About Huatulco

In the late 1960's the Mexican government began an ambitious tourism development strategy.

The goal was to identify new beach resort sites in Mexico and then build integrated master-planned resorts. The 35-kilometer stretch of pristine bays, coves and inlets known as the Bahias de Huatulco or Bays of Huatulco (wah-TOOL-co) in southern Oaxaca, Mexico was one section of coastline targeted.

This world class resort has become Mexico's most ambitious tourism project. In fact, Huatulco is Mexico's first and only "ecotourism" resort with a green globe certification. The majority of the project's approximately 52,000 acres are to be held as ecological preserves.

Huatulco is one of Mexico's most relaxed destinations. The centerpieces of Huatulco's appeal are the nine bays encompassing 36 beaches and numerous inlets and coves, each with its own unique setting and ecology. All are known for lovely unspoiled beaches of golden sand and crystal clear water. Some are so virgin (primitive) that they are only accessible by boat. Only three of the bays are "tourist ready" with visitor facilities. Tangolunda Bay is the grandest of Huatulco's bays, Santa Cruz is home to the fishing port and the small city of Santa Cruz, and Chahue (CHAH-way) is the area's largest with three long stretches of sandy beach and a newly build marina.

Most visitors will visit these areas and the small, charming city of La Crucecita, which is about half a mile inland from Chahue bay. Huatulco is located in the beautiful, colorful state of Oaxaca and is only 40 minutes by air from the capital city of Oaxaca. Oaxaca City's awesome archaeological sites, colorful markets, rich colonial architecture and fascinating native cultures make a perfect match for Huatulco's coastal attractions. Huatulco is also an excellent gateway for exploring the coastal villages of Puerto Escondido and Puerto Angel, two of Oaxaca's coastal gems.



Huatulco, too, is rich with ancient indian history. Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztecs merchants established and important trade route through the region. Following the conquest, the coastal village of Santa Cruz Huatulco served as a harbor and shipyard for the Spaniards, however, the establishment of the Acapulco-Orient trade route in 1560 led to an immediate decline in Huatulco's development. The settlement was raided by English pirates in the late 16th century, and the area's villages lingered for centuries as sleepy outposts.

At present Huatulco's dining, shopping and nightlife are growing to meet an international clientele. Sightseeing includes popular bay tours, ecological excursions, beach combing, ATV tours and horseback riding. The sports scene offers tennis, deep sea fishing, every imaginable water sport, and golf. Huatulco also has some of the clearest water on Mexico's Pacific coast, and offers some great diving and snorkeling spots. Putting it all together, Huatulco offers that hard-to find combination of deluxe facilities and an unspoiled natural setting. All this, plus the allure of nearby Oaxaca city, makes a Huatulco an enticing destination.

One thing that sets Huatulco apart from other Mexican ocean destinations is the master ecological protection plan established by the Mexican government. Because of these efforts, Huatulco has become the only community in all of North and Central America to be rewarded with the Green Globe 21 certification. There are presently only 7 in the world. Green Globe awards this certification based on a community's handling of such environmental issues as greenhouse effect, water resources, preserving biodiversity, waste and water treatment, and social/cultural interaction.

Huatulco consists of an area that encompasses about 22 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline including the 9 separate bays and 36 beautiful beaches so often mentioned. It is bordered on the North by the Sierra Madre Del Sur Mountain Range which is one of 3 main mountain ranges in Mexico. On the East Huatulco is bordered by the Copalita River and on the West by the Coyula River.

The total area is approximately 52,000 acres. Of that, about 41,000 acres has been declared a no-construction ecological zone and designated as a National Protected Area called the Huatulco Wildlife and Marine Park. This guarantees that Huatulco will never be overbuilt like so many other oceanfront destinations in Mexico. It also ensures a continuation of the preservation of natural resources and regeneration and maintenance of the ecological balance. Huatulco also boasts the only archeological ruin site on the Mexican Pacific coast.

Huatulco offers a combination of ideal climate tendencies that few cities in Mexico can match. The weather is warm and sunny with very few large swings in temperature. The average year round temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with more than 330 days of sunshine per year. When there is rain, it is most usually a few hours in the mid to late afternoon, which then gives way again to blue skies.

One of the most important weather advantages is that Huatulco and the surrounding areas lie in the lowest risk area zone for Hurricanes for all of Mexico coastline communities.

Huatulco is in the same frequency zone as the city of Veracruz. Since the year 1857, the Veracruz area has been brushed or hit by hurricanes an average of only every 10.46 years with an average of 68.50 years between direct hits.

Compare that to the areas of Cabo San Lucas or La Paz which have the same hurricane frequency zone rating as Cancun and Cozumel. Cozumel, the safer of the two, for the same period, has been hit or brushed every 2.80 years and has an average of 7.56 years between direct hits. So the risk is 4 to 5 times higher on the Baja peninsula than in the Huatulco area.

Ft Lauderdale / Miami have a hit ratio of every 2.69 years and an average major hit every 7 to 8 years.

Hurricane data obtained from hurricanecity.com and NOAA Coastal Services Center

Another attractive advantage of Huatulco weather conditions is the year round warmth of the ocean water temperatures. Here are some of Mexico's ocean destinations with rank of water temperatures from warmest to coolest*:

1. Huatulco (warmest) 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Manzanillo
3. Puerto Vallarta
4. Mazatlan
5. Cabo San Lucas
6. Cancun (coolest)


*Sea Surface Temperature data obtained from NOAA Coastal Services Center

Because of the intersection of mountains, ocean, and rivers, Huatulco displays a diverse array of wildlife, marine life and vegetation including over 400 types of plants, almost 300 types of resident and migrant birds.

The protected marine zone is part of the most extensive coral reef system in Mexico and features 14 kinds of coral reef. Marine life includes a variety of fish and shellfish as well as dolphins, whales and sea lions. The Huatulco beaches are a protected sanctuary for the nesting grounds of the sea turtle.

Most of the bays are sheltered and provide calm water for swimming or snorkeling.

La Bocana - "The Mouth" La Bocana is a traditional fishing village; here families have fished the waters for centuries. The beach is long and pristine stretching for well over a mile. You can cross the river to find a fresh water lagoon. The lagoon is part of the Botazoo and is a bird sanctuary.

Santa Cruz - Home to the beaches of La Entrega, Yerbabuena and Santa Cruz. Also contains the fishing and pleasure boat marina as well as the large dock for cruise ships

Tangolunda - Zapotec word meaning "beautiful woman". Beautiful expansive beach and home to the 18 hole golf course and a number of the nicest beachfront hotels.

Chahue' - "Place of fertile grounds". Here there are 3 beaches; La Esperanza, El Tejo'n and Chahue' as well as a small new marina.

Cacaluta - "Place of the Blackbird". Part of the ecological reserve and contains an abundance of different vegetation - a favorite of visiting artists. Great snorkeling reef.

Chachacual - A dedicated ecological reserve with no development containing Mangroves and other trees. A preferred nesting area for sea turtles and featuring great coral reefs.

Conejos - Known for its tranquil beaches. A favorite for diving fishing and swimming. Horseback riding trips from here are popular. Kayak trips into the jungle leave from here also.

Maguey - Features a secluded, scenic 1300 foot long beach and soft waves. Accessible only by boat.

Organo - A soft sandy beach great for young children and sunbathing. The place to watch the blowhole called "Bufadero".

San Agustiñ - It is the widest bay and has a small island in the middle. Features abundant coral banks and reefs.

Playa Arrocito - "Small Rice" is a small hidden cove that only visitors in the know will find. This secluded beach is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or a day out with the family. There is a great snorkeling reef that can be reached by swimming out to the mouth of the cove. The water is clear, blue and is a great place for the kids to swim. This is the location of Cosmo Oceanfront Residences. The Cosmo property owners will have direct access to Arrocito beach from the site.

As you can imagine, with the diverse terrain and geography, many recreational activities are available. One of the favorites of course is Golf.

Settled between the mountains and Tangolunda Bay is one of the best golf courses on the Mexican Pacific. Consisting of 18 holes, 72 par championship category, it is a beautiful course with lakes and spectacular views of the picturesque Tangolunda Bay and beach.

The good news for golfers is that per the government, the Master Plan of Huatulco foresees the building of a new golf course.

Every type of water sport is available in Huatulco including diving, snorkeling, sport and deep sea fishing for Sail Fish / Swordfish / Tuna / Mahi Mahi, sailing, surfing, kayaking the bays, wind surfing, and parasailing.

If you add to that the other nearby activities on the river and in the jungle such as horse back riding, zip lining, rock climbing, white water river rafting, canoeing and mountain biking, you get an idea of what is possible.

For hikers, there are hundreds of square miles of jungle and coffee plantations up in the hills behind Huatulco. The higher up one hikes, the greener and thicker the vegetation becomes. Streams and waterfalls also become more common at these higher elevations.

Many of the beaches, coves and islands are completely pristine, undeveloped and accessible only by boat. The best way to explore them is a water taxi. These boats and pangas depart from Tangolunda beach, as well as from Santa Cruz bay. You may never see virgin oceanfront territory this unspoiled and beautiful.

Of course that still does not include a more relaxed agenda of getting a traditional mud bath, followed by a swim at the waterfalls followed by bird watching and an afternoon trip to tour one of the nearby coffee plantations. The mud bath treatment is actually a traditional Zapotecas mud bath. The mud, called Lodo, has been used for medicinal and beauty treatments for hundreds of years. Used not only by the Zapotecas but also by the Mayans and Aztecs. Now people from all over the world come to La Bocana to enjoy this treatment.

The Lodo treatment is exclusively the work of "The Women of La Bocana Cooperative". These are the women of the village, fishermen's wives and family, who are the direct descendants of the original Zapotecas. Each day at 11am the women from the cooperative come to the beach with their freshly prepared Lodo. A full body treatment costs $50 pesos. (about $5 USD).

That's just the beginning. Wait until you discover what a whole different world is waiting for you in the magical city of Oaxaca, soon to be just a 3 hour trip by car from Huatulco. You may never be the same. This is the city that people from all parts of Mexico call their favorite place when THEY want to get away from it all. It is known worldwide for a special type of chocolate made there that is unlike any other.

ATV Jungle Tour/ATV rentals
Nacho Tours Huatulco
Beaches of Huatulco
Best of Huatulco
Birds Watching
Chahue Beach Club
Coffee Plantation Tour
Deep Sea Fishing
Hurricane Divers
Golfing
Horseback Riding
Kitesurfing
Restaurant Guide
Sailboat "Luna Azul" Bays and Sunset Tours
Spanish Language Courses
Xquenda Spa
State of Oaxaca information
Surfing lessons at Bocana Beach
Tour Operators for local excursions
Water Rafting and Kayaking

Just a few minutes from the beach areas you will find the very quaint and colorful Town Center of Huatulco. Here you can enjoy shopping for almost anything. This is also where the traditional Mexican central park is located. It is bordered by a beautiful colonial church and many great restaurants and a small number of intimate casual bars. Dancing and live music is usually available here as well as at some of the beach area hotels and restaurants.

The state of Oaxaca is the most diverse, complete cultural recreational destination in Mexico. See photo!

Sixteen different indigenous peoples continue to maintain their languages and cultural traditions. Here the Olmec, Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations thrived. In the 16th century, the state capital city of Oaxaca, which is a 50 minute flight from Huatulco, was established by the Spaniards. In 1987 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized both world heritage traditions of Oaxaca by declaring the Zapotec archeological zone of Monte Alban and the historical center of Oaxaca City World Heritage Sites. See great photos:

World Heritage Info re Oaxaca!

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the "Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage", adopted by UNESCO in 1972.) More Info!

The next Los Cabos? With a $1.4-billion Government investment, Huatulco is poised to boom.

Imagine if you'd bought a spacious, beachfront condo or house in Los Cabos, Mexico before it became a household name. Imagine watching those golden sunsets, strolling those beaches, and dining under the stars on your sea-view balcony. Now imagine what that home would be worth today!

You may have missed your chance for bargain buys in Los Cabos, but it's not too late on another fabulous stretch of coast. The place is Huatulco, on the state of Oaxaca's Pacific coastand it's poised to boom. With its nine lush bays and 36 beaches, Huatulco always had the potential to be a major resort. But fame has eluded it - until now. Developers are pouring in, and Mexico's President Felipe Calderñ, a fan of Huatulco himself - has promised $1.4 billion in improvements to the area. Now this seaside Cinderella is dusting off her dancing shoes and primping to be the belle of the ball.

In the 1980s and early 1990s both the Mexican government and private industry invested heavily in Huatulco. They expected that by now Huatulco would have 10,000 hotel rooms and a million visitors a year. But that didn't happen. What happened instead was a downturn in Mexico - s economy, followed by a drop-off of tourists after 9/11. These events lowered expectations for Huatulco's growth. Until this past March when President Calderñ outlined a $1.4 billion, four-year investment program for the area - it's always had the goods to be a star like Cancun or Los Cabos. Now, with Calderñ's promise of investment money to the area, Huatulco will finally be put on the map. Huatulco is a small town still emerging as a major destination.

Huatulco has the best completed infrastructure and water system of any of Mexico's resort destinations. Yes, you can even drink the water from the tap there. This is because of the efforts and intention of the Mexican government tourism agency called Fonatur which also developed Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa. As mentioned, Huatulco is the only community in which only 30% of the area will ever be developed with the rest being preserved for ecological sustainability. Not only that, but it just so happens that the current President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, personally loves Huatulco and just months ago unveiled a commitment to invest $1.4 billion over a four year period to put Huatulco on the map as an international destination. See video of President Calderon's speech in Huatulco.

In the meantime, even though Huatulco real estate prices are beginning to increase as investors and homebuyers discover the area, it is still possible to purchase property at a fraction of what comparable properties would cost in other areas that do not have the advantages listed above.

Located north of Huatulco, about 6 miles past a village called San Angel you will find the National Mexican Turtle Center, which is dedicated to the ongoing preservation of endangered sea turtles.

Just a few miles north of the airport lies the town of Santa Maria Huatulco, which is a quaint pre-Hispanic community sitting at the foot of the jungle. It is the site of many traditional cultural ceremonies including the annual festive and colorful "Dios Muertos" celebration.

Located in the hills east of Huatulco are a number of huge coffee plantations, started 200 years ago by German immigrants. They are accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles only. In the nearby jungles, there are rivers and waterfalls.