I just got back from a fantastic week in Bahais de Huatulco followed by a week in Mazunte also on the Oaxacan coast. In this guide, I’m going to discuss what to do in Huatulco from exploring the small towns to action-packed activities, nature excursions, and beach-hopping.
Bahias de Huatulco is such a rich region of Mexico. I can’t quite compare it to anywhere. Known for its 36 beaches and 9 bays, it’s rich with nature and diverse in its climate and terrain. As well as basking on the beach, you can get into the mountains, raft on wild rivers, sip locally-grown coffee in age-old fincas, and discover waterfalls roaring in the jungle.
Another thing I liked about this region? It doesn’t seem to get that much international tourism. Sure, international travelers (like myself) do visit but not in swathes like the locals do. A trip to Huatulco feels much more authentic than, say, one to Tulum or Cancun.
Due to its reputation as a cruise ship destination, Huatulco receives an older demographic of travelers compared to Puerto Escondido and Mazunte which are popular backpacker destinations.
Where is Huatulco, Mexico?
Santa Maria Huatulco: this is where Google Maps will send you when you search ‘Huatulco’ but it’s not the main hub; instead, an inland town. There are a few things to do here but most travelers stay by the coast, for example in…
Santa Cruz Huatulco: this quaint town is the perfect place for a vacation with a wonderful beach. It’s a sleepy town without loads to do but there are some great brunch spots and seafood restaurants. For a more local vibe and a wider range of accommodations, check out…
La Crucecita: just 15 minutes on foot from Santa Cruz Huatulco is this larger, more authentic Mexican town. It feels nothing like a beach town; instead, it’s characterized by local markets, authentic restaurants, and (like most Mexican towns) a church and central plaza at its heart.
How to get to Huatulco
By air: the main airport is Bahias De Huatulco International Airport (HUX). To get from the airport to downtown Huatulco, taxis charge a flat rate of 500 pesos for the 20-minute journey to La Crucecita and Santa Cruz. If you’re on a budget, I suggest walking down to the highway to find a local taxi or board a bus for 28 pesos.
For convenience, you can book this airport transfer from the airport to your accommodation for $22 or take a shuttle to select locations for $10.
From Oaxaca City: your quickest (but most expensive option) is flying. Alternatively, you can hire a car or board a bus from Oaxaca City to ADO Bahias de Huatulco station near La Crucecita which takes around 9 hours and costs about 600 pesos ($35).
From Mazunte: although just an hour away by car, the journey’s not super easy by public transport. Firstly, get a taxi (700 pesos), bus, or colectivo to the inland town of Pochutla. Beside the Elektra Mega, you can catch a colectivo to Mazunte for 20 pesos, or a taxi for 200 pesos.
From Puerto Escondido: again, you will need to transit via Pochutla but it’s slightly easier than getting to Mazunte because there’s a dedicated bus station in Pochutla with regular departures for Oaxaca.
How to get around Huatulco
By car: this is the best way to explore if possible. Many of the top things to do in Huatulco, Mexico are spread out across the coast so a car means all power to you.
For a cheaper, more adventurous option, hire a scooter from a reputable vendor like Adventura Mundo Expect to pay around 500 pesos ($30) per day.
By public transport: local buses and colectivos (shared trucks) connect certain tourist attractions in Huatulco as well as local towns. They cost 10-20 pesos a ride, and a little Spanish will go a long way in terms of asking the driver where they’re going!
By taxi: although there’s no Uber, local taxis are affordable. Where we stayed in Santa Cruz, there’s a taxi bay with set prices displayed on the board. This means no one can rip you off! We caught taxis to nearby beaches for 60 pesos.
By tour: a convenient way to explore is by taking day tours around for region, for example to Pluma Hidalgo coffee region or Copalitilla Waterfalls. Booking activities like white water rafting allows you to see beautiful parts of the region en route without doing the driving yourself. I recommend GetYourGuide and Viator for reliable, fun excursions.
Best things to do in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Let’s dive into the top Bahais de Huatulco attractions from boat trips to nature excursions, coffee tours, and exploring quaint Mexican towns.
1. Explore the Seven Bays by boat
My favorite day in Huatulco! Any boat trip in this region is worthwhile because you’ll likely see amazing wildlife; we’d barely been on the water 15 minutes before spotting huge sea turtles! But the beauty of this particular boat cruise is exploring the wonderful beaches of Parque Nacional Huatulco (Bahias de Huatulco National Park) many of which aren’t accessible by road.
With more than 413 species of plants and almost 300 species of birds, the National Park – measuring around 30,000 acres – is rich with flora and fauna. Without hoards of tourists being able to easily reach the beaches, they remain perfectly preserved with white sand and crystal-clear waters (and no trash!).
Note – the only beach where you can buy food and drink is Playa Entrega. If you’re taking a boat trip, the tour company can coordinate a lunch stop there. Alternatively, do what we did and depart early with snacks and arrive back in town for a late lunch. Food on the island is overpriced, plus you may not want to be out on the water ALL day in the heat.
I’ll talk more about snorkeling in the region next, but it’s worth noting you can combine some of the fun things to do in Huatulco by snorkeling off the boat during this day trip. With many of the boat companies, use of snorkel gear isn’t included; we paid 200 pesos ($12) to hire it. Since this is fairly pricey, be sure to bring your own gear if you have it.
Some of the beaches that boat trips stop at include:
- Playa La India – this beautiful bay is unsurprisingly one of the most popular places to visit in Huatulco with its white sand and clear waters
- Bahía del Orgáno – this untouched beach has little shade – and no facilities – but it’s an idyllic place to swim while escaping the crowds
- Playa Pescador – a small but beautiful beach close to Santa Cruz.
Since we were a group, we hired a private boat rather than joining a group tour. This meant we could decide the itinerary and how long we wanted to spend in each place. If your budget allows, I highly recommend this option. Many tours offer 5-bay or 7-bay trips so it depends how keen you are to see all of Huatulco!
2. Get into the National Park
Although the easiest way to visit Huatulco National Park is by the beach-hopping boat trip mentioned above, there are other ways to explore this vast expanse of flora, fauna, and hiking trails. One fun option is taking a mountain biking tour for around $65.
To arrive in the park, you can drive, take a taxi (but be sure to arrange a return ride and agree a meet point) or hire a guide to take you exploring. Be sure to take all your trash with you and only use eco-friendly bug spray!
3. Snorkeling trips
The snorkeling is fantastic! I had a great time snorkeling off Playa la India during the Seven Bays Boat Cruise, and there are plenty of other places in Huatulco to try it.
Sadly, the region is experiencing coral bleaching like many places on Earth. I noticed many white branches of coral with my own eyes. Snorkeling is still a worthwhile activity in Huatulco because the marine life is still abundant but be sure to snorkel responsibly (don’t touch the coral!) so as not to damage it further.
My word of warning is that it’s easy to get VERY burnt very quirky snorkeling. The back of my legs were red raw after just 20 minutes in the hot sun. The answer isn’t to apply sunscreen; firstly it will come off, and secondly (more importantly) it can destroy the ecosystems. So make sure to snorkel for short periods only, or wear loose clothing you can swim wearing.
4. Scuba diving
While destinations like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres often dominate the conversation about diving in Mexico, there are plenty of other worthwhile destinations to check out – including Huatulco!
With sea turtles, rays (eagle rays and sting rays), and seahorses galore, you won’t be disappointed by the dive scene. It’s not just the marine life that makes diving here magical, but also the unique rock formations including underwater canyons.
Some areas are obviously better than others, and those that receive boatloads of tourism have lost a lot of coral. One of the best-preserved locations is Cacaluta, a protected ecological zone home to 4 dive sites. Other popular scuba diving sites in Huatulco include Maguey Bay and the cove at El Violin.
5. Watersports (or relax!) at Bahías de Huatulco
Not all the beaches are suitable because of the strong waves, however, one of the best things to do in Huatulco when you find a quiet cove is try your hand at watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. At Playa Santa Cruz, you can hire boards or even take a ride on a banana boat.
6. Explore the Huatulco beaches
The beaches are some of the top attractions of Huatulco. You’d have to stay for weeks if not months to visit them all. There are known to be 9 bays and 36 beaches in Bahias de Huatulco. So what you probably want to know is which are the easiest and best ones to visit?
Here are some of the beaches in Huatulco:
Bahai Chahue – we spent a gorgeous afternoon at this beach (pictured above and below) with wide expanses of sand to one side, and a small bay where locals fish on the other side. It’s possible to swim here but the rips can be kinda strong so be careful and observe the flags. There’s a lifeguard tower and facilities including bathrooms, showers, and restaurants. The downside is there are no sun loungers so we brought our own towels and sat in the shade.
Getting there: from Santa Cruz, we caught a taxi for 60 pesos.
Playa Santa Cruz: this is a pleasant beach to visit with some of the gentlest waves in the region. For an easy beach day, you can’t do much better because there are lots of cafes and restaurants in the town to get refreshments. Although there aren’t loungers on the sand, you can sit at shaded chairs and tables in exchange for buying something at one of the beach restaurants.
Playa Entrega: meaning ‘the delivery’, the story behind this popular beach goes that Vicente Guerrero (hero of Mexican independence) was handed over here to his enemies here. With facilities and watersports, this beach can easily be accessed by road and is often crowded.
Tangolunda Bay: this beach (in the bay of the name same) stretches for miles. Much of it is owned by hotels and resorts but there is some public access. The waves range from gentle to rough depending where on the beach you settle. Tangolunda is a 10-minute drive from La Crucecita.
Playa Maguey: accessible by road and not far from La Crucecita, this is one of the busiest beaches around. It’s great if you want an easy beach day with facilities and restaurants, but not if you want to escape the crowds.
7. Get a panoramic view from Mirador Bahia Santa Cruz
It was from the rooftop of our Airbnb in Santa Cruz on the first night that I spotted an illuminated platform up in the mountains and got searching on Google Maps. It was Mirador Bahia Santa Cruz, a scenic viewpoint just an 8-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the town.
Sadly, we didn’t get around to visiting (next time!) but the views across the bay look incredible. If you get time, definitely squeeze it into your Huatulco sightseeing plans.
8. Hike to hidden beaches: Fandango and San Andres
One of my favorite afternoons while staying in Santa Cruz was spent visiting these two quiet beaches beside one another. Access is limited to walking through the forest and hiking (down steps to San Andres and down the cliff to Fandango Cove) which clearly puts off enough people to keep them tranquil.
Playa San Andres is the bigger of the two beaches with gentle waves and lovely views across the bay to Santa Cruz. It seemed to be more locals than other tourists here and we gladly joined them for a dip!
To get to Fandango Cove, you need to climb back up the steps and traverse down the rocky cliff side. Be careful! If you have proper shoes rather than flip-flops, you’ll be grateful for them.
There are no facilities at either beach so bring everything you need with you, especially water since the climb back up is a little steep in parts.
Getting there: We walked all the way from Santa Cruz which took about 30 minutes on a non-inspiring road so you could also drive or get a taxi to the start point.
9. Bocana del Rio Copalita Eco-Archeological Site
History lovers may think one of the best things to do in Huatulco is visiting Bocana del Rio Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park close to La Bocana Beach. It’s 16km from La Crucecita and takes around 15 minutes to drive there. Once the ancient city of Copalitan, it was home to Zapotec and Mixtec people as early as 500 BC.
There are many places of interest including the Pre-Hispanic Lighthouse where inhabitants could see the approaching boats and the Great Temple.
As well as the ruins, you can explore the crafts market and museum or take a guided ecotour with a local guide to spot local birdlife. Expect to spend around 2 hours there.
Useful details: Entry to the ruins costs just 80 pesos. It’s open 8am-5pm; closed Mondays.
Getting there: drive or take a taxi. It’s a good idea to agree a return fare with the driver and ask them to wait because there probably won’t be any taxis waiting at the exit. It’s also possible to get a colectivo there. Alternatively, book a guided half-day tour including pickup from your accommodation.
10. Explore La Crucecita town
La Crucecita certainly isn’t the highlight of the region but it’s a pleasant town where you can find affordable accommodation and authentic restaurants, and shop for handicrafts. While most people use it as a base to explore the attractions of Huatulco, it has some interesting points of interest in its own right.
Things to do in La Crucecita (sometimes called downtown Huatulco):
- Mercado 3 Mayo – this colorful market is THE place to shop for souvenirs from clothes to jewelry, home items, trinkets, and more
- Try local food at El Sabor de Oaxaca (the Flavor of Oaxaca) and other authentic restaurants
- Visit the main plaza at night to soak up the atmosphere and try street food
- Take the night party bus for 100 pesos.
Note – to get between La Crucecita and Santa Cruz, take the pleasant 15-minute walk along the Tourist Corridor, a manmade walkway between the cliffs.
11. Iglesia de la Crucecita – don’t miss the mural ceiling
The La Crucecita Church murals include Mexico’s largest depiction of the Virgin of Guadalupe. If you don’t yet know, this is Mexico’s version of the Virgin Mary, said to have appeared to a Mexican peasant and his uncle in 1531. She’s one of the most famous Mexican saints, as anyone who’s been to Mexico City’s famous Basilica on the 12th of December (an auspicious day, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) will know.
This enormous ceiling mural is a sight to behold, painted electric blue and measuring 65 feet. Rather than a traditional representation of the Virgin, this funky mural is a little quirky and offbeat.
The Church is in the center of La Crucecita beside the main plaza. Entry is free. I had it all to myself when I wandered inside one rainy morning.
12. Shop for Oaxacan textiles and crafts
My first experience of Oaxacan textiles was in Teotitlan del Valle, a pueblo near Oaxaca City famous for its intricate rugs and other handmade woven items. I loved seeing how skilled artisans make these rugs using beetles to create dyes to color the items.
Since Teotitlan del Valle is far from the coast, I recommend instead that you shop for handicrafts at local markets in La Crucecita, the Museum of Oaxacan Crafts, and reputable stores like El Sueño Zapoteco A.C.
13. Relax in Santa Cruz Huatulco beach town
My friends and I stayed in Santa Cruz Huatulco for a glorious five days. This coastal town is nothing short of charming! You could plausibly have stepped back in time 50 years with almost no indicators of the modern day. There isn’t much to do but it’s a pleasant place to unwind after your adventures.
Things to do in Huatulco’s Santa Cruz:
- Visit Capilla de Santa Cruz, the main church in the plaza beside the beach
- Relax on Playa Santa Cruz, one of the best swimming beaches in the area
- Wander the town, eat at the street food stands surrounding the plaza in the evenings, and shop at the Saturday Farmers Market.
Where to eat in Santa Cruz:
- Casa del Cafe – my favorite brunch cafe serving smoothie bowls and healthy sandwiches on homemade rye bread. The coffee is easily the best in town.
- Niszul Restaurant – another fantastic brunch and breakfast cafe with outdoor seating and dishes like blueberry pancakes and smoked salmon bagels.
- Cafe Huatulco – this pretty building at the heart of the central square serves casual Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Soak up the ambiance of the town center as you dine outside.
14. Enjoy a beach club day
There’s such a wide array of beaches that you COULD spend a day at. But some have little shade or few facilities, and at others you’ll have to pay to use the loungers or reach a minimum spend on food and drink. A luxurious thing to do in Huatulco is splash out on a beach club day.
Dreams Resort & Spa is a popular option, or you can visit Niru Beach Club on Playa Santa Cruz. Entry is 900 pesos and includes access to the infinity pool overlooking the ocean as well as the jacuzzi… Although I can’t image wanting to be in a jacuzzi when it’s so hot out!
15. Saturday farmers market in Santa Cruz
One of the best things to do in Huatulco on a Saturday is visit the Farmer’s Market in Santa Cruz, Mercado Organico Huatulco. This adorable market is the place to browse and buy treats like organic honey and other homemade food products, as well as body products and fresh veggies.
16. Enjoy the Oaxacan food scene
Don’t come to Oaxaca and sleep on the food! This state has some of the best food in Mexico… And I’ve eaten enough to know!
You’ll find these foods at many of the restaurants especially those in La Crucecita. One of the best things to do in Huatulco is eat street food at the stands surrounding the plaza.
Some of the best Oaxacan foods to try include:
- Tlayudas – sometimes called ‘Oaxacan pizza’, these thin crispy delicacies made from corn masa are topped with ingredients including cheese (Oaxacan, of course!), frijoles, meat, and veggies
- Mole (pronounced mol-ay) – this rich sauce can be made from all kinds of ingredients including nuts, seeds, tomato, stock, meat broth, and more. The typical mole negro from Oaxaca includes chocolate and chili pepper
- Memelas – small morsels made from a base of corn masa (what else?) are also a popular food in Puebla and Guererro.
- Mezcal – not a food but still a staple of Oaxacan cuisine! Made from agave plants grown in Oaxaca, this is the typical drink of the state. Don’t leave Oaxaca without trying it either neat or in a cocktail.
17. Take a cooking class
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the opportunity to take a cooking class. You’ll get to make household favorite Oaxacan dishes washed down with typical regional drinks.
Book this highly-rated Oaxacan food tour where you’ll make corn dough empanadas stuffed with huitlacoche and squash, and green and red salsas to eat with homemade sopes and tortillas. Alternatively, take a cooking class using fresh seafood or one making traditional Mexican street foods.
If you do enough cooking at home but still want to learn about Oaxacan food with an expert, take a foodie walking tour with fantastic reviews.
Browse all cooking classes in Huatulco.
18. White water rafting
Huatulco is widely known as one of the best places in Mexico to try white water rafting. The Rio Copalita river cuts through the striking Sierra Madre Mountains ending at Playa la Bocana, one of the premier places to try rafting with options for all abilities.
There are two main sections for rafting, Las Hamacas and La Alemania. Both are incredibly beautiful but Las Hamacas is better for beginners.
Although it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the starting point by car, it’s easy because rafting companies will do the driving for you. Observing the mountain scenery is one of the highlights of Huatulco so don’t be put off by the journey!
19. Visit Pluma Hidalgo coffee region
THE best thing to do in Huatulco for coffee lovers is take a detour to Pluma Hidalgo, the coffee capital of Oaxaca. When you think about Mexican coffee, you’ll probably first think of Verz Cruz or Chiapas and you’d be right: these are the states that commonly export their coffee to other parts of the country, state, and world.
However, Oaxacan coffee is equally delicious and well worth trying. The lofty town of Pluma Hidalgo can be found 1,350m above sea level nestled in the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. The drive there through forests past panoramic viewpoints is worth the trip alone!
The cool mountain climate is ideal for growing arabica beans, complimented by the sea air which apparently lowers the acidity for the perfect flavor.
There are 2 types of coffee tours offered in Huatulco:
- Coffee tours just to Pluma Hidalgo – a must for true coffee fans! You can tour a plantation, explore the quaint town, and even stay overnight in a traditional finca!
- Tours including a stop at Copalitilla waterfalls – our guide told us about the harvesting and production of coffee in the region and we stopped at a shop but the waterfalls were the main event. So if you’re interested in coffee but not a superfan, this tour is a good option but don’t expect lots of coffee!
Fun fact – Pluma means feather and apparently relates to a flock of birds that flew into the air when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (leader of the Mexican War of Independence) rode through the town.
20. Ziplining (Hagia Sophia Eco Park)
Another fun activity in Huatulco is soaring above the forest canopies during a ziplining session. There are zipwire lines of up to 985 feet (300 meters) meaning you really get a lay of the land from your bird’s eye view – and a decent dose of adrenaline, too!
There are several companies offering ziplining excursions including all your safety equipment and return transport. Prices start from $45.
21. Surfing (and more) at Playa La Bocana
Right on the edge of the Bahais de Huatulco region, this stunning bay often gets overlooked – but it shouldn’t because it’s one of the most beautiful Huatulco attractions.
The Oaxaca coast is hit-and-miss for surfing due to the strong waves, but Bocana Bay is a great place to try. Rent a board or book a lesson with Bocana Surf School.
Other reasons to visit Bocana include the beautiful sunrises (if you can handle the early start!) and abundant bird-watching opportunities. Another fun activity is…
22. Mud bath at Bocana Beach
Although it’s a wonderful destination in its own right, Bocana often gets mentioned synonymously with mud baths! For a memorable thing to do in Huatulco (and some fun photos), it’s time to get messy!
Although many tourists just visit for relaxation and a unique experience, you might be interested to know that the powers of mud have a long history in Mexico. Long before the arrival of the Spanish, it was valued for its healing and nourishing properties in temazcal ceremonies.
23. Kayak at sunrise
If you’re an energetic morning type, look no further for fun activities in Huatulco. Seize the day and join a sunrise kayak adventure from Santa Cruz port with a guide. You’ll get to explore the ocean before boatloads of tourists arrive, admiring majestic a sunrise and spotting unique rock formations
Things to do near Huatulco
The region is famously spread out with 9 bays and 36 beaches not to mention the vast national park and many inland excursions. It’s a destination where most of the top attractions aren’t in the towns as I’m sure you already know.
Here’s what to do in Huatulco if you have more time…
24. Eco-tour to Laguna Ventanilla
Although Lagunilla Ventanilla is more commonly visited from Mazunte because it’s just a 10-minute drive away, it’s also a fantastic place to visit near Huatulco if you don’t mind the hour’s drive.
Ventanilla Lagoon is a nature lover’s dream, home to crocs, iguanas, and numerous bird species. It’s somewhere you can visit as part of an eco-tour while feeling secure that nature is being well-preserved thanks to conservation efforts in the region. It was tragically almost destroyed during hurricanes in 1998 and saved by the local Ventanilla community.
As well as touring the mangrove-filled lagoon and spotting wildlife in the marshlands that surround it, another popular activity close to La Ventanilla is helping with a turtle release (dependent on the time of year).
If you’re visiting as part of a tour that includes a turtle release, you will receive a talk by a local conservationist about the lives of turtles and the threats they face. Then you’ll receive a turtle hatchling in a coconut shell which you can release onto the beach so it can begin its journey to the ocean.
Note about turtle releases – never touch the turtles with your hands or carry them all the way to the sea! Oils on your hands can harm them, plus they need to reach the water themselves so they can imprint on the sand and remember where to return to when they lay their own eggs.
25. Other locations for sea turtle releases
Since tours to Laguna Ventanilla and the sea turtle conservation center together can be costly, it’s best to visit a release project independently if you’re looking for things to do in Huatulco on a budget.
Unless you’re on a day tour tagging on other Huatulco attractions and including transport, there’s no need to pay to release sea turtles at all. In fact, I’d argue that turning it into a tourist commodity is damaging for the animals. Most places on the Oaxacan coast are run by volunteers and only ask for donations to support their work.
Playa Ventanilla Beach and La Escobilla are popular places to help with a sea turtle release, both closer to Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. If you have a car, it’s easy to visit independently.
Note – many blogs will recommend you visit the National Turtle Center in Mazunte (they also organize turtle releases) but, having been here, I can’t agree. Large turtles are kept in small tanks and the whole place is grubby and due an upgrade.
26. Copalitilla Waterfall
Don’t miss La Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla or the Magical Waterfalls of Copalita. They’re part of the Copalitilla waterfall system which encompasses three sets of waterfalls, but this section is the best if you only have time for one.
Entry is 70 pesos. A VERY important tip (that I learnt the hard way) is to wear water shoes. Although there’s a large pool at the bottom of the cascades you can wallow in, the more exciting activity is walking up the gradual incline of the waterfall and swimming through the hidden caves. I did this in Birkenstocks and I DON’T recommend it.
How to visit the waterfalls: every company offering tours in Huatulco can take you here; expect to pay around 700 pesos for a full-day tour. Alternatively, rent a scooter from Adventura Mundo and make your own way there. However, a word of warning: the roads approaching the waterfall are rocky and unpaved so this isn’t a ride for beginner drivers. Also, there’s no signal up in the mountains so be sure to download offline maps ahead of time.
Related activity: Copalitilla magical waterfalls tour ($50)
27. Mazunte day trip
Although I stayed for several nights, if you have a car and have finished sightseeing around the bays, an excursion to Mazunte is one of the best things to do around Bahais de Huatulco.
I was a big fan of this chilled, hippie beach town with yoga classes and cute coffee shops. Unlike Huatulco, it’s not a cruise ship stop and has no airport, making it much less touristic. Myself and most of the other visitors were backpackers.
My favorite thing about Mazunte was the sunsets! For a budget option including a small hike, head to Punta Cometa for 5.30pm (sunset isn’t ’til 7pm but you want to get a good seat) with views over Playa Mermejita. For a more luxurious option, El Copal Hotel has a bar and infinity pool with spectacular views facing sunset. Minimum spend is 350 pesos for the bar and restaurant and 575 pesos for the pool.
Foodies, don’t miss the many restaurants in Mazunte including La Pizzeria, Luz del Sol (great veggie food), and the best coffee in town at Café Panchatantra!
Read next: the best things to do in Mazunte, Mexico
28. Go nude at Playa Zipolite
A truly unique place on the Oaxacan coast is Playa Zipolite, Mexico’s only legal nude beach! Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get arrested for being nude on other beaches in Mexico; there are others where it’s tolerated rather than legalized. Zipolite’s status also doesn’t mean you HAVE to be nude. I felt too awkward to strip off in front of so many waiters and beach bar staff!
Nude or not, I recommend a visit to Zipolite. Have a luxurious beach day on the main beach (there are comfy loungers belonging to the many beach bars including swinging double beds), wander up further to Playa Amor, or enjoy the vibe of the cafes and bars in town.
The best way to arrive in Zipolite from Huatulco is by car. If you’re traveling by public transport, I’d recommend visiting from Mazunte instead because it’s super easy to hop in a colectivo for 10 pesos.
29. Swim at Puerto Angel
This is known as one of the best swimming beaches on the Oaxacan coast and one of the very few near Mazunte, a region known for its heavy waves. Puerto Angel is a great destination to escape beachy tourist traps because it has a local feel and lower prices.
Playa Panteón is the ultimate beach to spend a day swimming in the calm waters and relaxing on the beach. Although they’re nothing fancy, you’ll find all the amenities you need for the day. Later, you can walk around the bay and visit the main town as well as the other beach, Playa Principal.
It’s easy to visit by car. Alternatively, catch a colectivo or taxi from Zipolite (where you can change for Mazunte) or Pochutla, the nearest transport hub to Huatulco.
30. Surf in Puerto Escondido
The most popular beach town on the Oaxaca coast is rapidly expanding with numerous types of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and bars, all beside a great range of beaches, some suitable for swimming and surfing.
You could easily spend a whole week in Puerto Escondido doing very little OR staying active by exploring the beaches and taking excursions. Spying magical bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon is a must!
Visiting Oaxaca City next?
Before or after you’ve ticked off the many things to do in Huatulco, you may be planning a trip to Oaxaca City. Despite being small, this charming city is packed with color and culture from crafts market to art galleries, museums, bustling food markets, and world-class restaurants. It’s heaven!
Should you exhaust the city center, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding region. I had a great time taking day trips to Hievre el Agua, the mezcal distilleries, the famous weaving town of Teotitlan del Valle (all of which can be done during a one-day tour), and the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla.
Best time of year to visit Huatulco
Generally, November to April is peak season with little rain and temperatures that are warm but not unbearably hot. The winter is typically the most expensive time to visit due to many people taking trips during the holidays. It’s also cruise ship season.
May is the hottest month of the year. The rainy season begins in June and lasts ’til September which is the rainiest month.
Saying that, you CAN go any time of year. I recently took a trip in August and although it was boiling hot and rained occasionally, we still had a great time. But you may want to time your Huatulco activities for the morning or late afternoon, wear lots of sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Huatulco FAQs
Here’s everything else you might be wondering…
Are there ATMs in Huatulco?
Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in Huatulco including several in La Crucecita and Santa Cruz. I used Banamex ATMs in both towns which charge just 30 pesos for foreign bank cards to withdraw money (at least for me – your bank could charge different rates).
If you plan to visit Mazunte or Zipolite next, it might be worth withdrawing enough cash to take with you because both these towns only have private ATMs that charge a fee of 110 pesos. Also, they’re often out of cash.
Is Huatulco safe?
Very much so. It’s a relaxed part of Mexico with almost no crime. I visited with a group of friends but whenever I went off solo, I always felt completely safe even as a young, blonde woman who doesn’t speak that much Spanish. I’ve traveled much of the Oaxaca coast alone and never had any problems.
What are the absolute best things to do in Huatulco, Oaxaca?
If I had to pick just a few, I would say the Seven Bays boat trip, exploring the other beaches, and visiting Copalitilla Waterfall are the top attractions of Huatulco.
Is Huatulco worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s especially worthy of a visit for nature lovers. But I would suggest that if you don’t have a car, you plan your itinerary well and take some tours to ensure you can reach attractions and make the most of the region.
How long to spend in Huatulco?
I would say 5 days in Huatulco is optimum because you can spend a few days on the beach and also take some day trips.
Are there Mayan ruins near Huatulco?
No, there are no Mayan ruins in Huatulco but there are ruins from the civilizations of other pre-Hispanic groups. Bocana del Rio Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park is a great place to learn about Zapotec and Mixtec culture.
Can you drink the water in Huatulco?
No, like most places in Mexico, you shouldn’t drink the tap water. Instead, buy filtered water or – for a more environmentally friendly option – bring a reusable water bottle (because often accommodations and cafes have large filtered units you can top up your bottle from) or bring a filtering water bottle that makes any water safe to drink.
Can you see whales in Huatulco?
Yes, humpback whales can be spotted from the shores and during boat trips but only in peak season from November to April with the peak time being January and February.
Thanks for reading!
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