This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The carrier will begin new service to Puerto Escondido in December American Airlines is set to become the second international carrier to fly to the surf town of Puerto Escondido American Airlines’ new route will connect  the carrier’s hub at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) year-round with flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays An Embraer 175 aircraft with capacity for 76 passengers will fly the route Tickets will go on sale April 14 through American Airlines website and partners Puerto Escondido International Airport is part of the Mexican Tourist Airport Group (GATM) a public-private partnership between Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and the Portuguese infrastructure and logistics company Mota-Engil GATM launched last year and includes Tepic International Airport (TPQ) in Nayarit Puerto Escondido is the carrier’s 30th destination in Mexico Other recently added routes include Tampico (TAM) The airline also serves popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas (CSL) Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Mexico City (MEX) With reports from El Economista ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Puerto Escondido start in December American Airlines is launching nonstop flights to Puerto Escondido this winter strengthening its position as the dominant carrier in the U.S.-Mexico market Beginning on December 3, American will launch a twice-weekly, year-round service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Puerto Escondido (PXM) on Wednesdays and Saturdays This regional jet offers a total capacity of 76 passengers across three classes including 12 First Class seats and 34 Main Cabin Extra seats Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the southern state of Oaxaca Puerto Escondido is a laid-back beach town known for its beaches it has surged in popularity in recent years and is fast becoming a must-see destination among intrepid travelers In fact, this city was recently named one of the top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 by Airbnb which described it as a ‘beach paradise’ and a ‘beautiful escape.’ And while tourism is booming it still offers a relaxing alternative to well-trodden Mexican destinations like Cancun Puerto Escondido will become American’s 30th destination in Mexico while it’s also operating a record-breaking number of flights and seats to Mexico in 2025 “With the announcement of American’s 30th destination in Mexico – Puerto Escondido – we further solidify our position as the leading U.S airline in the country with an operation and network that is unmatched,” said José A Contact Center Operations and Service Recovery at American Airlines Graphic: American Airlines Mexican network Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund “Puerto Escondido is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers in search of tropical and relaxing getaways and we are confident that our new service from Dallas-Fort Worth will offer our customers the opportunity to experience a unique part of Mexico.” Mexico is an important market for American Airlines which claims the country is the most popular international travel destination for Americans This has been reflected by a significant expansion of the airline’s Mexican network in recent months Last year, it launched flights to Tijuana (TIJ), Tulum (TQO), and Veracruz (VER), followed by a new service to Tampico (TAM) in March this year. It’s also adding new flights from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Cancun (CUN) in November which will be the only international service in the entire state of Oklahoma Website created by Ink Studio Save The Waves Coalition has nominated Puerto Escondido as the next and 14th World Surfing Reserve Puerto Escondido is home to some of the best beach breaks in the world and are beloved and admired by the entire surfing community Often referred to as the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ the wave is universally regarded as an international treasure While renowned worldwide for the famous big wave beach break Zicatela the proposed Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve will also host a variety of waves and surf ecosystems spanning over 10 kilometers and including 8 unique waves the coastal ecosystems of Zicatela and Colorada have critically important terrestrial and marine biodiversity and host an abundance of wildlife and important habitat for nesting sea turtles “Puerto Escondido reflects the quintessential surf ecosystem a biodiverse environment with important ecosystems for coastal resilience and a united community willing and able to defend the place they love,” said CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich of Save The Waves 1 and 2 © Paco Calleja | 3: © Damián Victoria Save The Waves has been working with local community organizations to protect and steward key aspects of the region for several years This local coalition has proposed a protection strategy for the mangrove ecosystem at Punta Colorada addressed ongoing water quality and sewage issues and sought out solutions to the sand flow and erosion issues at Zicatela With the expected designation of a World Surfing Reserve the community has united to present a unified front to celebrate and protect the irreplaceable surf ecosystems that make Puerto Escondido known worldwide Local bodyboarder and key community leader “Zicatela is not just a beach; it is our identity Being recognized as a World Surfing Reserve is an honor Celebration is not enough—we must preserve our waves and everything they represent.” Because Puerto Escondido would not be the same without its ocean we will ensure this legacy lives on forever.” “Saving the wave of Zicatela would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but also bring Playa Zicatela back to life It is heartbreaking to see the deterioration the wave and the beach have suffered over the past decade Obtaining the World Surfing Reserve designation would be a major step toward restoring its prestige and reclaiming its place among the top 10 waves in the world,” said Coco Nogales professional big wave surfer and Puerto Escondido local Save The Waves and local partners will now begin a Stewardship Planning Process to identify the key goals of the Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve and organize the Local Stewardship Council The dedication of Puerto Escondido as the next World Surfing Reserve is slated for the early months of 2026 The World Surfing Reserves program is managed and implemented by California-based Save The Waves Coalition an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems across the globe The program was launched in 2009 and is currently comprised of 13 World Surfing Reserves spanning around the world including Malibu and Santa Cruz in California; Ericeira in Portugal; the Gold Coast Manly and Noosa in Australia; Punta de Lobos in Chile Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica; Huanchaco in Peru; Guarda do Embaú in Brazil; North Devon in the United Kingdom;  Bahía de Todos Santos in Mexico; and Oriente Salvaje in El Salvador To learn more about the World Surfing Reserve program, click here To learn more about the Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve, click here Save The Waves Coalition is an international nonprofit with a mission to protect surf ecosystems across the globe. Their conservation efforts have led to the protection and preservation of surf breaks and coastlines from California to Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and beyond. Find more at www.savethewaves.org campaign alerts and news from our Coalition around the world and 10% off your first purchase at the Save The Waves Shop Privacy Policy   |  Terms & Conditions Powered by Team of Horses   |   ©2015-2025 Save The Waves Coalition For years, Puerto Escondido was one of Mexico's best-kept secrets a boho beach haven known mostly to surfers and backpackers travel advisors will want to keep an eye on this rapidly emerging destination on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca American Airlines is expanding its already extensive footprint in Mexico with the addition of Puerto Escondido as its 30th destination in the country twice-weekly service from its Dallas-Fort Worth hub Flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays aboard an Embraer E175 jet featuring a three-class configuration with 12 first-class seats 20 Main Cabin Extra seats and 44 standard economy seats The route will be operated by American's regional affiliate United Airlines launched weekly Saturday service from Houston on April 5 operated by Mesa Airlines on an Embraer E175 aircraft is the first nonstop connection between Houston and Puerto Escondido these two new routes dramatically improve access to this coastal destination from key U.S signaling Puerto Escondido's growing appeal among American travelers Puerto Escondido's boutique hotel boom continues with the opening of Hotel Humano the latest project from Mexico's design-forward hospitality group Grupo Habita Following the success of Hotel Escondido and Terrestre the 39-room (including 8 suites) Hotel Humano is steps from Playa Zicatela a legendary surf beach known as the home of the Mexican Pipeline Amenities include garden restaurant Bistro; the rooftop Sunset Bar with Pacific Ocean views; an outdoor spa with a sauna and cold plunges; and a coffee shop serving locally sourced brews A beach club is scheduled to open this year an oceanfront pool and a seafood grill restaurant The game-changer for the region might just be the new Barranca Larga-Ventanilla superhighway The 65-mile route slashes the drive time between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido from more than 6 hours to just 2.5 hours and the cost is about $23 for cars and $11 for motorcycles The toll only applies to vehicles with non-Oaxaca license plates This enhanced connectivity positions Puerto Escondido not just as a standalone beach escape but as part of a broader Oaxaca itinerary — something savvy travel advisors can leverage for multi-stop trips that combine culture Ease of access: With direct flights from Dallas and Houston Puerto Escondido is now viable for long-weekend escapes or dual-destination Oaxaca itineraries Luxury-leaning clientele: Hotel Humano and its predecessors offer a fresh alternative for design-conscious travelers seeking something more boutique than big-box resorts Multi-segment travel: Pair Puerto Escondido with Oaxaca City via the new highway for an immersive experience spanning surf towns and mezcal country United Airlines has launched a new nonstop service from Houston to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PMX) marking the Mexican airport’s first scheduled international route.  will operate three times per week using Embraer 175 aircraft “This is a historic moment for Puerto Escondido,” Javier García Bejos director general of Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME) “We are opening our doors to the world with the arrival of United Airlines and a direct connection to Houston.” García Bejos said the route reflects growing international interest in Oaxaca’s Pacific coast and the tourism potential of the region “This first international flight puts us on the map in a new way,” he said “It shows that our strategy of investing in infrastructure and working closely with airlines is producing results.” The service from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will be operated by Mesa Airlines as United Express According to data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser United intends to offer 48 nonstop U.S.-Mexico routes during the summer 2025 season—23 of which are from IAH The new international link to PMX comes as AME continues to invest in the long-term growth of the airport Terminal expansion and modernization are underway to accommodate growing demand and improve the passenger experience The $200 million investment will increase capacity to more than 3 million passengers annually during the first phase “We are committed to providing the infrastructure and services that will support the growth,” García Bejos said “Puerto Escondido is ready to take the next step in its evolution as a tourist destination.” Puerto Escondido has seen record domestic growth in recent years and has become increasingly popular with international tourists seeking an alternative to Mexico’s more developed resort cities “The United flight is just the beginning,” García Bejos said “We see strong potential for more international routes in the near future.” AME also operates Riviera Nayarit International Airport where it is pursuing a similar strategy of infrastructure improvement and international route development the global route development community's trusted source for news and information insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily The non-profit organization Save the Waves Coalition has selected Puerto Escondido, Mexico as the latest surf zone to gain “world surfing reserve” status which would cover 10 kilometers of coast and eight surf breaks will now go through a planning process to be formalized in early 2026 Save the Waves has already had Puerto Escondido on its radar as a location in need of protection The threats facing the region’s world-class waves include improper wastewater infrastructure erosion that could be exacerbated by a nearby port and a united community willing and able to defend the place they love,” said Save the Waves CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich Aside from the world-class beachbreaks of Zicatela and Punta Colorada the area’s waves are matched by its rich biodiversity The stretch of coastline serves as a vital nesting habitat for sea turtles “Saving the wave of Zicatela would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but also bring Playa Zicatela back to life,” said renowned Puerto Escondido big wave surfer Coco Nogales “It is heartbreaking to see the deterioration the wave and the beach have suffered over the past decade Obtaining the world surfing reserve designation would be a major step toward restoring its prestige and reclaiming its place among the top 10 waves in the world.” World surf reserve status is not a globally recognized legal framework but the formation of a  coalition of local partners who create the “local stewardship council” to protect the wave via a “reserve stewardship plan.” Puerto Escondido will be the 14th such reserve The first reserve was established in 2009 in Malibu Save the Waves selects one new application for a world surfing reserve choosing candidates based on quality and consistency of waves From Tubes To Turns, Jai Glindeman's Surfing is a Treat to Behold Gerry Lopez Goes Deep With Justin Jay On The Plug Podcast Spot Guide: Rincon Queen, of the Coast NewsAll NewsEventsBig Wave NewsWorld Surf LeagueEnvironmentalIndustryWave PoolsPosts List Hawaiian Big Wave Icon Clyde Aikau Passes Away at 75 Winners of SURFER's Emerging Brands Grant Announced Puerto Escondido may be one of the most challenging demanding and punishing waves on the planet Most who know the name will never get whalloped on the hot sand the Save The Waves Coalition announced that Puerto will become the 14th World Surfing Reserve a program that advocates for key surf zones and their surrounding environments to be preserved and protected In addition to the well-known beach beachbreak at Zicatela the proposed 6.2-mile zone will also include seven other waves mangroves and estuaries — coastal ecosystems that host habitats for an abundance of marine life and a united community willing and able to defend the place they love,” STW CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich said in a statement “Saving the wave of Zicatela would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but also bring Playa Zicatela back to life,” added pro big wave surfer and Puerto loco Obtaining the World Surfing Reserve designation would be a major step toward restoring its prestige and reclaiming its place among the top 10 waves in the world.”  The coalition's World Surfing Reserve program started in 2009 and is comprised of 13 regions around the world: Malibu and Santa Cruz in California; Ericeira in Portugal; the Gold Coast Celebration is not enough—we must preserve our waves and everything they represent we will ensure this legacy lives on forever.” Achieving the designation of Puerto Escondido as a World Surfing Reserve (WSR) honors not only the town’s cultural and economic significance as a global surfing destination but also serves as a powerful framework for long-term environmental conservation and other breaks are natural treasures that support a unique ecosystem and attract surfers and visitors from around the world these valuable resources are increasingly threatened by overdevelopment such as protecting sea turtle nesting grounds and preventing unsustainable coastal development will be empowered and supported by this designation The establishment of a WSR will also provide an essential platform for education raising awareness among the local population and visitors alike about the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity the WSR will foster a deep-rooted sense of environmental stewardship among the local community encouraging them to take an active role in protecting the waves It will also provide a platform for policy advocacy at the local and national levels ensuring that Puerto Escondido remains a model of sustainable coastal development and environmental protection for generations to come Puerto Escondido is home to some of the most iconic and varied waves in the world The coastal region offers a unique combination of beachbreaks and point breaks providing excellent surfing conditions year-round shaped by the local geography and influenced by seasonal swells 7 other high quality consistent waves exist in the World Surfing Reserve Puerto Escondido lies along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast an area recognized for its rich biodiversity The convergence of tropical and marine ecosystems provides habitat for a wide range of species and river estuaries in and around Puerto Escondido offer critical ecosystem services making the conservation of these habitats vital for maintaining environmental resilience The area supports numerous species listed as endangered and critically endangered Leatherback turtles rely on the beaches of Puerto Escondido for nesting Several protected areas surround Puerto Escondido including the Laguna de Chacahua National Park an internationally recognized wetland area Puerto Escondido’s identity is inextricably linked to its powerful waves and vibrant surf culture Surfing in Puerto Escondido is not only a sport but a way of life that has shaped the town’s community and economy for decades Puerto Escondido’s surf history dates back to the 1960s when a group of Californian surfers first discovered the incredible waves at Zicatela This discovery marked the beginning of the town’s transformation into a global surfing destination establishing it as a must-visit surf location on the global stage Contact: salvemospuertoescondido@gmail.com North Devon Coast: Area of Outstanding Beauty Download PDF (includes English and Portuguese)  The famous world class beachbreak Zicatela and other surf ecosystems to be named the next Reserve in the WSR network The Oriente Salvaje World Surfing Reserve has over 12 waves in its 19 kilometers of diverse coastline including the renowned Las Flores and Punta Mango The Vision Council for the World Surfing Reserves program is an advisory body of leaders and visionaries in the nexus of coastal conservation and surfing The North Devon World Surfing Reserve has created a unique stewardship project that aims to tackle one of the key threats to the surf ecosystem: water quality Donate today and make a global impact for our coastlines Airbnb revealed its list of places to travel in 2025 Direct flights from the United States to the laid-back beach town of Puerto Escondido are now available as the sunny surf destination seeks to open up to new tourism markets is serviced by United Airlines’ partner Mesa Airlines and departs from Houston ¡El primer vuelo internacional directo desde Houston ya llegó a Puerto Escondido — Saymi Pineda Velasco (@saymipinedav) April 5, 2025 “This direct service benefits Houston in many ways,” head of aviation for Houston Airports Jim Szczesniak said “It will boost our hospitality and tourism industries while creating new partnerships and economic exchanges between our city and Mexico.”  Operating on board an Embraer 175 with a capacity between 70 and 76 seats the flight departs George Bush International Airport (IAH) at 9:51 a.m and lands at Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) at 11:35 am The outbound flight departs Oaxaca at 12:35 p.m Oaxaca Tourism Minister Saymi Adriana Pineda Velasco said that this first international flight is a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for Puerto Escondido The flight, she said, results from a major renovation of the airport which recently received a historic investment of 200 million dollars This investment includes upgrades to runways general aviation platforms and access to roads had remained relatively unknown to foreign tourists But its reputation as a laid-back surfing destination has increased tourism in the area Thanks to its coastline featuring eight unique waves and some of the best beach breaks in the world, Puerto Escondido was recently designated a World Surfing Reserve — a coveted title that acknowledges the region’s world-class waves and ecological significance With a new international flight and airport renovations underway Pineda expects the airport to receive some three million tourists per year Well, it’s Puerto season, a time surfers like Nate Florence wait for all year It’s got to be a nice thing for surfers like Nate — surfers who live and breathe big waves and big barrels — to have a constant seasonal back and forth from massive tube to massive tube It can be very easy for the casual viewer to watch GoPro footage from the lineup and think I could do that.” But when the camera is pulled back to the beach view that viewer is made aware of just how heavy Puerto Escondido can get A True Masterpiece, "NORTH" by Brown Cannon III ‘He Was Such a Legend’: A Decade After His Death, Shawn “Barney” Barron’s Spirit Shines in Colorful Air Show LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website Over the years, Puerto Escondido has become synonymous with big (and punishing) sand-bottomed barrels. But there are still days when the Mexican Pipeline is much friendlier than what you saw at the 2017 Puerto Challenge this year “It's really fun when its 4 to 6 feet,” says homegrown Puerto charger Coco Nogales It's when its 10-foot plus that things start to get gnarly.” Since Coco Nogales grew up in Puerto Escondido and still lives there today we couldn't think of anyone better to ask for some Puerto Escondido travel tips “This place is paradise,” he said when we rang him I’m not thinking about going anywhere else.” For those of you who do want to go somewhere else specifically down to mainland Mex to score tubes and tacos here's everything you need to know before booking that plane ticket to Oaxaca: if they feel that someone is coming into their place without respect everyone is cool as long as you are cool.” The best time to go “The season starts from late April to the beginning of May and goes until early September There are actually waves up until November September and October could be really good or really stormy it's going to be more crowded between June Places to stay “There are a few places you could stay One is Bungalows Zicatela which is right in front of the beach I think the rooms range from 20 to 50 bucks The hotel has a restaurant and it’s a cool place to hang out It's kind of like Bungalows Zicatela; it's right in front of the peak of the wave and it’ll be 30 or 50 bucks a night Best places to eat “There’s a place call Mana that is on the beach It’s a nice place to get good food; they have everything from pizzas to pasta to chicken to fish to tacos It depends on what you’re going to eat because there are a lot of options but you’ll probably spend between $10 and $15 per meal Transporation “If you come during a swell and you plan to surf other places besides Puerto then you can rent a car if you want to do your own thing there are guys here that can take you places to go surf somewhere else.” What to do during the day “Normally people don’t surf-mid day here because it’s so hot But normally guys go out from 7 in the morning until about 11 o'clock.” “You can always go to another beach to go snorkeling or free diving WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SURF “If you’re looking for really big swells there are always 6-footers and there are always waves here Another way to score is to come for a month and just hang out I think Puerto is a place where you really need to put some time in.” What type of swell to look for “The south swells are better—anything from 185 to 200 degrees is the best situation for Puerto The west swells between 205 and 215 aren't the best because the wave becomes more walled and more closed-out Anything between 190 and 200 is peakier and that's when the Carmelita rights start working This year we’ve been having a lot of south swells so far What to know before paddling out “It’s always good to study the place before you go out–study what the waves are doing and where it’s breaking so you learn where to be and where not to be Some people never do this and they go out and sit in the wrong place and get pounded or get in the way of other surfers I still have a lot of respect for this place You’ve got to be really focused out there and try to make no mistakes Just go out there with a lot of respect for the locals Where to paddle out “When the waves get big the main beach is breaking non-stop all over the place so it's really difficult to make it out Where to line up to get the best waves “Puerto is really shifty You just have to line up wherever the wave is breaking The best tides for Puerto “Puerto is best when the tide is low going high The waves get bigger and the incoming tide helps to push the swell when the tide is super high and sucking out the waves get really slow and the sets aren’t as big there’s a lot of current and it's more dangerous because there is less water there’s a moment like 2 hours before high tide that is the best.” If you're not an experienced surfer “Beginner surfers who don’t have experience shouldn't paddle out–for their own safety and for the safety of other surfers Now there are all these flotation devices and people go out there without experience and sometimes that can be dangerous Don’t go out if you don’t feel 100% ready for those waves Other waves to check out “There's Barra de la Cruz there's a right point which is really nice There's no guarantee what you’re going to surf where if the wind is bad then the trip is ruined When you come and surf Puerto and the waves get big What boards to pack “If you’re really going to charge bigger waves You should bring a 6’10″ and a 7'6″ or an 8’0″ I usually ride a rounded pin for the barrel What to do if you ding or break your board “Visit my friend Miguel Ramirez — we call him Mike He's been the guy for the past 10 years the house boasts high-end amenities near one of Mexico's most popular surf town R.I.P Legendary Big Wave Rider and younger brother of Eddie Aikau passed at 75 away Saturday night…: You must be logged in to post a comment A hidden gem no longer, Puerto Escondido has been selected as the 14th World Surfing Reserve — a prestigious title that acknowledges the area’s world-class waves and ecological significance Situated in the southern part of Oaxaca state, Puerto Escondido has a coastline that features eight unique waves and some of the best beach breaks in the world, including Playa Zicatela and Punta Colorada often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline,” includes powerful and consistent waves that are regarded as a treasure in the surfing world The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch designated for the honor was selected by the Save The Waves Coalition a 24-year-old international nonprofit dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the globe The new status is expected to be officially bestowed in early 2026 “Puerto Escondido reflects the quintessential surf ecosystem, incredible world-class waves, a biodiverse environment with important ecosystems for coastal resilience, and a united community willing and able to defend the place they love,” Save The Waves CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich said in a press release. Beyond Puerto Escondido’s much-loved waves the coastal ecosystems of Zicatela and Colorada have critically important terrestrial and marine biodiversity that they host each serves as a nesting habitat for three sea turtle species: olive ridley black and the critically endangered leatherback A post shared by Sasha Donnanno (@sashadonnanno) Nearby mangrove forests at Punta Colorada and Laguna de Chacahua National Park provide habitats for iguanas playing a crucial role in water filtration The list of World Surfing Reserves includes Isla Todos Santos a big-wave break located on an island 12 miles off the coast of Ensenada in Baja California It became a World Surfing Reserve in 2014, five years after the program was launched. Many of the list’s locations play host to events on the World Surf League’s top-level Championship Tour, which in 2025 has a Mexican competing for the first time ever: 22-year-old Alan Cleland Quiñonez of Colima. The other places on the Reserve list are Malibu and Santa Cruz in California; Ericeira in Portugal; the Gold Coast Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica; Huanchaco in Peru; Guarda do Embaú in Brazil; North Devon in the United Kingdom; and Oriente Salvaje in El Salvador The designation does not provide immediate legal protection but encourages the formation of a local council to manage long-term conservation strategies Save The Waves has already been working for several years with community members in Puerto Escondido, which has a population of about 30,000 The coalition has proposed a protection strategy for the mangrove ecosystem at Punta Colorada They are also looking at how to protect turtle nests, curb overdevelopment and raise awareness. The aim is to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Puerto Escondido’s waves and ecosystems thrive for future generations our life,” local bodyboarder and community leader Humberto “Beto” Olivera said in the online platform Surfer Today “Being recognized as a World Surfing Reserve is an honor Celebration is not enough — we must preserve our waves and everything they represent.” a professional surfer who was born in Aguascalientes and raised in Mexico City before eventually moving to Puerto Escondido added: “Saving the wave of Zicatela would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but also bring Playa Zicatela back to life Obtaining the World Surfing Reserve designation [is] a major step toward restoring its prestige and reclaiming its place among the top 10 waves in the world.” Soak up the sun on Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido If you’ve been waiting to check out the latest Mexican vacation hotspot Houston is now the first airport in the nation to offer a direct George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin the weekly route serviced by United Airlines' partner Mesa Airlines Its name means “the hidden port,” but Puerto Escondido is on everyone’s lips right now as the perfect Mexican vacation spot Tucked away in Oaxaca on the Pacific side of the country the small city has become a haven for surfers and a revitalized downtown make it the perfect place to visit “This direct service benefits Houston in many ways,” said Jim Szczesniak “"It will boost our hospitality and tourism industries while creating new partnerships and economic exchanges between our city and Mexico Houston Airports wants to ensure that Houston remains the first choice for travelers and businesses when they look toward Latin America.:" both Mexicans and Americans flocked to the sleepy shore town to escape lockdowns in their cities leading to a boom of temporary residents that jumpstarted the hotel and hospitality industries the city has managed to protect its natural environment while still handling the growing crowds of vacationers The new flight also helps cement Houston as the gateway to Latin America Twenty-four direct flights to Mexico alone fly out of IAH and William P Another 65 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean add to Houston’s reputation as a vital artery between the Americas “Adding Puerto Escondido to our growing list of international destinations is another win for Houston before the 2026 World Cup,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “We are improving the passenger experience, from new flights to airport infrastructure and parking to create new business and tourism opportunities and now is the time to plan those getaways before the heat gets too overwhelming We've got some brilliant ideas for May from a Hill Country winery and brewery tour to a pirate-themed festival on the Gulf Coast there are ways to kick back in Houston including checking into an award-winning new hotel or visiting a family-friendly water park Here is our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state: Great Wolf Lodge – which has two parks in Dallas and Houston – is taking "It's Gonna be May" to the next level by partnering with *NSYNC members Lance Bass and Joey Fatone for the resort's Summer Camp-In celebration from May 24 through August 25 Special programming will include campfire sing-a-longs guests can save up to 51 percent on their upcoming stays using promo code "BEMAY" Houstonians that want to catch a wave this summer will get their chance starting May 10, when Waco Surf's water park opens for its 2025 season. This popular water park boasts a surf lagoon spanning two and a half acres and new dining options at its three on-site eateries Water Park day passes start at $39 for adults and are $14 for children or $99 for a family with two children from 6-16 years old Surf session pricing varies by date and skill level Both national publications noted the hotel's historical details and its sophisticated-yet-approachable feel The Loren Hotel is offering travelers a sweet deal on its most luxurious accommodations with its new "Spring Suite Room" package for two-night stays Guests that use the code "SPRINGSUITE" will receive a bottle of chilled sparkling rosé and Matok Bakery treats in their room upon arrival Guests will also have access to premium e-bikes to explore downtown and a 2025 Lexus convertible to take on a drive through the Hill Country Nightly rates for the package begin at $453 in May The historic Hotel Emma was just named one of the top 10 best hotels in the U.S. in Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice Awards Tripadvisor praised the hotel's "unique blend of history and luxury," and gave nods to its numerous nearby dining and shopping options at Pearl Charleston Taylor Estate Winery and Black Chapel Brewing Co. will celebrate their grand opening on May 3 in Johnson City Both venues are located on the same estate at 6212 W while the brewery will have an indoor taproom with games and big screens and offer access to the rest of the 30-acre property The award-winningBowie House hotel in Fort Worth is amping up for pool season with weekday access pool passes and a "Day Escape" package that includes access to the pool terrace and prices for the Day Escape package vary Both experiences are open to the public Monday-Thursday with complimentary valet Reservations can be made by calling Ash Spa Two DFW hotels were recently lauded among Travel + Leisure's list of the "Top 500 Hotels in the World." The Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Hotel Drover in Fort Worth were selected for the 2025 list based on their recognition in the 2024 World's Best Awards chosen by T+L readers in a worldwide survey Rates at the Omni PGA begin at $454 per night in May is just about to enter the hot-weather months airlines are already planning ahead to the period when many want to get away from the winter blues with a trip to warmer parts of the world United Airlines  (UAL)  recently announced a spate of new flights to Australia, Thailand and Vietnam that will launch in October 2025 while American Airlines  (AAL)  is positioning a new route to Hawaii as a way to "help Chicagoans escape the cold." Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE Daily news On Dec. 3, the Fort Worth-based airline will be adding another sunny destination and its 30th in Mexico: Puerto Escondido on the Oaxacan Coast. The service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will run twice a week on an Embraer 175  (ERJ)  throughout the year on Wednesdays and Saturdays "Puerto Escondido is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers in search of tropical and relaxing getaways and we are confident that our new service from Dallas-Fort Worth will offer our customers the opportunity to experience a unique part of Mexico," José A American’s vice president of international contact center operations and service recovery While still not as well-known as the larger Oaxaca Puerto Escondido has been experiencing a boost in popularity since the 2020 pandemic in particular Puerto Escondido is a Mexican port city along the Oaxacan coast 'A hidden gem known for its beaches': Travel to Puerto Escondido continues to riseAccording to statistics provided by the Mexican government, the number of international arrivals has been increasing by approximately 20% for every year following 2021 Some have named it as the beach town that could see the kind of meteoric popularity that the Quintana Roo Mayan town of Tulum saw in the late 2010s.  As it is located a three-hour drive from Oaxaca Puerto Escondido currently attracts a specific type of off-the-beaten-parth and luxury-minded traveler "Puerto Escondido is a hidden gem known for its beaches nightlife and more," American writes in describing its new destination "From surfing and sunbathing to delectable seafood Puerto Escondido has something for all kinds of travelers looking for a winter escape." Prior to the global travel uncertainty unleashed by the current administration's back-and-forth on tariffs airlines have been forecasting a year of very strong demand and strong U.S.-Mexico travel demand in particular Delta Air Lines  (DAL)  has also added a second daily flight from Boston to Cancún as well as launching new flights from Austin to both Cancún and Cabo San Lucas United became the first airline to connect the U.S with Puerto Escondido with a flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston that it started running on April 5 The latter is also run on an Embraer 175 in partnership with United Express partner Mesa Airlines Sign up today for the the latest cruising news, tips, and guidance from cruise aficionado and expert, Dan Kline Sign up today for our free newsletter and you'll receive an exclusive report explaining hedge fund guru Doug Kass' winning investment style include private pools and panoramic ocean views the pyramid-inspired structures house Junior and Senior Suites incorporating elements such as hot tubs and lush gardens and local wood reflects a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and environmental sustainability Sand-toned finishes and wood details evoke an aesthetic that is at once rustic and refined so the built space appears to rise from the coastal terrain Kymaia Hotel’s thoughtful layout brings three restaurants and a spa to Puerto Escondido along with the ‘Shala,’ a serene space designed for yoga and meditation encouraging a dialogue between architecture and the natural environment Each area is designed by Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza to create opportunities for contemplation and immersion in the lush biodiversity of Oaxaca Key gardens throughout the hotel From the shaded respite of swaying palm trees to the rich biodiversity of wetlands the landscaping celebrates the region’s flora and fauna encouraging guests to reconnect with nature Chef Eduardo García leads Kymaia’s culinary program which features three dining venues: Septimus Each restaurant celebrates Oaxacan ingredients using ancient cooking techniques through a contemporary lens as dishes tell a story of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage Kymaia Hotel is designed by Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza and Mexican studio Productora Kymaia Hotel is designed to emphasize personal well-being along the coast of Mexico with spaces and activities to promote physical and mental balance From yoga and Qigong sessions in the Shala to outdoor adventures such as hiking the hotel caters to guests seeking relaxation or active exploration The hotel’s design integrates solar energy systems and responsible waste management practices emphasizing its dedication to sustainability This approach supports Kymaia’s broader mission to leave a positive impact on both the environment and the local community Named after the Sanskrit and Marathi word for ‘beauty and spirituality,’ Kymaia reflects its ethos in every detail and hospitality offerings invite guests to experience the vibrancy of Oaxacan culture and the tranquility of its natural surroundings materials include stucco clay and local wood for a natural aesthetic Ocean Front Suites include private pools and panoramic ocean views gardens replicate local ecosystems highlighting Oaxaca’s biodiversity project title: Kymaia Hotel | @kymaiahotel location: La Barra Santa María Colotepec AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style New Water Quality Regulations in New York Won’t Necessarily Make Water Any Cleaner the shallow sandbars and the whole reason why surfers brave Mexico's most notorious surf spot—the big hollow tubes Stretchers and snapped guns are a common sight on Playa Zicatela in Oaxaca and in the latest Crashes and Burns episode Watch things go horribly wrong for the chargers willing to risk one of the Mexican Pipeline's powerful punches for a moment of spitting glory Filmer Jaciel Santiago has compiled the worst wipeouts from the last five years at one of the most dangerous waves in the world For more Crashes and Burns, click here Whether you want to head to the beach or appreciate slow living (Left) Carlos Reyes/Pexels (Right) Oscar F Santamaria/Unsplash While Oaxaca’s capital is renowned for its vibrant culture and unique gastronomy the coastline—less than 100 miles away—offers travelers a different slice of paradise this more than 300-mile stretch of pristine Pacific beachfront is dotted with surf towns With increased access and improved infrastructure now is the time to visit the Oaxacan coast The Oaxaca Coast is home to both cities like Puerto Escondido and small towns like Mazunte (Left) Sofia Gonte/Pexels (Right) Hersom/Pexels Much of the Oaxacan coast offers dramatic landscapes interspersed with beach towns—ideal for a road trip The most popular stretch for visitors is the area from Puerto Escondido in the west to the city of Huatulco in the east Puerto Escondido is a port town of 30,000 and growing known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” which attracts surfers from around the world Fifteen minutes west of Puerto is Laguna de Manialtepec a well-preserved ecological area with rare birds Several operators run trips in motorized outboard boats called lanchas with English-speaking guides and transportation from Puerto About an hour east of Puerto Escondido is the small beach town of Zipolite one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Mexico with a history of attracting backpackers and hippies since the 1970s It continues to rise in popularity among LGBTQ+ travelers as an alternative to scene-y Puerto Vallarta envision a chilled-out strip of seaside shacks While there is a gorgeous expanse of waterfront the current is notoriously treacherous here and most travelers should avoid the aggressive waves Mazunte is a Pueblo Magico a town that’s recognized by the Mexican government as having special cultural the celebrated element is the village’s natural waterfront beauty a popular lookout point for watching the sunset This hippie beach town is also known for its yoga retreats, and there’s no shortage of shopping boutiques that lean into spirituality and healthy, local eateries like the plant-based offerings at El Armadillo the fishing village of San Agustinillo is only a 15-minute walk away This fishing village has pristine stretches of sandy beach and picturesque coves A road trip to Oaxaca’s coast from the region’s capital requires a drive through the Sierra Madre del Sur that meant enduring a daylong bus ride in the mountains complete with nausea-inducing hairpin turns The Barranca Larga–Ventanilla Highway opened last spring connecting Oaxaca City with Puerto Escondido by cutting through the mountain range This 65-mile stretch of roadway not only slashes driving time from eight hours to less than three but the new superhighway also opens access to previously remote towns in the interior like San Pablo Coatlán and Santa María Colotepec United Airlines will become the first carrier to connect the United States with Puerto Escondido When nonstop service from Houston commences in April it will mark the first international arrival for the city’s airport a growing facility that handled more than 800,000 passengers in 2024 In recent years, there’s been an effort to build more upscale properties on the coast like Hotel Humano Located on a pedestrian-only street in Puerto Escondido’s La Punta Zicatela beach the 39-room stay features spaces that are stunningly minimalist yet functional with splashes of color from handmade red wine–colored tiles and guests should head to the rooftop—it has one of the best spots in town to catch the sunset AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site.© 2025 AFAR LLC Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel After Missile Strike Near Airport Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors American Airlines is gearing up for a record-breaking Mexico flight schedule in 2025 with the carrier announcing its 30th location in the country Beginning December 3, American Airlines will kick off non-stop service to Puerto Escondido (PXM) The airline will offer year-round flights to PXM twice weekly from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) which will be flown by Embraer 175 aircraft That's more service to Puerto Escondido than any other U.S "Puerto Escondido is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers in search of tropical and relaxing getaways and we are confident that our new service from Dallas-Fort Worth will offer our customers the opportunity to experience a unique part of Mexico," José A American's vice president of international It's a location where visitors can enjoy everything from surfing and sunbathing to local seafood Mexico continues to be the most popular international destination for travel from the U.S. The carrier has been strategically growing its network in the country American announced new service to three destinations in Mexico: Tijuana (TIJ) For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter Collette - Expertly Crafted Tours for the Modern Traveler Cross Border Xpress Mexico: What Travel Advisors Need to Know Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune AmaWaterways Celebrates Travel Advisor Appreciation With Incentives and Rewards The waves of Puerto Escondido will be the next world surfing reserve reported the organization that brings them together according to a note sent to the press published by The Inertia which would cover 10 kilometres of coastline and eight surf breaks will now go through a planning process that will be formalised in early 2026,” the statement said have been affected by real estate development and have therefore been in the spotlight lately Save the Waves Executive Director Nik Strong-Cvetich said: “Puerto Escondido reflects the quintessential surfing ecosystem a biodiverse environment with ecosystems important for coastal resilience and a close-knit community willing and able to defend the place they love.” local super Coco Nogales added: “Saving Zicatela Wave would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but would also bring Playa Zicatela back to life It is heartbreaking to see the deterioration the wave and beach have suffered over the past decade Obtaining the designation as a world surfing reserve would be a huge step towards restoring its prestige and regaining its place among the top 10 waves in the world.” Puerto Escondido will be the 14th reserve of this type I recently had an argument with a friend who couldn’t conceive of why anyone would come to Mexico City and eat Peruvian food She was not convinced by my argument that Mexico City’s culinary scene is now more like London or New York than Oaxaca or Guadalajara eating anything but Mexican cuisine in what is one of the best cities in the world for it is blasphemy But I would caution that ignoring the amazing new arrivals just because they are from a different culture or kitchen is missing out on some of the most exciting dishes currently on offer here in the capital which popped up this February in one of the locales of the Pasaje El Parian in Roma Norte It’s almost imperceptible in the hustle and bustle of this street saturated with restaurants and bars but the Peruvian Fusion on the sign caught my eye as did the simple logo and set-up of plain wooden tables and chairs surrounded by pop art posters promoting Peruvian rock bands and liquor brands but I took that first bite of delicately sliced amberjack fish in leche de tigre cilantro specks floating on its milky surface I will fully admit to having a small obsession with canchita What happened to be alongside my ceviche but a little cluster of those salty as well as the soft-as-silk sweet potato chunks and fingernail-thin slices of fried green plantains I was transported to the mind-blowing ceviches I tasted on a recent trip to Leticia the small Amazonian town that butts up against the Peruvian border A perfectly foamy pisco sour in hand I ordered the anticucho — a popular street food in Peru made from beef heart — and congratulated myself on this dining discovery As it turns out, I was the one out of the loop. By the time Chicama made its way to Mexico City, the restaurant already had a built-in fan base That’s because its first incarnation was in a beach shack in Puerto Escondido started by Peruvian Erick Jauregui back before Puerto blew up into the hotspot it is today Jauregui grew up stealing snacks from the kitchen of his family’s summer restaurant in the Peruvian tourist town of Chimbote He worked as a teenager in Lima hotels and restaurants and as a young adult was convinced by a buddy to move to Puerto for the surfing the Peruvian sauce that uses ají amarillo is made at Chicama with a combination of yellow bell pepper for coloring and habanero for spice All of this is told to me by Marco Capellini in his slow beachy drawl that carries years of living in Puerto Escondido in its cadence when they blasted cumbias and mixed piscos to dispel the anxiety of the global pandemic or comes in to eat is just enjoying themselves While there’s no sand floor and no surfers in board shorts, Chicama Mexico City still has the kind of upbeat, laid-back vibe of a beach bar, and in an ode to their Oaxacan beginnings, most of the cocktails here are made with Mexican mezcal The salsa drifting from the speakers is a tad louder than a regular restaurant and the waitresses hang out casually the other a floral bandana wrapped around her head “I walk by tables and hear people talking about the beach and I like that this place takes people out of the city a little,” says Marco By the time the pescado en costra negra came out I was glad that the brown rice was kind of tasteless— I would have never had enough space anyway I let pieces of the tataki-style marlin encrusted in sesame and drenched in teriyaki melt on my tongue and feel happy I live in a city with so many culinary wonders Perfect for: A first date with a vegetarian — they have a garbanzo and a mushroom ceviche Recommended: Peruvian ceviche in leche de tigre anticucho on the side and a pisco sour — or a mezcal sour — to wash it down winner of the ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido."},"thumbnailUrl":"https://www.surfer.com/.image/c_fill,w_300,h_199,g_faces:center/MTk2Mjc3MzE0MzY2MjE5ODAz/image-placeholder-title.jpg"},{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.surfer.com/.image/c_fill,w_300,h_199,g_faces:center/MTk2Mjc3MzE0MzY2MjE5ODAz/image-placeholder-title.jpg","width":300,"height":199,"caption":"David Rutherford (MEX) winner of the ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido."}]}The Arena Media Brands PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Oaxaca/Mexico (Thursday, July 22, 2010) – Local Mexican standout David Rutherford (Puerto Escondido, MEX), 24, charged to victory at his home break of the Mexican Pipeline today to clinch an emphatic win at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido over international standouts Kevin Sullivan (Lahaina 20 in excellent four-to-six foot (2-3 metre) high-performance barrels The Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido’s unique location of the Mexican Pipeline attracted a big list of up-and-coming competitors but also included an assemblage of local talent as well as several of the world’s most renowned big-wave surfers who was a Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido wildcard went on an absolute tear on the final day of competition threading a perfect 10-point ride on an amazing backside barrel in his Semifinal heat before amassing the highest heat total of the entire event in the Final a near-flawless 18.45 out of 20 to secure the victory “I guess I was just trying to get some scores to back me up and they ended up being pretty good scores,” Rutherford said “I was trying to get one of those big sets but I never really had the chance to get one of those bombs I just couldn’t be any happier right now to win.” The Mexican Pipeline charger was thrilled to clinch the major ASP victory in front of his home crowd to bring this year’s Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido title to Mexico while representing the local surfers “I couldn’t be any happier,” Rutherford said I’ve just been having so much fun throughout this event and it feels good to represent for the locals.” Sullivan raced through incredible barrels on both his forehand and backhand throughout the final day of competition but was unable to surpass Rutherford’s unstoppable performance for the title but was satisfied with his runner-up result “Words can’t even describe how I feel right now,” Sullivan said You pretty much have to just be in the right spot when the waves come because it’s a beachbreak but I didn’t really get the sets to get the scores who is hungry to build a seed on the ASP World Ranking was relieved to capitalize on the invaluable ratings points earned at the ASP 4-Star event in his first professional Final appearance “I’m so stoked on this result,” Sullivan said “I’ve been grinding away for over three years and to make my first professional final after that time it’s something I’ve worked for my whole life and to live this moment is something I won’t forget.” locked into an impressive righthand barrel to the tune of 9.60 out of 10 in the Final but was unable to find a backup score to take the win Dos Santos charged through the massive swell that ignited the early days of competition as well and finished in an impressive fourth place overall For 2010 Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido highlights log on to www.quiksilver.com/puerto For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido Final: 1 – David Rutherford (MEX) 18.452 – Kevin Sullivan (HAW) 14.253 – Casey Brown (HAW) 13.354 – Ricardo dos Santos (BRA) 13.15 A short stretch of Oaxaca’s scenic Pacific coast makes an easy day trip from Puerto Escondido — plan on plenty of pit stops whether you’re exploring via two wheels or four Playa Zicatela is a world-renowned big-wave beach.Photograph by Image Professionals GmbH 2025This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).There’s a word in Spanish which doesn’t have a satisfactory English translation when each cloud on the horizon acquires a halo-like glow and the sky’s amber tint grows fainter as the sun slides into the sea but on Mexico’s Pacific coast it’s a nightly occurrence An arrebol accompanies bedtime on my first night in Puerto Escondido — in this stylish party town I’m probably the only person turning in early it was mostly only surfers willing to make the trek to Oaxaca’s coast lured by the chance of sharing waves with leaping dolphins But in 2024 the new Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway connected Puerto Escondido to the state capital replacing a treacherous 10-hour bus journey across the mountains with an easy three-hour drive The road is already bringing new visitors and greater prosperity to this fast-evolving settlement A Nice Place on the Beach is a popular hotel bar and restaurant on Playa Zipolite backpackers and surfers.Photograph by Nina Raingold having arranged to ride on the back of a friend’s motorbike as he drives south along a short section of a different stretch of road: the salt-flecked Highway 200 which hugs almost the entirety of Mexico’s Pacific coast We’re in search of quieter pastures: the beaches guarded by secretive surfers; the outposts of the friendly hippies who have spent decades here; and the serene villages that barely extend beyond a single street we pass revellers making their way home along sand-dusted streets from the nightclubs lining Playa Zicatela As we pass through the neighbourhood of La Punta to its eponymous beach smoothie shops and cafes are already filled with the first gaggle of sunrise surfers the road quickly becomes flanked by the soaring Sierra Madre del Sur mountains to the east and the crashing Pacific to the west; I can taste the sea on the breeze we pause to let herded goats cross the highway or to politely parry the roadside liquor salesmen offering un pocito mezcalito ‘for the road’ we’ve reached the first popular beach town on the southerly route: Zipolite stark-naked sunbathers glance our way — there is a nudist beach (A practical guide to travelling in southern Mexico.) Oaxaca City, where I live, has spoiled me for street food, so instead I take an al fresco table at beachfront restaurant Xhuba. By the time my citrus-scented bowl of aguachile arrives, the legs of my plastic stool have sunk a few inches further into the sand. Mixed with of sharp serrano peppers and creamy avocado, the bowl of lime-cured shrimp is a refreshing antidote to the midday rays. Tonight, there’s an immediate scurry as miniscule olive ridley turtles test out their ungainly waddle. Soon, night will fall; we’ll never know how many reached the sea. All we can do is sit and watch while the turtles scamper towards another scarlet sunset. Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy The Fort Worth-based carrier just announced that it will launch service to Puerto Escondido twice-weekly route from its megahub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Wednesdays and Saturdays Bargain hunting: When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare? The carrier will outsource the flying to its wholly owned subsidiary Envoy Air onboard the Embraer E175 jet Puerto Escondido will become American's 30th destination in Mexico — a whopping amount that's far higher than any other U.S Last month, American inaugurated a service to Tampico, and later this year, the airline will add a new service from Oklahoma City to Cancun the airline added three new destinations in Mexico: Tijuana "With the announcement of American's 30th destination in Mexico — Puerto Escondido — we further solidify our position as the leading U.S airline in the country with an operation and network that is unmatched," Jose Freig American's vice president of international carrier to Mexico by most measures — flights seats and destinations — the Puerto Escondido addition feels a bit more like a copycat game That's because United Airlines inaugurated once-weekly flights to Puerto Escondido just last week Loyalty basics: When does airline elite status expire? Airlines aren't shy about mimicking their competitors, especially across the network planning department. They examine what flights and routes perform well for competitors and sometimes decide to add those same routes themselves. United first announced Puerto Escondido flights last October, and the Chicago-based carrier will enjoy a monopoly in the market until American launches flights later this year. American's launch will certainly add more seats and plenty more one-stop connecting options for flyers. The new flights might also help lower the fares in the market, making it a win-win for consumers. Puerto Escondido is on the coast of Oaxaca, and it's known for its beaches, nightlife and more, making it an ideal escape for those looking to trade the winter blues for some sunshine. The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker carnage and — occasionally — completed tubes XXL Puerto Escondido is unlike any wave in the world Puerto's underwater canyon funneled in a long period south swell and tripled it in size In the raw and unedited 12-minute clip above, we get a feel for what it's like watching massive Puerto from the beach. During one massive set, we see Matt Bromley take the tip of his surfboard to the head, and the lineup come to his rescue (see the aftermath below) two surfers launch themselves over the falls and into oblivion a few surfers pick off insiders (which are still massive by normal standards) and manage to actually make it out of their tubes Every single wave this day is a roll of the dice The perfect looking ones often mutate into nightmares on the drop which makes you wonder: Is the risk really worth the (seemingly rare) reward at XXL Puerto We’re unable to load this content right now View directly on Instagram Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing We're always on the lookout for amusing interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos Here’s what organizations are doing to save it Mexico is a special place within our surf world it funnels long-period south swell and magnifies it into massive waves that can create barrels the size and shape of the infamous Pipeline in Hawaii has continued to do its thing decade after decade without much care for what’s happening in the world around it sand movement along the shoreline (as well as natural erosion) helps groom these waves into near-perfect A-frame peaks that we recognize But over the last decade–and even more so after COVID–beachfront construction has accelerated and the formation of the beach is beginning to change and it’s feared the wave is slowly beginning to change as well Without an organized plan for the continued expansion the local infrastructure has been unable to keep up with the increased population A recent water treatment mismanagement has led to an unchecked sewage spill at Punta Colorada–a pristine part of the Puerto Escondido coastline located just North of the Mexican Pipeline The government is showing little to no interest in trying to provide a solution for the growing water pollution authorities have announced the approval of a coastal resort development along the Punta Colorada shoreline as well as the expansion of the airport to accommodate more international tourism Continue scrolling for a look at what's at stake if the wave continues to change: Puerto is one of the most dangerous and intimidating beachbreaks on the planet it is much easier to mindsurf successfully than the reality of hunting down the perfect peak This photo was on the morning of the WSL Big Wave World Tour event down at Zicatela where surfers battled 15-20 foot surf This is what you don’t necessarily see from sea level but experience once you’re in the lineup Powerful swells draw lots of energy back out to the canyons and cause football field-sized rip currents (maybe 2-3 fields) which cause havoc for the surfers trying to navigate the peaks Surfers have become great at positioning themselves even while these rip currents are directly in their path Timmy Reyes has been a regular visitor to Puerto Escondido for a number of years What’s impressive about surfers of his quality is how they often ride very small boards and still have loads of success out there that’s only up to swells of a certain size after which everyone needs more volume in their boards to have a chance at catching anything Tom Lowe paddled out to Far Bar (just south of the famous Carmalitas peak at Zicatela) and whipped it on this massive closeout I think half the beach was paying attention to the competition and missed it but I was fortunate enough to be shooting into the right at Carmalitas and watched this wave go down right in front of me It was absolutely ridiculous and it felt like the whole ocean folded over him Rusty Long and his brother Greg have put in years of dedication at Puerto Escondido in hopes of scoring as often as possible Puerto Escondido at 9 feet and at 19 seconds moments before the start of the Big Wave World Tour event He was a shining light among the community a local raised on the Puerto Escondido shoreline who grew into one of the most stylish surfers to ever perform there He was well respected and regarded as one of the best surfers to come out of this part of the world pulling into a massive cave without much of a care as to whether he makes it out or not Another local talent Marcial Monreal bottom turning at far bar An aerial view of Puerto Escondido from September 2023 sneaking under the lip of a Puerto Escondido drainer To put in perspective how big this wave is that’s a 9-foot board that’s about to go over Early morning swell lines slowed down and recorded at 1/2 of a second while panning with my camera Probably my favorite shot I’ve ever taken at Zicatela this is Kyle Thiermann in a clean 6-8 foot tube about 2 hours after the sun hit the lineup On the south end of the bay is a super fun and rippable wave called La Punta there has been a huge increase in tourism which has lead to a slow increase in development along the shoreline there was a crazy little double-up sandbar that stuck around for 3 or 4 days and coincided with some beautiful evening conditions Twiggy has put in years of time down at Puerto Escondido and is definitely one of the most dialed-in surfers out there On a morning that most surfers would be still taking their time surveying the conditions before getting in the lineup Twig was already bottom turning on a gem moments before a huge barrel it’s only natural to unwind with a few beers and talk story And judging from this raw and recent clip from Jimmy “Jimmicane” Wilson pretty much every surfer in Southern California knows “This spot is the gem of Orange County as seen during Hurricane Marie back in 2014,” writes Wilson alongside this upload “I can understand why it’s such a spectacle The potential to see waves this size and shape are limited in Southern California “It kind of reminds me of a swell in South Beach, Miami where you have hoards of kooks, but you also have legit locals, and world-class surfers chasing the wave of their year, or simply IG/TikTok/Surfline fame. It doesn’t break frequently enough to establish any kind of order in the lineup diminishing the chances of someone riding a perfect wave to its full potential.” they're selective about the spots they light up While some parts of northern Orange County were pumping it was considerably smaller and less powerful it all comes down to being in the right place at the right time “You can look back decades ago and see the best spots/days packed with people but with better swell forecasting and the basic reality of surfing becoming more popular worldwide it’s only going to get more hectic into the future,” continues Wilson “I was on the fence if I should even upload this one The make ratio was low and it was not a classic day by historical standards but for this summer it’s probably the most memorable we’ve had so far For better or worse (but mostly for worse) shameless burns…it's wild what happens on overhyped hurricane swells at waves that only break a few times every year While this looks absolutely maddening to surf (even for Championship Tour stars Griffin Colapinto and Caity Simmers) The disappearance of at least eight men in Oaxaca is linked to the sale of illicit drugs state Security Minister Iván García Álvarez said Thursday disappeared earlier this month while traveling in the southern state Many reports said they were traveling to the Pacific coast town of Puerto Escondido when they disappeared but Oaxaca Attorney General José Bernardo Rodríguez Alamilla said Wednesday that they had been summoned to a “work meeting” in the town of Río Grande located about 50 kilometers northwest of Puerto Escondido Various reports said that a total of 14 people disappeared but the head of the Oaxaca Search Commission said in a radio interview that only eight people are confirmed as missing The Oaxaca Attorney General’s Office has said that missing person reports have only been filed for seven men said Thursday that authorities had established that the disappearance of the men is related to “narcomenudeo,” or street-level drug dealing “The background is a drug-related issue I can only say that,” he told reporters Rodríguez said Wednesday that six of the missing men had criminal records for crimes that included weapons possession He said that the men knew each other but didn’t all travel together after being called to a “work meeting” in Oaxaca’s coastal region It was unclear whether they all disappeared at the same time Authorities had obtained information that allowed them to identify the alleged perpetrators of the abductions He mentioned the involvement of organized crime but didn’t identify any particular criminal organization The Oaxaca Attorney General’s Office (FGEO) said in a statement on Wednesday that it had expanded search efforts to locate seven people reported as missing in the Central Valleys region of Oaxaca Search operations in the Central Valleys and Costa regions of Oaxaca in which over 100 people are participating are underway the army and the navy were contributing to the search efforts The FGEO said it received reports of the missing people between Jan “The families of the victims indicated that they were seen for the last time at different points of the Central Valleys region,” it said The disappearance of the young men in Oaxaca is reminiscent of the abduction and presumed murder of 43 young men in Guerrero in 2014 The case involving the 43 Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College students remains murky and unresolved despite former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s pledge to get to the bottom of it and hold those responsible to account there has been — and there continues to be — uncertainty about how many people are missing and the circumstances of their disappearance In a statement on Tuesday Oaxaca human rights agency DDHPO referred to the disappearance of 14 people in the Costa region of Oaxaca The El Universal newspaper reported on Thursday that the families of seven of the missing people have not filed missing persons reports but have sought help to locate them in social media posts told El Heraldo radio that three of the missing men had made contact with family members from Río Grande indicating that they made it to coastal region of Oaxaca He denied that a total of 14 people were missing While many media outlets reported that the men were heading to the beach in Puerto Escondido, including in reports published on Thursday the state attorney general said Wednesday that “what we know” from “some telephones and chats” to which authorities had access is that “someone had summoned them to a work meeting” in Río Grande He didn’t say what kind of work the men did but the state security minister’s remarks on Thursday indicated that they were involved in criminal activities Rodríguez said that authorities were still trying to establish how many vehicles the missing men traveled in He said that authorities so far had knowledge of one pickup truck and two motorcycles Rodríguez said Wednesday that most of the missing men lived in the southern suburbs of Oaxaca city He said they used to go to bars and nightclubs in the state capital Seven of the missing men have been identified Only if you've never been spat out the other end of a sand-rumbling gem which were well-documented this month along Playa Zicatela Here's a different look at some of the swell's top rides filmed by Rodolfo Puente and Mattias Manna “Oil-glass peaks were rolling in and detonating on the shallow low-tide sand bars,” says Schultz of the two-day barrel expo “Rips were moving in for 10 or 15 minutes before disappearing into a barrage of perfectly-groomed wedges stacking in one behind the other.” Featured surfers include Greg Long but San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Escondido couldn’t be more different: the desert of the central highlands and the tropical beaches of the Pacific coast; colonial grid and urban sprawl; a cultural treasure trove and a natural paradise But the two towns’ greatest faceoff comes in the shape of facelifts and tattoos residents crowd the benches and cobbled alleys around the Jardín Allende where mariachi bands serenade matrons sporting the smoothest faces and whitest teeth money can buy shaved heads and tanned bodies are a wrinkled canvas of fading tattoos Decades ago, artists discovered San Miguel while surfers discovered epic waves in Puerto but those who remained stamped the towns with their image What San Miguel and Puerto Escondido do share is an iconic status in Mexico they are my two favorite places; each in its own way For me they’re the perfect combination: alternative lifestyles that feed the mind and nourish the body One of San Miguel’s many simple pleasures is to peer past ornate wooden doors and discover private courtyards with tinkling fountains and lush gardens overflowing with bougainvillea, jacaranda and myriad climbers A stroll along the Zicatela beachfront or through the hilltop neighborhoods overlooking the ocean is to find oneself slowing to the point of immobility As we ambled at the pace of an aging tortoise The men at the next table in El Cafecito are the typical Puerto denizens: one is wearing a faded T-shirt listing the many venues of Pink Floyd’s 1977 world tour while his friend’s long grey hair is gathered in a scraggly ponytail held fast by purple string I once overheard an elderly man waiting in line to hear a string ensemble in St Paul’s church tell his wife “If I ever grow a pony tail My favorite Puerto Escondido restaurants are El Maná an Italian restaurant in La Punta owned by Franco an Italian born-again Christian whose angelic wife Adriana makes the world’s best tiramisu and the Mediterranean eatery El Sultan in Rinconada with the best hummus and falafel this side of Lebanon The cultural fare in San Miguel is peerless. World class festivals of writers, cinema and opera rival weekly jazz rock and chamber music events; cinematheques and artist’s open studios compete with museums and art galleries top-class interior design and furniture stores There are organic farmers markets and local crafts shops Puerto, on the other hand, has the beach, the beach and the beach, with natural wonders galore nearby. My favorite is Lagunas de Chacahua National Park; a splash of 1940s California with access by motor launch through a leafy lagoon Forget the neon bars and condos and urban sprawl of Cancún Puerto Escondido lives up to its name: hidden port There isn’t one franchise store: no Starbucks It was just a small fisherman’s port with local produce mom and pop stores and wares brought in from the mountain villages In that respect the two towns are similar: cozy and authentic The only franchise store in San Miguel’s Historic Center is a Starbucks with its inner courtyard cooled by the stone fountain But change is coming to both. A new highway connecting Oaxaca city to the coast road at Puerto Escondido has cut the drive time from six or seven hours to two and a half From Mexico City a drive of 14 hours has become a manageable nine private homes are building extra rooms to rent out and restaurants are hiring staff San Miguel is the newcomer’s first choice for a weekend visit San Miguel is considering an airport at the edge of town in addition to the two existing ones within a ninety minute drive While Puerto has plans to expand its own airport 10 minutes from town Rapid change is coming to both towns and just as quickly, resentment is growing, with complaints from locals of too little water and too much construction Managing that change is the challenge for San Miguel de Allende as well as Puerto Escondido and the jury is out on how successful they will be But one thing is sure — they are still my favorite towns Conceived as a contemplative space for experimental and site-specific exhibitions during the COVID-19 quarantine by Kasmin president Nicholas Olney and Axel Vervoordt Gallery director Boris Vervoordt, Meridiano is a commercial gallery unlike any other Designed by Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki and Belgian gallerist and consultant Axel Vervoordt (Boris’ father) the temple-like space was built with locally sourced materials in a natural landscape set between the mountains and Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast The building’s trapezoidal prism gallery structure and circular visitor center incorporate simple architectural forms ascribing symbolic and sacred meanings to geometric shapes The roughly hewn rectangular stones on the exterior of the buildings have been sensibly stacked and aesthetically arranged without using cement or other bonding agents The earthy concrete mix in the gallery’s floors includes sand and aggregate sourced from the location while the natural limestone plaster on the walls incorporates sifted soil from the site Approached from a secluded pathway off a sandy road the gallery’s footprint features an open square that leads to a covered rectangular room whose only light source is an open skylight The enclosure’s opening frames a portion of the sky changing in formation and illumination from moment to moment as it interacts with the artworks on display Its large wooden doors are made from parota a native hardwood tree that connects the structure with the local environment “The architecture is based on sacred geometry out of respect for Mexican traditions with the aim to create a space for art that looks like it’s always existed in this unique place,” said Axel Vervoordt. “When they asked us—Tatsuro Miki and myself—to create a gallery next to Casa Wabi We said we have to go back to the origin of Mexico and make a building that is totally timeless.” Situated in a coastal ecosystem west of Puerto Escondido and near Casa Wabi, Mexican artist Bosco Sodi’s acclaimed studio Meridiano is centered in a strip of contemporary architectural wonders While Casa Wabi boasts a main campus conceived by Tadao Ando and other buildings designed by Álvaro Siza a nearby concrete house by architect Carlos Matos serves as a rental property and Kalach’s pyramidal solar-powered Hotel Terrestre extends his ecological villas in the Punta Pájaros beachfront resort I discovered this place on the planet and was immediately struck by the link between art I wanted to be part of the evolution of this To experience art in such a “wild” place makes you understand the essence right away.” Meridiano opened in February 2023 with a solo by Korean conceptual artist Kimsooja The show featured a massive stone the artist discovered in the area which she painted black to dematerialize and reveal its inner space and a ritualistic performance with fire repeated throughout the duration of the show Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile created a large-scale anthropomorphic sculpture crafted from clay that referenced a pre-Columbian vessel The monumental work was fabricated on-site with black-pigmented Oaxacan clay in the rectangular room with its snout-like chimney enthusiastically extending through the open skylight featured four large-scale bronzes by American sculptor Joel Shapiro Geometric in their bodily shapes and figurative in their dancer-like forms  the sculptures created a poetic choreography with two uniquely fashioned works in each room seemingly interacting in Pas de Deux moves all four pieces maintained their individual integrity as they sat or glided across the gallery’s sublime floors and walls highlights three sculptural works cast and woven in copper by Peruvian artist Ximena Garrido-Lecca The rectangular room offers two wall works woven from cut copper piping into symbolic Andean patterns and fence-like forms that reference social resistance to modernization The wall works reflect the evolving natural light as day turns into night while the square space presents equally symbolic combined copper sticks cast from local trees that ironically act like a sundial under the brightness of the Oaxacan sky “The artist’s use of copper is critical in this exhibition Ximena is interested in the connection between copper and ancient Peruvian sun deities and its present use in supporting 21st-century communication systems Her ability to integrate her research on ancient knowledge and technologies into her work to enhance our understanding of contemporary systems of information and power is very impactful in the space.” Meridiano’s secluded location enables artists to explore the creative benefits of being distanced from the commercial art centers in major cities where most currently work This environment offers a timeless vessel for contemplation inviting visitors to engage with both the artworks and the changing climatic conditions that enhance their perception of the passage of time © 2023 Hudson One Media, LLC. 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