We divided our time between two very different Oaxacan beach destinations: Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

The Huatulco area is made up of several rocky bays and is known for its quiet resorts, many which are all-inclusives. Puerto Escondido is a real Mexican fishing town that has several beaches. Zicatela Beach attracts a younger crowd and surfers.

Each place we stayed had a restaurant on site as well as a lovely place to relax, swim and enjoy the beach. Although many excursions are available at both destinations we didn’t take any.

Cost of Travel: Puerto Escondido

Accommodations: $375, $93.75 per night in a Standard King room at Hotel Santa Fe, Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido.

Food: $126.36 averages out to $30.39 per day.

Misc: $15.42 includes $3.26 for laundry and $12.16 for pharmacy.

Transportation: $12.60 includes $5.35 for 2 taxis for a round trip beach excursion and $7.29 (150$MX) to taxi to the airport. Does not include the $42.80 taxi fare we paid from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido because there are many options to fit any budget: rental car, taxi, bus, colectivo, private transfer. We taxied because bus service was once again interrupted by the village blocking the highway.

Tips & Alms: $14.93

Total Expenses: $540.35 on average $135.09 per day.

Cost of Travel: Huatulco

Accommodations: $477.77 averages out to $119.44 per night in a Deluxe King room at the Camino Real Zaashila, Tungolanda Bay, Huatulco.

Food: $132.99 averages out to $33.25 per day.

Transportation: $6.81 for two taxis to visit Crucecita. Does not include the $20.43 expense of taxis and colectivos to travel to Huatulco.

Tips & Alms: $12.22

Total Expenses: $629.79 on average $157.45 per day.

I liked both destinations, but preferred our stay at the Camino Real Zaashila mostly because it was self contained: just steps to the restaurant, pool and beach.

The average per day costs came to $135 in Puerto Escondido and $157 in Huatulco, mostly due to the cost difference off the accommodation.

In the future, if we were to return alone or with our grandchildren, I would chose Huatulco resort. I would definitely look for an All-Inclusive resort. Sometimes they can be found for under $100 per person per day where the value is in all the included drinks and meals.

Both Huatulco and Puerto Escondido have international airports.

Meet You in the Morning from Oaxaca City!