Puerto Escondido to Zipolite: How to Get There (2026)
Puerto Escondido to Zipolite: How to Get There by Colectivo, Bus, Taxi or Car
Zipolite is about 70 km east of Puerto Escondido, a drive of roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes along Federal Highway 200. There is no direct public bus, so getting from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite on a budget means a colectivo van to San Pedro Pochutla and a short shared taxi down to the beach. The faster options are a private taxi or transfer, your own car, or a day tour that bundles Zipolite with Mazunte and Punta Cometa. Here is how each one works, and how to get back.
| Option | Travel time | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colectivo van to Pochutla + shared taxi | 1 h 30 – 2 h | MXN 90–140 per person | Budget and solo travelers |
| First-class bus to Pochutla + taxi | 1 h 45 – 2 h 15 | MXN 110–220 per person + taxi | Travelers with big luggage |
| Private taxi or transfer, door to door | 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 | MXN 1,000–1,600 per vehicle | Groups, families, late arrivals |
| Own or rental car | 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 | MXN 150–250 fuel one way, no tolls | Exploring several beaches |
| Day tour Mazunte – Zipolite – Punta Cometa | Full day, round trip | Per person, transport included | Day trippers who want zero logistics |
Indicative 2026 ranges, not published fares. Colectivo, bus and taxi prices change with fuel costs and season, so confirm before you get in.
Colectivo and Bus: The Cheap Way From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite
Most locals and backpackers do the trip in two hops. Colectivo vans to Pochutla leave from the stops along Highway 200 in the center of Puerto Escondido every 20 to 30 minutes during the day; the ride takes about an hour and a quarter. In Pochutla, switch to a shared taxi or pickup truck marked Zipolite or Puerto Ángel for the last 12 km, about 20 minutes. If you prefer a reserved seat, first-class buses also run to Pochutla; check times on the official ADO website. Before you go:
- Carry small bills: drivers rarely have change for a 500-peso note.
- Ask for the right stop: tell the driver Zipolite, and ask to get off at the center or at the Roca Blanca end of the beach.
- Big bags go on your lap: colectivos have little luggage space, so a backpack is easier than a suitcase.
- Get cash first: Zipolite has few ATMs and they often run dry; withdraw in Puerto Escondido or Pochutla.
Taxi, Private Transfer or Day Tour
If you travel with luggage, kids or a group, the door-to-door option quickly pays off. A private ride takes the coast road past San Agustinillo and drops you at your hotel in Zipolite with no changes:
- Street taxi: agree on the price before you get in; one way usually lands between MXN 1,000 and 1,600 per car.
- Private transfer: a fixed price booked in advance, with pickup at your hotel or at Puerto Escondido airport.
- Day tour: the Mazunte, Zipolite and Punta Cometa tour includes transport, so you only choose where to swim.
- From Huatulco airport: Zipolite is closer to Huatulco (about 50 minutes) than to Puerto Escondido airport.
Driving From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite
By car, take Highway 200 east past Santa María Colotepec and San Antonio. Just before Pochutla, the turnoff at San Antonio leads down the scenic coast road through Mazunte and San Agustinillo to Zipolite; alternatively, continue to Pochutla and drive south via Puerto Ángel. Either way, plan 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and there are no tolls.
Watch for speed bumps (topes): they appear at the entrance of every village and are not always painted. Avoid driving after dark, when cattle and unlit curves are the main risk, and fill up in Puerto Escondido or Pochutla, since the coast road has no gas stations. Parking in Zipolite is informal along the main street, so ask your hotel if it has a spot.
From Zipolite Back to Puerto Escondido
The return is the same trip in reverse: a shared taxi or pickup from Zipolite to Pochutla, then a colectivo or bus back to Puerto Escondido. Leave Zipolite by 5 or 6 p.m., because service thins out after sunset and night taxis cost more. If you are staying a few days, our guides to things to do in Zipolite and the complete Zipolite beach guide help you plan the time there, and if your trip ends at Huatulco airport, see all the options between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Zipolite from Puerto Escondido?
About 70 km by road, a drive of 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes on Highway 200 and the coast road.
Is there a direct bus from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?
No. Buses and colectivos go to Pochutla; from there a shared taxi or pickup covers the last 12 km to Zipolite in about 20 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?
Expect roughly MXN 1,000 to 1,600 per car one way. Agree on the fare before you leave, or book a private transfer at a fixed price.
Can you do Zipolite as a day trip from Puerto Escondido?
Yes. Leave in the morning, combine Zipolite with Mazunte and Punta Cometa, and start back before sunset.
Once you have the route sorted, the fun part is deciding what to do on arrival. Here are the best things to do in Zipolite.
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