
Between the mountains and the ocean, Puerto Escondido is in the southern part of Oaxaca. Puerto Escondido was named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Extraordinary Places to Explore and a rising design destination in 2021. So is Puerto Escondido safe?
With pristine beaches, a burgeoning nightlife scene, and a sense of community, this Mexican paradise town is a real find. There’s something about this ‘hidden port’ that might appeal to people tired of the overcrowded beaches on the Riviera Maya.
When people mention they’re going to Mexico, they often ask if it’s safe or how to move freely.
So, is Puerto Escondido safe?

The Oaxacan entity has a lower rate of high-impact crimes per 100,000 people than the national average. According to the Secretariado Ejecutivo del Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública (SESNSP).
In May of 2021, Oaxaca was ranked among the safest federal entities in the country. According to the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection.
During the period, 2 thousand 498.24 crimes were recorded in Oaxaca, while the national average was 3 thousand 814.30. The number of high-impact crimes in Oaxaca was 1,137.35, while the number of high-impact crimes in the nation was 1,748.03.
A total of 15 crimes were reported by the entity, of which 13 are below the national average. These include intentional homicides, kidnappings, vehicle theft, extortion, human trafficking, robberies, transportation robberies, robberies on the streets, business robberies, drug dealing, intentional injuries, family violence, and rape. With a rate of 3.85 robbery against carriers, the state has made significant progress in fighting robbery against carriers. Compared to 12.37 in the country as a whole.

The figures reflect the coordinated work of the three levels of government. As well as the security strategies applied in the eight regions of the state on the instructions of the head of the Oaxaca Public Security Secretariat (SSPO), Heliodoro Díaz Escárraga, through the corporations of this institution.
It’s important to clarify that the definition of whether a place is safe or not is highly subjective. Depends on the individual’s experiences.

You also have to consider the time of year you’re traveling. What the person did while he was there, whether you’re a woman or a man, if you’re traveling alone or accompanied, etc. It’s hard to say for certain whether a place is safe for tourists. There are so many factors to consider.
But in general, there’s no need to worry about safety in Puerto Escondido. Tourists bring major money to Puerto Escondido every year, so many locals rely on tourism.
Since Puerto Escondido is a small place, everyone knows everyone else. Probably one of the reasons crime rates aren’t skyrocketing.

Although crime rates have been rising for the last three years due to Puerto Escondido’s rapid growth. The following types of petty crimes are on the rise:
- Home break-in
- Being mugged or robbed
- Cars were stolen
- Being offered drugs in Puerto Escondido
You don’t have to worry about if you’re staying in a popular area as a tourist. No matter whether you’re backpacking or staying in a luxury resort.
What does this mean for your decision to visit Puerto Escondido?
Whether you are traveling alone or with someone, or whether you are a man or a woman, there are differences that must be considered.

Currently, women are at higher risk when traveling alone. Whatever the case may be, it is not an obstacle in discovering this coastal paradise.
It is a place where you can feel safe exploring by yourself as a woman in Puerto Escondido. Whenever you travel, it is important that you remain alert and take certain precautions if you are a woman.
Our recommendations
1. Use common sense and you will have no trouble enjoying Puerto Escondido and its tourist attractions.
By using common sense, I mean:
- Not walking alone at night through dimly lit streets
- Not accepting visits from strangers that seem dangerous
- Not taking non-official transportation
- Never blindly trusting and always exercising a critical attitude

2. Traveling alone before must have provided you with the necessary senses to know any tourist destination.
The first time you travel alone and select Puerto Escondido as your destination. Don’t worry; you just have to be more alert and educate yourself well before embarking on this journey.
3. You should also consider the language when visiting Puerto Escondido if you want to feel safer.
I recommend practicing Spanish before you arrive if you don’t speak it natively. Although you can travel and have fun even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish. Speaking the language will make you feel safer.
We can’t learn about cultures and people when we’re stuck in a language barrier. It also makes it hard to stay safe. It’s always good to have a local friend to help you understand the language well. Feel confident if you don’t have time to practice. You’ll love the locals!

4. Keep your valuables with you at all times and don’t neglect them.
Despite Puerto Escondido being a safe place, there are times when theft occurs. So keep your belongings in safe places to prevent this. You can store your stuff under lock and key in most hotels and hostels in Puerto. Don’t book your accommodation until you check this out.
5. Last but not least, always have your consulate’s number on hand in case anything happens.
Your insurance company will be able to take care of you if anything happens.

It’s true that there have been crimes in Puerto Escondido. But if you use common sense, stay alert and take all precautions, you’ll be fine. Puerto Escondido’s people are friendly and warm, so you’ll feel relaxed so you can enjoy your stay.