Hotel Terrestre Puerto Escondido: A Definitive Review [2024]

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Are you planning a trip to Puerto Escondido and want to know if you should stay at Hotel Terrestre?

Finding a hotel in Puerto Escondido can be very difficult because there are literally hundreds to choose from.

While there are some great options out there, it’s important to choose the perfect hotel to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be.

The last thing that you want to do is choose a bad hotel and return home disappointed and frustrated.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ve set out a comprehensive guide to the exclusive Hotel Terrestre so that you can find out everything that you need to know before making your decision.

Let’s dive right in.

*All images of Hotel Terrestre in this article are credited to Expedia.com*

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

Where is Hotel Terrestre?

Hotel Terrestre is a minimalist eco-hotel with a unique modern architectural design situated about 20 miles west of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Puerto Escondido is situated on the Pacific Ocean about 160 miles south of Oaxaca City and about 250 miles south-east of Acapulco.

If you aren’t familiar with Puerto Escondido, it’s a beach town in southern Mexico that is home to Playa Zicatela, known as the “Mexican pipeline”.

It’s a remarkably beautiful place that has kept its laid-back beach vibe despite an increase in popularity in recent times.

Let’s take a look now at how to get you to Hotel Terrestre.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

How Do I Get To Hotel Terrestre?

Getting to Hotel Terrestre is a relatively simple process.

The first step is to fly into Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM). The second step is to book a private transfer, get a taxi or rent a car to drive to the hotel.

I’ve set out the steps you’ll need to take to get to Hotel Terrestre as simply and efficiently as possible.

Flying Into Puerto Escondido

To reach Hotel Terrestre, you’ll need to first fly into Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), which is around 18 miles from the hotel.

You won’t be able to get a direct flight to Puerto Escondido International Airport from outside Mexico, so unless you are already in Mexico, you’ll need to take a connecting flight.

From within Mexico, there are regular flights to Puerto Escondido from Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Oaxaca.

Flights from Mexico City are by far the most frequent. Unless you’re planning on stopping over in one of the other cities listed above for a few days, I recommend you fly via Mexico City.

Puerto Escondido Airport to the Hotel

Once you arrive in Puerto Escondido airport, you’ve got a few options to get to Hotel Terrestre. You can book a private transfer, take a taxi or rent a car.

I’ve gone through each of these below.

Rent a Car

If you’re staying for more than a day or two, I recommend that you rent a car at the airport.

Hotel Terrestre is almost 20 miles outside the Puerto Escondido town center, so having a rental car is the ideal way to get around. Hotel Terrestre also offers parking, so you can easily park the car at the hotel.

Getting a car at the airport is very easy. You can book ahead and pick up your car in the arrivals hall of the terminal of Puerto Escondido airport when you get off the plane.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Book a Private Transfer

The simplest way to get to the hotel is by booking a private transfer on a platform like Viator. There are plenty of different providers for you to choose from, and prices start at around US$20 for a couple.

If you prefer to get a local recommendation, you can reach out to the staff at Hotel Terrestre. Their contact details are below:

Take A Taxi

If you haven’t booked a private transfer, the simplest way to get from the airport to the hotel that requires absolutely no planning whatsoever is taking a taxi.

You’ll need to be able to tell the driver your destination and agree a price for the trip. The journey should cost you around US$35 – US$40 and you may need to haggle to get the driver down into that range.

You’ll also need to make sure that you have Mexican pesos with you, as the driver may not accept US dollars and won’t take credit cards.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

Review Of Hotel Terrestre

Now that you know where it is that you’re going and all of the options that you have for getting there, let’s get into the review itself.

I’ve set out below a summary of the hotel, the rooms, hotel facilities, dining options and nearby attractions.

After that, I’ve given you a list of pros and cons of the hotel and given my personal view on whether you should book Hotel Terrestre for your trip.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Location

The most remarkable thing about Hotel Terrestre is its unusual modern architecture and its sustainable minimalist approach.

It was designed by a well-known Mexican architect named Alberto Kalach, who is based in Mexico City. Kalach is also known for having designed nearby Hotel Escondido and Casona Sforza.

The hotel runs entirely on solar power and is constructed from locally sourced wood, brick, clay and concrete.

If you’re looking for a minimalist modern eco-hotel in Puerto Escondido, Hotel Terrestre certainly fits the bill.

2. Price

The price per room at Hotel Terrestre starts at around US$450 for two guests, including taxes. That price includes breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Discounted offers may be available from time to time, so it is worth checking prices in advance of your travel dates to see if you can get yourself a deal.

Check out Booking.com for prices and availability on your travel dates, or use the search box below:

3. Rooms

There are 14 suites available at Hotel Terrestre, and each comes with its own private pool and looks out onto the Pacific Ocean.

Design

Each 237 sq. ft. two-floor suite is carefully designed using a minimalist sustainable approach. Building materials are all natural brick, clay and concrete and have been deliberately furnished with earthy colours.

All of the furnishings are wooden, and chair-backs and footstools are made from natural fibres. The room, like the rest of the hotel, is powered exclusively by solar power.

The suite is architecturally designed to encourage airflow. This is important because there is no air-conditioning at the property and cooling must occur naturally.

Large beautifully-made floor-to-ceiling wooden slatted doors can be completely opened and folded up against the wall to allow for maximum light and air flowing into the room.

They also operate as blackout curtains during the evening to ensure a darkened room for sleeping.

Private Pool

Each suite features a private pool that is directly accessible from the upper level of the suite.

The minimalist approach is incorporated here as well. A sun-bed and a small wicker stool comprises the spartan furnishings, leaving nothing else to distract from the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

There are also hammocks available that can be strung up from wall to wall, letting you relax and sway in the ocean breeze.

4. Hotel Facilities

Hotel Terrestre has a great selection of facilities including a pool area, a spa area and direct beach access.

Pool Area

If you’re looking for a change from the private pool in your room, or just want a pool where you can do a few laps, the hotel has a stylish outdoor pool area as well.

There are also blocks at either end that you can use to do a shallow dive.

Spa Area

Hotel Terrestre also has a beautiful spa and sauna area that you can use, which includes a cold pool.

As with the rest of the hotel, the building is constructed using bricks, which gives it an antique atmosphere.

Beach Access

Hotel Terrestre also has direct private access to Playa Punta Pájaros, one of Puerto Escondido’s beautiful and unspoiled beaches.

The beach is has sun loungers and sun umbrellas for you to use, as well as a rustic bar area where you can get a cocktail.

You’ll also have the beach mostly to yourself, as it is only really used by guests of Hotel Terrestre and guests of other neighbouring hotels.

5. Restaurants

Hotel Terrestre has a restaurant called Terricola, which serves Mexican cuisine. Following the minimalist theme, the setting is very simple, but the food is delicious.

There is also a bar area where you can enjoy locally-produced mezcal as well as cocktails and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Kakurega Omakase

If you want to mix up your dining options, you can walk a few minutes down the road to Kakurega Omakase.

The restaurant is run by Chef Keisuke Harada, who is originally from Kyoto in Japan and whose team will prepare your traditional Japanese food right in front of you.

The restaurant is a great experience in and of itself and a great dining option, given how close it is to the hotel.

6. Reviews

Hotel Terrestre has a rating of 8.9 out of 10 from over 150 reviews. The story that the reviews tell is that people love this hotel.

The unique architecture of the hotel, the great food and the attentive service all receive glowing reviews from guests.

7. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm to midnight, and check-out is before 11:00am.

Late check-out may be available, but you should contact the hotel to confirm if you think you will arrive outside the ordinary check-in hours.

8. Pet-Friendly

Hotel Terrestre is pet-friendly, although you should confirm with the hotel staff, as there may be extra charges that apply.

9. Family-Friendly

Hotel Terrestre is also an adults-only hotel, so you won’t be able to stay at Hotel Terrestre if your children are younger than 18 years old.

10. Nearby Attractions

Hotel Terrestre is full of interesting things to do and beautiful beaches to explore, and you can easily reach them with your rental car or by taxi from Hotel Terrestre.

I’ve set out a few below that I recommend you put on your shortlist. Don’t forget your sunhat, suncream, and a bottle of water, particularly if you’re exploring in the summer sun.

Playa Carrizalillo

Unless you are a pro-surfer, Playa Carrizalillo is hands-down the best beach in Puerto Escondido. It’s just outside the Puerto Escondido town center, about 15 miles from Hotel Terrestre.

Although it’s only about 300ft long, it’s a picturesque swimmable beach with gentle waves, turquoise waters, and a sheltered shoreline.

If you swim out just a little way offshore, you’ll also discover a live coral reef full of marine life, making it the perfect place for snorkelling.

And when you’re done for the day, there are some great places to eat nearby if you want to grab a bite before heading back to the hotel.

Baby Turtle Release

If you haven’t experienced a sea turtle release, I recommend doing one while you’re staying at Hotel Terrestre.

The Oaxaca coastline is a breeding ground for four of the seven varieties of sea turtles that exist on planet Earth. Some of those turtles species are endangered, and in and around Puerto Escondido there are non-profit organisations that try to support them.

Part of that work is incubating the eggs laid by the adult female turtles and helping the babies into the ocean after they hatch.

For a fee of around US$10, you can participate in a sea turtle release and watch them flapping their cute leathery little way down the beach and into the ocean.

The closest place to do a sea turtle release is at nearby Playa Delfin, which is about 15 miles further down the beach towards Puerto Escondido.

At Playa Delfin, turtle releases take place at 7pm of an evening. You’ll need to book and pay a fee of US$5 (MX$150).

The non-profit that runs the releases is Palmarito Turtle Camp (Campamento Tortuguero Palmarito). Their contact details are set out below:

Palmarito Turtle Camp Contact Details

You can also join a tour to a different beach if you’d prefer.

Casa Wabi

If you like art installations, you will love Casa Wabi, which is just a short walk from the hotel.

Casa Wabi is an artistic space that houses several resident artists and has 460 m² of contemporary art exhibits.

It was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando under the initiative of the Mexican artist Bosco Sodi.

It’s open Mondays to Fridays at 10:00am, noon, and 4:00pm, and on the weekends at 10:00am, noon and 2:00pm.

You will need to make a reservation on their website and entrance will cost you US$30 (MX$600) per person.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

Hotel Terrestre: Pros and Cons

To pull all of the information above together for you, I’ve set out below the pros and cons of Hotel Terrestre as I see them.

Pros

There are some genuinely unique aspects of Hotel Terrestre.

Unique Architecture

One of the most important aspects of a hotel is its appearance, and Hotel Terrestre’s unique design and architecture is striking to say the least.

The buildings have been designed to incorporate a modern look and to create an open atmosphere where light, air and energy can flow throughout the hotel with minimal restriction.

The hotel’s design has a real effect on how you feel while you are there and will help you to relax during your stay.

Minimalist Sustainable Approach

The hotel also adopts a minimalist sustainable approach that is obvious throughout the establishment.

The entire hotel operates on solar power and the buildings are constructed from basic natural materials like brick, clay and concrete. The rooms are comfortable but furnished in a spartan fashion, with only the necessities and without any adornments.

The goal of the hotel design is to help you to disconnect from material possessions and to find your way back to your natural center.

Exclusive Beach Access

During your stay, you’ll have direct private access to Playa Punta Pájaros, which just a 100 meters or so from the hotel.

The only visitors will be guests of Hotel Terrestre or other nearby hotels, so you can expect to have it to yourself most of the time.

The beach isn’t great for swimming, as it isn’t sheltered, but it’s great for walking and there are sun loungers and sun umbrellas for you to use if you want to work on your tan.

Cons

There are a few cons to Hotel Terrestre, although some of these are inevitable given the location of the hotel and its style.

Price

While it is by no means the most expensive hotel in Puerto Escondido, prices for a couple still start at US$450 per night. That’s quite a lot to spend on a hotel in Mexico.

Given Hotel Terrestre’s minimalist approach, you might find that some of the comforts of a hotel at that price-point are lacking, making it harder for you to see value for money.

If you support the eco-hotel philosophy of a sustainable approach, then I think this hotel is a great hotel for you. Just don’t expect to have all the creature comforts that you might otherwise have at a hotel costing as much as Hotel Terrestre.

Remote Location

Hotel Terrestre is located about 20 miles outside of Puerto Escondido. That’s great for relaxing outside of the hub-bub of the city and is the best way to disconnect and wind down.

The downside is that if you want to go out to dinner in Puerto Escondido or just walk along Playa Zicatela, you’ll need to take a taxi or drive your rental car into Puerto Escondido first.

The drive itself will cost about US$35 – US$40 each way and will take about 45 minutes to get there, so you’ll need to bear that in mind when you’re booking a restaurant.

The likelihood is that you booked Hotel Terrestre to get away from the city, so it’s remote location is not going to be the end of the world for you.

It’s something to bear in mind, though, and it might be a disadvantage, depending on what you’re planning for your trip.

Not Family-Friendly

Hotel Terrestre isn’t family-friendly.

I can understand that the hotel is trying to create a relaxing environment for everyone, and that some people may not be able to relax if there are children running around nearby. In fact, if you’re not a fan of small children, this may actually be a major perk!

If you’re travelling with children, though, then unfortunately you won’t be able to visit Hotel Terrestre.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

My Personal Views

If you’re looking for an eco-hotel that makes a real effort to take a sustainable minimalist approach, I think Hotel Terrestre is a great option for you.

Another reason you may particularly like it is if you’re looking to disconnect from humanity and the electronic world. In that case, I think it would be a great remote location where you try to get back in touch with nature and think about what is important to you in life.

I would say, though, that the minimalist sustainability-driven approach is definitely not for everyone and you should make sure that you’re into it before you book.

That’s especially the case when it comes to the price of the hotel per night. Hotels like Vivo Resorts are similarly located and still of very high quality, but won’t cause so much pain to your wallet.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in and around Puerto Escondido, I would also recommend against staying at Hotel Terrestre. Even if you’ve rented a car or you’re willing to pay for taxis into town and back, it’s a long way to travel and you could better spend that time exploring.

All in all, I think Hotel Terrestre is a great hotel if you are a lover of eco-hotels or if you’re looking to really get off the grid for a little while. If that’t the case, then I think you should consider a stay at Hotel Terrestre.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Just in case you still have a few questions that I haven’t covered, I’ve set out some responses to a few frequently asked questions about Hotel Terrestre below.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hotel Terrestre?

The best time to visit is during the high season (December to April) because the weather is cooler and there is little or no rain.

However, it’s also likely to be more expensive during the high season, so if you’re on a budget and can put up with a little rain, the low season is also a good option.

Is It Safe To Visit Hotel Terrestre?

Absolutely. Puerto Escondido is safer than many major US cities. You’ll have no troubles when you explore Puerto Escondido provided you take basic precautions.

Read more about how to stay safe in Puerto Escondido here.

What’s The Closest Airport To Hotel Terrestre?

Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is the closest airport, and is about 20 miles away.

You can reach the hotel by booking a private transfer, taking a taxi or renting a car.

Why Is Hotel Terrestre Special?

Hotel Terrestre is special because it is a highly-rated eco-hotel with a modern architectural design that takes a minimalist sustainable approach.

It’s a hotel in a truly beautiful location where you can stay in style while disconnecting from the world for a time.

Hotel Terrestre: The Definitive Review

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now have all the information that you need to decide whether Hotel Terrestre is the hotel for you.

If you want to book, you can get the latest current prices and availability on your dates at Booking.com.

If you want to check prices of car rentals at Puerto Escondido airport, you can check out DiscoverCars.com.

Enjoy your stay!