La Punta Zicatela: Where to Stay & Eat
La Punta Zicatela is the laid-back, bohemian heart of Puerto Escondido — and the neighborhood that keeps travelers coming back year after year. While you can party, eat at nice restaurants, and stay in fancy hotels in central Puerto Escondido and Zicatela, less than 10 minutes away La Punta offers a truly relaxed hippie and backpacker vibe that feels like a world apart.
You have got to stay here. Enjoy the peace and quiet in hammocks or huts by the beach. And when you are ready to go out, Puerto Escondido has a lively nightlife every day.
To read more about this, check out our guide to Nightlife in Puerto Escondido: The best party spots.
You’ll only pay 30-40 pesos ($2) in a taxi.
La Punta — The Perfect Beach Town for a Relaxing Getaway
A tiny beach town with a dirt road and a hippy vibe, La Punta sometimes gets hammered by big surf. Occasionally the waves can be quite big, so it isn’t ideal for swimming, but it’s good for a refreshing dip.
Where is it?
La Punta is located at the left end of Zicatela Beach, facing the sea. This is Puerto Escondido’s southernmost beach. In addition to its peninsula shape, it is characterized by cliffs adorned with a lighthouse that guides boats. There are strong currents in this rocky area, which makes it unsuitable for swimming. However, surfing makes it a good place to practice, as there are big waves. Palapas are located on the beach where you can enjoy a drink.
It is one of the most popular places to stay among tourists because of the many things that happen there. In addition, La Punta is a popular place to settle for foreigners who want to move to this paradise of the Mexican Pacific. Many work remotely and find it an ideal spot for digital nomads.
The best thing about La Punta is that it has a friendly wave, almost periodic, which makes it easy to learn if you don’t know how to surf, or to practice before jumping into Zicatela’s dangerous waves. You can rent boards there or hire surf lessons with local surfers if you don’t have a surfboard or do not practice the sport. Further, there is a small bay in La Punta that provides a more tranquil environment for bathing.
Mostly dirt and sand make up the streets. In this way, it has a rustic and relaxed aesthetic, making it very appealing for people who have decided to simplify and live a more relaxed life. A palapa roof covers most of the wooden or mud buildings. Every step leads to hammocks and lush vegetation.
The area has shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and even an ATM. Leaving La Punta isn’t necessary!
La Punta: Where to Stay
Besides cheaper and rustic places, there are also boutique hotels and well-equipped Airbnb houses. However, there aren’t any big hotels or resorts. There’s nothing like this about La Punta or Puerto Escondido. In order to keep this magical place chill and simple, the local community must preserve its essence.
You have to stay at Cabañas Buena Onda hostel in La Punta. There are dorms and cabañas. Just walk 50 meters and you’re in the water. This place has a great vibe and has a cool hangout area under some huts. A couple restaurants and shops are just a minute walk away. A dorm night costs just 120 pesos.
Alternatively, Pacific Budda Hostel across the street is 130 pesos a night and has a 9.7 rating on Hostelworld.
There’s also a great gastronomy scene at La Punta! In the picturesque streets of Punta Zicatela, you can find everything from oriental food to Mexican food, Peruvian food to signature cuisine.
This small place offers different events every night, like live music bands, open mics, and activities to enjoy with family or friends.
La Punta’s strategic location makes it a great place to enjoy sunsets over the ocean. There’s always a sunset to watch at La Punta, no matter what time of year.
Taking a surfboard to La Punta Beach, a calm swim, toasting at sunset, tasting the best cocktails and flavors and walking barefoot through the bars: who wouldn’t want to visit this wonderful place in Puerto Escondido? Feel the sun on your face and feel the sun in your body.
Have a great time in Puerto Escondido or La Punta. For everything you need to plan your visit, read our complete Puerto Escondido travel guide and check the best time to visit based on weather. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself slipping into relaxation mode and staying for a while.