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Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido

4.7
·2k reviews·, Mexico

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November to March

Best surf conditions

CrowdMedium
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9

Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido

Best Time

November to March

Best surf conditions

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Playa Zicatela: where the waves are legendary and the sunsets are unforgettable."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Zicatela Waves

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

Sunset Spectacle

Playa Zicatela

Experience breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors over the vast Pacific.

Surfing Lessons

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

The Heart Photo Spot

Playa Zicatela

Capture a memorable photo by creating a heart shape in the sand near the shore.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waves: Surf's Up at Zicatela

Playa Zicatela is world-renowned for its powerful, tubular waves, making it a surfer's paradise. Beginners can find calmer spots, especially near Playa Principal, while experienced surfers will relish the challenge. Be prepared for strong currents and always swim with caution.

Vibe Check: Laid-back & Eco-Conscious

Puerto Escondido, and Zicatela in particular, has a distinct 'hippie' and eco-conscious vibe. Expect plenty of 420-friendly spaces, vegan and vegetarian eateries, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a laid-back experience.

Best Times

When
November to March
Why
Best surf conditions
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Spectacular sunsets
Crowd
Medium
When
During the week
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vayan a ver cómo quedó mi foto🥺 ig:brendatovar7 #puertoescondidooaxaca #parati #viaje #zicatela #fotocorazon #playa
@bren_tovar
381.3K likes • 6.3M views

🌊 Ride the Big Waves

Zicatela is famous for its powerful waves, a dream for surfers! Beginners can find calmer spots too. Instagram+1

🌅 Sunset Views

The beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. Reddit

Hombre cargar pesado, hombre ser feliz 😅 #playa #hombresfuertes #hombresdeaccion #puertoescondido #puntazicatela #zicatela
@abbyramireez
222.3K likes • 2.1M views
🇲🇽 Playa Zicatela - Puerto Escondido - Oaxaca - México 🏖️ Zicatela beach has one of the most powerful and tubulars waves in the world. 😵 It’s no coincidence that this is the place where the HIGHEST number of surfboards break every day in the world. 🌮 Also the Mexican food is very good and the “Mexicanos” are very friendly! 🏄‍♂️ Surfer 1: @RamosJafet 🏄‍♂️ Surfer 2: @MarcialMonreal 📹 Videos: @Moral...
surfwithflavio
608 likes • 15.3K views

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons Available

Plenty of surf schools offer lessons for all levels. Don't miss out on the experience! Instagram+1

❤️ Heart Photo Op

Create a heart in the sand near the water for a cute photo op! TikTok

Día 1 en Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca🌴 . . . . . . #puertoescondidooaxaca #oaxaca #puertoescondido #playa #parati #beach #zicatela #surf #PXM
cecygarcia1_
204 likes • 12.7K views

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. Instagram+1

🌅 Sunset Views

The beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons Available

Plenty of surf schools offer lessons for all levels. Don't miss out on the experience! Instagram+1

❤️ Heart Photo Op

Create a heart in the sand near the water for a cute photo op! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Long Beach Walks

Enjoy long, uninterrupted walks on the vast sandy beach. Reddit

🚖 Airport Taxi Trap

Avoid expensive airport taxis; walk or take a local bus for better rates. TikTok

🏨 Book Accommodation Early

Popular spots like Selina Zicatela book up fast, especially during peak season. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

World-class surf waves
Beautiful sunset views
Long, sandy beach

What People Dislike

Strong currents for swimming
Can be crowded

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. TikTok

Yes, Playa Zicatela is walkable to many amenities. For longer distances, local taxis and colectivos (shared vans) are readily available and affordable. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🏄‍♀️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

Numerous surf schools operate along Playa Zicatela, offering lessons for all skill levels. Many instructors are readily available on the beach. Instagram+1

The entire stretch of Playa Zicatela offers fantastic sunset views. Find a comfortable spot on the sand and enjoy the spectacle. Instagram

Yes, lifeguards are present at Playa Zicatela to ensure visitor safety, especially for surfers. They are known for their quick response in emergencies. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, you can savor authentic Oaxacan dishes, especially fresh seafood, at many of the beachside restaurants and local eateries. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

Drone photography can offer incredible aerial views of the powerful waves and the expansive beach. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Zicatela's main draw is its powerful surf, families can still enjoy the area. For safer swimming, head to the calmer waters near Playa Principal. The vastness of Playa Zicatela offers plenty of space for kids to play in the sand. Consider visiting during the day when the beach is more active and supervised. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram+1

🏄‍♂️ Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts

Playa Zicatela is your ultimate destination. It's renowned for its world-class, powerful waves, perfect for experienced surfers. If you're looking to learn, numerous surf schools offer lessons and board rentals right on the beach. Instagram+2 Be prepared for strong currents and always prioritize safety. Watching the pros tackle these legendary waves is a spectacle in itself. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Budget Travelers and Backpackers

Zicatela is a haven for budget travelers. You'll find a wide array of hostels and affordable Airbnbs that are great for meeting other travelers. TikTok+1 Embrace the local 'colectivos' for cheap transportation and enjoy the many vegan and vegetarian eateries that offer delicious and reasonably priced meals. Reddit The beach itself is free to access, making it a perfect spot for a low-cost day of relaxation and people-watching. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing Mecca: Riding the Zicatela Waves

Playa Zicatela is globally recognized for its powerful and consistent surf, drawing professional surfers and wave enthusiasts from around the world. The beach is famous for its tubular waves, which can be both exhilarating and challenging. While it's a prime spot for experienced surfers, beginners can also find opportunities to learn. Many surf schools are located directly on the beach, offering lessons and board rentals for all skill levels. It's advisable to start in calmer areas, especially near Playa Principal, before tackling the main Zicatela breaks. Instagram+2

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. Instagram Even if you're not a surfer, watching the pros and the sheer spectacle of the waves is an unforgettable experience. Reddit

Accommodation Options: From Budget to Boutique

Puerto Escondido, and specifically the Zicatela area, offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit every traveler's needs and budget. You'll find everything from hostels and budget-friendly Airbnbs to more upscale boutique hotels. Popular choices include Selina Zicatela, known for its social atmosphere and amenities, and various Airbnbs offering beachfront or ocean-view stays. TikTok+2

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. TikTok+2 It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as popular spots can fill up quickly. TikTok+1

The Zicatela Vibe: Laid-back and Eco-Conscious

Playa Zicatela and Puerto Escondido are known for their distinct laid-back, bohemian, and eco-conscious atmosphere. This vibe is reflected in the local culture, with a strong presence of 420-friendly spaces, numerous vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and a general emphasis on wellness and sustainability. Reddit It's a place where travelers often connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a friendly and welcoming environment. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. TikTok

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