Mexico

Oaxaca

(Pronounced Wah-haca)

Oaxaca is the quietest and prettiest town ever. Kali and I took a taxi from the airport to Selina for 350 pesos. This is a flat rate taxi you book at a counter in the airport. Taxis are usually 250 if you catch one in Oaxaca and go to the airport. This is probably one of the smallest airports I’ve been in with 2 baggage claims and literally 20 people max there. Oaxaca is made up of cobble stone streets, cute little shops, cafes, and large open parks. When I would tell someone I was headed to Mexico words of concern and negativity about the safety of the country were shared. Yes there are issues with corruption within the police force but arriving in Oaxaca and walking around at night was amazing. There was an abundance of street performers, vendors, and kids playing in the streets. It was an awesome experience and a city you must explore.

Stay

-Selina: Kali and I stayed in a 10 person dorm for 2 nights. The hostel has a nice rooftop you can hang out on, hammocks on the bottom floor to chill in, and a bar/restaurant. Upon arrival you receive a voucher for a free drink which was local Mezcal. Mezcal is similar to tequila, made from agave, and usually served with chilies around the top of the glass. It’s a must-try while in Mexico but not my fav. Make sure to try their guacamole!

Eat

-Café Tradicion: Delicious breakfast spot a few blocks from Selina.

-El Tendajon: You must try their pancakes and bacon!

-Txalaparta: A Hookah bar we received a free drink voucher to from Selina. I had a beer and we left shortly after. A sports bar that was pretty quiet and we went early evening.

Do

-Get lost and explore the city!

-Visit the Stadium and enjoy the view of the city.

-Go to the Bendito Juarez Markets.

-Shop at stores like Lanii which sells awesome straw hats, Casa Murguia which is a little indoor market filled with an art studio, and a store called Coyote which sells hats, unique boots, and clothes.

Puerto Escondido

To get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido we took a taxi from Selina which cost 70 pesos to a mini van company called Villa Del Pacifico. We paid about 12.50 USD each for the 6 hour windy drive to the coast. We researched the drive and bought Dramamine in advance – I highly recommend.

Playa Zicatela

The main beach in town and where the majority of the bars and hotels are. I would recommend spending a night or two here but the majority of your time in La Punta.

Stay

-Selina: AC dorms that are located a few flights of stairs up with a beautiful view. They have two pools, hammocks, a bar, restaurant, shop, and yoga space. The bathrooms are not great but if you are looking for a cheap option this is the way to go!

Eat

-Spirulina: Even when we moved to La Punta we would make trips into town just to eat here. Try their minty smoothie, avo on toast, gorilla pancakes, and guacamole!

-Pizza Place: There is a late night pizza spot on the beach side of the road not too far from Playa Kabbalah that is cheap and delicious!

-Oxxo: The local convenience store that has all the best snacks and damn good nachos – yes hot cheese from a bag. Don’t judge 🙂

Do

-Go to Playa Carrizalillo and stop at the coconut stand “Brenda’s”. This is the surf beach you go to if you are a beginner or if the waves are too big at La Punta. A beautiful bay with a left point break, surf rentals or lessons, a couple restaurants, and a good spot to go for a swim. You might even see a turtle swimming around. Once you make it back up to the top of the stairs and walk towards town you will see Brenda’s a little coco shack. The coconuts here are much cheaper than at the beach, the owners are so sweet, and the cocos are muy frio!

-Visit Playa Coral and Playa Bacocho: We wished we would have discovered this spot earlier! A beautiful beach with strong waves and a man selling coconuts. If you continue to walk to your right over the rocks you will arrive at Playa Bacocho – a longer stretch of beach with a few small hotels. A great place to spend the afternoon!

-Go to Kabbalah and Bar Fly: For a night out these are the places to go! Kabbalah has Reggaeton and ladies night Friday night which is the best night of the week to go!

-Have a Pina Colada at Sunset: Walk along the main road and you will see numerous offers for happy hour. Pick a spot, take in the sunset, and enjoy your bebida.

-Catch a Surf Competition: While we were in town the Mexi Pipe Pro was on and we made sure to watch the competition. Massive waves breaking close to shore makes for an exciting surf comp!

La Punta

La Punta is a dirt road that has a few hotels, hostels, restaurants, and surf shops. The expat haven which has a much more small town feel. Home to a great left point break and a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

Stay

-Hotel San Martin: Kali and I stayed here at about $32/night for a couple weeks for our stay. They offered daily maid service, night security, AC, a pool, TV, and laundry for a small fee. An awesome lady runs the place and there is a restaurant downstairs as well.

Eat

-Aloha Bowls: Kali and I went here I think everyday either for an açaí bowl or poke bowl. So good!

-Lychee: A very popular Thai restaurant that has some awesome food! I ordered the Pad Thai and was not disappointed.

-Moringa: A small little health store with a few pre-made dishes. Try the quinoa salad!

-Coconuts on Corner store in La Punta: The coldest and cheapest coconuts in town.

-A La Burger: Great pizzas, food, drinks, and live music.

-El Polaco Kebabs: This is the restaurant located beneath our hotel and we went on a rainy day. We regretted taking so long so try it as the kebabs were amazing!

-Piyoli: A delicious restaurant with a lot of vegan options. I had the chicken with rice and vegetables and I loved it!

-Layla’s Burgers: Owned by a couple girls from Australia. Their burgers are crazy good, deep fried avocado chips are out of this world, and you have to try their homemade donuts!

-Café Ole: Kali and I were here multiple times a day! They had eggs on toast with avocado, coffee shakes, Nutella waffles, a really good omelet, and some pretty fun people that worked there.

-Burger place across from Café Ole: Pretty basic but a really good burger!

Do

-Surf La Punta: A left point break that can get pretty crowded. Super fun long boarding when its small and when its big it will break further out with plenty of waves for everyone!

-Go to the movies: Kali and I went to the movie theater in La Punta out off the main road and watched It 2. It’s easy to get a taxi there but no taxis around after.

-Shop at Bodeguita Stuff Store: A super cute surf shop with local t-shirts, surf books, bikinis, and great gifts.

 

Overall Kali and I had such a great couple weeks in Mexico. We visited in September and had great weather until the last couple days when it down poured due to a small hurricane off the coast. The surf was good, food was delicious, and we met a lot of fun people. Make sure to check out this laid-back surf town,  enjoy the slow life, and make some great memories!