Huatulco, Oaxaca Travel Guide
Huatulco has to be my favourite destination in Mexico, the beaches are amazing and so relaxing. Behind the beaches lays a lushes rain forest and beautiful mountains that has hidden coffee plantations.
When Mexico is brought up in a conversation it is talked about as a holiday destination for time share holders or winter getaways from up north. They always mention the Cancun area, Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta but rarely do we hear about Huatulco. Backpackers don't know much about this hidden gem as its not a backpacker destination (yet?). The tourism here is based on all inclusive resorts, but its not congested with one on every corner you would have to be looking to find them. Not only is it an all inclusive destination; the condo and apartment industry is booming with Canadian/ USA retires.
Huatulco ('Wa-tool-koh') is not considered one town it is made up of sections; the main downtown area is called La Crucecitia. You will find sovenier shops, banks, bars, food, market, grocery stores and bus stations.Huatulco is known for the 9 major bays, known has most beautiful beaches in Oaxaca.
Huatulco Best Beaches
The coastline stretches 26km long, has 9 major bays and has 36 beaches in total. Most beaches are in walkable distance from downtown and hotel area. The region has set prices on how much it is to take a taxi to a beach or an area ranges from shortest (50$ peso's to 150$) longest distance.
Recommended beaches:
Playa Santa Cruz
Playa Entrega
Playa Oregano
Playa Tangolunda
Playa Conejos
Playa Maguey
Playa Arrocito
Place to Stay
There are lots of accommodation in La Crucecita ranging in different price ranges. Basic hotel rooms for $40 - $350 USD per night with no kitchen. We had found a budget hostel that we highly recommend:
Recommend place to stay:
This hostel is located in downtown, close to the grocery store, bank, and market. There is a fully stocked kitchen and a terrace that faces a soccer stadium to relax. They have hostel dorms that are $220 peso per night, and the privates with bathrooms are $600 pesos per night.
Places to Eat
La Crucecita has a fair few restaurants to pick from and the prices aren't expensive. What I look for in a good restaurant is locally fresh sourced ingredients.
Recommended Restaurants:
This restaurant is located a few blocks from the main square. There is lots of options from pizza to pasta. The average price for a meal is 150 - 250 pesos a meal.
This place has to be my favourite Italian restaurant that I have been to so far. Its locally owned and all the ingredients are fresh. There are so many options on the menu from pizza, pasta and salads. I recommend this place to eat if coming to La Crucecita. Located just a block away from the square next to a hotel.
Just around the corner from the square, you'll find this hidden gem. Although this restaurant is small it holds Thai and a mix of Indian food as well. All the ingredients are fresh and the service is fantastic. If your out and craving some good Thai food this is place.
Beside Thai Pei and near Once Once coffee bar, this gem is located right by the square. We were looking for a gourmet breakfast place and found this. They have fantastic coffee, and a great menu for breakfast & brunch. I would I highly recommend this place if looking for a place for omelette, classic breakfast or pancakes. Their menu is huge.
Bahia San Agustin
Just west 14km out of Santa Cruz Huatulco, is a fishing village and an upcoming development of a new town. There are two RV parks, and bungalow style accommodation.
Recommended Beaches:
Playa San Agustin
Playa Riscalillo
Where to Stay
Got a tent? or want to rent a caravan for a night or 10? We stayed at Chuparosa Rv Park located 300m from the beach for 400 pesos a night. This is Canadian family owned park that has an upcoming fruit, vegetable and herb garden; Also has a swimming pool, with an outdoor kitchen and new modern shower house with hot water. I would highly recommend staying here if visiting San Agustin. *Note: make sure you bring all the food you need, this village doesn't have a grocery store*
Getting Here & Away
From Huatulco
There are two options to San Agustin, we took a taxi for 600 pesos from the downtown area which wasn't the right price. We had learned that you could take it for no more then $400 pesos. You can take the bus from the local terminal to the crossroads and get a car collective down, but they might not have room for bags. Best option is to get multiple people, split the cost and take a taxi.
From Puerto Escondido/ Pochutla
Leaving from Puerto Escondido is easy, on the main highway that goes through town stand on the right hand side heading south. There is a blue bus with dolphins on the front that leave town every 15min, that will take you directly to Pochutla for $4o peso pp. Tell the bus driver that you are heading to Santa Cruz, Huatulco and he will stop on main street where the collective agencies are.
From Pochutla
On main street you will find different local collectives that head to Santa Cruz Huatulco, it should cost you 35 peso/pp and they have the option for a microbus or a bus. It should take one hour to get there and has multiple stops at the cross roads of San Agustin and the airport. If heading the San Agustin, get off at the cross roads and take a taxi or collectivo down. Bus station in Huatulco is on the edge of the sectors; located just up from the ADO bus station, it is a short walk (1.5km) to the downtown area.
San Cristobal/Salina Cruz
Ado has a buses two over night buses leaving at 9pm and 12pm to San Cristobal via Salina Cruz costing $650 peso/pp; 200 peso/pp to Salina Cruz.
Thank you for visiting!
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