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Huatulco

Mexico
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Huatulco (pronounced wah-tool-co) is situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. Once a haven for pirates, it is now recognized for its commitment to ecotourism and natural resource protection, boasting 22 miles of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and exceptionally clear waters. Cruise ships dock at Santa Cruz Bay, which is conveniently located just south of the main town of La Crucecita. A major highlight is a great swimming beach right off the pier, where loungers are available for rent at $5.

Getting Around from the Port

The main town, La Crucecita, is approximately 1 mile from the pier, offering a pleasant 20-minute walk. Taxis are readily available at the pier and cost about $3 each way to La Crucecita. If walking, exit the port area, turn right onto the main street for about 100 yards, then turn left onto a broad footpath. This path is about 1.5 miles long and can be strenuous due to heat and lack of shade. Note that there is no sign indicating "La Crucecita" along this footpath. For excursions beyond walking distance, numerous tour operators are present at the pier.

Attractions and Activities

  • Explore La Crucecita: Just 1 mile (20-minute walk or $3 taxi) from the pier, La Crucecita is the main town. It's ideal for shopping, particularly for the famous Oaxacan Alebrijes (carved wooden figures), beautifully embroidered clothes, and other local artisan works at the Handicraft Museum.
  • Discover the Bays of Huatulco: The coast features nine distinct bays, with some accessible only by boat. You can hire a local guide for snorkeling and fishing, or take a guided tour by motorized catamaran to visit multiple bays. Tour operators offering these excursions are available directly at the pier.
  • Visit Cascadas de Llano Grande: For a longer excursion, travel about 1.5 hours from Huatulco to the Cascadas de Llano Grande. Here you can swim in natural pools amidst lush surroundings and enjoy a series of beautiful waterfalls.

Dining & Shopping

Directly behind the beach (to the left of the pier), you'll find a selection of restaurant/bars, many of which offer free WiFi. Adjacent to these, a small retail center provides shops selling souvenirs, local tours, wines, liquors, and other services. For more extensive shopping, head to La Crucecita. It features a traditional open-air market where you can find everything from intricately embroidered clothing to the unique Alebrijes figures. The Handicraft Museum in La Crucecita also sells works by local artisans. At the beach right off the pier, loungers are available for $5.

Currency and Language

The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos ($) is the same as for US dollars, which can be confusing; prices in US dollars are usually marked "US$" or with an 'S' with a double stroke. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are not as universally accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist destinations.

Top Attractions

1
Santa Cruz Bay
Santa Cruz Bay is a bustling hub in Huatulco, known for its cruise ship dock, vibrant artisan market, and numerous restaurants. Visitors can enjoy swimming in its calm waters, embark on boat tours to other bays, or simply relax on the sandy beach.
2
Bahía San Agustín
The westernmost of Huatulco's nine bays, famous for its extensive coral reefs, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The bay features several rustic seafood restaurants right on the sand, offering a relaxed and authentic experience.
3
Tangolunda Bay
Tangolunda Bay is the primary resort zone in Huatulco, featuring luxurious hotels, a championship golf course, and beautiful beaches. It's ideal for those seeking upscale amenities, water sports, and a relaxing atmosphere with stunning ocean views.
4
Huatulco National Park
Huatulco National Park protects a vast area of dry tropical forest, mangroves, and several pristine bays, offering incredible biodiversity. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy secluded beaches like Cacaluta, accessible primarily by boat.
5
Playa La Entrega
A vibrant and popular beach known for its calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. It offers numerous palapa restaurants serving fresh seafood and is easily accessible, making it a favorite for families and day-trippers.
6
Bahía Maguey
A beautiful, sheltered bay with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It's particularly renowned for its numerous beachfront restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood, making it a popular lunch stop during bay tours.
7
La Crucecita
The vibrant heart of Huatulco, offering a lively atmosphere with its central park, artisan market, and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visitors can explore local shops, dine at authentic restaurants, and experience the daily life and culture of the region.
8
Maguey Bay
Maguey Bay is a popular and picturesque bay renowned for its calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The beach is lined with palapa restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it a favorite spot for a leisurely lunch by the sea.
9
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Located in the heart of La Crucecita, this charming church is famous for housing the largest painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the world, covering the entire ceiling. It's a significant cultural and religious landmark for locals and visitors alike.
10
San Agustín Bay
San Agustín Bay is the westernmost of Huatulco's nine bays, famous for its extensive coral reefs that offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The bay also features several rustic seafood restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine right on the beach.
11
Bahía Santa Cruz
One of the most developed bays, featuring the main cruise ship port, a marina, and a bustling beach area. It offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and tour operators, making it a convenient hub for excursions and a lively spot for swimming and dining.
12
La Entrega Beach
La Entrega Beach is a small, sheltered cove known for its calm, clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and swimming. The beach is easily accessible and offers amenities like palapa restaurants and equipment rentals, perfect for a family day out.
13
Bahía Tangolunda
Known as the hotel zone, this bay is home to many of Huatulco's luxury resorts and the Las Parotas Golf Club. Its beautiful, expansive beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports, offering a more upscale and tranquil experience.
14
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This prominent church in La Crucecita is famous for housing the world's largest painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe on its ceiling. Visitors can admire the impressive artwork and experience a sense of local culture and devotion in this beautiful spiritual landmark.
15
Bahía Conejos
Often considered one of the most beautiful bays, Conejos Bay boasts stunning white sand beaches and dramatic rock formations. It's a more secluded option, ideal for those seeking tranquility and picturesque scenery, accessible by boat or a short drive.
16
Artisan Market
The Artisan Market in La Crucecita is a bustling hub where visitors can find a wide array of local crafts, textiles, pottery, and souvenirs. It's an excellent place to practice bargaining skills, discover unique gifts, and immerse oneself in the vibrant Oaxacan culture.
17
Mercado de Artesanías
A bustling market in La Crucecita where visitors can find a wide array of local handicrafts, textiles, pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience local culture and purchase unique gifts directly from artisans.
18
Copalitilla Waterfalls
The Copalitilla Waterfalls offer a refreshing escape into the lush Oaxacan jungle, featuring a series of natural pools and cascades. Visitors can swim in the cool, clear waters, enjoy the serene natural surroundings, and often indulge in local food prepared nearby.
19
Parque Central
The vibrant main square of La Crucecita, serving as a central gathering point for locals and tourists. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the church, it's a pleasant spot to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
20
Bocana del Río Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park
This unique park combines archaeological ruins of an ancient Zapotec settlement with a beautiful natural setting at the mouth of the Copalita River. Visitors can explore the excavated structures, learn about pre-Hispanic history, and enjoy the scenic coastal views.
21
Bocana del Río Copalita Archaeological Zone
An important pre-Hispanic archaeological site dating back over 2,000 years, offering insights into the ancient cultures of the Oaxacan coast. Visitors can explore remnants of temples, ball courts, and residential areas, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history.
22
Chahué Bay
Chahué Bay is known for its beautiful, wide beach and the adjacent Parque Central Chahué, offering a blend of relaxation and recreation. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the amenities of nearby beach clubs and restaurants.
23
Conejos Bay
Conejos Bay is a picturesque bay featuring four stunning beaches with golden sand and clear waters, often less crowded than other bays. It's an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquility of a more secluded coastal environment.
24
Playa La Bocana
Located at the mouth of the Copalita River, this beach is famous for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing lessons. It's also known for its traditional mud baths, where visitors can cover themselves in mineral-rich clay for a unique spa-like experience.
25
Huatulco Viewpoint
The Huatulco Viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of several of Huatulco's bays, including Tangolunda and Chahué. It's a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunset, providing a stunning perspective of the region's natural beauty.
26
Bahía Chahué
Home to the modern Marina Chahué and a Blue Flag certified beach, this bay is a popular spot for yachting and water activities. The beach offers calm waters for swimming and is often less crowded than Santa Cruz, with some beach clubs and restaurants.
27
Marina Chahué
Marina Chahué is a modern marina serving as a departure point for many boat tours and fishing excursions to Huatulco's bays. Visitors can admire yachts, book water activities, or enjoy dining at the surrounding restaurants with views of the boats.
28
Bahía Órgano
A small, pristine bay often visited as part of a bay tour, known for its calm, clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities. It's a tranquil spot, usually less crowded, perfect for a peaceful swim and enjoying the natural beauty.
29
Tangolunda Golf Course
The Tangolunda Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course designed by Mario Schjetnan, offering stunning ocean views and challenging play amidst lush tropical vegetation. Golfers can enjoy a round in a beautiful setting, often spotting local wildlife.
30
Bahía Cacaluta
Part of the Huatulco National Park, this bay is known for its untouched natural beauty and a heart-shaped beach. It's accessible by boat or a challenging hike, offering a truly secluded experience for nature lovers and those seeking pristine wilderness.
31
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
Embark on a thrilling boat tour from Huatulco's marinas to witness dolphins playing in their natural habitat and, during migration season (typically December to March), observe majestic whales. These tours offer an incredible opportunity to connect with marine wildlife.
32
Mirador de Huatulco
A popular scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and several of Huatulco's beautiful bays, particularly Tangolunda and Conejos. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, providing breathtaking vistas of the coastline.
33
Snorkeling and Diving Tours
Explore the vibrant underwater world of Huatulco with guided snorkeling and diving tours to various bays like La Entrega, San Agustín, and Maguey. Discover colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine creatures in the clear Pacific waters.
34
Finca La Gloria Coffee Plantation Tour
A visit to Finca La Gloria offers an immersive experience into the world of Oaxacan coffee production, from bean to cup. Visitors can tour the plantation, learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee, and enjoy tastings of freshly brewed local coffee.
35
Playa Arrocito
A small, picturesque cove with calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It's a more intimate beach experience, often less crowded than the larger bays, with a few palapa restaurants offering fresh seafood.
36
River Rafting on Río Copalita
Experience an exhilarating adventure by white-water rafting down the Copalita River, navigating through rapids and enjoying the stunning jungle scenery. This activity offers a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty and an adrenaline rush.
37
Playa Riscalillo
A beautiful, tranquil beach often visited in conjunction with San Agustín Bay, known for its calm, clear waters and soft sand. It's an ideal spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings away from the crowds.
38
Órgano Bay
Órgano Bay is a small, secluded beach often visited as part of boat tours to the national park, known for its pristine sands and calm, turquoise waters. It offers a tranquil setting for swimming and enjoying the untouched natural beauty of the Oaxacan coast.
39
Las Parotas Golf Club
An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Mario Schjetnan, set amidst lush tropical vegetation and offering stunning ocean views. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a challenging round while surrounded by the natural beauty of Huatulco.
40
Cacaluta Bay
Cacaluta Bay is a stunning, undeveloped bay within Huatulco National Park, accessible primarily by boat or a challenging hike. Its pristine white sands and clear waters make it a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty.
41
Arrocito Beach
Arrocito Beach is a charming, small cove known for its calm waters and soft sand, making it a favorite for families and those seeking a quiet beach experience. It offers basic amenities and is a great spot for swimming and relaxing away from the crowds.
42
La Bocana Beach
La Bocana Beach is unique for its dark sand and the mouth of the Copalita River, where visitors can experience mud baths believed to have therapeutic properties. It's also a popular spot for surfing lessons due to its consistent waves.
43
Ventura Beach
Ventura Beach is a more rustic and less developed beach compared to the main bays, offering a tranquil escape with its long stretch of sand and gentle waves. It's a great spot for those seeking solitude, long walks, and a taste of unspoiled coastal beauty.