Huatulco, Mexico: travel guide
Nine sheltered bays on the Oaxacan coast, with reefs and coffee hills
A planned eco-resort destination on the Oaxacan coast with nine pristine bays, excellent snorkelling, a coffee-growing hinterland, and some of Mexico's cleanest beaches.
About Huatulco
Huatulco is a coastal resort area on the Oaxacan Pacific, spread across nine bays and thirty-odd beaches, with green hills behind and calm, clear water in front. Development here has been planned and low-rise, and large stretches of coast remain protected.
Boat trips visit bays such as La Entrega, Cacaluta and San Agustín for snorkelling, kayaking and quiet beach time. The Bahías de Huatulco National Park protects reefs and forest, the Copalita archaeological park combines Zapotec remains with river and ocean views, and the hills inland have coffee farms that you can visit.
Huatulco suits couples, families and snorkellers who prefer calm water to surf. It is warm throughout the year, and the drier months from November to April are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- HUX
Last updated
Top places to visit in Huatulco
Bahías de Huatulco National Park
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Nine pristine Pacific bays protected in a national park — world-class snorkelling, sea turtles, dolphins, and some of Mexico's cleanest beaches.
Bahía de San Agustín
beach · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Westernmost bay with a shallow reef and a line of palapa seafood shacks, great for snorkelling.
Bahía Maguey
beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Calm horseshoe bay inside the national park with reef snorkelling and beach eateries.
Copalita River Eco-Archaeological Park
ruins · about 2 h · entry $95 (≈ ₹490)
Riverside park with an ancient Zapotec ceremonial site, jungle trails and an ocean lookout.
La Crucecita Main Square
plaza · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Central plaza of the main town with a church whose ceiling bears a large Guadalupe mural.
Playa La Entrega
beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Popular reef-fringed beach in Santa Cruz bay, ideal for easy snorkelling.
Bahía Cacaluta
beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Undeveloped protected bay with a heart-shaped island, reached by boat or hike.
Playa Entrega Sunset Point & Santa Cruz Marina
marina · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Marina and boardwalk where bay-tour boats depart, with waterfront cafés.
Things to do
- Seven Bays Boat Tour Water Sports · 6 h · from MXN 900 per person
- Copalita River Rafting Adventure · 4 h · from MXN 1,100 per person
- Coffee Plantation Day Tour Tour · 8 h · from MXN 1,200 per person
- La Entrega Snorkel Trip Water Sports · 3 h · from MXN 550 per person
Day trips and tours
- Seven Bays Boat & Snorkel 6 h · from MXN 900
- Coffee Finca & Waterfalls 8 h · from MXN 1,200
Where to stay in Huatulco
- La Crucecita about MXN 1,400 per night
Central town with plaza, restaurants and affordable hotels near the bays.
- Bahía Tangolunda about MXN 3,500 per night
Resort bay with the main all-inclusive hotels and golf.
Hotels
- Secrets Huatulco Resort 5-star · MXN 8,000 to MXN 16,000 per night
- Las Brisas Huatulco 5-star
- Las Palmas Huatulco 3-star
- Hostal Casa Mayor 2-star
Where to eat
- La Crema Café oaxacan, café · about MXN 250 per person
- Terra-Cotta Mexican, International · about MXN 300 per person
- El Grillo Marinero Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 350 per person
- Viena Huatulco International, Mexican · about MXN 320 per person
- Tacos y Mariscos El Sabor de Oaxaca Mexican, Oaxacan · about MXN 160 per person
Getting to Huatulco
Airport: Sta Cruz Huat (HUX)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Huatulco
- What are the main places to visit in Huatulco?
- Places covered in our Huatulco guide include Bahías de Huatulco National Park, Bahía de San Agustín, Bahía Maguey, Copalita River Eco-Archaeological Park, La Crucecita Main Square.
- Where should I stay in Huatulco?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Huatulco: La Crucecita, Bahía Tangolunda.
- How do I get around Huatulco?
- Ways to get around Huatulco covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Huatulco?
- The nearest airport to Huatulco has the code HUX.