Huatulco

Huatulco

Nine bays of white sand and turquoise water define Huatulco, a coastal tourism development in Oaxaca, Mexico. The area sits where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur meet the Pacific Ocean, about 400 kilometres east of Acapulco. Centered on the town of La Crucecita, Huatulco supports a population of roughly 50 000 and serves as the gateway to a series of nine bays that stretch along 26 kilometres of jagged coastline.

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The four main districts—Tangolunda, Santa Cruz, La Crucecita and Chahué—each offer distinct experiences. Santa Cruz hosts the principal pier where cruise ships dock, a marina for yachts, and the Capilla de Santa Cruz, a seaside chapel for weddings and baptisms. Its 250‑metre Playa Santa Cruz features soft white sand and turquoise water. Eastward, Bahía Chahué presents three principal beaches—Chahué, Esperanza and Tejón—while Bahía Tangolunda holds five beaches named Ventura, Manzanillo, Tornillo, Tangolunda and Rincón Sabroso, their waters shifting between cobalt blue and emerald green. Further east, the mouth of the Río Copalita leads to surf‑friendly stretches such as Barra de la Cruz and Playa El Mojón.

Accommodation ranges from modest rooms and economy hotels to luxury villas and large resorts that line Tangolunda Bay. Notable properties include Camino Real Zaashila, Quinta Real Huatulco, Las Brisas, Dreams Resort & Spa and the Barceló hotel. Visitors rent jet skis, join sailboat excursions, or dive among coral reefs, while surfers chase waves at Barra de la Cruz. Domestic tourists account for about 80 percent of visitors, a figure shaped by the small international airport situated twenty minutes from the main resorts. In 2006 Huatulco earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, recognizing the ecological value of its nine‑bay coastline. The combination of protected bays and a thriving resort scene makes Huatulco a uniquely balanced destination on Mexico’s Pacific shore.

Tours & Activities

Experiences in Huatulco

Explore hand-picked Huatulco tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.

Lodging & Accommodations

Where to stay in Huatulco

From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Huatulco accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.

Gran Juquila Huatulco

Gran Juquila Huatulco puts 61 rooms five minutes on foot from Chahue Beach in Mexico. The hotel stands in the Chahue district of Santa María Huatulco, where coastal bays and town markets sit within short reach.

Trips to Inspire

Huatulco itineraries

Explore hand-picked Huatulco itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

From $1,081 per person

8 days · Oaxaca City, Huatulco

Couple

Explore Oaxaca’s culture and cuisine, visit Monte Albán’s Zapotec ruins, and experience Huatulco’s coast with local conservation insights.

8 days · Oaxaca City, Huatulco

Mexico

From $2,344 per person

13 days · Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca City, Huatulco

Couple

Explore Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, and Huatulco for history, indigenous culture, outdoor adventures, and relaxed Pacific beach time.

13 days · Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca City, Huatulco

Mexico

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