Meaning ‘Hidden Port’ in English, Puerto Escondido’s secret is out. The small town on Mexico’s Pacific coast boasts one of the best surfing beaches not only in North America, but the entire world! There’s more to Puerto Escondido than surfing on Playa Zicatela, though. It’s still got a small-town vibe, and there are loads of awesome places to eat and shop.
But where should you stay in Puerto Escondido? With everything from beachfront cabanas to enormous villas with infinity pools, there’s a lot to choose from. The only thing that’s certain at this point is that you need to look at vacation rentals in Puerto Escondido.
With so many properties to navigate, we’ve decided to step in. We’re about to show you a curated list of the fifteen best Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido. Not only that, there are some cool Airbnb Experiences too. So, let’s jump straight in to one of the best surfing towns in the world!
Photo: Ana Pereira
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido
Cozy apartment close to the beach
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Outdoor shared palapa
Casa Gio – Cabaña en el jardin
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Three hammocks
Casa Naila, designer’s house
- > $$$$$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Beachfront location
- > Service (such as cooks) included
Habitación Privada – Costeña
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Five minutes from beach
Beautiful Ocean View Room
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Private bathroom
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido
What to expect from Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido depends completely on your budget. Happily, no matter what it is, you can find somewhere full of character and personality. At the lower end of the scale, you have beachfront cabañas and cozy guesthouses, while those willing to spend more can have oceanfront villas with infinity pools!
In keeping with Puerto Escondido’s relaxed vibe, many properties here have a local feeling and are managed by people from the area, especially in guest houses, boutique hotels, and b and bs. However, you may find in the larger and more luxurious Airbnbs, you’ll be dealing with a business.
One thing all Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido have in common? You’re never far from the nearest beach. So, grab your surfboard or paddleboard!
A cabaña is a cool and fun place to stay for a budget traveler. Translating literally into English as “cabin,” you’ll find most of these on the beachfront or on the property of a campsite, resort, or guest house. They’re not as cheap as Puerto Escondidos hostels, but still very affordable.
Yes, we know that most people come to Airbnb to escape from hotels, but bear with us for a moment. Boutique hotels aren’t your big bland chains that sleep hundreds of people a night in dull, grey rooms. They’re often passion projects belonging to local people, with individually designed rooms and thoughtful features that travellers love.
If you have a flexible budget, there’s only one option to consider in Puerto Escondido. Villas are the ultimate luxury, and thanks to their size, they are great for big gatherings of friends and family. The size has another benefit, too; while those prices may seem expensive on the surface, they’re a lot more manageable if you can split them ten or twenty ways!
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido
Now, let’s get to the part you’ve all been waiting for. Arranged according to budget and travel style, here are the 15 best Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido. We think you’re going to love them!
Cozy apartment close to the beach | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Puerto Escondido
This cozy apartment in Casa Naia is the perfect spot for a solo traveler or couple staying in Puerto Escondido. It’s a stone’s throw from Zicatela, where shops and nightlife are based, yet you’re still far enough away to get some peace and quiet. Whether you get that peace and quiet in the apartment itself or the shared palapa and garden is up to you. There’s a swimming pool where you can ease yourself into the cool water to get an invigorating start to the day!
Casa Gio – Cabaña en el jardin | Best Budget Airbnb in Puerto Escondido
Despite its reputation as a world-class surf beach, there are some awesome cheap Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido. The first cabaña on our list, this is a cute tiny house-style building in the garden of Casa Gio. As well as your own private space, you’ve got access to a swimming pool and several hammocks where you can soak up the Oaxacan sun. There’s a bar on-site too.
If you’re looking for more budget accommodation, check out my list of hostels in Oaxaca.
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View on Osprey View on REICasa Naila, designer’s house | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Puerto Escondido
Looking for something completely out of the box for your trip to Puerto Escondido? This industrial-style villa looks like the layer of a supervillain right on the Oaxacan coast. You won’t have to lift a finger while you’re here; concentrate on relaxing in the heated saltwater pools while cooks (whose services are included) prepare a delicious seafood dinner.
Habitación Privada – Costeña | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Just five minutes away from the beach, this is another private room in a tiny-house style building. The cool nautical theme is welcoming and fun to come home to after a day of surfing or seeing the sights. Your host is happy to recommend things to do and see in the area, places to eat, and tours to help you get to know the Oaxaca coast.
Beautiful Ocean View Room | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
With a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi, this private room is perfect for digital nomads. When it’s time to put your laptop away, you even have a hammock on your own patio and a space to enjoy a coffee with views of Playa Zicatela. You have your own private bathroom and a king bed, so it’s comfortable too!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido!
Studio near the beach | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
This small romantic studio is more than just a place to sleep together; it’s somewhere you can spend quality time, too. With large open spaces to dine and relax, this is perfect for any couple. There’s a swimming pool and a palapa which is shared with other guests. When you want some time alone, head back to your studio, where a queen bed awaits.
Casa Calilla – a little oasis | Best Airbnb in Puerto Escondido for Families
Ideal for families of all ages, there’s a lot to love about this Puerto Escondido house. With not one but two fully equipped kitchens, you can make a starter, main course, and dessert all at the same time. Outside the house is the main attraction, though; as well as a swimming pool, there are outdoor dining and seating areas and big comfy hammocks where you can chill in the sun or catch up on your holiday read.
Beachfront Cabin in Zicatela | Best Cabaña in Puerto Escondido
This simple budget cabin is ideal for a solo traveler or a couple on a budget. There’s a king bed, a simple kitchen, and a rest area with hammocks and seating outside. Enjoy lunch there or update your social media using the property’s Wi-Fi. This cute and rustic accommodation is no-frills, but we love its beachfront location.
Quinta Lili Boutique House Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Puerto Escondido
This elegant boutique hotel is in the Carrizalillo neighborhood close to the center, where you’ll find one of Puerto Escondido’s most jaw-dropping (but slightly quieter) beaches. The hotel boasts a hot tub and swimming pool, and you’ll find a queen bed in your room. This is a great option for couples who want an alternative to the busy Playa Zicatela area.
Luxurious Oceanfront Villa | Best Villa in Puerto Escondido
Want to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from your very own infinity pool? This Puerto Escondido villa is the right place for you. With room for up to ten guests, it’s perfect for family vacations or gatherings of friends. Feeling exhausted after days of surfing or exploring Oaxaca? Come home to a cooking and massage service, which is available on request in this private gated community.
Casa Junto Al Mar Infinity Pool | Best Airbnb with a Pool in Puerto Escondido
Not so much the best Airbnb with a pool, but rather, the best pool in Puerto Escondido! The infinity pool is perched atop a cliff over the Cave of Love, and if you’re brave enough to swim to the edge, you can get epic views of the Pacific. There are loungers and a covered area around the pool if you prefer to stay dry and soak up the sun. Thanks to having room for 16 guests, this villa is ideal for family celebrations and groups of friends.
Stunning oceanfront home | Best Airbnb with a View in Puerto Escondido
With a private terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a clifftop, it’s safe to say you won’t get bored of this view of Carrizalillo Bay. If that’s not enough, there’s an infinity pool out there too! Don’t fancy a trip to the nearby restaurants? Make use of the fully equipped and stocked kitchen and outdoor grill area.
Casa Cascada Modern Industrial | Stunning Airbnb for Honeymooners in Puerto Escondido
Just married? Congratulations! Now, here’s a villa that matches the special occasion. The modern and industrial oceanfront property is named after the nearby waterfall. From this luxury accommodation, there’s a private path to Playa Manzanillo, where you can go snorkeling or swimming. Back at the property, enjoy a full breakfast each day or a continental on a Sunday, prepared by the in-house chef. There’s a projection screen for movies and a king bed when you want some privacy.
Maguey fully furnished studio | Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Puerto Escondido
If you’re staying in Puerto Escondido for a short time, the most important thing is getting a good location. Right by Playa Zicatela, you can experience surfing, days on the beach, nightlife, and restaurants all within a stone’s throw of your base. And if you do have any time spare, there’s a lovely roof terrace where you can soak up the sun from a hammock!
Casa Don Juanito Beach House | Best Airbnb in Puerto Escondido for a Group of Friends
With space for up to eight guests, this is the perfect Airbnb in Puerto Escondido to book with your friends. While the price may seem high at first, if you split it equally, it won’t come to much more than a bed and breakfast or guest house. There’s a lot to love here, including a swimming pool, outdoor dining area, and a garden. There are even hospitality staff who can help you arrange your time in Oaxaca or rustle up exquisite seafood meals.
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
What To Pack For Puerto Escondido
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Puerto Escondido Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Puerto Escondido Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. You’ve just seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Puerto Escondido, along with some awesome Airbnb Experiences. Whether you want to stay in a villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a beachfront cabaña, or a cute boutique hotel, there’s an Airbnb in Puerto Escondido for you.
If you still can’t make up your mind, don’t worry about it; just go for our overall best Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. That’s the cozy apartment close to the beach. It’s perfect for a couple or solo traveler and won’t eat into your budget too much – and of course, it’s right on the beach!
We hope that wherever you choose to stay, you have an incredible vacation in Puerto Escondido. Be sure to check out World Nomads for travel insurance policies to keep you and your belongings safe.
- Check out our Backpacking Mexico guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Mexico.
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