Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Best Hotels & Areas for Every Budget
My favorite places to stay in Puerto Escondido, from beach hostels to dreamy boutique hotels.
If you haven’t heard of Puerto Escondido yet, I bet you will soon.
The moment I stepped foot in Puerto Escondido, a beach town on Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast, I knew I had found something special.
Dusty roads sprawled ahead of me as I stepped out of my taxi and hauled my backpack over my shoulder. Barefoot surfers, travelers meandering down the streets, and sandy roads on either side of me made me stop in my tracks and grin.
I had no idea where I was (Puerto Escondido is surprisingly big), but I knew I was happy.
Wondering where to stay in Puerto Escondido? After spending almost four weeks exploring this sun-drenched surf town, I have plenty of firsthand recommendations to help you find your perfect spot. From boutique hotels in Puerto Escondido, to mid-range hotels, and the best hostels to stay in while visiting, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, B&Bs, and hostels for every budget.
IN A RUSH?
My top picks for where to stay in Puerto Escondido
🌿BOUTIQUE
Casa To
🏡MID-RANGE
Lunaya
🎒SOLO TRAVEL
Viajero Hostel
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Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Choose Your Vibe
First things first, Puerto Escondido (commonly referred to as Puerto, PE, or PXM) is actually pretty big.
The four areas I’ll be covering in this guide are La Punta, Zicatela, Rinconada/Bacocho, and Centro.
Each area varies by vibe and vacation goals and suits a different type of traveler. Below, I’ll briefly describe the different areas and what I thought of them. I’ll also list some of my best recommendations for hotels and hostels in each of the areas.
|
Area |
Vibe |
Best For |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🏖️ La Punta |
Beachy, barefoot surf-town |
Backpacker, Digital Nomads |
$$-$$$ |
|
🌊 Zicatela |
Nightlife, close to MexPipe |
Night owls, experienced surfers |
$-$$ |
|
🌿 Rinconada/Bacocho |
Relaxed, residential |
Couples, families, beginner surfers |
$$ |
|
🧺 Centro |
Local, bustling |
Budget travelers, longer stays |
$ |
Where to Stay in La Punta, Puerto Escondido
Starting off strong with my favorite area in Puerto, we have La Punta. La Punta is where I first stepped out of my taxi, wandered down the streets, and fell in love – all before I had even picked up a surfboard (more on that here *link to blog post*). I ended up staying in La Punta for 2 weeks during my stay in PE.
La Punta has a mix of paved and sandy streets and is 100% a vibe. Think salty-hair, barefoot people in the streets, and schedules that revolve around the sunset and tides. There’s also a growing digital nomad scene here, and with easy access to La Punta’s surf break, can you blame them?
What I especially liked about La Punta is how laid back and chill it was, even though there was a decent amount of people. There’s a strict noise curfew at 11 pm, so all loud music shuts off then (or is supposed to at least). But do not fear – the party continues if you wish to do so, in nearby Zicatela. I loved that I could either go to bed early to wake up and surf or stay out late in nearby Zicatela, and not sacrifice my location.
La Punta has historically had more backpacker and a younger vibe, but luxury and boutique hotels are slowly popping up throughout the area and offer a beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Casa To
Casa To is an absolutely beautiful hotel, with stunning architecture and design. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a place to stay that is a destination in itself, Casa To is the place to stay. It’s a bit of splurge, but a good one for couples, romantic getaways, or just treating yourself – because you don’t need a partner to justify a stay in a beautiful hotel.
Tip: if this is a bit out of your price range, you can still book a meal at it’s restaurant, Glou Glou.
Notto Zicatela Hotel
Gorgeous boutique property right in the heart of La Punta, but still quiet and serene. This is an alternative to Casa To if you want to be closer to the beach – since you are quite literally, on it. The ocean-facing pool is a definite plus. I mean, have you seen the sunsets in La Punta? Book it now.
Casa Beu Hotel Boutique
For another boutique experience, try Casa Beu. Casau Beu is a lovely option just a few streets back from the beach, but still within close walking distance to the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The hotel has a pool in the center of it and the design throughout is very inviting and relaxing. This is a good pick for couples or travelers wanting a private room and a break from the hostel scene.
Viajero Puerto Escondido Hostel
Viajero is a social hostel with solid vibes and the best mix of meeting people and sleep that you’ll find in a hostel in La Punta. It’s probably your best choice if you want to meet people without making partying your entire personality for the week. There’s a big pool with plenty of space to hang out and organized activities, which always make it easy to meet people. It’s still a social hostel though, so pack your earplugs.
Bonita Escondida
This is a party hostel. There is no denying it. You do not go here to sleep. I will recommend it for lots of fun and lots of not sleeping. It also won the 2026 HOSCAR award for best hostel in Mexico and North and Central America! They have tons of activities, so if you value sleep but still want to hang with the Bonita crowd, you can stop by the infamous Friday pool parties or the Ladies night for free drinks.
Fun Fact: I spent Easter Sunday at this hostel and ushered in the day of the Lord at a Jungle Rave, then went back to Bonita to sleep for a few hours before I went to my surf camp. Duality, baby. I feel like Jesus would have stayed in hostels, but this isn’t a blog about religion. Unless you consider adventure travel and nature a religion … then I digress.
Where to Stay in Rinconada / Bacocho
The Rinconada and Bacocho area is a quieter alternative to La Punta and Zicatela. However, it still has a charm to it and easy access to Playa Carrizalillo, a great swimming beach and the best beginner surf break in Puerto Escondido (and the best surf camp in Puerto Escondido!). After my time in La Punta, I stayed in Rinconada for 2 weeks.
This area is smaller and quieter than La Punta and Zicatela, but still has some great restaurants and bars. Actually, one of my favorite restaurants I’ve ever been to, El Nene, is here. I am not ashamed to say that I went here at least 4 times a week just for the tomatillo salsa verde. That is not an exaggeration. I would eat it like gazpacho.
Tip: The access to Playa Carrizalillo is steep. To get to one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Escondido, you will have to walk down a massive staircase to get to the beach.
Bidmont Villa & Spa – Luxury Wellness Retreat
For ultimate relaxation and quiet during your stay in Puerto check out the Bidmont Villa and Spa. This small property in Bacocho has gardens, a saltwater pool, and a spa with sauna, ice bath, and hydrotherapy facilities. It’s a nice splurge if you want to rest and relax for a few days. Just make sure to check the rate for spa inclusion before you book.
Casa Conicarit
Casa Conicarit is a unique, chill, and artsy boutique option for those who want to relax by the pool and also have a quiet atmosphere. There’s a shared kitchen which is a nice option to cook a few of your meals (one of my favorite grocery stores in Rinconada is Verde Puerto, off the main road in Rinconada right at the roundabout). If you’re looking for a place with personality, this is it.
Hotel Suites La Hacienda
La Hacienda has beautiful Mexican architecture throughout the property with individually decorated suites. The kitchens are a big plus and its another lovely option for couples and solo travelers who want somewhere to stay for a bit.
TRIBU Glamping
Super cute little teepees (w/ air con!) right above Playa Carrizalillo. I stayed here for a few nights, and while it’s a little walk away from the main road of restaurants, the access to Carrizalillo and the view from the huge terrace makes up for it. And also, when else can you say you stayed in an air conditioned teepee in Oaxaca? This is your chance.
Oasis Surf House – La Barca and El Nopal Surf Houses
I was supposed to only stay here for a week, and then I kept extending … and extending. Oasis has two surf houses in Rinconada: La Barca, where I stayed in a beautiful airy, top floor room in the above the surf shop and El Nopal, a more apartment-style accommodation with a cute cafe right below it.
Where to Stay in Zicatela
First things first, when someone says “Zicatela,” it means a few different things.
Zicatela is the section of beachfront hotels, bars, and restaurants that line the ocean. It’s by far the most touristy part of town and this is where the nightlife is in Puerto. Clubs stay open until LATE here and it’s the most international part of the city.
Zicatela is also the name of the world-famous surf break that catapulted Puerto Escondido to the top of the worldwide surf scene. The wave here is massive and is only for advanced and expert surfers and is referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline”, or “MexPipe” for short. You may also hear it referred to as “Zica”.
If you’re looking for a good boogie late into the night and only want to watch surfing, this is your place. Just know that the beach here is not for swimming and is for admiring – and finding your surfer boyfriend, only.
Casa Leah Puerto Escondido
Casa Leah has some beautiful options for rooms, including a private plunge-pool in one! The living spaces, kitchens, and hammocks on the terrace make it a great option for a longer stay near Playa Zicatela.
Casa Badú
With only seven rooms, Casa Badu is small boutique hotel with a strong emphasis on personalized hospitality. Casa Badu is technically in Los Tamarindos, so check the map against areas you want to visit. This would be a good pick for couples and solo travelers wanting a base in Puerto Escondido.
Casa Ampa Zikatela
Casa Ampa has a beautiful mix of wood, concrete, pools, and terraces, all a short walk from Zicatela Beach. It’s a good option if you want to be near the action but prefer a property that encourages a slower pace. You can also rent out the entire second floor if you’re traveling with a big group.
Straw Hat Surf Hostel & Bar
Straw Hat is a very social hostel in Zicatela. There’s a big pool area and bar, and a very clear backpacker and party vibe – so if you’re fiercely protective of your bedtime, I would probably look elsewhere. They’re known for throwing full moon parties, so take that as you will.
SurfNest Hostel
If you’d like a bit more shut-eye, choose SurfNest Hostel. It’s a nice hostel with a relaxed feel and less of a party scene than Straw Hat.
Where to Stay in Centro
Centro is where you’ll get a feel for everyday life in Puerto and is the most authentic of the areas. This part of town has some of the best, cheapest food and if you’re interested in a more authentic Mexican stay, this is your area.
Centro also has the most budget-friendly accommodation, and is furthest from the backpacking, party scene, and surf breaks, so if you’re looking to step away from that vibe for a bit or save some money, this is your area. The closest beach to Centro is Playa Principal.
Casa Mia
Casa Mia is a good option if you want a private room, a pool, and easy access to Playa Principal. Some rooms have views over the bay, while some rooms have a kitchenette and terrace. Could be a good option for couples or solo travelers who want the convenience of town and the waterfront without staying in a hostel.
Hotel Careyes Puerto Escondido
If you’re looking for a straightforward, comfortable option with air-conditioned rooms and a pool, check out Hotel Careyes. Some rooms also have kitchens, making it suitable for longer stays.
Madre Tierra Hotel
Madre Tierra is another good practical option in the Centro area that has a pool, terrace, and a mix of rooms and apartment style accommodation. Puerto Angelito is within walking distance and kitchen-equipped units are also available.
Casa Losodeli & Coworking
If you’re looking for a coworking spot outside of La Punta, Losodeli is a good choice. It’s family run and has a pool, coworking spaces, and planned activities. It also has Starlink, which is a definite plus if you have any type of video call you need to be on while in Puerto.
Puerto Dreams
Puerto Dreams is a good choice if you want a social hostel in a more local part of town. There’s a rooftop hangout area, a shared kitchen, and a coworking space. It’s also close to the local market where you can buy homemade meals and groceries.
What to Know Before Booking in Puerto Escondido
- Choose your location based on what you want to do every day
- Puerto is a lot bigger than you may expect. While you can walk to the beach and restaurants in each area, you won’t be able to wander between all the neighborhoods in one given day. Choose between energy levels and what activities you want to do (surfing, relaxing, dolphin tours, etc. ), and go from there.
- Check the actual address, not just the neighborhood
- Being in La Punta doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be close to the beach, and the same goes for Zicatela. Both areas do have beachfront properties to stay in (like Punta Zicatela), but they also have properties that are up on the hills, which offer great aerial views of the ocean and town. Also check the map for road access. Some roads in La Punta are only sand, so if you’re bringing a rolling suitcase, best be prepared for a sandy trek.
- Hostels in Puerto Escondido
- Hostels here range from super party-fraga-listic-expialodocis to very chill. Make sure you read the reviews to understand what type of hostel you’re staying in! I’ve stayed in chill hostels here, and I’ve stayed in some really social party hostels (like Bonita Escondido and Che).
- Book earlier during high season
- High season in Puerto Escondido is November – April. Expect sold out hotels and hostels around Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa (Holy Week). If one of the places on my list captured your attention, make sure to book it early so you don’t miss out!
- Confirm the amenities you’ll actually need
- Wi-Fi is getting better in Puerto Escondido, but if you’re working remotely or wanting to do any sort of video call, you’ll want high-speed internet / Starlink. Some accommodations have these, but if they don’t, La Punta has the best access to cafes with Starlink. Also, if you want air-conditioning, confirm that your specific room has it. Not all rooms come with aircon in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Escondido
How to get to Puerto Escondido?
There are really only two options. You can fly into Puerto’s International Airport or take the newly constructed highway from Oaxaca. I took the bus from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca when I visited and it was easy and convenient. ADO is the bus line that runs between cities in Oaxaca. The site may load in Spanish, but it’s easy to translate with your page’s built-in translator.
How to get around Puerto Escondido?
Taxi and colectivo (local taxi) are the most popular ways to get around Puerto. Taxis are easy to hail from the side of the street and take cash. They will probably try to overcharge you, so if you know some Spanish, this is a great time to put it to work and negotiate a price. You can also rent a motorbike.
What is a colectivo?
A colectivo is the local shared public transport option that is a fraction of the cost of a taxi. These have a set route and you basically jump on and jump off whenever you want, and pay the driver.
Do I need a car rental in Puerto Escondido?
Not really – unless you’re planning on doing some day trips from Puerto Escondido and don’t want to take the bus or colectivos. The most popular option for short visits is a motorbike, ATV, taxi, or colectivo. However, if you do want to rent one, Kayak is my go to search engine for the best deals is.
What’s the best area to learn to surf in?
Playa Carrizalillo, known as Carrizalillo or “Carri”, is the easiest surf break for beginners. It has both a mellow left-hand point break and a smaller right-hand point break and is sheltered from the open ocean.
What’s the best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido?
High season is November through April and brings drier weather and mellower surf. This is also the busiest time of year and is flooded with travelers from all over. “Low Season”, I’m tempted to just say “lower season”, is May – October. It gets hot and humid and the rainy season begins. This is also when the swells start building up, so it’s great for more experienced surfers looking for waves.
Where’s the best place to stay for solo travelers?
A hostel in La Punta, like Viajero, Che, or Bonita Escondida or a surf camp like Oasis is your best bet. I made so many amazing friends in the hostels and surf camp I stayed in, and kept extending my stay … which is always a good sign.
My Final Pick
Without a doubt, I would stay in La Punta. La Punta has a great combination of good restaurants, different types of accommodations, and the best beach for surfing and sunsets. I stayed in La Punta for 2 weeks when I visited and already looked up how to buy property in Puerto Escondido before I even left … I liked it that much. (Spoiler: it was hella expensive)
My second choice would be Rinconada if I wanted to zen out a bit more and not have FOMO because I was happily chilling in my teepee (the cutest little place I stayed in Rinconada for a few nights).
Let me know if you end up visiting Puerto Escondido in the comments! I’d love to hear about your trip. 🙂
As always, thank you for reading and I hope this post has helped you plan your trip to Puerto Escondido! If you enjoyed this article or found it helpful, I’d love a contribution to my “BuyMeACoffee” fund. It helps me keep producing genuine, human-written travel content that is researched, explored, and lived – so I can help you explore the world with more confidence and curiosity.
