Huatulco Travel Guide
City Resort town in Oaxaca, Mexico
On Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, Huatulco centers on nine bays, sheltered coves and coral-lined snorkeling sites. Visitors book boat tours, sample Oaxacan mole and coffee, and choose between quiet bays and busier surf beaches.
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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.
Best Things to Do in Huatulco
Huatulco Bucket List
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Huatulco #
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.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (268 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (244 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (275 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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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 bays are spread out but the main town (La Crucecita) and several beaches are walkable once you’re in one area. Local colectivos (shared vans), taxis and tourist buses connect the main bays and resort areas; many visitors rent a car to explore more widely. Taxis are used for short hops between bays; prices are generally modest but confirm fares beforehand. Boat taxis also link certain beaches and bays seasonally; check times locally during the high season.
Where to Stay in Huatulco #
- Budget guesthouses in La Crucecita - Small guesthouses near the main town.
- Various budget options (Huatulco) - Hostels and simple inns around bays.
- Barceló Huatulco - Resort-style mid-range facilities.
- Quinta Real Huatulco - Comfortable rooms with ocean views.
- Hotel Villa Blanca Huatulco - Popular mid-range beachfront option.
- 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.
