Nestled along the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, Huatulco has evolved from a quaint fishing village into a sought-after travel destination, identified by its local airport code HUX. Many first-time visitors grapple with the pronunciation of its name ([wa’tulko]; wah-TOOL-coh) and are eager to uncover more about this relatively undiscovered treasure on the map.
Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage is a constant source of inspiration and fascination for travelers both within Mexico and internationally. We invite you to explore coastal Oaxaca through Huatulco’s distinctive culinary scene, verdant coffee plantations, charming mezcal boutiques, vibrant marine life along its protected coastline, and intriguing historical sites. Offering a wealth of world-class activities on land and in the water, often guided by locals with deep family roots in the area, Huatulco promises a warm welcome and an experience so enchanting you’ll never want to leave.
To start planning your adventure, our extensive list of 101+ Things to do in Huatulco is an invaluable resource.
This picturesque coastal town, one of Mexico’s southernmost tourist destinations, offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to other popular Mexican travel hotspots. Its authentic local atmosphere is particularly appealing to travelers seeking a genuine cultural immersion that extends beyond generic chain stores and restaurants. With its unspoiled coastal and mountain landscapes, maintained by stringent eco-friendly and Green Globe Certified environmental standards, Huatulco offers a nostalgic return to a time when travel fostered genuine connections, turning strangers into friends.
Beyond simply pinpointing Huatulco’s location and transportation options, understanding what makes this destination special, the variety of excursions and activities available, and the range of accommodation choices are essential components of trip planning. This guide and the links within are designed to address many of these key questions, helping you prepare for your Huatulco adventure.
WHY HUATULCO SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION
Huatulco presents a compelling array of reasons to choose it as your next getaway. The consistently beautiful weather is a major draw, with the Oaxacan coast boasting an incredible 330 days of sunshine annually. Especially during the colder months in northern regions of North America, Huatulco reliably delivers hot, sunny weather week after week, making it an ideal escape from cold and gloomy climates. And what better way to enjoy the warmth and sunshine than by spending time on the beach?
“The beaches in Huatulco are absolutely stunning. The sand is soft and with a beautiful lightly-toasted hue, and the water is clear and sparkles like jewels…one could literally revolve an entire vacation around visiting the varying ones in the area.” – Negra Bohemian
Huatulco’s beaches are not only visually stunning with warm, inviting ocean waters, but some also provide the perfect setting for learning to surf. The winter months bring gentle waves, creating ideal conditions for surf lessons. For more experienced surfers, Huatulco becomes a hub for international surf enthusiasts during the summer months when the Oaxacan swell intensifies. Local surf guides can lead you to secluded coastal spots offering some of the region’s best surfing waves. If you prefer to watch surfing rather than participate, La Bocana beach is a great spot to observe local surfers in action, while also enjoying a traditional mud bath or simply relaxing with a cold drink in the sun. While Huatulco is popular for its sunny tropical winters, summer in Huatulco reveals a different kind of beauty, with lush flora, powerful rivers perfect for white water rafting, and opportunities to explore the cooler mountain climates and walk through historic coffee plantations. These plantations have been a source of rich coffee for generations. However, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the people of Huatulco that truly define the experience. The community is exceptionally welcoming, eager to share Oaxacan culture, exquisite culinary traditions, and extensive local knowledge, from hidden diving locations to the best local coffee spots. Travelers who confine themselves to resorts risk missing out on the true essence of this destination.
Traveler Tip: A visit to Huatulco isn’t complete without experiencing Oaxaca’s renowned Mezcal. This spirit is widely available, from specialized boutiques to local grocery stores. Guests staying in My Huatulco Vacation rental properties can even have a Mezcal tasting experience brought directly to them through our Mexican Culinary Experience Night!
FINDING THE PERFECT ACCOMMODATION IN HUATULCO
“Along a 70-mile stretch of Mexico’s Pacific shore, 4-towns include seemingly every stripe of simpatico beach getaway. Surfing, ecotourism, hippie chic, and luxe family resorts all coexist-and, blessedly, without any crowds.” – Conde Nast Traveler
Huatulco offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preference. These include private Villa and Condo Rentals through (My Huatulco Vacation Collection), large All-Inclusive Resorts such as (Secrets Resort and Spa, Dreams Resort & Spa, Las Brisas Huatulco, and Barcelo), Boutique Hotels & Resorts like (Quinta Real, Camino Real Zaashila, Quinta Bella Huatulco, Mision de Los Arcos, Celeste Beach Residences) and numerous other small, independently owned hotels and charming coastal Bed and Breakfasts located centrally.
Traveler Tip: Some boutique hotel properties also offer private residences on-site. Renting these through My Huatulco Vacation can often provide more competitive rates than booking directly with the resort. These properties can be found at Camino Real Zaashila and Celeste Beach Residences. You can also discover private developments that offer many resort-style amenities, including on-site dining, multiple pools, beach access, and fitness centers. Notable developments include: Cosmo Residences (comparable to Dreams Resorts), and Montecito Beach Village (offering residences comparable to 5-Star Luxury Resorts).
LUXURIOUS VACATION RENTALS IN HUATULCO
My Huatulco Vacation provides the widest array of vacation rental options in the region, complemented by our personalized on-call concierge service to tailor your vacation experience. We offer comprehensive services including itinerary planning, private chef services, pantry stocking, and seamless airport transfers, ensuring every aspect of your vacation is perfect. Our collection features over 70 stunning properties with exceptional amenities like private pools, relaxing spas, swim-up bars, and direct beach access. Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable Huatulco vacation!
EXPLORING HUATULCO’S VIBRANT OCEAN LIFE
Huatulco’s most captivating feature is its 9 Bays and 36 Beaches. Even on the most popular beaches, you’ll always find ample space for your towel and umbrella. For a truly secluded experience, a short 10-15 minute boat ride can take you to a beach all to yourself! Huatulco’s pristine waters and sandy coastlines provide some of the most remarkable ocean experiences in this part of the world. It’s almost guaranteed that any boat trip will include sightings of giant sea turtles, rays, and playful dolphins.
“Almost immediately, we felt immersed in nature: The shell of a large sea turtle bobbed in the distance. A pelican divebombed a fish in front of us. We circled small rock islands [in sea kayaks]…As much as the blue waters and beige sand beckoned, I couldn’t help but look at the mountain foothills behind us.” – Desert Sun
Between November and March, whale watching opportunities are frequent as whales often surface to visit as boats pass by. For deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, Huatulco is a consistently rewarding destination. Consider participating in the annual fishing tournament, typically held in May. Beneath the ocean surface, a whole new world awaits discovery. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts should explore our Huatulco Scuba Diving Guide for detailed information.
Traveler Tip: Take a taxi to Huatulco’s San Agustin Bay to discover incredible reefs perfect for hours of snorkeling. You’ll also find a variety of beachfront palapa restaurants where you can enjoy lunch and a cold cerveza, all in a less crowded setting.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO HUATULCO: GETTING HERE
To start planning your journey, visit our flight information page for detailed information on airlines that serve Huatulco’s International Airport (HUX). Visit our Flight Information Page Here!
To give you a clearer picture of Huatulco’s location within Mexico, here’s a map view:
To appreciate Huatulco’s transformation over the last four decades…
Here’s a glimpse of Huatulco’s Santa Cruz harbor in the 1980s (photo courtesy of Wahaca Cooking):
And here are some contemporary views of Santa Cruz harbor in Huatulco as it looks today:
