No longer a ‘hidden port’ as the name suggests, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca is a surf-mad beach town on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Puerto Escondido boasts legendary waves and epic sunsets yet still retains a blissfully laid-back vibe, despite it’s growing popularity as one of Mexico’s very best surf destinations.
Puerto Escondido is one of my favorite destinations in Mexico and hands down one of the best beaches in Oaxaca. There’s a huge range of accommodation and hotels in Puerto Escondido to suit all budgets, but it’s quite a large, spread out town and not very walkable.
So it’s important to plan your trip and consider where to stay in Puerto Escondido carefully to get the most out of your time in this surf haven – that’s why I wrote this post!
My Guide to Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
To help you decide where to stay in Puerto Escondido I’ll describe the best beaches, neighborhoods, areas, and places to stay in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca in one handy blog post.
You might also want to check out out my full Puerto Escondido guide for more travel tips including how to get to Puerto Escondido, the best things to do, the best time to visit and much more.
About Puerto Escondido
Before you look for the best hotels in Puerto Escondido it’s useful to know a bit more about the town so you can decide where to stay in Puerto Escondido to suit your budget and preferences.
Puerto Escondido is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca, south of Mexico City. It’s about a five-hour drive from Oaxaca City, the capital city of Oaxaca, or a 1 hour flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido airport.
While Puerto Escondido remains more off the beaten track as a tourist destination than places like Cancun and Tulum, the town is famous for surfing due to the legendary waves on Zicatela Beach known as the Mexican Pipeline.
So naturally one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido is to take surf lessons, but did you know you can also swim in a bioluminescent lagoon, release a baby turtle into the sea, go whale or dolphin watching in Puerto Escondido and much more!?
If you want to get your activities arranged before you go you can book on Viator and Get your Guide. Make sure to read reviews before so you know what to expect.
This surf town has so much more to offer and has also become popular with yogis, backpackers, digital nomads and anyone looking to relax on beautiful beaches, explore the surrounding natural beauty, amazing local cuisine and just soak up the laidback vibes of this authentic Mexican beach town.
Although it’s a small town its actually quite spread out and not super walkable. For example, to walk the 4 miles between Playa Carrizillio and La Punta takes over an hour in the hot Mexican heat! So it’s important to consider what you’d like to do while visiting Puerto Escondido and base yourself near the best beach, area or neighbourhood for you for the best experience.
In this blog post I’ll guide you through the best beaches and main areas and neighborhoods of Puerto Escondido so that you can find out what suits you best before booking your accommodation or hotel.
The Best Beaches, Neighborhoods and Areas to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido can be split into four areas – The Town Center (Centro) and Playa Prinicpal, Rinconada and Playa Carrizalillo, Zicatela Beach and La Punta.
Whatever your budget and preferences you’ll find something to suit among the wide range of Puerto Escondido accommodation options.
Each beach and area offers a different vibe and is home to a wide range of hotels and accommodation options, from backpacker hostels and surf camps, to yoga retreats, boutique resorts and everything in between.
Refreshingly there’s not any big chain hotels or huge luxury resorts in Puerto Escondido yet which adds to the authentic charm.
The best beaches, neighborhoods and areas to stay in Puerto Escondido are:
Playa Carrizalillo – Best Beach for Calm Waves and Learning to Surf
Zicatela Beach – Best Beach for Epic Waves and Lively Nightlife
La Punta – Best Beach for Island Vibes and Laidback Lifestyle
Centro – Best Area for Easy Access to Everything and Budget Travelers
Centro and Playa Principal is a good central location for the bus station, airport and all the amenities of the town, shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. It makes a good base for budget travelers, digital nomads, expats or long stayers.
While the Playa Principal is popular with holidaying Mexican families and local fishermen the beach was a little dirty and it’s not the best beach in Puerto Escondido. If you want to stay near the beach and also close to town then it’s better to stay near Playa Carrizalillo.
In this post I’ll describe each area to stay in Puerto Escondido and give my recommendations for the best hotels and places to stay to make booking your perfect vacation that much easier.
The Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Playa Carrizalillo – Best Beach for Calm Waves and Learning to Surf
The most beautiful beach and my favourite place to stay in Puerto Escondido is Playa Carrizalillo. From above, this blissful bay of turquoise water framed by palm trees is a view I could happily gaze at for hours.
Down the steps, the sandy beach is the safest and best place to swim, snorkel and to learn to surf in Puerto Escondido. There’s a smattering of rustic, laid back palapas (thatched beach bars) serving up fresh fish tacos and refreshing mojitos.
Carrizalillo beach is not far from the main downtown area but is only accessible via a steep set of stairs which adds to it’s secluded charm. The area above the beach, Rinconada and Bacocho, is still not too far from the airport, bus station and all the shops and restaurants in the town center.
Playa Angelito and Playa Manzanillo
For sheltered bays and calm waters you can also visit Playa Angelito and Playa Manzanillo nearby. These two neighboring bays are within walking distance from Centro and Playa Carrizalillo and home to shallow, clear water and a handful of beachside eateries.
Puerto Angelito beach and Manzanillo beach are the perfect beaches for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. These are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido for families and anyone looking for a calm swimming spot.
Best Places to Stay in Rinconada (Near Playa Carrizalillo etc)
Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are all quite close together so if you stay in the Rinconada area you’ll be within walking distance to all the calm beaches as well as Centro.
Here’s my favorite hotels and places to stay in this area to suit all budgets:
Luxury: Villas Carrizalillo – Amazing Views!
The hands down best place to stay in Playa Carrizalillo has got to be the Villas Carrizalillo. These luxurious, fully equipped rooms, suites and villas offer spectacular views over the turquoise bay and private access to the beach.
Soak up the views from the comfort of a hammock or sun bed on the terrace or enjoy the beautiful swimming pool and tropical gardens. The restaurant here is another highlight. This is one of the most popular places to stay in Puerto Escondido so book well in advance to avoid disapointment!
Mid Range: Hotel Villa Mozart y Macondo – Friendly Tropical Homestay
This intimate collection of lovely bungalows and suites nestled in tropical gardens in Rinconada is conveniently located for Carrizallio beach. The friendly hosts go out of their way to ensure you have the best stay.
Budget: Carri Surf Studio – Affordable Well Located Studios
There’s not so many budget hotels near Playa Carrizallio but these comfortable and well equipped studios have a nice rooftop patio and are situated in a super convenient central location in Rinconada.
Playa Bacocho – Best Beach for Turtle Conversation
Playa Bacocho is a wild and undeveloped beach located in the north end of Puerto Escondido town. It’s not great for swimming and doesn’t have many facilities. Instead its home to a turtle release center.
At sunset time you can participate in releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean which is a heart warming experience and one of my favorite things to do in Puerto Escondido.
The Bacocho neighborhood is a slightly away from the beach but a good area for digital nomads and expats looking to stay more long term.
The best resort in this area is Posada Real Puerto Escondido – a 4 star beach resort with 2 outdoor swimming pools, sports facilities and a private beach club. If you have a smaller budget Hotel Suites Villasol is a great choice.
Playa Zicatela – Best Beach for Epic Waves and Lively Nightlife
Famous for it’s huge waves and home to the legendary Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela is one of the very best places to surf in Mexico and one of the world’s best and most consistent beach breaks. The consistently huge (over 10 feet high!) world-class waves are only suitable for experienced surfers but it’s mesmerising to watch and international surfing competitions are also held here.
Playa Zicatela is a long stretch of wide sandy beach and crashing waves lined with lively beach bars, restaurants and surf shops. It’s the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for experienced surfers and for those who like to be close to the most happening nightlife.
While you can swim at other beaches in Puerto Escondido, Zicatela beach is not safe for swimming or learning to surf due to strong currents and huge waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing. watching the surfers conquer the waves and enjoying cocktails from one of the beach clubs, plus the sunsets are as epic as the waves.
Where to Stay in Zicatela
Playa Zicatela is one of the best areas to stay in Puerto Escondido for experienced surfers and those looking to be close to the lively nightlife. There’s a huge choice of accommodations to suit all budgets from surf hostels to more upmarket beach resorts as well as many beach clubs, bars and beachfront restaurants.
Here’s my top picks for where to stay in Zicatela:
Luxury: Casa Joseph Zicatela – Stunning Beachfront Resort
This stunning 5 star adults only beachfront resort is the best place to stay in Zicatela boasting seaview rooms – some of which even have private pools.
Mid Range: Selina – Social and Chic
The Puerto Escondido branch of Selina (the most popular co-living company) is the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for digital nomads and anyone who wants a fun, chic stay in the heart of Zicatela.
Selina is just steps from the beach and offers a range of funky accommodation (I love the rustic A frame tepee tents!) around a leafy swimming pool area and a cafe and bar with a buzzing social scene.
Budget: La Playita Beach House – Best Value!
Located on the beach in a quiet area of Zicatela, these simple and comfortable whitewashed rooms around a swimming pool are amazing value. You’re still close to all the action but able to get a good nights sleep. There’s also a shared open kitchen you can use to cook your own meals to save money.
Backpacker: One Love Hostal – Good Vibes at a Good Price
Friendly backpacker hostel located between Zicatela and La Punta with dormitories, bungalows and yoga classes.
La Punta – Best Beach for Island Vibes and Laidback Lifestyle
Located at the far southern end of Zicatela is laidback La Punta which offers a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere and smaller waves suitable for intermediate and beginner surfers.
The cove at the end is more suitable for swimming and learning to surf and theres some rustic beach bars with sun loungers making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Just behind the beach, the sandy lanes, palm trees, beach bars, vegan cafes, boutiques and yoga retreats give the area a mellow, tropical island vibe that makes it hard to leave.
Sunsets have a friendly community vibe with volleyball games on the beach and many long stayers walking their dogs and catching up. La Punta is becoming more and more popular with many new restaurants and bars popping up creating a low key nightlife scene.
Where to Stay in La Punta
La Punta is the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for intermediate surfers or anyone looking for a slice of the laid back beach lifestyle with easy access to beach bars and surf breaks for beginners and intermediates.
Luxury: Casa Kuaa – Beachfront Luxury!
This newly built, modern and stylish hotel is my favorite place to stay in Puerto Escondido. Casa Kuaa sits right on the beach just steps from the bars and restaurants of La Punta. All rooms have balconies and sea views. You can jump from pool to ocean and soak up the spectacular sunsets right from your balcony or the beautiful swimming pool.
Mid-Range: Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel – Beautiful Boutique Hotel
This beautiful boutique hotel is situated in a quiet area but still super close to the beach. It’s filled with beautiful touches and little details and also has a small pool and stunning terrace for yoga classes.
Budget: Bikini Beach House – Great Value, Great Location
Steps from the beach and right in the heart of the most happening area of La Punta (and possibly the coolest area of all of Puerto Escondido) Bikini Beach House offers comfortable accommodation at unbeatable value.
All rooms have rustic chic touches and a private balcony where you can soak up the tropical greenery outside. There’s also a cool cocktail and coffee bar downstairs complete with swings and colourful tropical flowers.
Playa Principal and Centro – Best Area for Easy Access to Everything and Budget Travelers
Located in the downtown Centro area of Puerto Escondido, Playa Principal is the town’s main beach and is a popular spot for locals and fishermen and home to some local seafood restaurants.
While it’s close to the Centro, or downtown area, and all the amenities of town the Playa Principal is usually filled with fishing boats so it isn’t the best or cleanest beach in Puerto Escondido for swimming.
It’s still a nice spot of people watching and for being in the middle of everything, so staying in this area is still a good choice for long stayers and budget travellers.
Just behind Playa Principal is the main street or El Adoquín which is a long beachfront boardwalk where you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife and all the ATMs.
Best Places to Stay in Centro near Playa Prinicpal
There’s not any luxury resorts in the Centro area but it’s a good place to stay for digital nomads, budget travelers or longer stayers who want to be close to all the amenities of downtown.
Mid Range: Casa Losodeli – Beautiful Coworking Resort
A beautiful and sociable tropical resort with apartments, private rooms and dormitories complete with pool, tropical gardens and coworking. Great for digital nomads who want to meet others and be close to town and the best beaches.
Budget: Colorada House – Great Value Poolside Rooms
This new homely resort has great value private rooms and dorms around a beautiful tropical swimming pool area within walking distance to Centro and Playa Principal
Backpacker: El Coyote Hostel – Cheapest Place to Stay in Puerto Escondido
If you’re looking for the cheapest place to stay in Puerto Escondido then look no further. At El Coyote you’ll get air conditioned dormitory rooms from only $8 in a popular and sociable backpacker hostel in Centro. There’s also a nice rooftop terrace and a shared kitchen.
The Best Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido
As it’s home to some of the best surf spots in Mexico and understandably surfing is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
While the surf in Zicatela is not for beginners there’s still plenty of places to learn to surf in Puerto Escondido like Playa Carrizalillo and also La Punta on calmer days. It’s easy to find board rental and surf lessons all over town with the many surf schools.
If you’re serious about learning to surf and enjoy a fun, social atmosphere I’d recommend joining a surf camp where your accommodation, lessons and sometimes food are all provided in one package. Some surf schools also include other activities like yoga, Spanish lessons and excursions to the nearby Manialtepec lagoon where you can sometimes see bioluminescence.
My favourite surf camp in Puerto Escondido is Oasis Surf and Spanish School. The instructors make learning to surf easy, safe and fun, plus, learning some Spanish will really help you connect better with locals and make your travels in Mexico much easier. You’ll stay in one of their surf houses near Playa Carrizalillo, which have fully equipped apartments, a swimming pool, terrace and common area.
Read More: Best Surf Camps in Mexico
Best Yoga Retreat in Puerto Escondido
Where there are surfers, there is also yoga. The two make a great combination and are often combined into one perfect retreat helping to build strength and flexibility and soothing sore muscles.
Most surf camps offer yoga classes and there are some great yoga retreats in Puerto Escondido as well as some drop in yoga classes.
My favourite yoga retreat in Puerto Escondido is Barbarenas, located in a beautiful, sustainable and eco friendly chic setting in Zicatela. The gorgeous cabanas and yoga shala have mesmerising views over the ocean and the swimming pool is a tropical haven. The retreat package includes personalised yoga, meditation and pranayama sessions as well as delicious vegan food.
Read More: Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
The best time to visit Puerto Escondido is between November and March in the cooler, dry season. This is also the best time to visit for beginner surfers and the peak season so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan to visit during this time as the best hotels get booked up.
The legendary waves get even bigger between May and August making it the best time to visit for experienced surfers that want a challenge but you may also experience some rain in this season as the rainy season is between June and October.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido may be a small town but it has an airport and the easiest way to get to Puerto Escondido is by flight from Mexico City.
Puerto Escondido’s airport makes it a great gateway to the Oaxaca Coast and Huatulco Airport (HUX) is another option which is about 63 miles away. There are cheap direct flights from Mexico City Airport (MEX) to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) that take about 1 hour which is the best option as the buses from Mexico City take about 19 hours!
There are also flights and buses from Oaxaca City or you can rent a car and drive in about 5 hours. The best bus route from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido is to take the ADO or OCC bus which travels overnight and takes about 11 hours. It’s a popular route so you should book your bus online in advance. If you suffer from motion sickness be aware that this route does involve traveling along windy mountain roads.
How to Get Around
Puerto Escondido is quite spread out so give some thought to where you want to base yourself and how you will get around the town.
Uber is not available in Puerto Escondido yet but taxis are readily available and affordable for getting around town. A typical taxi ride within the town costs 30-35 pesos ($1.50-2) Most taxis don’t have meters so agree on a price before setting off.
If you want to explore some of the nearby natural attractions you can book a guided tours and day trips on Viator and Get your Guide that will include transport and a knowledgeable local guide for a fun and stress free day exploring.
Collectivos and camionetas are the main forms of local public transportation, running from sunrise to around 8:30 PM and costing 8 pesos (less than $0.50) per ride.
There are also buses connecting Puerto Escondido with the nearby towns like Pochutla but if you want to visit Mazunte and Zipolite you’ll have to get off half way and switch to a local collectivo.
Renting a car or motorbike is also a good option, especially if you want to have the freedom to explore the surrounding area and nearby attractions.
For more detailed info on what to do in Puerto Escondido, when to go and how to get there and get around check out my comprehensive Puerto Escondido Travel Guide.
So have you decided where to stay in Puerto Escondido yet!?
I hope this blog post has given you some useful information about the different beaches and areas and made it easier for you to decide where to stay in Puerto Escondido to suit your budget and personal preferences.
While I enjoyed exploring the unique charms of every area, my favorite areas in stay in Puerto Escondido are Playa Carrizallio and La Punta. My personal favorite place to stay is Villas Carrizillio – if you want great views and easy access to a calm beach, or Casa Kuaa, a beautiful boutique hotel right on the beachfront in trendy, bohemian La Punta.
Puerto Escondido was one of the highlights of my trip around Mexico City and Oaxaca but there’s so much more to see in the area. If you’re planning a longer trip around Oaxaca then check out my articles on Oaxaca City, the beaches of Mazunte and Zipolite, and my 2 week Mexico City, Beaches and Oaxaca route.
I also loved Mexico City, if you’re heading there then my Guide on the safest areas to stay in Mexico City is a must read!
Happy Travels! 🙂
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