Town in Oaxaca, Mexico
Puerto Escondido for solo travelers
Is Puerto Escondido good for solo travel?
Pacific surf town with Mexico's heaviest beach break, a growing nomad and backpacker scene, yoga and cheap food. Rough waves, hot weather, a small town feel and limited healthcare are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women travel and surf here often. Catcalls happen; avoid empty beaches at night, watch drinks and use taxis late. |
How to meet people in Puerto Escondido
Surf schools and camps, hostel socials in Zicatela, yoga and breathwork classes, beach bar nights and bioluminescent lagoon tours.
Good things to do alone
- Take a surf lesson at Playa Carrizalillo
- Watch the big waves from Zicatela at sunset
- Release baby turtles at a local sanctuary
- Boat trip to Manialtepec lagoon at night
- Take a yoga class in La Punta
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zicatela | Surfers and backpackers: hostels, bars, big waves, noisy |
| La Punta | Quieter surf and yoga, boutique hotels, cafés |
| Playa Carrizalillo | Calm cove for learners; steep stairs, close to Zicatela |
| Centro / Rinconada | Local town: markets, cheaper food, ATMs and pharmacies |
Solo travel across Mexico
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Guanajuato | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazunte | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tulum | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Playa del Carmen | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Vallarta | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Oaxaca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guadalajara | 4/5 | Limited |
| Mérida | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Escondido | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Cozumel | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sayulita | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Holbox | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Bacalar | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Mazatlán | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Valladolid | 4/5 | Limited |
| La Paz | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puebla | 4/5 | Limited |
| Querétaro | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Ajijic | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Cancún | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Monterrey | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tijuana | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Acapulco | 2/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Puerto Escondido good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Pacific surf town with Mexico's heaviest beach break, a growing nomad and backpacker scene, yoga and cheap food.
How do you meet people in Puerto Escondido?
Surf schools and camps, hostel socials in Zicatela, yoga and breathwork classes, beach bar nights and bioluminescent lagoon tours. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Puerto Escondido?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Puerto Escondido safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel and surf here often. Catcalls happen; avoid empty beaches at night, watch drinks and use taxis late.
More about Puerto Escondido
Going to Puerto Escondido solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Puerto Escondido meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.