Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Our Favorite Puerto Escondido Hotels
• Best hotels: Villas Carrizalillo • Casa Joseph Zicatela
• For families: Hotel Santa Fe
• For couples: Casa Joseph Zicatela
The fantastic Villas Carrizalillo overlooking Playa Carrizalillo.
Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?
The main areas to stay include the tourist areas of Puerto Escondido itself (along the beach, Playa Principal or around El Adoquín); along the main surf zone at Playa Zicatela; more rustic La Punta, 3km further south at the far end of Zicatela; and the more residential area of Rinconada, west of the city center, closer to the smaller beaches hemmed in by cliffs. I prefer the tranquility and beaches of Rinconada, but surfers will want to stay closer to the action in Zicatela.
My favorite hotels close to the town center include the Hotel Paraíso Escondido at Unión 10, with fine views and great facilities, and the budget Paziflora Hostel at Primera Sur 309, run by an incredibly friendly family.
Along Zicatela beach I like the luxurious Casa Joseph Zicatela, the charming and family-friendly Hotel Santa Fe, and the trendy Punta Zicatela, farther south on La Punta beach where it’s a little quieter.
In and around Rinconada the best place to stay is the semi-luxurious Villas Carrizalillo (my favorite hotel in the Puerto Escondido area), perched above a glorious beach.
The view from our room at Casa Joseph Zicatela in Puerto Escondido.
Staying in Puerto Escondido – Tips & Info
Puerto Escondido is a laid-back resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and one of our favorite places to go in the country. It is best known for its wonderful beaches, tropical setting, surf scene (it’s the home of the “Mexican Pipeline”), and scuba diving.
Where is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a small resort city and port in the southeastern Mexican state of Oaxaca, facing the Pacific Ocean. It lies about 250 km south of Oaxaca City, 380 km southeast of Acapulco, and around 650 km southeast of Mexico City. Non-stop flights to Puerto Escondido take 1 hour 35 minutes from Guadalajara, 1 hour 15 minutes from Mexico City and just 30 minutes from Oaxaca City.
How big is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido has a population of around 45,000. The city center is quite small, with the primary tourist area focused on a small bay (“Bahía Principal”) and the adjacent strip along Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga (known simply as “El Adoquín”). The main business district (“Centro”) is clustered around Hwy-200 just to the north.
What is the history of Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a relatively recent creation, though indigenous peoples such as the Mixtecs have populated the surrounding country for thousands of years. A small fishing community existed by the late 19th century, but the town didn’t start developing properly until the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Highway 200 was completed, linking Escondido with the outside world by road for the first time. In the 1970s it started to develop as a low-key surfer and backpacker resort, and the population jumped from a few hundred to several thousand. Today the tourist facilities are far more developed, though it remains relatively rustic and laid-back compared to big resorts such as Cancún or Los Cabos.
The Hotel Santa Fe on Zicatela beach.
How do I get to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is connected to Oaxaca City, Mexico City, and Guadalajara by non-stop flights. The daily flights from Oaxaca on Aerotucán, or with Captain Vega (+52 954 588 0062), save significant time. These are small Cessna aircraft with a strict 15kg luggage limit. Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) lies around 4km northwest of Bahía Principal. A shared taxi (colectivo) to the city center costs around 50 to 80 pesos.
The new highway (Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla) has fundamentally transformed road travel, reducing the journey between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido to approximately 3 hours (down from 7 hours). This modern toll road bypasses the old, winding mountain passes. First class ADO and OCC buses, along with several suburban van lines, use this route frequently. The modern ADO/OCC bus terminal is on the Carretera Costera (Hwy-200), a short walk from El Adoquín. Buses from Acapulco still take around 8 hours.
Can I drive to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, though I don’t generally recommend it for vacationers. While many drive the Pacific coast, safety can be a concern in certain regions, and highway robberies have been reported at night. The drive from the US border is long (over 1500 km) and the mountain roads, while improved by the new highway from Oaxaca, still require careful navigation. Flying is much more efficient.
Do I need a car in Puerto Escondido?
No. It’s easy and cheap to get around on foot, by bus, or taxi. Taxis are plentiful; always agree on the price before starting the trip. Short trips in town should be around 40 to 50 pesos, while trips to La Punta or Playa Bacocho are 60 to 80 pesos. You can also take a lancha (water taxi) from Playa Principal to nearby coves like Carrizalillo for around 100 to 150 pesos.
When is the best time to go to Puerto Escondido?
The best weather is from December to April when it is sunny and dry. The rainy season runs from June to October, which brings high humidity and occasional tropical storms. For surfers, the peak season for big swells is May to September. Peak prices and crowds occur during Christmas, Semana Santa (Easter week), and the November surf tournaments.
A bar-restaurant on Puerto Angelito beach.
What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?
Playa Zicatela is the world-famous heart of the surf scene. It’s a massive stretch of sand with powerful waves and excellent beach bars. Beginners should head to La Punta at the southern end, where the waves are smaller and the vibe is more “boho-chic.” For swimming, head to the rocky coves west of town. My favorite is Playa Carrizalillo, a stunning turquoise bay reached by 170 stone steps. It’s perfect for swimming and beginner surf lessons. Nearby Puerto Ángelito and Playa Manzanillo are also great for families, offering calm water and plenty of seafood palapas.
For peace and quiet, head further west to Playa Bacocho. It’s a huge, empty beach perfect for sunset walks, though the current is often too strong for swimming. This is also where the turtle release programs usually take place.
Playa Principal is the local hub where fishing boats dock. It’s great for people-watching but less ideal for swimming due to boat traffic. Playa Marinero, located between Principal and Zicatela, is a good compromise for those wanting to swim near the town center.
The view from Villas Carrizalillo.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Escondido?
Most activities center on the water. Beyond surfing, I highly recommend a bioluminescence tour at Laguna Manialtepec, especially during a new moon. Ecoadventures and Robert’s Ecotours are both excellent for nature trips, including dolphin watching and seasonal whale spotting. Releasing baby sea turtles at Playa Bacocho (usually around 5pm) is a highlight for many visitors.
For those looking for adventure, Skydive Puerto Escondido offers jumps with landings on the sand. If you want to dive, Deep Blue Dive is the go-to shop. For a break from the sun, Puerto Food Tours offers a great deep dive into Oaxacan cuisine in the local markets.
What are the restaurants like?
The food scene is fantastic and very affordable. El Cafecito (on both Zicatela and in Rinconada) is a legendary spot for breakfast. Dan’s Café Deluxe is another favorite for its relaxed garden vibe. For something more modern, Sativa on Zicatela offers great seafood and cocktails with a view. For the best view in town, head to Espadín at sunset—the food is upscale Mexican and the vista over Carrizalillo is unbeatable. In La Punta, you’ll find a high concentration of trendy Thai, fish taco, and vegan spots.
What currency is used in Puerto Escondido?
Mexican pesos are essential. While larger hotels and restaurants in Zicatela and Rinconada take cards, many smaller spots and taxis are cash-only. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (like Santander or Banamex) in the Centro area for the best security. Avoid standalone ATMs on the street or in bars.
Is Puerto Escondido expensive?
No, it remains one of Mexico’s more affordable coastal destinations. You can find everything from $20 USD dorm beds to $300 USD luxury villas. Street food and local “comedores” in the market are very cheap, while beachside dining is moderately priced.
Is Puerto Escondido safe?
Yes, it is very safe for tourists. Petty theft is the most common issue. Never leave your bags unattended on the beach while you swim. At night, stick to well-lit areas in Zicatela, La Punta, or Rinconada, and take a taxi if you are traveling between these zones late at night.
