Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Best Areas + Hotels

What is the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido? Well, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. While I love the residential neighborhood of Rinconada, others prefer the beach vibes in La Punta.

So that’s why I created this guide – to help you discover the where to stay in Puerto Escondido. I’ve traveled to this beach town more than a dozen times and explored all the areas to stay.

You’ll find descriptions to all of the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido + hotel recommendations so that you can decide which is the best area to stay for you.

If you're wondering where to stay in Puerto Escondido, this overall, wide shot of people walking on the beach, palm trees, and the city in the background should give you a good idea.

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Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Escondido

There are quite a few different areas to stay in Puerto Escondido. The atmosphere ranges from a party scene to low-key family vibes. While all of these Puerto Escondido neighborhoods are within the city, they stretch along the coastline from Playa Bacocho to La Barra.

You’ll likely want to visit multiple areas but will spend most of your time in one or two which is why I think it’s important to first determine which area of Puerto Escondido fits your needs. Some areas are small enough to walk from one to another while others will require taking a taxi or pasajero (colectivo pick up truck).

I’ve included a hostel for each area to stay. But if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll want to read about the best hostels in Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Escondido Neighborhoods

I personally love that there are distinctly different neighborhoods in Puerto Escondido. I’ve detailed each one below with a link that will direct you to more information within this post. They are essentially listed in order of popularity (and my preference).

Rinconada – A residential neighborhood with lots of restaurants and close to the best beaches for swimming.
La Punta – Sandy beach roads and a bohemian hipster vibe with easy access to a long beach.
Zicatela – Located near a long sandy beach that best for surfing and nightlife.
Bacocho – Quiet area with a couple of nice beaches and turtle release.
Bahia Principal + Hidalgo – These residential areas in Puerto are close to the best beaches for families.
Centro – Best for budget hotels and a glimpse of local life.
La Barra – Remote area to get away from it all and for experienced surfers.

Rinconada – Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches

Golden sand and turquoise waters sweep along the bay at Playa Carrizalillo, the most beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido. People lounge in the sand in front of the palapa shaded restaurants while others swim in the ocean.

This Puerto Escondido neighborhood is close to the best beaches in Puerto Escondido for swimming. It also has a nice residential feel with a good blend of restaurants – quiet enough but with a lively dining scene.

And when you want a more local feel, it is within walking distance to Centro. Or check out the next Puerto Escondido neighborhood which is located between the two.

Best Places to Stay in Rinconada

Villas Carrizalillo ($$$$) – A boutique resort hotel with pool, gardens, and incredible ocean views.
Suites La Hacienda ($$$) – Beautiful rooms in a classic Mexican villa with a pool and surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Carri Surf Studio ($$) – Modern rooms with ocean views and hammocks on the rooftop terrace.
Vivo Escondido Hostel ($) – A hostel with awesome amenities for an incredible value.

A hammock hangs under the palapa roof at Villas Carrizalillo. In the background is views of the open ocean. — Ocean Views from the balcony at **Villas Carrizalillo**

La Punta Zicatela – Best Area for Bohemian Beach Vibes

A man walks towards the beach in front of a bright green Volkswagen bug car in La Punta a place where to stay in Puerto Escondido.

La Punta has become the place to stay in Puerto Escondido. It’s developed a bohemian hipster vibe that rivals Tulum. Although, thankfully the atmosphere retains some of its Mexican roots, at least for now.

During the day you can relax at one of the many beach bars that line the sand. In the afternoon, join a game of volleyball or surf at its beginner to intermediate surf break. And in the evening, watch a mesmerizing sunset over the ocean.

Short palm trees with coconuts line the sand at La Punta, one of the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido.

La Punta is also the best place to expand your dining options beyond Mexican food. The international restaurants are plentiful, ranging from Peruvian to Thai, the best of which are featured in this list of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Escondido.

Best Places to Stay in La Punta Zicatela

Casa Kuaa ($$$$) – Luxury beachfront suites with a pool and lounge area.
Casa de Olas ($$$) – Boutique hotel with a focus on wellness and yoga.
Bikini Beach House ($$) – Modern rooms with a private balcony located on the beach.
Hostal Akumal ($) – A popular hostel in La Punta with a community vibe.

Casa Kuaa, one of the best places to stay in Puerto Esconddio features bungalows surrounding a pool with sun loungers. The upper level rooms have a balcony with wooden railing. — The pool at Casa Kuaa in Puerto Escondido

Playa Zicatela – Best Area for Pro Surfing and Nightlife

Playa Zicatela is one of the most popular areas to stay in Puerto Escondido.

It’s famous for world-class surfing along The Mexican Pipeline when professional surfers flock to Playa Zicatela for surf competitions in the summer and fall. This means it’s not a swimming beach and even the surfing should be left to the pros.

A high view of Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido. Tall palms and dense tropical plants surround the houses leading to Playa Zicatela, a long sandy beach in Puerto Escondido.

However, there are plenty of beach bars to patronize while you watch the surfers and soak up some sun. Zicatela is also known for nightlife. It’s the place to go after dinner and drinks in La Punta which is convenient since one is essentially an extension of the other.

Best Places to Stay in Zicatela Puerto Escondido

Casa Joseph Zicatela ($$$$) – Luxury, adults only beachfront hotel with a pool and serviced beach area.
Hotel Blater ($$$) – Modern beachfront hotel featuring a rooftop pool with ocean views.
Bungalows Santa Cruz ($$) – Apartments in a classic Mexican Villa surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
La Playita Beach House ($) – Bohemian beach house with a pool and shared kitchen.

An overview of Playa Mainero, Puerto Escondido. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are lined up in the sand, a sailboat is anchored in the bay, and a few people walk around. In the background is low skyline of Puerto Escondido.

Traveling to this beach town? Read my guide to the best things to do in Puerto Escondido

Bacocho – Quiet Neighborhood Near Beaches

Bacocho is a great place to stay in Puerto Escondido if you don’t mind being a little further from the action. It’s a quiet neighborhood that essentially feels like an extension of Rinconada.

And it’s close to two nice beaches. Playa Bacocho can be too rough for swimming but it’s where you can participate in a turtle release. On the far end of this beach you’ll find Playa Coral which has no restaurants and is usually calm for swimming.

Best Places to Stay in Bacocho

Villa Maria Bed and Breakfast ($$$) – Modern suites with a pool hosted by a sweet couple. Breakfast included.
Hotel Suites Villasol ($$) – Rooms with a balcony and large pool for cooling off.

Bahia Principal – Where to Stay for Families

Boats and people sit in the sand in this wide shot of Bahia Principal, one of the main Puerto Escondido beaches.

What makes this area the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for families?

It’s centrally located near calm beaches, restaurants, downtown, and a major grocery store. Bahia Principal is also a mostly residential neighborhood with a small tourist strip of hotels near the beach.

For the purpose of this article about where to stay in Puerto Escondido, I’ve extended this neighborhood to include the area just west, called Sector Hidalgo. In fact, you may not even realize it’s a separate area. And you may seek this part out if you want to be closest to the best beaches for families.

Best Places to Stay in Bahia Principal

Casa Cascada ($$$$) – Gorgeous property with ocean views and a rooftop pool.
Casa Puerto Viejo ($$$) – Beautiful hotel with modern rooms and a pool.
Hotel Careyes ($$) – Hotel with a pool and simple but comfortable rooms. Great Location.
Paziflora Hostel ($) – Tranquil hostel with a pool and shared kitchen

At Bahia Principal, the central beach in Puerto Escondido, a woman strolls along the shoreline with sandals in her hand. Several people including a couple and a man in a cowboy hat sit in the sand while others play in the ocean. Several boats are also anchored in the bay.

Centro – Budget Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Centro is the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido on a budget. It’s also the best area for a glimpse of local life. You’ll also find less expensive restaurants here, whether for dinner or breakfast in Puerto Escondido.

This neighborhood is close to the mercado, many local restaurants, and transportation. It’s also walkable (20-30 minutes) to two swimmable beaches – Playa Carrizalillo and Manzanillo. While I think it’s great for budget hotels, I’d rather be closer to the beaches.

Best Places to Stay in Centro

Casa Losodeli & Coworking ($$$) – Modern co-working space with a great pool and cafe.
Casa Santaella ($$) – Family home-hotel with lush gardens and a shared kitchen.
Puerto Dreams Hostel ($) – One of the most popular hostels to stay in Puerto Escondido.

La Barra – Best Place to Stay to Get Away + Surf

Located along the southeastern edge of Puerto Escondido, La Barra is the best place to stay to get away from it all. Or if you want to surf.

There aren’t a lot of places to stay in La Barra, but they are some of the most luxurious places to stay in Puerto Escondido. And its remote location creates the perfect atmosphere for a honeymoon or a solo retreat to recharge.

Best Places to Stay in La Barra

Casona Sforza ($$$$) – Luxury, eco-friendly hotel that helps support a local community project.
La Barra Resorts ($$$) – Multi bedroom apartments with ocean views and a pool.
Cabane Container Hotel ($$) – Unique hotel with vibrant designs and sweeping ocean views..

Final Thoughts on Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido

As you can see there are distinct neighborhoods – each with their own vibe and characteristics. So choosing the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for you will depend on what you’re looking for.

While my favorite areas to stay are Rinconada and Hidalgo, others may prefer La Punta or Zicatela. No matter your choice of where to stay in Puerto Escondido, you’ll find friendly surfer vibes and beautiful beaches.