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Where to Stay in Oaxaca Coast

Where to Stay in Oaxaca Coast

Oaxaca Coast Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Common in Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, and Zipolite. Hostels offer dormitory beds and private rooms, providing a social, budget-friendly option.

  • Guesthouses and Boutique Hotels

    Numerous mid-range and charming boutique options throughout the coast. These range from simple rooms to stylish properties with personalized service.

  • Hotels

    A range of hotels, from budget choices with basic comforts to mid-range hotels with amenities like pools and restaurants, available in all main towns.

  • Luxury Resorts

    Predominantly found in Huatulco, these resorts offer high-end amenities, multiple pools, spas, diverse dining, and all-inclusive packages.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Cabinas / Cabañas

    Simple, often rustic bungalows, frequently located directly on or near the beach, common in Mazunte, Zipolite, and San Agustinillo.

  • Eco-lodges

    Prevalent around Mazunte and Ventanilla, eco-lodges focus on sustainability, blending into natural surroundings for a serene, nature-immersed stay.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Widely available via platforms like Vrbo, offering single rooms to entire houses, popular for longer stays or groups, often with kitchens.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    Designated camping areas exist, and certain beaches may permit tent pitching, a very budget-friendly and adventurous option.

Neighborhood Guide

Each town and area along the Oaxaca Coast possesses a distinct character, shaping your stay.

Puerto Escondido

Zicatela
  • Lively, powerful surf, restaurants, bars.
  • "Mexican Pipeline" for pros.
  • Good vantage points for watching surfers.
La Punta
  • Bohemian, relaxed, surf-oriented.
  • Smaller guesthouses, cafes, laid-back bars.
  • Popular with long-term travelers.

Mazunte & Zipolite

Mazunte
  • Laid-back, eco-friendly village with bohemian vibe.
  • Mexican Turtle Center.
  • Focus on sustainable tourism and natural cosmetics.
Zipolite
  • Mexico's only legal clothing-optional beach.
  • Very relaxed, counter-culture spirit.
  • Diverse crowd seeking unpretentious atmosphere.

Huatulco

La Crucecita
  • Main town center, inland from bays.
  • Central park, church, market, restaurants, shops.
  • Gateway to the bays.
Tangolunda
  • Home to large all-inclusive resorts and golf course.
  • Resort-centric experience.
  • Offers extensive amenities.

Safety Considerations

General Safety

All areas are generally safe for tourists. Common sense precautions apply everywhere.

Precautions

Avoid walking alone on deserted beaches or poorly lit roads at night, especially in less populated areas. Huatulco is perceived as notably safe due to its planned nature.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation at the best price, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Mid-December to Easter): Book 3 to 6 months prior due to peak demand and higher prices.
  • Shoulder Season (November, May, early June): Booking 1 to 3 months in advance is generally sufficient.
  • Low Season (July to October): Good deals and availability are often found a few weeks or days before arrival, allowing spontaneous travel.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Reservation Systems

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hotels.com offer a large selection.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for entire houses or villas.
  • Direct Booking: Many properties have websites; booking direct can offer better rates or perks.
  • WhatsApp: For smaller guesthouses, direct contact via WhatsApp is common for inquiries and reservations.

Further Booking Insights

Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates
  • Polite negotiation for walk-in rates is sometimes possible in smaller guesthouses, especially during low season, for longer stays.
  • Less common in larger hotels or during high season.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property; check terms carefully.
  • Many direct bookings require an upfront deposit (often 50%).
  • Be aware of the cancellation window to avoid penalties.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Increase

Accommodation prices typically double or even triple during the peak high season.

Peak Periods

Especially around Christmas/New Year and the Easter holiday week (Semana Santa).

Planning Ahead

Early booking for these times is highly recommended to secure desired rates and availability.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommended accommodations catering to different budget levels and traveler types on the Oaxaca Coast.

Top Picks for Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Hostels/Basic Cabañas

Hostels in Zicatela or La Punta (Puerto Escondido) are excellent for meeting others and budget travel.

  • Puerto Escondido: Casa Losodeli & Coworking, One Love Hostal
  • Mazunte: Olas Altas (simple, clean cabañas near beach)
Mid-range Boutique Hotels/Guesthouses

Comfortable and charming options with good amenities.

  • Puerto Escondido: Hotel Santa Fe (Zicatela), Hotel Escondido (upscale boutique, outside town), Vivo Resorts (condo-style)
  • Mazunte/Zipolite: Hotel Noga (Zipolite), Casa Mauna (Mazunte)
  • Huatulco: Hotel Villablanca Huatulco, Casa del Mar

Luxury & Family-Friendly Options

Luxury Resorts/Villas

High-end experiences with extensive amenities.

  • Puerto Escondido: Hotel Escondido (exclusive boutique)
  • Huatulco: Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa (all-inclusive), Las Brisas Huatulco
Family-Friendly Options

Suitable for families seeking calm beaches and activities.

  • Puerto Escondido: Resorts near Playa Bacocho or Rinconada (e.g., Hotel Santa Fe)
  • San Agustinillo: Hotel Zazil Naha (calm waves)
  • Huatulco: Dreams Huatulco (all-inclusive with kids' clubs)

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Puerto Escondido

    Hostels in Zicatela or La Punta provide excellent opportunities to meet other travelers due to their social atmosphere.

  • Mazunte/Zipolite

    These towns are easy places to meet people in guesthouses, cafes, and at community events, fostering a welcoming environment.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments and houses are ideal for longer stays, offering more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

  • Availability

    Widely available through online platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

  • Value

    Often offer better value for extended periods compared to hotels.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

Modern Focus

Most accommodations are relatively modern or focused on beach tourism, with fewer grand historical hotels due to the region's less developed history.

Traditional Glimpses

Some older, more traditional guesthouses or cabañas might offer a glimpse into local life and architecture, emphasizing rustic charm.

Pet-Friendly Options

Varying Policies

Policies on pet-friendliness vary greatly by individual property.

Inquire Directly

Always inquire directly with the accommodation before booking if you plan to travel with pets.

Local Guesthouses

Smaller, independent guesthouses may be more flexible than larger resorts.