About Chula Puerto Escondido
Chula Puerto Escondido is a popular open-air beach club and bar right on Playa Zicatela’s sand. It delivers a unique blend of laid-back beach atmosphere and high-energy nightlife. Set at Calle del Morro 3 in Zicatela (just off Avenida del Morro by the shore) (puertoescondidobooking.com ), Chula offers prime Pacific Ocean views – you can watch the sunset over the waves even as the DJ starts the party (www.vybeful.com ). The venue’s design fuses Mexican beach cottage style (wooden beams, rustic décor, local folk art) with state-of-the-art sound and lighting (www.vybeful.com ). By day Chula operates as a lively beachside restaurant (famous for seafood tacos, Mediterranean-flavored tapas, and Spanish sangria) (puertoescondidobooking.com ) (wanderlog.com ). After dark it truly comes alive as a dance club on sand, a sanctuary for techno and Latin music lovers. Resident DJs spin everything from deep house and techno to reggaeton, cumbia and Latin rhythms (www.vybeful.com ) (puertoescondidobooking.com ). In the Puerto Escondido nightlife scene, Chula has quickly become notable for its beachfront location and after-hours energy – guides call it “more than just a club,” where “laid-back beach town” vibes marry full-throttle dance beats (www.vybeful.com ) (www.vybeful.com ).
Events and Programming
Chula Puerto Escondido is busiest at night with DJ-driven dance parties and themed club nights. There’s a mix of weekly programs and special festivals. Regular weeknights often feature techno and Latin DJ sets; local guides even list Chula as the top club on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (nightlifepartyguide.com ) (nightlifepartyguide.com ). Vybeful’s Puerto Escondido nightlife guide notes Chula “has historically been where the party is at” on Tuesdays, and again on Thursdays when the big act of the night is often at Chula (nightlifepartyguide.com ) (nightlifepartyguide.com ). On Sundays the crowd also swings back there for late-night dancing (nightlifepartyguide.com ). Beyond the regular rotation, Chula hosts special events and beach festivals. For example, the April 6, 2023 “CHULAFEST” was a 12-hour techno/Latin marathon on the sand (even welcoming sunrise) with two big stages and over a dozen live DJ sets (www.ticketfairy.com ). Similarly, a wintertime “ChulaSanta” Beach Festival featured dual techno/reggaeton stages, tattoo pop-ups and art vendors on site (es-mx.ra.co ). The club is also known for theme nights – from full-moon beach parties to salsa or bachata nights – so there’s almost always something happening (www.vybeful.com ).
Tickets and Booking
For regular club nights, there’s typically no advance ticket – you simply pay the cover charge at the door. Many local partygoers arrive early (usually by 11–12 a.m.) when entry is free or just 50–100 pesos; after midnight the cover often goes up to around 100–150 MXN per person (wanderlog.com ) (nightlifepartyguide.com ). Special festival events at Chula (like multi-hour beach rave parties) may require advance tickets or pre-sale reservations. Those big events often sell out early, with full-day wristbands costing on the order of 1,000–2,000 MXN per person (es-mx.ra.co ). In general tickets for big shows can be bought through the event promoter’s outlets or online presale (often announced via social media), but for a normal night you can just show up and pay at the entrance. To ensure entry for a high-demand party, it’s smart to follow Chula’s announcements and book early when presales appear. Otherwise, most visitors simply arrive at the club, pay cash at the door, and get on the guest list or grab a wristband.
Seating and Layout
Chula’s venue is essentially one big open space on the sand. A large raised stage sits directly on the beach facing a wide dance floor of packed sand. Surrounding the stage and dance area are several bar counters and “chill” lounge zones with tables or benches (www.ticketfairy.com ). During club nights most people stand and dance on the sand in front of the stage – some go barefoot – while a smaller number relax at the bar tables or couches at the back. There isn’t formal fixed seating; it’s more of a club layout with scattered tables. For a front-row experience, the best spot is up on the sand close to the stage. (Wanderlog recommends dancing on the sand-floor deck to really feel the music (wanderlog.com ).) VIP tables and bottle-service areas are usually set off to the side near the stage or bar, and a no-cover “chill-out” area might have a few couches or beanbags. The sound system and lighting rig are professional-grade, so the acoustics are powerful even outdoors (www.vybeful.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Note that the floor is uneven sand, which adds to the beach atmosphere but means heels or dress shoes are a poor choice.
Getting There and Parking
Chula is located at Calle del Morro 3 in Zicatela, just off the main beach road (Avenida del Morro) that runs along Playa Zicatela (puertoescondidobooking.com ) (katpack.com ). If you’re driving or riding in a taxi, you turn inland off Highway 200 onto Avenida del Morro, then down to Calle del Morro by the sand. There is no official lot for Chula – street parking is very limited. You can sometimes find metered spots on Avenida del Morro or nearby side streets, but they fill up quickly on busy nights. As a result, many visitors prefer taxis or ride-share drop-off. Uber and other ride-hailing services do operate in Puerto Escondido, and drivers will drop you at the corner of Avenida/Morro redirect (puertoescondidobooking.com ). From downtown Puerto Escondido (Adoquín area) or the Zicatela bus hub, local combis (shared minibuses) and colectivos run toward Playa Zicatela, but they drop passengers on Avenida del Morro rather than directly on the beach. In practice most people either walk a few blocks from a hotel or parking spot, or hail a taxi/uber directly to Chula. If you bring a car, plan to park well in advance and expect to walk, or consider leaving the car at your accommodation and using a taxi to get to/from the club.
Inside the Venue
Stepping into Chula feels like a beach party. Expect a casual, open-air club atmosphere. The entry area usually has security and will check your ID (the legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico (nightlifepartyguide.com )). After that, you enter a sandy dance floor with the DJ booth and large bar straight ahead. You’ll see multiple bars serving beers, mixed drinks and cocktails, plus some outdoor seating. The menu runs full restaurant-style – during daytime hours Chula serves breakfast, seafood tacos and other Mexican/Spanish-inspired dishes, and at night the kitchen usually stays open for snacks and casual fare (wanderlog.com ) (puertoescondidobooking.com ). Beers are very affordable (~35–50 MXN a bottle) and cocktails run about 100–150 MXN each (nightlifepartyguide.com ). The club does serve food late into the evening, but it’s not a fine-dining HOA – more like taqueria/fare with Mediterranean influence. There are multiple restrooms on site (one for events is listed as “multiple restrooms” in the layout (www.ticketfairy.com )). You’ll find outdoor showers or rinse stations (common in beach clubs) but no luxury amenities like coat check or lockers. The vibe is friendly and communal: staff tend to be warm and people often dance with strangers, even turning tourists into friends by night’s end (www.vybeful.com ). Keep in mind it’s essentially a beach setting, so phones and valuables should stay safely on you – and yes, you will likely feel sand underfoot everywhere. Cell reception is usually okay, but Wi-Fi can be spotty by the beach. The security policy is typical: no outside alcohol or large bags, no illegal substances, and no weapons (common Mexican club rules). Since the club vibe is casual, feel free to check selfies on your phone or a small camera (no formal photography ban has been noted).
Nearby Amenities
Chula sits between the Zicatela surfing beach and the La Punta neighborhood, so you’re in the heart of Puerto Escondido’s dining and lodging district. Around the corner on Avenida del Morro and nearby Adoquín you’ll find dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars. For pre-show dinners, local favorites include XCAANDA (creative Mexican fusion), Caña Brava (rooftop cocktails with ocean views), and casual spots like Punta Origen for mezcal or beachside taco stands in La Punta. Wanderlog specifically calls Chula a “seafood taqueria” or suggests hanging at La Punta after the beach before coming here (wanderlog.com ). If you want a late-night snack post-party, there are always taco trucks and 24-hour spots within a few blocks heading east on Adoquín (the pedestrian street). Hotels of all ranges are within walking distance: from budget hostels in La Punta to mid-range beach hotels on Zicatela like Hotel Santa Fe or Casa Redonda. Bus stops, colectivos and taxis are abundant nearby, and you can easily walk a block to catch transport along Highway 200. It’s wise to arrive early in the evening if you want to grab a table at a nearby restaurant or catch a performance at La Punta’s bars right before coming into Chula. After the party, Uber/taxis will queue up on Avenida del Morro to take you back to your hotel along the coast.
What Makes This Venue Special
Chula’s blend of beachside sight and sound sets it apart. As a travel guide puts it, Chula offers “breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean” while you dance – it’s literally beachfront, with waves and palm trees as your backdrop (www.vybeful.com ). The décor is thoughtfully local: the mix of rustic Mexican woodwork with modern club lighting gives the club a distinct Oaxacan character (www.vybeful.com ). Culturally, Chula has become part of Puerto Escondido’s story by championing emerging Mexican electronic music (especially the local “Tecmex” sound) and by hosting major beach festivals. Its events often showcase local artists and even tattoo/fashion pop-ups (one festival teamed with local collectives like Controlla and Cula for beach-market experiences) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Community vibe is another highlight – regulars say that friendly chatter and staff smiles make strangers feel welcome as soon as they arrive (www.vybeful.com ). And of course the storybook setting contributes: winding down after a party to feel the night ocean breeze is a signature Chula experience. In short, Chula is “more than just a nightspot” – it’s an immersive evening where Mexican flavors, coastal scenery and pumping beats converge (www.vybeful.com ) (www.vybeful.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Chula is largely open-air on beach sand. This means wheelchair access is limited – the dance floor is soft sand and paths are informal. If mobility is a concern, be aware of stairs or uneven ground at entrances. Restrooms and seating are on ground level, but moving around the club requires walking on sand. Dress Code: Very casual. Beachwear, shorts and sandals are fine. Many dancers go barefoot on the sand floor. High heels or fancy attire are unnecessary (and not recommended on sand). ID and Age: The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. Chula enforces this for entry. Always bring an ID (passport or driver’s license); although it’s not always checked at every door, it is required by law (nightlifepartyguide.com ). What to Bring: Since it’s an outdoor beach venue, bring a light jacket (oceanside breezes can get cool) or a scarf. Don’t forget sunscreen if you arrive at sunset; even at night there’s often lingering tropical humidity. A small amount of cash in pesos is handy: most cover charges and vendors require cash. Credit cards may be accepted at the restaurant, but bars often prefer cash or electronic payment. (One source notes many local restaurants do accept cards (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ).) Timing: Parties here get started late – the club usually isn’t in full swing until after midnight (nightlifepartyguide.com ). Arriving too early might mean a quiet dance floor, but arriving by 11pm often gets you free entry. If a big event is scheduled, doors may open earlier (around 8–9pm) with DJs warming up by 10pm. Safety & Conduct: Puerto Escondido is generally safe, but as with any late-night spot watch your belongings. Pickpocketing is rare on the beach, but keep valuables zipped up. Note that drinking in public is frowned upon, and swimming at Zicatela after dark is dangerous. Chula’s security is friendly but present; no outside alcohol or illicit substances are allowed. A local tip: The police strictly enforce beach curfews, so stay within Chula’s area at night. Insider Tip: Before a big party at Chula, locals often hang out in La Punta’s bars (like Mombasa or Punta Origen) for happy hour. Also, on festival nights remember to hydrate – dancing on sand under tropical skies can be more strenuous than in a typical club.
What kind of events are held at Chula Puerto Escondido and what music do they play?
Chula’s calendar is a mix of weekly club nights and periodic beach festivals. Regularly you’ll find DJs spinning techno, house, Latin beats, reggaeton and world music. Local guides often cite Chula as the place to be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (nightlifepartyguide.com ) (nightlifepartyguide.com ). Special events (like "Chulafest" or holiday beach parties) feature extended DJ sets on multiple stages. In short, expect a range from electronic dance to Latin party music.
How do I get tickets or pay cover for events at Chula?
For most regular club nights, there’s no advance ticket – you pay the cover at the door. Before midnight entry is often free or very cheap (around 50–100 MXN), and after that the cover usually rises to around 100–150 MXN (wanderlog.com ) (nightlifepartyguide.com ). For special festivals or big events, promoters may sell presale tickets (often online or at affiliated venues). If an event is marked as "sell-out", plan to buy early through that event’s official channels. Otherwise, arriving at Chula with cash for cover is enough for a standard night.
What is the cost of entry or tickets at Chula?
Chula is generally very affordable. On a typical weeknight, there may be no cover charge, or it can be as low as 50–100 MXN until around midnight (wanderlog.com ). After midnight the cover often increases to about 100–150 MXN. Drinks are also cheap by club standards (beer ~40 MXN, cocktails ~100–150 MXN (nightlifepartyguide.com )). For large events or festivals, tickets can cost significantly more (often a few thousand pesos for all-day access). Always check the event announcement: casual club nights run a modest cover, whereas major festivals will clearly advertise higher ticket prices.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for special events?
For standard nights, no advance ticket is needed – just pay cover at the door. However, for big Chula-organized festivals or guest DJ events, advance tickets often do sell out. In those cases tickets may be available online or through local promoters beforehand. If you hear about a named event (e.g. Chulafest, ChulaSanta, New Year’s Eve Beach Party), it’s wise to buy early. Otherwise you can usually walk up and enter at Chula on event nights, space permitting.
What seating and layout does Chula have?
Chula is one large open-area venue on the beach. A central stage faces an open dance floor of packed sand. There are a few lounge or table areas off to the side and back for seating, but most patrons stand or dance. In other words, there’s no formal fixed seating like theater chairs. The layout consists of the sand dance floor, multiple bar counters, and casual “chill” zones. The venue may set aside VIP tables (often with bottle service) near the stage area. Visitors say the best view is right on the sand in front of the DJ, and that you can just stake out a spot early on the beach.
Is there a VIP area or bottle service at Chula?
Yes. Chula does have a VIP section and offers bottle service for special events. This is usually a roped-off area near the stage or bars, with dedicated servers and premium seating. At larger beach festivals (like Chulafest) they explicitly mention “VIP and bottle service” as an option (www.ticketfairy.com ). For a regular visit, you can often upgrade to a VIP table if available (usually by calling ahead or asking the host) and enjoy table service of drinks.
How do I get to Chula Puerto Escondido and where is it located?
Chula’s address is Calle del Morro 3, Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca (puertoescondidobooking.com ). It’s on Playa Zicatela, just off Avenida del Morro (the main road running along the beach). To get there, take Highway 200 (the coast highway) into the northern part of Puerto Escondido, then turn onto the pedestrian Adoquín and continue to Avenida del Morro, finally turning onto Calle del Morro. Any local driver will know “Chula club in Zicatela.” It’s also a short walk north from the La Punta neighborhood. The intersections around the beach (look for signs or ask people about Avenida del Morro) will guide you.
Are there parking options or public transit to Chula?
Street parking near Chula is very limited, and there’s no dedicated lot. You might find a spot on Avenida del Morro or nearby side streets, but spots go quickly on busy nights. If you have a car, we recommend parking in the La Punta/Zicatela area early and walking, or using a taxi/ride-share. Puerto Escondido’s public buses and colectivos do service Playa Zicatela – you can ride a bus to the Zicatela stop and walk a block. However, most visitors find it easiest to take a taxi or Uber/Indriver straight to Chula, especially at night when walking can be harder.
Is ride-sharing (Uber/other apps) available in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Puerto Escondido, including rides to/from the Zicatela beach area. You can easily call an Uber, DiDi or taxi app to reach Chula. Note that surge pricing may apply on weekend nights. Taxis (sitio taxis) also roam the area. It’s common to use a ride app from your hotel or the ADO bus station to Chula for convenience, especially after club hours.
Is Chula Puerto Escondido accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Chula is largely on open sand, so accessibility is limited. The ground covering the main area is compacted beach sand (often wet) which can be hard for wheelchairs or strollers to traverse. There are likely no ramps or smooth pathways once you get past the entrance. If you require a wheelchair or have accessibility concerns, be prepared for uneven footing. The bars and restrooms are at ground level but remember that the dance area itself is soft sand.
What is the minimum age for entry to Chula?
You must be at least 18 years old to enter Chula, as with all alcohol-serving venues in Mexico. Staff will ask for ID at the door, especially after midnight. It’s rare they refuse entry, but always bring a valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license) just in case (nightlifepartyguide.com ). If you’re not drinking and just want to dine in the restaurant area before it turns to a club, rules may be more relaxed, but for nightlife hours it’s strictly 18+.
Is there a dress code at Chula Puerto Escondido?
Dress very casually – this is a beach club, not a formal nightclub. Shorts, T-shirts, dresses, sandals or even bare feet are completely fine. Some people dance in swimsuits. There’s no collar or style requirement, but avoid high heels (they sink into the sand) and heavy outdoor coats or flashy nightclub gear. In other words, it’s beachwear-meets-clubbing: think comfort and fun rather than formality.
Does Chula serve food and drinks?
Yes – Chula is both a bar and a restaurant. During the day it serves breakfast and lunch (fresh seafood, tacos, Mediterranean-Spanish tapas, etc.) and at night it usually keeps the kitchen open for snacks. Weedays or club nights you can order beach food like ceviche or quesadillas. The bar is fully stocked with Mexican beers, margaritas, sangria and tropical cocktails. Expect island-style pricing: beers around 40–50 MXN, cocktails ~100–150 MXN (nightlifepartyguide.com ). You can walk in to dine even if a concert is going on.
Can I smoke at Chula Puerto Escondido?
Yes, smoking (and vaping) is generally allowed in the open-air dancing areas and bar at Chula, as it is not an enclosed indoor space. If you need to smoke, you can step to the side of the dance floor or near an exit without leaving the club. Just be aware of other guests around you. There’s no specially designated smoking room – you simply do so wherever you stand on the sand.
Are cameras or recording allowed inside Chula?
Casual photography and smartphone videos are fine – this is a party atmosphere, and staff won’t stop you from taking quick pics or clips. However, be discreet with tripods or professional gear, as some clubs prefer to control commercial photography. In practice at Chula you can shoot your own memories but probably not set up a big camera or film crew. Always respect any staff instructions if they ask you to put equipment away.
What payment methods does Chula accept?
Mexican pesos are the standard currency at Chula. It’s wise to have mostly cash on hand for cover charge and drinks. The bar and restaurant do accept credit cards (many travelers report that Chula takes cards for meals) especially in the restaurant area (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ). But some smaller bars in Mexico may prefer cash, and ATM machines are a street or two away. So plan ahead: bring pesos (ATM of your choice visible nearby) and cards just in case.
Is there a coat check or lockers at Chula?
No formal coat check or locker service is available. Visitors usually keep their belongings with them. You can hang a light jacket on your chair or use a carabiner on a bag, but don’t expect secure storage. The venue is relatively safe, but if you have valuables it’s best to bring only what you need (phone, wallet) and keep them on your person while dancing.
How busy does Chula get, and should I arrive early?
Chula can get very busy on peak nights (Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday or special events). Lines at the door and crowded dance floors are common after 1–2 a.m. (nightlifepartyguide.com ). If you want guaranteed entry without waiting, aim to arrive before midnight when the club is just waking up (often free entry then) (wanderlog.com ). Evening hours (9–11pm) tend to be more relaxed – you might even sit for dinner. But after midnight the party really picks up and it can be standing-room only. If a specific artist or one of Chula’s festivals is happening, guests often start lining up even earlier.
Are there nearby places to eat or stay?
Absolutely. Chula is surrounded by many restaurants and hotels. On La Punta waterside just across Avenida del Morro, you’ll find sit-down spots (like Xcaanda or Punta Origen) for cocktails and dinner before a night out. To the south along the beach and Avenida Rosendo Marquez are dozens of casual eateries and taco stands. For lodging, mid-range hotels, hostels and villas line this stretch of Zicatela – for example Hotel Santa Fe, Casa Redonda and many boutique surf lodges are blocks away. Walking to Chula from those nearby hotels usually takes 5–10 minutes.
What currency should I use and do they take credit cards?
Use Mexican pesos. Chula’s bar and cover charge are priced in pesos, and while the restaurant side does accept credit cards, it’s best to have cash for drinks and entry. As noted by local listings, many venues in this area (Chula included) do accept cards for meals (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ), but Mexican ATM withdrawals or local currency is more reliable for a night out. If you do use a card, choose MasterCard or Visa to avoid foreign transaction fees.
