Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)
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Yay! If you’ve found this post, it’s likely you’re heading to Mexico on your next backpacking trip and need to know the best hostels in Puerto Escondido!
Puerto Escondido is one of the best areas in Mexico for backpackers and digital nomads. It’s no mystery why so many make it their ‘home’ for a few months at a time.
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido as a backpacker for the first time, even if you want to stay for an extended period of time, start off in a hostel. Staying in hostels is the best way to:
- Get to know the area and decide which parts you like/dislike.
- Meet people and make new friends in the area.
- Decide if you really DO want to stay in the location before committing to a long-term rental.
Or, you might just be in Puerto Escondido for a few days on your backpacking trip. In this case, staying in a hostel is the perfect way to experience a new place to its fullest potential!
So, let’s get down to the best hostels in Puerto Escondido, so your next backpacking trip can run as smoothly as possible!
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide
- Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
- Playa Carrizalillo: Ultimate First Timer Guide
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho
Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido
If you’re unsure about which area to stay in Puerto Escondido, read my full area guide here: Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide.
1. Bonita Escondida
😀 Best for: Solo backpackers who want to party
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.2 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: La Punta
💸 Budget: ££ (Medium)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Party
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes, at night
💻 Wifi: Average, prone to power outlets
🍽 Kitchen: No
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool with organised pool parties, nightly events, bar crawls, cooked breakfast, rooftop views, workout classes, and a sports bar.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Lots of cafes, co-working spots, restaurants, bars and shops. Within a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
There are mixed reviews about Bonita Escondida, but there is no doubt that it is best hostel for a party in Puerto Escondido. Their actual hostel motto is ‘We are all meant to dance and play as children do’, so you’re at least in for a wild time when staying at Bonita Escondida!
There is no kitchen on-site, but there is a restaurant that serves food daily. The pool is used for pool parties and events, and the hostel puts on happy hours for events like the football World Cup.
La Punta is the best area in Puerto Escondido for backpackers, and Bonita is located in the heart of it. Just a block away from the ocean, it’s the perfect hostel for those who want to party, surf, meet new friends and get a little bit crazy.
2. Tower Bridge Hostel
😀 Best for: Solo travellers who want a mix of party and chillout areas.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.9 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Bacocho
💸 Budget: £ (Low)
🥳 Hostel vibe: A mix of party and a chilled atmosphere.
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, volleyball nets, board games, pool table, foosball, organised party events.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Playa Bacocho (where you can release baby turtles), Playa Carrizalillo (the best swimming beach), Playa Manzanillo, Centro (with a large supermarket) and the Rinconada restaurant strip, which was one of our favourite places in Puerto Escondido!
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
Tower Bridge Hostel is perfect for solo travellers who want to meet new people, but don’t want to party 24/7. There is the opportunity to go out every night if you want to, but the hostel also has a chill area for those who want to stay in and drink a few beers around the pool.
The biggest downside to Tower Bridge is the no air conditioning situation. Puerto Escondido gets hot, and sometimes a fan just doesn’t cut it. During the day, either head out to the beach, or relax by the pool to cool down.
Most backpackers say meeting people at Tower Bridge is easy, as there are lots of social areas to chat, play games and even eat dinner together. There’s also a large BBQ area next to the poolside bar, which serves backpacker-friendly budget cocktails!
If you’re worried about the location of this hostel, don’t be. When we stayed in Puerto Escondido, we spent half of our time in Centro, and half in La Punta. Both areas are amazing, and we especially loved Centro/Bacocho for it’s closeness to the beaches.
Some of the best swimming/snorkelling beaches are by Tower Bridge, and the Rinconada restaurant strip has the cheapest and tastiest food options in the whole of Puerto Escondido.
Plus, Puerto Escondido is becoming so busy, that the lively atmosphere is spreading from La Punta into other areas like Rinconada and Bacocho. You won’t regret staying here with this location, I promise!
3. Real Juquilita La Punta
😀 Best for: Couples or solo backpackers who want a more relaxed atmosphere
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.7 (Superb)
📍 Location: La Punta
💸 Budget: ££ (Medium)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Relaxing and quiet
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, BBQ, outdoor terrace, hammocks, yoga space, sunset views, scooter hire
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Close to the beach, bars and restaurants on the main street of La Punta, Puerto Escondido
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
Real Juquilita La Punta is one of the best hostels in Puerto Escondido for couples and those who want a relaxed, chilled atmosphere. It’s clean, modern and reliable, with excellent Wifi connection and large open spaces for you to work from your laptop during the day.
The location is the key selling point of this hostel, as it is just minutes from the main beach in La Punta. It’s also a stone’s throw from the main bars, restaurants and shops.
If you’re looking to escape La Punta and head to Playa Carrizalillo for epic waves and sunset views, it will cost around 80-100 pesos in a taxi, or a 10 minute scooter ride.
4. Selina Puerto Escondido
😀 Best for: Digital nomads and long-term backpackers
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Zicatela
💸 Budget: £££ (High)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social and fun
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
💻 Strong Wifi: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, common room, pool table, large workspace, board games.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Directly opposite Zicatela beach. In Zicatela, you are surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, bakeries, scooter hire and more.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
Selina Hostels are well-known worldwide by digital nomads and long-term backpackers. They’re known for having boujee rooms with modern decor, high-speed internet and impeccable cleanliness. However, they do charge a much steeper price per night than the average backpacker hostel.
Getting a private room at a Selina will usually cost more than an entire apartment on Airbnb, so be sure to do your research first!
However, the Selina in Puerto Escondido has an excellent location, directly opposite Zicatela beach. Although this beach isn’t suitable for swimming due to the undercurrent and giant waves, it’s a great beach to watch world-class surfers and relax at a beach bar.
Zicatela is also known as the ‘after midnight’ party place, so you’ll always have somewhere to go for drinks!
If you want a good location, strong wifi, and the ability to meet other digital nomads and backpackers without a huge party vibe, Selina is the hostel for you in Puerto Escondido.
5. Villa Bonobo
😀 Best for: ‘Luxury’ budget backpackers who enjoy the comfort of a hotel
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.7 (Superb)
📍 Location: La Punta
💸 Budget: ££ (Medium)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social and chilled
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, book exchange, BBQ, bike parking, rooftop sunset views.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Lots of cafes, co-working spots, restaurants, bars and shops. Within a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
Villa Bonobo is the perfect hostel in Puerto Escondido for backpackers who want to socialise and meet new people, but don’t want to be out partying and drinking every night. The hostel is modern, clean and more like a hotel, with a large swimming pool and incredible rooftop views.
Drink beer on the rooftop overlooking the ocean, or used the large working space to catch up on your emails. There’s a clean kitchen for all guests to use, but there’s also free coffee and breakfast included every morning of your stay.
Depending on the time you visit, the hostel sometimes hosts ‘family’ dinners, where staff and guests prepare meals together. On Wednesdays, there’s a BBQ on the rooftop where you can socialise and meet new friends. There is also the opportunity to book activities and tours through the hostel.
6. Casa Losodeli and Coworking
😀 Best for: Digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.2 (Superb)
📍 Location: Centro
💸 Budget: £ (Low-Medium)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled with a big focus on digital nomads and co-working
❄️ Air conditioning: No, ceiling fans only
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, bike hire,
🏖️ What’s nearby?: ADO bus station, local markets, Playa Bacocho (where you can release baby turtles), Playa Carrizalillo (the best swimming beach), Playa Manzanillo, Centro (with a large supermarket) and the Rinconada restaurant strip, which was one of our favourite places in Puerto Escondido!
Find out more on Hostelworld.com
Casa Losodeli was one of our favourite places in Puerto Escondido for co-working and brunch. I can’t remember the amount of mornings we sat here with our laptops drinking coffee and eating Nutella pancakes!
Located in Centro, Casa Losodeli is the perfect place for digital nomads in Puerto Escondido. It’s an adults-only hostel, with clean and comfortable rooms, and excellent Wifi!
If I was staying in a hostel with my partner or wanted a lot of time to work, I would pick Losodeli. It’s in a great location to explore the nearby beaches and local restaurants, as well as being close to the ADO bus station and airport.
Area Guide to Staying in Puerto Escondido
In total, Puerto Escondido is around 55 square miles. It isn’t all walkable (unless you stick to the area where your hostel is), and there will be areas you visit more than others and some less than others.
When you stay in Puerto Escondido for a while, you will realise you have your preferences.
Need advice about the different areas in Puerto Escondido? Check out my full Puerto Escondido area guide here.
TOP TIP: Wherever you end up staying in Puerto Escondido, you can get around easily. Whether you take a taxi, colectivo or hire a scooter, getting around Puerto Escondido is safe and quick.
Booking buses in Mexico? I highly recommend the ADO bus when moving from place to place. It’s safe, clean, modern and has toilets! You can compare prices and book tickets here.
Puerto Escondido Tours. Top Picks
La Punta
Most backpackers stay in La Punta. It is one of the least built-up areas, but one of the fastest growing in gentrified cafes, shops and accommodations. It has a slight ‘Tulum’ vibe to it, with boho clothes shops and a couple of high-end cocktail bars.
But, there’s also the laid-back, fun side of La Punta (which we preferred). Most bars and restaurants have live music nightly, and there are endless food options for every type of traveller. Plus, La Punta is the perfect beach for beginner surfers!
Expect most travellers here to be walking round barefoot, surfboard in one hand and a beer in the other. It’s pretty special!
Check out everything you need to know about La Punta here!
Centro/Rinconada/Bacocho
For our first few weeks in Puerto Escondido, we stayed in Centro and loved it. Centro and Rinconada are a mix of both locals and backpackers, which means prices are lower, there’s a chance to try local food options and you meet all kinds of people. Bacocho is the quietest of the three, but is still worth visiting for the baby turtle releasing.
Plus, there areas are closest to the best beaches in Puerto Escondido; Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Manzanillo, Bacocho, Coral and Angelito. Carrizalillo is known as being the prettiest beach in Puerto Escondido, due to it’s blue, clear waters and incredible sunset views!
Expect lots of local events in these areas, incredible street food, low prices, quirky accommodation, a chilled atmosphere and a more ‘traditional’ Mexican trip.
Zicatela
Zicatela is the main area in Puerto Escondido and is home to hostels like Selina. It’s the most built-up area, with endless beach and burger bars for tourists, nightclubs for partying and expensive restaurants.
Unfortunately, the water at Zicatela beach is unsuitable for swimming due to the strong undercurrent. This means sunbathing is your only option (unless you’re an advanced surfer).
Puerto Escondido Hostels FAQs
Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?
Each area in Puerto Escondido is going to suit a different type of traveller. However, this is a quick guide to each area to help you get started,.
- La Punta: perfect for short-term backpackers, solo travellers and those who want to party. Good nightlife and restaurants, a great beach for beginner surfers and lots of co-working cafes.
- Zicatela: Best for those who want to be close to Zicatela beach, and the infamous Zicatela nightlife.
- Centro/Rinconada/Bacocho: Best for long-term stays and digital nomads.
Is Puerto Escondido safe for solo female travellers?
In general, yes. Puerto Escondido, and the state of Oaxaca, are both known to be some of the safest places in Mexico. Throughout our time there, there were not any times when we felt unsafe or in any danger.
However, as a solo female traveller, it’s always best to take extra precautions. Don’t wander around at night alone, and stick to the busy areas like La Punta main street, or the Rinconada restaurant strip.
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
Whilst there is a big party scene in Puerto Escondido, you can also spend your time there chilling, surfing, relaxing and eating. Puerto Escondido is big enough to either throw yourself into the party nightclub scene or stay completely away from it.
If you’re looking to party in Puerto Escondido, the best place to start is La Punta. This is where most backpackers stay and is located in the south. La Punta is known for its beach parties, bars and nightlife.
As well as La Punta, Zicatela has some late-night venues. It’s known in Puerto Escondido that the ‘party doesn’t stop until the people stop‘, so your night can last until the early hours!
But like I said, if you stay out of La Punta, you don’t need to engage with the wild, party side at all. We never felt like it was too ‘wild’ (as someone who enjoys a night out, but not often), and we loved the laid-back atmosphere of Puerto Escondido.
Hostel Packing List
Staying in hostels? Don’t forget to pack:
- A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
- A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone else!
- Speakers: because, well, who doesn’t love music? Just make sure everyone in your room gets a chance to pick a song! (And no one minds you playing the music)
- A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
- Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
- Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
- Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
- World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
- Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿
Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best hostels in Puerto Escondido.
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2022)
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho (2022)
- Playa Coral, Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2022)
- Playa Bacocho: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
