
Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido
World-renowned for its powerful, tubular waves, Playa Zicatela is a surfer's paradise and a vibrant hub with a laid-back, eco-conscious vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best surf conditions

Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido
Best Time
Best surf conditions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
World-renowned for its powerful, tubular waves, Playa Zicatela is a surfer's paradise and a vibrant hub with a laid-back, eco-conscious vibe.
"Playa Zicatela: where the waves are legendary and the sunsets are unforgettable."

🌊 Ride the Big Waves
Zicatela is famous for its powerful waves, a dream for surfers! Beginners can find calmer spots too.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Zicatela Waves
Playa Zicatela
Witness or ride some of the most powerful and tubular waves on the planet. A true surfer's mecca.

Sunset Spectacle
Playa Zicatela
Experience breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors over the vast Pacific.

Surfing Lessons
Playa Zicatela
Take a surf lesson and learn to ride the iconic waves of Zicatela, suitable for various skill levels.

The Heart Photo Spot
Playa Zicatela
Capture a memorable photo by creating a heart shape in the sand near the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves: Surf's Up at Zicatela
Vibe Check: Laid-back & Eco-Conscious
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Ride the Big Waves
Zicatela is famous for its powerful waves, a dream for surfers! Beginners can find calmer spots too.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Plenty of surf schools offer lessons for all levels. Don't miss out on the experience!
❤️ Heart Photo Op
Create a heart in the sand near the water for a cute photo op!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Ride the Big Waves
Zicatela is famous for its powerful waves, a dream for surfers! Beginners can find calmer spots too.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Plenty of surf schools offer lessons for all levels. Don't miss out on the experience!
❤️ Heart Photo Op
Create a heart in the sand near the water for a cute photo op!
🚶♀️ Long Beach Walks
Enjoy long, uninterrupted walks on the vast sandy beach.
🚖 Airport Taxi Trap
Avoid expensive airport taxis; walk or take a local bus for better rates.
🏨 Book Accommodation Early
Popular spots like Selina Zicatela book up fast, especially during peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Zicatela is celebrated as a surfer's paradise with its powerful waves and stunning sunsets. Visitors appreciate the vast, sandy beach perfect for long walks and the relaxed, 'hippie' vibe with abundant healthy food options. It's an ideal spot for solo travelers to connect and enjoy the natural beauty.
"Up and coming best beach in Mexico!!
Very geared towards the stereotypical "hippy" person. 420 friendly, vegan and vegetarian options everywhere, gluten-free options available.
Able to walk to everything that is necessary. Beach is huge, lots of sand spaceto spread yourself out. Easy to travel by yourself and meet new friends."
Karina
"Beautiful and peaceful beaches, surfers 🏄♂️ paradise 😎"
J Araiza
"Beautiful, long, uninterrupted beach. Perfect for walking and the best for sunset. If you want to swim more then head slightly north to the corner of the beach (past the rocks) where it meets Playa Principal. Here you can swim with the smaller waves"
Liam Wood Shots
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to Playa Zicatela. Taxis from the airport can be pricey, so consider walking or taking a local bus if you're on a budget and staying nearby.
Yes, Playa Zicatela is walkable to many amenities. For longer distances, local taxis and colectivos (shared vans) are readily available and affordable.
If you're in Puerto Escondido town, you can easily catch a local taxi or a 'colectivo' heading towards Zicatela. Many accommodations are also within walking distance.
You can find direct bus services to Puerto Escondido from major cities like Oaxaca City and Huatulco. From the Puerto Escondido bus terminal, you'll need to take a local taxi or colectivo to Playa Zicatela.
While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone on deserted stretches of the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Zicatela is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it. You can enjoy the sand and waves for free.
Playa Zicatela is open 24/7 as it's a public beach. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the scenery.
No, you don't need to book anything to visit the beach itself. However, if you plan to stay at popular hotels or Airbnbs like Selina Zicatela or Casa Kuaa, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Yes, you can rent surfboards from numerous vendors along the beach. Beach chair rentals might also be available, especially near established beach clubs or restaurants.
🎫 🏄♀️ Onsite Experience
The main draw is surfing, with options for lessons and board rentals. You can also enjoy long walks, witness stunning sunsets, and relax on the vast sandy shores.
While Zicatela is famous for its strong surf, swimming can be challenging due to powerful currents. For calmer swimming, head slightly north towards Playa Principal, where the waves are smaller.
Numerous surf schools operate along Playa Zicatela, offering lessons for all skill levels. Many instructors are readily available on the beach.
The entire stretch of Playa Zicatela offers fantastic sunset views. Find a comfortable spot on the sand and enjoy the spectacle.
Yes, lifeguards are present at Playa Zicatela to ensure visitor safety, especially for surfers. They are known for their quick response in emergencies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of dining options, from casual beachside palapas serving fresh seafood to restaurants offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, catering to the area's laid-back vibe.
Absolutely! Puerto Escondido, including the Zicatela area, is known for its abundance of vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries, aligning with its 'hippie' and health-conscious culture.
Yes, you can savor authentic Oaxacan dishes, especially fresh seafood, at many of the beachside restaurants and local eateries.
While specific recommendations vary, explore the beachside restaurants for fresh catches and local flavors. Many places offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal after a day at the beach.
Yes, beyond the more upscale restaurants, you can find more budget-friendly options like street food vendors and smaller local eateries offering delicious Oaxacan specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers stunning backdrops with its waves and sunsets. The 'heart' photo spot near the shore is popular, and the general vibe of surfers and the coastline is very photogenic.
Drone photography can offer incredible aerial views of the powerful waves and the expansive beach. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Capturing surfers in action, the dramatic wave breaks, and the vibrant sunsets are unique photographic opportunities. The 'heart' photo is also a fun, memorable shot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and ocean. A telephoto lens can be useful for action shots of surfers. Protect your gear from sand and saltwater.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly accommodations slightly away from the most intense surf spots. Many hotels and Airbnbs offer pools and more relaxed environments. Exploring nearby beaches like Playa Carrizalillo, known for its calm waters, can also be a great option for a family day out.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Budget Travelers and Backpackers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Mecca: Riding the Zicatela Waves
When visiting Zicatela, be aware of the strong currents and undertows. Lifeguards are present and actively monitor the waters, so always heed their advice and swim in designated safe areas. The sheer force of the waves means that surfboards can break here frequently, a testament to the power of the Pacific. Even if you're not a surfer, watching the pros and the sheer spectacle of the waves is an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation Options: From Budget to Boutique
When booking, consider your priorities. If you're a solo traveler looking to meet people, a hostel like Hostel Punta Zicatela might be ideal. For those seeking a more private or unique experience, Casa Kuaa or HotelitodePlaya in Punta Zicatela offer charming stays with beautiful views. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as popular spots can fill up quickly.
The Zicatela Vibe: Laid-back and Eco-Conscious
This relaxed ethos extends to the dining scene, where you'll find a plethora of eateries catering to diverse dietary needs, from gluten-free options to plant-based menus. The community often embraces a slower pace of life, encouraging visitors to unwind and soak in the natural beauty and unique culture of the Oaxacan coast.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit