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Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Variety of Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, communal kitchens, social atmospheres. Hostels are for backpackers and solo travelers.

  • Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

    Often called "casitas," these are simple, clean rooms, frequently family-run.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish, often smaller properties with unique designs and personalized service.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard amenities, pools, and sometimes restaurant service.

Additional Options

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end amenities, multiple pools, spas, and fine dining, often located in quieter areas like Bacocho.

  • Guesthouses and Bungalows

    Many "casitas" offer a more local and intimate experience with a personal touch.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, houses, and villas through platforms like Vrbo, suitable for longer stays or groups.

  • Eco-Tourism Initiatives

    Official campsites are limited. Some beach areas or eco-tourism initiatives, like La Ventanilla, might have very basic outdoor lodging.

Neighborhood Guide

Puerto Escondido's neighborhoods each have a distinct character. Choose an area that aligns with your travel goals.

Zicatela

Highlights
  • World-renowned surf break ("Mexican Pipeline").
  • Many restaurants, bars, and surf shops.
  • Lively atmosphere.
  • Good access to other areas via colectivos or taxis.
Considerations
  • Not for swimming due to strong currents.
  • Can be noisy at night.
  • Big waves mean this is for experienced surfers.
  • Crowded during peak season.

La Punta de Zicatela

Highlights
  • Laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.
  • Popular for beginner/intermediate surfing and yoga.
  • Healthy cafes.
  • Beautiful sunsets.
Considerations
  • Further from main town center and services.
  • Dirt roads can make it feel isolated.
  • Limited transport options outside of taxis/colectivos.
  • Smaller waves might not suit advanced surfers.

Rinconada

Highlights
  • Quiet, relaxed, residential area.
  • More upscale restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Proximity to calm, swimmable beaches (Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo).
  • Peaceful environment.
Considerations
  • Less nightlife.
  • Walking downhill to beaches and uphill back.
  • A short taxi or colectivo ride to Adoquín or Zicatela.
  • Limited budget options.

Important Information

General Safety

All areas are generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions are always present, especially in crowded areas or at night.

Noise Levels

Zicatela can be noisy due to bars and waves; Rinconada and Bacocho are generally quieter, with a more peaceful ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Planning your accommodation booking in Puerto Escondido based on the season is a strategy for availability and potentially better rates.

When to Book

  • High Season (December-February, Easter, July/August): Booking several months in advance is common. Popular properties become scarce, and prices increase.
  • Shoulder Season (March-May, October-November): Booking a few weeks to a month in advance is a good idea, especially for preferred properties.
  • Low Season (June-September, excluding July/August): More flexibility is present. Finding good deals or walk-in rates is often possible, but booking a few days ahead remains advisable.
  • Prices can easily double or triple during peak holiday periods compared to low season. This seasonal fluctuation means planning is useful.

Booking Platforms & Tips

  • Trusted online travel agencies (OTAs) include Booking.com and Agoda, which have a wide selection.
  • For vacation rentals, use Vrbo. Many local hotels and guesthouses have their own websites; direct booking can sometimes have better rates.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is less common for established hotels. For smaller guesthouses or longer stays during low season, politely asking for a better rate might be possible.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary by property and platform. Always review the specific requirements and terms before booking.

General Advice

Book Early
  • Booking accommodation early, especially during high season or major holidays, is advisable.
  • Popular spots fill quickly.
Consider House Sitting
  • For a unique stay, consider platforms like TrustedHousesitters for longer visits.
  • This involves caring for pets or a home in exchange for lodging.

Note on Chain Hotels

Major Chains

While major global chains might be limited, some, like IHG Hotels, may have a presence or affiliated properties in the region.

Local Focus

Puerto Escondido's accommodation scene centers on local charm and independent properties.

Research is Recommended

Always research specific properties to match your preferences and needs.

Accommodation Recommendations

Puerto Escondido has a range of options for every budget and preference. Here are some examples of accommodation types:

Budget Level Examples

Budget

Hostels and Basic Guesthouses

  • Neighborhood: Zicatela, La Punta, Adoquín, Rinconada
  • Features: Dorms, communal kitchen, social vibe, surf-focused (hostels), simple rooms, fan or AC, often family-run (guesthouses).
Mid-range

Boutique Hotels and Comfortable Hotels

  • Neighborhood: Rinconada, Zicatela
  • Features: Stylish design, pool, often good restaurant on-site (boutique), private rooms, pool, amenities (comfortable hotel).

Traveler-Specific Options

Luxury

High-end Resorts and Private Villas/Houses

  • Neighborhood: Bacocho, outskirts (resorts), Rinconada, La Punta (villas).
  • Features: Spa, multiple pools, fine dining, private beach club (resorts), privacy, full kitchen, often private pool, ocean views (villas).
Family-Friendly

Properties in Rinconada or Bacocho are often chosen for quieter environments and proximity to calm, swimmable beaches like Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito. Look for hotels with pools.

  • Consider: Villas or houses with multiple rooms.

Solo Traveler Options

  • Hostels

    Hostels in Zicatela or La Punta are for meeting others.

  • Smaller Guesthouses

    Smaller guesthouses also have a sense of community.

  • Social Opportunities

    Communal areas facilitate connections with other travelers.

  • Safety Aspects

    Always exercise standard safety precautions as a solo traveler.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb and Vrbo properties provide kitchens and home-like amenities.

  • Monthly Rates

    Some smaller hotels or guesthouses may offer reduced monthly rates.

  • House Sitting

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters can provide free long-term stays in exchange for pet/home care.

  • Direct Contact

    Direct contact with property owners may lead to better deals for extended stays.

Additional Considerations

Local Experience Focus

Puerto Escondido is relatively new as a major tourist destination. Its accommodations focus on a relaxed beach vibe rather than historical significance.

  • Expect laid-back settings.
  • Often personalized service from local owners.
Community Tourism

Homestay and community-based tourism opportunities are limited in Puerto Escondido itself. Some opportunities may exist in surrounding villages for cultural immersion.

  • Research options in nearby areas for cultural stays.
  • These options are typically off the main tourist routes.

Local Insights

Neighborhood Choice

Your neighborhood choice significantly impacts your daily experience. Research each area to find the best fit.

Amenities Vary

Accommodation amenities vary widely. Confirm details like air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi before booking.

Local Charm Over Chains

Embrace the local charm of independent hotels and guesthouses. This is a characteristic of Puerto Escondido's lodging scene.