Zicatela
Surf culture, walkable beach strip, lively scene
About this zone
Zicatela is the heart of Puerto Escondido's surf scene and home to the famous Mexican Pipeline — one of the most powerful beach breaks in the world. The main strip is lined with restaurants, bars, surf shops, and hostels.
Rentals in Zicatela
2 listings
Restaurants & Food
Almoraduz
Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant rooted in Oaxacan ingredients. Offers a seasonal menu, a 5-course Menú Maíz, and a 10-course tasting menu. One of the most celebrated restaurants in all of Mexico.
Cañabrava
Two-storey beach bar and restaurant on Zicatela beach with stunning parota wood tables, twinkling lights among the palms, inventive cocktails, and regular live music nights.
OCHO
Outstanding seafood restaurant focused on fresh aguachile, ceviche, and tacos alongside craft Mexican beers and mezcal cocktails. A welcome departure from overpriced beach bars.
El Cafecito
Beloved breakfast institution on Zicatela beach. The must-try dish is Oaxaqueños — eggs in spicy tomato sauce topped with quesillo, with beans and fresh tortillas.
Mezcalería Chávez
Buzzing mezcal bar and taqueria near the beach, with large clay pots of guisado taco fillings on the counter and an excellent curated mezcal selection.
Brad's Split Coconut
Legendary beach bar on Zicatela keeping alive the spirit of its founder. Famous for sunset views, live classic rock and blues, and a loyal crowd of surfers and expats.
Mama Malu
Affordable and authentic local spot serving tlayudas and Oaxacan-style eggs with coffee brewed in a clay pot — one of the best-value meals on the strip.
Activities & Things to Do
Surfing the Mexican Pipeline
Zicatela's world-famous left (Far Bar) and right (Carmelita's) breaks host international competitions every September and November. For experienced surfers only — waves can reach 40–60 foot faces.
Surf Spectating on the Beach
Even non-surfers come to watch the Pipeline in action. The power and frequency of the barrels make Zicatela one of the most dramatic surf-watching spots in the world.
Zicazteca Surf School
Professional surf school offering lessons for all levels in English and Spanish, with beginners directed to safer breaks at La Punta and Carrizalillo.
Visit →Zicatela Market
A relatively new mercado with sweeping ocean views, mixing traditional market stalls with some of the best casual food in the area — fresh ceviche, aguachile, and local snacks.
Yoga & Surf Retreats
Barbarenas and other retreat centres in the Zicatela area combine multi-day surf and yoga programmes, popular with visitors seeking an active, balanced holiday.
International Surf Competitions
Zicatela hosts at least two major international surfing competitions annually, drawing competitors from Australia, Brazil, the US, and across Latin America.
Attractions
The Mexican Pipeline
One of the most powerful and photogenic beach breaks on the planet. Even if you never paddle out, watching the Pipeline from the beach is a bucket-list experience.
Michelin-Recognised Restaurant Scene
Zicatela and La Punta together form one of Mexico's most exciting dining corridors, led by Almoraduz with its Michelin recognition and deeply Oaxacan menu.
Puerto Escondido's Social Hub
The Zicatela strip — with its beach bars, surf shops, night market energy, and international crowd — is the liveliest neighbourhood in Puerto Escondido after dark.