Tangolunda Bay, Huatulco, Oaxaca
| |

Solo Travel on the Oaxaca Coast: Design Hideaways in Puerto Escondido and the Quiet Bays of Huatulco

ByJordan

Some links may earn Jet Set LatAm a commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

Jet Set LatAM · Solo Travel

Oaxaca’s Pacific coast is two moods. Puerto Escondido is the surf town that grew up: legendary waves, a sociable café scene and some of Mexico’s most beautiful design hotels. Huatulco, a few hours east, is its calm opposite, a string of protected bays with clear water and almost no high-rises. Pair them for a solo beach trip that’s stylish, social and slow.

Where to base yourself

In Puerto Escondido, stay near La Punta or Rinconada for walkable cafés and calmer beaches. In Huatulco, Santa Cruz and La Crucecita are the easy town bases.

Design hideaways

Hotel Escondido, a Grupo Habita property west of town, is a line of thatched bungalows with private plunge pools facing the ocean, the definition of a design escape. Casona Sforza is an adults-only boutique with sculptural adobe architecture and a quiet, grown-up feel. In Huatulco, choose a small hotel overlooking one of the bays.

Eating alone

Puerto Escondido’s food scene is relaxed and sociable: fish tacos on the beach, natural-wine bars and café counters perfect for one. Bring an appetite for Oaxacan flavors by the sea.

Solo-friendly experiences

Take a beginner surf lesson at a calm beach like Carrizalillo (leave Zicatela’s big waves to the experts), join a night tour of the Manialtepec bioluminescent lagoon, and watch a turtle release in season. In Huatulco, boat-hop the bays and visit a coffee farm in the hills. Our Huatulco travel guide has more.

Solo safety, the practical version

  • Respect the ocean. Zicatela has dangerous currents; swim only where locals do.
  • Fly into Puerto Escondido or Huatulco; the coastal road between them is long.
  • Use hotel-arranged taxis at night.

What to pack

Plan your outfits in Luxe Jetter ↗ and build the trip in Jet Set LatAM ↗.

Where to stay

La Punta or Rinconada in Puerto Escondido; Santa Cruz or La Crucecita in Huatulco. The flight search and live accommodation map below help you plan the rest of the trip.

Guided experiences — Puerto Escondido

See more tours on GetYourGuide ↗ · Compare tours on Viator ↗

Frequently asked questions

Is Puerto Escondido good for solo female travelers?

Yes, it’s popular with solo travelers. Stay in La Punta or Rinconada, respect the surf and use trusted taxis at night.

What is the best boutique hotel in Puerto Escondido?

Hotel Escondido for private-pool bungalows; Casona Sforza for adults-only design.

Is Huatulco or Puerto Escondido better?

Puerto Escondido for surf and social energy, Huatulco for calm bays and swimming.

Keep reading

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book or buy through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details, hours and prices change, so confirm before you go.

Search flights with Skyscanner

Choose your airports and dates. Results open on Skyscanner.

This search uses affiliate tracking and may earn Jet Set LatAM a commission at no extra cost to you.

Compare stays in Oaxaca

Choose your dates and compare hotels and rentals. Check the location, total price and cancellation terms before booking.

Map by Stay22 · loads when you tap

Open the accommodation map in a new tab

Your next good read

Keep exploring with Jet Set LatAM

Go deeper into the destination or follow a shared interest through these stories.

Notes from the Jet Set world

A little inspiration.
A beautiful next trip.

New stories, city discoveries and the Jet Set edit, delivered to your inbox.

Free to join. Unsubscribe whenever you like. Privacy & disclosure

Planning this trip? Save the places you love and build your itinerary in the Jet Set LatAM app.

Download on the App Store