Internet Speed in Puerto Escondido: Complete Digital Nomad Guide 2026

Puerto Escondido has evolved from a sleepy surf town into one of Mexico’s fastest-growing digital nomad destinations. While the legendary waves and laid-back lifestyle attract remote workers from around the globe, the question on every laptop-toting professional’s mind is: Can I actually get reliable internet here? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about internet connectivity in Puerto Escondido, from fiber optic availability to mobile hotspot solutions.

Current State of Internet Infrastructure in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido’s internet infrastructure has undergone significant transformation in recent years. According to INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía), internet penetration in coastal Oaxaca municipalities has increased dramatically, with Puerto Escondido leading the region in connectivity improvements. The town now offers a mix of fiber optic, cable, DSL, and mobile internet solutions, though availability varies considerably by neighborhood.

The digital infrastructure development has been driven largely by the influx of remote workers and the growth of tourism. Major Mexican telecommunications providers have invested in upgrading networks, particularly in high-density areas like La Punta, Rinconada, and the Centro. However, more remote beach communities and hillside neighborhoods may still face connectivity challenges.

Major Internet Service Providers

Internet Speed by Neighborhood: What to Expect

Not all Puerto Escondido neighborhoods are created equal when it comes to connectivity. Understanding the internet landscape by area is crucial for digital nomads choosing where to base themselves. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect in each major zone.

La Punta: Best Connectivity for Remote Workers

La Punta has emerged as the digital nomad headquarters of Puerto Escondido, and internet reliability is a major reason why. This neighborhood enjoys excellent fiber optic coverage from multiple providers, with Totalplay and Telmex offering the most robust service. Average download speeds range from 50-100 Mbps in most properties, with some locations reaching 200 Mbps.

The concentration of vacation rentals and long-term rental properties in Puerto Escondido catering to remote workers means landlords have invested in quality internet infrastructure. Many apartments and houses come with internet included, and backup solutions are common. The neighborhood’s proximity to the commercial center also means quick access to coworking spaces when home internet fails.

Rinconada: Growing Digital Nomad Hub

Rinconada offers an excellent balance of residential tranquility and digital connectivity. This planned community features widespread fiber optic availability, with most homes and condominiums reporting reliable speeds between 50-100 Mbps. The area’s modern infrastructure includes underground cabling in many sections, which reduces weather-related outages common in other neighborhoods.

Several new residential developments in Rinconada have been specifically marketed toward remote workers, with developers pre-installing high-speed internet infrastructure. The neighborhood’s growing popularity among international buyers has led to increased investment in telecommunications infrastructure, making it one of the most reliable areas for consistent connectivity.

Zicatela: Variable but Improving

The famous surf beach of Zicatela presents a mixed internet picture. The main road (Avenida del Morro) and areas closest to the commercial strip generally have good connectivity options, with cable and DSL widely available. However, properties farther from the main drag or on hillsides may experience slower speeds and less reliable service.

The rapid development of Zicatela has outpaced infrastructure improvements in some areas, leading to occasional congestion during peak hours (evenings and weekends when tourism is high). Digital nomads working standard business hours typically report satisfactory performance, but those with evening video conferencing needs should test connectivity before committing to a long-term rental.

Centro (Downtown): Reliable with Limitations

Puerto Escondido’s historic center offers decent internet connectivity, particularly in the tourist corridor near the Adoquín. Multiple providers serve the area, and commercial establishments generally maintain solid connections. However, residential properties in older buildings may have infrastructure limitations, with some locations still relying on DSL technology.

The Centro’s dense construction can also create challenges for mobile signal penetration, making 4G/5G backup solutions less reliable than in more open neighborhoods. Digital nomads considering Centro should specifically verify internet specifications with landlords and request speed test results before signing rental agreements.

Bacocho and Carrizalillo: Premium Connectivity

The upscale residential areas of Bacocho and Carrizalillo enjoy some of Puerto Escondido’s best internet infrastructure. These neighborhoods cater to affluent Mexican families and international residents, driving demand for premium connectivity. Fiber optic coverage is widespread, and properties often feature backup power solutions to maintain internet during electrical outages.

The investment in infrastructure extends to luxury houses and villas designed for high-end vacation rentals, many of which include enterprise-grade internet solutions. Digital nomads with higher budgets will find these areas offer the most consistent and fastest connectivity in Puerto Escondido.

Mobile Internet and Backup Solutions

Even in neighborhoods with excellent fixed internet, smart digital nomads maintain backup connectivity options. Mexico’s mobile networks have improved dramatically, making cellular solutions viable alternatives or supplements to home internet.

Mobile Network Coverage

Telcel maintains the most comprehensive coverage in Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas, making it the preferred choice for digital nomads who need reliable mobile connectivity. AT&T Mexico has been expanding aggressively and now offers competitive 4G speeds in most populated areas, with 5G infrastructure gradually rolling out in high-density zones.

Many remote workers maintain two SIM cards from different providers, using one as a primary mobile service and another specifically for hotspot backup. This redundancy proves invaluable during provider-specific outages or when traveling to surrounding beach towns with variable coverage.

Coworking Spaces and Reliable Internet Alternatives

Puerto Escondido’s growing digital nomad community has spawned several coworking spaces offering professional-grade internet connectivity. These spaces serve as excellent backup options or primary work locations for those who prefer separation between home and office.

Top Coworking Spaces with High-Speed Internet

• Puesto Cowork (La Punta): Fiber optic connection with 200 Mbps symmetrical speeds, battery backup systems, and dedicated Zoom rooms. Popular among developers and designers requiring consistent high-bandwidth connections.
• The Surf Office (Zicatela): Multiple internet providers with automatic failover, ensuring virtually 100% uptime. Features include private phone booths, conference rooms, and a community of international remote workers.
• Nomad Nest (Rinconada): Boutique coworking space with premium internet infrastructure, including wired ethernet connections for maximum stability. Offers monthly memberships and day passes.
• Café coworking spaces: Several cafes in La Punta and Centro have evolved into informal coworking hubs, offering reliable WiFi and power outlets. While speeds may not match dedicated coworking spaces, they provide convenient backup options.

According to the Oaxaca State Economic Development Secretariat (SEDECO), the rise of coworking infrastructure represents one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in coastal Oaxaca, reflecting the region’s transformation into a remote work destination.

Practical Tips for Digital Nomads

Before Renting: Internet Due Diligence

Smart digital nomads conduct thorough internet research before committing to accommodation. Here’s a checklist for evaluating connectivity:

• Request speed test results: Ask landlords for recent speed test screenshots taken at the property during peak hours (7-9 PM). Use speedtest.net or fast.com as standard metrics.
• Verify provider and plan: Confirm which ISP serves the property and the specific plan subscribed. Some landlords advertise “high-speed internet” but provide basic 10 Mbps connections inadequate for video conferencing.
• Test before committing: If possible, visit the property and run your own speed tests. Test upload speeds specifically, as many remote workers focus solely on download speeds but need robust upload for video calls.
• Check router quality: Old or low-quality routers can bottleneck even excellent internet connections. Verify the router model and consider bringing your own high-quality router if needed.
• Understand backup options: Ask about backup power solutions during outages and whether the property is in an area with good mobile coverage for hotspot alternatives.

Optimizing Your Home Internet Setup

Once you’ve secured accommodation with decent internet, optimization can significantly improve performance:

• Position your workspace strategically: WiFi signal strength decreases with distance and obstructions. Set up your workspace with direct line-of-sight to the router when possible, or invest in a mesh WiFi system for larger properties.
• Use ethernet when critical: For important video conferences or large file uploads, connect directly via ethernet cable to eliminate WiFi variability. Many digital nomads carry a long ethernet cable specifically for this purpose.
• Schedule bandwidth-intensive tasks: Download large files or perform system updates during off-peak hours (early morning or midday) when network congestion is minimal.
• Communicate with neighbors: In apartment buildings, multiple units sharing bandwidth can create congestion. Building relationships with neighbors allows coordination for bandwidth-intensive activities.
• Monitor your connection: Use tools like PingPlotter or WinMTR to identify connection issues and determine if problems originate from your ISP, router, or device configuration.

Seasonal Variations and Peak Tourism Impact

Puerto Escondido experiences significant seasonal population fluctuations that affect internet performance. Understanding these patterns helps digital nomads plan accordingly.

High Season Challenges (November-April)

During peak tourism season, Puerto Escondido’s population can triple, placing substantial strain on internet infrastructure. Neighborhoods like Zicatela and Centro experience the most significant congestion, with evening speeds sometimes dropping 30-50% below normal performance. Digital nomads working during these months should:

• Schedule critical video conferences for morning hours when tourist activity is lowest
• Maintain active coworking space memberships as backup work locations
• Consider temporary relocation to less tourist-heavy neighborhoods like Rinconada during December and January
• Ensure mobile hotspot plans have sufficient data for backup connectivity

Low Season Advantages (May-October)

The summer and fall months bring reduced tourism and consequently improved internet performance across all neighborhoods. This period coincides with rainy season, which can cause occasional service interruptions during severe storms, but overall connectivity tends to be faster and more stable. Many digital nomads prefer this season for bandwidth-intensive projects or important client deliverables.

Infrastructure Development and Future Outlook

Puerto Escondido’s internet infrastructure continues evolving rapidly. Recent government initiatives and private sector investment signal positive trends for remote workers considering the destination for long-term stays.

The Mexican government’s national connectivity strategy includes specific provisions for improving internet infrastructure in emerging tourist and economic zones. Puerto Escondido has been designated as a priority area, with federal investment supporting fiber optic network expansion and mobile tower deployment.

Private telecommunications providers are responding to market demand from the growing remote worker population. Totalplay, in particular, has announced aggressive expansion plans for coastal Oaxaca, including increased fiber optic coverage in previously underserved neighborhoods. AT&T’s ongoing 5G rollout is expected to reach most of Puerto Escondido by late 2026, providing additional high-speed wireless options.

Real Estate Development and Internet Infrastructure

The relationship between real estate development and internet infrastructure creates a positive feedback loop. New apartment and condominium developments increasingly feature pre-installed fiber optic infrastructure as a selling point, while established neighborhoods are retrofitting buildings to remain competitive in the rental market.

Developers specifically targeting digital nomads and remote workers are incorporating enterprise-grade internet solutions into building plans, including redundant provider connections and building-wide backup power systems. This trend is most visible in La Punta and Rinconada, where newer construction dominates.

Comparing Puerto Escondido to Other Mexican Digital Nomad Destinations

While Puerto Escondido may not match the internet infrastructure of established digital nomad hubs like Playa del Carmen or Oaxaca City, it offers a compelling balance of improving connectivity, lower living expenses, and authentic Mexican coastal culture. The gap is narrowing rapidly as infrastructure investment continues.

Conclusion: Is Puerto Escondido’s Internet Good Enough for Remote Work?

The answer depends on your specific needs and flexibility. For most remote workers—particularly those in roles like software development, design, marketing, writing, and consulting—Puerto Escondido now offers sufficient internet connectivity to work effectively. Video conferencing, cloud collaboration tools, and standard business applications function reliably in most neighborhoods, especially La Punta, Rinconada, Bacocho, and sections of Zicatela.

However, professionals requiring guaranteed ultra-high-speed connections for activities like 4K video editing, large-scale data processing, or real-time trading should carefully evaluate specific properties and maintain robust backup solutions. The infrastructure continues improving, but Puerto Escondido remains an emerging rather than established digital nomad destination.

The key to success as a remote worker in Puerto Escondido lies in thorough preparation: research neighborhoods carefully, verify internet specifications before renting, maintain mobile hotspot backup, and consider coworking memberships for critical work periods. With proper planning, you can enjoy world-class surfing, stunning sunsets, and authentic Oaxacan culture while staying fully connected to your professional responsibilities.

Are you considering Puerto Escondido for your remote work base? Our team has extensive experience helping digital nomads find properties with reliable internet connectivity. Explore our blog for more insights about living and working in Puerto Escondido, or contact us to discuss rental and purchase options specifically suited for remote workers.