First curated and created on the ground by Bethany Walker – Linkedin | May 2025
Coming up: A detailed guide to the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido for solo travellers, written by real people on the ground.
Bethany: “Just 1 of the 300 sunset pictures I have from Puerto Escondido“
Whether you’re here for a quick pit-stop on a backpacking trip, a working holiday, or (like me), you planned on passing through but actually got stuck, this article is your bible for figuring out where to stay.
Best Neighbourhood: For solo travellers? La Punta. Read why.
Jump to: Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | Digital nomads
The main areas to stay in Puerto Escondido
Before I get into specific accommodation options, I’m just going to touch on the main neighbourhoods.
Puerto is pretty big, but most travellers find themselves in either La Punta, Zicatela, El Centro, or Rinconada. A few words on each of those areas below:
- Rinconada: Right near the airport, quieter, a mix of locals and tourists.
- La Punta: Backpacker heaven, loud music, busy bars.
- Zicatela: Holiday vibes, big surf breaks, late-night clubs.
- El Centro: Super local, hardly any tourist spots, more city, less beach.
- I’d visited 3 times in the last 2 years
- I’ve chosen to live in Puerto for a while now
- I’ve travelled solo here
- …and I’ve been here during different parts of the year
I’ve been to Puerto Escondido three times over the last couple of years, and I’ve now decided to call the place home for a while.
My first visit was in 2023 whilst backpacking around Central America on £40 per day. So, I’ve stayed here on a “Can I afford to eat today?” budget.
My second visit was a 10-day family holiday at Christmas. So, I’ve stayed here on a “It’s Christmas, you’re on holiday, treat yourself” budget.
Now, I live and work here (as a digital nomad). So I’m sitting somewhere in the middle, writing this based on my own experience to help you decide where to stay.
This is hugely personal, so I’m going to present a mix of options to (hopefully) keep all of you happy. To me, the best place to stay as a solo traveller is somewhere that:
- Is in a safe area.
- Has a good atmosphere, so you can meet people if you want to.
- Doesn’t go too far the other way with organised spin the bottle in the bar every night.
- Has a good mix of areas and facilities (is there anything worse than your bed being the only place you can chill?).
…and finally, one that meets your budget, whatever that might be.
I’m going to safely say La Punta.
La Punta has one main road with the beach on one side and the rest of the neighbourhood on the other. Imagine dirt tracks, palm trees, plenty of beach bars, and loads of surfers.
Whilst it is probably the most touristy neighbourhood, it’s completely walkable, there are loads of places to stay, tonnes of restaurants and bars, and you’re right next to the beach. It’s a good blend of authentic Mexican experience and home comforts. Plus, most of the backpackers stay here, so there are plenty of people to meet from all over the world.
Another bonus (for me anyway) is that all the bars in La Punta shut at 11, so you can go out for a few drinks after sunset and still be in bed on the right side of midnight.
Also, this is probably the area that speaks the most English, which might be important to you if your Spanish isn’t up to scratch.
Basically, the opposite of the above.
You really don’t want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere, an hour’s walk from the bars and clubs. But, you also don’t want to be right in the middle of it all, with thumping bass going until 6 am when you know you’ve got to be up at 9 for a client meeting.
I would also point out that it is incredibly hot here. It’s 33°C whilst I’m sitting here writing this, and because it’s a tropical climate, it only really drops a few degrees at night. So, staying somewhere without AC is a big no-no.
Whereever you’re travelling around Puerto, Holbox or all of Central America, if you’re on your own you are going to get lonely quick. That is unless you’re sole desire is for isolation. But if you’re anything like me, and like making memories with new friends, then we put together a quick guide on how you can make your trip a little more sociable.
Puerto Escondido Travel Safety
Violence toward tourists in Puerto hasn’t been heard of now for a couple of years, and while there are ongoing warnings against kidnappings and muggings in parts of Mexico, this is not a concern 99.9% of visitors need worry about. Avoid buying drugs from local gangs and stay out of local grievances if you happened to come across them. If however you’re spending your days on the beach surfing or socialising near travel accommodation, it is highly unlikely you see let alone experience any issues.
A good resource for safety information is UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Mexico Guidance.
Our top places to stay in Puerto Escondido for solo travellers
If you’ve read all of that background to get to the list, I’m impressed. Now, time for the recommendations you came here for.
I’m including four options to tick different boxes: budget, mid-range, luxury, and digital nomad. Prices are in Mexican Pesos, with a conversion to GBP, correct as of April 2025.
It’s worth noting that we are moving into the low season here, so prices might be a little more expensive if you book in the high season, which is December to January or around Easter, which is a huge holiday in Mexico.
Best budget solo traveller option in Puerto
There are a lot of budget friendly options of places to stay in Puerto Escondido, but this is my favourite.
#1: Straw Hat Surf Hostel
Best for: staying on a budget
Straw Hat Surf Hostel is a proper backpackers’ place, hence the budget-friendly price.
It’s got a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a kitchen (perfect if you’re on a super tight budget), and AC. They also offer surfboard rental, scooter rental, and all those things that make your life easier. They have private rooms, 6-bed family rooms, and both 6-bed and 4-bed dorm rooms (as well as female-only dorms).
Solo vibe
Like I said, Straw Hat Surf Hostel is a proper backpacker’s hostel, so there’s a proper backpacker’s vibe. There’s always something going on at the pool, and these guys know how to throw a party (last weekend I saw what happens when a bucking bronco and drunk people mix).
If you’re happy with a more party, solo vibe, this place might tick your boxes. You might want to look elsewhere if you prefer something on the tame side.
Why stay here?
- Because you want to stay somewhere with low prices but a big vibe.
- You’re not bothered about being in La Punta, as long as the beach is nearby.
- You don’t care about free breakfast, you usually sleep through it anyway.
- You like to party. At hostels, at bars, at the pool, at clubs, you’re not fussy.
What’s around?
I know I said La Punta is the best area, but I never said it was the most budget-friendly.
Straw Hat Surf Hostel is a 20-minute walk from La Punta, or a 15-minute walk from Zicatela (where the clubs are). The beach is just a couple of blocks away, and there are loads of restaurants in Zicatela.
- Price per night (average): 428 MXN / £16 (for a 6-bed mixed dorm)
- Address: Huayacán, Los Tamarindos, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax
- Star rating: 4.2 – Google; 8.1 – Booking; 9.1 – Hostelworld
View Prices: Hostelworld | Booking
Check Best Rates Seen View MoreBest mid-range place to stay in Puerto Escondido
You like vanilla ice-cream and go for best of both bread – you want to spend a little more than nothing, but you don’t want to blow the bank. Welcome…to medium. This is our recommendation for the mid-range accommodation spot.
#2 Oasis Surf & Spanish School
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/oasis.surf/
Best for: Balance between sociable and facilities
Oasis is a surf and Spanish school on the main road, in Rinconada. They offer lessons for any ability level, and packages include surf theory, photos/footage, and yoga classes too.
They have a couple of boutique villas, so you can choose where to stay, but you’ll be staying with other surfer/Spanish students.
Solo vibe
You’ll be in groups for your surfing lessons, and groups for yoga/fitness classes, so you’re going to meet plenty of people. And, what’s a better ice breaker than wiping someone out on your first wave?
Why stay here?
- Because you’ve got some money to spare and you want to learn to surf, to speak Spanish, or both.
- You want to be in Rinconada, by Playa Carrizalillo beach, which has the nicest waves in the area.
- You want a private room, but in a social house with other students who you can chat to
What’s around?
The school is in the busiest part of Rinconada, surrounded by brilliant restaurants (personal recommendations are El Cafecito, El Nene and Dulce Tierra bakery). The nearby beach is the most swim-friendly beach in the area. So, you can go for a sunset dip without battling 6ft waves.
Rinconada isn’t as busy as other areas on this list, so you’ll have to go elsewhere if you want to party into the night (though after the early surf lessons, you might not be feeling up to that).
- Price per night average: 11,700 – 14,000 MXN / £450 – £540 (Oasis has a week-long minimum stay, the higher price is if you want Spanish lessons as well as surfing).
- Address: Blvd Benito Juarez #6, Fraccionamiento Rinconada.
- Star rating: 4.9 – Tripadvisor; 4.5 – Google
Best luxury place to stay in Puerto Escondido:
For higher budgets, but still wanting company and a more sociable option than a chain hotel
#3 Barbarenas Retreat Centre
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/barbarenas/
Best for: budget set to ‘flex’ and you care about the planet
Barbarenas is an eco-retreat centre in a quiet corner of La Punta. Think palm trees, vegan food, sustainable cabins and a natural, green swimming pool.
They offer the usual yoga, meditation and surfing, as well as things like healing cacao ceremonies, breathwork and medicine woman workshops.
If you want to stay here, you’ll need to book a retreat, these are usually 4-5 days. Then, your accommodation, breakfast and lunch, and activities will all be included.
Solo vibe
Whilst it might not be the most conventional place to stay as a solo traveller, if you want a meaningful experience, Barbarenas is perfect.
Retreats include welcome sessions and various healing circles. And all breakfasts and lunches are cooked fresh and shared on the table between guests and staff, to create a sense of community. You’ll also meet people in yoga, movement, and dance classes, and around the pool.
Why stay here?
- You want to treat yourself to an immersive experience where you’ll meet like-minded people.
- You prefer downward dog and sweat lodges over dive bars and pounding drum and bass.
- Eco-friendliness is important to you, and you want to be surrounded by nature.
What’s around?
Barbarenas is only a 12-minute walk from the main strip of La Punta, but you’ll feel like you’re in another world. It’s surrounded by trees and birds, with views of the ocean from some of the beds.
If you can manage to pull yourself away, there’s loads to do in La Punta, but for the best experience, stay put..
- Price per night average: 2300 MXN / 90 for a shared dorm (for a 5-day retreat, prices vary depending on which retreat you choose).
- Address: Calle Conejos, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax.
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google
Best places to stay for digital nomads
If you are working on your travels you are going to need somewhere to effectively operate from. That means a place which affords you a solid working environment and may be a little more focused on peace and quiet than a conventional solo travel hostel, with karoake getting set up while you’re about to hop on a Teams call.
So for this section, my first recommended place to stay in Puerto for digital nomads is a little more ‘tranquilo’; but I’ve also recommended a second which is a touch livelier.
#4 Nectar Hotel, Cafe, Cowork
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hotelnectar/
Best for: working without distraction.
Nectar is one of those places that is a hostel but doesn’t feel like a hostel. It’s got more of a hotel vibe. The decor is Instagram-worthy, there’s a nice pool, loads of places to sit or work, jacuzzis, both private and dorm rooms, and a rooftop bar.
There aren’t as many events and parties here, so you shouldn’t get too distracted from work.
Solo vibe
Whilst it might not be the most social place on our list, a lot of people who stay here are digital nomads, so you should be able to meet people who are more (putting it politely) on your ‘wavelength’. Nectar also offers a coworking day pass for other nomads to come and use the facilities, so there are always fresh faces to say hi to whilst you’re typing away.
Why stay here?
- Because you want to get work done, and this is a coworking space as well as a hostel/hotel.
- You’re not too bothered about meeting people where you sleep, you’d rather go out and chat to people in bars/restaurants.
- You’re happy to walk 10 minutes up a hill from the beach to be in the quieter area of La Punta.
- You want to stay somewhere that looks nice, but that doesn’t break the bank.
What’s around?
Hotel Nectar is set a bit back from the main road, so you don’t have as much on your doorstep. However, the main restaurants are a 10-minute walk away, and so is the beach. Or, the highway is only a couple of minutes away if you want to flag a taxi to another part of Puerto Escondido.
- Price per night average: 560 MXN / 22 GBP (for a 6-bed mixed dorm) – £35 / $45 USD for privates
- Address: Campeche Street 463, Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca), Mexico.
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google; 8.8 – Booking; 8.6 – Hostelworld
View prices: Booking | Hostelworld
Check Best Rates Seen View More….and one more digital nomad pick for Puerto?
#5 Casa Losodeli Coworking
Another option if you work remotely and need to get stuck in but it still sociable, is Casa Losodeli. It’s actually rated higher on Hostelworld than Nectar, but is priced a bit higher which is why I’ve mentioned it last.
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/losodeli
Best for: digital nomads who want to be able to work but make friends too – ‘Travel proud awarded’
This place doesn’t just attract remote workers, you get a big flow of backpackers too, particularly where it has dorm facilities. It does also have private rooms for those who prefer more privacy or security in their mind.
Beyond that, you have…communal dining areas, evening events, workspaces, a lovely pool, hammocks, sunset views, good pricing, you’re close to the beach obviously and even yoga classes. The key thing here at Casa Losodeli and what makes it great for solo travellers as a place to stay is there is a real focus on bringing residents together in the evening. From karaoke night (something I’d dread) to family dinners – which my social anxiety can cope with. Sitting together and breaking bread is just a really easy way to get to meet others.
One other thing. I know a lot of ‘coworking’ hostels tend to overuse that word – working space. And often it’s just a small desk in a bedroom. That doesn’t feel to me like anything other than a hotel room desk.
Not exactly inspiring right?!
Casa Losodeli has plenty of communal spaces for opening up your laptop outside of the confines of a bedroom. I rate that.
- Price per night average: For a private room, expect to pay around $60 per night / £45 GBP
- Address: Prolongacion 2da Norte, Esquina Carretera Costera, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google | 9.4 – Hostelworld | 8.9 – Booking
Check current rates and availability: Casa Losodeli
#AD: Slightly unrelated – but related. Looking for a ready made group of friends? Try G Adventures solo-ish group trips linked below.
SOLO TOUR DEALS: Up to 25% Off Solo-ish Tour Deals – G AdventuresTime to check out
And that’s it, where to stay in Puerto Escondido if you’re a solo traveller, or just want to make friends on the move. From the best hostels to the best choices for digital nomads, I hope you enjoy your trip. You too can end up with a phone full of these:
To sum up, our tips were:
Best for budget travellers: Straw Hat Surf Hostel, the most conventional, hostel-style accommodation on this list. I’d be very surprised if you didn’t manage to meet people here.
Best for the best of both: Oasis Surf and Spanish school. Stay somewhere nice, in a quieter area of this town, and learn Spanish/surfing whilst you’re there.
Best for boujee travellers: Barbarenas retreat centre, for a luxury break where you’ll find yourself and some new friends along the way.
Best for digital nomads: Hotel Nectar, because it’s got plenty of places to sit and work, several yoga classes per week, a beautiful pool for screen breaks, and it’s still a bargain.
Thanks for reading; thanks for supporting us by getting this far and most importantly, have an amazing time in Puerto. Just watch out for the sharks 😉 joke
NEXT UP: Mexico 3 Week Itinerary