You’ve probably found this post because you’re thinking of heading to Puerto Escondido and want to figure out how safe it is.
It’s fair to say that the world judges Mexico hard, largely due to US new rhetoric. But I’m here to talk real and tell you that you shouldn’t listen to that uncle at a family party who tries to dissaude you from travelling to Mexico by saying “Ooooh Mexico, is it? I guess you’re just asking to be kidnapped by the cartels?!”.
It’s bullshit. Just go! Puerto Escondido is definitely one of the safest destinations, but just like every other place you travel to, you need to take the necessary safety precautions. I’ve tried to cover all bases below.
Is it safe to walk around Puerto Escondido?
I’ll be honest, when I worked in a hostel in Puerto, a few travellers I knew had their phones stolen straight from their hands as they walked on the street. It was the case of an opportunist riding around on a motorbike, waiting to find a carefree traveller to catch off guard. So just be aware of this.
I felt as safe in Mexico as anywhere else in South East Asia. You have to be street-smart and keep your wits about you. Keep your phone in your bag if you’re not using it, don’t wear expensive, fancy clothes or shoes etc.
Is it safe to walk around Puerto Escondio at night?
I’d say in the day time, walking around Puerto is pretty safe. I’ve felt much more unsafe walking around parts of the UK than anywhere in Puerto.
But despite that, night time is a different story. Getting a taxi is so affordable that I’d say not to risk it. There were two occasions when I risked walking home in downtown from a friend’s hostel to mine (around 10 minutes walking) and felt so unsafe as the streets are empty after 10pm. It’s just not worth saving the money – especially as a woman.
Safety for solo female travellers
I can only go from my own experience and other female travellers I met, but I’d say Puerto Escondido is a safe destination for solo female travellers.
The levels of harassment were low. And there was only one occasion where I felt unsafe because I walked home alone in the dark (which I definitely shouldn’t have in hindsight). I found Mexicans to be extremely friendly and didn’t feel harassed by men when walking alone.
Is it safe to take a taxi at night in Puerto Escondido?
Taxis are safe and reliable in Puerto. Sometimes the taxi driver tries to be cheeky and adds on a little extra pesos at night, but I never felt unsafe.
Always agree on the price first simply by saying: Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?). It’s not rude to negotiate.
Taking a short taxi in the same area during the day should be around MXN 35, but at night it increases. From one area to another, Centro to La Punta, for example, it should cost you around MXN50 during the day but MXN100 at night.
Is it safe to swim in Puerto Escondido?
The biggest danger in Puerto is definitely the water. Some beaches are much safer to swim in than others. There were times on Playa Bacocho when I felt out of my depth as the waves are huge and the current is strong.
In May 2023, I read a news article about a Romanian woman that died from drowning in Playa Zicatela. She ignored the red flags that were up as a warning that the current was too strong. The lifeguards in Puerto Escondido are much more experienced with the sea than we’ll ever be, so even if its tempting because of the heat, don’t risk swimming or surfing in the sea when the flags are up or when the swell looks too big for you.
safe beaches in Puerto Escondido
The safest beaches to swim in Puerto Escondido (blue pins) are Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Manzanillo, Playa Angelito and Playa Coral. The beaches with the biggest swell and most dangerous to swim in (red pins) are Playa Zicatela, Playa La Punta and Playa Bacocho.
drug cartels operating in Puerto Escondido
Ok, so the drug cartels are alive and kicking in Puerto Escondido, just like in almost every other tourist spot in Mexico. But as tourism benefits their business a lot, it’s pretty safe.
You’ll have no problem if you stay clear from buying drugs.
Mexico has a hard-time rep concerning safety, so I put your mind at ease and assure you that as long as you take the necessary precautions, Puerto Escondido is a safe place to travel to. I fell in love with the town and I hope it captures your heart too.
