About Secret Location
Secret Location is not a traditional club or concert hall but an open-air, pop-up festival site hidden in the jungle near Puerto Escondido. Organizers describe it as a “large open-air private location next to a river in the depths of nature,” set under the stars in a forested clearing by the coast (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ). There are no permanent buildings or fixed seats; each event brings in temporary stages, sound rigs and lighting. In practice it’s an improvised danceground about 10–15 minutes’ drive from Playa Zicatela (www.ticketfairy.com ). What makes the venue unique is its setting – surrounded by palm trees and natural scenery – and the feeling of dancing in a jungle under the night sky (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ). The “secret” nature (the address isn’t released until ticket-holders get a GPS link) adds to its mystique. Over several years, Secret Location events (often run by the Sinxcensura collective) have earned a cult reputation in the local music scene (www.ticketfairy.com ) (es.ra.co ), making it a must-visit summer party spot for electronic and dance fans who want a break from ordinary nightclubs.
Events and Programming
Secret Location’s calendar is packed with all-night dance events rather than traditional concerts or sports. The focus is on electronic music – primarily house, techno, minimal and disco – in marathon “rave” formats. Past events include multi-stage jungle parties and festivals. For example, the New Year’s Eve celebration is known as a “legendary Sin Censura Jungle Party,” combining 3–4 continuous stages of disco, house, techno and minimal with art installations, a market area and chill-out zones (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). One NYE event ran 16 hours straight (www.ticketfairy.com ). Other themed parties include “Outdoor Rave” jungle parties and the VORTX festival, described as a two-stage house/techno experience in the jungle (www.ticketfairy.com ). Lineups often feature well-known underground DJs – for instance, artists like Bastard Love and Vane Vepe have headlined past events (www.ticketfairy.com ) – as well as international act collaborations (Resident Advisor notes global DJs on lineups from Mexico to Poland) (es.ra.co ) (ra.co ). Events routinely coincide with holidays and special weekends; in addition to NYE, birthday and anniversary party editions, there have been spring and summer jungle raves, anniversary parties, and retro-themed “throwback” nights. Tickets are usually tiered (early-bird, GA, VIP) – recent NYE parties offered general GA in the ~MXN$1,000–1,900 range and VIP packages around MXN$2,500 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ). VIP tickets add perks like a dedicated raised viewing platform, backstage access, or lounge space (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In summary, expect nonstop dancing from dusk till dawn to a variety of electronic subgenres, with live visuals and performances making each event feel like a mini outdoor festival (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ).
Tickets and Booking
Because Secret Location remains undisclosed, all tickets must be bought in advance. There’s no box office; instead organizers sell tickets online (usually through their event website or authorized outlets). Promoters announce sale dates on social media or via mailing lists. Pricing is tiered: early-bird and multiple levels of general admission go on sale first, followed by VIP passes. For example, a recent NYE party had sold out lower tiers (Tier 2 for MXN$1,000) while upper GA tiers went to MXN$1,900 and VIP to MXN$2,500 (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you delay, prices jump and sellouts are common. Tickets are generally non-refundable (www.ticketfairy.com ), so double-check event details. After purchase, the only way to learn the venue address is by email. Organizers explicitly note that the exact location is sent only to ticket holders about 24 hours before the event” www.ticketfairy.com ). In short: buy from the official promoter, watch your inbox, and don’t expect any last-minute sales at the gate. (In fact, parties warn “limited capacity – grab your tickets while you can” (ra.co ).)
Seating and Layout
Secret Location is laid out like a small open-air festival: there are no permanent seats or balconies, only dirt and grass under the sky (www.ticketfairy.com ). Attendees stand or dance wherever they please. Events typically feature one or more raised stages facing open standing-room areas (www.ticketfairy.com ). Think of it as entirely general-admission standing: you freely move toward the stage whose music you want. If you need a break, promoters usually create “chill-out” zones with benches, hammock lounges or shade (www.ticketfairy.com ). For example, past events advertised separate chill areas and performance art spaces away from the main dance floors (www.ticketfairy.com ). The highest energy is up front near the stage – that’s where you get the full sound – but the bass is intense, so you may want to drop back or to the side for a calmer vibe (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Many people do bring a small beach chair or blanket to use at the crowd’s periphery.) VIP ticket holders get exclusive sections or platforms set back from the crowd. These VIP areas offer unobstructed sightlines and dedicated amenities (some events promise “exclusive VIP restrooms” and lounges) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In all cases, the production is professional – stages are built for the night, each using PA and lighting rigs so music and lasers fill the clearing (www.ticketfairy.com ). Just be aware that speaker volumes are high, and front-row sound can be extremely loud (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Reaching Secret Location requires planning. The site is off the beaten path – there are no city buses or metro stations. Instead, you approach by road from Puerto Escondido. In general, you head south along the main highway to Zicatela Beach and then follow the promoter’s instructions (often a GPS pin or signage to a dirt turn-off) to the jungle entrance (www.ticketfairy.com ). Parties are typically 5–15 minutes’ drive from Punta Zicatela/Zicatela Beach (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ). If you have a car, you can drive yourself and park on-site: there is usually a dirt parking area next to the event. Parking is free but very limited (www.ticketfairy.com ), so carpooling is recommended. If possible, arrive before 9–10 PM – when events start – to secure a spot. Throughout the night, taxis (and sometimes official shuttles) run between Zicatela and the site. In fact, organizers often sell shuttle tickets: past events offered round-trip rides from Punta Zicatela for only about MXN$50 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Tip: Uber or rideshare apps are unreliable here, so plan either the official shuttle or an arranged taxi.) Most guests either drive with shuttle passes or coordinate drop-off/pick-up with friends. After the party (often just after sunrise), the shuttles or taxis return to Zicatela where most hotels are located (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Inside the Venue
Expect a casual, festival-like atmosphere the moment you enter. You’ll present your ticket (usually a QR code) and ID at a simple entrance gate or check-in tent. Security is low-key but present: organizers typically use a metal-detector wand and quick bag search to confiscate contraband (no large coolers or glass bottles) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Once inside, the space is lit by lasers, stage lights or LEDs, with either a main stage or several scattered around. Off to the sides you’ll find the chill-out areas mentioned above, often decorated with art installations or sculptures (www.ticketfairy.com ). Along the perimeter are food and drink vendors: expect Mexican festival staples (tacos, quesadillas, empanadas, grilled meats, pizza, fresh fruit, veggie options) all served from stalls and trucks. A bar section typically sells beer (Mexican lager or craft), mezcal-based cocktails and sodas. One festival program specifically mentioned “bars throughout the site” and a full food court (www.ticketfairy.com ). Prices will be higher than downtown, and most vendors take cash only (see Tips). You may also see merchandise booths or craft markets selling souvenirs like T-shirts, jewelry or local art (www.ticketfairy.com ). Facilities are basic: portable toilets are placed around the venue (usually one near each stage) (www.ticketfairy.com ). These are serviceable, but lines can form, so plan accordingly. VIP areas sometimes include upgraded restrooms. Drinking water may be available at refill stations. Because it’s all outdoors and at night, bring layers for early morning and consider bug spray if it’s humid. Finally, with powerful sound rigs and light shows in use, broken glass is banned – most parties expressly forbid outside alcohol (check the rules) and encourage ear protection if you stand close to the speakers (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Secret Location sits in the “Brisas de Zicatela” area of Puerto Escondido, right by the famed Playa Zicatela. This beachfront neighborhood is known for its surf scene and tourist-friendly amenities. Within a few minutes’ drive are dozens of restaurants and bars located along Zicatela Beach and Punta Zicatela. Travelers often grab pre-party meals at local favorites – for example, casual seafood shacks and taco stands line the sand, and eateries like La Olita Restaurant or A’taco serve Mexican and international cuisine. Nearby bars (El Cafecito, Los Parientes) are popular for pre-party cocktails. Kitty-corner from Zicatela, several hotels and guesthouses cater to woke visitors: Punta Zicatela Hotel, Hotel Escondido and Hotel Terrestre all have their own restaurants and beachfront bars. If you arrive early in the day, you can rent surfboards or lounge at beachfront cabanas before the event. Late-night after the party (often sunrise or later), taxis from Zicatela are available to ferry guests back to hotels in town. Many visitors choose to stay in Zicatela itself (where colorful boutique hostels and airbnbs abound) or in downtown Puerto Escondido (5-10 minutes northeast by car) to be close to the nightlife. (www.puerto-escondido.mx ) (In short, most necessities – restaurants, markets, lodging – lie a short drive away on Zicatela Beach; nothing is directly at the jungle entrance, which is isolated.)
What Makes This Venue Special
Secret Location’s appeal lies in its radical connection to nature and community. It’s one of the few places where you dance under the stars in a tropical jungle, next to a river clearing, with nothing but palm trees and moonlight as a backdrop (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ). This setting gives every event a magical vibe – literally “inside nature is where we find magic,” as one event page put it (www.ticketfairy.com ). Culturally, the space serves as a creative outlet for Puerto Escondido’s art and music lovers. By fusing cutting-edge sound and world-class DJs with the raw Oaxacan landscape, Secret Location has “a character all its own” that breaks from ordinary clubs (www.ticketfairy.com ). Locals and visitors alike have made it a tradition: Resident Advisor even calls it “Puerto Escondido’s biggest New Year’s celebration,” an established gathering for the electronic community (es.ra.co ). In other words, every set of performances here – whether fading into dawn or pulsing all night – feels epic precisely because of the setting. The open-air architecture (improvised stages, rustic palapas, glowsticks and lasers intertwined with jungle foliage) and legendary parties give artists and audiences a unique experience they can’t find elsewhere in Mexico. In summary, Secret Location matters because it’s where creativity meets nature – a place of dancing, community and ritual built out of the wilderness (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: This is very much a rugged outdoor site. Wheelchairs, family strollers or anyone needing flat access will find it extremely difficult here. The terrain is uneven dirt and grass with no paved paths, and portable toilets are the only facilities (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are no permanent ADA-compliant restrooms. If you need assistance, contact the organizers in advance. Otherwise, plan to walk on natural ground and be aware of roots, rocks and sand everywhere.
What to Bring: Dress comfortably for the jungle. Light layers are best (even on warm nights, it can get cool by dawn). Most people wear casual beach/party attire and comfortable shoes or sandals (no high heels). A light jacket or hoodie might be handy for the early morning. Do bring cash (Mexican pesos) – almost all food and drinks on site are cash-only (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s wise to have at least a few hundred pesos in small bills so you can buy water, snacks and drinks on demand (there are usually no working ATMs once you’re inside) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Also, bring personal items like sunscreen, a refillable water bottle (check if bottles are allowed – many parties do permit sealed water) and insect repellent. Earplugs can be a good idea if you plan to stand close to the stage; the PA systems are high-powered (www.ticketfairy.com ). Only small bags will pass security, so pack light. Be sure to carry your phone (there is usually sporadic mobile coverage) and charger or power bank (charges are not available on site).
Venue Policies: Organizers enforce basic festival rules. Expect a gate check: tickets and ID will be scanned and bags/drinks screened (www.ticketfairy.com ). Weapons, illegal drugs and large coolers are obviously banned. Outside alcohol is typically prohibited to protect on-site bars (www.ticketfairy.com ), so don’t bring beer or liquor in. (Sealed water bottles are sometimes allowed after screening (www.ticketfairy.com ).) Outside food is also discouraged since vendors are plentiful (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most Secret Location events are 18+ (some even 21+), so bring valid ID. There is no formal dress code – wear whatever is comfortable for dancing in nature. One tip: since the party often runs until early morning, pack a small towel or extra layer if you might take a sunrise dip (some events feature a pool or plunge pool for that purpose (www.ticketfairy.com )).
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t miss the shuttle – plan transportation before you arrive, since street parking is scarce. Never show up too late expecting to buy a ticket on-site; they nearly always sell out in advance (www.ticketfairy.com ). Also, don’t underestimate the environment – little shade, no seating, and loud sound. Eat before you go or budget extra for food on site, and protect your valuables (it’s a casual crowd, but you’re outdoors with no cloakroom). Finally, be respectful of nature: leave no trash in the jungle, use the bins provided, and follow any instructions about campfire or smoke (open fires are usually not allowed near the woods). Treat it like a temporary camp or beach party – what you bring in, take out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Secret Location and where is it?
Secret Location is a hidden outdoor dance party site near Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s not a building but a jungle clearing a few minutes’ drive south of Zicatela Beach. Organizers only reveal the GPS address to attendees shortly before each event (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What kind of events are held there?
The venue hosts all-night electronic music events – think multi-stage jungle raves and mini-festivals. Parties focus on underground house, techno, disco and related styles, often themed (eg. holiday or throwback nights). Headliners have included local and international DJs like Bastard Love and Vane Vepe (www.ticketfairy.com ). The biggest event is usually a Sinxcensura New Year’s Jungle Party, which can run 10 PM to sunrise (www.ticketfairy.com ) (ra.co ).
How do I buy tickets?
There’s no box office – tickets go on sale online through the event promoters. Watch the Sinxcensura or party social media and mailing list for announcements. Tickets are sold in phases (early-bird, GA tiers, VIP). Once you buy, you’ll receive emails with instructions; notably, the exact location is emailed only about 24 hours before the event (www.ticketfairy.com ). Only purchase through official channels – counterfeits are a risk.
Are tickets available at the door?
Almost never. Every event caps attendance (often Idaho Limited Capacity is explicitly mentioned (ra.co )). Organizers strongly recommend buying in advance. Ticket Fairy notes that door sales are “uncommon due to capacity limits” (www.ticketfairy.com ). Plan on sold-out conditions; don’t expect on-the-spot tickets.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices vary, but as an example, general-admission tickets for a NYE festival recently ranged from about MXN$1,000 (tiered GA) up to MXN$1,900. VIP passes were around MXN$2,500 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Early-bird tickets, if offered, can be cheaper, but later sales jump. Check the event’s page for the exact price tiers – they often sell out quickly. In U.S. dollars, expect roughly $50–125 USD depending on tier.
When do events start and end?
Parties are almost always late-night into early morning. Typical start times are around 10:00 PM. There are no fixed ending times – music usually plays until just after sunrise. For instance, a past New Year’s Eve event ran from 10 PM–10 AM (www.ticketfairy.com ). In general, plan to stay until at least dawn. The atmosphere is that of an all-night festival, not a short concert.
Do I need ID or are there age restrictions?
Yes. You will show ID along with your ticket at entry (www.ticketfairy.com ). The minimum age is usually 18, though some events (like certain indoor after-parties) may require 21+. For example, one listing noted a 21+ age limit (ra.co ), while many others are 18+. Always check the specific event details. Underaged entry is not permitted.
How do I get to Secret Location?
There are two common ways: driving yourself or using event shuttles. From central Puerto Escondido, drive south on the highway toward Zicatela Beach. Near Punta Zicatela you’ll turn onto a dirt road (watch for posted signage). Organizers provide precise directions via email. If you don’t drive, buy a shuttle pass in advance. Shuttles typically leave from Punta Zicatela or downtown Zicatela, often for a small fee (around MXN$50 round-trip) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Do NOT rely on Uber, as service is spotty. Taxis can also drop off/pick up at the site.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, there is informal parking at the entrance (a cleared dirt lot) and it’s usually free. However, spaces are very limited (www.ticketfairy.com ), so carpool if possible. If the lot is full, you may have to wait for a shuttle or taxi. After parking, you’ll walk a short distance into the jungle site. Remember, it’s ADD park: no paved lots or attendant. You lock your own vehicle and the promoter is not responsible for it.
What should I bring (prohibited items)?
Pack light. You should bring: your ticket/ID, cash in pesos, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal items (phone, water bottle). Prohibitions are typical festival ones: no outside liquor or beer (sealed water is usually allowed) (www.ticketfairy.com ), no large bags or coolers, no weapons, no illegal drugs. Cameras and phones are allowed (standard photography is fine), but be mindful: it’s a dim, crowded, possibly rustic area. Dress casually and comfortably – swim trunks or a light outfit can work (some events have a pool party), but avoid anything easily ruined. Close-toed shoes or sandals are best. Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to bass (www.ticketfairy.com ). Finally, carry your ticket printout or a charged device for the QR entry code.
Is the venue wheelchair-accessible?
Unfortunately, no. The site is uneven jungle terrain (dirt paths, grassy clearings) and has no paved ramps or facilities. Ticket Fairy specifically warns that “secret location is an open jungle space with dirt paths, grass, and uneven terrain” (www.ticketfairy.com ), making wheelchair or stroller access very difficult. Portable toilets are the only restrooms and they are not ADA-compliant (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you have special mobility needs, you should contact the organizers well in advance to see if any accommodations are possible (for instance, arranging a drop-off right at the entrance).
What food and drink can I buy inside?
The venue functions like a festival fairground. You can buy Mexican and international café-style food from vendors on site – expect tacos/quesadillas, grilled meats, pizza, empanadas, fresh fruit and vegetarian options. (www.ticketfairy.com ). There will also be bars selling bottled beer (often local lagers), cocktails (including mezcal-based drinks) and soft drinks. One event’s flyer promised “bars throughout the site” and a full marketplace (www.ticketfairy.com ). Vendors accept cash only (carry enough pesos) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Prices are marked up over street levels, so eating and drinking at the venue can be pricier than downtown. If you have special dietary needs, check if the event lists vendors; otherwise, consider eating before the party or bringing a small snack (though note outside food may not be allowed).
How long will the event last?
Typically, Secret Location parties run through the night. There is no fixed end time; music often plays until early morning. For instance, a previous NYE festival was scheduled 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM (www.ticketfairy.com ). Expect at least 6–10 hours of continuous music, often starting around 10 PM and ending around sunrise. Always check the event page: they set official start and end times, but plan on a late night or all-night marathon.
Is outside alcohol or food allowed?
Generally, outside alcohol is not allowed. As Secret Location is a dance event (not a public festival), they protect their beverage sales. Ticket Fairy’s FAQ warns that “outside alcohol is typically not allowed… sealed water bottles are sometimes allowed (check the event rules)” (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you try to bring spirits, beer or wine, it will likely be confiscated at entry. Outside food is also discouraged – there will be ample food vendors inside, so snacking is covered. In short: don't bring your own beer or coolers. It’s okay to hydrate, but expect to buy drinks on site if needed.
