Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido: All You Need to Know (2024)

Originally just a little port and fishing town in the state of Oaxaca, over the years Puerto Escondido has become a hotspot for surfers, backpackers, holidaymakers, and party people.

I can honestly tell you that if you ask anyone who's been to Mexico, they will tell you, they love Puerto Escondido, and I'm certainly no exception. While I may not be able to surf the famous pipeline break like many others, I adore the whole vibe of this little authentic Mexican beach town.

If you're into endless beaches, palm trees, mouthwatering food, and some of the best nightlife in Mexico, then Puerto Escondido is the place for you.

After finally making it to Puerto Escondido myself, I've now put together a guide on where to stay. The thing about Puerto Escondido is that it may not be a huge city, but it stretches along the coast, so choosing the right place to stay really does matter.

I'll give you a complete breakdown of the best areas, best hotels on the famous Playa Zicatela, and hostels in the Puerto Escondido area so you'll find the one that suits you best.

Best areas to stay in Puerto Escondido

What you need to know about visiting Puerto Escondido is that it's not a massive place, but it stretches from the town center down to La Punta. Choosing where to stay is key; otherwise, you'll end up unnecessarily hopping in taxis or minibusses up and down the coast.

Now, let me share my favorite areas with you. I'm sure one of them will suit what you're looking for:

For first-timers, especially those wanting to party, my number one recommendation is Playa Zicatela. It has a huge beach, lots of bars, restaurants, and even nightclubs – everything you need for a good time.

If you're after something more relaxed with a super chill island vibe, head to the very bottom end of Zicatela, La Punta.

Families will have a fantastic time at the next beach over, Playa Principal. The waves are much smaller, and the kids can have loads of fun swimming in the ocean.

For all budget travelers, Centro is the place to stay. You'll find plenty of budget-friendly hostels and delicious street food everywhere you turn.

Last but not least, if you're looking to learn how to surf, Playa Carrizalillo is the spot for you. Not only is it a stunning beach, but it also has the perfect waves for learning to ride those waves.

1. Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for first-timers & the best nightlife: Playa Zicatela

If you're a first-timer or a party lover, Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is the place to be. It has a great mix of everything you need – from a central location between La Punta and Centro to easy access to all parts of Puerto Escondido, to a huge beach, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and accommodations in every price range right at your doorstep.

It's also where I personally stayed in a hotel right on the beachfront. Be mindful though that the area gets loud, especially on the weekends

For the party people, Zicatela has the most popular clubs and bars in town. Personally, I love Cactus and Esmeralda Bar! Xcaanda Zicatela is another one if you want to dance the night away.

Just a quick heads up for the beach bums out there, Playa Zicatela is known for its surf break pipeline, which means the waves can get dangerously big. So, be extra careful when swimming here.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Party people

• Beach lovers

Things to do in Playa Zicatela

With Zicatela Beach being one of the most famous surf spots in Mexico, it's no surprise that the number one activity here is surfing. If you're an experienced surfer, you'll have a blast catching some of the biggest and most challenging waves in Puerto Escondido. And even if you're not a pro, there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons for all levels. This is no beginner beach though!

But if surfing isn't your thing, don't worry! You can still enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and its surroundings. The beach here is so huge and beautiful that there is no shame in just hanging out by the beach all day, drinking a coconut, and playing some volleyball.

Along the beachfront, you'll also find a place called Paradise Gym, which offers yoga lessons with beach views and a really cool outdoor gym setting if you'd like to keep fit.

If that's a little too boring, then I can recommend joining some of the boat tours they offer here. Especially the dolphin and whale watching tours are great as you usually see plenty of both!

And of course, when night falls, Zicatela comes alive with its fun nightlife scene. Dance the night away at some of the popular bars and clubs, or simply relax in one of the beach bars and watch as the stars light up the sky above.

Best hotels to stay in Playa Zicatela

($$$) Casa Joseph Zicatela

One of the best Puerto Escondido hotels in Playa Zicatela is Casa Joseph. It's located right on the beach, so you can literally wake up to the sound of waves crashing and enjoy stunning ocean views from your balcony. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the hotel also has a lovely pool area for when you want a break from the salty ocean.

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($$) Hotel Santa Fe

For a great mid-range option, Hotel Santa Fe is a fantastic choice. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel also has a pool and a restaurant on-site. It's located just two blocks from Zicatela Beach, so you have easy access to both the beach and all the bars and restaurants in town.

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($) Hotel Rockaway

For budget travelers, Hotel Rockaway is the place to be. This resort is located right on Zicatela Beach and has a cool surfer vibe. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the hotel also offers free surfboard rentals.

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2. Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for laid-back vibes: La Punta

Many consider La Punta the best area to stay in and many people including myself totally agree with this. Why? Well, because it's the most relaxed and chilled-out part of Puerto Escondido.

Located at the far end of Zicatela Beach, La Punta is an area that has a unique island vibe to it. The streets are lined with palm trees, and you'll find beach bars serving up delicious cocktails while playing some good tunes.

The beach here is also perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sun, as the waves are much smaller compared to Zicatela Beach. It's also a popular spot for beginner surfers, so if you want to learn how to catch some waves in a more laid-back setting, La Punta is the place to be.

Best area for:

• Laid back travelers

• Backpackers

• Expats

• Beginner surfers

Things to do in La Punta

There are so many awesome things to do in La Punta, even if you're not a surfer. You can have a chill day at the beach, try some mouthwatering Mexican food from the street vendors, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the local spas.

If you're up for some fun activities, I highly recommend trying a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools in La Punta. Or if you're feeling adventurous, give paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast a shot!

One of the best parts, and course my favorite part, is that La Punta has the best food in the whole of Puerto Escondido. Start your day right with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Ole – their coffee and pastries are simply amazing.

For lunch, head over to the Fish Shack for some incredible fish tacos, or try the authentic Thai cuisine at Lychee for dinner. For pizza, head to Mundaka.

And of course, your trip to La Punta won't be complete without trying the famous cocktails at The Boneyard Bar.

Best hotels to stay in La Punta

($$$) Aldea Paraiso

For a luxurious stay in La Punta, Aldea Paraíso is the place to be. The rooms of this luxury hotel are spacious and stylishly decorated, with a pool on-site for you to relax in after a day at the beach.

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($$) Punta Zicatela Hotel

For a mid-range option, I highly recommend Punta Zicatela Hotel. It's located right on the beach, offers an indoor pool, and has cozy rooms with an ocean view.

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($) Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel

For budget travelers, Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel is an awesome choice. This boutique hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from the beach and offers cozy, well-decorated rooms that perfectly capture the La Punta vibe.

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3. Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for families: Playa Principal

If you're traveling with your family, Playa Principal is the perfect spot to stay in Puerto Escondido. This area is known for its calm waters, making it the safest beach for swimming and paddling with children. 

Playa Principal itself may not have a ton of activities, but that's actually a good thing because it's much quieter than other parts of Puerto Escondido.

Plus, it's conveniently located between Centro and Playa Zicatela, so you'll be within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and bars while enjoying a more peaceful area of town.

Best area for:

• Families

• Relaxation

Things to do in Playa Principal

Besides spending time on the beach, there are a few other activities you can enjoy in Playa Principal. The beach is rather small, if you're looking for a nearby alternative, try Playa Manzanillo or Puerto Angelito Beach.

Definitely try some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants located just steps away from the beach. I ate at La Mariinera and the plate of ceviche was not only humongous but also so fresh!

One of the most popular activities here is sport fishing, where you can catch some big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. You can easily book a sport fishing tour with nearby fishing shops!

For those interested in learning more about local culture, make sure to visit Mercado Benito Juarez, a traditional market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Make sure you haggle when shopping for souvenirs and don't pay the first price.

And lastly, I highly recommend trying some of the absolute best fish tacos in town at Pepe's Fish Tacos.

Best hotels to stay in Playa Principal

($$) Casa Mia

Casa Mia is a beautiful boutique hotel located just steps from Playa Principal. It offers spacious and stylish rooms, along with an outdoor pool and rooftop lounge area where you can enjoy stunning ocean views.

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($$) Pargos Hotel & Cowork

A great affordable option for families, Pargos Hotel & Cowork not only offers comfortable rooms but also has a coworking space on-site for those who need to get some work done while on vacation. 

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($) Rincon del Pacifico

For budget-friendly accommodations, Rincon del Pacifico is a great choice. It offers cozy rooms and is just a short walk from the beach.

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4. Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for budget travelers: Centro

If you're on a tight budget but still want to experience everything Puerto Escondido has to offer, then staying in Centro is your best option.

This area is known for its authentic and local atmosphere, cheap accommodations, and delicious street food. It's a favorite among backpackers and budget travelers as some of the most popular hostels are located around here.

One of the things I love about Centro is its location. You can easily walk to beautiful beaches like Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito Beach or Playa Principal. And if you don't mind the journey, you can hop on a collectivo (Minibus) and head to Playa Zicatela for a day of fun in the sun or a night out before catching a taxi back to Centro.

Just keep in mind that the popular area of La Punta is a bit further away and not really within walking distance, so if you want to explore La Punta as well, you will have to catch a ride!

Centro is close to Puerto Escondido International Airport, making it a convenient choice if you're just stopping over.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• Backpackers

Things to do in Centro

Centro may not have the same great beachside nightlife as Playa Zicatela or relaxed vibes like La Punta, but there are still some amazing things to do in this area.

One of the coolest things you absolutely can't miss is booking a tour to see the breathtaking bioluminescence at Lagoon Manialtepec. Witnessing the magical glow lighting up a whole lagoon is definitely worth the trip.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there's so much to explore in Puerto Escondido's surroundings! You can go horseback riding to the Atotonilco Hot Springs, take a trip to the La Reforma Waterfalls, or even visit the nearby Chacahua National Park to witness stunning mangroves and wildlife.

Getting to Chacahua was one of the most adventurous trips I've done in Mexico. Asking a taxi driver in my broken Spanish to pick us up early in the morning at Zicatela, to then drive us to El Zapotalito, the gateway to Chacahua. Here we found a family to ride us in a small boat across the lagoon to get to Chacahua. And boy oh boy was this worth it! Since it's a mission to get here, not many people make the trip and the waves are simply rolling in perfectly, just without the crowds.

Lastly, all foodies should make sure to treat themselves to some of the best Mexican food at a local spot called Las Juquileñas. It's a super popular spot for the locals, and they serve some of the best tlayudas, which is a huge plate-sized tortilla, in the whole of Oaxaca.

Best hotels to stay in Centro

($$$) Shavanna Hotel Boutique

Shavanna Hotel Boutique is a charming hotel with traditional Mexican decor and modern amenities. This Escondido hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool and is centrally located in Centro, making it easy to explore the area on foot.

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($$) Hotel Costamar

Located just steps away from the beach and close to many restaurants and shops, Hotel Costamar offers great value for budget travelers. It has comfortable rooms and even an outdoor plunge pool.

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($) Tower Bridge Hostel

For backpackers and budget travelers, Tower Bridge Hostel is a top choice. It offers dorm-style rooms with bunk beds and features a cool outdoor pool, perfect for playing pool games.

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5. Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for the best surfing: Playa Carrizalillo

Playa Carrizalillo is located close to Centro and is well-known as the beginners' beach in Puerto Escondido. It's like the beach's main purpose is surfing because it's just packed with surf schools, but hey, it totally makes sense! The waves here are perfect, and the water is pretty shallow too, making it the ideal condition to learn how to surf.

The beach itself is situated at the bottom of a cliff, and you can only get there by climbing down an endless-seeming staircase. But trust me, it's worth it!

There's also a great selection of restaurants and cafes right on the beach, so when you're done catching some waves, you can sit back and enjoy a cold drink or a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views.

Best area for:

• Surfers and water activities

• Beginner surfers

Things to do in Playa Carrizalillo

The main attraction in Playa Carrizalillo is, of course, surfing. But if you're not into surfing or just feel like trying something different, no worries! There are still some awesome activities you can enjoy here.

One of the best things to do is to grab some surf lessons at one of the many surf schools right on the beach. It's a fantastic chance to learn from experienced instructors and improve your skills while having a great time.

Now, let's talk about food because, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good meal after surfing? The perfect spot for an after-surf lunch is El Cafecito. They serve up big portions of delicious local Mexican dishes, but if you're in the mood for a burger or pizza, they've got you covered too.

Nearby, you'll find Espadin Restaurant, if you're after a fancy cocktail at sunset with views from the cliffs, this is your spot!

One of the most unique and amazing things here, and an absolute must-do, is to visit the nearby Baby Turtle Release Center. It's such a heartwarming experience where you can learn all about the conservation efforts for sea turtles in Puerto Escondido. I adored coming here at sunset to join in releasing the adorable baby turtles into the ocean.

Best hotels to stay in Playa Carrizalillo

($$$) Villas Carrizalillo

Villas Carrizalillo is a stunning property located on the cliffs right next to the beach. The rooms are modern, and spacious, and offer incredible views of the ocean.

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($$) Suites La Hacienda

My personal favorite, Suites La Hacienda, offers beautiful rooms with a touch of traditional Mexican design and charm. It's the perfect Puerto Escondido hotel for anyone: families, couples, or solo travelers.

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($) Quinta Carrizalillo

Quinta Carrizalillo is one of the best budget hotels that offers great value for money. It's located just a short walk away from the beach, and the rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable.

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Where to stay in Puerto Escondido – Frequently Asked Questions

🏝️ Is it better to stay in Zicatela or La Punta?

Both areas have their unique charm and vibe, so it depends on your personal preferences. Zicatela is definitely a lot busier and also louder with more bars and clubs, making it a super fun time during the nighttime. On the other hand, La Punta is super chill with cozy beach shacks, small cafes, and bars, so it has much more of a laid-back island vibe to it.

🔒 Is Puerto Escondido safe?

Puerto Escondido is generally a safe place to visit, and I've not had any bad experiences personally, nor do I know anyone who has. That being said, it's always important to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings, as it's still Mexico. I definitely recommend staying within the touristy areas around the popular beaches. If you can, consider taking taxis or Uber at night instead of walking, especially if you're moving between Centro and Zicatela or La Punta.

🏄 What is Puerto Escondido famous for?

Puerto Escondido is most famous for its incredible surf breaks, making it a top destination for surfers from all over the world. It's also known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and fun nightlife. Additionally, it's a popular spot for ecotourism, with opportunities to see sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitats. But it's also popular for some of the stunning resorts and hotels such as Hotel Escondido and Hotel Santa Fe.

✈️ How do I get to Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido has an international airport (PXM), so the most convenient way to get there is by flying directly to Puerto Escondido Airport. You can also fly into Oaxaca City and take a bus or private transfer to Puerto Escondido, which takes around 6 hours. Alternatively, you could hop on a bus from other major cities in Mexico, like Mexico City or Guadalajara. ADO is a fantastic bus company in Mexico with modern buses and easy online ticket booking. It's basically like Greyhound or Flixbus, super convenient!

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido – Final Words

In my humble opinion, Puerto Escondido is an absolute paradise for any kind of traveler. It's got everything you could want in a Mexican beachside town – stunning beaches, epic surf breaks, mouthwatering food, and a crazy nightlife that can be hard to keep up with.

The best part? Puerto Escondido caters to everyone. Whether you're a solo adventurer, on a romantic getaway, or enjoying a family trip, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options. From cozy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, there's something to suit every taste.

I hope this guide on where to stay in Puerto Escondido will help you when you plan to visit Puerto Escondido. Wishing you happy travels and may you find the perfect place for your trip, no matter what you decide.