La Punta Puerto Escondido: ULTIMATE Guide! (2023)
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Everything you need to know about La Punta Puerto Escondido! This post includes things to do, where to stay, where to eat, where to party and how to make the most of your time in one of the most special places in Mexico.
La Punta in Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico whilst backpacking. Full of digital nomads and backpackers from around the world, as well as kind and friendly locals, it’s likely you’ll get sucked into the ‘La Punta’ bubble shortly after arriving!
Most people I met in La Punta extended their stay (including ourselves). There’s just something about it here – and it’s commonly referred to as Mexico’s ‘neverland’. No one ever wants to leave!
It’s important to note that Puerto Escondido is split into five main areas. You don’t have to stay in La Punta when you’re visiting, but it’s one of the most popular backpacking spots.
We lived in Puerto Escondido for nearly two months, and split our time between Centro and La Punta evenly. But if I was to return, I’d head straight back to La Punta! Our time there was just unforgettable, and it’s somewhere we will return to time and time again.
This post details everything you need to know about La Punta, and if you’re on the fence about visiting, will push you right off that fence and straight into the oh-so-wonderful La Punta bubble.
So, let’s get started!
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- BEST Puerto Escondido Tours in 2023
- Where To Watch The Sunset in Puerto Escondido (2022)
- BEST Tacos in Puerto Escondido You NEED To Try! (Veggie Incl!)
- 32 BEST Things to do in Puerto Escondido For First-Timers (2022)
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2022)
La Punta Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide
Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido? I’ve got you covered! Check out my recent post: 25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023)
About La Punta Puerto Escondido
La Punta (also known as Brisas de Zicatela) is a small beach town in Puerto Escondido which is perfect for avid surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, partiers and adventurers. It’s one of the best places in Puerto Escondido to watch the sunset, relax on the beach with a few beers and meet like-minded backpackers.
If you’re a keen surfer, the waves at La Punta are smaller than at Zicatela. Many beginner surfers head to La Punta to have lessons or hire a board. The epic waves are met with soft sandy beaches, and water that’s safe for swimmers (although you might see a few ‘no nadar’ no swimming signs).
La Punta isn’t big, and all of the restaurants and bars are centred around one main street. This main street is safe and easy to navigate and is where we spent most of our time when we lived in Puerto Escondido.
Whilst you can spend your time partying in La Punta, you can also choose to chill out with live music and a few beers watching the sunset. The nightlife here by law has to end around 11-12am, so if you don’t want to have a crazy night out, you don’t have to! (That;s what Zicatela is for).
Where is La Punta and how to get there
La Punta (Brisas de Zicatela) is located east of the main centre of Puerto Escondido (Centro). It is 20m above sea level, and is made up of a long sandy beach and a main street full of bars, restaurants and shops.
Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular places in Puerto Escondido for travellers and tourists to stay. It is made up of residential areas and some real estate tourist developments, with a total population of around 10,000 people.
GETTING TO LA PUNTA FROM CENTRO
The journey between Centro and La Punta takes around 10 minutes by car, or it is over an hour’s walk.
- Take a taxi for around £3 ($4)
- Board the colectivo for under £1 ($1)
- Self-drive on a scooter or car-hire around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic
GETTING TO LA PUNTA FROM OAXACA
Getting from Oaxaca to La Punta isn’t easy! You’ll need to board either a 12-hour ADO bus, a 6-hour local bus through the mountains, or an expensive plane.
I recommend the ADO bus when travelling between the two, but if you need more information, check out my post: How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2022 Guide)
NOTE: The ADO bus station is in Centro, so you’ll need to grab a taxi or colectivo from there to La Punta.
GETTING TO LA PUNTA FROM MEXICO CITY
A much easier option than coming from Oaxaca is to fly directly from Mexico City. It’s only an hour’s flight and should cost under £40/$50 (without baggage). You can also board an 18-hour ADO bus if you’d prefer.
For all bookings and more information, check out my post: Mexico City to Puerto Escondido (Backpacker Guide) 2022
Where to stay in La Punta
Looking for the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido? I’ve written a guide on the best areas in Puerto, as well as the best hostels.
But if you’re specifically looking for La Punta hostels and hotels, here are some of the best places to stay.
- Bonita Escondida (££): if you want to party, meet friends and have a crazy time in Puerto Escondido.
- Experiencia Surf and Spanish school (££): if you want to learn Spanish and surf during your time in Puerto Escondido.
- Casa Punta (££): for a fun, social hostel.
- Pacific Buddha (£): for those on a tight budget needing a hostel room in the heart of La Punta.
- Casa Terranova (££): for budget hotel rooms with a pool.
- Frida Paradise Beachhouse (££): to be in the middle of the main street in La Punta, with a live music bar and swimming pool.
- Casa De Los Abuelos (£): for budget backpacker hostel rooms in the middle of the main street in La Punta.
Where to eat in La Punta
One of the best things about La Punta is the food. There are so many options and different cuisines that you can choose a different place to eat every night!
Here are some of the best restaurants in La Punta and places you HAVE to eat in if you’re visiting!
- The Smoke Shack (£££): This was one of the best meals we had in the whole of Mexico. It’s a mix of Korean and Mexican BBQ food, with sides like mac and cheese and honey-glazed brussel sprouts. It’s not to be missed!
- Alaburger (££): we visited Alaburger a LOT when we were in La Punta! The friendly staff will bring you a box full of burger toppings to ‘build your own burger’. The pizzas are good, too!
- La Chula Taquiera (£): the best ‘street food’ tacos in La Punta at a budget price!
- Amoki (£): the house of the ‘giant burrito’. They’re giant, and they are incredible!
- The Fish Shack (£): serving both fish and veggie options, these are some of the best tacos you’ll get in La Punta.
- Casa de Los Abuelos (£): delicious, homemade Mexican food in a casual setting. One of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Escondido!
- Malagua (££): need breakfast? Head to Malagua for the best pancakes in La Punta.
- Sabina (££): An amazing spot for co-working and lunch. The pesto pasta was my favourite!
- Mombasa (££): tasty pizza and cocktails.
- Juana Mezcala (££): tacos and mezcal, what more could you want?!
- Frida (££): a fish-based menu with some other options. We loved the banana chips and guacamole!
- The Food Market (££): A food market serving fresh pasta, pizza, tacos, and Thai food with a full bar.
- Piyoli Superfoods (£££): expect everything from falafel sandwiches to green salads.
- Mundaka (££): tasty pizza, pasta and cocktails.
- Lychee Thai Food (£££): expensive, but worth it! Traditional Thai food in a glamorous setting.
- Chicama Peruvian Food (££): traditional Peruvian food along with dancing and a fun atmosphere.
- The Boneyard (££): the perfect place for chilled beers and pizza.
Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido? I’ve got you covered! Check out my recent post: 25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023) and BEST Tacos in Puerto Escondido You NEED To Try! (Veggie Incl!)
Things to do in La Punta
There are so many things to do in La Punta (and Puerto Esconddio!) and here are just some of them:
- Try surfing for the first time, or take a surfing lesson
- Spot dolphins, whales and turtles on a boat tour
- Learn Spanish at Experiencia
- Join the daily volleyball match on the beach in front of Punta Vida
- Do a Puerto Escondido skydive
- Relax on the beach, or climb on the rocks to go fishing or watch the sunset
- Go to a bar to watch live music
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise
- Watch a world-class surfing tournament at Playa Zicatela
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise
- Drink a cocos frios on the beach
- Visit the nearby waterfalls
- Go shopping in some of the many shops in La Punta
- Watch skateboarding and rollerblading at The Boneyard
- Visit one of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Escondido, Casa de Los Abuelos
- Party the night away in Juana Mezcala
- Take a Mexican cooking class
- Try the famous fish tacos at The Fish Shack
- Catch up on some work in a co-working spot (the best wifi in Puerto Escondido is in Sabina and Losodeli)
- Try a mix of Korean and Mexican BBQ food in the Smoke Shack (some of the best food I have ever eaten!)
- Build your own burger in Alaburger, one of La Punta’s best restaurants!
- For more ideas, check out my BEST Puerto Escondido Tours here!
Looking for more things to do in Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: 32 BEST Things to do in Puerto Escondido For First-Timers
Insider tips for visiting La Punta
We lived in Puerto Escondido for nearly two months, and in La Punta for almost half of this time. We absolutely loved it, but there are definitely some things you should know before you go!
Here are my insider tips for visiting La Punta Puerto Escondido for the first time.
- Spanish is spoken in Puerto Escondido, and not many locals speak English. It is so important that you have a basic level of Spanish before backpacking Mexico.
- Cash is still king in La Punta, but there are NO cash points! Bring cash with you or head to Centro to use an ATM.
- The best time to be in La Punta is during sunset. Head to the beach an hour before for the best atmosphere and live music.
- There are many, many wild dogs in La Punta (which we loved). But if you’re not a dog person, could be a problem! But to put your mind at ease, wild dogs are friendly and tame. They won’t cause any harm, and if you don’t want them around you, show them little to no attention and they will leave.
- You will be offered illegal substances openly, especially at the first main beach entrance. Do not engage in any buying of illegal substances. Getting caught in Mexico will end your trip, and getting into trouble with law enforcement here isn’t something you want. We saw police doing regular spot checks on the beach, especially around sunset. Don’t get involved!
Getting around La Punta
La Punta is entirely walkable. It’s only a small area, so you do not need a car or a scooter if you are only planning on staying in La Punta. However, if you would like to explore other areas and beaches, taxis, colectivos and scooters are your best option.
And then there’s getting around Puerto Escondido as a whole. Again, it’s easy, especially by scooter, colectivo or taxi. It is possible to walk, but journeys like La Punta to Bacocho would take a couple of hours, and it’s HOT!
If you need to know the ins and outs of getting around, check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide.
Need help getting to Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023
Where to party in La Punta
If you’re staying in La Punta, there’s a high chance you want to party. Most backpackers start off in La Punta, and if they want to stay out past 11pm/12am, head over to Zicatela (where the party doesn’t stop until the people stop).
Most of the music in La Punta stops around 12am due to licensing laws, so if you want to carry on after this time, you’ll need to either head to a house party or Zicatela.
But if you want live music, a fun atmosphere and small dancefloors, these are the best places in La Punta to party.
- Juana Mezcala: (££) 10am – 11pm. Every night live music or a DJ. There’s a small dancefloor for when you’ve had a few mezcals!
- Mombasa: (££) 5pm – 1am. Live jazz nights, DJs, a small dancefloor and delicious cocktails.
- Piyoli: (££) 8am – 12am. Live music most nights.
- The Boneyard: (£) 5pm – 12am. A large skating bowl with a bar, pizza and chilled atmosphere.
- Punta Vida: (££) 9am – 11pm. A beachside, run-down venue that hosts crazy day sessions (especially on a Sunday).
- Bonita Escondida: (£) – this is one of the most popular backpacker hostels, but in the evenings it opens its doors to anyone who wants cheap drinks and an epic party.
Want to know more about partying in Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
You might also like:
- BEST Tacos in Puerto Escondido You NEED To Try! (Veggie Incl!)
- BEST Puerto Escondido Tours in 2023
- How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023
- BEST Hostels in Tulum for Backpackers! (2023 Guide)
Where to see the sunset in La Punta
One of the main reasons La Punta is so popular? The sunsets! The view over the ocean is completely unobstructed, and as the sun sets, crowds gather to experience the magic.
My personal favourite place to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido is on the beach in La Punta. As the sky swirls from blue to red, you’ll find local performers on the sand throwing fire, singing with a guitar, and small bands playing the drums. The atmosphere during the sunset on La Punta is unlike anywhere else in Puerto Escondido.
Oh, and look out for locals selling everything on the beach from espresso martinis, handmade jewellery, fresh pineapples and handmade muffins!
TOP TIP: If you’re looking for a more chilled vibe when watching the sunset, head right as you walk onto the beach (towards ‘Punta Vida’ / Zicatela beach). Or, if you want the opposite and want to experience the mezcal shots and live music, head left when you walk onto the beach (towards the rocks).
Need more information about the sunset spots? Check out my post: Where To Watch The Sunset in Puerto Escondido (2023)
Surfing in La Punta
If you want to try surfing, I highly recommend doing it in La Punta. Some of the other beaches in Puerto Escondido aren’t suitable for surfing, and the waves can be either too big or too small.
Backpackers, tourists and locals flock to La Punta because of the waves here, as well as the epic sunset views you can catch whilst out on the water.
Looking for a surf school? I recommend either Experiencia Surf School or Oasis Surf if you’re a beginner surfer.
Can you swim at La Punta Puerto Escondido?
Yes, you can swim at La Punta, but sometimes the waves can get pretty big. If you want to swim, use common sense. But if the waves are too big (and sometimes they can be), stick to surfing or sunbathing on the sand. When the ocean is totally empty of swimmers, there’s a good reason for it!
Don’t swim if there isn’t anyone else swimming, and even if there are other swimmers, know your limits! You don’t know what skills the other swimmers have, so trust your own gut and intuition.
You’ll notice a lot of ‘no nadar’ signs around, but I’m not sure if they’re current or are ever monitored!
Check out my post; Can You Swim In Puerto Escondido? Best Swimming Beaches for more information about swimming in Puerto Escondido!
Did you know?
‘No nadar’ means no swimming in Spanish. If you see a ‘no nadar’ sign on any of the beaches in Puerto Escondido, check with the lifeguard on duty before swimming. It’s likely they’re accurate, but sometimes they can be left on show by accident.
When to visit La Punta Puerto Escondido
Let’s talk about the best time to visit La Punta Puerto Escondido. This is always going to differ depending on your preferences.
🌍 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a backpacker: November – April. The rain has come to an end, hostels are full of life and partying, it’s continuously hot and sunny, and the famous Puerto Escondido sunsets from Playa Carrizalillo. Note this is the hottest time to visit Puerto Escondido, and most days your weather app will tell you it ‘feels like 45-48°C’. It is CRAZY hot!
💻 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a digital nomad: October through May for atmosphere, sunny days and blue skies.
💰 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for the cheapest deals: May-August, due to the rainy season (but the waves are still great!)
👫 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for avoiding crowds: May-August, again due to the rainy season.
🏄♀️ Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for surfing: Peak surfing season in Puerto Escondido is between April and September. This is when the waves are at their most consistent, and is the time when large surf competitions and events are held on Zicatela. The quietest surf time is in November.
Need more information? Check out the following posts:
- Puerto Escondido in November: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
- Puerto Escondido in January: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
- Puerto Escondido in February: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
Is La Punta safe?
Overall, yes. La Punta Puerto Escondido is a safe area for solo female travellers to visit in Mexico. There were very few times in Puerto Escondido that I felt unsafe.
People are friendly, the main streets are well-lit and taxis are safe to ride alone. Don’t walk down any dark or unknown roads at night, and stick to the areas you know.
Be kind, be aware, be ready and notify friends of your location. Keep them in the loop, and use your common sense.
Need more advice? Check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2022).
Cash and ATMs in La Punta
If you’re backpacking Mexico for the first time, or you haven’t started your trip yet, you’ll know how important it is to carry cash.
Most restaurants, bars and shops in Mexico do not accept credit or debit cards. That means knowing where the ATMs and cash points are is key to having a hassle-free trip.
ATMs and cash points in Puerto Escondido are hard to find! The truth is, there aren’t many. And if you don’t know where they are, this can cause a lot of stress!
At the time of writing this in December 2022, there are NO CASH MACHINES IN LA PUNTA. And you NEED cash. So how do you get it?
You will need to get a taxi or the colectivo into Centro to withdraw cash from the ATM. There are quite a few ATMs in Centro (exact locations here).
Alternatively, withdraw all of your cash before arriving in La Punta.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
Yes! Yes and yes again. Even if it means taking an 18-hour bus from Mexico City! If you’re backpacking Mexico, make sure Puerto Escondido is planned for your route. It’s truly one of the friendliest, liveliest and best places to be in Mexico, and it is perfect for solo backpackers and digital nomads.
We loved Puerto Escondido so much that we lived there for nearly two months! This blog is packed full of Puerto Escondido information, so be sure to check it out!
Need to know how to get to Puerto Escondido? Check out the following posts:
- How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023
- Mexico City to Puerto Escondido (Backpacker Guide) 2023
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2022 Guide)
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
Whilst there is a big party scene in Puerto Escondido, you can also spend your time there chilling, surfing, relaxing and eating. Puerto Escondido is big enough to either throw yourself into the party nightclub scene or stay completely away from it.
If you’re looking to drink in Puerto Escondido, the best place to start is La Punta. This is where most backpackers stay and is located in the south.
La Punta is known for its live music, chill bar scene and laid-back atmosphere. Most people tend to head out to Zicatela from midnight onwards, as La Punta comes to a close.
Zicatela is known as ‘the party doesn’t stop until the people stop‘ place, so your night can last until the early hours!
But like I said, if you stay out of Zicatela, you don’t need to engage with the wild, party side at all! Even in La Punta, we never felt like it was too ‘wild’. We loved the laid-back atmosphere of La Punta. It’s an atmosphere like no other.
Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico
If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
La Punta Puerto Escondido: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about La Punta, Puerto Escondido, in the most extensive La Punta guide on the Internet!
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2022)
- BEST Tacos in Puerto Escondido You NEED To Try! (Veggie Incl!)
- Mexico City to Puerto Escondido (Backpacker Guide) 2022
- ATMs & Cash Points in Puerto Escondido: Exact Locations (2022)
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
