Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Huatulco
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Huatulco National Park
In 1998 this national park, which spans tens of thousands of acres of Oaxaca countryside, was declared a protected area and later designated as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. As a result, Huatulco National Park has become a destination for travelers looking to get back to nature and spot rare species of animals and birds that exist nowhere else in the world.
Exhaustive conservation efforts have preserved the ecosystems of the tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs and wetlands that make up this park. Visitors agree the park’s untouched beauty makes it worth a trip and easy access from nearby Cruz Huatulco means it a breeze to get to. Despite easy access this crystal blue bay manages to remain untouched. So whether it’s charting a boat to snorkel, dive, or fish in the pristine surrounding waters, or lounging on one of the deserted beaches, Huatulco National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the country as it used to be.
Practical Info
Huatulco National Park is located in the municipality of Santa Maria Huatulco, just west of Cruz Huatulco. It is most easily accessible by boat.
Address: Parque Nacional Huatulco, Santa Maria Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 34
Copalita Ruins
Still relatively unknown to tourists, the Copalita Ruins sit on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Huatulco resort area. Remnants of pyramids, temples, a ball court, and a pre-Hispanic lighthouse dot the lush landscape of the archaeological park, which also includes a massive stone believed to have once been used in sacrifices.
The Basics
Travelers to the Oaxaca coast shouldn’t miss a visit to the Copalito Ruins, an archaeological park near the Copalita River with wooded trails, a museum, and ruins that date back more than 2,000 years. Home to some 60 different species of animals and a wide variety of indigenous birds, this spot is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Visit the park independently or on a hassle-free day trip from Puerto Escondido with round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the Copalita Ruins independently or on a day trip from Puerto Escondido.
- The archaeological park is open daily, and offers a site museum, restrooms, and parking.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces
- Bring bug repellent, sunblock, a hat or sunglasses, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The Copalita Ruins are located on Boulevard Tangolunda-Copalita, just minutes from La Crucecita. Most visitors arrive by taxi or as part of a guided tour. For those looking to save money, collectivo taxis are available to shuttle passengers to and from the park.
When to Get There
The archaeological park is open daily from 8am to 5pm, and there really isn’t a bad time to visit. It receives just a fraction of the visitors of some of the larger archaeological sites in Oaxaca, so you can visit just about any time without having to worry about crowds.
La Crucecita
Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, La Crucecita has the feel of a small Mexican town. It’s located just minutes from the Copalita Ruins and serves as a jumping off point for exploring Huatulco’s nine different bays. Here, visitors can sample Oaxacan cuisine and shop for artisan crafts at the traditional La Probadita market.
Address: Boulevard Tangolunda-Copalita, tramo 15, Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca 70989, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Ventanilla
Ventanilla, or La Ventanilla, is an estuary of the Tonameca River, and is an important ecological area on the Oaxacan coast. A small village is also located here, surrounded by mangroves and the birds and animals that call them home. La Ventanilla gets its name “the window” from a large rock formation on the beach. The huge rock juts out on the coast, featuring a small “window” that looks out to the sea.
Back in the 1990s La Ventanilla was just a stretch of undeveloped beach with a coconut plantation. Three families lived in the area, despite no electricity until nearly 2000. Today, there are approximately 25 Zapotec families that have settled in the area. These inhabitants have established crocodile farms, where they monitor and raise them, setting them free once the reptiles are able to survive on their own. The villagers also work on reforesting the mangroves, with over 30,000 mangroves already replanted.
Visitors to Ventanilla typically journey on a canoe through the mangroves, looking for crocodiles in their natural habitat, along with birds and other reptiles that call Ventanilla home. In addition to exploring Ventanilla via canoe, horseback rides along the beach are also popular. Depending on the time of year, look for sea turtles and dolphins that frequent the area to feed on crustaceans and microorganisms. They are more abundant during a rainy season phenomenon known as “broken bars,” when the sea meets the lagoon.
Practical Info
Ventanilla is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bahías de Huatulco, two miles west of Mazunte. If you are interested in seeing the turtles, they are usually spawning between July and December.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Órgano Bay
Organo Bay is an isolated stretch of beach just south of Santa Cruz in Mexico. Recommended for travelers who want to get away from it all, it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving with calm, clear blue-green water and several interesting rock formations. Organo Bay is very near Maguey Bay, but not as popular or easy to access.
The Basics
One of the best ways to visit Organo Bay is on a full-day boat tour of Huatulco National Park that includes some snorkeling time. Another option is to book a snorkel or dive trip. Independent travelers can hire a boat in Santa Cruz to visit Organo Bay. There are no restaurants or services available here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day. During high season, you’re likely to find some vendors selling food and drinks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Organo Bay is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are no amenities here.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
How to Get There
Organo Bay is best visited by boat from Santa Cruz, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. To get there by vehicle, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the main road. For a real adventure, consider renting a motorbike or ATV to traverse the rough terrain.
When to Get There
Organo Bay is lovely year-round and receives a lot fewer visitors than many beaches in the area. Winter in Huatulco is typically dry and sunny, while wet weather is likely from May to October and can pose challenges for divers or those trying to access the bay by vehicle.
Scuba Diving at Organo Bay
If you’re interested in scuba diving in Huatulco, Organo Bay is a great place to learn. Beginner divers will appreciate its shallow slope, while more experienced divers can explore a shipwreck, underwater ridges, and volcanic rock. The bay’s unique rock formations are often referred to as “the faces in the rocks.”
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
From $ 55
San Agustin Bay
Home to fewer than 100 people—mostly fishermen—San Agustin Bay has no electricity or running water. The bay itself is known for its prime snorkeling opportunities. Visitors head into the ocean straight from the shore and are immediately surrounded by schools of tropical fish, coral plates, crabs, snails, bivalves, and sea urchins.
The Basics
Located in the far west Bay of Huatulco, the quaint village of San Agustin Bay is so far off the beaten path that many travelers miss it completely. With shaded palm palapas (shelters) and rustic beachside restaurants, the village attracts determined scuba divers, snorkelers, and beach enthusiasts. All-terrain vehicle adventure rides around Huatulco usually stop in San Agustin Bay for a swim and seafood lunch. Remember to ask for the catch of the day.
Travelers can also take a short hike to the nearby hillside where a shrine honors the town’s namesake, St. Augustine. Hikers are also rewarded with expansive views of rolling hills, thick forests, and crashing waves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- San Agustin Bay is one of the Huatulco Bays (Las Bahias de Huatulco), which comprise nine bays and 36 beaches.
- When snorkeling, be careful not to touch or disturb the coral, and remember it is illegal to remove coral from the sea.
- Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to snap photos underwater.
How to Get There
San Agustin Bay is accessible by road or boat. Travelers can rent a private boat or purchase a ticket on one of the local catamarans. Micro buses and taxis also travel the banana tree-lined road to San Augustin. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that you’ll need to travel down about 10 miles of rocky dirt road; the bay is about 25 minutes from the Santa Maria intersection.
When to Get There
Mornings at San Agustin Bay can be busy because that’s when tourists arrive via catamaran or other boats to snorkel. Plan to visit in the late morning, if you can, to avoid the crowds. Like most tourist destinations, the area draws more visitors during the high seasons around Christmas and Easter, and more locals on weekends.
Maguey Bay
Another of the Huatulco Bays, Maguey Bay also boasts a white sandy beach and calm waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, because the area is protected by rock formations. As in San Agustin Bay, there are also plenty of seafood restaurants, and it’s more accessible than San Agustin.
Address: San Agustin Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 78
Copalita River
Copalita River, or Río Copalita, is a river in Huatulco that is popular with surfers and river rafters. During Huatulco’s rainy season from May to October, the Copalita River swells, becoming an ideal spot for river rafting excursions. Río Copalita empties into the ocean several miles northeast of Tangolunda. On the beach, you are likely to find local surfers and boogie boarders hanging out. The surfing is so popular here that there is an annual Huatulco surfing and boogie board championship that dates back to 2003. Rafting along the Copalita River takes rafters through a series of adrenaline-pumping rapids – everything from Class I to Class IV rapids. Class I rapids are considered easy with fast moving water, but few obstructions and small waves. Class IV rapids are advanced, with intense turbulent water and a risk of unavoidable obstacles and waves. Tours that include river rafting typically require rafters to travel between 5 to 7 miles (8 to 11 km) on the Copalita River.
Guides will start with a required safety briefing and then a provide examples on how to properly use the paddle. Each raft will have a guide who will provide navigational instructions as you hit each class of rapids.
The scenery you will experience on a Copalita River rafting trip is unsurpassed. During the slower Class I rapids, you can observe natural habitats of animals and birds, which live amongst the riverbank’s pristine landscape. Stunning rock formations and waterfalls round out the epic adventure in Huatulco.
Practical Info
River rafting experience is not necessarily required as instruction is provided, but participants should be in good shape and prepared for a high-level of activity. Bring a dry change of clothes and other necessities like bug spray and biodegradable sunblock. If you plan on river rafting, wear footwear that will stay on your feet.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 58
Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman
This famous religious structure in the heart of Oaxaca attracts tourists and travelers to its quiet courtyards, holy cloisters and peaceful altars. Founded in the late 1500s by the Dominican Order, Santo Domingo de Guzman is now home to the Cultural Center of Oaxaca.
Visitors can wander through halls lined with pre-Columbian artifacts like ancient tombs and handmade crafts. Well-kept gardens and impeccable interiors offer visitors a taste of religious life of the past. Be sure to check out the ornate ceilings inside the chapel, as well as the brilliant white open-air cloister hallways with stunning arches.
Practical Info
Travelers can enter the church and the museum across the street from the main plaza, about a half a kilometer north of Alameda.
Address: Calle Constitución #101 Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 46
Zipolite
Zipolite, or Playa Zipolite, is a beach community that is often referred to as Mexico’s hippie haven. This 1.5-kilometer stretch of beach seems lost in time with its slow pace of life. The beach is divided into several areas—the eastern end is called Colonia Playa del Amor, the central part is Centro and the western end is Colonia Roca Blanca. There is really only one main street in Zipolite: Avenida Roca Blanca, or El Adoquín. It was once the only paved road in Zipolite, but three residential area streets are now paved as well.
Don’t expect the party zone like you find in other parts of Mexico like Cancun, but visitors can take part in the surfing, a major draw to Zipolite. You won’t find high-rise hotels or large fancy restaurants with huge fishbowl-style drinks, but instead, look for the main street for a carnival atmosphere in the evenings, with artists, musicians and street vendors making an appearance.
Colonia Roca Blanca is really the central neighborhood in Zipolite and was named after the large, white rock just offshore. The area has grown but still attracts crowds of yoga gurus, surfers and musicians that pass through town. During high season, the area’s small bars and nightclubs see more activity.
Zipolite’s beach is pristine with clear water and golden sands. You may recognize it from the Mexican blockbuster film “Y tu mamá también.” While swimming is allowed, it is not always recommended due to strong waves and undertow.
Practical Info
Zipolite has garnered a lot of fame due to its reputation as Mexico’s only nude beach. Total nudity is really only common on the western end of the beach, or at the small eastern cove of Playa del Amor.
Address: Zipolite, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Cacaluta Bay
Cacaluta Bay is the largest and least accessible of the Huatulco bays. This heart-shaped Oaxacan inlet, which served as a stunning backdrop to the blockbuster Mexican film Y Tu Mamá También, has good snorkeling just a short swim from shore. Its serene setting offers a nice alternative to the noise and excitement of Santa Cruz Bay.
The Basics
Two distinctly different beaches make up this scenic bay in Huatulco. Cacaluta Beach is the larger of the two, with soft white sand and blue-green water that stretches around a secluded cove. The bay’s smaller, pebbly Arroyo Beach is just as pretty, but with gentler waves. Visit Cacaluta Bay independently or on a Huatulco Bays sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit five or seven of the nine bays and include stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Huatulco’s Cacaluta Bay is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are no amenities here.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Cacaluta Bay is by boat. You can also hike for about 20 minutes along a well-marked trail that leads from the main road to the beach. Taxis can drop you at the entrance to Cacaluta, but you’ll need to walk to the taxi stand at Maguey Beach, about half a mile (1 kilometer) away, to get a ride back into town.
When to Get There
Cacaluta Bay is lovely year-round; mornings offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling. The rough, unpaved road that connects Cacaluta Bay with Huatulco’s other bays can be difficult to navigate during rainy season (May to October).
Cacaluta Bay Wildlife
Cacaluta Bay is home to an impressive array of wildlife and lots of indigenous birds, including several different kinds of sea birds. Many of the birds and other small animals make their home in the jungle surrounding the bay. In addition to bird-watching, the bay’s clear waters and ease of snorkeling from shore make it one of the best spots to see tropical fish and rays.
Address: Cacaluta Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
Llano Grande Waterfall
Nestled in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, the Llano Grande Waterfall is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and rappelling. Its shallow pools and multiple cascading waterfalls give ample opportunity for all kinds of water activities: Climb a tree, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope into the pristine waters below.
The Basics
The waterfall is part of the Copalitilla, a tributary of the Copalita River. It’s an easy 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) hike along a scenic river trail to the waterfall, so be prepared for the walk. Llano Grande is difficult to find on your own and most visitors arrive as part of a day trip or ATV tour from Huatulco that includes round-trip transport. Tours typically also include visits to the Finca La Gloria coffee plantation and a butterfly sanctuary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Llano Grande Waterfall is a must-see for adventurous nature lovers.
- Choose a tour that includes round-trip transport from Huatulco, as the waterfall is difficult to find on your own.
- Wear waterproof shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Bring a dry change of clothes and other necessities like a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
How to Get There
The Llano Grande Waterfall is located in the municipality of San Miguel del Puerto, about a 90-minute drive from Huatulco. It’s a drive over rough, unpaved roads with little to no signage, so having an experienced guide to get you there can be helpful.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, the Llano Grande Waterfall can be visited year-round. This area receives fewer tourists than other Mexican resort destinations, and it’s rarely crowded. Wet weather is likely from June to October, which can make getting to the waterfall more difficult.
Finca La Gloria
While at Llano Grande, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit the nearby La Gloria coffee plantation. Tour the family-owned farm, learn about the coffee-production process, and sample a freshly brewed cup of aromatic mountain-grown coffee. The waterfall and coffee farm are included on most guided tours of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
From $ 61
Mitla
A relatively small Mixtec/Zapotec ruin, Mitla is notable for the detailed and well-preserved geometric stonework that decorates the buildings. The setting is pretty, with a cactus garden and shaded benches. From the ruins you can see the domed Church of San Pablo, built in the 16th century when the Spanish pillaged stones from Mitla. At the gates to the ruins, a small artesanía (folk art) market is home to aggressively competitive vendors, a situation that can yield great deals. Outside the gates, a clean and efficient comedor (diner) serves authentic Oaxacan specialties.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
Practical Info:
Mitla is located just off Highway 190, 45 km southeast of the Oaxacan capitol. Colectivos (group taxis) to Mitla can be found across the street from the Oaxaca baseball stadium, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos (Niños Heroes de Chapultepec and Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos).
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
Admission: 50 pesos
From $ 35
Arbol de Tule
A tree so fat it seems to strain against the confines of the surrounding square, the Árbol del Tule is at least 2000 years old, which makes it one of the world’s oldest living entities. El Tule is a Montezuma bald cypress (Taxodium mucrunatum), a tree the Aztecs cultivated as an ornamental and a source of medicine. Hoary yet flourishing, the giant has a mesmerizing quality: The bark is so thick and gnarled that various growths have nicknames, including “the pineapple,” “the elephant,” and “Carlos Salinas’s ears” (a reference to former president Carlos Salinas de Gortari).
El Tule is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, 13 km east of the capital. The square surrounding the tree features souvenir shops, snack stands, and the usual army of roving vendors.
El Tule is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, 13 km east of the capital. The square surrounding the tree features souvenir shops, snack stands, and the usual army of roving vendors.
Practical Info:
To get there, drive east on Highway 190, or catch a bus at the second class bus station (Central Camionera de Segunda Clase in Colonia Mercado de Abastos). Buses to El Tule depart every 30 minutes.
Address: Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: 30 pesos for a close-up view; you can see the tree from afar for free.
From $ 35
National Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
In September 1991, in response to the dwindling numbers and near extinction of many turtle species, the Mexican government banned the trade of sea turtles and created the National Mexican Turtle Center, or Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga.
The 10-acre center, located in the town of Mazunte near Zipolite, is home to various varieties of sea turtles, fresh water turtles and even some land turtles. Some of the species of sea turtle you can find at the center include green turtles, hawksbill, leatherbacks and olive ridley turtles.
The center is located nearby to what used to be the Mazunte region’s turtle slaughterhouse, making reuse of the area in a constructive manner. The main exhibition contains 13 aquariums showcasing sea turtles through various stages of their development, and other aquariums feature the six freshwater species and two land-based species.
There is also a botanical garden on site featuring local cacti. The garden is dedicated to Dra. Helia Bravo Hollis, in honor of her 62 years of researching the cacti. The center also has a multi-purpose room and a cafeteria and gift shop.
Practical Info
The National Mexican Turtle Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission costs 280 pesos, and you must be accompanied by a guide when you visit the center. Guides are available in English, German, Italian, Spanish and Zapoteco.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Admission: 280 pesos
From $ 44
Santa Cruz Bay
Gome to Huatulco’s harbor, Santa Cruz Bay is located just minutes from La Crucecita and offers shops, restaurants, hotels, and easily accessible beaches. It’s the jumping-off point for boat tours of Huatulco’s bays, or for hiring small fishing boats to visit some of the more remote beaches.
The Basics
Santa Cruz is the perfect place to shop for artisan crafts, enjoy authentic Oaxacan cuisine, and experience the beauty of the coast. Beach-goers can rent kayaks and jet skies to tour the bay, or swim and snorkel from shore. Those looking for a more scenic escape can hop aboard one of the sightseeing cruises, which depart from the main dock. These excursions carry travelers across the bay, with stops at a number of popular beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
- Most boat tours of the Huatulco Bays leave from the harbor in Santa Cruz.
- The bay has restaurants, shops, and water-sports facilities.
- Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as the beaches offer little shade.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
The Huatulco Bays stretch for 22 miles (35 kilometers) along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. Most visitors arrive by air or cruise ship. Getting there from Oaxaca City by car takes about five or six hours. Santa Cruz Bay is located on the same seaside boulevard as La Crucecita.
When to Get There
Santa Cruz Bay is lovely year-round. The Huatulco resort area as a whole receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, though Santa Cruz tends to get crowded on days when cruise ships dock here.
Boat Tours of the Huatulco Bays
A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Huatulco. Sightseeing cruises typically depart from Santa Cruz and include stops at a number of popular beaches, such as Yerbabuena, La India, and Cacaluta. Small fishing boats called lanchas wait in Santa Cruz to take visitors to the untouched shores of bays like Chachacual, which is only accessible by boat.
Address: Santa Cruz Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 50
La Crucecita
La Crucecita sits just inland from Santa Cruz Bay on the coast of Oaxaca. Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, today La Crucecita has an authentic atmosphere draws that visitors from the beaches to its lively streets. Highlights include a traditional market, a historic church, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The Basics
La Crucecita’s La Probadita market is an ideal spot to shop for artisan crafts and taste Oaxacan specialties, such as chocolate, mezcal, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). Visitors can also step inside the white stucco Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe to see a 65-foot (20-meter) mural of the religious icon painted on its dome. In the evenings, crowds gather in the zocalo (main square) to listen to live music and peruse the stands of numerous street vendors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Crucecita is ideal for those who want to have a meal or do some shopping.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing tour with round-trip transport included.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach La Crucecita, located about half a mile (one kilometer) inland from Santa Cruz Bay. Most visitors arrive in Huatulco by air or cruise ship. Driving from Oaxaca City takes about 5 or 6 hours. Taxis are plentiful throughout the resort area.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, La Crucecita is lovely year-round. This destination receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, even during high season (December to April). Wet weather is likely from June to October.
Huatulco Bays
Huatulco is a Mexican resort destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. It spans 22 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline in the state of Oaxaca. Its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity make it popular with nature and wildlife lovers. Huatulco offers a variety of beach experiences, and a boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the bays.
Address: La Crucecita, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 35
Maguey Bay
Maguey Bay is an easily accessible bay with a popular beach of the same name. A handful of busy seafood shacks line the beach, and visitors can sip cold beers on patio chairs, or splash around in the bay’s calm, clear waters. You’ll find lots of amenities here, too, as Maguey tends to be one of Huatulco’s busier bays.
The Basics
Maguey Bay is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Rent some gear and head into the ocean, where a wide variety of colorful tropical fish exist just off the shores, or head to the rockier edge of the bay for some wave jumping. Visit the bay independently or as part of a Huatulco sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit several different bays with a stop at Maguey for snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maguey Bay is easy to reach, and offers restaurants, water sports facilities, public restrooms, and showers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
How to Get There
Maguey Bay sits just south of Santa Cruz Bay and is accessible by rough road or hired boats. There’s a taxi stand at the entrance to the bay, so you’ll rarely have to wait for a ride back into town. The road to Maguey can be difficult to navigate during rainy season.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, Maguey Bay can be visited year-round. The beach begins to fill up with visitors around midday when the boat tours start to arrive. Mornings are less crowded and offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Organo Bay
Just a stone’s throw away, Organo Bay is a quiet bay that’s perfect for travelers who just want to get away from it all. It receives fewer visitors than Maguey Bay, mainly because of its inaccessibility—to visit by vehicle, it’s a 20-minute walk from the main road. There are no amenities here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day.
Address: Maguey Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
Finca La Gloria
Get a first-hand look at the process of turning fresh coffee berries into a cup of aromatic brew at Finca La Gloria. This family-owned coffee plantation in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca is known for its fertile green farms and butterfly sanctuary. Here you can tour the working coffee farm and sample high-quality organic blends straight from the roaster.
The Basics
La Gloria was opened by German expats who escaped to Mexico after World War II; today, its owners still employ traditional coffee-making techniques. During harvest season, visitors can observe the complete coffee-production process from crop to cup. The easiest way to visit the coffee farm is on a day trip from Huatulco, and travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car in Mexico can opt for a tour that includes round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Finca La Gloria is a must-see for nature lovers and coffee aficionados.
- Opt for a day trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and bring a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
How to Get There
The coffee farm is located in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, about a 90-minute drive over rough, unpaved roads from Huatulco. It can be difficult to find on your own, and most visitors arrive as part of a tour that includes round-trip transport. If you’re driving, take Highway 200.
When to Get There
Finca La Gloria can be visited year-round, and it’s rarely crowded. Plan to arrive early so you have enough time to hike to the nearby Llano Grande Waterfall. Wet weather during rainy season (June to October) can make the drive to the farm more difficult.
Llano Grande Waterfall
After a visit to La Gloria, follow a scenic river trail to the Llano Grande Waterfall. Splash around at the base of the cascading waterfalls, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope suspended over a 20-foot (6-meter) platform into the shallow pools below. Tours from Huatulco typically include round-trip transport and visit the coffee farm, butterfly sanctuary, and waterfall.
Address: Carretera Federal 200, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Tangolunda Bay
Luxurious all-inclusive resorts and private beachfront villas line the rocky cliffs of Tangolunda Bay in Huatulco. Some of the big names that you’ll find here include Dreams, Barcelo, and Las Brisas. It’s a top choice for those wanting to stay right on the bay, and the endless stretches of sandy shores are perfect for early morning walks.
The Basics
Tangolunda’s resorts offer gorgeous beachside pools, romantic ocean views, and unlimited access to quaint (if touristy) shopping and pricey seafood fare. Families with kids will also find plenty to do here. Take a sightseeing cruise of the bay, soar above the jungle canopy on a zipline, or snorkel in the calm waters near Las Brisas. If you want who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car in Mexico, opt for a tour that includes transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tangolunda Bay is where you’ll find almost all of Huatulco’s luxury resorts.
- Remember to bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as the beaches offers little shade.
- There is no public access for wheelchairs along the beach.
How to Get There
If you’re vacationing in Tangolunda Bay, chances are your resort will offer transportation options; if not, you can book a shuttle from the airport. Tangolunda’s beaches are best accessed via the private resorts, and taxis are plentiful throughout the Huatulco resort area.
When to Get There
Tangolunda Bay is lovely year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest. Overcrowding is rarely a problem, however, as this destination receives far fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas.
Tangolunda’s Beaches
Tangolunda is Huatulco’s most exclusive bay and the majority of its beaches are accessible only to resort guests. Independent travelers can spend a day at Playa Arrocito or Playa Rincon Sabroso; the former has gentle waves and some shade, and is easily accessible by car. A section of Playa Tangolunda is also open to the public and offers water sports facilities.
Address: Tangolunda Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 45