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Huatulco Travel Guide

Nine bays, 36 beaches, and a world of discovery on the Oaxacan coast. Everything you need to know about Bahías de Huatulco — from activities and tours to getting here and where to eat.

The Nine Bays

Huatulco's 9 bays and 36 beaches stretch across 35 kilometers of coastline, protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The water is warm year-round, turquoise and calm — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Many beaches are only accessible by boat, preserving their pristine natural state.

Bay boat tours: Paraiso Huatulco Tours — (958) 587-2878

Coffee Plantation Tours — Pluma Hidalgo

Cultural Tour · 4 Hours

Visit Santa María Huatulco, the original pioneer settlement, then climb to Pluma Hidalgo — a mountain village at 1,300 meters elevation known worldwide for its exceptional Pluma coffee. Walk the plantations, learn the process from cherry to cup, and taste some of Mexico's finest beans at the source. The mountain scenery along the way is spectacular.

Alberto España — (958) 106-5790

Snorkeling & Diving

Water Sports

Huatulco offers incredible marine life and fascinating reef sites. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, certified instructors guide you through the Pacific coast's best underwater spots. The bays' protected waters and coral formations — particularly around La Entrega, San Agustín, and Órgano — make this one of Mexico's top snorkeling destinations.

Ricardo Lebatard — (958) 101-5427

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea

Marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna thrive in Huatulco's waters. Every year the international fishing tournament draws participants from around the world. Half-day and full-day charters available, departing from the Santa Cruz marina.

Ricardo Lebatard — (958) 101-5427 · Huatulco Water Sports — (958) 125-8666

Waterfall Tours — Cascadas Mágicas

Jungle Excursion · Full Day

An hour's drive into the Oaxacan Sierra brings you to a jungle paradise — swim in crystal-clear natural pools beneath cascading waterfalls. The tour continues to a working coffee plantation and includes a traditional regional lunch. One of the most popular day trips from Huatulco.

Alberto España — (958) 106-5790

ATV Jungle Tours

Adventure · Off-Road

Ride through Huatulco's jungle trails on an ATV. A three-hour adventure through tropical forest, river crossings, and mountain paths with experienced guides. Bring sunscreen and be prepared to get dirty.

Rancho Tangolunda — (958) 589-1105

Whitewater Rafting

Adventure · River

An adventure into the mountains to the rapids of the Copalita River, descending to sea level with experienced guides. The Copalita is Huatulco's main river, flowing from the Sierra Madre del Sur to the coast.

Rancho Tangolunda — (958) 589-1105

Horseback Riding

Adventure · Beach

Ride along Huatulco's coastline on horseback. A scenic trail takes you through jungle paths and onto the sand at Playa Bocana, with the Pacific waves at your side and the Sierra behind you.

Rancho Caballo del Mar — (958) 186-0543

Birdwatching Tours

Nature

Huatulco's tropical dry forest and coastal vegetation are home to over 300 bird species — from parrots and hummingbirds to owls and hawks. The Huatulco National Park and the Copalita River basin are prime birdwatching areas. Expert-guided tours available.

Cornelio Ramos — (958) 106-5749

Jet Ski Bay Tours

Water Sports · 3 Hours

An exciting three-hour excursion through Huatulco's bays and reefs aboard your own waverunner, with two snorkeling stops at the best reef sites on the coast.

Huatulco Water Sports — (958) 125-8666

Private Yacht Charters

Private Charter

Explore the bays on a private yacht — perfect for a full-day tour, fishing with friends, sunset cruises, or private events. An unforgettable way to experience Huatulco's coastline.

Huatulco Water Sports — (958) 125-8666

Oaxaca City Trip

Cultural Tour · 2 Days

Two days exploring Oaxaca — through San José del Pacífico in the Sierra, San Bartolo Coyotepec famous for its black pottery (barro negro), and the city center at your own pace. Day two: the ruins of Monte Albán (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Santo Domingo temple, and the Regional Museum. Oaxaca City is about 3 hours by car from Huatulco.

Alberto España — (958) 106-5790

Copalitlán Archaeological Site

Cultural Tour · Half Day

Minutes from Huatulco lies the recently discovered archaeological site of Copalitlán — a settlement over 2,000 years old with ties to the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations. Rich in regional flora and fauna, a professional guide walks you through the ruins and their history.

Alberto España — (958) 106-5790

Hagia Sofía Ranch

Eco-Adventure

A ranch 45 minutes from Huatulco with over 400 exotic plant species from Southeast Asia and South America. Walk the trails, admire nature, cool off at a small waterfall, and enjoy regional dishes. A peaceful half-day escape from the coast.

Hagia Sofía — (958) 583-7493 · hagiasofiahuatulco.com

Turtle & Crocodile Eco-Tour

Eco-Adventure · Wildlife

Travel to Ventanilla to see crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat. Visit the turtle museum in Mazunte, learn about Mexico's sea turtle species, and discover the local natural cosmetics workshop. Mazunte is a charming small beach town about 1.5 hours west of Huatulco.

Alberto España — (958) 106-5790

Oaxacan Cooking Classes

Culinary Arts

Learn the secrets of traditional Oaxacan ingredients and dishes — mole, tlayudas, memelas, and more. Hands-on classes develop your skills so you can surprise your family and friends back home with authentic flavors from one of Mexico's most celebrated culinary traditions.

Jane Bauer — (958) 100-7339

Getting to Huatulco

Huatulco International Airport (HUX) receives daily direct flights from Mexico City (1h15m via Volaris, VivaAerobus, Aeromexico), regional flights from Oaxaca City (30min via Aerotucán), and seasonal direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (3h30m via American Airlines). From the airport, it's a 20-minute taxi ride to La Crucecita. From Oaxaca City, the drive is approximately 3 hours via Highway 175 through the Sierra Madre.

Where to Eat in Huatulco

Terra-Cotta, on the ground floor of Misión de los Arcos, has been Huatulco's favorite restaurant for over two decades — Oaxacan cuisine, Pacific seafood, and a warmly lit terrace. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The town square of La Crucecita has several other restaurants, and the central market offers authentic Oaxacan street food including tlayudas, tamales, and fresh-caught fish.

Stay in the heart of it all

Misión de los Arcos — Boutique Hotel on the Town Square