travel to huatulco mexico

14 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Huatulco, Mexico (full travel guide)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: October 29, 2022  - Last updated: October 30, 2022

Share with your friends!

Relatively few tourists, quiet golden beaches, the best sunsets, jungle landscapes and dry air, the friendliest locals…these are just a few of the many reasons Huatulco, Oaxaca is one of my new favorite places in Mexico.

If you’re considering a visit to Mexico, Huatulco is absolutely worth checking out.

With secluded resorts, secret beaches, plenty of waterfalls, coffee plantations and one of the best places in to the world to watch baby turtles hatch, you definitely won’t run out of things to do here!

In this post, you will find an overview and travel guide to visiting Huatulco Mexico and the top 14 things to do while you’re there.

( This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust! )

Related Post: The 3 Best Huatulco All Inclusive Resorts – Reviewed and Compared to Help You Choose Where to Stay

Tips for Visiting Huatulco Mexico

On the Pacific coast, with the looming Sierra Madre mountain range as its backdrop, Huatulco is a region made up of nine bays and over 30 beaches.

Huatulco is pronounced like: “wah-tool-co.”

Where is Huatulco Mexico?

Huatulco is in the State of Oaxaca, in the very south of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean.

It’s located in one of the southern states called Oaxaca ( “wah-haak-kah”).

You’ll notice there isn’t really a town called Huatulco if you google it. It’s simply the name for the small area in the state.

It’s one of Mexico’s most recent regions that was designated to be developed for tourism.

A lot of people describe Huatulco as how Cancun was in the early 90s.

A lot of cruise ships visit the area at the Santa Cruz port, which is close to the town of La Crucecita. This is the most populated town in the area and worth a visit, more on that below.

Huatulco Airport: What You Need to Know

The modest palapa-style airport will get you through in no time.

Then, it’s only about 30 minutes to the beach-lined strip of all-inclusive mid-range and luxury resorts.

Tip: be sure to get a pic with the beautiful butterfly mural! It’s in the departures area!

Looking for more hidden gems in Mexico? Read This – Visit Mérida, a Hidden Gem City in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

What’s the Weather like in Huatulco, Mexico?

Huatulco gets very hot since this area is much closer to the equator than other more popular areas like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

When I visited during the month of March, I was surprised how dry and arid it was!

So if you’re searching for somewhere to visit in Mexico with low humidity, Huatulco is a dry-air lovers’ paradise!

May is the hottest month and January is the coldest month in Huatulco.

Weather in High Season (Winter)

November through March is the best time to visit Huatulco. These months have the most hot sunny days and minimal rain.

Inside tip: the sun’s rays are very powerful here. If you have skin that’s used to the northern hemisphere, be cautious. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen, at least for the first few days.

Weather in Low Season (Summer)

Huatulco rainy season typically runs from May to October, although the rain tends to not last very long and most days will still be sunny.

Sun Protection is Extra Important in Huatulco

When traveling to places like Mexico, it’s important to make sure your sunscreen is biodegradable and safe for the ocean and reefs.

We want to make sure we don’t damage the beautiful natural environments we get to swim in!

Try a mineral-based sunscreen that’s also reef safe, free from most nasty chemicals and is carry-on sized!

I would recommend bringing a rash guard for the pool.

My sunburn in Huatulco was so much worse than my previous trips to Mexico (you are so close to the equator here).

Most people get a pretty bad sunburn from the pool on the first day , and then spend the rest of the time in the shade.

Bring a long-sleeved rash guard with you, as the ones at the resort gift shop usually run for close to $100 (Amazon is way cheaper lol)!

Is Huatulco Safe for Tourists?

Huatulco is completely safe for tourists. As a relatively secluded and less-visited part of Mexico, there is minimal (if any at all) dangerous activity that occurs here.

Since there’s no big city, it’s a small, rural feel where the locals you do meet are very laid back and friendly.

Read Next: 26 Practical Travel Tips for Mexico You Are Guaranteed to Use

13 Best Things To Do in Huatulco

Wondering what to do in Huatulco besides hanging out at an all-inclusive resort?

Whether you elect to stay on a resort or in your own villa, there are endless activities, several places to visit and fun adventures to be had down the coastline.

Some of my favorite Huatulco activities were the waterfalls, mudbaths and natural jacuzzi water!

Here’s my list of list of the best things to do in Huatulco Mexico:

1. Try the Mezcal

First thing’s first, get your drink on! Mezcal is the local drink down here. While very similar to its cousin, Tequila, it’s a little different.

Have some fun trying the different flavors wherever you end up, it’s always on the menu!

I recommend taking this tour early on in your trip.

On the tour, you’ll go for a mezcal tasting and be brought to several scenic overlooks in the area and browse through the shops of La Crucecita.

View tour info & prices here .

Don’t forget to pack a few of these bottle protectors for your trip!

If you’re planning to bring home any bottles of mezcal (or anything else), these sleeves protect your bottles in your luggage.

They’re also leak-proof on the rare chance that they do break.

I’ve used these for several trips now, and my bottles always come home safe!

2. Find the Secret Natural Jacuzzi Bath

One of the most fun things in Huatulco that I discovered was this hidden lagoon that was basically a natural hot tub!

Complete with ‘jets’ and everything!

It’s easiest to get here if you’re staying at the Huatulco Secrets Hotel , since it’s located at the end of the beach.

But, you can still access it through the public trail to get to this beach.

If you’re standing on the beach looking at the ocean, look all the way to the right and find the big rock formations.

You will have to climb over a few to get into the little pool area.

The waves from the ocean constantly splash over into this small cove, but the large rocks keep everything protected and calm so that you can lounge.

Since it’s pretty shallow, the water stays a perfect warm bath temperature.

3. Take a Street Food Cooking Class

Learn how to make some of the most flavorful cuisine in Mexico.

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Huatulco, this cooking class will fit the bill.

Not only will you be fully immersed in learning how to make local dishes, the instructors teach you about the history and significance of the ingredients and dishes.

We’re talking homemade (real) salsa, tortillas and tacos and hibiscus margaritas!

After participating in this hands on experience you leave with your own recipe book!

4. Visit the Hagia Sofia Ecological Park

This is a botanical garden and ecological paradise. Up in the mountains, you’ll be greeted by incredible species of flora and views of the bays.

Tranquility surrounds you as trails lead you through the many different gardens.

You’ll pass streams and bridges that eventually lead you to a waterfall among vast boulders. A must visit in the area.

Find more information here .

You might also like: The Best Waterfalls and Hot Springs in the Mexican Pacific

5. Get Up Close to Crocodiles and Turtles

This is definitely a hidden gem activity in Huatulco.

Hope on an eco tour and see the preservation efforts of the area and view these exotic animals in their natural habitat.

On this tour you will cruise through the mangroves and search for crocs.

Then you will head to a turtle sanctuary.

On the way back you will pass through a couple rural communities to observe their way of life and have a chance to visit local shops and support the local economy.

6. Hike to Cascadas Mágicas (Magic Falls)

If hiking in Huatulco is on your list of things to do, this is definitely a place you want to check out.

Here, you will trek through the jungle in a 4×4 vehicle until you come to a river.

Through the jungle and up the mountainside a hidden river will take you to Cascadas Magicas.

After passing mini waterfalls, you will come to the main one and can splash around in the clear lagoon!

This tour company will bring you there and will also take you to a nearby coffee plantation where you can taste the freshest coffee you’ve ever had!

7. Get a Mud Bath at La Bocana Beach (This Was My Favorite Activity in Huatulco)

Of all the Huatulco beaches, Playa La Bocana is my favorite, and a real hidden gem that you won’t read about anywhere else.

If you’re staying at Secrets Resort, it’s about a 20 minute walk from the complex.

Or you can grab a taxi for less than $10usd. If you arrive by taxi, you’ll turn off the highway onto a cobblestone road.

You’ll pass by local shops and restaurants, one even boats homemade banana bread, a must try.

The beach here is gorgeous, usually quiet and the water is shallow and safe enough to play in the small waves.

Pack your sand-free beach towel (if you’re like me and hate getting sand all over your stuff) and Bluetooth speaker and hang out!

On arrival, you will be dropped off at the entrance to the beach; it looks like a small scale malecon or promenade.

Chances are, you’ll be met by the mud bath ladies!  They are descendants of the Zapotec people who created this ancient healing technique.

The Mud Bath Experience

This is seriously the most underrated attraction in Huatulco!

In their clay pots they carry a special mud.

It’s a mixture of sand from the beach, saltwater and fresh water.

For about 100 pesos per person, they cover you from head to toe in this mud.

In the process of covering you with mud, they use a massage-like technique; so you get a mini massage and an exfoliating treatment all at once!

Once you’re completely covered, you dry out in the sun.

As it dries, it acts like a natural sunscreen.

Under the hot and direct equatorial sun, you’re completely cool and comfortable.

After about 10 minutes the clay is now dry and the mud ladies then rub it off.

It’s another round of massage and exfoliation, completely different sensations from the first application.

After it’s all removed they direct you to take a dip in the ocean. Time to wash off all remaining dried mud.

What you’re left with is the softest smoothest skin you’ve has since you were a baby.

No word of a lie, my skin stayed this smooth for 4 days!

Related post: Heal Your Soul With These Natural Mud Baths Around the World.

8. See Gardens and Ruins at Copalita Ecological Park

If you’re still up for more adventure, about ten minutes passed La Bocana is the Copalita ecological park and ruins.

This site is about 35 hectares in size; it includes a network of trails throughout the lush jungle and some amazing views of jarring cliffs overlooking the copalita river.

These ruins are interesting because they are one of two ruins in Mexico located located on the coast.

The other Mexico beach ruins are in Tulum.

This tour will provide you with a knowledgeable local guide of this archaeological site.

A must do activity in Huatulco for those interested in the fascinating history of the ancient cities of Mexico.

9. Release Baby Turtles in Mazunte

Now we head a little north of Huatulco.

If you can manage a full day trip away from the resort area, or if you’d like to spend several days up along the cost, I highly recommend a visit to the town of Mazunte.

Well known for being a laid-back hippie town, this is the perfect destination for those interested in slow travel.

It’s also a creative mind’s paradise!

Time is slow here, it’s not high tech or fancy, but there’s a small beach town charm that draws any visitor in.

Tip: Eat at La Empanada and stop for a smoothie at El Tiburon.

Next, be sure to pay a visit to the National Turtle Centre in Mazunte (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga).

Here you can learn about the conservation work the government has been doing to protect the dwindling turtle population in the area.

You will learn how they protect these important creatures from when the adults bury their eggs in the beach to when the eggs hatch.

The baby turtles make the dangerous run from their nest to the water and survival rates are usually quite low in unprotected areas.

And if you’re visiting during hatch season you can help them get safely to the ocean .

Want more hiking while you’re in the Huatulco area?

You can also head over to Punta Cometa and climb up for some of the best views of the bay.

It’s about a 10-15 minute hike up, with a few trail head options.

The easiest is from the southwest end of Playa (beach) Rinconcito.

You can also get there from the other beach, Playa Mermejita.

TRAVEL TIP: plan a visit to watch the sunset, so bring a flashlight for your return back to town.

Also, there’s another small beach area with a natural jacuzzi, don’t miss this hidden gem when you’re there.  

10. Chill Out at Zipolite Beach

Just west of Puerto Angel is Ziploite Beach, about 45 minutes from the Huatulco airport.

The draw here is that it’s one of the few remaining beaches in Mexico that allow nudism.

It’s also quite liberal about other recreational activities (for those who enjoy the Cannabis variety).

The word is starting to get out about this small Mexican town.

For now, however, the charm and allure of the beach bum barefoot backpack yogi traveler still projects.

Check out this post by Along Dusty Roads about this perfect beach bum town.

RELATED READING:

Three Mile Beach: is This the Best Nude Beach in Canada?

A Complete Guide to Marijuana Tourism in Canada

11. Visit Puerto Escondido for Adventure

In your travel research you might also come across the question as to whether or not you should visit Huatulco or Puerto Escondido.

While I love Huatulco for it’s quiet and unassuming vibe, for the adventurous traveler type, you might get a little bored here.

When compared to Huatulco, Puerto Escondido is much busier and has more of a party atmosphere.

Puerto Escondido is better known for it’s lively nightlife and busy beaches for the best surf.

12. Canyon River Slide and Hike Experience

On this tour, you’ll hike along the river bank, float down the river (including going down natural waterslides) and then find the natural whirlpools for free hydrotherapy!

You’ll also learn how to rappel down into the canyon to reach a calm swimming area. Lunch is included!

View tour & prices here.

13. Nine Bay Boat Tour

One of the most impressive natural features of this area is the 9 bays, all with different beaches.

On this full day boat tour, you’ll glide through the different bays, catch glimpses of incredible rock formations and stop at hidden beaches and go snorkeling.

You’ll stop at a small beach town for lunch, and bring a bag or backpack because you can bring your own drinks on board!

View tour info and prices here .

14. Huatulco Beaches

Huatulco is most famous for its 9 different bays, all of which have pristine beaches – dozens of them!

Because these beaches are all found tucked away in bays, the water is shallow and calm – perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Here are some of the best beaches in Huatulco.

Playa La Entrega

Playa La Entrega is one of the most popular beaches in Huatulco because its large, is good for young swimmers, has plenty of restaurants and is very accessible to get to. The water is clear and full of beautiful, bright colored fish.

Bahía (Playa) Maguey

This beach has clear turquoise water and soft golden sand. It’s large and wide and lined with several palapa-roof restaurants.

Orgáno Bay

Head to Orgáno Bay if you want a secluded beach with perfect water and not many other tourists or locals.

There are no facilities here, so bring your own drinks and snacks. Despite this, the views and tranquility are worth it!

You can even walk here from Centro de Bahías de Huatulco in about 15 to 20 minutes, but it’s not really accessible by car.

Playa Chahué

Playa Chahué is known for its beach clubs in which you can buy day passes for.

The beach is beautiful but the undertow is very strong and not ideal for swimming.

Come here if you want great views and your toes in the sand while you sip tropical drinks.

Playa Tangolunda

Playa Tangolunda is where the Barcelo and Dreams Resorts are located, but the public can access the beach.

If you’re not a guest at these resorts you can also buy a day pass to access the beach and amenities.

As far as swimming goes, the beach drops off fast and the water gets deep, so only strong swimmers are advised to go in the water.

If you want to visit a few of these beaches, I recommend this bay tour .

Your guide will bring you to several of the best beaches throughout the bays of Huatulco, where you’ll be the first to show up before the crowds.

Where to Stay in Huatulco

Huatulco has a variety of different types of accommodations to choose from, including all inclusive resorts, hotels and vacation rentals.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Huatulco

Most people choose to stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts located on the beach.

The nice thing about Huatulco is that the many bays allow the resorts to be spread out.

They are all far enough apart that you feel like you’re the only resort in the area, nothing like Cancun.

Most of them are situated on their own little piece of one of the nine bays.

So, any resort you choose in Huatulco will have plenty of calm water for swimming and playing around in the ocean.

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa

I loved my stay at Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa , an adult-only resort more on the luxurious side, but it was worth the extra few hundred dollars.

What I loved about this resort was that every room has a view of the ocean.

Also, the sky lounge was the most amazing place to have a sunset cocktail overlooking the bay at dusk.

Tip: Spice , the Asian-fusion teppanyaki-style restaurant, is the most popular dinner spot here. Be sure to make reservations on your first or second day to get a chance to dine here.

View rooms and prices here.

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa

Dreams Huatulco is another fantastic all-inclusive option which offers great value. It’s perfect for families with young kids, but also has an adult-only section.

There are three massive pools that face the ocean and almost feel like infinity pools.

And the pristine beach is very swimmable, with nice sand and calm water since it’s in an alcove bay.

For more information, read my in-depth guide which compares the top 3 all-inclusive resorts in Huatulco .

Read Next: 17 Things You Should Always Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation

Vacation Rentals

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to get off the beaten path, you have plenty of options.

There are many villas tucked away in the hills of the Huatulco region.

Anywhere between La Crucecita and La Bocana would be a great choice to plan your base camp.

Like this condo with 360 degree views from the balcony.

Or some stunning cliff-side views from your infinity pool at places like this :

Need a rental car?

Discover Cars compares prices across all major car rental companies (including the ones at the Huatulco HUX airport).

Since Huatulco is a small airport, it’s best to reserve your car in advance.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Huatulco and What You Can Do There

I am most definitely a sun-seeker and love getting away to hot climates. I’m not a huge fan of humidity though, so the weather is one of the main reasons I loved this part of Mexico so much.

It’s a dry heat which makes it perfect for those who struggle with humidity. Also, I love cacti and this place is full of them. You get tropical and desert all in one!

For a tourism and resort area, Huatulco seems just that much more authentic compared to other destinations on the Pacific coast.

Since there’s a large population in the state of Oaxaca, many locals travel to this area for their own family vacations.

So that means there are tons of authentic things to do that you won’t find in other parts of Mexico.

And not only is this place perfect for families, I’d say it’s a perfect honeymoon destination as well. Each resort is a little more secluded from the others and the sunset are stunningly romantic.

Plus, there’s a great selection of adult-only resorts that would make for a perfect couples’ getaway.

Since this is such a special part of Mexico to visit with unique geography, it provides lots of opportunity for those who like to try out and discover new activities.

But, if I had to pick my top 3 best things to do in Huatulco, I would recommend:

getting a mud bath at La Bocana Beach, taking a cooking class and visiting the Magic Waterfalls and coffee plantation tour.

Don’t Forget Your Beach Vacation Essentials!

If you’re planning to do any snorkeling, it’s best to bring your own gear. That way you can head out on your own whenever you want, and you also avoid the used masks they provide you on tours.

This set from Amazon is a full face mask with an attached snorkel (and a GoPro attachment), so it’s way more comfortable than those traditional suction goggles! A pair of fins are always useful, too.

And this lightweight low profile beach chair folds up in to a perfect carrying bag. Plant yourself in the sand and enjoy!

And an insulated beach tote to pack a few beers, coolers and bottled water to stay hydrated!

Thanks for reading! If you’ve been to Huatulco I’d love to hear about your personal favorite places, as I know I will be heading back sometime soon!

Before you go…

If you want to stay up to date, get behind the scenes content, or connect with me directly – you can follow my YouTube channel , Facebook Page , Instagram or Twitch channel !

New photos, videos and live streams!

If you liked this post, share it or save a pin for your future vacation plans!

Monday 6th of February 2023

I love Huatulco Mexico

Sandy Leonard

Saturday 14th of January 2023

Stopped here on a Princess Cruise. Loved the place. Would comeback in a heartbeat!

Huatulco Travel Guide

Don Klumpp / Getty Images 

Las Bahias de Huatulco (the Huatulco Bays), most often referred to simply as Huatulco (pronounced "wah-tool-ko"), is a beach destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. Located on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, 165 miles from the state capital of Oaxaca City , and 470 miles from Mexico City, this area was chosen in the 1980s by FONATUR (Mexico's National Tourism Fund) for development as a tourist resort area.

Huatulco stretches out over 22 miles of coastline between the Coyula and Copalito rivers. It is set within a beautiful natural area with the Sierra Madre mountain chain forming a stunning backdrop to the tourist development.

The lush lowland jungle vegetation is particularly verdant in the rainy season , from June to October. Its biodiversity and pristine landscapes make Huatulco a favorite destination of nature lovers.

Holy Cross of Huatulco

According to legend, in prehispanic times a bearded white man placed a wooden cross on the beach, which the local population then venerated. In the 1500s the pirate Thomas Cavendish arrived in the area and after looting, tried by various means to remove or destroy the cross, but was unable to do so.

The name Huatulco comes from the Nahuatl language "Coahatolco" and means a "place where the wood is revered." You can see a fragment of the cross from the legend in the church in Santa Maria Huatulco, and another in the cathedral in Oaxaca City.

The area of Oaxaca's coast has been inhabited since ancient times by groups of Zapotecs and Mixtecs. When FONATUR set its sights on Huatulco, it was a series of huts along the beach, whose inhabitants practiced fishing on a small scale.

When construction on the tourist complex began in the mid-1980s, the people who lived along the coast were relocated to Santa Maria Huatulco and La Crucecita.

The Huatulco National Park was declared in 1998. Later listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park protects a large area of the bays from development.

In 2003, the Santa Cruz cruise ship port began operations, and currently receives some 80 cruise ships each year.

The Huatulco Bays

Since there are nine different bays in Huatulco, the area offers a variety of beach experiences. Most have blue-green water, and the sand ranges from golden to white. Some of the beaches, notably Santa Cruz, la Entrega, and El Arrocito, have very gentle waves. Most of the development is centered around a few of the bays.

Tangolunda is the largest of Huatulco's bays and is where most of Huatulco's large resorts are located. Santa Cruz has a cruise ship port, marina, shops, and restaurants. Some of the beaches are completely pristine and only accessible by boat, including Cacaluta, the beach that was featured in the 2001 film Y Tu Mamá También directed by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal.

Huatulco and Sustainability

Huatulco's development is proceeding under a plan to protect the surrounding environment. Some of the efforts made to make Huatulco a sustainable destination include reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and management of natural resources. A large part of the area of the Huatulco Bays is set aside as ecological reserves and will remain free from development.

In 2005, Huatulco was awarded the Green Globe International Certification as a sustainable tourist area, and in 2010 Huatulco received EarthCheck Gold Certification; it is the first destination in the Americas to achieve this distinction.

La Crucecita

La Crucecita is a small town located just a few minutes drive inland from Santa Cruz Bay. La Crucecita was built as a support community to the tourist area, and many of the tourism workers have their homes here. Although it is a new town, it has the feel of an authentic small Mexican town.

Shops and restaurants are abundant in La Crucecita, and it's an excellent place to do some shopping, have a meal, or an evening stroll. The church in La Crucecita, La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, has a 65-foot tall image of the Virgin of Guadalupe painted on its dome.

A visit to Huatulco will offer an excellent opportunity to sample Oaxacan cuisine , as well as Mexican seafood specialties. There are numerous beachfront palapas where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Some favorite restaurants include El Sabor de Oaxaca, TerraCotta in La Crucecita, and L'Echalote in Bahia Chahue.

Things to Do

• Shop for jewelry and souvenirs in La Crucecita
• Take a boat tour of Huatulco's bays, which includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch
• Play golf at the 18-hole Tangolunda golf course
• Visit Hagia Sofia, a beautiful ecological retreat located about 45 minutes away from the downtown area of Huatulco
• Tour the Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita
• Take a day tour to a coffee plantation, where you can learn about coffee production, visit a waterfall, and have lunch with the owners of the Finca Cafetalera

Where to Stay

Huatulco has a good selection of luxury hotels and resorts, most of which are situated on Tangolunda Bay. In la Crucecita you will find many budget hotels; some favorites include Mision de Arcos and Maria Mixteca.

How to Get There

By air : Huatulco has an international airport (airport code HUX). It is a 50-minute flight from Mexico City . The Mexican airline Interjet offers daily flights between Mexico City and Huatulco. From Oaxaca City, regional airline AeroTucan offers daily flights in small planes.

By land : Driving time from Oaxaca City is 5 hours to 6 hours on route 175 (stock up on Dramamine ahead of time).

By sea : Huatulco has two marinas that offer docking services, in Santa Cruz and Chahue. Huatulco is a port of call for cruises of the Mexican Riviera and receives an average of 80 cruise ships each year.

The 10 Best Beach Destinations in Mexico

20 Top Things to Do in Mexico

Top Mexico Destinations

Your Trip to Puerto Vallarta: The Complete Guide

One Week in Oaxaca City and Huatulco

5 Destinations for Family Vacations in Mexico

Sail Away to the Ports of the Mexican Riviera

What to Know About Visiting Mexico During Spring Break

Where to Go for Spring Break in Mexico

Islas Marietas National Park: The Complete Guide

Mexico's Riviera Maya: Planning Your Trip

Romantic Getaways in 2019: Go Here, Not There

How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico

Your Trip to Cancun: The Complete Guide

Best Dreams Resorts

Top 9 Mexico Travel Myths Debunked

21 Great Things to Do in Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

Wondering what the best things to do in Huatulco Oaxaca are? Here’s what you need to know!

There are so many things to do in Huatulco Mexico, and it is gorgeous. So, if you’re looking for the perfect vacation destination, look no further than Huatulco, Mexico!

I was lucky enough to visit Huatulco with my family. We went for about 10 days – not long enough for all the things to do in Huatulco! – and stayed in the Dreams Resort.

It was a relaxing, family-bonding kind of vacation, full of sand, sea, and seafood! Even though we stayed in the resort, we got out and about around town to explore Huatulco and the surrounding region.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS ARTICLE THINGS TO DO IN HUATULCO

✔ FREE FROM ADS ✔ AVAILABLE TO READ OFFLINE FROM YOUR TABLET, LAPTOP, OR PHONE

Things to do in Huatulco: at a glance

Huatulco is not a town itself, but a small region with a few communities including La Crucecita, Santa Cruz, and Santa María Huatulco. The region is in the state of Oaxaca along the southwest coast of Mexico.

Huatulco is famed for some of the most amazing beaches in Mexico . And it has a lot! The region is made up of nine bays with over 30 beaches. If you are someone who loves sand, surfing, and the sun, Huatulco is the place to go.

Besides relaxing on the beach (or playa Huatulco), there are so many other things to do in Huatulco.

My absolute favorite thing was to visit a coffee plantation up in the mountainous region of Pluma Hidalgo, which surrounds Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico.

I also loved eating tons of yummy food, trying water activities, shopping for traditional textiles, and visiting turtles!

Huatulco Mexico is a safe, visitor-friendly destination. Because it is small and not as popular as other destinations in Mexico , it has a laid-back and relaxed feel.

You’re guaranteed to love it and want to head back again and again! Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Huatulco, one of the awesome places to visit in Mexico.

Where is Huatulco Mexico?

Before talking about what to do in Huatulco, you might be wondering… “Where is Huatulco?”

Well, as I mentioned, it’s not actually a town, but a small region. It’s located along the west coast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca.

It is about 230km away from Oaxaca City, the capital of the region. It’s pretty far south and you could technically drive to Guatemala, the neighboring country, in about 12 hours!

Huatulco weather is excellent, and it’s on the coast and has a humid climate. Good news: sun all year round – it averages 330 days of sun every year!

If you are wondering how to pronounce Huatulco, it’s “ watoulco ” (not watuco – the “l” is pronounced)

Things to Do in Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico

Because I was only in Huatulco for a short time, we weren’t able to get to every place I wanted to go.

I definitely recommend budgeting a few weeks if you can! Here are some of the top things to do while in Huatulco.

1. Explore Downtown (La Crucecita)

This “downtown” area of Huatulco is very charming and quaint. It’s not very big, but there are a lot of great restaurants and shops to check out.

I really enjoyed looking at the beautiful church in the city square (the Zocalo).

I love taking pictures so found the architecture really great to take photos of! Spend some time wandering and exploring this area.

This is also where most of your tours or excursions will leave.

2. Tour a Coffee Plantation in Pluma Hidalgo

This was, by far, my favorite thing to do in Huatulco.

There are a lot of tour companies that offer excursions and you can find out information at your hotel or resort, or in town at the tour companies.

My family and I went on a full day to a family-run coffee plantation in Pluma Hidalgo.

We were the only ones on the tour, so we got a private tour and demonstration of how coffee beans grow and how they are roasted and packaged.

For a coffee-lover like me, the best part was actually trying some! It was also a fun chance to practice my Spanish skills and get to know a local family.

3. Take a Boat Tour of the Bays

We were lucky to have beachfront access at the resort to enjoy the Huatulco beach, but I wish we had time to get out onto a boat tour!

One of the most popular day excursions here is to take a boat tour of the bays.

Again, there are lots of tour companies that offer this; one option is the top-rated Seven Bay Snorkel Cruise tour.

A lot of tours will include activities like snorkeling, so you can really enjoy being out on the water!

Many also provide drinks, snacks , and food. Just bring some sunscreen and a hat and you’re good to go.

4. Eat Seafood

We already know that the food in Mexico is amazing. But food in Oaxaca? Simply the best.

This region is famous for seafood because of its proximity to the ocean, of course.

Any restaurant you visit will have a selection of delicious seafood options.

I highly recommend you order some ceviche, which is fresh fish and vegetables marinated in lime juice.

It’s popular in this area and oh-so-good.

5. Visit the Ruins of Copalita

It is a really popular activity and a great way to learn more about the region’s history!

The Zona Arqueológica Bocana del Rio Copalita is an archeological site with ruins that are presumed to be from a settlement back in 500 BC!

It’s a fairly small site, but set in a beautiful landscape and is fascinating to look around. It’s about 16km from Huatulco and costs USD 5 to get in. Book your tour to Copalita

6. Explore the Underwater World Off the Coasts of Huatulco

Snorkeling was one of my favorite activities to do in Huatulco!

We were lucky to have snorkeling off the beach at the resort, and lots of other hotels and resorts will provide gear as well.

If you are in a private home or your hotel doesn’t offer this kind of activity, there are plenty of tours that you can enjoy. Here below I have included some options.

If you are a certified diver there are many dive centers where you can book your activity.

The ocean water surrounding Huatulco is warm and clear – perfect for seeing some unique and colorful fish and coral!

7. Take a Cooking Class

Since this region has such amazing food, why not learn to make some? Chiles&Chocolate is a popular cooking school in Huatulco.

They offer classes where you will make a menu, such as Oaxacan black mole with rice and chicken, handmade tortillas, and a Mezcal margarita!

The cost is $95 USD/person and will take up to 4 hours. Transportation and a recipe manual are included in the price.

This is a unique souvenir to take home – a brand-new set of recipes and skills to try out back at home!

8. Hang Out With Sea Turtles at the National Mexican Turtle Center

Have you ever seen little tiny turtle babies? They are so, so, SO cute! And at the Turtle Center in Mazunte , you can actually release them into the ocean!

You can see turtles year-round at the center, but to release the babies, you need to be there when they hatch and have nested on the beach for a while, usually in the fall season.

A lot of excursions will include a stop here on the tour itinerary, or you can make your way there by taxi.

It’s a 1-hour drive away from La Crucecita in Mazunte, which also has a beach and small town to spend some time at as well.

9. Visit a Jungle Waterfall

If you love to explore hidden wonders in Huatulco, head to the Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla , a beautiful waterfall set in the dense forest of the Sierra Madre del Sur, the nearby mountain range.

There are a number of excursions that will take you here and you’ll travel by 4X4 into the remote jungle and spend some time hiking through the area.

You’ll be rewarded with some stunning falls and beautiful pools to swim in.

10. Try Some Watersport Activities

Adventure seekers will love all the watersport activities that you can do off the coast of Huatulco.

The ocean is warm and clear, to entice even the most hesitant swimmer to go in for a dip!

I definitely recommend that you try some water activities that you haven’t done before.

I tried stand-up paddle boarding here for the first time – it was really fun! If paddle boarding isn’t your thing, try kayaking , canoeing, snorkeling, or diving !

11. Sample Mezcal

Mezcal is related to Mexico’s other famous drink, tequila. They are both made with agave but have a bit of a different taste (and reputation – looking at you, tequila!).

Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal, with over 70% of Mexico’s mezcal created in the state!

So, when in Huatulco, you’ve got to try some. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, head to Mezaleria Gota Gorda , located about a 1-hour drive from La Crucecita in Playa Zipolite, where they offer artisan mezcal tastings and classes.

12. Zip lining at Hagia Sophia Eco Park

Zip lining is one of my favorite activities, and while I’ve been to other places in Mexico, I didn’t get the chance on this trip to Huatulco. So, do me a favor and go in my place, okay?

The Hagia Sophia Eco Park has a 2km zip line route that will take you over rivers and the gorgeous botanical garden with immense biodiversity.

There are four zip lines in the course at a height of 50-100 meters – talk about exciting!

If you’re not into extreme sports, you can still enjoy the eco-park walk along the exotic flower trail, and enjoy nature.

The cost to go zip lining is about $60 USD and the eco-park is about 35km (45-minute drive) from La Crucecita.

13. Shop for Oaxacan Textiles

If you’re like me, you’ll be seriously debating how much room is in your suitcase to take home some gorgeous souvenirs!

Oaxacan-style textile weaving is colorful with big, bold patterns.

A lot of artisans still create textiles using traditional methods and you will be able to find rugs, tapestries, and clothing that are hand-dyed and woven.

Just remember that while bargaining over price is common you should respect the time and effort that goes into these amazing pieces of art and pay a fair price.

14. Get a Day Pass at a Resort

If you’ve opted to stay in a small hotel or apartment while in Huatulco, you can still take advantage of the all-inclusive resorts!

Most resorts, including where I stayed at Dreams, have day passes where you can go and use all the facilities (including unlimited food and drink!).

I loved hanging out in the infinity pool at Dreams, going to get a drink, back to the pool, then to the beach… It’s pretty much perfection.

This is a great treat-yourself experience! The cost is very reasonable, usually around $50 USD/day.

15. Take a Drive and Get a Little Lost

I’m always up for a road trip, and I really enjoyed driving around Huatulco and the surrounding area as we went for our excursions.

It’s a really beautiful area, with tons to see from your car.

You can head up the highway north towards Puerto Escondido, stopping at the national park, beaches, and bays, or small towns like Zipolite and San Agustin along the way.

You can rent a car or hire a driver for the day. Get a good playlist and some snacks and just enjoy the ride!

Discover Cars Mexico Review

Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:

✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

Visit Some of the Most Amazing Huatulco Beaches

Huatulco beaches are amazing. There are nine bays in the area with over 30 beaches! Most beaches are easily accessible by car and it’s fairly easy and cost-effective to get there by taxi. Here are some of the best Huatulco beaches (playas) to visit:

16. Playa Maguey

This beach is close to La Crucecita and a great bay for swimming and snorkeling. It has a roped-off area and lots of little beach restaurants to choose from.

It can get busy in the afternoon with boat tours, so head out in the morning for a quiet, chill environment

17. Playa Entrega

Similar to Maguey Beach, Entrega is a popular bay with a gorgeous beach, clear water for swimming, and lots of little beach restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

The water in this bay is very calm compared to some other beaches in the area, so it’s perfect for snorkeling. There are places to rent snorkeling equipment right at the beach.

18. Playa Santa Cruz

This is a popular and busy beach within walking distance (2km) from La Crucecita. Because it’s so close, it has a lot of access to restaurants, bars, water activity rentals, tours, etc.

This also means that it is busier and less tranquil than other beaches, so perhaps not the best choice if you don’t like crowds.

19. Zipolite

This beach might not be for everyone, as it’s Mexico’s first and only legal nude beach! It has a lot of character from its hippie culture origins of the 1970s.

There are even nude resorts and hotels along the beach. In reality, though, it’s a beautiful beach and only a small section is clothing-optional.

It’s worth a visit to the beach and the town of Zipolite, which is becoming very popular and trendy in the area.

20. La Bocana

In addition to your favorite beach activities like sunbathing and swimming, La Bocana offers something unique – mud baths!

For less than $10 USD, you can apply mud to your entire body and then wash it off in the ocean. It’s great for your skin and makes for some good photo ops!

21. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is about a 2.5-hour drive north of Huatulco, so you may consider an overnight trip. There is a lot to check out in this town known for its laid-back beach town vibe.

It’s a really popular spot with backpackers and surfers, so why not join in and try out some surfing? The beach here is perfect for it and you’ll find a lot of places to rent boards or take lessons in town.

Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is actually one of the best surf spots in Mexico . If you don’t dare, you will love watching pro surfers dancing on the huge waves or surfing through the pipes.

Is Huatulco Safe?

There are not only a ton of things to do in Huatulco, but it is a very safe region of Mexico to visit. Huatulco is relatively quiet, and not overly busy with tourists.

The area’s population is small, too, so it’s a pretty sleepy and quiet town with none of the gang, crime, or drug-related issues found in larger cities.

While Huatulco is a safe place to visit, this doesn’t mean you should forget about common sense while traveling!

Always be aware of your surroundings and belongings, drink safely, and use legitimate taxis or tourist companies to avoid scams.

Also, make sure you have your travel insurance so that in case something happens you are covered

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using   Safety Wing , and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER . Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

How to Get to Huatulco By Car and By Bus

There are a lot of ways to get to Huatulco, and most international visitors will fly into the local airport (side note: I loved this airport – it’s open and breezy and has a vacation vibe!).

However, if you’re coming from other parts of Mexico, you will arrive in Huatulco by either car or bus.

The bus system in Mexico is also quite extensive and affordable.

The main bus station in Huatulco is ADO Huatulco, in La Crucecita, and connects Huatulco with the major cities in Mexico, the closest ones are Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and San Cristobal de Las Casas if you are touring around.

However, if you are flying to Huatulco, the best way to get to your hotel is by private transportation. I would suggest you book it in advance so somebody will be waiting for you on your arrival.

The other best option is renting a car so you are free to drive around and explore at your own pace. That’s what we always recommend.

If you are concerned about driving in Mexico worry not, because with some common sense rules it’s easier than you think. Just make sure you read all the contract details when booking your car renta l .

Getting to Huatulco From Oaxaca

If you are traveling to Huatulco from Oaxaca City, be prepared for a bit of a drive! It is just over 230km between the two cities, through the state of Oaxaca.

If you are driving yourself, the most direct route is along the Puerto Angel Highway 175 and will take about 5 hours to complete.

Taking the bus is another option that is affordable and, obviously, you don’t have to worry about renting a car or navigating your own way there.

The operator Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón runs multiple trips a day between the two destinations. The average length is 8 hours, as a few stops are made along the way to pick up passengers.

The cost is only about $20-$25 USD per bus trip, so it’s a very affordable option!

Getting to Huatulco From Puerto Escondido 

A lot of people traveling in Mexico will likely arrive in Huatulco from Puerto Escondido, a small beach town about 100km away from Huatulco.

Its name means “hidden port” and is relatively hidden from most tourists! It’s a great place to go surfing, too!

If you’re driving, you’ll take the highway 200 to Huatulco and it will take just under 2 hours to drive. If you’re taking the bus, you have an option of either Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón or AltaMar as operators.

Both run buses multiple times a day and are just around 2-hour trips as well. The price is likely to be around $10 USD for the trip.

Best Hotels in Huatulco Oaxaca

There are lots of great accommodations and top hotels in Huatulco. Many people will choose all-inclusive resorts for convenience, ease, and proximity to the beach.

Because Huatulco is not as busy as some other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, like Cancun, resorts are pretty spread out and private.

I stayed at Dreams , which is a 4-star hotel. My favorite part was the infinity pool that overlooked the beach and ocean! It also had a number of on-site restaurants to try instead of always going to the buffet.

They put on a lot of fun shows and activities throughout the day and evening, so there was always something to get involved in.

Map of Huatulco Mexico with hotels and home rentals

Other popular resorts in Huatulco are Secrets Resort and Spa (5 stars), Binniguenda Huatulco All-Inclusive Hotel & Beach Club (4 stars), and Xquenda Hotel and Spa ( 3 stars).

If you like to explore more on your own, there are many boutique hotels like Hotel Quinta Bella Huatulco or Hotel Boutique Casa Blanca Del Sol in the area.

If you want something more local, you can always rent out an apartment or house on VRBO ! Prices can be very reasonable (easily less than $100 USD a night), and even resorts and hotels have a lot of deals and promotions.

Wherever you stay in Huatulco, you are sure to love it! It’s a great destination. I hope you love it as much as I did!

Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Huatulco

Is huatulco worth visiting.

YES. YES. AND YES! Did I mention “YES”? Sun, surf, sand, and safe. You couldn’t ask for more!

What Should I Wear in Huatulco?

Your best swimwear! Huatulco prides itself on some of the clearest and warmest waters. There is even a small section in Zipolite where clothing is optional. Woah.

Huatulco is a relatively quiet and safe region of Mexico to visit.

Awareness and common sense are key, what you wear, what you bring, and where you are in Huatulco is bound to end in a good time!

Are the Beaches in Huatulco Swimmable?

Yes! Huatulco has garnered fame for some of the most amazing beaches in Mexico. The region consists of nine bays with over 30 beaches.

Is Huatulco Better Than Puerto Vallarta?

It depends on the kind of experience that you are looking for.

Huatulco is a sleepy, safe, and quiet collection of communities that have preserved the beauty of its clear warm waters and beautiful beaches.

Less commercialized, there is a small-town charm where life is not being rushed as much.

Puerto Vallarta offers more dining options and vibrant nightlife with its best clubs and music festivals.

Puerto Vallarta also has access to the lush jungles and the Sierra Madre Mountains where tourists are showcased some of the most beautiful landscapes.

Loved it? Pin it for later

About the Author

Alyssa is a freelance writer with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies degree. Alyssa is passionate about travel and has been to over 20 countries – and counting! Living in Vancouver, Canada, she loves to take advantage of the mountains and ocean by getting outdoors as much as possible. When she’s not writing, Alyssa is probably walking by the river, caring for her many houseplants, or grabbing a coffee with a friend. You can keep up with her on her personal blog .

Huatulco, Mexico: Your Travel Guide to Beaches and Resorts

Huatulco, Mexico, is a must-visit paradise for all travel lovers. Crystal-clear waters, beaches as clean as pearls, and verdant natural beauty make it a great spot for vacation plans.

There, you will find nine amazing bays with 36 unique beaches and numerous activities, such as snorkeling and diving, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

The vibrant marine life that would surprise you while hiking through its lush landscapes might take your breath away. Now, imagine soaking up the sun on a pristine beach in Huatulco!

Yes, Huatulco is generally considered a safe place to visit. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Stick to well-traveled areas, and take necessary precautions such as securing your belongings and using reputable transportation services.

Table of Contents

Discovering the Beauty of Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco is a paradise for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Picture stepping onto powdery soft sand, feeling the warm sun on your skin, and admiring the crystal-clear waters as they gently lap against the shore.

With nine beautiful bays and an impressive 36 beaches, there’s no shortage of stunning coastline to explore. Huatulco’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with its unspoiled landscapes and vibrant marine life offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Huatulco Beach has its unique charm and character, catering to different preferences. Whether you’re seeking a secluded spot for relaxation or an adventurous environment for water sports, there’s a beach for everyone.

But it’s not just about lounging on the sand—Huatulco offers a diverse range of outdoor activities to immerse yourself in the natural landscape fully. From snorkeling, diving, hiking, and birdwatching, there are endless opportunities to connect with nature.

The beauty of Huatulco extends beyond its beaches, beckoning adventurers to explore its lush greenery and discover hidden gems tucked away in its verdant hills.

Imagine slipping into the cool waters off Playa La Entrega for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. The vibrant coral reefs teem with life as schools of fish dart beneath you, showcasing the diversity of marine species that call these waters home.

The allure of Huatulco lies not only in its scenic vistas but also in the sense of tranquility that permeates the entire region. As you traverse the landscape, you’ll encounter an array of natural wonders, from enchanting waterfalls to dense tropical foliage that teems with life.

In Huatulco, every moment presents a new possibility for adventure and relaxation—moments ready to be seized immediately – so planning your trip is key to unlocking an unforgettable experience.

Planning Your Trip to Huatulco

When planning a trip, getting there is often half the battle. In the case of Huatulco, you can breathe easily because traveling here is a breeze. The city has its airport and is perfectly connected with direct flights from major cities in Mexico and beyond.

It’s always a thrill to start your journey aboard a seamless flight to paradise. Plus, this convenience ensures you’ll sip on a cold beverage by the poolside in no time.

Here are some additional details about reaching this slice of heaven. The Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the main gateway, welcoming flights from various destinations across North America.

Airlines like Aeroméxico, Interjet, and Volaris offer regular flights to Huatulco from Mexico City, providing travelers with convenient connections to other international destinations.

Flights and Transportation

For seasoned travelers or first-time explorers looking for ease and convenience, booking your flight directly to Bahías de Huatulco International Airport will be your best decision during your trip planning.

A direct flight minimizes travel time and eliminates additional land transportation upon arrival. This streamlined approach grants you more time to soak up all Huatulco has to offer from the moment you touch down.

If you’re feeling adventurous or are eager to explore more of Mexico beyond Huatulco, consider connecting through nearby transportation hubs like Mexico City International Airport.

While a layover may be involved, this option presents an opportunity for those seeking to indulge in a multi-destination tour across Mexico.

With travel arrangements sorted out, the next task is finding the perfect place to rest after a day. Fulfilling adventure-filled activities is crucial to ensuring your vacation is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

From luxurious beachfront resorts with stunning ocean views to cozy boutique hotels nestled in lush greenery or private vacation rentals that feel like home—you’ll find them all in Huatulco.

Accommodation Options

The diversity of accommodations available here ensures something for everyone’s taste and budget. For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with easy access to beaches and amenities like pools, bars, and restaurants, beachfront resorts like Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa or Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa offer premier options.

These resorts provide the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury while close to top attractions such as La Entrega Beach and Chahue Beach. If you prefer a more personalized touch during your stay, consider exploring boutique hotels scattered throughout the region.

These charming properties often boast unique architecture and intimate settings surrounded by nature, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the vibrant environment.

Furthermore, vacation rentals are ideal for travelers desiring added privacy and space, especially for families or groups looking for a home-away-from-home experience.

By selecting accommodation that aligns with your preferences and requirements, you can enrich your overall experience in Huatulco while maximizing value—an essential part of ensuring a memorable stay in this tropical haven.

With flights booked and accommodations arranged according to your preferences, it’s time to delve deeper into the enchanting world of Huatulco’s beaches, resorts, and attractions—making sure every moment of your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.

Exploring Ancient History and Architectural Wonders

Beyond Huatulco’s shimmering beaches and luxurious resorts, a world of ancient history awaits discovery. One of the most fascinating historical landmarks in the region is the Copalita Archaeological Zone.

Here, travelers can step back in time and explore the remains of an ancient civilization, unraveling the stories and mysteries of Huatulco’s pre-Columbian past.

The Copalita Archaeological Zone is a window into the rich cultural heritage of Huatulco. This site, dating back to 500 BC, offers visitors a chance to witness architectural marvels and cultural artifacts left behind by ancient civilizations.

As you walk through the site, you can admire the preserved ancient structures, gaining a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of those who came before us.

The archaeological wonders at Copalita provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of Huatulco. The nine archaeological sites in the area hold over 1,500 artifacts, each with its own story.

From pottery to tools, these artifacts offer glimpses into the daily lives, customs, and traditions of the people who once inhabited this land.

One cannot help but be awed by the significance of this place. The Copalita Archaeological Zone sees an average of 20,000 visitors annually, all seeking to connect with the vibrant history of this region.

It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about connecting to a world long before ours. Visiting these ancient sites isn’t just about admiring artifacts or ruins; it’s about delving into narratives that have stood the test of time.

Let’s uncover how these historical landmarks enrich the traveler’s experience, creating a deeper connection to Huatulco’s intriguing past.

Indulging in Huatulco’s Dining and Restaurant Scene

When you visit a place as enchanting as Huatulco, Mexico, it’s not just about the beaches and resorts; it’s also about savoring the local flavors.

The Oaxacan cuisine is renowned for its variety and bold, rich flavors. From the addictive spices to the freshest seafood, there’s something for every palate here.

Imagine sitting at a cozy table with a view of rolling waves while indulging in a bowl of mole sauce or enjoying freshly caught fish. This experience makes dining in Huatulco a surreal journey into the heart of Mexico’s culinary traditions.

Consider visiting Aroma for a unique fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Here, you can savor innovative dishes prepared with authentic Oaxacan ingredients.

The restaurant scene in Huatulco is not just about sophisticated fine dining; it’s also packed with charming local eateries where you can get an authentic taste of the region.

The options for exploring authentic Oaxacan cuisine are endless, from sizzling street food vendors to warm family-owned cafes and thriving markets.

If you’re looking to enjoy a meal filled with genuine local flair, make sure to try tlayudas, which are large tortillas topped with various ingredients such as pork, cheese, and beans—a must-try dish that perfectly captures the essence of Oaxacan street food.

Marea is another fantastic spot to savor fresh seafood dishes cooked to perfection. It offers a wide range of Mexican and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

With so much culinary diversity and rich flavors waiting to be explored, dining in Huatulco is not just about satiating your hunger but also immersing yourself in the vibrant and flavorful culture of this breathtaking destination.

Amidst the serene sounds of lapping waves and bustling streets, another thrilling aspect of this coastal paradise beckons—the exhilarating adventures that await in Huatulco’s glistening waters.

Experiencing Adventure in Huatulco’s Waters

Regarding adventure in Huatulco’s waters, there’s a whole world to explore. This allows you to explore hidden coves, fascinating rock formations, and breathtaking coastal vistas only accessible by water. Plus, you’ll have the chance to witness the teeming marine life that calls these waters home.

If paddleboarding is more your style, picture this: You’re standing atop a paddleboard, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over you as you glide through the serene waters.

It’s an incredible way to connect with nature and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Feel free to dive into the clear waters for snorkeling or bask in the sun’s warmth.

And then there are the boat tours. Imagine setting sail on a relaxing cruise across the bays, with knowledgeable guides pointing out interesting landmarks, sharing local stories, and ensuring an engaging and informative experience as you weave through the nine enchanting bays of Huatulco.

Partnering with local tour operators can further enrich your experience by providing valuable insights into safety measures, guidance from seasoned professionals, and adventure packages tailored to your preferences.

With these exhilarating water activities at your fingertips, your journey through Huatulco promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences that immerse you in its natural beauty and thrill.

As you prepare to continue your exploration of Huatulco, consider your ideal accommodations in this tropical paradise.

Choosing Accommodations in Huatulco

Huatulco offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, whether seeking the buzz of a lively beachfront or the seclusion of a tranquil hillside villa.  Each location has its unique charm and features, catering to various preferences.

• Tangolunda Bay: Known as the “Golden Zone,” Tangolunda Bay is home to upscale, all-inclusive resorts that sit majestically on the hillside, overlooking the stunning bay. This area is ideal for easy access to high-end amenities, beautiful beaches , and fantastic golf courses.
• Santa Cruz: For those who seek a vibrant atmosphere, Santa Cruz offers a delightful blend of local culture, boutique hotels, and lively cafes along the waterfront. Its proximity to the marina and the array of dining and shopping options make it a favorable location for those who enjoy staying amidst the hustle and bustle.
• La Crucecita: If you prefer a more authentic experience, La Crucecita will captivate you with its charming town square, colorful markets, and traditional Mexican eateries. This area is ideal for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture while still within easy reach of beautiful beaches.
• Downtown Huatulco: Located near the heart of Bahías de Huatulco , Downtown Huatulco appeals to travelers seeking convenience and accessibility. Here, you’ll find a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, vibrant plazas, local markets, and a genuine taste of everyday life in Huatulco.

Understanding each area’s unique characteristics can help you narrow your options based on your preferences for proximity to beaches, nightlife, local markets, or serene landscapes.

To seamlessly secure your ideal lodging arrangements in any of these areas, explore our partner websites or directly visit the accommodation websites for booking.

By offering choices catering to diverse preferences and needs, Huatulco ensures that every traveler can find their perfect home away from home.

Related Articles:

Discover the Best Beaches in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Bacalar, Mexico: A Hidden Gem in the Yucatan Peninsula

• Mexico Kidnapping Rate: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
• Akumal, Mexico: The Hidden Gem of the Yucatán Peninsula

Carlos Hernandez

Meet Carlos Hernandez, a seasoned blogger and your go-to authority on all matters related to Mexico's safety. With years of experience and an unwavering passion for the country, Carlos has dedicated his career to unraveling the truth behind Mexico's safety concerns. Carlos's unique perspective stems from his deep understanding of Mexico's history, culture, and regional dynamics. He sheds light on both the challenges and triumphs, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the untold stories that paint a more accurate picture of Mexico's safety situation.

Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Huatulco (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Huatulco (Mexico)

A tropical dreamscape, Huatulco is a small resort in Oaxaca bordering its own national park. Until the airport was modernised in the 2000s there was no easy way down to Huatulco, and even today the only international flights come from Chicago and various airports in Canada.

The resort has nine Bays and 36 beaches along 30 kilometres of untouched coastline.

On land are waterfalls, canyons and coffee and tropical fruit plantations.

Four different sea turtles inhabit the ocean at Huatulco’s National Park, joined by a whole spectrum of other marine species like angelfish, butterfly fish, rays, dolphins, yellowfin tuna and whales that migrate here in winter.

A trip to Huatulco will be a whirlwind of snorkelling, diving, boat trips to deserted beaches and mountain adventures to villages and farms in primal jungle.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Huatulco :

1. Huatulco National Park

Covering almost 12,000 hectares, the National Park hosts three of Huatulco’s nine bays in a landscape of deciduous forest, mangroves, savannah, wetlands, thorn scrub, floodplains and coral reefs in the water.

This mosaic of ecosystems has incredible biodiversity, with more than 700 plant species, 130 mammal varieties, almost 300 bird species and 87 types of amphibian and reptile.

In the ocean are numerous marine and intertidal invertebrates as well as over 120 reef and demersal fish.

There are many ways to experience this astounding environment, on boat trips to hard-to-reach bays, by bike, on hiking trails or on all-terrain bird-spotting expeditions to see crane hawks, red-breasted chats and Doubleday’s hummingbirds

2. Bahía San Agustín

Most people agree that the westernmost of Huatulco’s bays is the prettiest.

But because Bahía San Agustín is one of the trickiest to reach it never feels overrun.

You can visit by boat or along a dirt track through banana and papaya plantations, and will be met by a 1,500-metre horseshoe beach, backed by a continuous line of restaurants in palapas (palm beach huts).

You’ll be tempted not to move from the golden sand of the beach, but Bahía San Agustín has some of the best snorkelling in Huatulco, with crystal clear waters and a reef just metres from the shore with an abundance of life like sea urchins, rays and bright shoals of tropical fish.

3. Bahía de Cacaluta

The definition of a tropical paradise, Bahía de Cacaluta was chosen as a shooting location for Alfonso Cuarón’s 2001 movie Y Tu Mamá También.

Within the national park, the only way to visit this bay is by hiking or riding on an ATV through jungle for half an hour, or by boat.

Apart from any tourists who have made the journey, the one-kilometre beach will be a deserted swathe of golden sand traced by lush forest.

Off shore is an islet with high cliffs, and the currents caused by this landform have given the beach an “m” shape.

If you’re a strong swimmer you can push out to the island for some snorkelling and to see the many crabs in its rock pools.

4. Bahía Chachacual

Also in the national park, Chachacual is one of the least frequented bays, and the only practical way to approach it is from the water.

There are two beaches nestling in the bay: Playa Chachacual, the main beach at 1.3 kilometres long, and Playa la India to the east, 350 metres in length and edged by jungle and mangrove forests.

The water in the bay has mesmerising green and blue tones, although the currents can be quite powerful.

If you’re a stronger swimmer and fancy some snorkelling there are butterfly fish, puffer fish, angelfish and moray eels.

And sitting on the shore in winter you may see humpback whale pods passing by.

5. Cascadas Mágicas

A half-day excursion into the Sierra Madre del Sur, the Cascadas Mágicas is a set of beautiful waterfalls on a tributary of the Río Copalita.

The falls are ensconced in dense, remote jungle, you’ll travel in a 4×4 along a twisting mountain road.

After paying entrance and hiking through lush jungle you’ll forget all that effort, as you’re confronted by banks of dreamy cascades and emerald pools.

There’s a path leading up the side of the falls and through a cave, and you can dive into the clear water, which is wonderfully cool after that jungle trek.

6. Parque Ecoarqueológico de Bocana Copalita

Only ten kilometres from Huatulco’s bays is an archaeological site with vestiges dating between 900 BC and 1000 AD. The grounds, built on the alluvium from the Copalita River and igneous stone by the coast, have jungle teeming with wildlife and coursed by well-paved and signposted trails.

A tour of this massive site will take around two hours, and some of the monuments to check out are a large ballcourt, the main temple, a sequence of small plazas with dwellings and a sacrificial stone on a cliff-top.

The museum on site chronicles Oaxaca’s Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and has artefacts like ceramic vessels, steles, monumental sculptures and figurines.

7. Hagia Sofia

Another trip into the Sierra Madre del Sur will take you to this botanical garden and farm where you can immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s natural scenery, flora and agriculture.

Set in 130 hectares, Hagia Sofia is on the Río Magdalena and cultivates rare timber, fruits (80 varieties) as well as flowers native to Mexico and Southeast Asia.

As you’ll be spending a day, breakfast and lunch are included in the tour, comprising fresh fruit grown on the grounds and Oaxacan quesadillas with homemade salsas.

One of many highlights will be a walk up the Río Magdalena to the stunning Waterfall of the Bell.

8. Playa la Bocana

Below the archaeological site is a beach at one of the mouths of the River Copatila, changing dramatically with the seasons and tides.

Sometimes there will be just a sliver of sand, but usually there’s a large open space where a branch of the river snakes down to the ocean, leaving a lagoon.

Surfers hit the waves, and while the currents are too strong for leisurely swimming you can have a wild time bodyboarding.

The mud deposited by the river is rich in minerals, and you can ask to be slathered from head to toe, which will leave your skin feeling unusually soft for days after.

There’s a couple of beach-side restaurants for a shrimp taco or fish burger and cold beer while watching the surfers in action.

9. Boat Trips

There’s no doubt that if you want to get the best out of Huatulco you need to take to the water.

You can do this on a private charter or by opting for a group tour on a larger vessel.

The theme of your trip will depend on your taste.

You may be up for snorkelling, bird-watching, whale-watching (December to March), or keen on finding the most deserted beach possible to feel like a castaway for a few hours.

Quiet and intimate is the best way to experience the unspoiled beauty of the national park.

You can pick up facts about this ecosystem from an experienced guide, who will point out rays and sea turtles and drop you off at reefs.

On board some boats you’ll be able to catch fish like snapper that you can take to the restaurants to be cooked how you like it.

One of the things to note before you come to Huatulco is that Mexico’s Pacific coast is a different proposition to the more famous Mayan Riviera.

Sea temperatures fluctuate, even in summer, the currents can be strong and visibility can change from site to site.

But if you’re an advanced diver looking for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, Huatulco is all you could want.

Along 39 kilometres of coast there are more than 100 sites, at vibrant reefs, strange volcanic rock formations and epic drop-offs.

You could dive for a month and never see the same things twice.

Four of the seven known sea turtles inhabit these waters, along with four different dolphin species, rays and white tip, nurse and whale sharks.

Get in contact with the Huatulco Dive Center and Hurricane Divers for more details.

11. Surfing

As with diving, surfing conditions in Oaxaca can change from day to day, never mind season to season.

But when everything’s just there are world-class breaks.

The coast between Huatulco and Salina Cruz, 140 kilometres to the east, is heralded as one of the world’s upcoming surfing meccas.

The water temperatures are ideal and you’ll come by strong beach breaks and point breaks caused by the main rocky headlands.

Barra de la Cruz, 30 kilometres from Huatulco, sums the region up.

This has a perfect right point break and low-key development that will make you feel like an explorer.

12. Coffee Plantations

Before tourism came to these shores coffee was the main source of income in Huatulco, and several plantations are happy to show you around.

One, Ocean Spray, is often combined with a trip to the Cascadas Mágicas.

You can also arrange a day at Finca El Pacífico, which lies the end of circuitous upland road.

This massive plantation has around 200,000 coffee trees.

You can have a go picking the bright red coffee berries, find out what happens on the plantation on a typical day, and see how the beans are soaked, fermented and then dried on a concrete surface the size of a football pitch.

You’ll also get to meet the owner, Señor Gomez and be given an authentic Oaxacan meal at the family home.

13. Fishing

Sport fishing is big business in Huatulco and there are at least ten fishing charter companies operating out of the tourist marina.

These will take you out on pangas, small motorboats captained by someone with detailed knowledge of the coast and behaviour of Huatulco’s largest fish.

Most pangas will have heavy-duty rods and reels on board to catch gigantic yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado, pargo, marlin and grouper.

Refreshments will be provided and out on the open ocean you’ll have a good chance of sighting migrating humpback whales in the winter months, as well as sea turtles and dolphin pods all year round.

There will also be snorkelling gear if you feel like exploring a reef or two.

14. Outdoor Pursuits

A holiday in Huatulco will take a lot of planning, because it will be a challenge to pack in all the activities available.

In the resort are adventure sports companies ready to whisk you off on ATV tours, whitewater rafting, snorkelling, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, guided hikes in the national park and zip-lining over gorges.

If a comfortable round of golf is more your speed, Las Parotas is an 18-hole course named for the giant elephant-ear trees (parotas) that frame its fairways.

Sustainability is at the heart of the course’s design, including natural hazards and existing woodland into the layout.

15. Local Food

Since a lot of the activities on offer in Huatulco are day-long organised tours into the wilderness, you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

There are also tropical plantations all around, and these are incorporated into recipes like piña rellena con mariscos (pineapple stuffed with seafood). A traditional local way to prepare white fish like snapper is pescado empapelado, cooking the fish in leaves or baking paper and serving it with lime, coriander, chilli and rice.

Entomadas meanwhile are corn tortillas fried in oil, filled with some combination of chicken, beef, beans and cheese and submerged in a tomato sauce with chilli, onion, garlic and oregano.

For breakfast or lunch try chilaquiles, which are quartered corn tortillas in a mole sauce topped with queso blanco, raw onion rings, avocado and a fried egg.

15 Best Things to Do in Huatulco (Mexico):

• Huatulco National Park
• Bahía San Agustín
• Bahía de Cacaluta
• Bahía Chachacual
• Cascadas Mágicas
• Parque Ecoarqueológico de Bocana Copalita
• Hagia Sofia
• Playa la Bocana
• Coffee Plantations
• Outdoor Pursuits

Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico: The Very Best of Oaxaca’s Coastline

Sharing is caring!

Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico: The Very Best of Oaxaca’s Coastline

Somewhere along the sun-kissed shores of Mexico’s Pacific coast lies Bahias de Huatulco, a captivating destination that embodies the essence of Oaxaca’s coastal charm.

With its pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and lush greenery, Bahias de Huatulco beckons travelers to indulge in the unparalleled beauty and rich cultural tapestry of southern Mexico.

Huatulco, Mexico, is home to nine bays and 36 beaches along 32 km of unspoiled coastline.

In today’s post, we’ll uncover the treasures of this coastal paradise, delving into its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and diverse array of activities that make it a quintessential gem of the Oaxacan coastline.

Join me as we dive into the very best that Bahias de Huatulco has to offer, where every moment is an invitation to immerse yourself in the allure of this enchanting destination.

What are the 9 Bays of Huatulco Mexico?

These 9 bays comprise 36 virgin beaches that make up a beautiful landscape over an extension of 33 km of coastline:

• San Agustín
• Órgano y Maguey

Through various tours, you can get to know these natural wonders, the beauty of its beaches, the underwater parks, and the famous rock formations such as the “bufadero” and the “stone face” inside Organo Bay.

If you are interested in kayaking, sport fishing, diving, or snorkeling, this is the best place to do them.

1. San Agustin Bay

Located at the western end of Huatulco, San Agustin Bay is the last of the 9 bays, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.

You can enjoy a peaceful stay in this bay since it has an atmosphere protected by rocks and cliffs.

Check for the best places to stay in and around Huatulco, Mexico!

And if you like to admire a beautiful sunset, you can do it from one of its beaches: El Coyote .

One of its main characteristics is that it has one of the largest coral plates in the Pacific Ocean and is the largest of all the bays; it also has two other beaches: Playa San Agustín and Playa Cacalutilla.

2. Chachacual Bay

If you are looking for more privacy and security, then Chachacual Bay is ideal.

It is characterized by a large ecological reserve with a National Park composed of an extensive area of mangroves and vegetation, with species such as acacia, ficus, and mangrove.

Access is only by boat, so a certain amount of effort is required to get there, and you will have to carry everything you need.

It is important to mention that this bay has two pristine beaches: Chachacual and La India , where you can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquility with its calm waves and crystal clear waters.

3. Cacaluta Bay

Have you ever seen a Mexican movie called “Y tu mamá también”?

Well, it was filmed here, since it is one of the largest bays, which has been the scene not only in this movie but also in other films and TV shows.

This bay is home to the Laguna El Zanate , whose name comes from a type of mangrove with roots that grow around it.

It also has two beaches: Playa Cacaluta and Playa Arroyo .

It is important to highlight that it receives different migratory birds, which you will see during your visit year after year.

4. Santa Cruz Bay in Huatulco Mexico

Considered the main bay of the destination since it’s where the dock or pier is located, Santa Cruz Bay is where the boats and main tours depart.

It is also considered one of the most attractive bays due to its crystal clear water and calm waves, ideal for swimming with children.

It also has beaches such as La Entrega, La Yerbabuena, and Punta Santa Cruz.

During your visit, don’t forget to ask about the legendary cross of the Santa Cruz de Huatulco Mexico , found on its historic beach.

Currently, there is only a replica of this cross inside the local chapel.

5. Chahué Bay

Chahué is a Zapotec word that means “Fertile Land” or “WetLand .”

Here you’ll find a yacht marina and a diversity of services, among which stand out: beach clubs, nightclubs, bars, travel agencies, restaurants, shopping malls, a spa, and a bookstore, among many others.

This place is known yearly for the constant visit of pop and rock artists during the traditional festival “Música por la Tierra” (Music for the Land) .

6. Tangolunda Bay

Another of Huatulco’s main bays is Tangolunda, whose name in Zapotec means “Pretty Woman.” It is home to large five-star hotels, a shopping center, and a professional 18-hole golf course.

On the other hand, in this place, you can practice water sports such as sea kayaking, sailing, jet-skiing, diving, and snorkeling, among others .

It also has areas for residential rooms and villas, as well as 5 beaches where you will spend an unforgettable sunny afternoon, such as Ventura, Manzanillo, Tornillo, Tangolunda, and Rincón Sabroso .

7. Conejos Bay

This bay is the first from east to west and is the second main hotel zone since it has four beautiful beaches: Punta Arenas, Conejos, Arena, and Tejoncito, where you can take a horseback riding tour.

In front of its main beach, villas and timeshares have been built where you can enjoy an excellent stay. If you are looking for activities, this bay is ideal for diving, fishing, and swimming.

8. Riscalillo Bay

Finally, if you are looking for a place with calm waves and shallow waters, Riscalillo Bay is the best option since it is formed by a single white sand beach that offers visitors a scenery of green waters and a great variety of fauna.

9. Organo and Maguey Bays

These two are practically bonded and form a landscape of crystalline waters with green and blue tonalities and beaches 240 meters long with fine sand and soft waves.

It has an area of palapas that offers typical gastronomy. It is also one of the safest beaches for beginners in water sports.

The 12 best things to do in Huatulco Mexico

1. Huatulco National Park

Covering around 11,500 hectares, the National Park is home to three of Huatulco’s nine bays in a deciduous forest landscape, mangroves, savannas, wetlands, thorn scrub, floodplains, and coral reefs.

This mosaic of ecosystems has incredible biodiversity, with more than 600 species of plants, 125 varieties of mammals, almost 400 bird species, and 90 types of amphibians and reptiles.

There are numerous marine and intertidal invertebrates in the ocean and over 110 reef and demersal fish.

There are many ways to experience this amazing environment, on boat trips to hard-to-reach bays , by bicycle, on hiking trails, or on off-road birding expeditions to see crane hawks, red-breasted chats, and Doubleday’s hummingbirds…

2. Magical Waterfalls in Huatulco Mexico

A half-day excursion to the Sierra Madre del Sur , Cascadas Magicas is a set of beautiful waterfalls on a tributary of the Copalita River.

The falls are located in a dense and remote jungle; you will travel in a 4×4 along a winding mountain road.

After paying the entrance fee and hiking through the lush jungle, you will forget all that effort as you face banks of dreamy waterfalls and emerald pools.

A trail goes up the side of the falls and through a cave, and you can snorkel in the clear water, which feels wonderfully cool after that jungle hike.

3. Bocana Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park

Only 8 kilometers from the bays of Huatulco is an archaeological site with remains dating between 900 BC and 1000 AD .

The grounds, built on the Copalita River’s alluvium and the coast’s igneous rock, have a jungle full of wildlife and are surrounded by well-paved and marked trails.

A tour of this immense site will take about two hours, and some of the monuments to visit are a large ball court, the main temple, a sequence of small plazas with dwellings, and a sacrificial stone on top of a cliff.

The site museum chronicles Oaxaca’s Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and has artifacts such as ceramic vessels, stelae, monumental sculptures, and figurines.

4. Hagia Sofia Botanical Garden

Another trip to the Sierra Madre del Sur will take you to this botanical garden and farm, where you can immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s natural landscape, flora, and agriculture.

Located on 130 hectares, Hagia Sofia sits on the Magdalena River and grows rare wood, fruits (80 varieties) , and flowers native to Mexico and Southeast Asia.

As you will be spending a day, breakfast and lunch are included in the tour, including fresh fruit grown on the farm and Oaxacan quesadillas with homemade sauces.

One of the many highlights is walking along the Magdalena River to the impressive La Campana Waterfall.

5. La Bocana Beach

Below the archaeological site is a beach at one of the mouths of the Copalita River, which changes dramatically with the seasons and tides.

Sometimes there will only be a patch of sand, but usually, there is a large open space where a river branch meanders into the ocean, leaving a lagoon.

Surfers hit the waves, and while the currents are too strong for calm swimming, you can have a wild time bodyboarding.

The mud deposited by the river is rich in minerals, and you can ask for a head-to-toe bath , which will make your skin feel unusually soft for a few days.

There are a couple of beachside restaurants to grab a shrimp taco, fish burger, and cold beer while you watch the surfers in action.

6. Boat trips

Undoubtedly, if you want to get the best out of Huatulco Mexico, you must tour the bays.

You can do this on a private charter or opt for a group tour on a larger boat.

The theme of your trip will depend on your taste.

You may be willing to go snorkeling, bird watching, whale watching (December to March) , or find the most deserted beach possible to feel like a castaway for a few hours.

Quiet and intimate is the best way to experience the national park’s unspoiled beauty.

You can pick up facts about this ecosystem from an experienced guide, who will point out stingrays and sea turtles and drop you off at the reefs.

Some boats allow you to catch fish, such as local snapper , that you can take to a restaurant to be cooked to your liking.

One thing to remember before coming to Huatulco is that Mexico’s Pacific coast is a different proposition than the popular Riviera Maya (the Caribbean side) .

Sea temperatures fluctuate, and even during summer, currents can be strong, and visibility can change from site to site.

But if you are an advanced diver looking for unique wildlife encounters, Huatulco is everything you could want.

You could dive for a month and never see the same things twice.

Along 40 kilometers of coastline, there are more than 90 sites on vibrant reefs, bizarre volcanic rock formations, and epic drop-offs.

Four of the seven known sea turtles inhabit these waters, along with four different species of dolphins, rays and white tip, and whale sharks.

As with diving, Oaxaca’s surf conditions can change daily, regardless of the season.

But when all is well, there are first-class breaks. The coast between Huatulco and Salina Cruz , 140 kilometers to the east, is heralded as one of the world’s next surf meccas.

Water temperatures are ideal, and there are strong beach breaks and point breaks caused by major rocky headlands.

Barra de la Cruz, 30 kilometers from Huatulco, sums up the region.

This has a perfect breakpoint and a low-key development that will make you feel like an explorer.

9. Coffee plantations

Before tourism came to these shores, coffee was Huatulco’s main income source , and several coffee farmers are happy to show you around.

You can also arrange a visit to Finca El Pacifico , located at the end of the mountain road. This massive plantation has about 190,000 coffee trees.

You can pick the bright red coffee berries, find out what happens on the plantation on a typical day, watch the beans steep, ferment, and then dry on a concrete surface the size of a soccer field.

You can also meet the owner, Mr. Gomez , and have an authentic Oaxacan meal in the family’s home.

10. Fishing

Sportfishing is a big business in Huatulco, and at least ten fishing charter companies are operating out of the tourist marina.

These will take you out on pangas, small motorboats captained by someone with detailed knowledge of the coast and the behavior of Huatulco’s larger fish.

Most pangas will have heavy-duty rods and reels on board to catch giant yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado, snapper, marlin, and grouper.

Snorkeling equipment will also be available if you feel like exploring a reef or two.

Refreshments will be offered, and in the open sea, you will have the opportunity to see migrating humpback whales in the winter months, as well as sea turtles and pods of dolphins throughout the year.

11. Outdoor Activities

A vacation in Huatulco will require a lot of planning, as it will be challenging to pack all available activities.

At the resorts, adventure sports companies are ready to take you on ATV rides, white water rafting, snorkeling, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, guided hikes in the national park, and canopy tours over canyons.

If a comfortable round of golf is more to your taste, Las Parotas is an 18-hole course named after the “parotas” that frame its fairways.

Sustainability is at the heart of the course design, including the layout’s natural hazards and existing forests.

12. Try the local food

Because many of the activities offered in Huatulco are organized day-long nature tours, you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

There are also tropical plantations everywhere, which are incorporated into recipes such as pineapple stuffed with seafood.

A traditional way to prepare white fish such as snapper is “fish empapelado,” cooked on baking sheets or paper and served with lime, cilantro, chili, and rice .

Entomatadas, meanwhile, are corn tortillas fried in oil, filled with some combination of chicken, beef, beans, and cheese, and dipped in a tomato sauce with chili, onion, garlic, and oregano.

If you’re lucky, you may also find Tlayudas !

Try chilaquiles (corn tortillas cut into quarters in a mole sauce topped with white cheese) , raw onion rings, avocado, and a fried egg for breakfast or lunch.

Huatulco, Mexico: Conclusion

In conclusion, Bahias de Huatulco stands out as a gem along Oaxaca’s coastline, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture.

Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, thrilling outdoor adventures, or simply a tranquil escape, this destination has something to offer for every traveler.

From exploring the stunning bays to indulging in authentic cuisine and immersing yourself in the warmth of local hospitality, The Bays of Huatulco promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Mexico’s Pacific coast .

Similar Posts

Isla Mujeres Magic: Insider Tips for Exploring Playa Norte

Isla Mujeres is a small island in Quintana Roo, including Playa Norte, located just 20 minutes from Cancun, with beautiful fine sand beaches and clear turquoise waters

San Luis Potosi, Mexico: 13 Reasons to Visit This Enchanted City

San Luis Potosí, often referred to as an “Enchanted City,” holds within its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture a wealth of wonders waiting to be discovered.

Akumal’s Perfect Vacation Combo: Cenotes, Beach, and Sun

A haven for turtles, Akumal Beach is a paradise in Mexico with a turquoise sea, clear and warm water.

Aguascalientes Mexico: Your Complete Visitor’s Handbook

Out of the 32 states in Mexico, Aguascalientes is one of the smallest yet beautiful and with interesting qualities.

Rosarito Bliss: Your Ultimate Beach Escape Near the Border

Rosarito Mexico, in the Baja California peninsula, is a small town that has everything you need for an unforgettable beach vacation.

Chamula Chiapas: Mystical Traditions and Cultural Heritage

Welcome to San Juan Chamula, a captivating village nestled in the heart of the mystical state of Chiapas.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Your Ultimate Guide to Huatulco Mexico

Huatulco Mexico is a stunning beachside town located along Oaxaca’s sunny Pacific coast.

Huatulco is famous for its nine bays, over 30 white sand beaches, and variety of luxury resorts. A Huatulco vacation is the perfect opportunity to relax while sipping fruity cocktails in the sand.

The weather is warm, the water is clear, and travel is affordable. At the moment, the majority of tourism here is domestic, with only about 20% of tourists visiting internationally. I tell you this because this will likely not be the case for much longer.

Not only is Huatulco making a name for itself because its beautiful, fun and affordable, but nearby Puerto Escondido is becoming an increasingly popular backpacker destination.

With that, I recommend planning your visit now while prices are low and crowds have yet to arrive. 

Read on for how to plan the perfect Huatulco Mexico vacation. 

Table of Contents

Where is Huatulco?

You’ll find Huatulco in southern Mexico along the country’s Pacific coast. The town of Huatulco Mexico is found in the southern state of Oaxaca, about five and a half hours south of Oaxaca city.

Below are travel times to Huatulco Mexico from nearby cities in Mexico:

• Puerto Escondido: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Acapulco: 9 hours 15 minutes
• Oaxaca city: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Mexico City: 11 hours 45 minutes
• Cancun: 19 hours 40 minutes
• Guadalajara: 17 hours
• Puerto Vallarta: 22 hours 15 minutes

If you don’t want to drive these distances, you can always fly into the Huatulco airport.

How to Get to Huatulco Mexico

The best way to get to Huatulco is to fly. You can find round trip flights from Mexico City for around $100. It’s a quick flight, around one hour and ten minutes.

The international airport is small but just a short 20 to 30 minute drive to your hotel, depending on where you are staying. 

Once you arrive, head over to the car rental center near the exit to pick up a car. Driving in Huatulco is extremely easy. The roads are decent, there is no traffic, and its plenty safe.

If possible, make your car rental reservation ahead of time to get a better deal. If you happen to not have a reservation don’t worry about it. Just stop at any of the major car rental companies and ask what they have available.

As I mentioned earlier, there are not a lot of people coming through here yet, so you’ll likely have plenty of options. Before you leave, don’t forget to ask for a map so you can find your way to your hotel if you don’t have phone service or a GPS. 

If you decide not to rent a car then taxis are your next best option. You will find taxis waiting outside as you exit the airport. 

Busses and Shuttles to Huatulco

Below are a few popular bus or shuttle routes into Huatulco from nearby destinations:

• Oaxaca City to Huatulco
• Oaxaca Airport to Huatulco
• Puerto Escondido to Huatulco
• Puerto Escondido to Huatulco Airport

Who flies to Huatulco Mexico

There are several airlines that fly into the Huatulco airport. Below is a list of the airlines who currently service the Huatulco airport.

• Viva Aerobus
• American Airlines

11 Things to Do in Huatulco Mexico

Huatulco is all about the beaches and sunny weather. There are a ton of unique and adventurous outdoor Huatulco activities to fill your days during your visit. In order to help you plan, I put together this list of the top 11 things to do in Huatulco Mexico.

I hope you have as much fun as I did.

1. Spend the day on a boat

One of my favorite Huatulco things to do is to go boating. If you’re going to visit Huatulco, you need to get yourself on a boat and get in the water. Plan to spend at least one full day boating, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring all the beautiful Huatulco beaches .

Out of all the outdoor activities available to you here in Huatulco, I think boating is the most fun. The easiest way to get yourself on a boat is to speak to the front desk or concierge at your hotel.

The front desk staff can make reservations for you to have a private boat or arrange for a boat tour. Don’t worry, you don’t have to drive the boat, you’ll have someone to do that for you. The cost will be around $100 for two people.

The best part about having your own boat is that you get to go wherever you want. Make sure to be on the lookout for sea turtles, as there are quite a few swimming around in the bays.

Once you’ve got your boat, plan to spend the day searching for sea turtles, swimming and snorkeling.

Guided tours are also available for those interested in snorking, diving, or sport fishing with a group.

Can you swim in Huatulco Mexico

Absolutely. In the section below I tell you which beaches are best for swimming.

2. Explore the Nine Bays of Huatulco

Now that you’ve got your boat, seize the opportunity explore all nine bays of Huatulco.

The map above shows you where each is located. If you’ve got your boat for the full day, you will have no problem exploring all the bays, seeing some turtles, doing some snorkeling, and stopping for lunch in between.

At the very least, try to make it to at least seven bays. Below is a quick rundown of what to expect from each of the nine bays:

• San Agustín Bay: This bay is home to the largest coral reef in the Pacific, making it a great place to try out that snorkel gear.
• Chachacual Bay: This is a peaceful beach popular with locals. There is a coral reef surrounding the beach here as well, so this is also a good spot for some snorkeling.
• Cacaluta Bay: This bay is a major bird migration spot. This is not the most ideal place for swimming, but you’ll be able to see some pretty cool looking birds if that’s your thing.
• Maguey Bay: This is where you will likely find your lunch. There are several restaurants serving food and drinks here. If you forgot snorkel gear, you can also find a place to rent your gear while you’re here. You’ll find white sand beaches and gentle waves in this bay, so it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling after you’ve had your lunch.
• Organo Bay: Found right next to Maguey bay, Organo also features white sandy beaches and gentle waves. This is also a nice spot for swimming and snorkeling but is less crowded than Maguey.
• Santa Cruz Bay: This is the bay where all the cruise ships dock. You can find lots of restaurants, bars and shops here. You can also find boat and snorkeling tours, along with any other activity you might be looking for.
• Chahue Bay: This is where the marina is, there is also a small shopping center located here.
• Tangolunda Bay: This is the largest bay in Huatulco and the main hotel zone and tourist area with lots of water sports available. If you’re looking to find yourself a jet ski, this is the place to do it. 
• Conejos Bay: This is another peaceful spot perfect for swimming. 

3. Go Snorkeling

I strongly encourage you to check out the snorkeling in the various bays as you’re boating around. The water is clear and there are small reefs near the shore that are perfect for viewing a variety of fish and other marine life.

Ask the captain of your boat for snorkel gear before you head out. If you happen to forget, you can also rent snorkel gear along the beaches during the day for just a few dollars. 

If you’re also interested in scuba diving, Huatulco is an excellent place to do it. There are dozens of excellent dive spots scattered about the areas many bays.

There are also dive schools in Huatulco if you’re looking to get certified.

4. Visit the Archaeological Parks of Copalita or Hagia Sofia

The Archaeological Park of Copalita is a local park located along the coast. Inside the park you’ll find an archaeological site with Zapotec remains including pyramids, ball courts, and homes.

The park is about 90 minutes from La Crucecita and round trip guided tours are available. Entrance to the park is $60.00 MXN. 

Hagia Sofia is located about 45 minutes from La Crucecita. At Hagia Sofia , you will find an archaeological site, a botanical garden, walking trails, a waterfall, and zip-lining.

5. Go Rafting

Rafting is a very popular activity on the Copalita river, which runs from the Sierra Madre to the Pacific Ocean.  Group trips can be arranged for beginners or experienced rafters. Prices start at about $40 for 1- 3 hours. 

6. Rent an ATV

There are several spots around Huatulco where you can rent ATVs including in the parks, along some of the beaches, and in the city of La Crucecita.

ATVs are a fun way to get around from place to place during your visit. Just be careful and make sure you wear your helmet. 

7. Visit Huatulco National Park

Huatulco National Park is massive at over 20,000 acres and features hundreds of species of plants and animals.

This is a great place for a nature hike and to just walk around. You can also rent bikes or explore on an ATV. Tours are also available. 

8. Go Zip Lining

There is a popular zip line stretching about 2,000 feet at Rancho Tangolunda, which is about 15 minutes from La Crececita.  A run down the cables will cost about $30 USD.

9. Visit Llano Grande Waterfalls

The Llano Grande Waterfalls can be found about an hour outside of Huatulco. This makes a great day trip if you’re interested in hiking and swimming. There are about 30 waterfalls along with caves and tunnels to explore. Camping in the area is also available.

10. Visit the coffee plantations

For all the coffee lovers out there like myself, consider taking an excursion outside the city to tour a coffee plantation. You’ll get to learn about the growing process, the roasting process, and get to sample some of the freshest coffee you’ll ever have.

The best way to visit a local coffee plantation is through a guided tour. These guided tours typically include other activities along the way as well, such as a stop at the Llano Grande Waterfall.

Where to Eat in Huatulco

While Huatulco may be on the small side, you will not have any trouble finding good food. You are in Oaxaca after all, so take advantage of the opportunity to try all the Oaxacan cuisine you can get your paws on. You’ll find a variety of restaurants walking around in downtown Huatulco Mexico.

You’ll find local taco shops all over the main city center in La Crucecita. I recommend stopping into a few places and ordering different things at each place.

This way you’ll get a good sample of the many delicious local dishes and the opportunity to try as many restaurants as possible. If you’re looking for suggestions, I always go with the al pastor or the asada tacos.

Here are a few restaurant recommendations to get you started:

There are many other great restaurants and cafes around the small town of La Crucecita serving a variety of cuisines. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask the front desk staff at your hotel. Nothing beats a local’s recommendation.

Where to Stay in Huatulco

You’ll find the best Huatulco hotels and resorts along the coastline. There are several really nice upscale Huatulco resorts to consider when planning your stay. Prices and amenities will vary, but here are the places I recommend:

In addition to the above recommendations, there are dozens of other great hotels and all inclusive resorts around the Huatulco area. You can find something for just about any budget or lifestyle by doing a search down below.

Is Huatulco Mexico safe for tourists

Yes, it is generally safe for tourists. As with any place you travel, you should practice common sense. Don’t flash your money or leave valuables out in the open, but that’s the same advice you’d get no matter where in the world you travel.

You can read more about travel advisories and general Mexico safety recommendations at the State Department website.

If you’re not done exploring Mexico head over to the Yucatan for more archaeological sites and incredible beaches. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Coba vs Chichen Itza for insights to help you decide on your perfect trip. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading all about Huatulco Mexico and all the awesome things you can do during your visit.

Related Posts

Hanky Panky Mexico City – A Secret Speakeasy

Down a dark street in a quiet residential neighborhood, you’ll find one of the best-kept…

10 Tips for the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade

The Mexico City Day of the Dead parade is held annually in October. This must-see…

10 Best Day Trips from Merida

The best day trips from Merida will take you all over Mexico’s vibrant Yucatan Peninsula….

12 Things to do in Merida Mexico

The best things to do in Merida Mexico can all be enjoyed with just a…

Top 10 Cancun Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

If you’ve never been to Cancun before, then these Top 10 Cancun Travel Tips are…

11 Things to do in Mexico City

Photo by Diego Grandi This guide to the best things to do in Mexico City…

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

7 Best Things To Do In Huatulco, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Huatulco? You’ve come to the right place; this list includes the best tours, day trips, and more!

Santa María Huatulco, aka Huatulco for short, is a small beach town in the Oaxaca. It’s most famous for its laidback beach lifestyle. Huatulco is ranked as one of the calmest cities in Mexico, perfect for those looking to whine down.

Over the years, Huatulco has become a popular place for nomads/ex-pats because of its liveable characteristics, beauty, safety, and charming beach town atmosphere.

Some have even chosen to retire here as well because Huatulco is one of the cheapest beach towns in Mexico to reside in.

Huatulco is a hidden gem in Mexico, which means fewer tourists! Think of it this way: unless you have friends who’ve traveled around Mexico a fair bit, you probably won’t know anyone who’s visited Huatulco. That’s because Mexico has several more popular beach towns attracting tourists, such as Cancun , Puerto Vallarta , and Tulum .

How to Get to Huatulco, Mexico

First, you must fly into Huatulco International Airport, the town’s airport. This isn’t a large international airport, so you most likely will have to fly here from a domestic airport in Mexico.

A round-trip flight from Mexico City to Huatulco Airport is available for as low as $120. Not bad at all, and the flight time is just over an hour!

The local airport is just 20 minutes by car from La Crucecita , the leading area of Huatulco, Mexico, by the beach. You can take a taxi to town!

For those looking to come to Huatulco from Oaxaca City, you’ve got two options: take a flight or drive there if you’ve rented a car . It’s about a 5-hour drive.

Another option is taking the bus operated by Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón from Oaxaca City, which will take around 8 hours because of the frequent spots along the way.

Explore the City Centre (La Crucecita)

On the map, Huatulco’s city center area is La Crucecita. It’s a small city center with several hotels, bars, and small shops for necessities.

Although the area is a little small, it’s got everything for those looking to stay in the quiet beach town.

The main point in the city center is this beautiful church along with a city center square (the zocalo). Outside the church is a beautiful fountain, a perfect spot to have some coffee and people-watch.

When you’re finished exploring the city center, I recommend heading towards A Sta Cruz Street and walking towards the Tourist Corridor La Crucecita . It’s a breathtaking boardwalk with views of the hills and beach!

At the end of the path, you will find the seaport full of boats docked named Darsena Bahia Santa Cruz . Around there, you will find more restaurants and bars to explore for the evening!

Visit Parque Nacional Huatulco

Huatulco National Park covers more than 29,400 acres. It is home to hundreds of animal species, such as lizards, birds, and turtles. Huatulco consists of nine bays with 36 beaches.

These remote beaches are what many love about this national park. There are many beach locations ideal for snorkeling at Huatulco National Park.

The park as a whole is quite vast in size, and you can get lost there. This is the last thing you want to do in a place full of wild animals. So, if you’re looking to hike, stick to the main trail Sanate Trail-Huatulco National Park !

Or stick to the coastline along the water; you can’t get lost this way. One way takes you back to the city’s main port, and the other way takes you southwest towards the famous Bahia de San Agustin viewpoint !

Visiting the park is a must-do when in Huatulco; it’s a beautiful place for a hike. Other options to explore the park include renting a bike or taking an ATV Tour !

Take a Boat Tour

With its countless beaches, Hulatuco is famous for its many boat tours, and nothing beats a full day on the water!

This top-rated boat tour takes you through the many bays for the day. You’ll get to stop at many beaches, snorkel, and more!

During the tour, you may spot dolphins, turtles, whales, and more. For an extra $10US, you can rent snorkel equipment to explore when docking at one of the many bays.

Water and soft drinks are offered and included in the tour cost, though feel free to bring a backpack full of your own beverages.

Release Sea Turtles National Turtle Centre in Mazunta

Head to the tiny nearby beach town of Mazunta, located just 1.5 hours from Huatulco. You can make your way there by taxi, rent a car and drive yourself, or take a tour, which will include transportation!

On this turtle release tour , join a guide and others as you explore the National Turtle Center. At the center, you will learn fascinating facts about sea turtles and the efforts to protect these friendly creatures!

The turtles can be seen year-round at the center. However, to get an opportunity to release them and watch them crawl toward the water, you must be there when they hatch in the Fall.

If you’re visiting in the Fall, this is one tour in Huatulco you must do when visiting!

Day Trip to Puerto Escondido

As charming and as calming as the atmosphere may be in Huatulco, everyone needs a night out of partying now and then!

Don’t get me wrong, the downtown area of La Crucecita has its bars, but it can’t be compared to Puerto Escondido .

Located approximately a 2.5-hour drive North of Huatulco is Puerto Escondido, a famous beach town for surfers and those looking to relax during the day and experience lively nights out!

Ranked as a top surfer destination and popular amongst backpackers. For those who’ve always been curious about surfing, it’s the perfect place to take a lesson!

If you’re visiting from Huatulco, I recommend you get a hotel in Puerto Escondido for a night or two. That way, you won’t spend 5 hours commuting between both cities in one day.

At this point, you may be curious why you shouldn’t visit Puerto Escondido instead. It depends on your preference. As mentioned, Puerto Escondido is busier than Huatulco. Also, Huatulco has better beaches and an overall more relaxing atmosphere compared to Puerto Escondido.

Mud Bath at La Bocana Beach

One of the most underrated activities to do here is taking a mud beach at Playa La Bocana . This beach is only a 20-minute drive from the city center but will make you feel like you’re on a deserted island.

From Huatulco city center, a taxi ride for approximately $10-15 US will get you there.

Once there, you’ll be greeted at the beach’s entrance by the mud bath women. These women are the descendants of the Zapotec people who created this mixture. The clay blend will cost around 100 pesos per person to buy.

The women will cover you from head to toe in this mud mix. After they’ve covered your body, you let it dry in the sun for roughly 10-15 minutes. After that, the mud ladies rub it off of you. Once they’re finished, you must go into the ocean to get the excess mud off you.

You’ll be left with soft, smooth skin once finished. The mud blend exfoliates your skin. This reminded me of when I took a tour in Cozumel and rubbed ourselves with this magically pink sand. It did the same, also exfoliating my skin.

There is little to do at Playa La Bocana, literally two bars, a restaurant, and a hotel. So make sure you pack your bag with everything you may need for the afternoon.

Visit Beaches in Huatulco

Huatulco is known for its stunning beaches, especially its hidden beaches! 

Nine bays in the region boast more than 35 beaches. Huatulco is the ideal place for anyone who loves sun, surf, sand, and the beach!

This is exactly what many love about Huatulco. It is a beach town full of some of the best beaches in Mexico but still has a tranquil and calming atmosphere. Most places in Mexico with excellent beaches are overflowing with tourists!

Here’s a list of the best beaches in Huatulco. The beaches aren’t ranked in order. Choose the beach that best suits your beach day needs!

Bahia Maguey

This beautiful beach is only an 11-minute drive from the main city center area.

Bahia Maguey is ideal for those who want to go snorkeling, go on boat tours, or just relax. Because it’s one of the more popular beaches, it can get quite crowded here after 11 a.m.

Despite looking like a hidden beach, Bahia Maguey is accessible by taxi through a paved road and has seven restaurants to choose from when spending the day there.

If you’re looking for a beach that looks like a hidden oasis but still has places nearby spots for lunch, this is the beach for you !

Playa Tangolunda

Located only a 10-minute drive from the main city center of La Crucecita is Playa Tangolunda. The best part about this beach is it has a long beach shoreline.

Also, there’s a stunning observation deck here named the Mirador Tangolunda, a lovely viewpoint at all times of the day but extra beautiful at sunset!

There are several hotels, rooms to rent overlooking the ocean, and restaurants nearby, all within walking distance from the beach.

If you’re looking for a beach with a more extensive shoreline, close to a lovely park you can explore and nearby restaurants, this beach is for you !

Playa Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach is the main Huatulco beach, and it’s about a 20-minute walk from the city center. You can get there by walking the Tourist Corridor La Crucecita pathway and then taking a slight right.

The beach shoreline here is smaller than the others, but the beach is conveniently located. It’s the closest to the city center and has many hotels/restaurants/shops close to it.

As convenient of a beach as Playa Santa Cruz may be, there is a downside, and that’s the docking of cruise ships at times.

You can imagine what happens when cruise ships dock; the area is in flux with tourists deboarding to explore Huatulco quickly from the cruise ship—making the area much busier than most would like it to be!

This is the beach for you if you’re looking for a nearby beach with many conveniences!

Playa Zipolite

Of all the beaches on this list, Playa Zipolite is the most beautiful and recognized beach. The only possible downside for some is that it’s also the furthest beach of the four from Huatulco.

Just over an hour’s drive from the main city center, the beach is very much worth the drive, trust me. You can either take a taxi there or drive if you’ve rented a car .

For those visiting with kids, I’d avoid this beach because the North part of the beach is a nudist section . For those looking to avoid nudity, stay in the south section of the beach.

Make sure you visit Playa del Amor , a stunning viewpoint of the beach and a picturesque spot for a beautiful photo!

There are many restaurants and hotels, possibly more than any other beach on this list. So staying here for a night or two is relatively easy with the number of accommodation options.

Huatulco Hotels

Camino Real Zaashila Huatulco

This beachfront hotel is breathtaking, located directly on Playa Tangolunda and only a 10-minute drive from the city center. Camino Real has a modern Miami hotel vibe to it because of its all-white exterior.

Outside the hotel is a large green area featuring a stunning pool overlooking the ocean. As well as a bar overlooking the ocean as well. On the actual beach are a bunch of beach lounge chairs with palapas for guests to use.

The hotel also features five on-site restaurants serving various types of food, A al carte style. So it’s hard to get bored of the cuisine here!

Quinta Bella Huatulco

Another excellent hotel choice is the Quinta Bella, located just a 20-minute walk from the main city center and only a 7-minute walk from Playa Santa Cruz.

This modern hotel has absolutely everything you need: a beautiful private beach, a stunning garden, a snack bar, and a fitness room with ocean views. As well as two large pools in the front for guests to enjoy.

Last but not least, Quinta Bella has five different restaurants on-site for you to enjoy everything from seafood to Mexican, Japanese, and more.

There are three floors are at the hotel, so it’s large enough and small enough to be considered a boutique hotel, making for a more intimate experience for guests.

Holiday Inn Huatulco

The Holiday Inn is located right on the main marina area where all the boats dock.

The hotel is well located, only a 15-minute walk from the city center, and Playa Santa Cruz is also only a 3-minute walk.

Despite being a humble-looking hotel, the Holiday Inn has raving reviews about its service. There’s a pool here and a beautiful rooftop with a bar here as well.

They only have one restaurant on-site, Jaguar, serving Mexican cuisine, A la carte style. But the hotel is the most centrally located hotel on this list. So, several food options are just outside the hotel!

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa

Ranked as the most popular All-Inclusive resort in Huatulco, Dreams Resort & Spa is a beautiful resort located right on Playa Tangolunda. And only 100 meters from Huatulco beach.

Dreams Resort/Spa has everything you want/need at an all-inclusive resort and more, including a stunning big pool, a fitness center, an impressive spa, and hydrotherapy treatments.

The resort as a whole is beautiful; rooms feature either the ocean or mountains for a view, giving a tropical atmosphere feel.

A selection of six different restaurants are on-site here to choose from, a mix of Asian, Mexican/Tex-Mex, Italian, and more. Lastly, the resort has plenty of planned activities for guests to enjoy throughout the day!

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa

This excellent 5-star resort will make you feel like you’re on a stunning deserted island because it’s surrounded by mountains and a private beach. Keep in mind Secrets is an adult-only resort.

Having the best of both worlds, Secrets Resort/Spa is only a 15-minute car ride from La Crucecita, the center of town. Rooms here are tailored to all your needs, and some rooms even come with a pool outside the room!

The resort has a selection of 8 outstanding gourmet restaurants featuring French, Asian, Mexican, Italian, and other cuisines, and four stylish bars open late.

Park Royal Beach Huatulco

Situated in the mountain hills and close to Playa Tangolunda is the Park Royal all-inclusive resort . It’s also located steps away from Las Portas Golf Club.

The resort has a stunning rooftop pool full of lounge chairs, cabanas, and a massive pool with views overlooking the ocean—an excellent spot to lounge around during the day and an even better spot to watch the sunset.

Two restaurants are on-site here, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, one of them being Andiamo (Italian).

Amenities are plentiful here, especially for those who like to be active. They’ve also got a full tennis court, and the gym is well-equipped here.

Best Restaurants in Huatulco

El Grillo Marinero

If you love seafood, this is the place to go! Located steps away from the main square is El Grillo Marienero. You can’t miss it; the entire restaurant sits under a giant palapa!

This Mexican seafood restaurant serves all the seafood favorites: fried fish, Mexican ceviche, and much more.

A perfect place for a quick bite or afternoon lunch featuring great seafood and drinks!

Ocean Restaurant Huatulco

Known for its great-tasting seafood and exceptional sea views, Ocean is among the city’s best restaurants, and it’s easy to see why.

Located a 10-minute drive from the city center and right next door to Playa Arrocito beach, the restaurant lies amongst hills with breathtaking sea views.

Serving up delicious, beautifully plated Mexican seafood classics is what Ocean is about. Mexican Ceviche, Camarones al coco, and much more.

For those visiting with their partner, this is an excellent restaurant for a romantic date night with your loved one.

Cafe Casa Mayor

Cafe Casa Mayor is located in the city center, a cafe full of great food and a great remote working area for anyone looking for wifi and brunch!

The cafe dining area is on a deck above ground with views of the park across the street. They serve a spinoff of Mexican foods and Americanized Mexican food here for brunch.

At night, this place becomes quite lively; they’ve got a fully equipped bar with TVs, and sometimes the cafe hosts live performances at night!

Don Crudelio

Possibly the most underrated restaurant in the city is Don Crudelio . Young chef Victor is serving up exceptional Mexican-style seafood with his twists. He is well-known for his octopus tacos, boa bun tacos, and shrimp dishes.

The plating here is unbelievable; you’d think you’re at a 5-star restaurant in Miami. But with significantly lower food prices!

Best Time to Visit Huatulco

It can get scorching in Huatulco because the town is close to the equator, similar to other popular vacation spots in Mexico, like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta .

The best time to go to Huatulco is between November to March . Also referred to as “ dry season ”. Here is a seasonal breakdown of Huatulco’s weather!

Dry Season: The dry season is November through March; these are the best months to visit Huatulco. The climate is dry/hot, with little to no rain and low humidity.

Shoulder Season: The Shoulder Season here is March through May; during this time, the weather is still good and much more bearable than the off-season. There is lots of sunshine, and you will experience more rain than in the dry season, but it usually passes quickly.

Off Season: The off-season is from June through November. It’s sunny during this time, but the sun and heat in town can be unbearable. Sun protection during this time should be taken seriously. Also, the humidity is the highest of the year here during these months.

Is Huatulco Safe?

Huatulco is a safe city in Mexico, considering it’s a smaller, peaceful beach town. Huatulco is quiet and not overcrowded with tourists. It’s been ranked one of Mexico’s safest cities for several years now.

The city has a small population, and most locals know one another. Activities of crime, gangs, or drug-related things are very unlikely to occur here. One of many reasons American/Canadian ex-pats have made Huatulco their home.

Despite being a safe city to visit and live in, ensure you’re always aware of your surroundings. Book tours through trusted guides. We’ve shared plenty in this article, and make sure you confirm a price with your taxi driver before taking a taxi.

Lastly, make sure you have travel insurance before visiting Mexico. It’s essential to be covered in case of an emergency!

Things To Do in Huatulco – Final Thoughts

Huatulco, Mexico, is worth visiting! There are so many things to do in Huatulco; it’s very picturesque, safe and has plenty of beaches everywhere.

With Huatulco not being as popular as other famous beach towns in Mexico, anyone who appreciates laidback beach towns with surreal nature will fall in love with Hualtco!

If you’re coming to Huatulco expecting to really party, understand that Huatulco isn’t known for this; your only option is to go to Huatulco’s popular neighboring city for parties, Puerto Escondido !

But for those looking for a safe small beach town full of things to do with a laidback atmosphere, you must visit Huatulco!

Is Huatulco a party town?

No, it’s not; it’s a sleepy beach town; there are bars and restaurants and all but nothing too party-like. If you’re visiting Huatulco and want to party, head over to Puerto Escondido !

Is Huatulco better than Puerto Vallarta?

Both are beautiful Pacific Ocean beach towns, but Puerto Vallarta is a bigger city; it’s more lively and active. Huatulco is calmer, less touristy, and offers better beaches/nature than Puerto Vallarta.

How do you get around Huatulco?

The most popular way to get round Huatulco is by taxi or you can rent a car.

Subscribe to Travel Hiatus!

Receive updates on my latest posts, insider travel tips & the best destination guides to your inbox!

[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]

Happy & Safe Travels

Planning Checklist

• Find the best Hotels/Resorts
• Book a Vacation Home Rental
• Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
• Find the best Hostels
• Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
• Get Travel Insurance when traveling

Disclaimer : Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.

We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!

Owity founded Travel Hiatus in 2022 to document his travel, food and cultural experiences from all over the globe in order to help fellow travellers along the way. His slow travels allow him to research and explore places in-depth, meaning only the best and most informational guides for fellow readers! From Europe to North America, Asia and more, so far Owity has visited 21 countries.

Similar Posts

Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Seoul + Tips

Seoul is a fun, beautiful, and unique city to visit, but with so much to see and do, knowing and trying to plan out what to do for your first visit can be overwhelming. Stress no more!…

How To Visit Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 & 2

If you’ve researched the Phi Phi Islands for more than 30 minutes, you’ve most likely seen photos of this view! That stunning view of the island is from Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint! From the top of the…

How to Get from Ao Nang to Koh Samui

You just finished your adventures in Ao Nang, and you’re trying to figure out how to get from Ao Nang to Koh Samui? You’ve come to the right place! This complete transportation guide will tell you how…

5 Best Tulum Resorts in Mexico

Are you looking for the best Tulum resorts to figure out your accommodations when visiting Tulum? Look no further; this guide covers everything you need to know about Tulum’s best resorts! Tulum is one of Mexico’s most…

Ultimate Koh Phi Phi Itinerary for 3 Days

Are you planning to visit Koh Phi Phi and are unsure what to do? This complete itinerary for 3 days in Koh Phi Phi will answer all your questions! I’ve included everything you need to know for…

Hua Hin or Pattaya: Which is Best to Visit?

Are you trying to debate between visiting Hua Hin or Pattaya? Are you curious about which of these two beach destinations is better for you? In this comparison guide between Hua Hin and Pattaya, I’ll compare each…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Attractions
• Restaurants

An Ultimate Travel Guide To Huatulco, Mexico

Last Updated on 19 Apr 2024  by  Fiona Perisone

Huatulco, Mexico, is a vacationer's paradise. With the mountains on one side and a multitude of pristine bays and beaches on the other, Huatulco is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys water sports and jungle environments. Impressively, Huatulco was recently awarded the Green Globe International Certification as a sustainable tourist area - one of only three locations worldwide! Below, we'll tell you where to go and what to do to enjoy a memorable vacation in the Huatulco area.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

TOP ATTRACTIONS

THINGS TO DO

WHERE TO STAY

TRANSPORTATION

GOLDEN TIPS

Best Time To Visit Huatulco, Mexico

As far as the weather is concerned, there really is no bad time to explore Huatulco! The weather stays warm, humid, and sunny very nearly all year long!

While Huatulco is less swamped by tourists than some Mexico locations and boasts a year-round small-town vibe, most tourists visit during the summer. You can avoid these crowds by scheduling your visit in the off-season.

If experiences with sea turtles and whales are on your list, then plan your trip during fall (for sea turtles) and winter (for whales).

Best Places To Visit

La crucecita.

La Crucecita is the downtown area of Huatulco. For being the downtown hub, it's rather small and charming, with great shopping and delicious restaurants. The buildings are fantastic feats of architecture, and a beautiful church sits in the city square. Most tours will leave from this location, and it has a marina and a large pier where cruise ships dock. La Crucecita is the center of the tourism industry in Huatulco but is well worth visiting in its own right!

Pluma Hidalgo

If you love coffee (and who doesn't?), touring coffee plantations is definitely something to put on your list! The Pluma Hidalgo is a popular plantation to tour, and it is family-run, and a full-day tour of the grounds will show you how coffee beans grow, are roasted, and then packaged.

Zona Arqueologica Bocana del Rio Copalita

This is an archaeological site that contains settlement ruins that date back to 500 BC! It's not a large area, but the surrounding landscape is picturesque. You can tour this site and learn more about the region's history.

National Mexican Turtle Center

Many sea turtles lay their eggs along the coastlines of Mexico, and at the Turtle Center in Mazunte, you can actually release baby turtles into the ocean! Many tours and excursions make a stop here. You can enjoy seeing turtles (and alligators!) any time of the year at the center, but if you come in the fall, you'll be able to be part of the effort of releasing these turtles back into the ocean.

Bahias de Huatulco National Park

The Mexican government declared this national park has a designated national whale watching zone! Boat tours, guided dives, and snorkeling excursions can get you up and close and personal with the whales. Gray whales and blue whales come to the region during the winter to give birth and spend a few months raising their calves before swimming back north to colder waters.

Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla

The beaches are beautiful, but there are also natural wonders on the mainland. One of them is the Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla, a large jungle waterfall. To reach it, you'll join a guided party that uses all-terrain vehicles to get back into the jungle. After a short hike, you'll see the waterfall and even get a chance to swim in natural pools nearby!

Hagia Sophia Eco Park

This nature reserve is perfect for both calm and adventurous nature lovers. For the adrenaline junkies, there is a 2-kilometer zip line route over rivers and across the whole botanical garden, and others will enjoy the exotic flower trail.

Puerto Escondido

This destination is a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Huatulco, so it might be the best fit for an overnight trip within a larger Huatulco stay. Puerto Escondido is the peak of a "small beach town." It's a popular spot for surfers, and you can rent boards within the town and even take single private lessons.

Best Things To Do

Take A Boat Tour

One of the most popular ways to spend a day is to take a boat tour of the nine bays of the Huatulco region. Many of these boat tours will incorporate snorkeling and provide delicious drinks and food. It's a pleasant way to spend a day!

Enjoy Seafood

The seafood from Huatulco is famous, and every local restaurant you find will have a sizable selection on the menu. A particularly light and refreshing option is ceviche, which is fresh vegetables and fish soaked in lime juice.

Mexico is famous for tequila and mezcal. Both liquors are made from agave but have very different tastes! Oaxaca is the state where mezcal originated, and it still produces over 70% of Mexico's mezcal. You can enjoy top-shelf mezcal in many restaurants across the region, but a trip to Mezcaleria Gota Gorda will let you experience mezcal tastings and classes for all who are interested in the art of traditional Mexican spirits.

With all of the beaches and bays of the Huatulco region, it's no wonder snorkeling is a popular activity! Many resorts and hotels will have snorkeling gear on hand for you, but there are also many snorkeling tours that you can jump on. The water is warm and filled with colorful fish!

Get A Day Pass

If you've opted to stay at a smaller hotel during your visit, you can still enjoy all of the luxury and amenities of the all-inclusive resorts by buying a day pass. At these luxury resorts, you can enjoy an infinity pool, private beach access, and outstanding food.

Take A Cooking Class

Huatulco has incredible food, so take a cooking class and learn how to make some! Chiles & Chocolate is a cooking school that offers classes to visitors. The four-hour classes lead you through the creation of Oaxacan black mole with rice and chicken, handmade tortillas, and an authentic mezcal margarita.

Hit The Beaches

There are thirty-six beaches in Huatulco and nine bays! Most of the Huatulco beaches are accessible by car, and here are some at the top of the list.

Playa Maguey 

This bay beach is located close to the La Crucecita downtown area. The roped-off area is great for swimming and snorkeling, and being so close to Huatulco's tourism center, there are many little cafes and restaurants nearby.

Playa Entrego

Entrega Beach is similar to Maguey Beach, and they both have clear bay water and lots of local eateries nearby. The water here is calmer than most other beaches and bays in Huatulco. Many boat tours run out of Playa Maguey, making it busier. Playa Entrega is the way to go for similar amenities with a quieter atmosphere.

Playa Santa Cruz

This is a popular beach within walking distance of La Crucecita. It has many rental shops for paddle boards, snorkeling, and other water sports. It's rather busy but is a great spot for water adventurers.

Zipolite 

The Zipolite beach is Mexico's only legal nude beach - so it may not be everyone's cup of tea. There are nudist resorts and hotels along this beach as well.

La Bocana 

The La Bocana beach has typical sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling areas, but it also offers something unique - mud baths! You can apply mud to your whole body and then wash it off in the Pacific ocean. It's good for your skin and some laughs!

Road And Mountain Biking

Huatulco is a popular destination for road biking and mountain biking. In fact, the World Triathlon Cup Huatulco is held here every year, and in 2021, it was the last qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics.

Where To Stay

Depending on what you want to do and your budget, there are a large variety of hotel options for you to choose from, all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels to boutique hotels. You can also find an adult-only resort in Huatulco.

Most luxury hotels, vacation rentals, and resorts are situated on and near Tangolunda Bay. The popular all-inclusive resorts are Dreams resort and Barceló resort, and they are perfect for doing nothing but hanging out on the beach. Tangolunda offers beautiful and best beaches in Huatulco, Mexico.

Bahia Conejos Beach, or known as "Bunny Bay," features a beautiful and secluded beach. Secrets Huatulco Resort is a popular choice for this area.

Santa Cruz Huatulco is the center of activity on the beaches. There are a lot of restaurants and tour operators here, and it is also where cruise ships dock. Therefore, this area can get pretty busy at times. The beach here is calm and perfect for swimming and families. Santa Maria Huatulco, Mexico, is the biggest city in the region. Naturally, there are more things to do, bigger grocery stores, and more shopping centers. But it is not a resort area, so it's not a popular destination among tourists.

For travelers on a budget, the La Crucecita area, referred to as Centro or downtown, is a great option. This area is an ideal spot to shop for artisan crafts and taste Oaxacan specialties. It is also less crowded than the popular resort area, and the destination receives fewer tourists even during high seasons.

Where Is Huatulco Located?

Huatulco is actually the name of a region in the state of Oaxaca, not a town or city itself. This region along the southwest coast of Mexico includes the cities of La Crucecita, Santa Cruz, and Santa Maria Huatulco. It sits nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific coast.

How To Get To Huatulco, Mexico

International visitors will likely get into Huatulco by flying into the small local airport. Every day, flights come in from Mexico City. Once you arrive, you'll need to get to your hotel by private transportation, so be sure to line something up before you land.

Local residents from other locations in Mexico will likely utilize the bus system (which is well connected and affordable!) or drive. The bus station in the Huatulco region is in La Crucecita and connects to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca City, and San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Transportation With In

Taxi is the easiest and most convenient while being an economical option to travel around in Huatulco. Taxis here are standardized, and it is very safe and professional. Uber and Lyft are not available in this region.

Depending on where you stay, La Cruceita and Santa Cruz are great places to rent a bike and cruise around.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is the cheapest option to travel, and it covers a lot of regions. If you are traveling on a budget, public transportation is hands down the best option.

If you travel in large groups requiring taking more than one taxi, a car rental can be more economical for a day or two to go on an excursion. However, driving in Huatulco can be stressful with many motos, street performers, people selling goods on the street, and such.

Things To Know Before Visiting Huatulco, Mexico

Safety first.

The question everyone wants to know the answer to when they consider visiting Mexico: is it safe? Yes, it is completely safe for tourists and solo travelers! Huatulco isn't big, so it lacks the crime and drugs that large cities tend to attract. Like traveling anywhere, you should always keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings.

Use An Actual Taxi Service

Use a legitimate taxi service and professional tourist companies to avoid scams.

Bring A Water Bottle

We recommend you bring your own water bottle and refill it in hotels and restaurants. It's not just a myth that you should avoid drinking water in Mexico!

Watch Out For Scam

Most locals are decent people, but there are scammers around. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Avoid Driving At Night Time

The highways in Mexico have been improving and are mostly well maintained. However, it's best to avoid driving at night due to the lack of streetlights and large speed bumps. Do your exploration during the daytime.

SEARCH FOR THE CITY YOU WANT TO VISIT

25 Best Things to Do in Huatulco Mexico in 2024

Wondering about the best Huatulco things to do?

You’re in the right place because I live in Mexico , and have spent quite a bit of time in Bahías de Huatulco, usually just called Huatulco. This article will highlight the 25 best things to do in Huatulco so you have an epic trip!

Huatulco Mexico is a beautiful coastal town in Oaxaca state. It’s known for gorgeous beaches with turquoise water, snorkeling and diving, whale watching in winter, delicious food, all-inclusive resorts, and friendly locals.

Though Huatulco is one of the best beach towns in Oaxaca, there are things to do in Huatulco off-beach. These include exploring the waterfalls and rivers, taking cooking classes, seeing the ancient ruins in Huatulco, and more. Ready to discover everything you need to add to your Huatulco itinerary? Let’s get to it — but don’t miss the Huatulco travel FAQ at the end of the article that covers everything you need to know about traveling to Huatulco.

25 Best Things to do in Huatulco Mexico

1. boat tour to the huatulco bays.

The best way to experience Huatulco is from the water. It has a rugged coastline and miles of beach — many of those beaches are best accessed (or only accessed) by boat.

There are a number of full-day boat tours from Huatulco, like this one which I personally took . In fact, this is the most popular of all Huatulco tours .

They all depart from the Huatulco Pier near Playa Santa Cruz, the main beach in the center of town. You’ll spend the day swimming, snorkeling , sunbathing and eating at various beaches, like Playa Chachacual and Playa Maguey.

You can rent snorkel gear for about $200 pesos ($10 USD), but it’s better to bring your own snorkel gear so you get an up-close look at the tropical fish and coral reefs in Huatulco.

You’ll also enjoy snacks and drinks on board the boat.

⛵️ Best Huatulco Boat Tours

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco boat tours that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Exotic Paradise Boat Tour from Huatulco (Best Rated)
• Private Huatulco Boat Tour for Just Your Group
• Huatulco Boat Tour to the 7 Bays

Best Things to do in Huatulco Mexico

2. go snorkeling in huatulco.

Huatulco has some of the best diving and best snorkeling in Mexico . Many of the beaches are part of Huatulco National Park, which is a protected area. Because of this, there are numerous healthy coral reefs just offshore.

You can go snorkeling on your own at some of the best beaches in Huatulco, like Playa San Agustin and Playa la Entrega. However, for the best experience, you’ll want to go on one of the Huatulco snorkel tours listed below.

🤿 Best Huatulco snorkeling tours

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco snorkel tours that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Premium Huatulco Snorkeling Experience (Top Rated)
• Private Huatulco Snorkeling Tour & Boat Trip
• Huatulco Boat Tour to the 7 Bays with Snorkeling

3. Release Baby Turtles into the Ocean

Oaxaca state is one of the best places to see turtles in Mexico. There are a few species that live in the waters off the coast, like the Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and Olive Ridley turtle.

💡 Huatulco Travel Tips: The best time to see turtles in Oaxaca is from July to January.

In decades past, sea turtle numbers dwindled to the point of nearing extinction. However, conservation efforts are helping to change things. When you participate in a Huatulco turtle release, parts of the proceeds go to helping save the turtles.

With the Huatulco sea turtle release experiences, you get to hold a baby turtle and then place it in the sand and see it take its first steps into the Pacific Ocean.

The babies are adorable, and you will never forget your interaction with these amazing animals.

🐢 BEST HUATULCO TURTLE RELEASE TOURS

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco cooking classes that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Huatulco Turtle Release & Bioluminescence (Top Pick)
• Oaxaca Turtle Sanctuary at Sunset
• Turtle Release at Escobilla Sanctuary

4. Laze on the Best Beaches in Huatulco

Huatulco has 36 beaches and nine bays to choose from. To quickly explain, the bays are large coves. Each of the bays in Huatulco has several beaches within it — so you could spend weeks there, and never run out of beaches to explore.

Below, you’ll find a list of the most popular beaches. If you want to explore some of the hidden beaches and off the beaten path Huatulco beaches, check out these 27 Best Beaches in Huatulco, Mexico .

🏝️ Playa Santa Cruz (Main Beach)

👙 Good for swimming?   Yes | 🤿 Good for snorkeling?   No | 🌮 Are there restaurants?   Yes

Playa Santa Cruz Beach is located in Bahía Santa Cruz Bay, near where the cruise ships dock. It’s sometimes called Playa Principal, which means main beach. This lively beach is popular, day and night, and has everything you’d need.

🏝️ Playa la Entrega

👙 Good for swimming?  Yes | 🤿 Good for snorkeling?  Yes | 🌮 Are there restaurants?  Yes

Playa la Entrega is one of the most popular and most accessible snorkeling beaches in Huatulco. In fact, some go as far as to say it’s the best snorkeling beach in Huatulco and one of the best swimming beaches in Huatulco too!

As one of the best beaches in Huatulco for snorkeling, it can get very crowded by midday. The best time to visit Playa la Entrega Beach for snorkeling is before 11am because the crowds stir up the sand on the bottom and affect visibility.

🤿 Planning to go snorkeling in Huatulco Mexico?

This full-face snorkel mask is the best mask for snorkeling available today. It’s super easy to use, and even if you’re a beginner at snorkeling, you’ll feel confident underwater when using it.

🏝️ Playa Tangolunda Beach

👙 Good for swimming?   Yes | 🤿 Good for snorkeling?   Yes | 🌮 Are there restaurants?   No

Tangolunda Beach is one of the most beautiful and best beaches in Huatulco Oaxaca — especially for those who love long walks on the beach. It’s about 2,625-feet-long (700 m) and there’s soft sand.

For those wondering, Can you swim in Huatulco Mexico? You can at some beaches. However, Tangolunda Beach is not great for swimming because there’s often a strong undercurrent; to swim, opt for Playa la Entrega Huatulco.

🏝️ BAHÍA TANGOLUNDA BAY

Playa Tangolunda is in Bahía Tangolunda, the main hotel zone in Huatulco. If you want to stay at an all inclusive Huatulco resort , this is the place.

🏝️ Playa la Bocana

👙 Good for swimming?   No | 🤿 Good for snorkeling?   No | 🌮 Are there restaurants?   Yes

If you can only visit a few beaches on your trip to Huatulco, Playa la Bocana should be one of them. It’s great for a long walk, swimming, relaxing, and sipping cocktails at sunset.

By day, it’s one of the best Huatulco surfing beaches, but has many other activities to offer — like the mud massages on Playa la Bocana. It’s also a nice place to watch the sunrise, and to walk along the beach to the Copalita River.

🏝️ Bahía de Cacaluta

Fans of the 2001 Mexican film, Y Tu Mamá También , will love seeing Bahía de Cacaluta in person. Several scenes from the film were shot in this bay, and even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ll love beautiful Cacaluta Bay.

The best way to see this beach is on the Exotic Paradise Water Adventure Tour from Huatulco , which takes you to some of the best Huatulco beaches that are only accessible by boat. I did this tour, and it was a lot of fun.

🏝️ Need a few more Huatulco beaches suggestions?

There’s popular beaches like Playa Chachue and Playa Maguey , and the off the beaten path Huatulco beaches like Playa Arrocito and Playa Tejon .

Some of the best bays in Huatulco include Bahía Maguey , Bahía Conejos and Bahía San Agustín (sometimes called Playa San Agustin) — my personal favorite beach in Huatulco!

For a longer list, check out these 27 Best Beaches in Huatulco, Mexico .

5. Swim in the Cascadas Magicas Waterfalls

One of the can’t miss things to see in Huatulco is Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla (Copalitilla Waterfalls Park).

There are about 30 waterfalls throughout the park, the highest of which is 65-feet-tall (20 m), and there’s also natural waterfall pools that you can swim in.

The park is about one haour from Huatulco, in the small pueblo of San Miguel del Puerto, Oaxaca, located way up in the mountains.

This far from the Huatulco city limits, you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise, surrounded by lush vegetation, wild nature and freshwater jungle pools. There are also hot springs in Huatulco not too far away!

💦 Best Huatulco Waterfall Tours

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco waterfall tours that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Copalitilla Waterfalls Tour from Huatulco with Transport (Best Rated)
• Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla Adventure Tour
• Coffee Plantation and Waterfalls Huatulco Tour

6. Zip Lining at Hagia Sophia Eco Park

Hagia Sofia Park, located near Huatulco, offers visitors the best of both worlds — nature and adventure. On their famed Exotic Flower Trail you can see more than 100,000 plants, including 60 species of rare and exotic flowers.

In the spring, they host seasonal fruit tastings in the gardens. The park has more than 80 varieties of tropical and exotic fruit trees they sample from, including rambutan and mangosteen trees.

With such a large collection, the trees attract butterflies and birds all year.

For Huatulco adventure travelers, the Hagia Sofia zipline takes you on a 1.25-mile journey (2 km) over the gardens below. You get a bird’s eye view of the park’s biodiversity, as you soar 325-feet (99 m) above the ground.

🌳 Best Hagia Sofia Tours from Huatulco

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco tours to Hagia Sofia that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Hagia Sofia Tour: EcoPark & Zipline (Best Rated)
• Hagia Sofia Botanical Park Tour with Meals Included
• Hagia Sofia Park & Waterfall Tour

6. Huatulco Coffee Tour in Pluma Hidalgo

Oaxaca is known as a Mexico foodie destination, but it also produces some of the country’s best coffee. Pluma Hidalgo rivals even the most famous coffee in North America, like Havana Cuba coffee and Colombian coffee.

Head to the fincas (coffee farms) near Huatulco for a tour of the fields, and to sample their delicious product. Many of the best fincas near Huatulco, like La Gloria and El Pacifico, don’t allow walk-ins, so you must book a tour .

Most tours from Huatulco combine the finca with a stop at some of the other places mentioned on this list, so you get two tours in one.

☕️ Best Huatulco Coffee Tours & Tastings

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco coffee tours that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• 3 Level of Hidalgo Tour: Beaches, Coffee, Mountains (Best Rated)
• Huatulco Coffee Tasting and Cultural Experience
• Coffee Plantation and Waterfalls Tour

best Things to do in Huatulco Mexico

7. visit bahias de huatulco national park.

At 29,000-acres (116 km²), Huatulco National Park is massive. Unlike many parks, this is a land and water park. It was declared a national park in 1998, it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a RAMSAR site with protected wetlands.

At Huatulco National Park, three ecosystems converge: tropical forest, dry forest, and of course, marine.

There’s a lot to enjoy on dry land, like Huatulco bird watching , hiking, biking and horseback riding — but take one of these best Huatulco snorkeling tours to see the healthy reefs just offshore.

The waters off Huatulco National Park are teeming with fish, turtles, coral and more. One of the more famous types of marine life here are the whales.

In fact, the Mexican government declared this area a national whale watching zone in 2019. In the winter months, you can see several species of whales in Huatulco, though the most common is the Pacific gray whale.

You can sometimes see the whales breaching the water from the shore, but you’ll want to book one of these best boat tours in Huatulco so you get to see the whales up close. It’s a true bucket list experience 🐳

8. Huatulco Cooking Classes

Not sure what a tlayuda is? Never heard of a memela ? No worries, because the best way to learn about Oaxacan food is to cook it — and then eat it, of course!

There are numerous Huatulco cooking classes available in town, and in the nearby pueblo (small town) of La Crucecita . This is considered Downtown Huatulco, though it’s not technically a part of Huatulco.

In these classes, you can expect a fun and educational environment, as you learn to prepare things like mole , tlayudas and empanadas, and Mexican drinks like tejate — a prehispanic chocolate and corn drink .

👩‍🍳 Best Cooking Classes in HUATULCO

• Street Food Cooking Class in Huatulco (Best Rated)
• Mama’s Kitchen: Traditional Oaxaca Food Cooking Class
• Huatulco Cooking Class for Seafood Dishes

9. Ride ATVs in Huatulco Through the Jungle

Zip through rugged trails that lead you through the beautiful lush tropical jungle , on this small-group Huatulco ATV Tour with Jungle Visit & Copalita River .

The tour starts with a hotel pick-up, where you’ll be taken to the Tangolunda Ranch. Here, you’ll learn how to handle an ATV before heading out. One of the best Huatulco adventure tours starts when you turn the key.

Ivan, our guide, was awesome and gave us lots of history of the ranch. It was a nice, relaxing ride. Definitely recommend for a fun outing. —gretchen ( read more reviews )

Then it’s off to explore the jungle. At one point you’ll reach the Copalita River in Huatulco, where you will have the chance to go swimming. Note: Make sure to pack a swimsuit and a towel.

Once the swim is over, you’ll head back to the ranch on your ATVs. Back at the farm, you’ll also have the opportunity to have lunch (extra cost). Food and drinks are not provided on this tour, so bring a backpack filled with essentials.

10. Visit Downtown Huatulco (La Crucecita)

When it’s time to escape the crowds in Huatulco, or if you want to do some shopping, head to La Crucecita, Oaxaca . It’s named for a crucecita, or “little cross” that sits high atop one of the hills overlooking town.

La Crucecita is a small pueblo where many locals live. Huatulco is a Mexico resort town , so La Crucecita is the place to experience the area’s cultural side.

It has the best authentic Mexican street food in Huatulco, and great shopping at colorful local mercados (markets), perfect for buying with artisan handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Wondering what to do in Huatulco at night? All the best things to do in Huatulco at night are happening in La Crucecita, where you’ll find all the hippest restaurants and best bars in Huatulco.

🚌 Best Huatulco City Tours

Here’s a list of the Top 3 best Huatulco tours of La Crucecita and Downtown that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Huatulco on your vacation:

• Huatulco Sightseeing Tour with a Local (Top Rated)
• Private Huatulco Tour: Sightseeing, Shopping & Mezcal Tasting
• Huatulco Sightseeing and La Crucecita Tour

11. Ancient Copalita Ruins in Huatulco

Located in Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park, visit the only ancient ruins in Huatulco Mexico . Bocana del Río Copalita Archaeological Zone is a smaller site, but has two prehispanic temples and ancient ball courts to see. Copalita excavations have confirmed that both the Zapotec and Mazatec peoples used the site as a ceremonial center.

During digs, archaeologists uncovered two tombs at Copalita, which they say are the final resting places of elite members of the ruling class.

12. Go Kayaking in Huatulco Oaxaca

The best way to enjoy Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico is on the water. While these Huatulco boat tours can be a lot of fun — for a more relaxed experience, you’ll want to book this Huatulco kayaking tour with Roldan. Going with a Huatulco local like Roldan means you get to venture away from the crowds and check out the virgin beaches in Huatulco, like Playa Pauliana Beach, where you can swim with the turtles.

Roldan really went out of his way to make sure we had a beautiful experience and a good view of turtles and fish benches… Generally highly recommended! —Karen ( read more reviews )

Roldan is used to working with kayakers of all skill levels, and will stick to the areas with calm waves. On the tour, you’ll visit two beaches and two snorkeling spots that you may just have all to yourself.

Kayak, paddles, snorkeling gear and bottle water are all included. Also, Roldan will be taking videos and photos with his GoPro Camera , which are available for purchase afterwards.

13. Mud Bath at Playa La Bocana Beach

Looking to get a massage in Huatulco? Don’t miss Playa la Bocana Beach in Huatulco, where you can get a mud bath massage right on the beach.

The mud on this beach is said to be good for the skin, with natural exfoliants in it. I got one last time I was visiting Huatulco, and my skin did instantly look and feel much better.

The locals at Playa la Bocana offer massages for about $200 MXN pesos ($10 USD), which is a bargain for a beachfront massage.

14. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Huatulco

Many don’t know this, but Mexico isn’t all tacos and burritos. In fact, the state’s capital of Oaxaca City is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, because this cuisine is so beloved — and so incredibly delicious.

Mexican cuisine is very regional, and Oaxaca state has its own unique foods you don’t always find outside of the state.

While traveling to Huatulco, try some traditional Oaxacan food favorites, like mole , tlayudas and memelas and tamales oaxaqueños.

One of the best places to try these foods is El Sabor de Oaxaca in La Crucecita. If you want to eat where the locals do, head to La Casa De Las Tlayudas Huatulco , Tlayudas Arely and Tlayudas Del-i-ciosas .

15. Whitewater Rafting on the Copalita River

The Copalita River is one of the largest rivers in Oaxaca state. There are some parts near Huatulco with Class I and Class II rapids, which are on the smaller side, but still make for one of the most fun day trips from Huatulco.

The river dries up considerably in the Huatulco dry season from about November to April, so the tours are seasonal. You can check for Huatulco Copalita River Tour here to see if there will be any when you visit.

17. Mezcal Tour in Huatulco

Learn about the entire Oaxaca mezcal process — from agave plant to distilled drink — when you book this Complete Huatulco Mezcal Experience with Magdalena, a Oaxaca native.

She will take you to mezcal plantations and agave fields near Huatulco to taste small-production, house-made mezcals that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll learn how to drink mezcal in Mexico so you savor each sip to the fullest.

You’ll also visit the surrounding Huatulco jungle to learn about the local flora. Here, you get to taste Oaxacan chocolate, and sample another Oaxaca drink that has deep meaning within Oaxacan culture .

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll enjoy a farewell meal at the end of the tour with traditional Oaxacan foods , like mole , tlayudas, tamales and memelas . Everything is included, even transportation from your Huatulco hotel .

18. Go Shopping in Huatulco at the Artisan Market

Huatulco isn’t too far from all the coolest art towns in Oaxaca Mexico , so if you want to do some shopping in Huatulco, you have plenty of options.

One of the best places to buy Huatulco souvenirs is in La Crucecita , which is known as Downtown Huatulco. Head to the Museo de Artesanías Oaxaqueñas to buy textiles, pottery, clothing and more made by local artisans.

19. La Ventanilla Lagoon EcoTour

Laguna Ventanilla is a lagoon that 20 families have taken up conservation efforts to protect. They are known as the Ventanilla Ecotourism Cooperative , and if you want to take an eco-friendly Huatulco tour, this is it!

As Ventanilla Lagoon is accessible only by boat, you must go with a tour. The best tour from Huatuco is this 4 in 1 Tour to La Ventanilla, Mazunte, a Cacao Factory, and Turtle Spawn — so you get to see a lot in one day.

Laguna Ventanilla offers a chance to get out into nature and see another side of Mazunte, away from the beaches. While boating through the mangroves, be on the lookout for iguanas, spider monkeys, deer and crocodiles.

20. Huatulco to Mazunte Day Trip

There’s no shortage of beaches in Huatulco , but you can also check Mazunte . This is Huatulco’s neighboring beach towns on the Riviera Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Riviera), located about one hour away by rental car .

Mazunte makes for one of the best day trips from Huatulco. It’s a quaint, laid back town, popular with bohemian types, backpackers, artists and yogis. (In fact, I even did a 10 day silent meditation retreat in Mazunte 🧘‍♀️).

🏝️ Mazunte, Oaxaca Pueblo Magico

Mazunte is one of the 135 or so Mexico pueblos mágicos (magic towns). It is the only Oaxaca pueblo magico on the coast — and some say the most “magical” things about Mazunte is beautiful Mermejita Beach.

🏝️ Playa Mermejita Beach in Mazunte

Playa Mermejita in Mazunte is said to be the best beach in Oaxaca , and one of the best beaches in Mexico . If you’re staying in Mazunte all day, hike up to Punta Cometa , which overlooks this beach for epic sunset views.

🐢 National Mexican Turtle Center

The Mexican National Turtle Center is a museum, aquarium, research institute and sanctuary dedicated to sea turtles preservation. They house the four sea turtle species found in Mexico, two land species, and 16 freshwater species.

The Mexican National Turtle Center is located here , and open Wednesday through Sunday, from morning until early afternoon. Admission is just $40 MXN pesos ($2 USD), and proceeds go to a good cause.

🌅 Punta Cometa: Best Place to Watch the Sunset

Punta Cometa (AKA Cerro Sagrada, or Sacred Hill) was used in pre-Hispanic times as a ceremonial center. Today, it is a gathering place by Mazunte visitors and locals alike, and the best spot in town to see the epic Mazunte sunsets.

Punta Cometa is just a short, mostly easy hike up from Playa Rinconcito . You can access the path up from the southern end of Playa Rinconcito, where you’ll see the trail to take up the side of the hill.

21. Go Surfing in Puerto Escondido

Want to go surfing in Huatulco?

While there are a few spots with decent waves, you’ll have to head to Puerto Escondido Mexico for the best surf on the Oaxaca Coast — and some of the best Mexico surf waves, for that matter.

Hop in your rental car and head two hours west of Huatulco, and you’ll be in Puerto Escondido.

Once you arrive, you can enjoy a surf lesson with Pablo , or head to the shops on the beach to rent gear and go on your own. 🏄‍♀️ For a complete guide, check out these 7 Best Puerto Escondido Surf Lessons and Surf Schools .

22. Visit the Zipolite Nude Beach

Zipolite is famous, or maybe infamous, as the only nude beach in Mexico. There are other beaches which allow or tolerate nudity, but Zipolite is the only legal nude beach in Mexico .

While nudity is legal everywhere, it is mostly confined to the area near the aptly-named Naked Hotel Zipolite and Playa del Amor Beach — so don’t feel like you have to be naked in Zipolite.

In fact, Zipolite attracts everyone from families to bohemians to LGBTQ+ travelers. The best way to visit is by renting a car in Huatulco and driving. The Huatulco to Zipolite drive is about one hour and 15 minutes.

23. Rent a Car and Visit the Best Beaches Near Huatulco

Looking for things to do near Huatulco Mexico? The best way to cover a lot of ground will be taking a fun Huatulco road trip where you control the itinerary.

Renting a car in Huatulco is an easy process, and allows you the freedom to visit the nearby beaches and sites on your own schedule. I recommend and always use Discover Cars when I rent a car in Huatulco.

In this article, you already learned about a few of the beaches close to Huatulco, like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite, but here are a few more beaches you can check out on the Oaxaca Coast:

🏝️ San Agustinillo , Oaxaca

San Agustinillo has some of the best beaches in Oaxaca .

The San Agustinillo beaches are famed for their large, unique rock formations. It’s a laid back town, popular with travelers seeking posh accommodations and quiet beaches.

🏝️ Puerto Angel , Oaxaca

Visiting Puerto Angel is like going back in time. It’s a charming, old school fishing village that also has gorgeous beaches and bays, like Playa la Boquilla and Bahía Estacahuite.

You can also enjoy amazing, cheap and fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants. A personal favorite is Restaurant July , located just steps from beautiful Playa Estacahuite Beach.

🏝️ Playa Boca Vieja (Secret Beach)

Playa Boca Vieja Beach is somewhere I shouldn’t be telling you about, because it’s a secret! Well, kind of , anyway.

Situated east of Río Coyula, and southwest of Estero la Salina, this virgin beach paradise is only about 45 minutes from Huatulco by rental car .

Playa Boca Vieja Beach is known for its unique setting, where the river is right next to the Pacific Ocean — but also for its seafood.

Enjoy the freshest seafood you’ve ever had at a palapa right on the beach as you enjoy the sea-breeze in this Oaxaca pueblo (small town).

Best Things to do in Huatulco Mx

24. visit la escobilla turtle sanctuary.

Oaxaca is home to several major turtle nesting beaches, including La Escobilla , a waterfront sanctuary for sea turtles. It is also among the world’s most significant nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley turtle.

One of the most extraordinary things about this endangered turtle species is its nesting habits. During the nesting season, large groups of turtles gather together offshore and then come ashore together in vast numbers.

🐢 La Arribada (The Arrival)

This event is known as La Arribada, which means “the arrival” in Spanish. Sometimes, you’ll see it called Gran Arribada , or “great arrival,” as they come in such vast numbers.

The nesting season at La Escobilla Sanctuary runs July to January, peaking during September and October. During this time, up to 90,000 turtles come ashore over a 3-5 day period. Each will lay about 85-150 eggs.

La Escobilla beach is protected by military guards, and you can only visit with a tour . The guards here are volunteers who know how to keep the turtles’ safety a priority — like making sure people don’t use flash photography.

Best Things to do in Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico

25. go scuba diving in huatulco.

In addition to having some of the best beaches in Oaxaca , Huatulco also has some of the best diving in Oaxaca! Diving in Huatulco is great because the waters are protected, full of marine life, and offer plenty of places to explore.

Because Huatulco faces south, it is protected from a lot of the strong winds and currents other parts of the Pacific Coast of Mexico are exposed to. As the Huatulco bays face in many different directions, there’s always a great place to dive.

For the best dive shops in Huatulco, you’ll want to check Hurricane Divers, Buceo Huatulco, Scuba Diving Anfibios, and Huatulco Dive Centre — which all have excellent reviews and great safety records.

Huatulco Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is huatulco mexico located.

Huatulco is located in southern Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca . It is located on the Pacific Ocean, about six hours by car from the state’s capital, Oaxaca de Juarez (AKA Oaxaca City ).

🗺️ Huatulco Map

🏨 Need a place to stay? Check out all the best Huatulco Mexico resorts and best hotels in Huatulco !

You can easily travel from Oaxaca City to Huatulco by private shuttle , plane, rental car or bus; but we’ll get into Huatulco transportation later.

If you’re wondering,  How do you pronounce Oaxaca? , you’re not alone! Let’s actually clear up the Oaxaca pronunciation before we go any further — Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah, not oh-haa-kah.

How far is Oaxaca to Huatulco?

The distance from Oaxaca City to Huatulco Beach is 161 miles, or 259 km. It is the same for the Huatulco to Oaxaca route.

What’s the best way to get to Huatulco Mexico?

The best way to travel to Huatulco is by flight. There are direct flights to Huatulco from Mexico City and Guadalajara , or you can take this Oaxaca to Huatulco flight from Oaxaca City.

What’s the best airport for Huatulco?

There is a Huatulco airport, located about 20-30 minutes from the beaches, called Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX).

It is a small airport, and very easy to navigate. If you’re booking a flight to Huatulco , make sure you’re flying into Bahías de Huatulco Airport. HUX Airport is the only airport in Huatulco.

🚌 Best Huatulco Airport Shuttle

What are the best places to stay in huatulco.

When deciding on Huatulco accommodations , the first question you must ask is if you want to stay on the beach or in town. For most, Huatulco Beach is where you’ll want to stay.

If you want to stay right on the beach, there are a few distinct areas, but if you want to stay in downtown close to all the action, opt for a place in La Crucecita.

On the beach there’s Bahía Tangolunda, where you’ll find all of the best Huatulco all-inclusive resorts ; Bahía Santa Cruz, the central area for all the beaches of Huatulco; and Bahía Chahue, where all the best beach clubs are.

Huatulco vs Puerto Escondido: Which is better?

While Huatulco is popular with honeymooners, families and the 30s-50s demographic, Puerto Escondido might be better for the 20s-30s crowd, and anyone who wants to surf 🏄‍♀️

Also, if you want a lot of nightlife options, Puerto Escondido works better. If Puerto Escondido sounds like it’s more up your alley, check out this Puerto Escondido travel guide to help you plan your trip.

Is Huatulco safe for travelers?

Huatulco is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico . It has low crime rates, friendly locals, and even the taxi drivers treat tourists fairly (this is not always the case).

As far as Huatulco Mexico safety, just take the same measures here as you would when traveling anywhere else on Earth. In short, the answer to Is Huatulco safe for tourists? — is usually yes.

If you want to network with locals to get a better feel for Huatulco before and during your visit, join some Facebook groups, like these:

• Huatulco What’s Up
• Bahias de Huatulco Expats
• Huatulco Gringos

Can you drink the water in Huatulco Mexico?

Some people do drink unfiltered tap water in Huatulco, however, you might not want to if you’re someone who errs on the side of caution.

One of the most common questions I get is, Can I drink the water in Mexico? The answer is NO , unfiltered Mexico tap water isn’t safe for human consumption — not for locals and not for visitors.

For more info, head to Can You Drink the Water in Mexico? for a complete guide to this topic. To be as safe as possible, you’ll want to get one of these Water-To-Go Bottles that have a built-in, three-stage water filter.

What’s the best way to get around in Huatulco Mexico?

🚗 Renting a Car in Huatulco Mexico

A Huatulco rental car is definitely the best way to get around because you’re not dependent on anyone, you just come and go as you please, staying anywhere you want for as long as you want.

As one of the safest cities in Mexico , you’ll be fine driving in Huatulco Mexico.

🚙💨 For more info, head to Renting a Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know .

When it comes to Mexico rental cars, I recommend and also use Discover Cars . Their search tool checks both international companies and local Mexican companies so you get the best rates.

🚕 Taxis in Huatulco Mexico

You might be wondering, Are taxis safe in Huatulco?

For the vast majority of travelers, yes, you will be safe using taxis in Huatulco. You can use them to get from Point A to Point B, but some drivers will also negotiate a day rate for you, and they will take you all over town for the day.

Is there Uber in Huatulco?

No — There’s no Uber in Huatulco, and there’s no Lyft in Huatulco.

If you don’t have a rental car , you’ll have to use taxis or public transportation in Huatulco. Taxis will cost more than public transport, but they are also a lot more convenient.

🚌 Public Transportation in Huatulco Mexico

Huatulco public transportation is pretty good, though unlike taxis, don’t expect bus drivers to speak English.

If you do want to use public transport in Huatulco, make sure you have change and small bills to pay the driver; as many won’t make change for large bills.

Since I barely used the public transportation and buses in Huatulco, I’ll refer you to the best guide I’ve seen on the subject, How to Travel in Huatulco .

It was written by Shevaun (Shev for short), one of my fellow Mexico bloggers , who lives in Huatulco Mexico.

What’s the best time to visit Huatulco Mexico?

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Huatulco is from November to March .

You’ll have no rain (or very little), low humidity, and no mosquitoes (or very few) in these months.

With perfect weather, however, comes larger crowds and higher price tags. To avoid the large crowds and higher-than-average prices, skip the weeks of Christmas , New Year’s and Semana Santa (Holy Week).

🧳 Not sure what to pack for Huatulco Mexico? Check out this guide to Packing for Mexico , and for outfit inspiration, head to Cute Outfits for Mexico .

🌡️ Huatulco Weather: Yearly Averages

• Huatulco Busy Season: November to March
• Huatulco Slow Season: May to September
• Huatulco Shoulder Season: October and April
• Huatulco Rainy Season: April to September 
• Huatulco Dry Season: October to March

If you’re traveling to Huatulco on a budget, you’ll want to visit during the slow summer season.

For the best value, but still nice weather, plan your visit during what’s called the shoulder season, a magical time right in-between the high season and low season.

What’s the best time to see whales in Huatulco?

The Huatulco whale season runs from about November to April — but the best time to see them is from mid-December to March.

During this time, you can take this Huatulco boat tour and venture into the Pacific Ocean to (hopefully) see everything from Pacific gray whales, to orcas (killer whales), to humpback whales.

Is Huatulco worth visiting?

Yes — Huatulco Mexico is perfect for those who want to venture slightly off the beaten path in Mexico.

There are these great all-resorts in Huatulco , similar to Cancun , Cabo and Puerto Vallarta , but without the large crowds. Huatulco also has great tourism infrastructure, and is safe for tourists.

I recommend Huatulco for those who want to enjoy the beaches, nature and relaxation. It’s great for daytime activities, but limited in its nightlife.

There are some bars in nearby La Crucecita (Downtown Huatulco Mexico), but even the bars at the best Huatulco resorts and Huatulco hotels often close by 10pm.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Huatulco Mexico

Huatulco is a very special place, and provides a very unique experience, as far as Mexico beach towns go.

Its nature is very well preserved, yet there are beautiful accommodations; it’s a beach town, yet still maintains an authentic, cultural feel.

Huatulco also has an international Green Globe Certification , meaning it meets standards for Sustainable Tourism.

With more protected space than most other Mexico travel destinations and Mexico resort towns , you’ll have an amazing trip but also feel good about traveling to Huatulco Mexico.

More Huatulco Travel Blogs

If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Huatulco Mexico, check out these additional Huatulco travel guides:

• 7 Best Huatulco All Inclusive Resorts
• Best Huatulco Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
• Renting a Car in Huatulco: What You Need to Know
• 11 Best Boat Tours in Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico
• 6 Best Huatulco Snorkeling Tours
• 27 Best Beaches in Huatulco
• Is Huatulco Worth Visiting?
• Oaxaca to Huatulco: 4 Best Transport Options
• Oaxaca to Huatulco Flight: What You Need to Know

Oaxaca Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance for oaxaca.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling to Oaxaca. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Oaxaca?

Yes — Renting a car in Oaxaca is one of the best ways to see the state. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Oaxaca companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Oaxaca?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of all Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book places to stay in Oaxaca?

For Oaxaca hotels, Booking.com is the best site . If you’re considering a Oaxaca Airbnb, also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb. For the best Oaxaca hostels, use HostelWorld .

What do I pack for Oaxaca?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Oaxaca flights?

For finding cheap Oaxaca flights, I recommend booking through Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Oaxaca?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but you can check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

The vast majority of travelers will receive a a passport stamp, or 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.

Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico: Beaches, Hotels + Ultimate Travel Guide

The coastal beach destination of Huatulco, Mexico spans 26 km of gorgeous coastline, with a whopping 36 beautiful beaches tucked into nine different bays. Discover the secrets of Huatulco, Oaxaca and plan your vacation with this ultimate guide to Huatulco beaches, hotels, and things to do!

Santa Maria Huatulco (known by locals just as Huatulco, pronounced “wah-TOOL-koh”) is a popular destination for travelers who want a resort experience with the option of adventurous day trips to hike, snorkel or dive, zipline, and see waterfalls and pristine beaches.  There are more luxury hotels here than most beach towns on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, but it’s still a lesser-known gem.  

In this guide, I’ll share tips on everything you need to plan your vacation, starting with the most beautiful beaches in Huatulco and where to stay in the bays of Huatulco for a perfect trip.  Plus, I’ve also got advice on the best things to do, from day trips to snorkeling, scuba, and more!

Pin this Huatulco, Mexico beaches, hotels & planning tips for later!

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

In this Guide to Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico:

Best Time to Visit | Best Huatulco Beaches | Where to Stay in Huatulco | Getting Around Huatulco | Huatulco Sights & Day Trips

Why Visit Huatulco, Oaxaca?

Huatulco is a lesser-known Mexico beach gem with a stunning natural setting. It’s a perfect way to end a trip to Oaxaca City, after exploring the museums, restaurants, and history of that colonial city. Huatulco also offers quiet resorts and calm bays that are great destinations for family vacations.

In Huatulco, you can stay closer to action and nightlife, or relax at a resort with all the amenities you expect from Mexico hotels. These can include onsite dining, multiple pools, beach access, private beach clubs, fitness centers, etc. But overall, Huatulco has a more authentic vibe and less of the all-inclusive resort culture found in some parts of Mexico like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

The nearby town of La Crucecita is where many resort workers live, and is also a tourist destination with budget hotels, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.  La Crucecita has beaches within walking distance or an inexpensive taxi ride away. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly base to explore the beaches of Huatulco and things to do here, La Crucecita is a good option.

If you’d rather chill out at a resort for your getaway, I’ll also recommend hotels in the most popular beaches with mid-range to luxury Huatulco beach resorts.

Bahias de Huatulco National Park

Rather than being densely packed with high-rise hotels, the resorts in the bays of Huatulco have a lower profile. Some of these bays have been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting them from development. This biosphere offers many opportunities for nature experiences in the region including hiking, bird and animal spotting, and snorkeling and scuba diving. There are more than 250 animal species, 700 different birds (including hummingbirds), and 470 types of reptiles including iguanas, salamanders, and snakes. Dolphins, whales, and turtles are often seen off the coast, in addition to 100 amphibian species.

Other Beaches on the Oaxaca Coast

The Oaxaca coast has many beaches to choose from! If you want to do a road trip or explore the coast with a day trip, I’ve got all the tips you need. Chill out and surf in Puerto Escondido , experience hiking and yoga in Mazunte , or kick back with surfing and the bohemian vibe in Zipolite . Or learn about all of the beach towns of the Oaxaca coast .

The Best Time to Visit Huatulco, Oaxaca

There really is no bad time to visit Huatulco! October through February are the driest months with the most sunny days.  Expect high temperatures to reach the 70s. Huatulco’s rainy season is from June through September: these months average mid-80 degree days, and the humidity is high.  September is the wettest month.

Check out weather averages for your vacation dates from HolidayWeather.com.

Huatulco experiences a small tourism peak at the start of November following Dia de los Muertos; and again from December to April. Keep an eye also on holidays like Semana Santa (the week preceding Easter), as hotels and flights are usually in higher demand.

Don’t miss my other tips for travel in the region: guide to all of the Oaxaca beaches , best things to do and where to stay in Oaxaca City , and how to plan a trip for Dia de los Muertos!

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: Traditions & 2023 Trip Itinerary

Oaxaca, Mexico is magic, especially during the Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Learn about the holiday’s traditions and get an itinerary for your own Day of the Dead trip to Oaxaca!

Must- See Huatulco Beaches

Huatulco beaches are the star of the show! Whether you’re looking for the best beach to stay at, or options for day trips, I’ve got tips for you. If you want to explore beaches on your own, many are accessible by rental car or taxi. Others, particularly beaches located within Huatulco National Park, are best reached by boat tour.

Map of the Best Huatulco Beaches

Best huatulco beaches | huatulco, mexico beach gems.

These Huatulco beaches are easily accessible by car or taxi – or from your resort depending on your hotel choice!

Playa Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz Beach

Playa Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz Bay, which is Huatulco’s cruise ship port. This beach has calm water perfect for swimming and families. It’s also one of the most popular beaches, since it offers a wide variety of hotels and restaurants as well as boat rentals and tours. The beach is about 250 meters long, which offers room to spread out and enjoy its golden sand and blue water.

Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling ? No | Restaurants? Yes

Playa La Entrega | Entrega Beach

Playa Entrega is another Huatulco beach popular with local families. It’s also located in Bahia Santa Cruz. Restaurants here are plentiful, and this is a calm beach for swimming.

Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? Yes

Playa Chahue | Chahue Beach

Playa Chahue is the closest beach to La Crucecita, and is located in Bahia Chahue. Waves are large at Chahue Beach, and swimmers should watch for warning flags. Playa Chahue has beach clubs which offer day passes for use of the swimming pool and beach loungers. It’s also a popular place to watch sunset, and you can book tours from the marinas here.

Safe for swimming? Experts | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? Yes

Playa Maguey | Maguey Beach

Playa Maguey is located in a quiet cove of Bahia Maguey. This is one of the farther beaches you can reach by car rather than boat. There are many restaurants here and the waters are safe for swimming and snorkeling.

Playa Conejos | Conejos Beach

Playa Conejos is a secluded Huatulco beach, located on the east side of Conejo Bay.  There is a resort here, but you can access the public beach area down a hidden path from the parking lot. The beach is beautiful, but the waves are too dangerous for swimming.

Safe for swimming? No | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? No

Playa Tangolunda | Tangolunda Beach

Playa Tangolunda is another secluded Huatulco beach in Tangolunda Bay. To visit the public beach, be sure to bring everything you’ll need for your time here, since there are no services other than the resorts.

Lesser-Known Huatulco Beaches | Huatulco Beaches Via Boat

For beach lovers, these Huatulco beaches are not to be missed! Book a tour at either of the marinas in Santa Cruz or Chahue. Or I’ll also add some links for tours with online bookings and ratings that you can review.

San Augustin

Playa San Augustin is another favorite beach for both locals and tourists. It’s possible to get here by car, about 45 minutes from La Crucecita. Or visit as part of a boat trip. There are restaurants here, and it’s excellent for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Playa Cacaluta

Playa Cacaluta is one of the most beautiful beaches in Huatulco. Accessible most easily by boat, it’s a half mile of white sand and strong waves located in the Huatulco National Park. Just offshore is Cacaluta Island, where scuba divers can explore coral reefs and underwater formations.

Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? No

Best Huatulco Beach Boat Trips

Check out these top-rated Huatulco beach day trips with online booking availability and instant confirmation.

If you’d like to book a private tour, check out this half-day option .

Where to Stay in Huatulco, Oaxaca

It can be difficult to decide where to stay in Huatulco and to understand the locations of the different bays.  I recommend choosing an area or resort that fits your trip style, whether you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants or just relax at the pool and beach. 

Perhaps you like to snorkel or scuba dive, relax on pristine beaches, and explore jungle waterfalls?  Huatulco has this too! Once you decide where to stay, you can book day trips to round out your itinerary.

Below check out my top picks in each of the different bays, with links to view their rates, reviews, and availability on Booking.com. Booking is my favorite hotel site because of the flexible cancellation options many hotels offer there. It’s easy to use the app to manage your reservation, and they have a “Genius” loyalty program that offers discounts after just 2 bookings.

Bahia Santa Cruz & La Crucecita

A cruise ship port with shopping and restaurants, Santa Cruz also has three calm swimming beaches: Santa Cruz, Yerbabuena, and La Entrega. Two of Huatulco’s dive centers are located here, and it’s possible to book local tours at the marina.  Santa Cruz has a number of affordable hotel options and is a popular area to stay.

$ Hostal Azul y Blanco | Hostel in La Crucecita with dorm beds or private rooms

$$ Holiday Inn Huatulco | Budget hotel convenient to the marina with bar and pool

$$ Hotel Castillo Huatulco | Family-friendly hotel with pools, restaurants, and nearby beach club

Bahia Chahue

The bay next to Santa Cruz, Bahia Chahue has three beaches: Chahue, Tejon, and Esperanza, all with stronger currents.  Less crowded than Santa Cruz, Chahue has shops, restaurants, and many accommodation options. There is a dive center at the marina here, and it’s possible to book local tours from your hotel or the marina.

$ Hotel Plaza Delphinus | Budget hotel with pool close to Chahue beach; some units have kitchenettes

$$ Xquenda Huatulco Spa | Inexpensive hotel with spa services, pool, and gym

$$$ Quinta Bella Huatulco | Located on Playa Chahue with clean, bright rooms, pool, and excellent restaurant

Bahia Tangolunda

This is Huatulco’s largest developed bay with many beaches good for swimming and watersports. You can snorkel at coral reefs located off Tangolunda’s western beaches of Playa Ventura, Playa La Manzanilla and Playa Tornillo.  The resorts here are more secluded and luxurious (and consequently more expensive). Tangolunda also has a golf course.

$ Villas Fasol Huatulco | Bright villas overlooking the sea with a pool, restaurant, private beach, and friendly vibe; breakfast is included

$$ Quinta Real Huatulco | Large, modern resort on Playa Tangolunda with restaurants, pools, and views

$$$ Las Brisas Huatulco | Large resort with pools, restaurants and great service; located on good snorkeling beaches

$$$$ Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa | World-class resort with infinity pools, restaurants, bars and stellar service located on Playa Tangolunda

Bahia Conejo

Huatulco’s eastern bay of Conejo is the least developed of the bays with resorts.  Three of the beaches here are good for swimming and snorkeling; the fourth, Punta Arena, is only accessible by boat.

$$$ Celeste Beach Residences & Spa | Modern apartments overlooking Tejoncito beach with private terraces and amazing views.

$$$$ Secrets Huatulco | Adults-only luxury resort with private beach, pool, spa, gym, restaurants and bars. This is one of the best resorts in Huatulco, and one of the larger resorts as well with many amenities.

Other Huatulco Bays

Huatulco’s five other bays can be seen on day trips by boat: from west to east, they are San Augustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Organa and Maguey. Some, like San Augustin, may have rustic cabanas or camping bookable onsite.

More Huatulco Accommodation Options

Want more hotel stays and vacation rentals? Search with the map below.

Getting to Huatulco & Getting Around

The Huatulco International Airport (HUX) has connecting flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Airlines serving Huatulco include Interjet, Aeromar and Viva Aerobus.  Flights can be found for less than $100 round trip.  Try to book early during peak season for best availability.

You can also take a bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco, which takes around 8 hours; find ADO bus routes here .  Buses and local transport also run between Huatulco, Puerto Angel, and Puerto Escondido .

To get to your hotel, grab a taxi at the airport, rent a car or make arrangements through your hotel.  Or here’s a private transfer option with online reviews and booking.

Once in Huatulco, taxis are cheap and plentiful. You’ll find that you can get to most beaches for less than $5 US one-way. Always agree on the price with the driver before you get in. There is currently no Uber service in Huatulco.

If you decide to rent a car in Huatulco, be sure to get my tips on driving a car in Mexico.

Driving in Mexico: Useful Car Rental, Insurance & Road Tips

From renting a car and insurance to road signs, speed bumps, and gas station scams: detailed tips for driving in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and beyond!

The Best Things to Do in Huatulco, Mexico

Some of Huatulco’s sights are accessible on your own if you rent a car. But for most destinations, especially those only accessible by boat, book a day trip online, with the help of your hotel, or at the marinas. I’ve included links below for tour options with great reviews and instant booking confirmation.

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: take a day trip to visit the reef ecosystem
• Huatulco National Park: visit this protected area on a guided day trip to hike in its lowland jungle ecosystem and snorkel its marine areas.  
• Huatulco Bays Tour: take a day trip by boat to visit the bays of Huatulco.
• Waterfalls: visit secluded waterfalls at like Cascadas Magicas, Emerald Falls and Llano Grande. Check out this guided tour option for Emerald Falls including lunch or Llano Grande with lunch, coffee, and waterfalls.
• Take a street food cooking class
• Hagia Sofia: tour an eco-park featuring exotic plants, fruits and butterflies as well as waterfalls, hiking, and ziplining
• Finca La Gloria coffee plantation: learn about coffee production and have lunch at the plantation
• Turtle Sanctuary: release turtle hatchlings at sunset with a local conservation group . Here are two options with good ratings: sea turtle release and sea turtles, iguanas, handmade chocolate tour
• Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita : visit a pre-Colombian ruins site overlooking the sea east of Bahia Conejo. The only other ruins site on a Mexico beach are in Tulum.
• Shop for souvenirs in La Crucecita

Huatulco Beaches Packing Tips

Click to check out these recommended items for your Huatulco trip and be sure to grab all the tips in my Mexico packing list .

Read Next: More Oaxaca Beaches & Oaxaca City Travel Guides

Hooked on Oaxaca? Don’t miss my other tips for travel in the region.

Oaxaca Mexico Travel: All Oaxaca Guides

Grab all my tips for visiting the state of Oaxaca, Mexico: guides to all the Oaxaca beaches, things to do and where to stay in Oaxaca City, and how to visit for Day of the Dead!

Pin these Huatulco Mexico planning tips for later!

The Haphazard Traveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Save for later or share with a friend!

I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

• Welcome to Huatulco in Mexico!

Huatulco is a stunning collection of beautiful pacific coastal bays for which the centerpiece is the town of La Crucecita, located on Mexico’s popular Pacific shoreline in the state of Oaxaca . Huatulco’s tourism nerve centers are its nine bays known as Bahias de Huatulco, which has been shortened to simply Huatulco in recent years.

You’ll find Huatulco is one of Mexico’s most relaxed destinations due to its amazing charm and warmth of the locals. Huatulco is just one of over 60 official online guides covering the whole of Mexico. If you´re planning a trip to Mexico and would like discover our fabulous nation before visiting or, if you´d like to visit a specific place in Mexico, then you´ve come to the right place.

The centerpieces of Huatulco’s charm are undoubtedly its nine pacific bays, encompassing no less than 36 beaches and numerous inlets and coves, each with its own unique character and ecology. All are noted for their dream-like beaches of golden sand and crystal clear water, yet the bays remain charmingly unspoiled, sometimes accessible only by boat, making these less prone to crowds but equally exquisite. Huatulco is one of Mexico´s most popular places, visited by millions of people over the last decade. When you travel to Huatulco you may wish to check out the Huatulco hotels we have available or maybe you´d like to rent a car in Huatulco ? We also offer extensive day trips in Huatulco . This unique place has simply amazing things to see. We´ve also compiled a list of Travel books on Huatulco Mexico .

Huatulco offers a wide variety of accommodations from bed and breakfast rooms for rent, small economy hotels, luxury VIP oceanfront villas, vacation condominiums, as well as numerous luxury resorts standing on or near the seashore of Tangolunda Bay. To name but a few you have the Camino Real Zaashila, Quinta Real Huatulco, Las Brisas, Dreams Resort & Spa and the Barceló Hotel.

Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains convene with the Pacific Ocean roughly 500 km south of Acapulco , Guerrero . The current population of Huatulco is around 50 000.

Whether you are visiting Huatulco in Mexico for business, pleasure or both, we´re sure that Huatulco will meet all of your expectations and that the people of Huatulco will make you feel welcome while sampling some of the unique cuisine on offer in the Huatulco Restaurant districts.

• Huatulco Festivals

The Music Festival for the Earth or in Spanish, Música por la Tierra offers music and culture in an event intended to raise awareness about the environment. The Huatulco event features a number of rock and popular music groups from around the world.

• Huatulco Tourism

The Bahias de Huatulco, Bahia meaning Bay in Spanish, is divided into four specific districts. Tangolunda is the area where the large fashionable resorts are located.

Then there’s Santa Cruz, which is a quaint town with the main marina and the world renowned Santa Cruz beach. Finally there’s the crowning jewel town of La Crucecita, which is a small township just inland from the beach area which provides tourism services to the area, and the Chahue vecinity between Santa Cruz and Tangolunda.

The Bahias de Huatulco, (Bays of Huatulco) are actually made up of a sequence of nine bays and numerous small coves stretching along 26 kilometers of jagged coastline, including 36 white sandy beaches. The most popular bay is Bahía de Santa Cruz, which is just south of the town of La Crucecita. It is also the areas epicenter of commercial and tourist activities, with a big pier where cruise ships from around the world dock. Many tourist focused businesses can be found here such as; hotels, craft shops, discothèques, bars, restaurants, excursion agencies, sailboat excursions as well as scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skis for rent. Many weddings and baptisms are celebrated on the beach and coastal area called the Capilla de Santa Cruz. Playa Santa Cruz, is the best known of the beaches and can get quite busy at times.

Playa Santa Cruz is 250 meters long, with soft white sand, turquoise blue water and a myriad of services to suit all tastes.

• Main destinations in Huatulco

The more developed areas of Huatulco due east of Santa Cruz and include bays of Bahia Chahue, Bahia Tangolunda and Bahia Conejos. Bahia Chahue is 2 km east of Santa Cruz and its name means “fertile or moist land” in Zapotec. It has a yacht marina for large and small yachts along with three principal beaches; Chahué, Esperanza and Tejón. Despite these being quite wide beaches, their moderate surf makes them less-visited than those in Santa Cruz. Just 3km east of Chahue is Bahía Tangolunda, which has five principal beaches; Ventura, Manzanillo, Tornillo, Tangolunda and Rincon Sabroso.

The particular attraction of these is the water which varies between cobalt blue and emerald green. Most of the most prestigious hotels are located on this bay. Residencial Conejos is 4 km east of Tangolunda and has some of the most impressive residential homes in the area, some of which are available as upscale vacation rentals. The mouth of the Rio (River) Copalita is slightly east of Bahia Conejos and it has a long zone of beaches. To the east of Río Copalita are beaches extending all the way to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Two of these beaches are Barra de la Cruz and Playa Mojon. Some excellent surf waves can be found at these beaches which makes them particularly popular with surfers and Jet Ski riders. One of the best and easiest to access is the Barra de la Cruz beach. Playa El Mojon can, at certain times of the year, have some respectable waves for surfing and is also a great location to explore the surrounding coastline and valleys.

To the west of Santa Cruz, the beaches are less urbanized; in fact most of this area belongs to the Huatulco National Park, a federally protected area for wildlife and fauna. Huatulco National Park contains 6,375 hectares of lowland jungle and 5,516 hectares of marine areas, encircling the bays of Bahia Maguey, Bahia Organo, Bahia Cacaluta, Bahía Chachacual and Bahía San Agustín. A must for snorkelers and divers, these bays offer the most important coral communities of the Mexican Pacific. Over 700 species of animals live in the park as well as numerous species of colorful fish. Despite being a protected zone, it is open to scuba diving, bird-watching and hiking. Huatulco was awarded the Green Globe International Certification in 2005 as a sustainable tourist region. An impressive feat for Huatulco as it was the first sustainable tourist community in the Americas and the third worldwide, after Bali in Indonesia and Kaikoura in New Zealand. Bahia Organo is named for the cacti that grows here. It is 240 meters long and accessible only by boat. Bahía Maguey is about 1/2 km long and is accessible by car or on foot. Both of these bays have exquisite and pristine white sand and waters of various hues of blue and green. Bahía Cacaluta and Bahía Chachacual are only accessible by boat, and there are utterly no human constructions of any kind. Bahía San Agustin is the furthest west and the biggest of all the bays. It has 1 km of beaches between 20 and 80 meters wide. There are also small islets inside the bay itself which are popular with visitors who swim out to these with relative ease. Large parts of the Bahias de Huatulco resort area are located within an “ecological zone”; much of the area is protected from future development, and the area is supported by efficient modern water and sewage treatment plants so that no waste goes into its immaculate bays. Huatulco has been awarded the Green Globe certification, and it is the only resort in Mexico to receive this prestigious award making it a favorite with sustainable tourism visitors.

• Huatulco History

Local legend has it that under Spanish rule pirates looted Huatulco, but that they didn’t succeed in stealing its beauty. The warm Pacific Ocean washes the shores of Huatulco’s 36 stunning beaches, extending across nine bays boasting warm waters and golden sands. The area was a flourishing commercial port and favorite haunt of pirates and British navigators such as Sir Thomas Cavendish in 1587 and Sir Francis Drake in 1578. A famous deed happened during the War of Independence in January 1832, when the Mexican Picaluga brothers betrayed the revolutionary General Vicente Guerrero on the coast of Huatulco and sent him to a firing squad on the “La Entrega” beach found in this area.

The government tourism development agency (Fonatur) began planning the area’s main resort in the 1980s and in 1988 the Bahias de Huatulco (bays of Huatulco) National Park was declared a protected nature reserve with a world-class tourism infrastructure of luxury hotels, nightclubs, discos, restaurants, and golf courses and a the little gem city of La Crucecita.

• Huatulco Geography

Positioned on the coast of the state of Oaxaca at the edge of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Huatulco covers 20 miles of Mexico’s Pacific coastline, between the Coyula and Copalita rivers.

Huatulco is just 140 miles from the city of Oaxaca via a perilous winding mountain range. Extremely popular with Mexican tourists the bays of Huatulco are just a 50 minute flight from Mexico City .

• Things to do in Huatulco

You should not miss a trip around Huatulco’s nine bays on a motorboat, an affordable excursion easily purchased at our Huatulco excursions link. These 2 to 3 hour trips provide an excellent tour of the hidden beaches, stunning surroundings, flora and fauna. The unadulterated beauty of this coastline while take your breath away.

At only 50 minutes by scheduled flight from Mexico city or 2 to 4 hours flight from southern and central USA, the area is one of the most endearing and unforgettable in Mexico. Huatulco’s success is partly due to its proximity to state’s capital, the magical and historic city of Oaxaca which can easily be included in any vacation plans, making Huatulco a true Culture & beach destination, which is not very common in Mexico, where tourists have to usually choose one or the other.

Furthermore, Oaxaca’s ancient archaeological sites, vibrant and colorful markets, rich colonial architecture and fascinating native cultures make a perfect match for Huatulco’s coastal attractions. Huatulco is also a perfect base from which to explore the villages of Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel, two of the state’s more rustic coastal diamonds.

Travelucion Guide Mexico Huatulco | Free Guide Mexico

Huatulco Mexico is just one of the websites Travelucion operates and is part of over 800 travel websites for over 130 countries worldwide. Our Mexico Collection of 70+ websites covers Mexican States, Cities and towns, along with 10 Mexico special interest websites. If you are traveling to Mexico, our websites will assist you in finding the right Mexican destination to suite your tastes and provide you with invaluable information before traveling to Mexico.

Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, 300 kilometers (190 mi) southwest from Mexico City…Visit the official Acapulco travel Website

Aguascalientes is the municipal seat for the municipality of the same name and, the Aguascalientes includes the metropolitan area which includes the municipality of Jesus María y San Francisco de los Romo…Visit the official Aguascalientes travel Website

Baja California stands for “Lower California” it is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Baja California is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico…Visit the official Baja California travel Website

Baja California Sur peninsula is bordered to the north by the state of Baja California and, to the west by the Pacific Ocean then to the east by the Gulf of California. The state has also shares maritime borders with Sonora and Sinaloa to the east from… Visit the official Baja California Sur travel Website

Campeche borders the states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Tabasco, with the country of Guatemala to the south, Belize to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. The south border is the Petén department of Guatemala… Visit the official Campeche travel Website

Cancun is a major world-renowned tourist destination, as well as being the seat of the municipality of Benito Juárez. Cancun is located on the Caribbean Sea, and is one of the easternmost points in Mexico… Visit the official Cancun travel Website

Chiapas is located in Southwestern Mexico; it is the southernmost State of Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the northwest and Oaxaca to the west… Visit the official Chiapas travel Website

Chihuahua is located in Northwestern Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Sonora to the west, Sinaloa to the southwest, Durango to the south, and Coahuila to the east. To the north and northeast, it has a long line with the U.S.–Mexico border adjacent to the U.S. states of New Mexico and Texas…Visit the official Chihuahua travel Website

Coahuila borders the Mexican states of Nuevo León to the east, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí to the south, and Durango and Chihuahua to the west. To the north, Coahuila accounts for a 512 kilometers (318 mi) stretch of the Mexico-United States border, adjacent to the U.S. state of Texas along the course of the Rio Grande… Visit the official Coahuila travel Website

Colima is a small state located in the Western Mexico region on Mexico’s central Pacific coast. It shares borders with the states of Jalisco and Michoacán. In addition to the capital city of Colima, the state’s main cities include Manzanillo and Tecomán. Despite being the fourth smallest entity in Mexico… Visit the official Colima travel Website

Comondú is a municipality of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. This beautiful region is formed by old populations of missionary origin and it constitutes an oasis in the desert where small places of great natural and cultural richness arise. It is a very favorable area for developing alternative tourism… Visit the official Comondu travel Website

The island of Cozumel is about 48 km (30 mi) long and 16 km (9.9 mi) wide, and is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island. It is Mexico’s third-largest island, following Tiburon Island and Isla Angel de la Guarda. It lies some 10 km (6.2 mi) from the mainland, and 90 km (56 mi) south of Cancun… Visit the official Cozumel travel Website

Mexico DF was originally built on an island of Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, which was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 siege of Tenochtitlan, and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt in accordance with the Spanish urban standards. In 1524…Visit the official Mexico DF travel Website

Durango is the fourth largest state in Mexico. The state is bordered to the north by Chihuahua, to the north-east by Coahuila, to the south-east by Zacatecas, to the south-west by Nayarit, and to the west by Sinaloa… Visit the official Durango travel Website

Ensenada is a coastal city in Mexico, the third-largest in Baja California. Located 125 kilometers (78 mi) south of San Diego on the Baja California Peninsula, it is locally referred to as La Cenicienta del Pacífico, “The Cinderella of the Pacific”… Visit the official Ensenada travel Website

Guanajuato is located in the North-Central Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Jalisco to the west, Zacatecas to the northwest, San Luis Potosí to the north, Querétaro to the east and Michoacán to the south. It covers an area of 30,608 km²… Visit the official Guanajuato travel Website

The state of Guerrero was named after Vicente Guerrero, one of the most prominent leaders in the Mexican War of Independence and the second President of Mexico. It is the only Mexican state named after a president. The modern entity did not exist until 1849, when it was carved out of territories from the states of Mexico, Puebla and Michoacán… Visit the official Guerrero travel Website

Hidalgo is located in Eastern Mexico. Hidalgo is bordered by San Luis Potosí and Veracruz on the north, Puebla on the east, Tlaxcala and México on the south and Querétaro on the west… Visit the official Hidalgo travel Website

Ixtapa is a beach resort in the municipality of Zihuatanejo de Azueta, in the Mexican state of Guerrero. It is located 5 km (3.1 mi) to the northwest of the municipal seat, Zihuatanejo, and some 245 km (152 mi) northwest of Acapulco… Visit the official Ixtapa travel Website

Jalisco is one of the more important states in Mexico because of its natural resources as well as its history. Many of the characteristic traits of Mexican culture, particularly outside Mexico, are originally from Jalisco… Visit the official Jalisco travel Website

La Paz was founded by Hernán Cortés in 1535 and named Bay of Santa Cruz, though afterwards, the admiral Sebastián Vizcaíno baptized it as La Paz in 1596, currently the capital city of the state of Baja California Sur… Visit the official La Paz travel Website

Loreto is now a tourist resort, catering mostly to U.S. travelers, with daily flights from the U.S. state of California to Loreto International Airport. Many American tourists enjoy fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish. Local restaurants will willingly prepare the daily catch of the tourists… Visit the official Loreto travel Website

Los Cabos is the tip of Baja California Sur. Wondering why they call it a dual destination? Part of the fun comes with exploring the region’s two dramatically distinct personas. Tranquil San Jose del Cabo retains the look and vibe of an authentic Mexican town… Visit the official Los Cabos travel Website

Manzanillo is well known internationally for deep-sea fishing and the green flash phenomenon during sunsets, as well as the warm waters of the ocean. The city is a destination resort and has many hotels and self-contained resorts, particularly built on the De Santiago peninsula… Visit the official Manzanillo travel Website

Mayakoba began as a vision; a dream inspired by its blue skies and its emerald beauty defining a ‘once in a lifetime destination in the Riviera Maya. A group of talented biologists, architects and designers persisted in the preservation of the flora and fauna of Mayakoba resort surrounded of sweet water lagoons… Visit the official Mayakoba travel Website

Mazatlan is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city serves as the municipal seat for the surrounding municipio, known as the Mazatlan Municipality. Mazatlán was well regarded by film stars such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, John Huston, and others of their generation as a sport fishing Mecca… Visit the official Mazatlan travel Website

Merida is a cultural center, featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres and shops. Mérida retains an abundance of beautiful colonial buildings and is a vibrant cultural center with music… Visit the official Merida travel Website

Mexicali is one of most racially diverse cities in all of Mexico. The biggest festival in the region, the Fiesta del Sol (Festival of the Sun) is held each year starting at the end of September and continuing through mid-October. Popular dances and music provide a festive… Visit the official Mexicali travel Website

Mexico City´s Centro Historico is where it all began. Historic city center that is focused around the Zócalo or Plaza de la Constitución. The Zocalo is the largest square in Latin America and the third largest in the world after Moscow’s Red Square and Beijing’s Tiananmen Square… Visit the official Mexico City travel Website

Michoacan, formally Michoacán de Ocampo, its tourism board has divided the state into regions, mostly based on the major cities of Morelia, Uruapan, Lázaro Cárdenas, Patzcuaro, Zamora and Zitácuaro… Visit the official Michoacan travel Website

Morelos State of Mexico has rich cultural traditions and well preserved at museums across the state. Notable museums include the Museo Cuauhnahuac (the oldest civilian building in Mexico) as well as the Museo Robert Brady, named after an American art collector who fell in love with Cuernavaca in 1959… Visit the official Morelos travel Website

Mulege is a beautiful oasis town located along the tranquil shores of the Sea of Cortez. This small town enjoys a typical mild Baja climate that many travelers find to be exactly what they are seeking. Many of the campgrounds and RV… Visit the official Mulege travel Website

Nayarit is located in Western Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Sinaloa to the northwest, Durango to the north, Zacatecas to the northeast and Jalisco to the south. Tourism is increasing and Nayarit’s coastline is still relatively undeveloped, enabling visitors to surf and swim on beautiful, un-crowded beaches… Visit the official Nayarit travel Website

Nuevo Leon ranks above all Latin American countries in the Human Development Index. With world leading companies such as Cemex, Bimbo, Maseca, Banorte, ALFA Ternium, i-service, Vitro SA, Coca-Cola, and Cervecería Sol, Tecate, Bohemia, Indio and Nochebuena are just but a few multinationals located in Nuevo Leon… Visit the official Nuevo Leon travel Website

Oaxaca is also incredibly important to Mexico’s food traditions being the birthplace of the “mole,” a very popular Mexican sauce that is used in many traditional cuisines. Culture and history are rich in the Oaxaca region. Ruins from the ancient tribes that used to inhabit the region are plentiful, as are museums that celebrate the history of the region… Visit the official Oaxaca travel Website

Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Locally known as just “Playa”, has undergone rapid development over the past few years with many new luxury residential condominium buildings, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment centers. Currently there are plans to develop over 10 luxury boutique hotels. World renowned chain restaurants including PF Changs, Hard Rock Cafe, Ruth’s Chris, the Cheesecake Factory a but just a few… Visit the official Playa del Carmen travel Website

Rosarito, Baja California is located 20 minutes south of the border from San Diego, California, this proximity to the border and scenic location between the Pacific Ocean and coastal foothills, makes Rosarito Beach (or Playas de Rosarito) one of the leading resort towns in Baja California… Visit the official Rosarito travel Website

Puebla City and State, formally Puebla de los Ángeles, is one of the five most important Spanish colonial cities in Mexico. The historical and cultural value of Puebla’s architecture is a major reason the city was chosen as a World Heritage Site. Various styles and techniques such as Baroque, Renaissance and Classic are represented here in over 5,000 buildings… Visit the official Puebla travel Website

Puerto Vallarta is a city and popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Around its coastal bay lie beautiful beaches, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls offer many options for the adventurous travelers, while five star resorts, world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown… Visit the official Puerto Vallarta travel Website

Queretaro is located in North-Central Mexico, in a region known as Bajío, bordered by the states of San Luis Potosí to the north, Guanajuato to the west, Hidalgo to the east, and Michoacán to the southwest. The Centro Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Cerro del Sangremal, crowned by the Convent of the Holy Cross and the flat area on the east that extends into the Cerro de las Campanas… Visit the official Queretaro travel Website

Quintana Roo is located in Southeastern Mexico, on the Yucatán Peninsula, bordered by Campeche to the west. To the north, Quintana Roo borders the Gulf of Mexico and to the south, Belize and a small border with Guatemala. Quintana Roo is home of the world famous city of Cancun, the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, the towns of Bacalar, Playa del Carmen and Akumal, as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Chacchoben, Coba, Kohunlich, Muyil, Tulum, Xel-Há, and Xcaret… Visit the official Quintana Roo travel Website

Riviera Maya or the Mayan Riviera, is a tourism destination following the coastal Highway 307 which parallels the Caribbean coastline of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, located on the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. Tourism started at the city of Playa del Carmen and ended at the village of Tulum, although the towns of Puerto Morelos situated to the north and between Playa del Carmen and Cancun as well as the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto situated to the south of Tulum are both currently being promoted as part of the Riviera Maya tourist corridor… Visit the official Riviera Maya travel Website

San Luis Potosi stretches across the windswept, sun-baked plains of north central Mexico. It is one of Mexico’s most picturesque towns, whose central historic center features tiered esplanades, several handsome plazas, flower-filled parks, and an active cultural scene. Its importance in Mexican history spans four centuries of influence, making its capital city of the same name a fascinating destination… Visit the official San Luis Potosi travel Website

Sinaloa is located in Northwestern Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Sonora to the north, Chihuahua and Durango to the east and Nayarit to the south. To the west, Sinaloa has a significant share of coastline on the Gulf of California… Visit the official Sinaloa travel Website

Sonora is a major tourist attraction due to its pristine beaches of; San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco, Bahía Kino, also the Gulf of Santa Clara in San Luis Río Colorado. San Carlos has a large variety of sea life off its shores, making it popular for sports fishing and scuba diving. One of its main attractions is the Playa de los Algodones, called such because its sand dunes look like cotton balls. Puerto Peñasco has no less than 110 kilometres (68 mi) of beaches, which have calm seas… Visit the official Sonora travel Website

Tabasco is home to ancient Mayan empire called Comalcalco. The city’s architecture is unique among Mayan sites in that brick was used in place of stone. Comalcalco’s ruins include three large ceremonial complexes: the Grand Acropólis, the North Group and the East Acrópolis. Due to the prominence of the Olmec culture in Tabasco, the state dedicated a museum, the Parque-Museo La Venta, to the Olmec civilization… Visit the official Tabasco travel Website

Tamaulipas is one-third the size of the state of Chihuahua and fifteen times larger than Morelos. The Tamaulipas International Festival is held each October, features cultural and artistic events that include exhibits, plays, concerts, and cinema. The Tampico Port in Tamaulipas is one of Mexico’s first exporting ports. While oil is the primary commodity exported from Tampico, it also ships silver, copper, lumber, wool, hemp… Visit the official Tamaulipas travel Website

Tecate is a small city in Baja California located on the border with California, United States in the San Diego and in Tijuana metropolitan area. There is a small port of entry between the cities that serves as a calmer alternative to the bustling port of Tijuana. The Tecate brewery is the centerpiece of the town and it stands out more than any other landmark in the city. They have been making beer here since 1943… Visit the official Tecate travel Website

Tijuana´s skyline is the third largest in Mexico and is located in the Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana. In the Zona Rio the buildings are concentrated on the Tijuana River parallel to the river and on the edges of the Tijuana Country Club. In Playas the high-rises are currently focused on the coast… Visit the official Tijuana travel Website

Tlaxcala is Mexico’s smallest state, was once home to the ancient Olmeca and Xicalanca civilizations. Tlaxcala is home to three famous bullrings. The most famous being the Jorge “El Ranchero” Aguilar plaza, built in the 18th century in the heart of Tlaxcala City. Today it’s known for its farms and textile industries and tourism… Visit the official Tlaxcala travel Website

Veracruz is located in Eastern Mexico, bordered by the states of Tamaulipas to the north, San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo to the west, Puebla to the southwest, Oaxaca and Chiapas to the south and Tabasco to the southeast. Veracruz continues to be a very important part of Mexico’s economy. The state is rich in natural resources and represents approximately 35 percent of Mexico’s water supply… Visit the official Veracruz travel Website

Xcaret is a natural park that treasures the best of the traditions and culture of Mexico, a paradise that combines the natural beauty and cultural wealth of the country and the region. Located 45minutes from Cancun, Mexico, Riviera Maya, in Xcaret you will find underground rivers, natural pools and a myriad of attractions… Visit the Xcaret Park Website

Xelha is located south of the modern town of Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Xel-Ha is an ecological theme park or natural aquarium. Here you can swim with dolphins, see sea turtles, bicycle, snorkel, cliff-dive, and scuba. If you choose to scuba you will get to pet stingrays and see larger fish. This park is large, so bring good shoes to walk up river, you bag your dry belongings and they will be driven back to the main area… Visit the Xelha Park Website

Yucatan is located in Southeastern Mexico, on the north part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bordered by the states of Campeche to the southwest, Quintana Roo to the northeast and the Gulf of Mexico lies off its north coast. Home to the restored Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the Pyramid of Kukulcán… Visit the official Yucatan travel Website

Zacatecas Colonial Center contains many notable structures, including the Plaza de Armas or Main Square with its magnificent stone façade. The Palacio de Gobierno, the Residencia de Gobernadores and Palacio de la Mala Noche (Palace of the Bad Night) are also located in the Center… Visit the official Zacatecas travel Website

Zihuatanejo evolved from a quaint fishing village to a backpackers’ hotspot, to today’s incarnation of winding streets of galleries and folk art shops, small boutique hotels and palapa-style seafood restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day. Backpackers still holiday in Zihuatanejo, but share the experience with honeymooners, snorkelers, swimmers, and cultural travelers who appreciate “Zihua’s” laid-back vibe and postcard-worthy scenery of rocky cliffs, sand and sea… Visit the official Zihuatanejo travel Website

Huatulco Weather

El tiempo 15 días, huatulco uncovered.

• About Huatulco
• Destinations in Huatulco
• More Mexico!
• Music Festival for the Earth

Latest from Huatulco

Your views on huatulco.

• About us | Travelucion Travel Guides | Mexico Huatulco
• Car Rental in Huatulco | Compare rent a car rates for Huatulco Mexico | Book online
• Huatulco Day Trips & Tours | Huatulco Shore Excursions | Things to do in Huatulco
• Huatulco guide books | Travel books Huatulco | Huatulco Best Guide Books
• August 2013
• August 2012
• About Huatulco (1)
• Destinations in Huatulco (1)
• Huatulco Geography (1)
• Huatulco History (1)
• Huatulco Tourism (1)
• More Mexico! (1)
• Music Festival for the Earth (1)
• Things to do in Huatulco (1)

Huatulco News

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

This Underrated Mexico Destination Is Set Across 9 Bays — With Laid-back Beach Towns, Bioluminescent Waters, and Charming Hotels

Huatulco is perfect for surfers, nature lovers, and foodies alike — here's how the plan the perfect trip.

Getty Images

Huatulco, Mexico , is not so much a single destination as it is a region. The actual name for this area along the rugged Costa Oaxaquena is Bahías de Huatulco, or Bays of Huatulco. That's because this popular resort destination is spread across nine bays that carve the southern coastline of Mexico's state of Oaxaca . Each one has its own distinct energy and vibe, but together the region serves as the perfect jumping-off point from which to explore the rest of wild, untamed Oaxacan coast .

Bahías de Huatulco has always existed as an undulating stretch of coastline with golden, crescent-shaped beaches, thick groves of languidly swaying palms, and a backdrop of the green Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains. A ribbon of zigzagging highway zips up the rocky face to take travelers by bus to the mountain capital, Oaxaca City .

But Bahías de Huatulco as a resort destination is fairly new. It was constructed about four decades ago by Mexico's National Tourism Fund to become a tourist attraction, much like Cancun in Quintana Roo or Ixtapa in Guerrero. Though unlike both Cancun and Ixtapa, you won’t find high-rise hotels or luxury shopping malls in Huatulco. Instead, the vibe here is more low-key, with giant swaths of land remaining protected to preserve the lush jungle environment. 

After creating both the highways down the mountains from Oaxaca City and up the coast to fishing village-turned-surf mecca Puerto Escondido , it was decided that Bahías de Huatulco would be spread across nine different bays and feature 36 beautiful beaches , resorts, restaurants, boutiques, and ample outdoor adventures. The main bays of Huatulco include Santa Cruz, Chahué, Tangolunda, Conejos, San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, and Órgano.

Today, it attracts everyone from surfers and backpackers to nature lovers, foodies, sailors, and those who never need more than a book and poolside chaise lounge. It's a well-equipped home base from which to get out into the wilder side of Oaxaca, whether it's exploring the many national parks in the area, swimming in bioluminescent bays, or exploring the bohemian beachfront villages nearby.

Here's how to plan the ultimate trip to Bahías de Huatulco.

How to Travel to Huatulco

For being on one of the more untraveled coasts in Mexico, Bahías de Huatulco is well-connected. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Bahías de Huatulco International Airport. It has direct flights from Mexico City, Tijuana, and Oaxaca, as well as seasonal direct flights from Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

You can also opt for the scenic route and take the ADO bus from Oaxaca City down through the mountains. The journey is roughly 10 to 12 hours of sharp switchbacks at heart-pumping speeds. Rest assured, though, the buses are safe and comfortable, with wide, plush seats that recline. To break up the trip, you can stop in the mountain village of San José del Pacífico and rent a wood cabin overlooking the mountains and forest for a completely different side of Oaxaca.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Huatulco

The Bahías de Huatulco encompass nine bays, though there are a total of 36 beaches across each, and much to do off the sand as well. Some bays are practically vibrating with activity, from the sailboats and catamarans pulling in and out of the marina to the live music spilling out into the streets from various bars and cantinas. Others are peppered with all-inclusive resorts and condominiums for rent. And then there are those that are sleepy at best, with just a string of palapa-covered seafood shacks, a toes-in-the-sand vibe, and zero cell reception. Unless you're looking to go truly off the beaten path — and perhaps you are — the main bays are Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda. And if you're not staying in one of the all-inclusive resorts on the beach, many people opt to make the inland town of La Crucecita their home base.

La Crucecita

Nancy C. Ross/Getty Images

Though not technically one of the bays of Huatulco, La Crucecita is one of the area's main beating hearts. It's closest to Bahía Chahue and Bahía de Santa Cruz. For all intents and purposes, La Crucecita is the primary meeting place for the Bahías de Huatulco. Here's where you'll find the majority of tour offices, the widest selection of restaurants and bars, a main town square, and many locally run boutique hotels. It's easily walkable, and taxis are readily available to shuffle travelers back and forth to the farther-flung bays and beaches. La Crucecita is also one of the main entrances to Huatulco National Park, made up of tropical jungle, dry forest, and marine park. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a wonderful spot for kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, and horseback riding.

Where to Eat and Drink in La Crucecita

From backpacker bars slinging cheap shots of mezcal to refined haute Mexican cuisine on air-conditioned patios, La Crucecita is fairly good at catering to both ends of the spectrum.

Rocoto , for example, is a hidden gem serving up fresh seafood highlighting traditional Mexican flavors with a surprising Asian twist, like the tuna poke and mango Thai curry. 

For succulent and hearty moles of every color, El Sabor de Oaxaca hits the spot. Sitting at simple tables on a floor of terra-cotta tiles, colorful plates swirl with ropes of stringy Oaxacan cheese, crispy tlayudas , and bean-smothered sopes .

Or, you can blend in with the backpacker scene at La Crema Bar , washed aglow with black lights, and plastered with rasta-inspired decor. People come for the supremely strong drinks, a lengthy menu of affordable and tasty pizzas, and a nightly roster of live music.

Those seeking a vegan-friendly, juice-forward restaurant will find what they're looking for at Agave, which serves healthy smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and abundant açaí bowls.

Where to Eat and Drink in Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda

Heather Paul/Getty Images

At the entrance of Marina Chahue, the mobile Marea Alta draws visitors in for its stunning views over the marina. What keeps them, however, is the menu of delightfully fresh seafood.

For those wanting to sink their teeth into a seriously good steak, Finca de Vaqueros makes waves with its marinated flank steak, grilled sausages, and heaps of sides. For a taste of everything, the parrillada ensures you won't leave hungry.

After three decades, Ve El Mar on Playa Santa Cruz has become nothing if not an institution. An all-day dining venue, this spot is humming with patrons snacking on succulent and regional recipes like chilaquiles, grilled octopus, fresh ceviche, and a whole fish that could feed the entire family.

Not far from the beaches of Bahía Chahue, Bladu'Yú focuses its entire menu on southern Oaxaca traditions from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (picture corn tamales, fried chicken with onions and potatoes, and garnachas topped with meat, cheese, and pickled cabbage). The restaurant walls are splashed in bright vermillion and decorated with brilliant, larger-than-life paintings that feature scenes from traditional Oaxacan life.

Where to Stay in La Crucecita, Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda

If you're fine foregoing beachfront resorts, La Crucecita has dozens of charming boutique hotels that are within walking distance of all the activity in town. Mision de los Arcos is one of the classic options, just a few blocks from the main square. The bright rooms range from standard to junior suites, and many offer small terraces. It's not exactly five-star luxury, but you can't beat the location and comfort of the rooms for the price.

If you do prefer to stay beachfront, or at least overlooking the water, you may want to consider one of the resorts closer to Bahía Chahue, Bahía Tangolunda, or Bahía de Santa Cruz. Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa sits on a picture-perfect stretch of golden sand. Its 421 rooms are all-inclusive, and each one has a balcony and plenty of natural light. Ask about which rooms offer ocean views and whirlpools. Other amenities include six pools, three of which have an infinity edge. The beach is also one of the resort's most popular features, with a string of thatched palapas shading chaise lounges.

Perched atop the sugary stretch of Playa Chahue, with mounds of green carpeted mountains, Quinta Bella Huatulco has 44 rooms, seven restaurants, a spectacular oceanfront spa, and a full-service fitness center. Quinta Bella is not directly on the beach, but lies a short five-minute ride away. 

Overlooking Playa Tangolunda is the beachy and elegant Quinta Real Huatulco . The intimate resort, known for its lofty dome tops and handmade palapas, has only 27 rooms and spectacular ocean views. It's not directly on the beach — a free shuttle provides service — but the rooms are simply stunning, with gorgeous marble bathrooms featuring relaxing hot tubs. Some rooms even have private pools.

Hotel Binniguenda Huatulco is much more centrally located to La Crucecita, though it's technically in Bahía de Santa Cruz. The all-inclusive resort has 77 guest rooms, a long list of restaurants, a private beach club, and a spa.

Huatulco’s Other Bays and Beaches

While Bahías de Huatulco has its mainstays and more popular areas, none of its bays are particularly far away. Taxis are safe and affordable, making it easy to hop from beach to beach. Bahía San Agustín, for example, is little more than an undeveloped stretch of gorgeous beachfront with a few seafood shacks and modest accommodations. You won't find signature services here, unless all you're looking for is a plate of supremely fresh ceviche and a cold cerveza . 

Bahía Conejos is one of the furthest from La Crucecita, though a taxi ride is still just roughly $5 USD. Be sure to mention you're going to the public beach, not the Secrets resort. A short unpaved path leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Oaxaca. You won't find much in the way of services here, but its undeveloped ruggedness is what makes it one of the region's most stunning.

DEA/G. COZZI/Getty Images

If you've got the time and energy to keep the exploration going, the beach towns and natural attractions up the coast along Highway 200 are certainly magical. Towns like Mazunte and Zipolite continue to draw a bohemian-chic crowd to an endless array of beachfront restaurants, crystal shops, yoga studios, tattoo parlors, and juice bars. 

Two hours from Huatulco is the thriving surf town of Puerto Escondido, which started as a bare-bones fishing village and is on the verge of exploding into one of the next hot spots for design hotels, gastronomy, and nightlife. 

Beyond Puerto Escondido, natural wonders like the Laguna de Manialtepec are known for its bioluminescent bay, while the remoteness of Lagunas de Chacahua National Park beckons nature lovers to get lost on a boat ride through the thick mangrove canals.

Is Huatulco Safe To Visit? The Ultimate Guide [2024]

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Are you planning a trip to Mexico and want to know: is Huatulco safe to visit?

It often seems like everyone has a terrible tale to tell about a trip to Mexico. But it’s sometimes difficult to work out what is true and what is just made up.

The last thing you want is to book a holiday to a place where you have your property stolen or worse.

In this guide, I explain to you why Huatulco is definitely safe enough for you to visit, provided that you exercise reasonable caution.

All you need is to do a few simple things, and you are going to have an amazing time. I travel quite a bit, and in almost all cases, keeping safe is just a matter of taking a few simple precautions.

Let’s dive into a little more detail.

Is Huatulco Safe?

Where is huatulco.

If you don’t know anything about Huatulco, it is a picturesque beach town in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico.

It is located comfortably between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range to the north and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the south.

Oaxaca City is the closest major metropolitan area and is about 160 miles to the north on the other side of the mountains.

Along the coastline, the beautiful beaches of Puerto Escondido are 70 miles away to the north-west. Another 250 miles along the coastline, you’ll reach the beautiful city of Acapulco.

Huatulco has become famous for its stunning bays and beaches and, like Oaxaca de Juárez, has seen a huge increase in tourists in recent years.

With its increase in popularity, you might wonder, is Huatulco safe for tourists despite this?

Is Huatulco Safe For Tourists?

The short answer is yes, generally Huatulco is safe for tourists.

The town benefits enormously from the large number of tourists visiting each year. According to the airport operator ASUR , 914,714 people arrived or departed from Huatulco Airport in 2023, down a little from the 971,035 figure for 2022, but still significantly up on the 2021 figure of 692,150.

Tourists will only visit Huatulco if they feel safe, so the town is committed to ensuring a safe environment for its guests.

Still, you should take basic safety precautions in any urban setting. That is especially the case where you are somewhere new.

As you’ll see below, Huatulco is by no means crime-free. But in almost all cases, you can keep yourself safe by avoiding risky activities, trusting your gut and keeping your head.

Simple things like taking a cab home at night rather than walking and not drinking too much alcohol will massively reduce your chances of having a problem.

You might wonder if this is also the case for women and girls visiting Huatulco. That’s an important question, so let’s look at that now.

Is Huatulco Safe For Female Travelers?

Huatulco is generally regarded as being safe for women, including women travelling solo. As a woman, you can generally expect to feel safe while enjoying Huatulco’s many attractions.

That said, I think as a woman you should maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings, particularly if you’re travelling alone. The unfortunate reality of being a woman is that you will almost always be at a physical disadvantage against anyone who means you harm.

But that, of course, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Huatulco!

It just means that you should take a little extra care to stay situationally aware. If you do that, you’ll almost always see any trouble coming your way well in advance and you can deal with before it becomes a problem.

Huatulco is definitely a place where you can feel safe as a female traveler. Provided you practice the level of care you would in your home town, you’ll have no worries while exploring Huatulco.

You might now be thinking, what am I up against here? How bad is crime in Huatulco? Let’s turn to that key question now.

How Bad Is Crime In Huatulco?

It seems like everyone has a different view on how bad crime has become in Mexican cities, and Huatulco is no different.

Personally, I think the best and most reliable way to answer this question is to take a look at the crime statistics themselves.

Huatulco Crime Statistics

The best crime data for Huatulco is provided by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Oaxaca ( La Fiscalía General del Estado de Oaxaca ).

This is publicly available data collected by the Oaxacan government. It’s updated each month and then they produce an annual report at the end of each year.

The latest annual numbers available are for 2022. The figures cover Huatulco and some surrounding areas.

According to those figures, in 2022 there were 15 homicides, 34 culpable homicides, 35 sexual assaults, 14 street robberies, and 11 cases of car theft.

By comparison, in 2020 there were 12 homicides, 14 culpable homicides, 23 sexual assaults, 5 street robberies, and 33 cases of car theft.

This is shown visually in the infographic below:

On the basis of those figures, there appears to have been an uptrend in all crimes except for car thefts, which decreased as between the two periods.

What is the Murder Rate in Huatulco?

According to the Mexican government , Huatulco and its surrounding areas had a population of 50,862 in 2020. That means that there were 23.59 murders per 100,000 people in the Huatulco area in 2020.

If we include all homicides, there were 51.12 homicides per 100,000 people in the Huatulco area in 2020.

If we assume that the population of the Huatulco area increased by 1.19% from 2020 to 2022 (which is the cumulative growth rate for Mexico as a whole for 2021 and 2022 according to Statista ), then there were 29.14 murders per 100,000 in the Huatulco area in 2022.

If we include all homicides, there were 95.20 homicides per 100,000 people in the Huatulco area in 2020.

How Does It Compare To Other Cities?

It’s only by comparison that you can really get an understanding of the meaning of these figures.

Let’s start by looking at the two other major tourist destinations in Oaxaca, Oaxaca de Juárez and Puerto Escondido. By comparison, Oaxaca de Juárez had a murder rate in 2020 of 14.76 per 100,000 and Puerto Escondido had a murder rate in 2020 of 32.14 per 100,000.

In Acapulco, though, the murder rate is 54.13 per 100,000 in 2023, so at least within Mexico, Huatulco is not at the highest end of the spectrum.

Looking at US cities, New York City had a 2022 murder rate of around 5.3 per 100,000 and Chicago had a 2021 murder rate of 29.66 per 100,000 residents.

In 2023, the two highest murder rates according to Statista were St Louis with 87.83 per 100,000 residents and Baltimore with 56.45 per 100,000. So, in US terms as well, Huatulco is also in the mid-range.

Tourist Experiences

After looking at the crime statistics, there’s no doubt that the murder-rate in Huatulco is higher than most people living outside of Mexico are used to seeing.

But does that mean it is truly unsafe? Personally, I think the answer is no. Let me explain why.

For me, the most compelling evidence is that so many people visit Huatulco each year. As mentioned above, 914,714 people arrived or departed from Huatulco Airport in 2023.

You wouldn’t see those kind of numbers if tourists think that Huatulco has a major crime problem. Clearly those visitors are having a great time and then returning home and spreading the word.

Murder also rarely affects tourists. I think this is because tourists don’t really do things that are likely to upset anyone enough for them to commit murder, which tends to be carried out for a specific reason.

Also, the most likely crimes to affect tourists are street robberies. In Huatulco, the number of street robberies is very low.

There were only 14 street robberies in Huatulco in 2022, but in Oaxaca de Juárez there were 1,167. Yes, Oaxaca de Juárez is a bigger city than Huatulco and has more tourists, but you’re still far less likely to be mugged in Huatulco.

My Conclusions On Crime And Safety In Huatulco

In my view, your safety depends on how you spend your time in Huatulco. If you’re just there to have good clean fun, you keep your wits about you, and don’t put yourself in risky situations, I think you’ll have a great time.

Many of the stories I have heard where people have had problems, they were out partying and drinking late at night or were on the beach after dark. It’s obviously fun to party, but it does open you up to greater risk if you don’t do it carefully.

I think that’s a good point to talk about safety precautions more generally.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take In Huatulco?

Even though Huatulco is generally considered to be among the safer regions in Mexico, you’ll lower the chances of having problems if you take a few basic safety precautions.

I’ve made a few simple suggestions below that will really move the needle.

Stay In a Reputable Hotel

Choosing a great hotel in Huatulco is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your trip for lots of reasons, including security. There are lots of reasons for this.

Top hotels will have someone on the front desk 24/7. They basically form a checkpoint so that no one can come into the hotel who might cause you trouble or make your stay uncomfortable.

The front desk of a great hotel is also your interface with locals in Huatulco. They can help you to book safe taxis, private transfers, and recommend reputable tour guides.

If you book a room in a top hotel, you’ll usually have access to your own private safe, where you set the combination yourself. You can use it to store your passport, credit cards and jewellery while you are out sightseeing.

Reputable hotels have a very strong incentive to make sure that you stay safe. If you have trouble because of a bad recommendation from them and then leave a bad review, that will hurt their business.

Use Reliable Transport

There’s no Uber or DiDi in Huatulco. If you don’t have a rental car or scooter, you’ll need to use taxis, the colectivo or book private drivers.

If you’re using a taxi, you can hail one during the day from the street. Use can also use the colectivo , which is perfectly safe, although you will need to speak a little Spanish.

At night, it will be a little harder to see if taxi drivers are licensed. Where possible, I recommend that you should ask the restaurant or the bar to call you a taxi before you leave.

If you decide to walk at night, stay in the well-lit parts of the street and avoid the back-streets. Make sure you know your route before you go. If you have been drinking or if you are a sole female traveler, you’re at higher risk and should book a taxi.

Stay Informed About Local Events

You should be aware of local events such as protests or demonstrations that might affect your safety or travel plans. You can do this by checking reliable news sources and following official social media accounts of local authorities.

Be careful if you are in an area where large gatherings are taking place, as they can sometimes escalate unexpectedly. If it looks like it is heading downhill, you should leave the area.

Take Care Of Your Valuables

If your hotel has a room safe, you should use it to store your passport, credit cards, extra cash and any jewellery you’re not wearing.

For the ID, cash or cards you take with you, use a money belt, hidden pouch, or secure pocket to store them.

You should obviously avoid showing your valuable items in public, as that will make you a target for pickpockets or other thieves.

Losing your ID or credit cards can be a major headache. Taking precautions to keep them safe will help you to have a worry-free travel experience.

Take Care When Using ATMs

Similarly, you should keep an eye out when using ATMs. You should only use machines located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid those in isolated spots.

Check that someone isn’t scoping out the ATM when you approach it. Shield your PIN while entering it and make sure no one is watching you while you’re doing so.

You should also check the machine for any unusual attachments that might indicate skimming devices before using it. If you’re in doubt, use a different one.

Is Huatulco Safe From Cartels?

Cartels operate throughout Mexico and Huatulco is no exception, although cartel activity is much more frequent toward the north of the country.

Unless you are looking to buy drugs, which I definitely don’t recommend, you are unlikely to have any interaction with the cartels.

At the end of the day, the cartels are businesses, even if their products are prohibited by law. If you don’t buy their products or have anything to do with their business, then they won’t have any reason to bother you.

The local government and law enforcement agencies in Huatulco are motivated to preserve the reputation that the town has for safety. They work to keep the area safe through vigilant law enforcement and community-driven initiatives.

So although the cartels do operate in Huatulco, unless you are doing risky things like buying drugs from them, you likely won’t even know that they are there.

In fact, you’re more likely to have a problem with common scams than with any of the cartels.

What are Some Common Scams In Huatulco?

You might be wondering: is Huatulco safe from tourist scams? As with any tourist hub, the answer is of course no.

The good news is that once you’re aware of the common scams, you can spot them and protect yourself during your stay.

I’ve set out a few of them below.

Overcharging in Markets

If you’re shopping in any of the markets in the city center, one common scam is where a vendor may try to overcharge you for goods. This unpleasant process is known as “gringo taxing”.

The best way to avoid this is to know the local price of whatever it is you’re buying, and to negotiate to ensure you’re paying a fair price.

If a vendor is trying to rip you off for being a tourist, just leave the stall and buy from someone else. Most vendors will treat you fairly, so just leave the cheats behind.

Fake Tourist Services

Another common scam is the fake tourist guide scam. You should look out for this if you are approached by anyone offering services such as guided tours, transportation, or excursions.

Trust your gut, and look for red flags such as asking for money upfront, or trying to persuade you to leave your group or go to a remote place.

If you’re not sure if the person is legitimate, stick to reputable tour companies like Viator and services recommended by reliable sources. Your hotel can help to connect you with trustworthy local providers.

Distraction Thefts

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are always a concern in crowded areas of Huatulco like Santa Cruz Huatulco or La Crucecita.

One common scam is for the thieves to work in pairs, with one creating a distraction while the other attempts to snatch belongings.

To protect yourself from this scam, leave valuables in your hotel safe where possible, and keep what you need close to your body.

ATM Skimming

Another scam involves ATM machines.

Scammers attach skimming devices on machines so that when you insert your card through the device and into the machine, it copies your card information.

You’ll only find out about it later when you realize that your accounts have been drained or your cards run up to their limits.

You can protect yourself form this scam by checking the ATM machine for strange looking attachments before you use it. If you’re not sure, use another one.

Fake Arts And Crafts

Art and handicrafts can be hard to value, especially when part of the value is in the identity of the artist.

If you’re buying “authentic” locally made arts and crafts, you should do your research to make sure you’re buying from legitimate artisans.

It doesn’t happen often, but some scammers try to pass off mass-produced items as authentic local crafts.

If you want to buy local arts and crafts, make sure you know what you’re buying before you hand over cash.

Are There Mosquitoes In Huatulco?

Yes, there are mosquitos in Huatulco, particularly once you leave the immediate beach areas where you get some protection from the salty breeze.

Are The Mosquitos Bad In Huatulco?

Unfortunately yes, although the level of mosquito activity varies a little depending on the time of year.

They’re worse during the rainy season from June to September because of the increased humidity. During the dry season you’ll still have to deal with them, but they won’t drive you quite as mad!

How Do You Deal With Mosquitoes?

There are a few tried and true methods used by locals in Huatulco to deal with mosquitoes.

If you follow their lead, you’ll hopefully be able to keep the little devils under control.

Use Insect Repellent And Anti-Itch Creams

You can use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other effective ingredients to drive off the mosquitoes. You’ll be able to find this Huatulco if you forget to pack it.

You can also use anti-itch creams like betadine to stop the mosquito bites from driving you crazy. Anti-itch cream might be a little harder to find, so it’s a good one to pack and bring with you.

Wear Protective Clothing

It’s easier said than done in Huatulco, but the more skin you cover up the harder it is for mosquitoes to bite you.

During the day it will be too warm to cover up. But if you’re visiting in the winter, you can wear longer-sleeved shirts or cardigans when you’re walking around in the evening to give the mosquitoes less places to bite you.

Use Window Screens

Most luxury hotel rooms will be air conditioned, but other older hotels or guesthouses might have screened windows and doors to shield you from the mosquitos. They’re great because they still let the fresh air in while keeping the pests out.

They’re particularly good at night. With window screens, you can leave the windows open and you don’t have to choose between staying cool or being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

Use Bed Nets

Your hotel may use bed nets in your room. If you’re not familiar with them, bed nets are made of very fine mesh and are often treated with natural insect repellents like camphor.

They hang from a hook in the ceiling above the bed and are tucked into each corner to seal the bed off from the mosquitoes.

Bed nets provide an additional layer of defense, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep and minimizing the risk of mosquito bites and related health concerns.

If your room doesn’t include them as standard, ask your hotel if they can provide them, particularly if you are visiting during the rainy season .

Go Easy On Perfumes and Body Washes

Mosquitos are attracted by many perfumes, scented skin creams and body washes. Unfortunately, that means that you might be increasing your chances of being bitten if you use scented products.

It’s a bit boring, I know, but you should consider using some unscented products where possible to reduce your chances of being eaten by the mosquitos.

Are There Crocodiles in Huatulco?

Yes! It might surprise you to know that there is a large population of native crocodiles that live in a sanctuary in a small town called La Ventanilla, about 30 miles from Huatulco.

They don’t tend to stray from their habitats, and they only live in the mangroves that grow in the sanctuary.

But if you happen to be visiting close to where they live, make sure that you pay attention to the various warning signs and don’t enter any area indicated on the sign under any circumstances.

You can do a tour from Huatulco to see the crocodiles. You’ll be picked up, and it takes 1 hour 20 minutes to reach the Ventanilla ecotourism center, where the crocodiles live. The tour costs US$10 per person.

Provided you use a reputable tour guide, you’ll be perfectly safe. The ecotourism center is relatively small and the tour guides will always maintain a safe distance from the crocodiles.

Do Hurricanes Hit Huatulco?

Yes, Huatulco does get hit by hurricanes from time to time.

The most recent hurricane to make landfall was Hurricane Agatha in 2022, which was the strongest hurricane to make landfall since records began in 1949.

The Mexican hurricane season typically occurs from May to November. When hurricanes make landfall, they bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding, which can disrupt daily life and cause damage to infrastructure and property.

Hurricane Agatha was no exception. According to the National Hurricane Center , 9 people were killed and 6 people went missing.

It made landfall near Puerto Ángel as a category 2 storm with winds of 105 mph. It caused extensive flooding, created landslides that buried people, and there were power outages affecting nearly 50,000 people in Oaxaca.

Local authorities will be all over the media in the run up to the hurricane’s arrival. The most important thing is for you to be aware of when and where it is predicted to make landfall, and to make sure that you’re safe in your hotel when it hits.

If you’re planning a visit to Huatulco, especially during the hurricane season, make sure that you keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed about any potential storms.

Is Huatulco Safe: FAQs

If you’ve made it this far, then hopefully you have an answer to the question: is Huatulco safe?

But if you still have questions, check out the list of FAQs below to see if I have an answer for you!

Is Huatulco Safe To Travel With Kids?

Yes, Huatulco is safe for family travel with kids.

There are lots of great family-friendly attractions like visiting the beautiful beaches, releasing turtles, or going dolphin watching.

For family travel, if you’re looking for the best beach, I recommend Playa La Entrega (pictured above). It’s a small sheltered beach that is safe to swim where you won’t need to worry about strong currents or huge waves.

It has also has coral reefs that are great for snorkelling and for amusing the kids!

Is It Safe To Walk At Night In Huatulco?

In public well-lit areas, you’ll be safe walking around of an evening. Obviously once it gets quite late, the risk of trouble increases.

I would recommend that you take a taxi if you are travelling alone, if you are female or if you need to walk through poorly-lit areas to get where you’re going.

Is It Safe To Eat Street Food In Huatulco?

Yes, you can definitely by food from street vendors in Huatulco. It’s some of the best food that you’ll find!

Most street vendors have good hygiene standards, and if you’re buying from a popular stall, buying street food will be low risk.

Can I Drink The Tap Water In Huatulco?

No, drinking the tap water in Huatulco isn’t safe.

You’ll need to drink bottled or boiled water, and you should use bottled water for brushing your teeth.

All good hotels and other accommodations will provide bottled water for you during your stay.

How Do I Avoid Getting Sick In Huatulco?

You can make sure that you don’t get sick by only drinking bottled water, avoiding raw or undercooked food, and washing your hands frequently.

You can protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects by using insect repellent.

Huatulco gets very hot in the middle of the day, particularly during summer. Make sure you stay hydrated and take it easy when tanning.

You should also buy travel insurance before your trip to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Does Huatulco Have Earthquakes?

Yes, Huatulco is located in a seismically active region and is prone to earthquakes.

Its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it susceptible to tectonic activity.

Staying informed about local safety procedures and being prepared can help ensure your safety while visiting Huatulco.

Is Huatulco Safe: Dos and Don’ts

Provided you engaging in risky behaviour, staying safe in Huatulco is really not difficult. You just need to take a few common-sense precautions.

I’ve set out a list of suggested Dos and Don’ts below.

Be Situationally Aware

The number one thing that you should do wherever you travel is ensure that you are always situationally aware.

That just means always knowing what is going on around you. Observe the place, the people, the atmosphere, and let your gut tell you if there is a problem.

This might seem counterintuitive, because we go on holiday to switch off. But if you make a habit of being situationally aware, you won’t even need to think about doing it, and by doing it you will keep yourself safe.

Use Highly-Rated Secure Accommodation

Make sure that the hotel, AirBnB or hostel that you choose is reputable and secure. You can do this by reading the reviews of the accommodation on the website before you book it.

Steer clear of anything with awful reviews unless there is a very good explanation or steps have been taken to fix the issue.

Keep Your ID And Valuables Safe

If possible, you should secure your ID, jewellery, cash and credit cards in the hotel safe. You can take a copy of your ID with you when you’re out seeing the sights.

If that isn’t possible, then you should carry your ID with you in a secure pouch and only take it out when you really need to.

Only Use Reputable Transportation

Be sure to use only licensed taxis or trusted tour operators for safe travel.

During the day, you can also use the colectivo or the public bus, but be aware that the chances of encountering a pick-pocket are higher.

Don’t accept rides with people you don’t know or don’t trust.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

This one probably goes without saying, but don’t flash your valuables around.

Crime usually arises as a result of relative poverty. That means that if you appear to be more wealthy, you make yourself a target for pickpockets and thieves.

So keep your cash secured and leave your valuables either at home or in the hotel safe.

Don’t:

Drink the tap water.

Don’t drink the tap water in Huatulco. It isn’t treated in the same way as it would be in the US.

Your hotel will keep you supplied with bottled water, so use that instead.

Walk Alone at Night

Even though Huatulco is safe enough to walk at night, I recommend that you don’t press your luck if you don’t need to.

If you do decide to walk home, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night.

If you’ve been drinking heavily, I recommend taking a cab, and in any event, don’t walk home alone.

Leave Your things Unattended

This one should hopefully be obvious as well, but if you’re out in public, you should always keep an eye on your property.

That includes drinks that you order at the bar, particularly if you’re female. If you leave it unattended, it could be spiked. It’s unlikely, but best not to take the chance.

Ignore Local Advice

You should make sure that you listen to local advice. That might come from other tourists who have been there before, from your hotel concierge, or from local residents.

They are a great source of often very reliable information about unsafe places or practices, so pay attention if they tell you something.

You should also keep an eye on local news and local government websites to hear if anything major is going on while you’re travelling.

Participate in Protests or Demonstrations

Think carefully before participating in protests or demonstrations. Those kind of events can escalate quickly, and are sometimes dispersed by authorities.

If that happens, you could find yourself being arrested or worse.

Remember that you are a guest and your right to remain in Mexico can be revoked at any time.

Final Thoughts

So, is Huatulco safe? Although it isn’t immune to a higher level of crime that is common in Mexico, Huatulco is absolutely safe enough for you to visit.

As with any place, you need to behave sensibly and exercise reasonable caution. Obey the law, treat people respectfully, always be situationally aware, and don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.

If you do all of those things, you will significantly reduce the chances of anything untoward happening to you or your family whilst you are in Huatulco.

Buen Viaje!

Similar Posts

Is Puerto Escondido Safe To Visit? The Ultimate Guide [2024]

Are you planning a trip to Mexico and want to know: is Puerto Escondido safe to visit? The answer is yes, provided that you take a few simple steps.

Tule Tree Oaxaca: The Ultimate Guide [2024]

The Tule Tree is an absolutely enormous tree with the world’s widest tree-trunk. Find out why it is a must-see on your next trip to Oaxaca, Mexico.

Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro? Renting a car is just one of many options that you have. Find out more here.

Puerto Escondido to Mexico City: 5 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

Wondering how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City? A commercial flight is just one of many options that you have. Find out more here.

Puerto Escondido To Mazunte: 5 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

If you plan to explore Oaxaca’s beaches, you should know how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte before you arrive in Mexico. Find out here.

Oaxaca Day of The Dead: The Ultimate Guide [2024]

The Oaxaca Day of the Dead festival is one of the most recognisable events on planet earth and an absolute bucket-list must for any keen traveller!

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

Is Huatulco Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mexico : Safety by City

• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo

Huatulco located on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca.

In the 1980s this area was chosen by Mexico’s National Tourism Fund for development as a tourist resort area.

Huatulco spreads out over 35 km of coastline.

Here located a beautiful natural area with the Sierra Madre mountain chain forming a stunning interest for tourism.

This place attracts nature lovers: with all lush jungle, vivid colors of flora, pristine landscapes.

The name Huatulco means a “place where the wood is revered.”

Tourist’s interest also leads travelers to see a fragment of the cross from the ancient legend in the church in Santa Maria Huatulco, and another in the cathedral in Oaxaca City.

• Warnings & Dangers in Huatulco

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Huatulco is a safer place for tourism than the rest of Mexico's resorts. Travelers should be careful with nightlife here and keep an eye on their belongings in the daytime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

A better way to get around the area is to rent a car. But don't forget to lock the car and park at guarded places. Taxis are well-regulated and considered safe.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and purse snatching could happen here as well as any other tourist area. To avoid pick-pocketing, carry your wallet in a front pants pocket or use an anti-theft backpack. Keep values in a safe place in the hotel.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The risk of natural disasters in Huatulco Is quite low. But before travel to this area, it's better to check weather forecasts to avoid floods and tornadoes.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Mugging risk is low enough in this area. Tourists can be safe until they avoid showing up drunk and loud. Keep expensive belongings at a safe place in the hotel.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Huatulco is a fairly safe place, usually, there are no showdowns of cartels and drug crimes. However, as in all of Mexico, you should be alert, studying the latest news of the area.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The level of fraud is not particularly high in Huatulco. Remain the usual level of awareness and avoid unsolicited conversations with strangers on the streets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The area is safe enough for women travelers during daylight. The best way to avoid problems is not to be in bars at night, not to wear too overtly clothes and be polite.

• So... How Safe Is Huatulco Really?

Huatulco creates a peaceful and quiet retreat – opposite to busy Mexican tourist areas such as Cancun.

Generally, it is a safe place for foreign travelers where you can walk around and spend a pleasant time.

For those who seek empty and amazing beaches, Huatulco can be an ideal place.

But it is important to not let the overall peaceful nature of Huatulco avoid you from dropping your awareness.

Crime violent it’s a rarely happens case in Huatulco.

But awareness when traveling abroad is always important.

For keeping the track of events visits The US State Department site – they always have the latest news with a crime in Mexico regions.

Petty crime in the city can still be an issue just as it is in many resort areas and all worldwide cities.

Travelers should take the overall precautions that they would take when traveling to any tourist area in the world.

Always keep an eye on your belongings.

Leave important documents and values in the hotel safe.

Female travel is safe enough here. Women can spend time here without unwanted attention from locals.

Pickpocketing and purse snatching could happen here as well as any other tourist area.

So just carry your wallet in a front pants pocket instead of your backpack.

• How Does Huatulco Compare?
• Useful Information

No visas required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible of stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

The Mexican peso - is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

October through February is the best time to visit Huatulco: these months are the driest, days are sunniest and temperatures are comfortable. The peak in tourism is from December to April, so visit in October or November to have quiet time.

The city has an international airport - Bahías de Huatulco International Airport located 12 km from the town. The airport handles national and international air traffic.

Travel Insurance

The medical travel insurance is recommended to do for all tourists before the trip to any country as well as Mexico. A custom officer can ask travelers to show insurance on the border.

Huatulco Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Mexico - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

1 Review on Huatulco

Safe coastal city.

This is the first beach city/area post review I have looked at in Mexico. Being from an island, I’m used to spending quite a bit of time at the beach so it is helpful to see how this coastal city compares. I like that the area isn’t overly crowded and has a high safety rating.

Share Your Experience Cancel reply

Your Review

Title of your review

Article Contents

• Huatulco : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

Popular Destinations

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

• Zach Cooper on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina
• Zoe Diaz on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina
• Russell Lee on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina
• Donna Lee on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina
• Steven Reyes on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina

Popular US States

• Pennsylvania

Shev Strolls

How to get to Huatulco, Mexico in 2023 – All transport options explained!

Looking for flights to Huatulco, Mexico for your 2023 winter holiday? Look no further!

Huatulco may be more and more popular every year, but figuring out how to get to Huatulco, Mexico is still not as simple as other, larger cities in Mexico.

Since 2021, I have gone to Huatulco by plane, bus, taxi, boat, and any other way you can think to travel. So I have used that info to put together this guide for all the ways to get to Huatulco!

Not only will I share with you the best direct flights, but also my secrets for getting around in the off-season, local tips and tricks, and the the best transportation options for every budget!

So let’s get strolling and find the best ways to fly to Huatulco, Mexico from anywhere, how to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca, how get to Huatulco from the airport, and pretty much anything else you need to know before you travel to Huatulco!

Which Airlines Fly Direct to Huatulco?

Are you a travel hacker? Or just airline loyal? Here is a complete list of the airlines that fly directly into Huatulco.

Direct Connections to Huatulco Quick View

Air Canada WestJet American Airlines AeroMexico VivaAerobus Volaris

Vancouver, CA (YVR) Edmonton, CA (YEG) Calgary, CA (YYC) Winnipeg, CA (YWG) Toronto, CA (YYZ) Chicago, US (ORD) Dallas Fort Worth, US (DFW)

* in 2022 it was announced that TAG airlines would be running a route from Guatemala City direct to Huatulco, but I have been unable to find out when this route will start. However, you can fly with TAG from Oaxaca City to several cities in Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador.

Why fly direct to Huatulco, Mexico?

Aside from the conveniences of not having layovers, risking bags not being transferred, or increasing your chances of travel issues, flying direct to the HUX airport can also mean less of a headache at immigration.

Huatulco is a small town with mostly tourist traffic, so the immigration controls at the airport are more relaxed. There is usually only one plane arriving at a time, so the customs lines are shorter.

I like to use Flight Radar to track flights coming in an out of Huatulco. It is especially helpful if you are doing airport pickups for friends and family!

This map shows all of the routes flying into HUX, but beware that it only shows the current routes for the next week, not seasonal routes. So depending on the time of year you are visiting this site, you will see different routes.

The best site to compare flight prices is SkyScanner . I use it to book flights when I am travelling so I know all my options!

From which airports can you fly to Huatulco?

Huatulco has one small international airport that services most of the coast of Oaxaca, the Huatulco International Airport (HUX).

From HUX you can get to Huatulco, Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, and any other destination along Oaxaca’s coast in under 3 hours.

How to get to Huatulco, Mexico from Canada

Canadians love Huatulco, and WestJet has made it easy for us Canucks to get there! And in 2024 the options for flying to Huatulco are only growing.

Below you will find the direct routes for the 2023 and 2024 season from Canada’s major cities. Direct flights from Canada to Huatulco are seasonal from October to May, and limited to certain days of the week.

Calgary (YYC)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date:  October 18, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays |⏹️ Last Flight: May 4, 2024|◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

The direct flight schedule from Calgary, Alberta to Huatulco, Mexico in 2023 is stacked! WestJet has direct flights from Calgary to Huatulco during the high season on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays!

The first flight leaves Calgary on October 18, 2023. You can fly direct to Huatulco on Tuesdays and Saturdays in October. November adds Wednesday and Friday flights as well, then the full schedule starts December 4, 2023 with Monday flights added.

Edmonton (YEG)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date:  October 17, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Tuesdays & Thursdays | ⏹️ Last Flight: April 25, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

That’s right, both of Alberta’s major airports fly direct to Huatulco! And for the 2023-2024 season there are even more days to choose from.

In 2023, Westjet has added Tuesdays to its schedule for direct flights from Edmonton to Huatulco, Mexico. Flights with WestJet from Edmonton start on Tuesdays, October 17, 2023 and end on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Winnipeg James Armstrong International (YWG) to Huatulco (HUX)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date:  December 24, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays | ⏹️ Last Flight: April 14, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

They’re back! Winnipeg to Huatulco direct flights were unavailable in 2022/2023, but thankfully WestJet has brought them back for the 2024 season!

Direct from Winnipeg flights start later, on December 24, 2023 – just in time for Christmas in Huatulco!

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Huatulco (HUX)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date:  October 13, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Fridays | ⏹️ Last Flight: May 10, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

✈️ Airline: Air Canada | ▶️ Start Date:  November 5, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays, Tuesdays starting December 19, 2023 | ⏹️Last Flight : April 30, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

For those coming from Eastern Canada, Toronto is the best airport to fly to Huatulco from in the 2023-2024 season. And, you have choices! Both Westjet and Air Canada fly directly from Toronto to Huatulco.

Air Canada flies directly to Huatulco, Mexico from Toronto Pearson on Sundays and Tuesdays in the high season.

Westjet has a longer flight season to Huatulco, with flights starting around Canadian Thanksgiving and running into mid-May. However, inbound flights are only on Fridays, with the addition of 2 Sundays in October.

Vancouver (YVR)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date:  October 29, 2023  | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays | ⏹️Last Flight : April 29, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Vancouver to Huatulco is the shortest direct flight from Canada at just under 6 hours. This route will start up again on Sundays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting October 29, 2023.

Monday flights start December 18th and run for the rest of the season!

With direct flights from 5of its largest cities, Canada is the best connected country to Huatulco!

How to Fly to Huatulco From the United States

Several major airports in the US also offer seasonal flights to Huatulco, Mexico. Some airports, such as Dallas Fort Worth also offer seasonal flights in the summer to escape the Texas heat!

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

✈️ Airline: American Airlines ▶️ Start Date:  November 8, 2023 & June 4, 2024  | 🗓️Weekdays: Every day but Tuesday & Thursday | ⏹️Last Flight : May 4, 2024 & August 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Flights from Dallas, Texas to Huatulco, Mexico are offered throughout the year but on a less consistent schedule than the Canadian airlines. Here is a quick breakdown:

November : Wednesdays & Saturday December to March: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday April: Wednesday & Saturday June – July: Wednesday & Saturday

And now for something completely different! Not only can you can fly direct to Huatulco from Texas in the winter, but American Airlines offers direct flights in the summer as well!

That’s right, Huatulco is cooler than Texas in the summer, so this is where some people from the US come to beat the heat.

Chicago O’hare (ORD)

✈️ Airline: Volaris ▶️ Start Date:  November 18, 2023  | 🗓️Weekdays: Saturdays | ⏹️Last Flight : March 30, 2024 | ◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Volaris flies from Chicago to Huatulco for the winter season, starting November 18th on Saturdays.

I’m a big fan of Volaris! I travel with them frequently within Mexico. They are a great low-cost airline with great customer service.

Tijuana (TIJ)

Technically a national flight, see below how people like to use this direct route to Huatulco from the US!

How to Fly to Huatulco From Within Mexico

Obviously the easiest way to get to Huatulco is from within Mexico! There are many cities that fly directly to Huatulco from within Mexico, and here they are!

Mexico City (MEX)

Aeroméxico, Magni, VivaAerobús, and Volaris all fly to Mexico City year-round.

Mexico City is one of the easiest places to get to and from Huatulco, with about 3-4 flights a day leaving HUX. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and on a clear day you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the bays of Huatulco and the Sierra Madre mountains.

All flights to or from Huatulco and Mexico City go through Terminal 2 in the Mexico City International Airport.

Oaxaca (OAX)

Another quick and easy flight to Huatulco is the sprint from Oaxaca.

I prefer to take the bus to Oaxaca City from Huatulco , but if the journey through the mountains is daunting for you then you might consider flying!

Aerotucán and Aervega fly the Huatulco to Oaxaca route. Tickets can only be booked in person at the airport.

Monterrey (MTY)

You can fly Monterrey to Huatulco and back with either Magni or VivaAerobús.

Tijuana is perhaps the most popular direct flight from Huatulco, Mexico, after Mexico City.

While technically flying within Mexico, it is common for people to drive to the US/Mexico boarder, park on the San Diego side, then walk across the border through the Cross Border Express.

This makes flying to Huatulco from San Diego or even Los Angeles much easier and more affordable!

Toluca (TLC)

Toluca is a small airport located 50 kilometres outside of Mexico City. It was once just a regional airport but was recently gained international status.

Volaris flies from Huatulco to Toluca 4 times a week.

How to Get to Huatulco from the Airport

Like most airports, the Huatulco Airport is far from the city centre, so you will need to arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel! There are many options for transport, depending on your group size and budget.

Because the coast of Oaxaca is so spread out, and Huatulco has so many beaches to visit, I highly recommend renting a car for your Huatulco holiday!

I usually rent through Discover Cars , it compares prices for all car companies available in the area.

Most car rental businesses are located inside or just outside of the Huatulco Airport – so it’s super easy to pick it up!

Book a Private Transfer – best way to get to Huatulco from the airport

The easiest, safest, and best option to get to your Huatulco hotel from the airport is by booking a private transfer.

I like to book my transfers through Viator whenever I travel, or with Booking.com if the option is available when booking my hotel.

Shev’s Recommended Airport Transfers

Luxury Private Service Private Small Car Service Shared Budget Van Service

Take a Taxi

There will be many local taxi drivers ready and waiting at the airport when you arrive. They pay a premium to wait outside the airport, so you can expect to pay about $600 pesos to get to La Crucecita from the Huatulco airport.

If you want to save a couple hundred pesos, you can walk about 800m out of the airport and across the highway. There is a bus shelter here where you can catch a taxi, colectivo, or even the bus to Huatulco !

How to Get to Huatulco by Car or Bus

I am constantly amazed at how many people drive to Huatulco, and from where! Every year hundreds of people make the trek from the United States and Canada by road. What an adventure!

The best resource for driving to Huatulco from Canada or the US is the Moving to Mexico Facebook group. There are a lot of conversations on this topic to read through and knowledge to draw on.

I will be focused on entering las Bahías de Huatulco by land from slightly closer areas.

How to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca City by car or bus

The flight from Huatulco to Oaxaca City is just under an hour, but the drive takes much longer!

The most common way to get between Oaxaca City and Huatulco is by bus or group van.

The ADO or the OCC are reliable bus services that connect Oaxaca to other parts of Southern Mexico. These buses are too big for the mountain road through San Jose del Pacifico , so they run around the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains through Salina Cruz.

These buses have air conditioning, bathrooms on board, charing ports, tvs, and are more comfortable for long trips.

Taking a group van is a faster and more scenic way to get to Oaxaca City from Huatulco. I like to take the Colombo, but there are several van services that connect Huatulco with Oaxaca City.

📔 Read more about budget transportation options in Huatulco 🚐

Looking to get to Puerto Escondido from Huatulco, Mexico or from the Huatulco airport? Learn all about transport between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido here.

How to Get to Huatulco By Sea

That’s right! Not only can you travel to Huatulco by bus or plane, you can also get here over the water!

Most popularly by cruise ships. There is a cruise ship dock in Bahía Santa Cruz that welcomes thousands of seafarers to our shores every year.

We also have a marina in Bahía Chahue that private boat owners can dock in. We get more than a few independent yachts that spend some of their days in our safe harbours!

How to get to Huatulco FAQ

What is the best canadian city to fly to huatulco from.

Vancouver and Calgary offer the most direct flights to Huatulco. From November to March, you can fly from Calgary to Huatulco directly 5 days a week. You can fly direct to Huatulco 4 days a week in the high season.

Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto also fly directly to Huatulco in the high season.

Does Huatulco have an airport?

Yes! Huatulco has an international airport that connects this small coastal region with direct flights across Mexico, the US, Canada, and some smaller neighbouring countries.

What airlines fly to Huatulco?

Many national and international airlines fly direct to Huatulco.

From Mexico: AeroMexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus

From Canada: WestJet, Air Canada From the US: American Airlines Other: AeroTucan, TAG, Aerovega

Shev’s Summary – How to get to Huatulco

The small tropical destination of Huatulco, Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular winter destination for travellers from around the world.

That means that the transport options are getting better and better every year! In 2023 and 2024 there are more direct flights to Huatulco, Mexico than ever.

If you are looking to visit more of the Oaxacan coast, its easy to get to Huatulco using a rental car , taking a taxi, or using one of the local bus systems .

I hope this post inspires you to plan your next visit to Huatulco!

More About Huatulco

Looking for more info on Huatulco’s weather, geography, or amenities? Check out my other posts here!

Thanks for strolling!

Related Posts

• How to Travel in Huatulco – Mexican Transportation Explained
• Explore Huatulco On a Budget – Transport
• Where to Stay in Huatulco – Your Guide to the Bays
• The Best Hotels in Huatulco for the 2023 season

Pin this for Later!

Huatulco Travel Planning Guide 🚑Do I need Travel Insurance to visit Huatulco ? Absolutely, yes, 1000x yes! If there is anything we have learned from the last few years it’s that life is unpredictable and plans can always change. At just a few dollars per day, it’s worth getting travel insurance just for the peace of mind. I have my travel health insurance through Safety Wing and my travel insurance through Travel Insurance Master . 💦 Can I drink the water in Huatulco? Yes , the water in Huatulco is safe to drink, but I don’t feel it’s worth the risk. Buy a garafon to reduce plastic waste, or use a Waatr bottle like I do to have clean water anywhere you travel! 🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Huatulco? Yes! It’s totally safe to rent a car in Huatulco, but the availability books up fast. I recommend comparing prices and booking in advance with Discover Cars . 🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish in Huatulco? Yes – some. Many Huatulco tours are offered in both English and Spanish, and most serving staff and store owners in Huatulco speak a little English. Learning the basics like how to order or read a menu will really help you out! I used Pimsleur to learn Spanish and it was extremely effective! I highly recommend the app to anyone who wants to become comfortable navigating Mexico. You can also use Google translate very effectively in Huatulco. 📲 Will my phone work in Huatulco? Yes, your phone will most likely work, but it will be expensive. It’s best to order a Telcel SIM Card to your home so you are connected and ready to go when you reach Huatulco! Check out my post with more details on technology in Huatulco here. 🏨How do I book a place to stay in Huatulco? For Huatulco, and Mexico in general, the best site to book accommodations is Booking.com . They have access to hotels, vacation rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals there and is usually cheaper than Airbnb. For travellers on a budget, I like to book hostels through HostelWorld ✈️ Where is the best site to buy flights to Huatulco? Read here for all of Huatulco’s direct flights throughout the year, but I like to book tickets through Skyscanner to find the best prices. 🛂 Do I need a visa for Huatulco? Probably not, most tourists are granted a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. This is now done with a stamp in your passport, as of fall 2022 Mexico is phasing out the paper forms – yay!

Shev is a writer and PADI Dive Instructor who gets to travel a lot for work!

When not leading scuba diving trips in Central America, Shev calls Oaxaca, Mexico home. Shev loves to share insider info on this gem in Mexico so you can experience this magical place too!

Shev aims to equip first-time visitors with everything they could possibly need to get the most out of this Pacific gem.

Similar Posts

How to Travel in Huatulco – Mexican Transportation Explained

Huatulco to Puerto Escondido – Best transportation options in 2024

Explore Huatulco On a Budget – Transport

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Off the beaten track in Oaxaca: is this the best way to adventure in Mexico?

Sustainable Travel

From mountains to mangroves, Oaxaca in southern Mexico has all the ingredients for a local community-led trip that’s the perfect antidote to influencer-saturated Tulum

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

The air in Oaxaca’s Huatulco National Park is thick as soup, and the abundance of living things is so rich my senses feel saturated. Zapotec guide Perfecto Careno Ramirez brings the bounty into focus through memories of his childhood spent on this land. There’s the grado tree used to connect with ancestors in ceremonies; the cat nail vines’ roots that saved his friend by delaying a scorpion’s fatal sting; and the ‘ear tree’ with its tough seed cases his mother used to exfoliate when she bathed. 

Numerous hotels in the area offer guided tours of the jungle, opalescent beaches and coral reefs, but I’ve booked through Huatulco Salvaje . Most members of this 12-strong Zapotec co-operative lived here before they were relocated in 1998 when the government declared Huatulco a national park. On the brightly painted porch of the co-operative’s office, founding member Sigifredo Castro tells me that, despite their unique relationship with the land, they struggle to compete with tours offered by large hotels. “The all-inclusive model is broken,” he says, shaking his head. “Tourists don’t come out to meet the people, and the money they bring is mostly taken out of Mexico.” 

I began dreaming up this trip in Tulum while eating a £20 aguachile and doing my best to dodge the various Instagram shoots happening around me. I knew I wanted to connect with Mexicans interested in preserving their land and culture, but between the shiny beach bars and clubs blasting EDM, opportunities seemed few and far between. A Google search of community tourism projects led nowhere. Facebook pages with antique images suggested the owners were more interested in running their projects than promoting them, and with my poor Spanish, phone calls were awkward rather than illuminating.  

Back in Oaxaca, I roll down the car window and watch hills covered in verdant jungle slide by. My friend Eytan Elterman, founder of Lokal Travel – a booking platform that champions small, community-run projects throughout Latin America – has stepped in. We’re on a scouting mission from Oaxaca’s epic coastline to its mountain-top capital looking for new additions to add to the platform. 

“In Mexico, remote communities with limited access to business opportunities often resort to logging or mining to survive. Or they emigrate to the States, of course,” says Eytan, pausing to let a cow lumber across the road. “Community tourism empowers people to become stewards of their own land – not to mention offering travellers the opportunity to have cross-cultural exchanges that mean something.” 

A few hours later, we’re in a smoke-blackened kitchen in the hamlet of San José Manialtepec. Angela Carmona and Jacinto Garcia, who have lived in this house for 50 years, are about to reveal the recipe for their signature cheese. It’s swelteringly hot and decidedly awkward. Although the cheesemaking workshop is available to book through Ecoturismo Manialtepec , the way Angela is silently twisting her skirt suggests that few travellers take them up on this offer. Eytan shudders as his forearms disappear into a bucket of whey, and everyone laughs. Angela rushes over and shows him how to pack it into the press that once belonged to her grandmother, her hands patting with the deftness of a master potter.  

Later, Señora Gonzalez, who owns Ecoturismo Manialtepec alongside her husband, Ismael, feeds us mole to a soundtrack of bolero music floating over from the neighbouring yard. Although our faces are puce from our foray into fire cooking, we set about scooping up the deep, dark sauce with gusto. She tells us it has taken years of trial and error to perfect a recipe that includes cacao, five types of chilli roasted overnight, bread and a host of wild herbs.  

As Eytan and I steam in the air-conditioned car, he reflects: “There’s a beautiful humility in what they offer here. She’s just spent two days cooking the best mole I’ve ever tasted but doesn’t make a big deal of it. That level of care is just part of her culture.” 

At this point, I’m set to swear my allegiance to community tourism forever. However, my romanticised bubble ruptures at Ventanilla , where two co-operatives from the same community fight to offer crocodile-spotting tours in the lagoon where the Pacific swallows the Tonameca River. Before we’ve even left our car, two men – one from Lagarto Real Ventanilla , the other team from La Ventanilla – charge and begin to explain their tours' superiority. 

I’m set to swear my allegiance to community tourism when my romanticised bubble ruptures as two co-operatives fight to offer crocodile-spotting tours in the lagoon where the Pacific swallows the Tonameca River. 

Imogen Lepere

Both groups emerged in the aftermath of hurricanes with a vision of restoring the mangrove forest – vital work since it provides flood protection and acts as a carbon sink – and both offer locals an alternative form of income to crocodile hunting. However, with more than 600 visitors a day between them, it’s an altogether less intimate experience. 

“I’ve seen this in communities all over Latin America,” Eytan says as we walk across a beach littered with wood bleached like dinosaur bones, a calling card from Hurricane Agatha. “If the income from tourism isn’t divided fairly, factions begin fighting over the resources.”   

It’s a very different story in Teotitlán del Valle, a petite pueblo of adobe buildings with tiled roofs located 20 miles from the city of Oaxaca. Like many Zapotec towns, Teotitlán specialises in a particular craft: rug weaving. We’re visiting the workshop of Vida Nueva , the first all-female weaving co-operative in Mexico, which fluctuates between 12 and 20 members. Economic pressures leading to alcoholism and domestic violence mean that many of these women are divorced and would otherwise struggle to find work due to the resulting stigma. 

In the shaded workshop, founder Pastora Asunción Gutierrez Reyes’s 20-something daughter, Silvia, shows us the plants and minerals the women use to create dyes following formulas inherited from her great-great-grandmother. There’s cochineal, the insect that bleeds dragon’s blood red; marigold blooms for mustard yellow and Brazil wood pink. As she holds up each bowl, I notice the outline of an aeroplane tattooed on her wrist. “Most women my age in the village are married with several children,” she says. “I’m saving to go travelling.” With Silvia growing up with a keen understanding of the power of co-operatives, let's hope she can share the benefits of connecting with local communities on our travels, for everyone involved. 

FinanceBuzz

The 10 Best Places To Live in Mexico for Retirees

Posted: December 27, 2023 | Last updated: December 27, 2023

Retirement should be about living a life that fits your dreams. For some, a move to Mexico can be the ideal opportunity to embrace life in a new way.

Americans and Canadians who plan to retire early or simply want a lower cost of living often look to Mexico for its affordability, fabulous beaches and entertainment, and exceptional weather.

Following are some of the best places to retire in Mexico, and why so many retirees are interested in calling this area home.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Puerto Vallarta

Located on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, tourist-friendly town that’s home to tens of thousands of retirees and expats.

It’s a highly developed resort community that’s great for those who love the outdoors. Activities like mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and the beaches are all within a short drive.

The area is also recognized for its fishing and sailing opportunities. If your idea of the ideal place to retire includes great weather, lively nightlife, and high-quality medical facilities — all in a place where English is widely spoken — Puerto Vallarta can be the ideal choice.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

With its 11 miles of beaches, Mazatlán is a place where you will find homes located right on the Pacific Ocean. Retirees can enjoy a beautiful walk in the white sand every morning.

The city has a Spanish colonial flare and more of an authentic Mexican culture and lifestyle than the resort regions nearby. 

You’ll find a few art galleries and small shops, as well as a number of restaurants here. A stroll down the boardwalk each night is peaceful rather than crowded with tourists.

San Miguel de Allende

Many people retiring in Mexico appreciate the beauty and charm of San Miguel de Allende. It has a low cost of living, ample health care options, and a beautiful climate throughout the year.

It is a small town, and that’s what makes it special. There are local artisans, family-owned establishments, and art galleries along many of the streets.

If you don’t want to live in a resort community, but need a place where you can speak English and have most of your needs met, San Miguel can be a great option.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

If you want to stretch your retirement budget as far as possible, consider a move to the Spanish colonial city of Mérida. It’s a large city noted for its higher-education facilities and museums.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the weather is fantastic most of the year. Despite its size, it feels smaller and quaint, with a smaller number of retirees than other, more resort-like regions.

Mérida has a lower cost of living than many of those areas, too, allowing you to potentially purchase a beachfront property within your budget.

Playa del Carmen

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination due to its tropical beachfront amenities. It’s right on the Maya Riviera, creating a true beach-town vibe.

You might think about buying a home here if you’ve ever stayed at one of the numerous luxury resorts in the area and you want the same type of easy access to amenities during retirement.

Although it’s more expensive than some of the other locations on this list, you’ll find it offers some of the best scuba diving, restaurants, and shops in the region. It’s also popular among expats.

Lake Chapala

Lake Chapala may be the ideal place to live if you want to be on the lakefront rather than the ocean. It’s noted for its stunning Mexican architecture and high quality of life.

Whether you want to spend your days at the garden club, golfing, or perhaps even horseback riding, you’ll find a lot of options to enjoy that experience here. 

By some estimates, Lake Chapala is home to the largest number of American expats in the world, which means it’s easy to find people who speak English.

Retire Sooner: Take this quiz to see if you can retire early

If your idea of the ideal place to retire is a location that’s far more relaxing and tranquil, consider Tulum. It’s a smaller city, with about 18,000 people. 

One of the ways this community stands out is its focus on preservation and keeping the region as natural as possible.

Although the cost of living is a bit higher here than in some other areas, English is commonly spoken, making it an easy transition for many people. There is a strong tourism industry, but it’s not overbearing.

Sayulita is another small, tropical town perfect for retirement. It’s quite affordable, with moderate housing prices and a slower lifestyle. It’s also one of the best locations for surfers in the region, thanks to its location on Banderas Bay.

Once a fishing village, the city is home to a lot of expats who love the outdoors. 

Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and just relaxing on the beach are some of the best amenities in this region. Even better, you don’t need a car, since it’s a very walkable community.

Make the trip to Huatulco if you haven’t done so and explore this southern Mexican city, which has much to offer.

The city is smaller, with a little more than 50,000 people. But it is growing as a magnet for tourists, thanks to the development of luxury amenities. 

If you want to be at the front of this town’s development, it can be an excellent choice. It’s a fantastic location for fishing and snorkeling. And with the international airport located here, it’s easy to get around the region.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

For those who are passionate about culture and art, there may not be a better destination than Oaxaca. It’s common to find artisans selling their wares on the city streets.

A beautiful city with Spanish colonial architecture and historic buildings, Oaxaca is also located in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, a mountain range that offers stunning backdrops.

It’s a bit cooler than other areas in Mexico, which makes for great weather when you are hiking the mountains or exploring the area’s ancient ruins. It’s also an affordable place to call home.

Bottom line

Any of these destinations can be an ideal place to retire in Mexico when you’re after a higher quality of life, a lot of outdoor amenities, and diversity.

Some regions are far more affordable than others. But regardless of whether you’re after a cosmopolitan city or a small beach town, there are lots of options here.

So, if dreams of your golden years now fill your head, look into some ways to earn extra cash , start saving, and begin mapping the retirement of your dreams in Mexico.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

MLB suspends Pirates' Aroldis Chapman for 'inappropriate actions'

18 Life Rules Jesus Gave Us to Live By

Top 24 Short Actors Who Made a Big Impact

The Food City Anthony Bourdain Considered One Of His All-Time Favorites

How to 'quiet quit,' from a former teacher who did it for 2 years so she could enjoy a better life while still getting a paycheck

8 Places You Should Never Charge Your Phone

25 Beloved Movies We’ll Never Let Our Kids Watch

Naruto: How Himawari Inherited Naruto's Powers, Explained

20 random things that are normal in Europe but weird in the U.S.A.

Florida baffles experts by banning local water break rules as deadly heat is on the rise

James Bond Trailer Featuring Henry Cavill Receives 2.3M Views Despite Being an AI Fake | THR News Video

Unplug These 29 Items That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill

Our first look at Netflix's upcoming adaptation of one of the greatest novels of all time

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

California Schools Are in Crisis as Cafeteria Workers Leave After New $20 Minimum Wage Increase

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

The Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Every State

29 Ridiculous Lies That Hollywood Has Managed to Mainstream

No, frequent hair trims won't make your hair grow faster. But here's what does.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 Crew Declares Flap Disagree Emergency