The small fishing village of Puerto Angel, west of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca state, has managed to remain an oasis of tranquility and understatement because of its isolation from mainstream tourism development. The hippies who frequented this "underground" destination in the 1960s and '70s have been replaced by a few European backpackers and middle-class tourists seeking a laid-back, out-of-the-way beach destination.
There is not a lot to do in Puerto Angel, but that's the appeal: This is a place where it's easy to forget what day it is. People relax under palapas on the beach, sit in street-side cafes or lounge in hammocks, drinking cerveza, eating fresh seafood and watching small wooden fishing boats putter in and out of the cozy harbor. If you want to fish, just go up to any of the captains and strike a deal. Swimming is good, and most hotels' rates are inexpensive.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.