Quick answer
From Puerto Escondido, two point breaks are worth the drive: Chacahua, to the west, 61–65 km along Federal Highway 200 and then by boat from Zapotalito; and Barra de la Cruz, to the east, about 25 km past Huatulco, with the last stretch down a dirt road. Both are rights that need a good south swell, mostly from April to September. At Barra, bring cash for the community fee. Federal Highway 200 doesn’t call for a 4x4; dirt roads are allowed only with some vehicles and with special insurance: confirm it with KORU when you book.
When does Barra de la Cruz work?
With a strong south swell, mostly from April to August, according to Planeta Surf. Barra de la Cruz is a right point break over a sand bottom, fast and hollow on good days. The World Surf League describes it as a right that barrels when a strong south swell hits; it hosted the 2006 Rip Curl Search, won by Andy Irons, and the Championship Tour’s Corona Open Mexico in August 2021.
On small days it’s a different wave: Lonely Planet says that from November to February there are good waves for people who are learning. With a big swell, though, it’s a wave for experienced surfers, and The Surf Atlas puts it on its list of advanced waves. If your group mixes both levels, the swell decides who paddles out.
Do you have to pay to get into Barra de la Cruz?
Plan on paying in cash. Travelers and tour operators report a per-person beach entry fee collected by the community, but we couldn’t find the current amount in any official source, so we don’t publish it. The community chose to ban development on the coast, except for one restaurant it runs collectively, according to the organization WILDCOAST (World Surf League, 2021). Bring small bills and follow whatever rules you’re given at the entrance.
Turtle beach
WILDCOAST describes Barra de la Cruz as Mexico’s most important nesting beach for the leatherback turtle, an endangered species. Don’t drive onto the sand, don’t use lights on the beach at night and, if you see marked nests or a camp, follow their instructions.
How do I drive to Barra de la Cruz from Puerto Escondido?
Take Federal Highway 200 east, past Huatulco. Puerto Escondido to Huatulco is 100 to 110 km, 2 to 2.5 hours of driving; Barra de la Cruz is about 25 km farther east, according to Lonely Planet, roughly half an hour from Huatulco airport toward Salina Cruz. From the village down to the beach it’s a dirt road. Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours each way and leave early, because driving the coast highway back after dark isn’t a good idea.
How do I drive to Chacahua, and where’s the wave?
Take Federal Highway 200 west, past Río Grande, to the signed turnoff for Zapotalito: about 61 to 65 km, 1 h 20 min to 1 h 30 min. At the boat landing you leave the car and cross the lagoon by boat, 30 to 40 minutes to the village of Chacahua. The wave is a right point break over sand, next to the village; it needs a good south swell, breaks best at low or mid tide and, on small days, works for beginners, according to Wannasurf.
There’s a sand track for 4x4s that reaches the other side, but travelers report crossings where you have to let air out of your tires and carry a shovel. Don’t try it in a rental car: the boat from Zapotalito is the normal way in. Wannasurf also warns about currents on the paddle out, mosquitoes and theft, and says it gets crowded on weekends. Don’t leave anything unattended on the beach.
Do I need a 4x4?
For Federal Highway 200, no. What may call for a higher-clearance vehicle is the dirt road down to the beach at Barra de la Cruz, especially in the rainy season, which overlaps with the wave season; the Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, according to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), Mexico’s national weather service. Dirt roads are allowed only with some vehicles and with special insurance: confirm it with KORU when you book. Whether your board can go in the vehicle is up to each provider; KORU doesn’t offer board racks as an add-on.
What other waves are along the way?
Vehicle rentals in Puerto Escondido
Enter your dates and see which 4x4s, cars or vans are available; dirt roads only with some vehicles and special insurance.
Chacahua lagoons and mangroves
The boat ride, the mangroves and the bioluminescence, if you stay the night.
Road trip along the Oaxaca coast
From Puerto Escondido to Huatulco via Mazunte and Zipolite, with stops along the way.
Surf lessons in Puerto Escondido: your first time
If someone in your group is just starting: Carrizalillo, prices and season.
FAQ
With a strong south swell, mostly from April to August. It’s a right point break over sand; from November to February it’s usually smaller and, according to Lonely Planet, works for learners.
Yes: travelers and tour operators report a per-person fee collected by the community, in cash. We couldn’t find the current amount in an official source, so bring small bills.
Take Federal Highway 200 west, past Río Grande, to the Zapotalito turnoff: about 61 to 65 km, 1 h 20 min to 1 h 30 min. There you leave the car and cross by boat, 30 to 40 minutes.
Not for Federal Highway 200. The dirt road down to the beach at Barra de la Cruz is allowed only with some vehicles and with special insurance: confirm it with KORU when you book. The sand track to Chacahua, skipping the boat, isn’t for a rental car.
Sources
To plan the trip from Puerto Escondido, go to korurent.com, search for Puerto Escondido and enter your dates: only available vehicles show up, with their daily price. Pick your side based on the swell and leave night driving out of the plan.