Puerto Escondido ↔ Casa Wabi

Destination guide

Casa Wabi visitor guide

What Casa Wabi is

Casa Wabi is a non-profit arts foundation created by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi on the coast west of Puerto Escondido. Its name comes from wabi-sabi, the Japanese idea of finding beauty in simple, imperfect and natural things, and that spirit runs through the place.

The main building, by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is known for a long freestanding concrete wall running across the land between the coastal plain and the ocean, combined with palm-thatched roofs in the local tradition. Other pavilions on the grounds were designed by well-known architects, and the gardens and outdoor spaces are part of the experience.

What happens there

Casa Wabi is first of all a working place. It hosts artists in residence from Mexico and abroad, who often spend part of their time leading workshops with people from the surrounding communities. Exhibitions, outdoor works and events change over time, so what you see depends on when you go.

It is not a museum with a ticket desk you can simply turn up at. Visits are organized by the foundation on specific days and times, and the format and rules can change. Before planning your day, check Casa Wabi's own website or official social media for current visiting information and how to request a place.

When to go

The dry season, roughly November to May, is the most comfortable time to walk around the grounds, with sunny days and little rain. From June to October afternoon storms are common and the heat and humidity are higher, though the gardens are at their greenest.

Whatever the season, much of the visit is outdoors in strong coastal sun. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes and keep the middle of the day in mind if you are sensitive to heat.

Practical tips

Confirm your visit with the foundation first, then book the transfer for the time that suits it, leaving some margin, since the coastal highway has speed bumps and occasional road works. The drive takes about 45 minutes from Puerto Escondido, and your driver can take you there and bring you back afterwards.

Casa Wabi is in a rural area with few shops or restaurants nearby, so it pairs well with lunch at Roca Blanca or a stop at the Manialtepec lagoon on the same day; write to us on WhatsApp to arrange a combined trip. If you are coming for a residency, give us your arrival details and we can pick you up in Puerto Escondido, and take you back to town at the end of your stay.