You’ll be picked up right at your door in Oaxaca by a local driver who knows these mountain roads by heart. The private transfer takes you through winding scenery with bottled water included—and yes, they’ll drop you right at your hotel in Puerto Escondido. Expect little moments of calm, maybe some music or laughter along the way—it’s not just about getting there fast.
Someone’s knocking on the gate before I’ve even finished my coffee. Turns out it’s our driver, smiling already, waving like he’s picking up an old friend. He helps with my bag (which is heavier than I’d admit) and waits while I double-check for my phone. The air still smells like last night’s rain—kind of earthy—and there’s that little nervous excitement you get before a long drive. We climb into the van, which is spotless and cool inside, and he hands over a cold bottle of water without making a big deal about it. I appreciate that.
The road out of Oaxaca twists almost immediately, climbing into those green folds of mountains that look soft from far away but are actually sharp and wild up close. Our driver—Arturo—points out a village tucked into the hills and tells us the name in Zapotec. I try to repeat it; he laughs gently but doesn’t correct me, just nods like I got close enough. Sometimes we pass tiny roadside stands selling fruit or tamales, and once we stop so he can grab a coffee from a woman who calls him by name. It’s not rushed at all, just steady—three hours or so but somehow not boring. There’s music on low (cumbia? I think) and sometimes silence except for the tires humming on curves.
I didn’t expect to feel so calm on this stretch—usually these mountain roads make me queasy—but maybe it’s something about having someone local at the wheel who clearly knows every bend. The sun comes out somewhere past San José del Pacífico and everything smells sharper, piney almost. When we finally roll down toward Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido, the light is gold and hot again. Arturo parks right outside my place (not just “nearby”—right there), helps with my bag again, and wishes me buena suerte before heading off. It felt less like a transfer and more like being looked after for a few hours.
It takes approximately 3 hours by private vehicle.
Yes, pickup is included at your accommodation in Oaxaca city.
Yes, drop-off is directly at your accommodation anywhere in Puerto Escondido.
The route goes directly but may include brief stops if needed (for coffee or restroom).
Yes, bottled water is included for each passenger.
Specialized infant seats are available upon request.
Yes, service animals are allowed during the trip.
Your journey includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver service from your door in Oaxaca straight to any address in Puerto Escondido; bottled water for the ride; all entrance fees; government fees; parking costs; plus help with luggage both at pickup and drop-off.
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