Description

Until the early 1980's this group of nine interlocking bays had only an isolated fishing-village, with no water or electricity and was accessible by a dirt path. The terrain is formed by the rugged Sierra Madre del Sur, abutting the Pacific to create sandy coves. The lively services village of La Crucecita is good for bars and restaurants and budget hotels.

 Huatulco History

Pictures of the Bays of Huatulco

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is quite close to Huatulco on the northwest side, and a private taxi will cost between $10 and $20, depending on what part of Huatulco your hotel is situated.     The three main towns around the Bays of Huatulco are Crucecita, Santa Cruz and Tangolunda.  Crucecita is the closest and Tangolunda is the farthest away.    You hotel can arrange return transport for you.

Taxis - It's a bit too far to walk between the three main towns, but taxis are plentiful and very reasonably priced.  The average taxi fare between two places in the area is about $4.    If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price!   Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Local Busses - Local mini busses run between the three towns and if you're not weighed down with items you're carrying, and you're not in a huge hurry they're great value as they cost a small fraction of the cost of a taxi.

Rent a Car - This area is not self contained and public transport is limited, so a rental car may be a good option for you if you want to explore the surrounding bays and the magnificent scenery.     You may want to consider a rental car for a few days, to explore the region.   For getting around between the three main areas on a day-to-day basis, taxis will be the less expensive and more convenient option.

When Night Falls

Huatulco's night scene is much less developed than that of its closest "resort" neighbor, Acapulco.   However, night life is available for those looking for a place to party, swing and dance until the sun comes up.    New venues are appearing all of time.

Locally Hosted Parties - Many of the Hotels host their own parties which include dinner, dancing, a show and all drinks for a fixed fee.   Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene Night Clubs are becoming an ever-increasingly popular pastime among holiday makers in Huatulco, which is driving up the supply of quality night clubs and and bars.    Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top.    Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub until about 11pm.   Nightclubs keep going all morning and people will start to leave at around 5 or 6 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - All over Huatulco there is a selection of local, national and international names in Late Night Entertainment.   

Huatulco is hot and humid year-round.   The rainy season is May to October, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.   September brings the highest levels of humidity and sees the heaviest of the rains.

Example Shore Excursions Available in Huatulco

Five Bays by Catamaran Scenic Drive & La Cruccecita Copalita River Float Trip Two Bays Snorkeling for the Experienced Biking Huatulco Sail & Swim Bird Watching Eco-Tour

City & Shopping Tour. Another great way to explore Huatulco. See some spectacular views as we pass through the zone of Tangolunda enjoying its panoramic beauty on our way to the village of La Crucesita where you can stroll through its charming main plaza with time to browse and shop in the handicraft market and silver shops. You’ll find Oaxaca’s famous woven rugs and black pottery, as well its carved wooden creatures. The plaza offers a wonderful ambiance with its shade trees, benches and sunny walkways. Our last stop is the seaside village of Santa Cruz with its open air market, restaurants and shops.  $30.00 (usd) pp

Puerto Angel, Mazunte & Zicatela. Our tour takes us an hour away from Huatulco to Puerto Angel, a small fishing village nestled in a beautiful bay with two gorgeous beaches. Snorkeling here is excellent and the bay is one of the safest for swimming. Next stop is Mazunte - home to the National Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de La Tortuga) where there are fascinating turtle aquariums. The sea turtle is a protected species in Mexico and here at Mazunte every year in January, baby turtles are released back to their natural habitat. As we head to Puerto Escondido you will see plantations of banana, papaya, mango and more. Just in time, we’ll stop for a delicious meal of fresh local seafood with a bit of time to visit some handicraft shops. On the way back to Huatulco we’ll stop at Zicatela to take photos of one of the top three surfing areas in the world - the site of the world surfing championship every November. $65.00 (usd) pp

ATV Jungle Tour. Enjoy a marvelous adventure aboard an ATV (all terrain vehicle) as you tour the ecological reserves of the Bays of Cacaluta, Maguey and Organo. We will also visit the Cruz del Monte and learn a bit about the religious history that has contributed to the culture of the region. There will be time to cool off in the crystal clear waters - either swimming or snorkeling. Round trip transportation, goggles, helmet and bilingual guide included.  $65.00 (usd) per ATV (one or two passengers)

Coffee Plantation Tour. You’ll pass through tropical jungle as you make your way to visit a local family on their coffee plantation high in the Oaxaca mountain range where the best coffee is cultivated. The surrounding countryside is lush with parrots and other exotic birds plentiful. Accompanied by a local guide you’ll learn about the fascinating process involved in the cultivation and production of coffee. There will be time for a river swim at the base of one of the many waterfalls on the plantation and then indulge yourself in a delicious home cooked meal and great Oaxacan hospitality $75.00 (usd) pp

Horseback Eco Tour. Everything you didn’t see from your ATV or your cruise. This unique excursion allows you to get to know up close the great variety of fauna and flora that make up Huatulco’s eco-system. We’ll ride up and down the mountains that border the bays. The views are truly breathtaking and don’t forget your swim suit for our stop at Magueyito beach.  $65.00 (usd) pp

River Rafting on the Copalita. Explore yet another aspect of Huatulco. Enjoy the tropical jungle as we make our way to the point from where we will start our river adventure. Descend the river down to the ocean admiring the many kinds of birds and beautiful scenery offered by the cliff sides. There will be an opportunity for swimming.  $90.00 (usd) pp

Deep Sea Fishing. Rich in Marlin and Tuna, the waters here in Huatulco are a fisherman’s dream come true. Experienced crews know where to take you for the best sport. Ask us about arrangements and costs.

Also available: Golf Packages, Spa Packages, Cycling and Mountain Bike Tour, Sunset Cruise, and Bird Watching Tour.