How to plan the ideal trip to Huatulco, a paradise for surfers, nature lovers, and foodies alike.
Mexico's Huatulco region is more of a destination than a singular place. This region along the rocky Costa Oaxaquena is officially known as Bahas de Huatulco, or Bays of Huatulco. This is due to the fact that this well-known resort area is dispersed among nine bays that form the southern coastline of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Each one has its own energy and character, but taken as a whole, the area makes for the ideal starting place for exploring the rest of the unspoiled, wild Oaxacan coast.
Bahas de Huatulco has long been a gently sloping section of the coast with golden crescent-shaped beaches, dense palm groves, and the lush Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains in the distance. To transport visitors by bus to the mountain capital, Oaxaca City, a ribbon of zigzagging highway zips up the rocky cliff.
But Bahas de Huatulco is only recently becoming popular as a vacation spot. It was built by Mexico's National Tourism Fund about 40 years ago with the intention of becoming a popular tourist destination, similar to Cancun in Quintana Roo or Ixtapa in Guerrero. Huatulco doesn't have any high-rise hotels or upscale commercial centers, unlike Cancun and Ixtapa. Instead, there is a more relaxed atmosphere here, and vast tracts of land are nonetheless preserved to maintain the lush forest ecosystem.
It was decided that Bahas de Huatulco would be spread across nine different bays and feature 36 gorgeous beaches, resorts, restaurants, boutiques, and plenty of outdoor adventures after creating both the highways up the coast to fishing village-turned-surf mecca Puerto Escondido and down the mountains from Oaxaca City. Santa Cruz, Chahué, Tangolunda, Conejos, San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, and Organo are among Huatulco's principal bays.
Today, it draws a wide range of visitors, including surfers, backpackers, nature enthusiasts, foodies, sailors, and people who never require anything more than a book and a chaise lounge by the pool. It's a comfortable home base from which to venture out into the wild parts of Oaxaca, whether you choose to swim in bioluminescent bays, explore the many neighboring national parks, or go exploring in bohemian beachside settlements.
Here's how to make the best Bahas de Huatulco travel arrangements.
Traveling to Huatulco
Bahas de Huatulco is connected despite being on one of Mexico's less visited shores. Taking a flight into Bahas de Huatulco International Airport is the simplest method to get there. There are seasonal direct flights from Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver as well as direct flights from Mexico City, Tijuana, and Oaxaca.
Taking the ADO bus from Oaxaca City down over the mountains is another scenic option. The trip takes between 10 and 12 hours of heart-pounding switchbacks. But don't worry, the buses are secure and cozy, with roomy seats that recline. You can stop in the mountain community of San José del Pacifico along the way to take a break and see a whole different side of Oaxaca by renting a wood cabin with a view of the mountains and forest.
In Huatulco, where to Stay, Eat, and Have Fun
Although there are 36 beaches spread over each of the nine bays that make up the Bahias de Huatulco, there is also a lot to do off the sand. From the yachts and catamarans entering and exiting the marina to the live music overflowing into the streets from numerous bars and cantinas, some bays are virtually teeming with activity. Others are dotted with rental condos and all-inclusive resorts. And then there are places that are, at best, sleepy, with nothing but a line of seafood shacks with palapa roofs, a laid-back atmosphere, and no cell service. The main bays are Baha de Santa Cruz, Baha Chahue, and Baha Tangolunda unless you want to venture far from the crowds—and maybe you do. And if you're not staying at an all-inclusive beachfront resort, lots of guests choose to base themselves in the interior hamlet of La Crucecita.
Little Crucecita
La Crucecita is one of the region's primary heartbeats even if it isn't technically one of Huatulco's bays. Baha Chahue and Baha de Santa Cruz are the closest to it. In all actuality, La Crucecita serves as the main gathering spot for the Bahas de Huatulco. The majority of travel agencies, the most dining options, the central town square, and numerous independently owned boutique hotels are all located here. It is conveniently walkable, and taxis are widely available to shuttle tourists to the further-flung bays and beaches back and forth. Another major entry to Huatulco National Park, which contains a marine park, dry forest, and tropical jungle, is La Crucecita. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a great place for horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching.
Restaurants and bars in La Crucecita
La Crucecita is decent at catering to both sides of the spectrum, from backpacker pubs serving cheap shots of mezcal to upscale Haute Mexican cuisine on air-conditioned patios.
For instance, the tuna poke and mango Thai curry at Rocoto, a secret gem serving up fresh seafood with traditional Mexican tastes and unexpected Asian touch.
El Sabor de Oaxaca is the place to go for flavorful and substantial moles of all colors. Colorful platters swirl with ropes of stringy Oaxacan cheese, crispy tlayudas, and bean-topped slopes as people eat at basic tables on terra-cotta tiled floors.
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Alternately, you could blend in with the backpacker crowd at La Crema Bar, which is decked up in rasta-inspired decor and lit up by black lights. People visit for the exceptionally strong cocktails, the extensive menu of reasonably priced and delicious pizzas, and the weekly lineup of live music.
At Agave, which offers nutritious smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and generous aça bowls, customers looking for a vegan-friendly, juice-focused restaurant will find what they're looking for.
Where to Eat and Drink in Baha Tangolunda, Baha de Santa Cruz, and Baha Chahue
Visitors are drawn to the mobile Marea Alta at Marina Chahue's entrance by its breathtaking views of the marina. However, the delightfully fresh seafood on the menu is what keeps people coming back.
With its marinated flank steak, grilled sausages, and a tonne of sides, Finca de Vaqueros makes waves for those looking to sink their teeth into a truly fine steak. The parrillada makes sure you have a taste of everything and won't go hungry.
Ve El Mar in Playa Santa Cruz has become nothing less than an institution after three decades. This eatery, which serves food all day long, is bustling with customers munching on delicious regional dishes like chilaquiles, grilled octopus, fresh ceviche, and a whole fish big enough to feed the whole family.
Near the Baha Chahue beaches, Bladu'Y focuses its entire cuisine on southern Oaxacan customs from the Tehuantepec Isthmus (picture corn tamales, fried chicken with onions and potatoes, and Garnacha topped with meat, cheese, and pickled cabbage). Bright vermillion paint is used to embellish the restaurant walls, which are also covered with vivid, life-size paintings depicting scenes from traditional Oaxacan life.
Where to Stay in La Crucecita, Baha Tangolunda, Baha de Santa Cruz, and Baha Chahue
La Crucecita boasts scores of wonderful boutique hotels that are close to all the action in town if you don't mind skipping beachside resorts. Just a few blocks from the central center, Mision de Los Arcos is one of the traditional choices. Standard to junior suites are available in spacious rooms, and many have little terraces. Although it isn't precisely five-star luxury, the location and comfort of the accommodations are unbeatable for the money.
Consider one of the resorts nearer to Baha Chahue, Baha Tangolunda, or Baha de Santa Cruz if you do wish to stay on the beach or at least have a view of the water. The Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa is situated on a stunning section of golden sand. Each of its 421 all-inclusive rooms has a balcony and a lot of natural light. Inquire about the accommodations that include whirlpools and ocean views. Six pools, three of which have an infinity edge, are among the other features. With a row of thatched palapas providing shade for chaise loungers, the beach is one of the resort's most well-liked amenities.
Quinta Bella Huatulco is perched above the beautiful Playa Chahue and is surrounded by mountains covered in greenery. It offers 44 accommodations, seven restaurants, an incredible oceanfront spa, and a full-service fitness facility. Quinta Bella is just a quick five-minute ride from the beach but is not actually on the beach.
The posh Quinta Real Huatulco is located on the beach and has a view of Playa Tangolunda. There are only 27 rooms at this small resort with breathtaking ocean views, which is famed for its tall dome tops and handcrafted palapas. Although a free shuttle is available, the hotel is not located on the beach. Nevertheless, the rooms are really magnificent, with gorgeous marble bathrooms that include soothing hot tubs. Even a few rooms come with private pools.
Despite being technically in Bahia de Santa Cruz, Hotel Binniguenda Huatulco is significantly more conveniently situated than La Crucecita. The all-inclusive hotel features 77 guest rooms, a large selection of dining establishments, an exclusive beach club, and a spa.
Other Bays & Beaches in Huatulco
No one of Bahas de Huatulco's bays is very far away, despite the fact that it has its staples and more populated sections. It's simple to get from beach to beach thanks to the affordability and safety of taxis. For instance, Baha San Agustin consists mainly of a lovely stretch of unspoiled beachfront with a few seafood shacks and basic lodgings. Unless all you're looking for is a dish of unbelievably fresh ceviche and a cool cerveza, you won't find hallmark services here.
The distance between Baha Conejos and La Crucecita is one of the greatest, although a cab ride still costs only about $5 USD. Tell them you're going to the public beach, not the Secrets resort, and make sure they know. One of Oaxaca's most breathtaking beaches may be reached through a short gravel route. Although there aren't many services offered here, its wild, unspoiled beauty makes it one of the most beautiful places in the area.
The coastal villages and natural wonders up the coast along Highway 200 are undoubtedly magical if you have the time and drive to keep exploring. A bohemian-chic clientele continues to flock to an unending selection of beachfront eateries, crystal stores, yoga studios, tattoo parlors, and juice bars in towns like Mazunte and Zipolite.
a two-hour drive Huatulco is the bustling surf town of Puerto Escondido, which began as a little fishing community and is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for stylish hotels, fine dining, and nightlife.
Beyond Puerto Escondido, there are numerous natural wonders worth visiting, like the bioluminescent Laguna de Manialtepec and the secluded Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, where visitors can get lost on a boat ride through the dense mangrove canals.