The purpose built resort of Huatulco is Mexico’s newest large-scale development and visitors have needed little persuasion to try out the 36 beaches that are available in the nine bays here. There is some history behind the shiny new resorts here, however. Sir Francis Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish hunted Spanish galleons in these waters, and the Mexican revolutionary Vicente Guerrero was betrayed here, at a beach called La Entrega – ‘the handover’. The relaxed feel to Huatulco is helped by its distance from most large population centres although there are still plenty of facilities, restaurants, nightclubs and shops to be found here. With a well-protected national park nearby, teeming with wildlife and birds, and some fantastic beaches, Huatulco is a great place for a relaxing holiday in the sun.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Huatulco
La Crucecita — The small town on the edge of the resort area has some fantastic local artisans and craftsmen who make rugs and carpets. The church of our Lady of Guadalupe is a charming example of a Mexican church, dedicated to Mexico’s patron saint. With street food, mescal and interesting restaurants, this makes a great cultural getaway.
Santa Maria Huatulco — The small town of Santa Maria Huatulco is the main population centre in the area, just north of the airport. You’ll find various amenities here and access to some of the great forests of the area.
Santa Cruz Bay — One of the nine bays that makes up Huatulco, Santa Cruz operates a regular market for clothing and beach items. Several restaurants are nearby and you can also use the Santa Cruz dock to find boats that depart for the many other beaches in the vicinity.
Huatulco National Park — Visitors will find some of the best coral reefs and shoreline flora and fauna in the national park. You’ll need a guided tour to gain access but the wildlife and scenery is breathtaking and a great way of spending some time exploring if you want a break from the beach.
Things to See in Huatulco
With nine bays to choose from and dozens of beaches, there’s no shortage of waterfront activities in Huatulco. La Entrega is one of the great beaches, with many palapa beachside restaurants to choose from. The bays of San Augustin, Cacaluta, Conejos and El Organo are beautiful and offer some great variety for the sun seeker. To really get off the beaten track, take a boat from Santa Cruz to one of the beaches that is not accessible from land, such as Chachuacual Bay. Wander into La Crucecita to find out a bit more about Oaxacan culture and maybe pay a visit to the local church, or hop on a tour into the national park.
Things to Do in Huatulco
There are several golf courses to pay at Huatulco, and there are some opportunities to hike and ramble through the countryside, but most people are in Huatulco for the beaches. Naturally there are lots of different water-based activities available here. For a quiet, relaxing time, take a motorboat tour of the nine bays, where guides will point out where Sir Francis Drake visited in 1578. The waters have some great reefs, perfect for diving and there are courses available – snorkelling for those who like to keep on the surface. Step up a gear with a rafting expedition, quad bike tours, kayaking and canyoneering on the Zimatan River. Or, you can take a mangrove tour to meet turtles and crocodiles lurking around the bays.
