HuatulcoHuatulco at a Glance
Costs: USD 80-200 per day - mid-range Mexican coastal prices; resorts pricier, local eateries affordable.
Safety: Moderate - stick to tourist zones - tourist areas are generally safe; avoid isolated beaches at night.
Best Time: November-April - dry, sunny weather ideal for beaches and boating.
Why Visit Huatulco?
Located on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, this resort area is prized for its nine sheltered bays (Bahías de Huatulco), clear snorkeling waters and eco-conscious beaches. La Crucecita offers lively markets and Oaxacan specialties-fresh seafood, tlayudas and regional moles-while boat trips connect secluded coves and marine reserves. Travelers come for relaxed beach days, snorkeling, and a quieter alternative to larger resort towns without sacrificing authentic coastal cuisine and seaside charm.
Huatulco Bucket List
Don't Miss
Bahías de Huatulco (Nine Bays) - Series of sheltered bays with beaches, boat access and marine life to explore.
Parque Nacional Huatulco - Coastal park with trails, flora, fauna and protected seaside ecosystems.
La Entrega snorkeling reef - Accessible reef for snorkeling trips, frequently visited by small dive and snorkel boats.
Hidden Gems
Tangolunda Bay beaches - Quieter sandy beaches east of the main marinas, suitable for relaxed swims.
Cascadas de San Agustín (nearby waterfalls) - Short hikes to small waterfalls and pools in the coastal foothills for cooling dips.
Local seafood cevicherías - Family-run restaurants serving freshly prepared seafood and regional Huatulco specialties.
Day Trips
Bahías de Huatulco boat tours - Boat trips visiting multiple bays for beaches, snorkeling and coastal scenery.
La Crucecita and artisan market - Nearby town with central church, artisan stalls and seafood restaurants to sample.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Huatulco
Huatulco shines from November to April when the Pacific coast is dry, sunny, and comfortable - perfect for beaches and snorkeling. The rainy season (May-October) brings heavy afternoon storms and higher humidity.
Dry Season
Sunny, breezy days and low humidity make this the nicest stretch for beaches, snorkeling, and boat trips - very popular indeed.
Rainy Season
Hot, humid afternoons with regular downpours - landscapes green up and crowds thin, but expect interrupted beach plans and occasional closures.
Hot Season
Hottest months before the rains - high heat and humidity make midday outings tiring; mornings and evenings are still lovely for the beach.
Huatulco's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1245 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 5 mm | clear | 66% | 3.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.2h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 26° | 8 mm | clear | 63% | 3.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.5h |
| March | Ideal | 20° - 33° | 27° | 14 mm | clear | 61% | 3.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 21° - 34° | 29° | 24 mm | clear | 61% | 3.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 22° - 34° | 30° | 93 mm | some cloud | 67% | 3.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Good | 22° - 32° | 30° | 268 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| July | Good | 22° - 32° | 30° | 172 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 22° - 32° | 27° | 244 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 22° - 31° | 26° | 275 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Excellent | 21° - 31° | 26° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
| December | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 6 mm | clear | 71% | 3.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.1h |
How to Get to Huatulco
Huatulco is served directly by Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX), which is the easiest way into town; the airport is a short drive from the main bay area. There is no rail link - long-distance travel is by bus or plane and local movement relies on taxis, colectivos and rental cars.
Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX): Huatulco’s airport (HUX) is very close to the main town area (La Crucecita) - taxis from the terminal to La Crucecita typically take 10-20 minutes and cost around MXN 150-300 depending on luggage and time of day. There are also colectivo vans and hotel shuttles that may offer lower fares.
Bahías de Huatulco (regional connections): HUX has domestic flights to Mexico City and other regional airports; if arriving via Oaxaca (OAX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM) expect a longer bus or taxi transfer (several hours by road) to Huatulco from those hubs.
Train: There is no passenger rail service to Huatulco; long-distance travel in this region is by road.
Bus: ADO and other coach companies run long-distance buses to and from Huatulco, including services to Oaxaca City and coastal towns. Bus journeys to Oaxaca can take about 7-9 hours depending on service and cost around MXN 300-600; shorter local colectivos and shuttles connect the bays and towns within the Huatulco area.
How to Get Around Huatulco
Huatulco’s HUX airport puts you close to the bays and town; from there taxis, colectivos and hotel shuttles are the simplest local options. For intercity travel use ADO buses or domestic flights; there is no passenger rail in the area.
- Taxi from HUX (MXN 150-300) - Taxis are available at Huatulco airport and provide the quickest door-to-door transfer to La Crucecita and the bay area (10-20 minutes). Fares are typically in the MXN 150-300 range; agree price or use authorized airport taxis.
- Colectivos / shared shuttles (MXN 50-150) - Shared colectivos and hotel shuttles run between the airport, La Crucecita and the beaches; they are cheaper than private taxis and a common choice for budget travellers. Schedules are informal - confirm times locally.
- Long-distance buses (ADO) (MXN 300-600) - ADO and regional bus companies operate routes to Oaxaca City and other coastal towns; buses are comfortable and economical for long trips. Expect journeys to Oaxaca of roughly 7-9 hours and fares typically in the MXN 300-600 range depending on class.
- Car hire & taxis (MXN 400-1,200/day) - Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the various bays and beaches around Huatulco at your own pace. Taxis are plentiful for short trips, but for extended island-style exploration a car is handy.
- Boat / water taxi (MXN 50-300) - Water taxis and small boats link the bays and beaches around Huatulco; they are useful for coastal sightseeing or reaching beaches that have limited road access. Prices vary by distance and operator, often charged per person or per boat.
- Walking - La Crucecita and the main bays are compact and pleasant to explore on foot; many restaurants, markets and beaches are within easy walking distance of each other. Walking is often the fastest way to move around the town centre.
Where to Stay in Huatulco
Budget
La Crucecita / Huatulco - MXN400-1000/night
Huatulco has a wide range of budget guesthouses and simple hotels in La Crucecita and near the bays - reliable, basic, and close to beaches and restaurants.
Budget guesthouses in La Crucecita - Small guesthouses near the main town.
Various budget options (Huatulco) - Hostels and simple inns around bays.
Mid-Range
Bahías de Huatulco - MXN1200-3000/night
Solid mid-range resorts and boutique hotels line the bays. Expect good pools, beach access, and on-site dining at reasonable prices.
Barceló Huatulco - Resort-style mid-range facilities.
Quinta Real Huatulco - Comfortable rooms with ocean views.
Hotel Villa Blanca Huatulco - Popular mid-range beachfront option.
Luxury
Bahías de Huatulco - MXN3000+/night
Huatulco offers true upscale resorts and boutique luxury hotels on the bays, with full-service spas, fine dining, and private beach areas.
Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa - Adults-only luxury resort and spa.
Barceló Huatulco - Upscale beachfront resort facilities.
Where to Eat in Huatulco
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Huatulco’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Huatulco
Nightlife in Huatulco is low to moderate in scale: relaxed bars, beachfront lounges and hotel entertainment are common, especially in Tangolunda and La Crucecita. You’ll find more choices during high season, but it’s not a major clubbing destination.
Shopping in Huatulco
Shopping in Huatulco centres on La Crucecita, where you’ll find artisan stalls, small boutiques and a municipal market selling crafts, coffee and regional foods. For larger stores or more variety, larger Oaxacan towns offer additional options.