“Rise & shine, get your boards ready.” That’s the motto I woke up to every day during my stay in Puerto Escondido. Nestled just steps away from one of the most stunning beaches in town, I was able to enjoy the early morning swells of the serene Bahía known as Playa Carrizalillo.
I came to Puerto Escondido as a Mexican American traveler in search of a more local experience. Born in Mexico City and now based in New York, I’ve long felt the pull to explore the lesser-known corners of the country that shaped my roots. Having heard about this town for years from family and friends, I was keen on seeing it for myself and forming my own opinion. What I found exceeded all expectations; Puerto Escondido turned out to be the perfect respite from city life, offering me a much-needed reset.
I began my trip on the Zicatela beach side, staying with friends for the weekend. After that, I moved to my Airbnb in Rinconada to experience a different neighborhood and gain some independence. When I initially searched Airbnb listings, I was focused on places near La Punta, as that’s where I was told I’d find the best beach, bars, and restaurants. But after arriving and getting a better feel for the town, I expanded my search—and I’m so glad I did.
The Airbnb had everything I needed: strong Wi-Fi, a working space, a private pool, hot water (not always a given!), a spacious living area, and it was just a short walk to Playa Carrizalillo, where I surfed and swam daily. Bonus: It had excellent reviews, and availability lined up perfectly with my schedule.
Airbnb
Courtesy Airbnb
Alex Carignan
Alex Carignan
Airbnb
Puerto Escondido loft
Driving up the marine-life-named street, I was immediately struck by the calm vibe—low colonial-style buildings painted in kind colors that swept any worries away. Just two blocks from the lively Boulevard Benito Juarez, the street felt peaceful, safe, and full of character. As I walked through the apartment gate I couldn’t help but feel like a local.
Check-in was seamless, and the house matched the listing perfectly—white exterior, distinctive red gate, and easy-to-follow instructions. We chose the penthouse loft, which comfortably fit two guests. One thing to note is that the loft is on the third floor, accessible via two regular staircases and one small spiral staircase. This could pose a challenge for some, especially when carrying luggage. However, once past the initial climb, the spiral staircase adds a unique charm to the apartment. The loft’s open layout features a fully stocked kitchen, an island, a modern dining table that seats six, an L-shaped couch, and a separate desk for remote work. It felt like a home—cozy, but spacious enough to feel like a true living space, not just a place to crash. The large windows brought in tons of natural light, especially lovely at sunset, with views of the ocean on one side and the quaint streets below on the other.
But the real gem of this Airbnb was its location. Just a stone’s throw from the beach and a short walk from the heart of town, it couldn’t have been better situated. I fell into a perfect routine: morning surf sessions before the workday, meetings, a midday walk to grab food, and a productive workday followed by golden-hour explorations.
