La Punta, Puerto Escondido – The Bohemian Getaway
This beautiful coastal town attracts thousands of international travelers from around the world each year – but is far removed from the mainstream resorts of Mexico.
La Punta is the kind of place that sneaks up on you.
You might come to Puerto Escondido thinking you’ll hop from beach to beach, exploring all the hot spots, and tick off your travel list… but then La Punta wraps you up in its barefoot, bohemian embrace, and suddenly, you’ll never want to leave.
There are no mega-hotels, no infinity pools with DJ sets, no all-inclusive resorts.
Instead, think sandy streets lined with palm trees, surfboards propped outside beach shacks, yoga mats drying in the sun, and the small of sizzling street tacos mixing with wood-fired pizza and Thai curry.
It’s still raw, still authentic, still itself. And that’s exactly why it’s special.
With stunning beaches and ideal surf conditions, La Punta is a relaxed nomadic hub of surf enthusiasts, holistic seekers and international travelers.
Why La Punta Feels Different
Located just south of the high-energy Playa Zicatela, La Punta is the more relaxed town in Puerto Escondido.
While Zicatela roars with nightlife and world-class surf competitions, La Punta hums with a slower rhythm – perfect waves, sunset rituals, and late-night street food runs.
We planned to explore every corner of Puerto Escondido… but we ended up here most days. No regrets.
La Punta Travel Guide
Surfing & the Beach
La Punta’s waves are made for the beginner-to-intermediate crowd.
Surfboard rentals and lessons are easy to find (and surprisingly affordable), with instructors happy to walk you through your first experience or help fine-tune your style.
The beach itself sits at the end of the main street, just past a row of restaurants, smoothie stands, and boutiques.
Taxis won’t drop you right at the sand during busy times – expect a short walk through the lively strip.
Yoga and Wellness
If wellness is your vibe, La Punta delivers.
Yoga shalas, meditation retreats, and holistic healing spaces are woven into the town’s fabric.
From our Airbnb between La Punta and Zicatela, we’d often hear the soft sound of evening chants, singing bowls, or acoustic guitar drifting through the tropical air.
Even if you’re not the yoga type, the peaceful energy is contagious.
Nightlife & Cuisine
La Punta may be laid-back, but it knows how to turn up when the sun goes down.
Bars spill into the streets, live bands play under the string lights, and restaurants buzz with eclectic mix of locals, nomads, and travelers swapping surf stories.
The food scene? Surprisingly global.
In a single week, I went from spicy Thai noodles at Lychee to Mexican-Italian fusion at Frida Paradiso Hotel, with a few taco stops in between.
Affordable, fresh, and delicious – no tourist-trap menus here.
Where to Stay
Accommodations range from cozy hostels to private villas, and La Punta has something for every budget.
Many rentals come with dipping pools, rooftop terraces, breezy open kitchens, and even guest casitas.
We stayed between La Punta and Zicatela – close enough to walk everywhere but far enough from Zicatela’s late-night noise. Our place had a pool for cooling off, a rooftop for sunset cocktails, air conditioning, and an ocean view that made every morning feel perfect.
If you stay right in La Punta, expect a lively atmosphere. If you’re near Zicatela, be ready for music and nightlife that sometimes goes until sunrise.
The Bohemian Lifestyle
La Punta thrives on a barefoot, come-as-you-are spirit.
You’ll find digital nomads answering emails over iced coffees before paddling out for a surf.
Artists sell handmade jewelry and woven bags from roadside stalls.
Couples stroll hand-in-hand at sunset while kids play soccer in the street.
Every evening, the whole town seems to drift towards the sand to watch the Oaxacan sky explode into those famous red-orange hues. It’s not a show – it’s a ritual.
The bohemian lifestyle makes it a favorite amongst travelers looking for relaxation, ease and a less commercialized atmosphere.
You can find cozy cafes, small boutique shops and hostels all over town. Many remote professionals are often found getting an email or two in before heading to the beach for a quick surf session.
My Verdict
La Punta is not luxury. It’s not all-inclusive. It’s not polished or perfectly planned – and that’s exactly what makes it magic.
It’s the kind of place where you try yoga for the first time, eat dinner with strangers who become friends, and let the tide decide when your day ends.
It’s a town to relax, connect with the sun, and try something new.
You’ll leave with sand in your bag, salt in your hair, and the feeling that you’ve been somewhere real.
ashleykatechristian
Hi, I'm Ashley - a California-based travel blogger sharing relaxing itineraries, honest tips, and memorable adventures across the Americas to help you make the most of your PTO.
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