Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Highway Blockades March 2026: What Travelers Need to Know
✅ UPDATED – March 13, 2026
The blockade at the Ventanilla toll plaza (km 90) has been lifted after successful negotiations yesterday. Agreements were signed with SEGO, SICT and CAPUFE covering access roads, livestock passages and other pending works. The Oaxaca–Puerto Escondido supercarretera is now fully open and traffic is flowing normally. Protesters will monitor compliance and have warned they may return in 2–3 weeks if promises are not kept.
The Current Situation on the Supercarretera
As of March 12, 2026, residents from Santa María Colotepec continue their protest at the Ventanilla toll plaza on the new Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido highway. The blockade began on March 9 and has now entered its fourth day. The action is taking place at the Plaza de Cobro number 226, near kilometer 90.
Reports indicate that while the road is not always completely closed, passage is often restricted or subject to voluntary contributions requested by protesters. Federal authorities including CAPUFE have issued alerts recommending drivers use caution and consider alternate routes.
Why the Communities Are Protesting
The protesters, representing around 62 communities in Santa María Colotepec, are seeking fulfillment of commitments made during the construction of the highway. Their primary demands include the construction of approximately 18.4 kilometers of access roads and artisanal paths connecting their communities to the supercarretera, acceptance of local residency cards for toll-free passage, and maintenance on sections of the new road.
Additional requests involve livestock underpasses and other infrastructure improvements promised as part of the project benefits for affected areas. Negotiations with representatives from SICT, CAPUFE, and other federal offices have taken place, with some partial offers presented, such as initial paving of specific short segments. However, the communities are seeking more comprehensive action.
How This Affects Travelers
The new Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway significantly reduced travel time from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido to about two and a half to three hours when fully operational. With the current protests, many drivers are experiencing delays or choosing detours. This route is popular among visitors exploring both the cultural sites around Oaxaca City, including Monte Albán, and the Pacific beaches.
Tourists heading to or from Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, or other coastal destinations should prepare for potential disruptions. The situation remains dynamic, with updates changing throughout the day.
Recommended Alternate Routes
CAPUFE and local authorities recommend the traditional Federal Highway 175 through Pochutla as the main alternative. While scenic, this older road takes considerably longer, often five to seven hours or more depending on traffic and conditions. It winds through the mountains and offers beautiful views but requires more careful driving.
Another option for many international visitors is to fly directly into Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXO). Domestic flights from Oaxaca or Mexico City can help avoid road issues entirely. For those already on the coast, the coastal Highway 200 remains unaffected by this particular protest.
Will the Blockades Last Until Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, falls from March 29 to April 5 in 2026 and is one of the busiest travel periods on these routes. At present, there is no indication that the current blockade will continue for several weeks. Road protests in Oaxaca are typically resolved through ongoing dialogue between communities and government authorities.
Partial agreements have already been discussed, and further negotiation tables are planned. However, if core infrastructure demands require extensive planning and funding, some level of disruption could recur. We strongly recommend checking conditions frequently in the coming days and weeks if you have travel planned around late March.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Before setting out, consult real-time sources such as the official CAPUFE website or social media channels, local news outlets like El Universal Oaxaca, and traffic apps such as Waze or Google Maps. Local Facebook groups and accounts focused on Oaxacan road conditions can also provide timely updates from drivers on the ground.
Allow extra time for your journey and consider flexible itineraries. Many visitors combine a visit to Monte Albán with a trip to the coast, so having both road and air options in mind provides peace of mind. The people of Oaxaca value hospitality, and these protests reflect local efforts to ensure fair benefits from major infrastructure projects that ultimately serve all who visit and live here.
