My Experience Taking the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight (And What You Need to Know)

boarding my oaxaca to puerto escondido flight
Share this article ⤵️

Looking into flights to puerto escondido oaxaca?

You’re in the right place because I’ve done the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight before.

In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about taking this flight so you know if it’s right for you.

For those who have the budget, the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is by taking a flight.

It is also the most expensive, but it’s just 45 minutes compared to 3-4 hours of drive time.

For Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido flights, you have two options — AeroTucan and AeroVega.

As I’ve personally done the AeroTucan flight, you’ll get all my pro tips on that below (though there’s also info for the AeroVega flight).

Ready to learn how to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City by plane? Let’s get to it!

Taking the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight

the view from my oaxaca to puerto escondido flight
The view from my AeroTucan flight from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido.

Wondering, Can you fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido? Yes, you can.

The Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido direct flight is the most convenient and fastest option at just 45 minutes of travel time, but also the most expensive option.

Two companies have flights from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, and those are AeroTucan and AeroVega.

Each company has just one flight per day — so don’t wait till the last minute to book your flight.

With both, you’ll take a 6-8 seater plane; if you’ve never been in a small plane before, watch this video to see if it seems comfortable.

From the airport, you can book private transportation to your Puerto Escondido hotel, rent a car in Puerto Escondido, or take a taxi.

⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca City, no Uber in Puerto Escondido, and no Uber in Oaxaca state anywhere. There’s also no Lyft in Oaxaca.

AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight

two woman on the oaxaca to puerto escondido flight on AeroTucan Airlines
The flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido are in small planes.

My Personal Experience Taking This Flight

I took the AeroTucan Oaxaca flight to Puerto Escondido, and really enjoyed it. However, this is a small plane, and it’s a lot shakier than a large airplane.

If you have claustrophobia, or don’t handle turbulence well, you might want to opt for this private driver, or take the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido ADO bus.

Is Aerotucan safe?

From my personal experience taking the AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight, it was perfectly safe.

The Aerotucan safety protocol was like any other airline.

How do I buy tickets for Aerotucan flights?

  • AeroTucan phone number: 1-800-640-4148
  • AeroTucan local phone number: (+52) 951-502-0840
  • AeroTucan Website

If you want to take the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight with AeroTúcan, you have to book in advance via phone or at the Oaxaca Airport.

Keep in mind you might not get an English-speaking agent via phone, so have a Spanish-speaking friend or acquaintance nearby to help.

You also have the option to buy directly at the airport, as the Oaxaca Airport is just a short cab ride from downtown Oaxaca City.

However, know there may or may not be an agent when you arrive, so the phone is usually a better option.

⏳ Pro Tip: Buy your tickets in advance

If you want to take the AeroTucan Puerto Escondido flight, you’ll want to get your ticket as far in advance of your flight as possible.

As there’s usually just one daily flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, you’ll want to make sure you can travel on your preferred day.

AeroTucan Flight Schedule

schedule for the flight from oaxaca to puerto escondido mexico
Fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido with AeroTucan Airlines, a local Oaxaca company. (Photo: Aero Tucan Airlines Oaxaca website)

Have a look at the image above for the AeroTucan Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight schedule.

This has been their schedule for some time now, but know they can change it at any time, so also double check the AeroTucan flight schedule online.

How much are ticket for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight?

One way flights on AeroTúcan average about $3,000-3,500 pesos ($150-175 USD).

Yes, this is a lot more than most other options, but it’s also a lot more convenient as flights are only about 30-45 minutes, whereas the drive takes seven hours by car, and 10 hours by bus.

Oaxaca Travel Tips: AeroTucan offers a 15% discount on all Thursday flights.

🧳 Do you have heavy luggage?

The final thing to keep in mind is luggage weight. You’re allowed 33 pounds (15 kg) on AeroTucan, which is about 20 pounds less than larger airlines allow.

My luggage was over, and I ended up with a surprise $50 USD fee. Other than that, I loved the flight and will take it again.

AeroVega Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flight

Actual AeroVega flight from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Mexico. (Credit: Joel Duncan, Flight Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido)

AeroVega is owned and operated by the pilot, Juan Carlos Vega. Much like with AeroTucan, he operates a small plane with just six seats in total.

If you’ve never been on a single-engine plane of this size, check out the YouTube video above of a real experience on this flight.

If it doesn’t seem like it’s for you, and you have the budget, consider hiring a driver and private car.

If you’re traveling with a group, splitting this ends up costing about the same as the plane does.

You can also rent a car, or take the ADO bus to Puerto Escondido.

How do I book tickets for Aerovega flights?

  • AeroVega phone number: (+44) 954-588-0062
  • AeroVega local phone number: (+52) 951-516-4982
  • AeroVega email: aerovegapto@hotmail.com

AeroVega usually only offers one flight per day, so book as far in advance as you can by calling or emailing the Captain Juan Vega using his contact information above.

If you’re unable to reach him (I was), you can always book with AeroTucan instead.

💸 How much are ticket for Aerovega flights?

The flight costs about $2,000-$2,500 pesos ($100-125 USD), which you will pay in cash (pesos), and book directly with Juan Vega.

While this may seem unconventional, I have met people who have flown with AeroVega, and it is a legit company — though there’s no website.

Looking for Aerovega reviews? Head here.

Puerto Escondido Travel Guide & FAQ

Where is Puerto Escondido located?

Puerto Escondido, usually just called Puerto by the locals, is located in Oaxaca State, in Southern Mexico.

It sits right on the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the best surf towns in Mexico, but also one of the most popular bohemian beach towns in Mexico.

Looking for Puerto Escondido hotels? Check out all the best resorts and best hotels in Puerto Escondido here.

🗺️ Puerto Escondido Map

How far is Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City?

The Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City distance is about 160 miles (258 km), or 197 miles (317 km), depending on the road you take.

The Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City drive time is about 7-8 hours — which is why many opt for the private driver to Puerto Escondido.

What’s the best airport for Puerto Escondido?

Wondering, Is there an airport in Puerto Escondido? and Can you fly to Puerto Escondido? The answer is yes, there’s Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM).

entrance to puerto escondido airport in puerto escondido oaxaca mexico
Puerto Escondido Airport is a small airport located just minutes from the beaches. (Photo: Antonio Velasco Cruz, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via WikiMedia Commons, Puerto Escondido International Airport photos)

To get to your Puerto Escondido resort, you can book a private airport shuttle, rent a car or take a taxi.

🚕 Note: There’s no Uber in Puerto Escondido, and no Lyft in Puerto Escondido.

What’s the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?

Weather-wise, the best time to visit any of the Mexico beaches is from November to March, during the dry season.

🌡️ Puerto Escondido Weather chart

puerto escondido weather chart
Average yearly weather in Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico. (Photo: Weather and Climate)

It can rain quite a bit during the Oaxaca rainy season of April to October, when it’s also quite humid and buggy (so don’t forget your mosquito spray 🦟).

November to March is also the Oaxaca high season, or busy season — so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

October and April are considered Mexico shoulder season months, where you’ll likely have nice weather, but also lower price tags.

What are the best Puerto Escondido neighborhoods?

The best neighborhoods in Puerto Escondido Mexico are Zicatela, La Punta and La Rinconada (near Playa Carrizalillo).

If you’re doing Puerto Escondido budget travel, you’ll find some inexpensive places in Downtown Puerto Escondido.

Best Hotels in Puerto Escondido

Now that you know where to stay, check out the best Puerto Escondido hotels below, with options in all price ranges.

Hotel Escondido ($$$$)

beach bungalows at hotel escondido in puerto escondido oaxaca mexico
Hotel Escondido is the best Puerto Escondido hotel for relaxing and disconnecting in 5 Star luxury accommodations.

Though the decor is rustic-chic, the service is 5 Star luxury all the way at Hotel Escondido, one of the best Oaxaca boutique hotels.

It is the perfect place to disconnect from it all, in one of their private beachfront bungalows.

Hotel Escondido is located on a private beach area about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido, near the Casa Wabi Artist Residence.

Do note that Hotel Escondido is on the outskirts of town, so you’ll want a rental car to get around.

VILLAS CARRIZALILLO ($$$)

Villas Carrazillio resort in puerto escondido mexico
Villas Carrazillio is one of the best resorts in Puerto Escondido. (Photo: Villas Carrazillio)

Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below — with million dollar views at a reasonable price tag.

Each villa here has a dining area and seating area with flat screen TV. Some of the villas also have a terrace and kitchenette.

There’s a gorgeous pool and restaurant onsite with complimentary breakfast.

CASA UMI ($$-$$$)

casa umi hotel puerto escondido oaxaca mexico
Casa UMI is the best boutique hotel in Puerto Escondido. (Photo: Hotel Casa UMI)

I stayed here for about a week, and highly recommend Casa UMI which is located just four blocks from Playa La Punta in the boho chic La Punta neighborhood.

My room was huge, with cold AC and a comfy bed, high end finishes in the bathroom, and a private hammock by the pool.

SelIna Puerto Escondido Hostel ($-$$)

pool area at Selina Puerto Escondido hostel in Oaxaca, Mexico
Selina Hostel Puerto Escondido is affordable at just $25 USD per night for a shared room. (Photo: Expedia)

One of the top names in hostels worldwide, Selina Hostel has a location in a quieter area of Playa Zicatela.

They are known to have the best WiFi in Puerto Escondido, so this is a popular spot for digital nomads.

Selina Puerto Escondido hostel is centered around a lush tropical garden, complete with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

They have both private rooms and shared dorms available.

Note: If Selina Puerto Escondido is full, check out Casa Losodeli & CoWorking, another one of the best hostels in Puerto Escondido.

My Final Thoughts on Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Flights

man on motorcycle with surfboard in La Punta Puerto Escondido
Once you arrive, the best way to get around in Puerto Escondido is on two wheels!

For travelers who have the budget, the fastest and easiest option for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido trip is to take the flight.

Keep in mind that these flights are on small planes — so if that makes you uncomfortable, consider the drive.

Your most comfortable option for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido drive is to hire this private car with a driver.

Share this article ⤵️