Mexico, in general, is becoming extremely popular amongst expats and digital nomads. Its mild weather, affordability, and diverse natural beauty make it ideal for a laid-back and easygoing lifestyle. In recent years, Mexico City has become a major hub for digital nomads, and Tulum has been attracting beachgoing crowds for a while.
However, there’s one small town on the Pacific Coast that is relatively unknown outside of the backpacker and digital nomad community.
Puerto Escondido, literally meaning “hidden port,” is an up-and-coming beach town on Oaxaca’s Pacific coastline known for its surf spots, relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. Its beautiful beaches are lined with boutique hotels, surf schools, and seafood restaurants.
Visitors express that they like how calm and uncrowded it is. Many who plan to visit for a short time end up staying for much longer. Although it has flown relatively under the radar to the masses, Puerto Escondido is starting to appear more and more on social media and in travel publications.
Here are some of the reasons Puerto Escondido is one of the favorite spots amongst digital nomads in Mexico:
Laid-back Atmosphere
Digital nomads love Puerto Escondido because of its laid-back beach vibe, excellent surf opportunities, and incredible natural beauty. Aside from its gorgeous beaches and lush jungles, visitors mention friendly locals and a lack of pushy vendors.
Accommodations are usually smaller boutique hotels, coliving spaces, and surf hostels. Big resort hotels have not yet invaded the beaches, although this is a worry for those who fear that Puerto Escondido will become the next Tulum.
Being that the crowd is mostly backpackers and digital nomads, it’s not bringing in tourists on a short holiday. Even during busy times, it is said that it is far less crowded than other popular beach towns in Mexico.
Plenty To Do
Puerto Escondido has plenty of things to do when you close your laptop for the day. Of course, surfing is the number one activity, but if you’re not a surfer, you can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, take a boat tour, or take a jungle hike to find waterfalls.
One popular event that happens every evening is the baby turtle release. Volunteers can participate in this unique opportunity and learn about the conservation of turtles in the area.
Nightlife
Although the relaxed beach atmosphere is one of its draws, Puerto Escondido also has a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.
There are lively beach bars, great music, and delicious food. You can find activities such as live music and karaoke, or just sit back and relax, enjoying a cocktail and the stunning sunset.
Affordability
Compared to many other popular beach towns, Puerto Escondido is considered much more affordable. It is smaller, a little off the beaten path, and brings in far fewer visitors than, for example, Tulum.
Accommodations and restaurants have a more local feel, rather than the big resorts and franchises elsewhere. With the cost of living relatively low, it is an ideal place to live and work remotely.
Great Base For Day Trips
Nomads and slow travelers often have a “home base” that they will then make shorter trips from during weekends or days off. Puerto Escondido is a perfect place for this, as there are so many amazing locations nearby.
Mazunte and Zipolite are two such places where you can find even more pristine and secluded beaches.
You can also head to the Punta Cometa viewpoint to get some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Another popular option is to visit the Manialtepec Lagoon to see bioluminescent plankton or the Chacahua Lagoon for mangroves, wildlife, and the crocodile hatchery.
It’s important to note that while many cafes and coworking spaces are popping up throughout the little town, it is somewhat rural, and the internet can be slow and unreliable compared to what most digital nomads are used to. If you plan to spend some time here, be sure to familiarize yourself with coworking space options and have a backup internet source like a data plan or portable hotspot.
