Punta Zicatela (La Punta): A Local's Guide to the Barrio
Punta Zicatela (La Punta): A Local's Guide to the Barrio
Punta Zicatela is the southern tip of Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, a compact surf barrio that most people simply call La Punta. It sits where the long sand of Zicatela ends at a rocky point, inside the neighborhood of Brisas de Zicatela. What started as a handful of surf shacks is now one of the liveliest corners of the Oaxacan coast: a left-hand wave, a main street of cafés and mezcal bars, and sandy side streets full of surf schools, yoga studios and taco stands. Here is how the barrio works.
| Punta Zicatela | Quick facts |
|---|---|
| Also called | La Punta, La Punta de Zicatela |
| Where | The far south end of Playa Zicatela, inside the Brisas de Zicatela neighborhood |
| Main street | Calle Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta, with side streets named after Mexican states |
| From the center | About 10 minutes by taxi |
| The wave | A left-hand point break, much mellower than the Zicatela beach break |
| Vibe | Surf town by day, mezcal bars and taco stands by night |
What and Where Is Punta Zicatela?
Zicatela is the long, powerful beach south of Puerto Escondido's bay, famous for the barrels that earned it the nickname Mexican Pipeline. Walk south along the sand and the beach narrows until it meets a rocky headland. That headland, and the streets behind it, are Punta Zicatela. Locals shorten it to La Punta, and taxi drivers know it by either name. For the bigger picture of the area, see our Zicatela destination page.
Officially, the whole area belongs to the colonia of Brisas de Zicatela, which has grown fast. Our own business directory now lists more than 300 places in Brisas de Zicatela alone, from surf schools and laundries to pharmacies, gyms and coworking spaces. The town's history and setting are summarized well on Wikipedia's Puerto Escondido entry.
How the Barrio Is Laid Out
Punta Zicatela is small enough to walk end to end in a few minutes, and once you understand its grid you will never get lost:
- Calle Alejandro Cárdenas Peralta: the main strip, running parallel to the beach, with most of the bars, restaurants and rental shops
- The side streets: sandy lanes named after Mexican states, such as Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán and Puebla, where you find guesthouses, cafés and surf schools
- The point itself: the rocks at the south end, where surfers paddle out and everyone gathers at sunset
- The beach path north: the sand connects La Punta with central Zicatela, a pleasant walk at low tide
- The coastal highway: on the inland edge, where you catch taxis and colectivos toward the center
A Day in Punta Zicatela: Surf, Food and Mezcal
The barrio runs on a simple rhythm. Mornings are for the water, middays for food and shade, evenings for the sunset and the bars. A typical day looks like this:
- Dawn: surf the left at the point. Schools such as Canek surf school, on Calle Jalisco, open at 7 AM and rent boards to those who already ride
- Breakfast: La Punta is full of smoothie bowls, specialty coffee and vegan kitchens; most cafés serve until about 3 PM
- Afternoon: nap, massage or yoga while the sun is at its strongest, then back to the beach
- Sunset: the rocks at the point fill up with surfers, families and dogs watching the sun drop into the Pacific
- Night: tacos and mezcal along the main street, from long-running spots like Juana Mezcala to late taco counters that open around 4:30 PM
Prices stay reasonable: most bars and restaurants in La Punta fall in the $100 to $300 MXN per person range. For seafood with your feet almost in the sand, Fish Shack La Punta is one of the most reviewed places in the neighborhood, with over 1,500 Google reviews.
Practical Tips for Visiting Punta Zicatela
A few things locals wish every visitor knew before arriving in La Punta:
- Getting there: a taxi from the center takes about 10 minutes; ask for "La Punta" and get dropped on the main street
- Cash: many small businesses still prefer pesos, so withdraw money before heading south
- The ocean: the point is gentler than central Zicatela, but currents are real; swim only where locals swim and never alone
- Getting around: scooter and car rentals operate on the main street if you want to explore beaches further south
- Night walks: stick to the lit main street and side streets near it, and take a taxi back if you are staying in town
Want more detail on the wave and the beach itself? Read our complete guide to Playa La Punta. And if you skate, or like watching people who do, The Boneyard is the barrio's skate bowl bar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Punta Zicatela
Are Punta Zicatela and La Punta the same place?
Yes. Punta Zicatela, La Punta and La Punta de Zicatela all refer to the south end of Zicatela Beach and the streets behind it, inside Brisas de Zicatela.
Is La Punta good for beginner surfers?
It is the most forgiving wave on Zicatela, so many schools teach here. True beginners should still go with an instructor and check the swell first.
How far is Punta Zicatela from the center of Puerto Escondido?
About 10 minutes by taxi from the center and the Adoquín. You can also walk along Zicatela Beach, which takes longer but is beautiful at low tide.
Is Punta Zicatela safe?
It is a busy, friendly tourist area. Use normal precautions: keep valuables out of sight on the beach, stay on lit streets at night and respect the ocean.
Surf at dawn, eat well, watch the sunset from the rocks and end the night with mezcal: that is Punta Zicatela. To fill the rest of your trip, browse our things to do in Puerto Escondido.