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Hotels · Mexico

Nomadas Hostel Puerto Escondido

  • Price$12-45 USD
  • CategoryBudget
  • Rating★ 4.2

Nomadas Hostel is a surf-oriented budget property at Calle del Morro s/n in the Zicatela district of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Zicatela is the neighbourhood fronting Playa Zicatela — Mexico's most famous big-wave surf break, often called the Mexican Pipeline for its powerful, hollow barrels, and a fixture on the professional surfing circuit.

Surfer-friendly hostel with pool, bar, and steps from Zicatela beach. Relaxed vibe with communal areas, hammocks, and regular surf reports. Surf lessons and board rentals available. Perfect for backpackers seeking beach lifestyle on budget.

Nomadas Hostel is a surf-oriented budget property at Calle del Morro s/n in the Zicatela district of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Zicatela is the neighbourhood fronting Playa Zicatela — Mexico's most famous big-wave surf break, often called the Mexican Pipeline for its powerful, hollow barrels, and a fixture on the professional surfing circuit. The hostel is positioned a short walk from the beach and has served as an anchor of the backpacker and surf community in Puerto Escondido for many years.

The property is built around a central courtyard pool — an essential social and practical feature given the Oaxacan Pacific heat. Communal areas include a hammock-draped shaded lounge, a bar serving cold beers and coconut cocktails, and a communal kitchen for guest use. A BBQ area provides the venue for informal evening cook-ups, a regular feature of the hostel's social rhythm.

Accommodation comprises bunk-bed dormitory rooms with fans and individual storage lockers, alongside a limited number of private rooms. Surfboard storage and rinse-off stations are practical facilities supporting the hostel's surf-focused guest base. Board rentals and lessons are available from local surfing instructors recommended by the hostel staff, at rates considerably lower than those in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Escondido's other beaches — the calmer Carrizalillo, the social La Punta, and the bay of Playa Principal — are within a 10–20 minute walk or a brief colectivo ride. The town's seafood restaurants, juice bars, and mezcal cantinas are concentrated on Pérez Gasga and Playa Marinero, both walkable from Zicatela.

Amenities

  • pool
  • bar
  • kitchen
  • free WiFi
  • surf storage
  • hammocks
  • BBQ area
  • tour desk

Location

Calle del Morro s/n, Zicatela, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

15.8642, -97.0586 View on map

Highlights

  • Steps from Playa Zicatela, Mexico's most celebrated big-wave surf break on the Oaxacan Pacific coast
  • Central pool with hammock lounge and bar at budget-friendly hostel prices
  • Surfboard storage, rinse stations, and local instructor connections for surf guests
  • Communal kitchen and BBQ area for social evenings among backpackers and surfers
  • Gateway to multiple Puerto Escondido beaches including the calmer Carrizalillo

Tips for visiting

  • Playa Zicatela has powerful shore break — swimming here requires surf experience; spectating from the beach is spectacular.
  • Beginner surf lessons are better arranged at La Punta beach where waves are gentler, via the hostel's recommended instructors.
  • Puerto Escondido's low season (June–October) brings bigger surf and far fewer tourists — ideal for surfers seeking uncrowded breaks.
  • Colectivos connecting Zicatela to Puerto Escondido centre run along Pérez Gasga for a few pesos per ride.
  • The weekly open-air market near Pérez Gasga sells fresh produce and cheap street food on Wednesday mornings.

Accessibility

The hostel's open courtyard layout is largely on one level, with some steps between areas. There is no lift. Wheelchair access to the pool area and communal spaces may be partially possible, but the property has no specific accessibility adaptations. The sandy beach approach adds to mobility challenges for guests with limited mobility.

Frequently asked questions

Is Playa Zicatela safe for swimming?

Playa Zicatela is one of Mexico's most powerful beach breaks and is not recommended for recreational swimming by non-surfers. Strong currents and heavy shore break make it dangerous for casual bathers. Calmer beaches such as Carrizalillo and Playa Principal are within a short distance.

How do I get to Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido's local airport (PXM) receives direct flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca City. OCC and Sur buses connect from Oaxaca City by road in approximately 6–7 hours through mountain terrain. The hostel is a short taxi ride from both the airport and bus terminal.

Are female-only dorm rooms available?

Dormitory rooms at Nomadas are primarily mixed-gender. Guests seeking female-only accommodation should contact the hostel directly to confirm current availability, as configuration can vary by season.

What is the best time to watch professional surfing at Zicatela?

The best waves at Zicatela occur from June through October during swell season. International surfing competitions have been held at Puerto Escondido, including stages of the WSL circuit. The hostel staff can advise on current competition schedules.

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Nomadas Hostel Puerto Escondido

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