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Ambassadair Travel Club has created this useful information on the Internet to help you plan your trip. If you want to advance to one of the topics listed below, just use the mouse to click on the topic you want to read. Here is a list of all areas covered in the Web Site Destination Info for Huatulco: overview, activities, geography, interesting facts, sightseeing attractions, best-kept secrets from Ambassadair staff, culture, accommodations, optional tours, dining, entertainment, shopping, currency, weather, time zone, getting around, packing suggestions, proof of citizenship, language, and health risks. If you have any suggestions or want to comment about Ambassadair’s new destination information, please email us at: journey@iflyata.com
Huatulco (wah-TOOL-co), and its Mexican state of Oaxaca (wa-HAH-ka), are not only hard for most Americans to pronounce, but also still relatively unknown as vacation destinations. In the spirit of Cancun, Bahias de Huatulco is being groomed as the next Mexican hot spot for sun-seeking tourists. The blissful, relaxed atmosphere and current unspoiled beauty of the nine bays (bahias) that shape Huatulco's coastline may make it even more attractive than other resort destinations, which have been extensively developed with high-rise hotels and chain restaurants.
Much of the action in Huatulco takes place on or near the nine bay's 36 beaches and the beautiful water that washes the shores. Deep-sea fishing excursions, snorkeling, and scuba-diving trips in the spectacular coral reefs just off the coast are widely available. Bay-hopping tours are a great way to see the coastline's variety. Stop at the boat-owners' cooperative at the Santa Cruz marina entrance for sightseeing, snorkeling, and fishing prices.
Beaches are the stars of the show in Huatulco. Of course you can step outside your resort to find a sandy sunning spot, but the area's bays offer some fascinating choices if you choose to wander. Some are accessible by taxi and some only by lancha, a small boat. Rates for these water taxis will be negotiated based on the length of the trip, but range from $10 to La Entrega to $60 to San Agustin (from Santa Cruz). Luckily, you can't pick a bad beach. All have clean, golden sand. But varying currents and characteristics mean some may meet your needs better than others. With so many from which to choose, you can't help but find a perfect fit.
- La Entrega—Calm waters and lively marine life make this beach popular with snorkelers. More populated than some, the upside is that snorkeling equipment is available for rent and several open-air palapa restaurants line the shore ready to serve a tasty seafood lunch.
- Bahia Cacaluta—This beach is less crowded than La Entrega, but still has great snorkeling and scuba diving, with offshore reefs that nearly reach the surface of the water.
- Bahia Chahue—This bay's beaches, Playa Esperanza and Playa Tejon, are considered two of the prettiest in the area.
- Tangolunda—The resorts all use sections of the beach on Tangolunda Bay as their own. However the surf here can be pounding. Equipment rental is widely available, and offshore Montosa Island had good snorkeling.
- Maguey—Clear, calm water and a scattering of restaurants characterize this beach, which is a common stop on bay tours.
- Organo—Undeveloped and stunning, Organo's Playa Violin forms a natural swimming pool. Also find natural features El Bufader, a blowhole, and the Mixtecan Face, interesting rock formations that resemble an old man's face. Bring your own snorkeling equipment and some bottled water.
- San Agustin—An offshore island, a sunken ship, and coral reefs beckon divers to this cove, and its calm surf appeals to swimmers, but it is the farthest from the main tourist areas (30 minutes over roads in less than ideal conditions), which discourages some.
- Bahia Chachagula—This bay is a designated ecological preserve. Acacia, ficus, and mangrove trees line the shores. La India beach here is worth a visit, although only accessible on a bay-hopping tour or by lancha. Considered the most beautiful beach in the nine bays, this sandy haven is surrounded by a large coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
Eco-tourism is gaining popularity in and around Huatulco. In the mountains, on the Pacific waters, through the jungle, and on the rivers, outfitters such as Eco Adventures (959-7/0669) offer mountain biking, kayaking, bird watching, river rafting, rappelling, and more. River rafting on the Copalita River and horseback riding excursions to the Copalitilla Cascades with their stunning 65- to 80-foot falls and clear pools for swimming are popular choices for local adventures.
Golf is available at the Campo de Golf Tangolunda (958-1/0037). Greens fees are reasonable at the 18-hole, par-72 course. The facility also has tennis courts. Tennis courts are also available at the Barcelo in Tangolunda (958-1/0055).
Huatulco's nine bahías, are just a part of its notable geographic features. The crystal-clear blue waters bordered by golden sandy beaches sweep up into the lush dark peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur. The bays include Bahía Conejos, Tangolunda, Chahue, Santa Cruz, El Organo, El Maguey, Cacaluta, Chachagula, and San Agustin.
Three areas are currently developed for tourism, but several of the bays remain untouched by forces other than the power of nature. Tangolunda is home to many of the area's luxury resorts. Santa Cruz, the site of the original fishing village that preceded today's village, now supports shaded plazas, shops, restaurants, bars, and a marina. La Crucecita, inland from Chahue Bay, also features shops with Oaxacan handicrafts, peaceful plazas and walkways, and a lively nightlife scene.
Huatulco is another seedling of the nurturing forces of the Mexican government's tourist development agency, FONATUR. Other Mexican resort projects taken on by the agency, with varying results, are Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Ixtapa, and Loreto. Huatulco's development is set to occur in stages, but leaves more than 40,000 acres as ecological reserves.
La Crucecita—Huatulco's “downtown,” La Crucecita resembles an old Spanish-colonial village. Many of the resort employees and construction workers for Huatulco's newest projects live in or near the town. Stroll the Plaza Principal, shop for Oaxacan crafts in shops and markets, and enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee at an outdoor cafe.
Iglesia de Guadalupe—Just off the central plaza in La Crucecita, the Lady of Guadalupe Church has a large mural of the Virgin Mary on the ceiling of the chapel. The image of Mary is set against a deep blue night sky with 52 stars, an interpretation of the original cloak of Juan Diego.
El Museo de Artesanias—This handicrafts museum in La Crucecita displays a variety of Oaxacan arts and crafts. Watch artists work on everything from woven goods to woodcarvings.
Santa Cruz—Three miles west of Tangolunda, Santa Cruz retains the charm it had as a quiet fishing village before the development of Huatulco began. The Mercado de Artesanias sells pottery, silver, and leather goods. The shady plaza offers a pleasant place to stroll. Santa Cruz's beach provides watersports, several restaurants, including Tipsy's beach club, and inviting sunning spots. There is also a busy marina where boats depart for other bays.
Best-Kept Secrets From Ambassadair Staff
Megan Briscoe, Journey's managing editor, spent some time in Huatulco, and discovered several gems during her explorations.
“From a van, we spotted one lonely restaurant on the shore of Conejos Bay,” Megan said. “We didn't get a chance to stop, but that little spot beckons me still. It's just a few minutes by taxi from the hotel district, but most traffic heads in the opposite direction, toward Santa Cruz, so I think most people never know it's there.”
“We went to Cafe Huatulco more than the beach,” she said. “We went back every day. People from the area gather there for luscious drinks made from the area's own superb coffee. You can sit outdoors under the stars and listen to live music and neighbors chattering. Huatulco doesn't have much nightlife, and this was a nice, relaxing reason to leave the hotel after dinner.”
Megan recommends unique souvenirs including Pluma Coffee, grown in the surrounding mountains. It's not for sale in the U.S., but the fine shade-grown brew only costs about $3 per pound. Also look for traditional Oaxacan crafts such as alebrijes, wood-carved creatures that take the form of dragonflies, bees, lizards, and porcupines. They're available on the Internet, too, but for quadruple the prices you'll find in Huatulco!
If you're feeling adventurous, Megan recommends a trip off the beaten path to the town of La Bocana. Here, local kids collect “healing” clay from the river and administer mud baths for tips ($10 per person is generous). After the mud dries, you rinse off in the Copalita River where it meets the sea.
Despite being a planned community, Huatulco's proximity to Oaxaca City, with its rich Mixtec and Zapotec Indian traditions, gives it some cultural depth. In La Crucecita, Oaxacan handicrafts like the famous alebrijes, fantasy creatures carved out of wood, make unique souvenirs. But compared to Mexican cities with long, traditional history, Huatulco's status as a tourism-focused planned resort takes away from its cultural focus. For a more historic picture and authentic feel, try a day trip to Oaxaca City. The flight takes just 40 minutes.
Although you won't find spectacular museums or ancient ruins, bits and pieces of Oaxacan traditional culture can be found: samplings of crafts in the markets and folklore shows. A good native folkloric show is the guelaguetza at Mar y Sol resort in Tangolunda. Dinner and the show cost $35 if you're not staying at the resort.
Camino Real Zaashila
5 Blvd. Benito Juarez
Huatulco, Oaxaca 70989
011-52-958-10460
www.caminoreal.com/zaashila
Its Mediterranean-style white stucco architecture gives this Tangolunda resort a relaxing European feel. Set into the hills rising away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the resort features an exclusive quarter-mile stretch of heavenly sand beach. Rooms feature air conditioning, bathrobes, balconies, hairdryers, television, in-room safes, and a minibar. All rooms have an ocean view.
The Camino Real Zaashila offers the following amenities:
Three restaurants and bars
Kids' club
Watersports center
Large free-form pool
Lighted tennis court
Turndown and wake-up service on request
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Gala Resort Huatulco
4 Blvd. Benito Juarez
Huatulco, Oaxaca 70989
011-52-958-10000
www.galaresorts.com
This all-inclusive resort provides everything you'll need for a relaxing Huatulco vacation. Choose from activities including aerobics, tennis, or volleyball, or relax in a chaise lounge and take advantage of the poolside beverage service. Rooms feature air conditioning, television, a complimentary stocked mini-bar, safe deposit boxes, hairdryers, and private balconies.
Gala Resort Huatulco offers the following amenities:
Five restaurants and five bars
24-hour room service
Five pools
Tennis courts
Fitness facilities
Watersports including snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing
Teen arcade and soda bar
Discotheque
Galaxy Kids' Club featuring children's pool, cafeteria, puppet theater and video games
Sundries shop and boutiques
Car rental
ATV Jungle Tour—Splash through streams and ride along the pristine Organo, Maguey, and Cacaluta beaches on this adventure-packed jungle tour. Your own ecotourism guide will explain the flora, fauna, legends, and history you'll encounter along the way. This tour also gives you plenty of time to take pictures, swim, explore virgin beaches, and cruise through the exotic Mexican jungle. The tour includes transfers from your hotel, time for swimming, and expert guide services. Children 12 and older can ride with a parent. Drivers must be at least 15 to ride alone. Recommended attire includes old tennis shoes or shoes with a closed toe, socks, long pants, sunglasses, and bathing suits under clothing. Don't forget a towel!
Seven Bays of Huatulco—Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel for this nautical exploration of Huatulco's main attraction: its coastline. Depart from Santa Cruz and begin your tour of the area's remarkable landscape and the surrounding vegetation, an interesting blend of cactus and jungle. See natural features such as the blowhole, and stop at some of the most beautiful beaches in Huatulco for swimming and snorkeling if the water is clear. Transfers, the guided tour, and beer and soft drinks are included.
Coffee Plantation Tour—Spend a full day in the mountains surrounding Huatulco. Visit a stunning natural waterfall, learn about the history of the area, tour a fascinating coffee plantation, and see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans. Upon arrival at the plantation, get out your walking shoes and swimsuits for a 20-minute hike to the waterfall. After a refreshing dip, return to the plantation for an authentic Mexican lunch featuring coffee grown on the plantation, and then tour the growing areas. Choose to purchase coffee as a souvenir and bring the taste of Huatulco home with you!
Farewell Sunset Cruise—Join friends on a private boat for a relaxing sunset cruise—the perfect ending to a great stay in Huatulco. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks are included. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Mexican charm. The cruise is offered on four-night and one-week trips.
Inexpensive and delicious seafood and Mexican cuisine can be found easily in restaurants along the beach in Santa Cruz or around the plaza in La Crucecita. It's hardly ever necessary (sometimes not even possible) to make reservations—just amble in when the mood strikes. Some of the restaurants have nice outdoor seating areas.
It's possible to find authentic Oaxacan cuisine, featuring delicious mole sauces and an even more rare regional delicacy—grasshoppers! For a true Oaxacan sampler, try the plato Oaxaqueño, a generous, flavorful sampling of traditional Oaxacan fare, including a tamale, sope, Oaxacan cheese, grilled fillet, pork enchilada, and a chile relleno for a very reasonable price at Don Porfirio's.
Restaurants
Avalos Dona Celia—The ambiance is basic, and they don't accept credit cards, but the great, inexpensive seafood is worth the trip. Santa Cruz, 958-7/0128
Café Huatulco—These outlets, in Santa Cruz and in the Plaza Esmerelda in Tangolunda Bay, are the project of the area coffee producers' association. Tourists can learn about the industry as well as sample and purchase whole-bean regional coffee and beverages. The manager will even arrange private tastings and provide details about overnight stays at the coffee plantations. 958-7/0339
½ Carlos'n Charlies—This small version of the popular Mexican chain serves lunch and dinner. La Crucecita.
Don Porfirio—A local legend for good food and a festive atmosphere. Don't miss the tequila bus. Tangolunda. 958-1/0001
El Sabor de Oaxaca—The best place to enjoy authentic and flavorful Oaxacan food. Specialties include chicken in mole sauce. Hotel las Palmas, La Crucecita. 958-7/0060
Il Giardino del Papa—Italian cuisine. Flamboyan #204, La Crucecita. 958-7/1763
Jarro Cafe—Great prices and great food. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Across from the Barcelo, Tangolunda.
La Pampa Argentina—Argentine cuisine, by the golf course. Tangolunda.
Restaurant Maria Sabina—Grilled meats and traditional Oaxacan cuisine. La Crucecita. 958/7-1039
The Cactus Bar & Grill—A favorite of tourists and locals alike. La Crucecita.
Ve el Mar—Beachfront seafood. Santa Cruz.
Huatulco's nightlife selection is limited but lively. Restaurants and cafes in La Crucecita light up after dark.
Oaxacan Nights—This show features a colorful folkloric dance performance in an open-air courtyard. Dinner and drinks are available a la carte. The show lasts from 9-11:30 pm on Thursday through Saturday nights. $15 show, entrees range from $15-20. Blvd. Benito Juarez, Tangolunda Bay, 958-1/0001.
Carlos 'n' Charlie's—Dance at this Mexican favorite, just off the plaza in La Crucecita until 3 am. 958-7/0005
Acqua—The area's most popular disco, open from 9 pm until late. Hotel Marlin, Santa Cruz, 958-7/0017
Poison—This beachfront hot spot in Santa Cruz, next to the Marina Hotel, is the place for techno and rock dance music. Open until 5 am. 958-7/1530
Tipsy's—This beach club-by-day is also fun in the evenings. Dance under the stars in Santa Cruz.
Ven Aca—A piano bar and restaurant, this locale provides a casual, romantic nightspot. Santa Cruz. 958-7/1691
Huatulco is not known for its shopping, but several stores and markets offer typical souvenirs and also some interesting Oaxacan crafts such as barro Negro, pottery made from dark clay. In general, restaurants and shops in the resort area in Tangolunda Bay are more expensive than those in La Crucecita or Santa Cruz. In general, shopping hours are 10 am-8 pm.
Punta Tangolunda Shopping Center—Features replicas of the gold jewelry discovered at the archaeological site near Oaxaca. Tangolunda.
Plaza Huatulco Shopping Center—Sterling silver, ceramics, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Tangolunda.
Plaza Oaxaca—T-shirts, clothing, beachware, and souvenirs. Adjacent to the central plaza in La Crucecita.
Santa Cruz Market—Several booths selling handicrafts, leather goods, silver, embroidered clothing, and souvenirs. By the marina in Santa Cruz.
Crucecita Market—Covered booths and food vendors with T-shirts, souvenirs, silver, handicrafts, and leather goods. On Guamuchil, ½ block from the central plaza.
The currency in Huatulco is the Mexican Peso. One US dollar is typically worth about 9 Mexican Pesos. Tangolunda Bay, La Crucecita, and Santa Cruz all have banks with ATMs. They change money during business hours, Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm. Resorts and airports also have exchange bureaus.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, and U.S. dollars are also accepted in many places, but change will be given in pesos, so small bills are recommended.
Huatulco has a tropical climate. The average year-round temperature is 82 degrees. May is typically the warmest month, when temperatures can reach close to 100 degrees. January through May are dry months and July through September receive more rain. December through March is a pleasant time to visit.
Taxis are the easiest and most cost-effective mode of transportation in Huatulco. Inexpensive taxis link the resort areas of Tangolunda, Santa Cruz, and La Crucecita, the three most developed areas in Huatulco. Taxis are readily available at the resorts and plazas in the villages for US $3 to $5. Within each town, it's possible to reach all attractions on foot, although walking in Tangolunda requires navigating some steep inclines.
Rental cars are available from Budget and Dollar at the airport. Budget also has an office in the Punta Tangolunda Shopping Center in the resort area. Roads in the immediate area are well-maintained. Driving is not recommended between Huatulco and Acapulco along Highway 200 north. The road has a reputation for being dangerous. If you'd like to visit Oaxaca, inexpensive flights are available from AeroMorelos (800-237-6639) and several tour operators in the area.
It's possible to hire small boats, called lanchas, for the day or for a few hours to reach more secluded bays. Prices vary depending on the distance, so be sure to negotiate the fare (including a return trip) before heading off.
Entering the country: Proof of citizenship and a photo ID are required for U.S. and Canadian visitors. You will need either a passport or a valid driver's license and government-issued birth certificate. Women also need to bring marriage licenses and/or divorce decrees to show name changes if traveling without a passport. You will also need to present a return ticket. If you do not have the proper proof of citizenship, you will be denied boarding.
For all Mexican destinations, any child 17 years or younger not traveling with both parents is required to carry a Parental Consent Form or permission letter signed by both parents and notarized at time of check-in. Non-U.S. citizens should consult the consulate regarding documentation required.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English, however, is widely spoken in the hotel area.
The climate is warm year-round, although a light sweater might be nice in the evenings as the breezes roll in from the bay. Evening attire is casual, although some a la carte restaurants at the all-inclusive resorts may have dress codes that require long pants for men and long pants or skirts for women.
Mosquitoes are common along the coast, so an insect repellant is strongly recommended. If you forget to pack it, try the Mexican brand Autan Classic.
Water is safe to drink in the hotels, but bottled water is a better choice outside the resorts. Most all-inclusive resorts also serve bottled water.
The surf conditions fluctuate greatly in Tangolunda Bay and can often be strong. Watch the colored flags along the beach for the day's swimming conditions.
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Ambassadair Travel Club