Puerto Angel, Oaxaca

Driving to Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca: Exploring the New Highway and Road Improvements

Nestled along the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, Puerto Ángel is a peaceful fishing village that offers travelers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations. The drive to this tranquil coastal town has recently become much easier, thanks to the new highway project that has significantly reduced travel time and improved safety conditions for drivers. Here’s what you need to know about driving to Puerto Ángel, including updated routes and safety tips.

Starting Point: Oaxaca City

Departing from Oaxaca City, you’ll begin your journey through Oaxaca’s breathtaking landscapes. The total distance to Puerto Ángel is roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles), but thanks to the new highway improvements, travel time has been reduced to about 3.5 to 4.5 hours—a notable difference from the previous 5-7 hours.

Key Route: The New Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway (Highway 175 & Highway 200)

The most significant improvement comes from the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway (also known as the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway), which provides a faster and more comfortable alternative to the old mountain routes. This highway is still under partial construction but has been opened up to connect key points, offering drivers a faster route to the Oaxacan coast. When fully completed, it will link directly to Puerto Escondido and cut the trip down to around 3 hours.

• From Oaxaca City: Begin by heading south on Highway 175. After about an hour, you’ll connect with the new section of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway. This new stretch has dramatically reduced travel time by avoiding the sharp curves and narrow roads of the old mountain routes.
• The new highway is designed with modern safety features, including wider lanes, improved signage, and better maintenance, making it a much more enjoyable and less stressful drive.

Scenic Options: Highway 175 or Highway 131

If you’re more interested in the scenic and adventurous route, you still have the option of taking Highway 175 or Highway 131. Both of these routes wind through the Sierra Madre del Sur and offer stunning views of the mountains, cloud forests, and traditional Oaxacan villages.

1. Highway 175 (Scenic but Winding):
   • Take the original Highway 175 if you want to experience Oaxaca’s lush landscapes and quaint villages like San José del Pacífico, famous for its cloud forests and serene atmosphere.
   • The new highway intersects with Highway 200, just a short drive from Puerto Ángel, making it easier to transition from mountain to coast.
2. Highway 131 (Direct Route):
   • For a slightly faster and more direct journey, take Highway 131. This route still traverses the mountains but with fewer hairpin turns than Highway 175.
   • You will pass through Sola de Vega, a well-known mezcal-producing town, perfect for a brief stop if you’re interested in sampling or buying local mezcal.

Safety and Travel Tips

1. New Road Conditions: The new highway section is smoother and better maintained than the older mountain routes, but it’s still important to drive cautiously, particularly on sections where construction is ongoing or near mountainous terrain.
2. Fuel Up: Gas stations are more readily available along the newer highway sections, but it’s always a good idea to fill up in Oaxaca City or larger towns like Ejutla de Crespo before you hit the more remote areas.
3. Traffic and Security Checkpoints: You may encounter police and military checkpoints along the way, particularly as you transition from the highway to rural roads. These are routine, and as long as you have your documents ready, you should have no issues.
4. Avoid Night Driving: While the new highway is safer, it’s still recommended to avoid driving at night due to the potential for fog, construction detours, and wildlife crossing the road.
5. Motion Sickness: Even with the new highway, some sections of the road remain winding, especially as you descend from the mountains toward the coast. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication or ginger chews.
6. Break Stops: There are several scenic viewpoints along the old Highway 175 route, particularly near San José del Pacífico, where you can stop to stretch, take in the view, and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants or cafes.

Arrival in Puerto Ángel

Once you reach Highway 200 and follow the coastal route, you’ll soon find yourself in the peaceful village of Puerto Ángel. Compared to the bustling nearby towns of Mazunte and Zipolite, Puerto Ángel retains a more relaxed, authentic vibe, perfect for unwinding.

Beaches: Puerto Ángel offers calm, beautiful beaches such as Playa Panteón and Playa Principal, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy fresh seafood at local palapas. These beaches are generally quieter than the more famous ones in Puerto Escondido, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility.

Fresh Seafood: Don’t miss the local seafood. Fishermen bring in their daily catch early in the morning, and you can enjoy dishes like tiritas de pescado (fish strips) or a grilled seafood platter at beachfront restaurants.

Nearby Attractions: Puerto Ángel serves as a great base for day trips to nearby towns like Mazunte, famous for its turtle sanctuary, and Zipolite, known for its laid-back, bohemian vibe.

Conclusion

The newly improved Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway has made the drive to Puerto Ángel faster and more comfortable, without sacrificing the adventure and beauty of Oaxaca’s diverse landscapes. Whether you choose the new highway for convenience or take the scenic route through the mountains, Puerto Ángel awaits with its quiet beaches, charming fishing village atmosphere, and local seafood delights.