Is Puerto Escondido Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Puerto Escondido is generally safe for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and usually willing to help. However, it's important to note that, like anywhere else, certain street smarts should be exercised. Avoid unlit areas after dark and always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Also, despite its relative safety, it's advisable to learn a few key phrases in Spanish for an easier and more comfortable travel experience.

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 2 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Moderate

Puerto Escondido generally holds a tranquil beach atmosphere. However, like any city, it does contain risk, especially at night. Make sure to keep valuables concealed and avoid less crowded areas. Always secure your accommodations. Despite these risks, locals are typically friendly and helpful. Safety can considerably increase when staying within well-traveled areas, avoiding late night walks alone, and utilizing safe and known taxi services when needed.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Puerto Escondido mainly consists of taxis and colectivos (shared vans). Generally, they are reliable and used frequently by both locals and tourists. However, it is important to negotiate rates before getting in a taxi, as they do not use meters. For colectivos, you should be aware of shared space with strangers. Keep your belongings close to you and avoid displaying expensive items. Always remain aware of your surroundings and travel during daylight hours if possible for additional safety.

Street harassment: Low

In Puerto Escondido, the overall atmosphere is quite relaxed and charming. While you can expect glaring and occasional catcalling, it's typically less intense compared to other larger cities. The locals are usually friendly and respectful, primarily due to the fact that it is a tourist town. However, like in any destination, it's always recommended to exercise caution, particularly when out and about at night.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Puerto Escondido, you need to stay cautious as petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur occasionally. Strive to keep your belongings secure and avoid flashing expensive items or carrying large amounts of cash. Despite this, the area is generally friendly and is popular among tourists so it's not considered highly dangerous. Always stay alert, aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.

Tap water:Unsafe

The tap water in Puerto Escondido, is not recommended for drinking. Though it's usually used for cleaning and bathing, it may not be safe for consumption due to potential bacterial contamination and different mineral composition. To prevent health issues, it is advised to drink bottled water or water from purification systems.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 2 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Astrid

Astrid (25)

Mexico

Couple travel experience

It's super peaceful, very nice for solo or couple travel, and a great escape from the stress of the city. It's a very safe, calm, and beautiful place where you can surf, spend time by the sea, and watch sunsets. You can also easily travel to nearby villages by bus, and they are very affordable.

Posted: November 23, 2023Experienced: June, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was just in Puerto Escondido in February and I felt very safe. I found it to be a really nice beach town with lovely people. It’s a big surfing hot spot so kind of a hippie-type vibe and with a lot of tourists.

Posted: August 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Puerto Escondido

Fien

Fien

Speaking

About Me

Hey, I'm Fien and I'm interested in culture, camping, dancing, food & cuisine, hiking, health, nature, nightlife and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Caye

Caye

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, I'm Caye and I'm interested in animals, art, backpacking, books, camping, culture, cinema, business, dancing, digital nomad, diving, education, events & social, food & cuisine, health, hiking, nature, photography, science, van life, writing, solo travel and swimming

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇴 Macao, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

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Stay with locals in Puerto Escondido

Caye

Caye

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hey!, I'm Caye and I'm interested in animals, art, backpacking, books, camping, culture, cinema, business, dancing, digital nomad, diving, education, events & social, food & cuisine, health, hiking, nature, photography, science, van life, writing, solo travel and swimming

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇴 Macao, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

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Safety in Mexico