Planning a trip to Puerto Escondido? Here's what you need to pack:
- Swimwear and beach clothes
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Comfortable footwear
- Beach gear (towel, waterproof phone case, water bottle)
- Bug spray
- Basic medical kit
- Important documents
- Day bag
- Night clothes
- Eco-friendly items
Quick Comparison:
| Item | Why It's Essential | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Swimwear | Daily beach visits | Multiple suits |
| Sunscreen | Intense sun | Reef-safe SPF 50+ |
| Footwear | Various activities | Sandals + water shoes |
| Bug spray | Mosquito protection | DEET-based repellent |
| Day bag | Carry essentials | Waterproof backpack |
Pack light, breathable clothes for the hot, humid climate. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Bring some cash and basic meds. Most importantly, get travel insurance - it's cheap and can save you headaches.
Remember: Puerto Escondido is casual, so leave the fancy clothes at home. Focus on beach-friendly, comfortable items that'll keep you cool and protected from the sun.
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1. Swimwear and Beach Clothes
Puerto Escondido's hot and humid climate demands smart packing. Here's what you need:
Pack Multiple Swimsuits
Bring 2-3 swimsuits. You'll hit the beach daily, and no one likes a damp suit.
- Surfing? Go for a secure one-piece or board shorts
- Sunbathing? Pack that stylish bikini or swim trunks
- Beach volleyball? Choose something sporty and comfy
Beach Cover-Ups
Don't forget easy post-swim wear:
| Cover-Up | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cupshe Drawstring Dress | Light polyester, compact | $20-$30 |
| Lake Capri Scoop Back | Cotton gauze, semi-sheer, maxi | $80-$100 |
| J.Crew Cotton Voile Shirt | Organic cotton, quick-dry | $60-$80 |
"Love this dress! Can't wait to bring it to Mexico!" - Happy Customer
Light, Cool Clothing
For non-beach time, pack:
- Shorts: Light, breathable fabrics
- T-shirts: Loose for airflow
- Dresses: Beach-to-evening wear
Skip the denim. It's too heavy for Puerto Escondido's heat.
2. Sun Protection Items
Puerto Escondido's sun is intense. Here's what you need:
Strong Sunscreen
Pack SPF 50+. The Oaxacan sun is fierce, especially from 12-4 PM.
| Sunscreen | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Bum Natural Mineral | SPF 50, vegan, reef-safe | $15-$20 |
| Badger Clear Zinc Sport | SPF 35, hypoallergenic, no fragrance | $15-$20 |
| EltaMD UV Clear Face | SPF 46, oil-free, for sensitive skin | $30-$35 |
Pick reef-safe options to protect marine life.
Sun Hat
Get a wide-brimmed hat. It guards your face, neck, and ears.
Good options:
- Patagonia Wide Brim Hat: Tough, UPF 50+
- Outrigger Summer Hat: $89 (on sale), stylish
- Classic Fedora: Unisex, UPF 50, $89
UV-Blocking Sunglasses
Protect your eyes too. Go for polarized lenses to cut glare.
Look for:
- 100% UV protection
- Large coverage
- Polarized lenses
"Sun protection is crucial daily, but even more so when spending lots of time outdoors in tropical spots." - Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, The Skin Cancer Foundation
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming. Your skin will thank you.
3. Footwear Choices
Puerto Escondido's activities need smart shoe picks. Here's what to bring:
Comfy Sandals
For daily walks, get sandals that handle sand and water. OluKai sandals are great:
- Cushioned footbed
- Versatile style
- Easy to clean
Water Shoes
For rocky beaches and water sports, look for:
- Quick-drying materials
- Good grip
- Rock protection
| Activity | Shoe Feature |
|---|---|
| Beach walks | Thick sole |
| Swimming | Ankle straps |
| Sailing | Mid-calf height |
Flip-Flops
Great for quick trips. Try the Reef Water Vista Slide:
- Waterproof plastic and foam
- Easy to clean
"I love waterproof shoes for the beach. You can rinse your feet without taking them off", says Taylor Fox, T+L outdoor gear editor.
Tip: Pack a shoe bag to keep other items clean.
4. Beach Gear
Here's what you need for Puerto Escondido's beaches:
Beach Towel
Pack a light, quick-dry towel. Microfiber's great - it's small and dries fast.
Waterproof Phone Case
Keep your phone safe with a waterproof case. The Case-Mate Pelican Marine IP68 Waterproof Pouch is solid:
- Fits phones up to 6.7 inches
- Survives 3.3 feet underwater for 30 minutes
- Comes with a lanyard
Madison Flager from Condé Nast Traveler says:
"This Pelican pouch is the clear standout, largely for its ability to float, and it's the one I've packed most frequently in the years since I started testing waterproof pouches."
On a budget? Try the JOTO waterproof phone pouch for about $9.
Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a reusable bottle. Here's a quick comparison:
| Material | Good | Not So Good |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Tough, keeps drinks cold | Can be heavy |
| Glass | Easy to recycle | Breakable, heavy |
| BPA-free plastic | Light | Less durable |
Worried about water quality? The Grayl Water Purifier's got you covered. It filters water in 25 seconds and lasts for 350 uses.
Pro tip: Test your waterproof phone case at home before you go. Better safe than sorry!
5. Bug Spray
Puerto Escondido's tropical climate means mosquitoes. Here's how to deal with them:
DEET Spray
DEET-based repellents work best:
- Off! Deep Woods: 25% DEET, 8 hours of protection.
- Autan Classic: Mexican option, works well.
Quick tip: Apply DEET to hands first, then face. Keeps it out of your eyes and lungs.
Natural Options
Don't like chemicals? Try these:
| Product | Main Ingredient | How Long It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Picaridin | 20% Picaridin | Up to 12 hours |
| Natrapel Lemon Eucalyptus | 30% OLE | About 6 hours |
| Crocodile Herbal | Plant-based | Varies |
One traveler said:
"I used Skeeter Free outdoors in Puerto Escondido. Reapplied every 3-4 hours with the 2X version. Smells nice, stays on when you sweat."
Got Bitten?
Pack anti-itch cream:
- Andantol: Found in Mexican pharmacies. Stops swelling and itching fast.
- Hydrocortisone cream: Reliable bite soother.
Heads up: Dengue fever exists here. Use repellent always, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes love to bite.
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6. Basic Medical Kit
Don't forget to pack a basic medical kit for your Puerto Escondido trip. It's essential for handling minor health issues that might crop up.
Here's what you need:
Common Medicines
- Pain relievers
- Allergy pills
- Diarrhea tablets
- Nausea remedies
Keep meds in original packaging to avoid customs hassles.
Bandages and Disinfectant
For cuts and scrapes:
- Waterproof Band-Aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Gauze and medical tape
Motion Sickness Pills
Pack these if you get queasy:
Most local pharmacies close by 10-11 PM, so having your own kit is smart.
Extra Items
- Aloe vera gel
- Antihistamine cream
- Scissors and tweezers
Mike Huxley, RN, says:
"Antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning wounds before dressing them."
7. Important Papers
Don't leave home without these key documents for Puerto Escondido:
Passport and Copies
Your passport is a must. Make sure it's valid for 6+ months after your return date. Make two copies:
- One goes separate from your passport
- Leave one with someone at home
U.S. citizens: Passport card works for land travel, but you need the book for flying.
Travel Insurance Info
Bring proof of travel insurance. It's smart, even if not required. Your U.S. health insurance probably won't work in Mexico.
| Insurance Type | Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical | Emergency care, hospital |
| Trip | Cancellations, lost luggage |
| Adventure | Surfing accidents, gear theft |
Money and Bank Cards
Pack enough cash and cards. Puerto Escondido has ATMs, but they can run dry.
- Tell your bank you're traveling
- Bring a backup card
- Carry some U.S. dollars for emergencies
Pro Tip: Use a money belt or hotel safe.
Other Essentials
-
FMM Tourist Card: Get at airport or border. Required for stays over 72 hours or travel beyond border zone.
-
Driver's License: For car rentals.
-
Proof of Onward Travel: Some airlines ask. Return ticket usually works.
Keep everything in a waterproof bag. Beach + important papers = bad mix!
8. Day Bag
A good day bag is a must for Puerto Escondido. Here's what you need:
Small Backpack
Pack a light backpack for daily trips. The Summer Days backpack from L*Space is great. It's got:
- Comfy straps
- A drawstring top to keep sand out
- Room for beach stuff
Waterproof Bag
Keep your things dry and sand-free. Try the newppon Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch for:
- Your phone
- Cash
- Keys
Snacks and Drinks
Don't go hungry or thirsty. Bring:
- A reusable water bottle (like a 32oz HydroFlask)
- Energy bars
- Fresh fruit
"I always fill my 32oz HydroFlask with ice cold water before hitting the beach." - Olivia Whalen, Travel Blogger
Pro tip: Bring a small mesh bag for shells. You'll avoid taking home half the beach.
9. Night Clothes
Puerto Escondido's chill vibe doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Here's what you need for those cooler evenings:
Light Jacket or Sweater
Nights can get breezy. Grab something light:
- Denim jacket (goes with everything)
- Cotton cardigan (breathes well)
- Light shawl (stylish and practical)
Nice Outfit
Puerto's casual, but you might want to dress up a bit for dinner:
- Versatile dresses (beach to bar)
- Light trousers (sun and mosquito protection)
- Linen top (day-to-night transition)
Comfortable Shoes
For night walks, comfort is key:
- Supportive sandals
- Slip-on sneakers
- Skip the heels (sidewalks are uneven)
Pro tip: Pack mix-and-match clothes. More outfits, less luggage.
"Layer up for those beach bar nights. Trust me, you'll thank me later." - Local Surfer
10. Eco-Friendly Items
Pack these eco-friendly items to protect Puerto Escondido's environment:
Ocean-Safe Sunscreen
Regular sunscreens can harm marine life. Use reef-safe options:
- Mineral-based with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- No oxybenzone or octinoxate (they cause coral bleaching)
- Try Raw Elements SPF 30 or Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50
"Pack biodegradable sunscreen for Mexico. Protect your skin and the nature you admire." - Janine, Travel Blogger
Reusable Shopping Bag
Bring a foldable, lightweight bag:
- Cotton or recycled material
- Use for beach trips, shopping, and dirty laundry
- Try Wild & Stone's Organic Cotton Blue Crochet Bag
Earth-Friendly Toiletries
Choose eco-friendly options:
- Solid shampoo and conditioner bars (about $22.30 for a set)
- Biodegradable soap
- Bamboo toothbrushes and natural deodorant
| Item | Why It Matters | Example Product |
|---|---|---|
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Protects marine life | Raw Elements SPF 30 |
| Reusable bag | Reduces plastic waste | Wild & Stone Organic Cotton Bag |
| Solid toiletries | Less packaging, eco-friendly | Shampoo and conditioner bar set |
Conclusion
Ready to pack for Puerto Escondido? Here's what you need:
- Swimwear and beach clothes
- Sun protection
- Comfy shoes
- Beach gear
- Bug spray
- Basic medical kit
- Important papers
- Day bag
- Night clothes
- Eco-friendly items
Want to pack like a pro? Use packing cubes and wear your bulky stuff on the plane.
Don't forget:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash
- Basic meds
"Get a hard-sided suitcase with a TSA-approved lock", says Sarah Johnson from Luggage Reviews.
Oh, and grab some travel insurance. It's cheap and it'll save you headaches.
| Must-Have | Why |
|---|---|
| Swimsuits | Pack a few |
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Good for you, good for fish |
| Waterproof phone case | Beach pics without worry |
| Light beach towel | Dries fast, packs small |
That's it! Pack smart, travel light, and have a blast in Puerto Escondido.
