Huatulco began to develop in accordance with the increase in tourist demand. Today, it has various hotels, handicraft markets, shops and bars. According to most recommendations, La Nata is worthy of a visit, next to the main square, with a very pleasant atmosphere.

Most of the more exclusive hotels are located around the Bay of Tangolunda.

Brief Summary
What To Do
To Get There
To Wear
Average Temperature

Brief Summary

Many years ago, the Bays of Huatulco were a refuge for pirates and voyagers, as well as a rest stop for exhausted galleon crews coming from the Far East.

Centuries later, a group of fishermen established a small village called Santa Cruz - a place where time appears to have stood still.

A little more than a decade ago, the three towns of Tangolunda, Santa Cruz and Crucesita were all there was, along with some tiny fishing villages.

In just over a decade, Huatulco went from a remote wilderness with no electricity, running water, or sewage system to having one of the most advanced, environmentally-friendly public utilities systems in Mexico.

What To Do

The visit to the nine bays:
This is considered the ultimate activity as you can get to know and enjoy the incomparable beauty of the bays and the beaches that surround Huatulco.

During the trip you have access to intimate, deserted beaches that can only be reached by sea and where local experts show you the best places to snorkel, swim or enjoy other activities. On that trip, you can also discover the natural marvels of the underwater parks and the bufadero, as well as the coral reefs where you can swim or snorkel.

The trips can be taken in groups or according to your own route. You can book them at the main hotels or in the village of La Crucecita.

Sailing:
Huatulco offers the opportunity to live a sailing experience where you are moved along by the breezes of the Pacific alone. An excellent opportunity to take the sun on the high seas while sipping a refreshing drink, or to live the excitement of deep sea fishing.

Golf:
The Tangolunda golf course offers spectacular panoramic views of the paradise that surrounds it and the Bay of Tangolunda, as well as three lakes that are home to various species of local and migratory birds.

Horseback Riding:
There is nothing better to strengthen the spirit. The rides go to Conejos bay, from where you can appreciate spectacular views of the ocean.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving:
One of the ideal places to snorkel is La Entrega beach, in the bay of Santa Cruz, although you can find marine paradises at El maguey and San Agustín also. Around the reefs close to Cacaluta Bay, the ideal activity is scuba diving.

Exploration:
Exploration by land is also high on the list of things to do in Huatulco. There are traditional paths through the forest for bikes, horses and SUV's that enable you to know this land so favored by pirates. With some luck, you might even find a treasure during your exploration!

Shopping:
Like in any complete tourist destination, there is an oasis dedicated exclusively to shopping. La Crucesita is the perfect place for this wonderful activity. It has a traditional market where you can find an endless choice of regional clothes and handicrafts.

The handicrafts of the state of Oaxaca is considered as some of the most beautiful and colorful in all of México. You will not go back fulfilled without a suitcase full of 'alebrijes' - fantastic animals carved in wood that definitely show the ability and talent of the artisans. You also cannot go home without embroidered blouses and shirts!

Another place where you can purchase these products is at the Handicrafts Museum where the items are not only exhibited, but sold as well.

To Visit:
Plaza La Crucesita > A pleasant place to rest and relax. Located in the center of La Crucesita. With its pergola and its gardens, it has maintained its colonial flavor.

Plaza Santa Cruz > A place to enjoy for its interesting Colonial architecture combined with modern details. It also has a pergola and an open air theater.

La Santa Cruz > Located in Santa María de Huatulco, it is home to a cross that was brought by an unknown Spaniard who used it to teach Christianity to the first inhabitants to learn it. When British pirate Thomas Cavendish attacked the port, he tried to destroy the cross but failed.

Years later, convinced by the miracle, the bishop of Oaxaca would bring the cross to the city. Afterwards, it was divided into three parts: one was sent to the Vatican, another is still in the Oaxaca cathedral and the third went back to Santa María de Huatulco [a replica of the original is in the altar]

To Get There

The Bays of Huatulco are located 277 kilometers from Oaxaca and 50 minutes by air from Mexico City. By road, it is linked to Mexico City by highway 95 and to Acapulco by the 200. Huatulco is very close to two important ports on the Oaxaca coastal corridor: Puerto Angel [52 km] and Puerto Escondido [109 km]

To Wear

With an average temperature of 28 degrees Centigrade, a bathing suit, snorkel gear, shorts, comfortable shoes or sandals and a light outfit for the evening are more than enough.

Average Temperature