for serious stuff. I wouldn't take it as a preventative or for minor gastric upsets.

Does anyone know if the barbq guys are still playing Frisbee golf in the afternoons. Also, if anyone knows Brad's e-mail address I would appreciate it very much if you could send it to me. Thanks. See everyone soon. Gunter

":Double d" didn't make it back after his last border run. Digger is single again. Karl and Crow are in Thailand this year. Roscoe'll be there.

Thanks again and to all for trying to help. I think I have my strategy. We will start on Pepto a day or so in advance. Eat lot's of hot salsa, which I do anyway. Drink bottled liquids and no ice, like beer and bottled water. Stay away from street food. I have Cipro but will save it for any real bad stuff. Thanks again.

The "no ice" rule is old and dead as a doornail. In almost all cases, the ice plant and the bottled water plant are one and the same; the water goes through reverse-osmosis before its frozen. Most people have no trouble with "tourist complaint." Almost all of the better restaurants use anti-bacterial drops when rinseing their salad and other veggies. If you must have chemical reassurance, at least the Pepto probably won't hurt you any. There's certainly no need to be hauling antibiotics down to Mexico with you. All are available there, usually a whole lot cheaper than here. When and if disaster strikes, all the chemical "corks" are also available there. If you have a necessity to ride a second class bus, nothing like a little Lomotil to defer deffecation.... Oh, yeah. Don't be stupid about brushing your teeth. Rinse mouth and brush with bottled water.

You'll have a great time Jim. Come to think of it, although I usually avoid ordering my aguas with ice, I've never asked 'em to leave the ice out when when it comes to margaritas! And have never had a problem.

looking for a 2 bed 1bath w/ocean view for mar.3,2002 to Mar. 2003. I have 2 mini-dauchounds (dogs) Can pay up to 750.US a mo.

Dave; funny thing I was just thinking about the old Split Coconut and the two games of frisbee golf a week they put on. Although I wasn't the best at it last Feb. it was still fun and worked up quite a thirst for Happy Hour after the game. Might join you's in a game this Feb. if it is still happening? Cheers & Merry HoHO to all in Escondido!!!!!! Mike

As usual, John M. hits the nail on the head. You're not going 2,000 miles up the Amazon here. In the 10+ times I have been to Puerto, I've had the runs twice for a total of three days discomfort. Not deathly ill, just extra Pepto. Start on one dose a day several days in advance, then one a day. If you get sick, take extra or go to a farmacia. They'll give you Lomotil or whatever it is. I've eaten salads, always have ice indrinks. They deliver purified water to the restaurants in a 5,000 gallon truck. Everybody buys their ice, machines are too expensive. Remember, if their clients get sick after eating, word gets around, and people don't come back.

hello, does anyone know thw quickest way to send money from the United States to Mexico! I need to send some to a friend who needs it ASAP. I'm talking aside from the mail system. Thanks, Don Brasco

Dear Don: Western Union is the fastest way to send money to Mexico. I have used other services in the past but via WU seems to be the easiest way for the person in Mexico to receive the money. The commission rates may seem a little high but if you are in a rush this is the way to go. WU offers information about the process via a toll free number 800.325.6000. I hope this will help you out. B M E

John's last piece of advice, regarding using bottled water when brushing teeth, is excellent and is something I do without a second thought. Also, try to avoid getting shower water in your mouth. The big resorts in Mexico mostly have water from the tap that is safe to drink but I wouln't trust the tap water elsewhere. Also, I agree that the "ice issue" is pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. The "salad issue" is a little dicier because, as John says, "almost all" of the "better" restaurants use treated water when rinsing their salad and vegetables. You might want to ask before ordering, just to be sure. "Thanks" to Jim for bringing up this topic with his initial question! There have been some great responses. Just remember this: The main thing to concern yourself with while in Mexico is having a good time and enjoying the country and its people. Being paranoid about all the bugs that are out to getcha is not conducive to relaxation.

We'll be driving from ACA to PE. We expect to leave the ACA airport around 4PM and would like to get a couple of hours down the road before dark. Last time I made this drive was in the 70s(!!) and the only place with accomodation was Pinotepa. Are there any decent newer hotels a few hours S of ACA? How is the road? Still a lot of military checkpoints? I have stayed at the Paraiso in PE from the mid-70s, but the last time I was there was 1994. Is it still a clean, well-run establishment? Thanks in advance!

This thread brings to mind the mid-70s in PE. I remember one public access long distance phone in the entire town (at a beachfront restaurant). Always a long line of locals and tourists and it could take hours to make a connection. I won't argue the merits of the proliferation of cell phones, but that lovely place that seemed like the end of the world some 20 years ago has been sadly yanked (pun intended) into the real world. Progress...sigh.

I'm Ready! Bring on the Margaritas!!! with a little salsa on the side. Thanks All! We are leaving in the morning. Big wedding in Puerto right after Christmas and then on to Huatulco for some rest, fishing, and good food.

Does anyone have any information of occurances of Hepatitis A in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco? We did not get the shots, and would like info on what to avoid. Thank you.

Please check our web site for vacation rentals, hotel reservations, real estate, current events calendar, local news, live web cam and more. www.puertoconnection.com

Check the U.S. Center for Disease Control's website, lots of info on Hep A at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/hav.htm

I was wondering if anyone has any information on places to snorkel in P.E. and what the snorkeling is like. I know the region is know more for its surfing but I just thought I'd ask. Thanks.

You should have no problem finding good snorkling in Puerto. Playas Manzanillo and Carrrzalillo are both good snorkling. Water seems less cloudy in the a.m. Big variety of fined critters. Miguel Sucio

Swimming after a rain is sure way to contract HepA-that's how I got it. The water was somewhat gungy from runoff but I was hot after a day's fishing and was in the habit of taking a swim so in I went-BAD MOVE on my part. I wish you well and I hope to God you never get it-I was so tired in the AM that I'd have to take a nap after showering before I could shave-no kidding.

Just had a great snorkel at Carrizalillo yesterday. A bit murky close-in near beach but clear father out. I think right side of bay is best. If you are a good swimmer you can go out beyond bay entrance to where you'll see small waves breaking over rocks just under the surface - nice variety of large fish. If swells/surf is up, however, it will get too murky to see much. Manzanillo/Puerto Angelito are 2nd best, in my opinion. You can see pictures of all the area beaches, including aerial views, at www.mexico-condo.com, the "Beaches" link.

Just returned from Pto and had a couple great nights at the Split Coconut....am happy to let you know that they still have the frisbee golf going on whenever they can get enough players...they tell me it has been slow though. Nice change of pace when you start getting carnivore cravings, good BBQ, Brad, Chris & Joe are great hosts. Try the Pig Plate, at bargain @ $50 pesos!

Can anybody tell me who'll be performing what kind of music -and where- in Puerto during the last two weeks in January? I arrive in 3 weeks and 2 days but who's counting....?

Hi I am moving off from PE to catch a night flight from Mexico City back to the UK, in Feb. It leaves around 20.00. Do I risk the one and only 13.00 Mexicana flight on the same day from PE for my connection or should I travel the day before ? Thanks in anticipation Paul

http://www.puertoconnection.com/elsol_2001-12.html Here is the full schedule.

The banks here in Puerto (and Mexico) cannot be trusted to tell the truth about anything. They tell you what is needed only for that moment and when you return with what they tell you, there is an unexpected step which costs more and takes more time. You will need an account to receive funds but money orders, cashier checks, travelers checks, etc are not accepted EVEN for deposit unless your account has been open for over one year. They will only accept the Mexican currency as valid and have rejected US postal money orders, travelers checks, money orders and all others forms of payment used in the US. If you want to live and/or work here, expect your transfers to take up to 15 banking days to clear when they would in 24 hours anywhere else in the world. SWIFT wire transfers are useless in this country as these banks do not honor normal banking regulations as valid. They pay their bills by using foreign transfers, checks and currencies during their "float" period as they CLAIM they cannot find them or require more time to clear. This is a third world banking system...buyer beware.

Tim: Thank you for your insight of how banking works in PE. I really appreciate your taking the time to answer me back. It is from people such as yourself that I continue to learn a lot about the workings of PE. Happy holidays to you and yours. Sincerely, Bruce Miller Earle

Hate to rain on your parade, but in 4 attempts to get to Mexico City for a connection, I have never made one. 7 hours late is the best I've done, totally cancelled is the worst. For that reason, I usually go through Huatulco or Oaxaca. Lots of luck!

We've been going in and out of P.E. off and on for the last many years. There have been late flights and cancelled flights, but with 4 or 5 hours to work with, there should not be a problem making connections in Mexico City. If you are working with a good travel agent and your flight is cancelled a few days prior to your departure date, they should notify you of the cancellation and rebook you as required. Just let them know where you can be contacted. (Personal experience.) Check and recheck your return out of P.E. If your return to M.C. is cancelled, Mexicana will provide transport to Huatulco to pick up that flight to Mexico City to make your connection. Check, check, and recheck on your flight. Enjoy your vacation, and if the worst happens, practice throwing yourself to your knees and begging. Your next CSR willl probably take pity.

San Marcos is about an hour and a half down the road. There is a motel there. Pinotepa would be your next place. There might be a flea bitten establishment in Cruz Grande. The motel in San Marcos is just as you are coming into town on the right side. There is inside walled parking, but sometimes the local kids can be a problem before you get into the motel. Be sure to lock every- thing. We drive the road to Puerto every year. It has been alright. Alwaysome pot holes. Usually a check point at Cruz Grande, Sometimes a few more. Not six or seven like there were years ago. Depends on the time of day and their disposition. If you get back before we leave, let us know of any problems in road conditions. We do not plan on leaving until January 21 or so depending on driving conditions up north.

You should have seen Carrizilillo 32 years ago. It was shown to us by a retired mailman who had built the only house there. There was no trail to Anjelica from Carrizilillo. We cut one with a machete. Maria's family built the second house. She had aboutthe second "restaurant" on the beach. She was always known for her clean kitchens and great food. She is still there, along with at least ten more restaurants.

We used Armando's service last year. He is a wonderful person, offer great service, is super friendly and knowledgable.. On top of all of his virtues, he does what he says he will do.

Paul, I suggest you do as Kris suggested, go the day before. Mexico City is a beautiful city that the typical tourist does not take time to see, even if just overnight. Have your MC hotel line up a taxi tour of the city at night and enjoy a authentic meal before you return to the UK. One doesn't want to arrive home all stressed out due to a cancellled flight and YES it does happen. The last few years it has gotten worse. Make certain the airlines has your hotel name AND phone number and check several hours before departing for the PE airport. They have been good about calling the hotel ahead of time if delays, guess they want to avoid giving you the news at the check in counter. Wise decision... Enjoy, forecast is in the 80's all next week, we arrive on Friday. Marc Halverson

i've been to peurto the last couple years alone, looking to meet some people/friends/ ladies to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, usually rent a house for two weeks at end of january.

I wil be in pe in late jan and would like to know how the locals feal toward americans i have been to pe a few times and enjoyed it have things changed

I live here and am not aware of anti american feelings. Tourism is way down here after Sept 11 and visitors are a welcome sight, everyone worries that americans arent travelling this year.

Could anyone please enlighten me as to the availability of car rentals in Puerto Escondido. Also, are car rentals available at the Huatulco Airport? Thank you very much.

You can rent cars at Budget, which is at the west end of the Andoquin. If they are closed when you get there (in the afternoon), just go to one of the two travel agencies and they will call for you. Expect to pay between $950 - 1150 pesos per day for either a VW or Geo Tracker.

going to pe in january.Are the bank machines interac the way to go for cash or are travelers checks the way to go.I also want to fly from oaxaca to puerto escondito does anyone know how much and how to score a cheap flight?

Atm's are the way to go. No lines. Best exchange rate. Safe. Cheap Flights are from Gene at Vista Travel http://www.tomzap.com/vista.html We can take care of you when you get here. Dave www.puertoconnection.com

I strongly suggest you do not wait til you get to Puerto to rent a car. The agencies here are absolute ripoffs and outrageously priced. Get your car from Huatulco and reserve the rate through a US agency before you come. If you wait til you get here, the car will cost more than the room you stay in.

Agree with Billy. Last year my friend arranged his car rental from Canada. He picked the car up at the Huatulco airport, no problems. And the price was much cheaper than it would have been to rent it on the spot. There are several car companies at the airport including Alama and Budget.

See the comments under "Vehicle rentals in Huatulco" on the Huatulco visitors' comments.

I took the bus that left from the second class terminal that went through the mountains. As a hurricane had just hit, the rain had washed out a bridge, forcing all the passengers to hitch a ride in the back of a farmer's produce truck to Pochutla. I'd take the first class bus if I were you, even though it isn't the rainy season you never know on those roads.

The Jardín Real Hotel is for sale, you can buy it as a vacation house or many ways, it´s a beautifull and peacefull place and I will be there almost all the January month if you want more info just take a look on my page. www.geocities.com/almacos614/jardinrealhotel.html

I believe the Aerovega flights from Oaxaca to PE cost about $120 one-way.

Does anyone know if a Rogers AT&T cell phone from Canada would have the same excellent access?

I always use Estrella del Valle, it leaves from the second class terminal but also has its own terminal in the south section of Oaxaca, sorry I dont remember the street. If you use their terminal you can save about half an hour. Cristobel Colon goes via Salina Cruz, takes 11 hours and is far more expensive.

Hi there - thanks for having a place like this to ask questions! Here's mine: 1. We (BF and I) are going to be visiting Mexico in early March. We have been looking at both Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. Anyone been to both and able to provide a comparative for me? We are looking for the following from our vacation, in order of importance: - laying on the beach and languid swimming - seeing some archeological ruins/sites - snorkeling - taking a fishing trip 2. Where are the ruins in location to both - references to websites or tours? How far from both Huatulco and Puerto Escondido? 3. Also looking for lodging in both areas (maybe a condo?). Any referrals? I have been to most of the sites noted here, but would like personal references. How are the bungalows? Are there any that are more like a hotel room that a hut? Needs/desires are: - Air conditioning - Kitchen - Separate bathroom - On the beach - King bed - Clean, etc. Thanks so much! Kat

If you are up for a somewhat wilder trip, the second class bus is a classic third world bus ride. It's cheap, very beautiful, and it is several hours shorter than the first class. The early AM trip gets yo to PE in midafternoon, plenty of time to find a room.

I guess this is going to be a sort of subjective response, but here it is anyways. The difference between Huatulco and Puerto is like day and night. Not to say that there aren't any inexpensive places to stay in Huatulco, but there are few expensive places tostay in Puerto. Puerto calls to those who are more self sufficient, and can entertain themselves. No moonlight sailboat tours or jet ski rentals. There are several good quiet beaches, and one that can drown out cannon fire on a good day. The smaller beaches offer pretty good snorkeling, and are accessible by walking or water taxi. The ruins near Puerto were not open to the public as of last year, and the more famous ruins of Monte Alban, Mitla, etc. are near Oaxaca, which really requires an overnight (at least 2 nights) in Oaxaca, which really deserves at least a week. Fishing in Puerto is from a panga, a boat about 20-25 feet long, with a canopy. Price for the boat including tackle ran about 1000 pesos for a trip, about 5 hours, last year. It's well worth it. Get 4 people together, take your lunch. With a little luck you'll see schools of porpoise, flying fish, rays, and dozens of sea turtles. Twoyears ago there were a couple of whales around. As I usually do, I suggest that yuo not stay in a condo. They are beautiful, some have excellent views, but, they are away from the restaurants and the Adoquin, the pedestrian mall. You have to travel by taxi after dark, 6:30, and miss the things going on at the Adoquin and on Zicatella. Staying around Marinera and Zicatella give you the opportunity to wander into Cafecita for the best coffee in Purto, and fresh pastries at 6:00 a.m. There are so many good restaurants, and the prices are so cheap that I couldn't be bothered to cook. A fridge might be handy though. Also, in March, Air conditioning to cool the room beforeyou go to sleep might be nice, but I've always done fine with a ceiling fan. There are no hotels on the beach in Puerto. Las Palmas and the Rincon on the Adoquin are as close as you can get. The Arcoiris has a good view of the beach, with a rooftop bar and restaurant, kitchenettes, etc. Hotel Ines also has a good reputation. There is also the newer hotel near Cafecita, but I can't remember the name. I can't sign off without mentioning the market. I go there every day, to watch the people and get some exercise. Huatulco has numerous resort hotels which will give you 2 or 3 restaurants to choose from, swim up bars and satellite TV. Puerto gives you a reason not to be in the hotel. I guess it's really a lifestyle choice, but you'll probably have a good time either way.

Hi, Check us out and let us know if we can help you in any way. Thanks, Dave www.puertoconnection.com

My husband and I are leaving for Puerto Escondido 1/24/02..Does anyone have information on what kind of fishing will be happening at that time.. We plan to bring our own gear and would like to know if there are any places to buy tackle since September 11 has made it more difficult to transport many items..Also we are looking for recommendations for captains and are curious as to what the pangeros charge for a fishing trip. Thanks

The pangas charge about 225 pesos per hour. The usual trip gos 1000 - 1200 pesos, for up to 4 people. If you hit a good day, you'll want 4 people reeling. We had a day a couple of years ago with 18 yellowfin from 30-85 lb. The next week we only got 1 marlin, about 225 lb., took 4 of us an hour to bring in. If you bring your own rods, they will supply lures and hooks for live bait. At that time there will be tuna, marlin, sailfish, you can go after grouper etc. If you're bringing your own stuff, make sure it's tough enough. Standard issue is min. 50 lb. to 90 lb. test for tuna and marlin up to 300 lb.

Thank you,Kris, this is valuble information and most exciting. Sounds like you know of what we speak. Looking forward to our trip. Thanks again,Steve ps. really appreciate the quick reply.

I, too, had an 18 tuna day a couple of years back. Nothing under 10 kilos. Really hard work,when you find a school that big. But it was the 70 kilo sailfish that caused my hernia. I'll never forget....... Don't take your own tackle. Waste of time. Waste of space. If you have room, bring motion sickness pills and two-ply toilet paper. It'll come in handy. Ask for Rudolph. He's the best.

Yeah, but don't fool yourself. Leave the U.S. and there WILL be animosity toward you. In every country, and yes, that includes our friendly neighbors to the north.

hi, we would like to drive from san miguel de allende to pto escondido in late march. we have read travel advisories regarding the danger of car hijackings on Highway 200. is this a prevalent problem even during the day? does anyone know of an alternate route? thanks.

One fine day in P.E. my writing hand got caught in a low flying cieling fan. Needless to say, I wasn't able to sign my name on the back of my travellers checks with the same scribble. The hassle that ensued was not to be believed. I repeat: NOT TO BE BELIEVED!!!!! I speak Spanish, and it didn't help. Ever since that fine day, I bring my ATM and credit card. That and a stack of $1US dollar bills for the taxi drivers, hotel maids, waitresses, vendors and kids (and 1 or 2 for the banditos). Leave the Amex chex at home.

Absolutly. The banks in Puerto will not accept certified checks, cashiers checks, money orders or travelers checks without perfect signatures. They reject all forms of internationally accepted bank documents. Wire transfers using SWIFT can take a month to clear. Checks in any form cannot be deposited unless the account is one year old and/or the check will take 21 business days to clear even if it is a bank certified check. Point is this is a third world banking system that does not care about service so expect hassles spending money in Puerto unless you have an ATM card.

The banks in Puerto will not accept certified checks, cashiers checks, money orders or travelers checks without perfect signatures. They reject all forms of internationally accepted bank documents. Wire transfers using SWIFT can take a month to clear. Checks in any form cannot be deposited unless the account is one year old and/or the check will take 21 business days to clear even if it is a bank certified check. Point is this is a third world banking system that does not care about service so expect hassles spending money in Puerto unless you have an ATM card.

I'd talk to Omar(working with Roberto) at Puerto Angelito. He has a very good reputation, speaks very good English. As of early Janaury, he charges 300p/hour, possibly a 4 hour minimum, and can take 6 people.

Have a look at www.mexico-condo.com for information on and pictures of the Puerto Escondido area, including all the beaches, aerial photos, etc. Our condo is rented - just posting this becauce of all the information and pictures on the web site.

Take a cool baseball hat for your fisherman and his assistant. It'll go a long way.

I agree Omar is great, good fisherman, fun to be around and speaks very good English. We will be back in PE for three weeks, and can't wait.

Agree with Kris's post, but don't let it put you off that the hotels in Puerto are not "on" the beach; for example, on Zicatela Beach they're just on the other side of a small road that runs along the beach, and then you're there. Most are within all-but-presto walking distance.

"Pinotepa Don Luis (or Pinotepa Chica) is located 15 miles northeast of Pinotepa Nacional. They celebrate the San Sebastian festival on January 20 with bands, fireworks, and Mixtec dancing." Has anyone made the trip from Puerto to see this festival? Looks like we'd have to bus it for a couple of hours from PE then make arrangements to stay overnight in Pinotepa Nacional. Is it worth going to see? Would appreciate any info anyone has... Thanks!

Oops, when I said not on the beach, I should have mentioned that they're across the road. Sorry. I'd still choose Puerto though.

Thanks for all of the great information! This is just what I was looking for...keep it coming! I think I'm leaning towards bohemian Puerto...this would be my first trip to Mexico! I read a trip log of a person who said that they always take a suitcase of clothes they no longer wear when they go to Mexico. They give them to the folks living in the villages and use the empty suitcase for souvenirs on the trip home..is this a good idea, or would it be considered an affront? I have kids that outgrow their clothes so fast they can't wear them out, so it would be no problem and I'd just as soon take them as give them to Goodwill...someone else suggested a nice baseball hat or two could go a long way - any thoughts on this?

Also, I don't see the Las Palmas or the Rincon on the Puerto Connection lodging site - anyone have contact info?

Kat, unless you'll be arriving in Puerto around Easter (busy national holiday week), you'll have plenty of choices of lodging in Puerto. You might want to consider just looking around when you arrive until you see something to your liking. I like to stay at the Santa Fe Hotel; it's one of the most expensive places in town (USD $80-100/night for a standard double), but boy is it classy and charming. I usually go mid-to-late March and never make reservations ahead, just walk in and they have plenty of rooms. But there are so many other unique hotels as well. For example, places like the Arco Iris, Tabachin, Flor de Maria, and Hotel Ines have their own unique charm, and those are much more in the moderate price range. There's a newer hotel on Zicatela called the Olas Altas, looked like a good bet. And those are just in or near town, then there's the Bacocho area as well (I haven't checked it out but people say good things about it). Going without reservations gives you the flexibility to discover the place on your own terms, without being tied to someplace that may not meet your expectations. I'm confident you'll love Puerto. But if not, you could easily move to Huatulco and try that out too. Or, on the other hand, Puerto Angel or Zipolite. All easily reachable from Puerto. Re: clothing, I haven't done it myself but from what I read it's always appreciated. Perhaps someone from the Friends of Puerto Escondido could advise you.

I've had good luck with Guillermo on Marinara, but there are quitea few good captains in the co-op. It's worth your while to go down to Las Palmas or the Rincon for lunch at about noon. Sit and watch who brings in a good catch. There's usually an older American guy, maybe 65-70 named Bob, with thick curly silver hair. He checks the catch on all of the boats. Ask him who is catching a lot of fish. He will probably set you up with a good fisherman. The ones who are doing well may be booked up to a week in advance.

If you go to the main Puerto page, you can scroll down to Hotels. Go down the page a ways, and you can find Las Palmas and Rincon del Pacifico. I've never stayed there, but a lot of people stay there every year. Depending on your schedule, you might want to reserve a room for 2 nights or so, and spend the first couple of days looking for a place to stay for the duration. One idea is to call the Flor de Maria, where I've stayed for 10 years, last year their ratr was 360 pesos. The owners are either Canadian or American (the man's name is Paul, I think his wife is Joanne). When you get there, you can check across the road at Vicky's tienda (store). She has rooms, apartments and cabanas. Otherwise, check out the hotels on the Adoquin, and take a walk down Zicatellaand check out what's available. I have a feeling there will be a lot of rooms available this year. I suggest not staying in Bacocho for a couple of reasons. You can't swim on the beach because of undertow, and you pretty much have to take taxis to and from town. If you stay in town, you're more likely to see the local colour. After you've been there once, if you decide to stay in one of the condos, or a hotel in Bacocho, at least you'll know what else is there. A definite must is to use the collectivos to get around. Take one up to the Mercado on Saturday at 10-11 a.m. and spend a few hours wandering. Walk back down the main street, wander through the shops, and go down the side streets. It's a working Mexican town, where people from the countryside come to do business. Go through the supermarket, where up until a couple of years ago, they used to give chiclets for change. This is what is missing in Huatulco. See if you can find the stairway by the bank and go past the Paraiso Escondido, and up through town. You can wander for hours. Say Buenas Dias to everyone you meet on the street. Everyone will smile and reply. It makes for a moreenjoyable stay.

My husband and I arrive in Huatulco on Feb. 25 at 10:30 am. We need to get to P.E. What is the best way? Is there a flight , and how much ? or should we take a cab or bus. Thanks.

See an earlier post on this board titled "Ground transpo from Huatulco." Poster was Linda, date 12-03-01 23:02. Should answer most of your questions on the ground option. It's about a 75-minute drive.

Does anyone know if there are any flights from Huatulco to P.E leaving on a Monday around 1:00ish? If so, do you know who I contact to book it? Much appreciated.

No scheduled flights. PB

I have been vacationing in Mexico for many years and now live in Puerto. If you are coming to a resort Xmas or Easter week you may want to reserve. For any other time I would never advise reserving, it ties you down. Here in Puerto there are lots of hotels in all price ranges and rarely no vacancy. The hotel strip on both Zicatela and the Adoquin area is not large, you can easily walk and check out the options. Another hotel not mentioned by anyone, on the Adoquin ,is the Hotel Mayflower, no cooking facilities but the lobby has a communal frig and coffee machine and theres a roof restaurant. The Posada Cortes, also on the Adoquin, has bungalows as well as rooms and a pretty garden setting . Zicatela is quieter at night than the Adoquin as the bars have to shut down their music early. Its easy to take day trips from here to other beaches on the coast, Roca Blanca, Mazunte, Puerto Angel, Zipolite, Huatulco.

hello, we will be driving in a fully-packed 4X4 from san miguel de allende to puerto escondido in late march. we want to take highway 200 all the way down the coast but have read several travel advisories (frommer's 2001) that to do so is dangerous because of car hijackings and car and bus robberies. is this prevalent on highway 200? is it safe to drive on 200 during the day? if not, any suggestions re an alternative route. thanks for your help. this is a wonderful message board.

Marlon is right. Rudolfo, Rudolfo, Rudolfo. We had such a good time with him last year that I promised I would help advertise. He takes his fishing very seriously and will find them if they are out there. He found tuna when no one else was (last March). Good luck to you.

The subject of ground transportation from Huatulco to P.E. has been beaten to death here for two years, so you may not get much response. Going through previous postings will give you every possible option.

I´m puzzled. When I buy a first class bus ticket from PE to Acapulco, why are the aisles crammed with standing passengers? Do they pay? How much? who pockets the money?, and if they do pay, why don´t they get a seat on the second class bus? Is this standing custom peculiar to the PE Acapulco run? The last experience was a 4 am bus to Acapulco, which had to be replaced with a second class bus, no toilet, aisles crammed with standing passengers, left two hours late, and took nine and a half hours instead of eight. Definitely an experience but not one I want to repeat. Can someone enlighten me? Other than that, P.E. was great.

People have asked my advice on this foryears... answer is still the same. If you are new to Mexico, you want to be extra careful. Keep your hands clean when eating. We use to carry a hand sterilizing product called "Isagel,"... rub a bit on and your hands are clean. Don't really need it anymore though. Use lots of limón... squeeze it into beer, on fruit, in orange juice, on tacos...and start as soon as you arrive. We also ensure that any fruit or vegetables that we have to cut into are washed in local water with the addition of a couple of capfuls of Cloro, or bleach. Let the them dry on the dishrack and they are perfectly safe. And eat lots of yoghurt - the bacteria in it really eases the transition to the local bacteria in Mexico. Simple!

The driver, essentially "rents" the bus for his shift, and can make a little extra coin by taking as many passengers as possible, and, depending on the route, by making as many trips as he can in his shift. This explains not only why the bus is over-crowed, but also why he drives so damn fast.!!!!!

I had that exact problem last year from Aca. to P.E. It was so packed you couldn't get into the washroom. But from the smell in that direction I don't think you would want to. I am about to venture out on this same route this Monday night. Where do you catch those clean buses with a/c. and movies? I've been using the bus station (main one I think) on Ejido ave. Is there a better bus station in Aca. that I don't know about that goes to P.E.?? I guess it is a small price to pay for spending two weeks in P.E..can't wait!!! saludos, Mike

I think that is where you catch the a/c-movie First Class bus as well. I also think that it leaves at around 4pm but I'm not too sure about that because it has been about a year and a half since I traveled that route on a bus. It also arrives in Puerto at about 9pm. There is a good post on the Huatulco board about that route etc. but you have to look for it. The title is "Travel Tales" by, guess who, John Williams and you have to go back to 8-31-01 to find it. Check it out. PB

just rented a car with budget.used travelosity web. got a mini converable-manual-unlimited miles for????? 399.65 CANADIAN.pick up and drop off in huatulco.thats for a week.

get a car! $400 canadian from air port,one wk unlimited miles.thats less than 300 us.fly ?have you looked at a map?lol.i used travelosity web.paid in canada,if no mini converible-manual you get up graded at same price. ps you can also pick up some people off your flight and give them a lift to puerto.....friends for life.....enjoy..al

Mike, I took the bus from Acapulco to P.E. last month. I caught what I was told was the last bus of the day from the Ejido station which left at 4:45pm. The cost was $174 pesos. The bus was air conditioned, had nice seats, little TV set with movies. The picture & sound were not the best. The trip took a little over eight hours. While it was an "experience", I'll pass when I return & fly into Huatulco or P.E. In my opinion, if you can afford it, do it. The ride back was better as it left later (11:30pm) and I was able to sleep through most of it. Enjoy the ride and your stay in P.E. !! Mike

Thanks for the info; but I guesss I'm screwed as I don't get in to Aca. till 3.45pm. and will never make it to Ejido station for 4.00pm. I caught a midnight bus last year but thats where the trouble begain with the packed bus from hell? Oh well at least paradise awaits at the end of the road. Bill maybe I'll catch up with you in Puerto as I have talk to you a few times? Happy hour a the coconut perhaps?????

Check where the Cristobal Colon busses leave from. They're the top busses in the Puerto area. A few years ago, going from Oaxaca to Puerto, the driver was stopping for everybody, and I think pocketing the extra money. For the last 2 years, the've been express,which took 3 1/2 hours off the travelling time. Maybe the bus line started being a bit more strict.

There isn't all that much need of a car in Puerto. I've never used one in 10 years, you just park them at the hotel. Taxis are so cheap, and collectivos go constantly.

My fater-in-law lives off hwy 200 about 10 miles east of Puerto Escondido. When we fly in to Huatulco, we take a cab to his place. About the most we've incountered is wrecks or picketing. They just sit down and block the road because they are upset over some basic local issue likes roads they want fixed etc...We are headed that way the first of February. I'll be glad to update you. We will be back the 14th. Dawn

They only have one or two flights a day out of Puerto Escondido and they are usually morning to noon flights. It's only about a 50min. drive from Huatulco. We take a cab. It cost about $50 bucks. My father-in-law lives about 10 miles East of PE.

We take a cab. My father-in-law built about 10 miles outside of PE and we get there for about $50. It's a 50 min. drive. They only have one to two flights a day and there is nothing consistant about if they will fly on a particular day. We are going that way in Feb. as well, but we're going the 1st of the month. I could ask my mother-in-law the name of the cab company we use every time. Two nice young boys drive us down. Dawn

My father-in -law lives down in PE and ther have been no problems. I have had locals ask me if I"M OK? I appreciate their concerns for us. Going in February to visit. : )

I will be arriving in P.E. on Feb 2nd....which is the day before the Superbowl. Are any of the bars in town planning parties, and if so, which ones? I have been to 3 before in other towns in Mexico and they were always a good time.

Announcement....... "Las cuatro amigas", with the help of the town of San

Visitors' Comments ArchivePuerto Escondido, Oaxaca January 2001 to January 2003

Visitors' Comments Archive
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
January 2001 to January 2003