Why Puerto Escondido could definitely, maybe, be your digital nomad haven
Not so long ago, Puerto Escondido was more quiet surf town than digital nomad hotspot. Nowadays that’s changing — the once-remote enclave of pristine, big wave beaches is starting to get the attention it deserves.
Still, there are a few years to go before this place really pops off. Down the line, Puerto Escondido’s world-class surf scene will bloom into another specialty destination; another Tulum, another Bali. But for the time being, the town retains much of its chill, laid-back vibe.
That’s something that would-be digital nomads should consider. If you want a bustling city with plenty of action and connections to make, you may want to keep looking. But if you’re looking for beautiful beaches and a relaxed pace of life, Puerto Escondido could be for you.
Here are six reasons why digital nomads love (or hate) Puerto Escondido.
1. Chill pace of life
As mentioned above, Puerto Escondido is somewhere between a local haunt and an international tourist hotspot. While plenty of folks come from overseas to experience the area’s world-class waves, it still feels like the town belongs to the locals.
The vibe is relaxed and people take things one day at a time, far removed from the familiar market-driven mentality. Most folks have lived their whole lives in this town, and there are naturally going to be mixed feelings about its rising international popularity.
Digital nomads should take all this into consideration. Some people will love having space for their thoughts and their work. Others may crave the pulse of connection, and want to close their laptops at the end of a long day before leaping into a sea of nightclubs and new people.
The laid-back vibe in Puerto Escondido could be a pro or a con, depending on your work style.
2. Social and nightlife
Okay so the vibe is chill, but that is not to say that Puerto Escondido is barren in the nightlife department.
At the downtown beach areas like Playa Zicatela and La Punta, you’ll find serious clubs and bars. For a traditional nightclub, look for XCAANDA, where you can dance the night away amidst a throng of drunken tourists beside the crashing waves. For something more unique try Mar + Wana (a delightful play on words, when read in Spanish). The bar/club extends upwards into a network of treehouse-style architecture, and it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of climbing rope ladders to the sound of jungle house music.
So while things in Puerto Escondido are “laid-back,” and you won’t have the same nightlife options as Playa del Carmen or Mexico City, digital nomads should take solace knowing that you won’t get bored here.
3. Cheap Prices
One thing that’s undeniably dope about Puerto Escondido is the cost of living. It’s not a major bustling city, and the prices reflect that.
Here are some sample costs I encountered in my time there:
- Studio condo with balcony and ocean view. 1 month: $700
- “Starving Surfista Slam Frances” at local legend El Cafecito. Four pieces of home-baked French toast, 3 eggs, skillet potatoes, bread: $5
- Taxi ride across town: $2
- Motor scooter rental, one week: $40
One day I actually bought ten street tacos for $2.50. I suspect the pork may have been on its way out, if you catch my drift, but the point stands.
4. Surfing
I’d be remiss not to mention the surfing here.
When I decided on Puerto Escondido, I knew it was one of the world’s premiere surf destinations — and I knew that some people are just called to the waves.
I am not one of those people.
I borrowed a buddy’s surfboard for approximately one hour. I accomplished the personal victory of standing up on that board for a few glimmering seconds. Then I got out of the ocean and dried off.
If you find yourself called to the waves, though, you’ll be in good company. There are pro surfers and newbie “kooks” alike, all side by side, ready to either teach you something or sail into you at high speeds when their wave goes awry.
Even if you’ve never surfed before, don’t overlook this aspect of the Puerto Escondido digital nomad experience.
5. Close-Knit Community
Puerto Escondido really feels like a small seaside town, because it is. After a while you’ll start recognizing familiar faces, and bumping into the same people.
For this reason, the community is tight and close-knit. Some folks living the digital nomad life will love this, as it makes the place feel rather homey.
If you’re looking for the anonymity and unending newness of a big city, look elsewhere. But if you love a small-town vibe, Puerto Escondido has it in spades.
6. Lack of Distractions
Longtime digital nomads will attest, an absence of distractions can be key.
Sometimes the best-laid plans — achieving peak productivity on a tropical beach — turn into more margaritas than meetings. Places full of action and tourism tend to generate momentum of their own, and the pace of new people and experiences can sweep you off-task.
Puerto Escondido is a a great place to buckle down and focus on something.
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Puerto Escondido has a vibe all its own, and many digital nomads will love that.
The town is a refreshing mix of vibrant and relaxed, local and international. That mix reflects in the people, the food, and all aspects of day to day life.
Overall though, my personal verdict is clear: don’t miss this beautiful, soon-to-be-not-so-hidden gem on Mexico’s pacific coast.
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