Amazing resort on the nine bays of Huatulco, Mexico: with colorful coastal towns, beautiful beaches and stunning nature
Mexico's charming nine-bay destination may be one of the underrated resorts, but if you do venture here, your efforts will be fully justified. Unpretentious colorful beach towns, charming hotels, and bioluminescent waters are just a small part of what's worth seeing in Huatulco, Mexico. It's not a specific destination, but an entire region spread out along the rugged Costa Oaxacena.
The real name of this area is called Baias de Huatulco, or "The Bays of Huatulco." It is explained by the fact that the popular resort is surrounded by nine bays on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Each bay has a different atmosphere, making Huatulco the perfect starting point for exploring Oaxaca's wild coastline.
Baias de Huatulco is a hilly area along the coastline with crescent-shaped beaches of golden sand and dense palm groves against the green mountains of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca and Sierra Madre del Sur. From here, a highway zigzags up the rocky slope, which travelers can take by bus to Oaxaca City, the state capital.
Beautiful scenery has always existed here, but it wasn't that long ago that Baias de Huatulco became Mexico's resort destination. This side of it was developed about 40 years ago by the National Tourism Foundation to create a tourist attraction similar to Ixtape in Guerrero or Cancun in Quintana Roo. But unlike these famous resorts, in Huatulco you will not find chic shopping centers or high-rise hotels. The main attraction here remains nature: vast tracts are protected so as not to jeopardize the lush jungle.
With the creation of two highways (one descending through the mountains from the city of Oaxaca and the other going up to the fishing village of Puerto Escondido), the Bahias de Huatulco region has grown to encompass nine bays and 36 gorgeous beaches with nearby resorts, boutiques, restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities. The list of major bays in Huatulco consists of Santa Cruz, Tangolunda, Chaue, Conejos, Chachacual, San Agustin, Maguey, Cacaluta and Organo.
Today, Huatulco is mostly frequented by travelers who are not satisfied with relaxing with a book and a drink on a lounge chair by the pool. It attracts surfers, sailors, hikers, foodies and nature lovers because of the easy access to the wild parts of Oaxaca from here. This gives you the opportunity to explore the national parks, of which there are many in the area, swim in fantastic bioluminescent bays and immerse yourself in the charm of bohemian coastal villages. Follow these tips to find out how to best plan a trip to Huatulco.
How to get to the Huatulco region?
Bahias de Huatulco stretches along one of Mexico's most unexplored coasts, but transportation to this resort is well developed. The easiest way to reach it is by air, flying into the Bahias de Huatulco International Airport. There are direct flights from Mexico City, Oaxaca and Tijuana, and seasonally flights from Chicago, Dallas, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver are also added.
You can also get to Huatulco by other means of transportation by taking a scenic ADO bus ride from the city of Oaxaca down the mountainside. It should be said that the trip is 10-12 hours of sharp turns at breakneck speeds, so you should be prepared for this journey. However, the buses are safe and comfortable, with wide reclining seats. If you wish, you can cut the trip short and rent a cabin in the mountain village of San Jose del Pacifico with views of the forest and mountains.
Where to stay in Huatulco, where to eat and what to do?
The 36 beaches of Bahias de Huatulco offer a huge variety of activities. Some beaches are buzzing with fun: sailboats and catamarans cruising the harbor, bars and cantinas with non-stop music. Other beaches in Huatulco are filled with chic all-inclusive resorts and cabins for rent. And some beaches are beautiful remote nooks with a sleepy atmosphere and rows of covered shacks with delicious seafood. If you want to stay at one of the beachfront resorts, the main spots are Bahia Chahue, Bahia de Santa Cruz and Bahia Tangolunda coves. Otherwise, many travelers prefer the inland town of La Crucesita.
La Crucesita
La Crucesita isn't technically Huatulco Bay in Mexico, but it's nonetheless where the resort's main meeting place on the nine bays is located. It's home to most of the tourist offices, a huge assortment of restaurants, bars and local boutique hotels. Cabs from here provide convenient access to outlying beaches and bays. Also in La Crucesita is one of the main entrances to Huatulco National Park. This is a UNESCO biosphere reserve consisting of a marine park, tropical jungle and dry forest. The park is great for kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and bird watching.
Where to eat and drink in La Crucesita?
The choice of gastronomy establishments in La Crucesita is quite good, from tourist bars with cheap mescal to haute Mexican cuisine. For example, for fresh seafood that combines traditional national flavors with original Asian touches, stop by Rocoto for a Thai mango curry or tuna poke. Sitting at simple tables at El Sabor de Oaxaca, you'll enjoy plates of pulled Oaxaca cheese, bean dips, brightly colored mole and crispy tlayudas.
La Crema, a rasta-inspired tourist bar decorated with glowing lights, will offer guests strong drinks, a diverse menu of tasty pizzas and live music nights. And Agave Restaurant will be appreciated by vegetarians thanks to its healthy smoothies, abundant acai bowls and cold-pressed juices.
Where to eat and drink in Bahia de Santa Cruz, Bahia Chaue and Bahia Tangolunda?
The gastronomy of the different bays of Huatulco will allow you to discover the national cuisine of the southern part of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. At the entrance to the Chahue Wharf, the Marea Alta mobile food truck catches the attention of visitors with a terrific menu of fresh seafood and a beautiful view of the wharf.
The Finca de Vaqueros restaurant is a must visit for those looking for really good steaks, grilled sausages and an abundance of side dishes to go with them. To try more flavors, get the parrillada.
A great place to snack on succulent dishes and explore regional recipes is located on Playa Santa Cruz. Ve El Mar is open all day and will delight you with grilled octopus, fresh ceviche and whole fish for the whole family.
If you're near the beaches of Bahia Chahue, Bladu'Yú is the place to go, with a menu centered on the traditions of southern Oaxaca. Its bright red walls are decorated with huge paintings depicting scenes from traditional Oaxaca life, and you might be served corn tamales, garnacha with meat and pickled cabbage, or fried chicken with potatoes and onions.
Where to stay in La Crucesita, Bahia Tangolunda, Bahia Chaue and Bahia de Santa Cruz?
Many tourists who come to Huatulco choose to stay in La Crucesita, where there are dozens of cool boutique hotels within walking distance of the main attractions. For example, a couple blocks from the town square is the Mision de los Arcos. It can't be called a five-star hideaway, but the comfort, service provided and great location are more than worth the price.
To stay by the sea, or at least have a great view of the water from your room, you should consider options in the Bahia de Santa Cruz, Bahia Tangolunda, or Bahia Chaue neighborhoods. One of the best resorts in this part of Huatulco is the Dreams Huatulco Spa Hotel. It is located on a beautiful stretch of golden sand and offers an all-inclusive package to its guests. The hotel has 421 rooms with balconies and plenty of sunshine, six pools, including three infinity pools, and a beach with thatch-covered canopies and lounge chairs.
Among the hills at the top of the Playa Chahue section is another stunning hotel, the Quinta Bella Huatulco. It's not right on the beach, but a 5-minute drive away, and has 44 rooms, several restaurants, and a beautiful beachfront spa.
With just 27 rooms, the elegant Quinta Real Huatulco Beach Hotel will delight guests with views of Playa Tangolunda. The resort offers free shuttle service to the beach and relaxation in stunning rooms with marble bathrooms and Jacuzzis, and some with private pools.
Other bays and beaches in Huatulco
Some areas of Baias de Huatulco are more popular, but in principle all of its coves are fairly close. There are safe and affordable cab rides between the beaches worth visiting when traveling to Huatulco. For example, you can drive to Bahia San Agustin, which is an undeveloped stretch of beautiful beach. There are no branded services here, but you'll find a few lodges with modest rooms and the freshest seafood.
One of the furthest areas from La Crucesita is Bahia Conejos, although a cab ride to it will also only cost a few dollars. This beach is also not the most developed, but is definitely one of the most beautiful in all of Oaxaca.
If you have time, explore the magical beach towns of Huatulco and the natural attractions scattered along Highway 200. For example, in the towns of Zipolite and Matsunte, you'll find an endless number of beach restaurants, frosh bars, yoga studios, crystal stores and tattoo parlors.
Within two hours from Huatulco, you can reach the popular surfing town of Puerto Escondido. This former fishing village is now one of the hot locations for designer hotels, nightlife and gastronomy. Outside of town, you can observe the natural wonders of Laguna de Manialtepec, known for its bioluminescent waters, and take a boat trip through the mangrove canals of Lagunas de Chicaúa National Park.
