14 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Huatulco, Mexico (full travel guide)
Relatively few tourists, quiet golden beaches, the best sunsets, jungle landscapes and dry air, the friendliest locals…these are just a few of the many reasons Huatulco, Oaxaca is one of my new favorite places in Mexico.
If you’re considering a visit to Mexico, Huatulco is absolutely worth checking out.
With secluded resorts, secret beaches, plenty of waterfalls, coffee plantations and one of the best places in to the world to watch baby turtles hatch, you definitely won’t run out of things to do here!
In this post, you will find an overview and travel guide to visiting Huatulco Mexico and the top 14 things to do while you’re there.
Tips for Visiting Huatulco Mexico
On the Pacific coast, with the looming Sierra Madre mountain range as its backdrop, Huatulco is a region made up of nine bays and over 30 beaches.
Huatulco is pronounced like: “wah-tool-co.”
Where is Huatulco Mexico?
Huatulco is in the State of Oaxaca, in the very south of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean.
It’s located in one of the southern states called Oaxaca ( “wah-haak-kah”).
You’ll notice there isn’t really a town called Huatulco if you google it. It’s simply the name for the small area in the state.
It’s one of Mexico’s most recent regions that was designated to be developed for tourism.
A lot of people describe Huatulco as how Cancun was in the early 90s.
A lot of cruise ships visit the area at the Santa Cruz port, which is close to the town of La Crucecita. This is the most populated town in the area and worth a visit, more on that below.
Huatulco Airport: What You Need to Know
The modest palapa-style airport will get you through in no time.
Tip: be sure to get a pic with the beautiful butterfly mural! It’s in the departures area!
What’s the Weather like in Huatulco, Mexico?
Huatulco gets very hot since this area is much closer to the equator than other more popular areas like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.
When I visited during the month of March, I was surprised how dry and arid it was!
So if you’re searching for somewhere to visit in Mexico with low humidity, Huatulco is a dry-air lovers’ paradise!
May is the hottest month and January is the coldest month in Huatulco.
Weather in High Season (Winter)
November through March is the best time to visit Huatulco. These months have the most hot sunny days and minimal rain.
Inside tip: the sun’s rays are very powerful here. If you have skin that’s used to the northern hemisphere, be cautious. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen, at least for the first few days.
Weather in Low Season (Summer)
Huatulco rainy season typically runs from May to October, although the rain tends to not last very long and most days will still be sunny.
Sun Protection is Extra Important in Huatulco
When traveling to places like Mexico, it’s important to make sure your sunscreen is biodegradable and safe for the ocean and reefs.
We want to make sure we don’t damage the beautiful natural environments we get to swim in!
Try a mineral-based sunscreen that’s also reef safe, free from most nasty chemicals and is carry-on sized!
I would recommend bringing a rash guard for the pool.
My sunburn in Huatulco was so much worse than my previous trips to Mexico (you are so close to the equator here).
Most people get a pretty bad sunburn from the pool on the first day, and then spend the rest of the time in the shade.
Bring a long-sleeved rash guard with you, as the ones at the resort gift shop usually run for close to $100 (Amazon is way cheaper lol)!
Is Huatulco Safe for Tourists?
Huatulco is completely safe for tourists. As a relatively secluded and less-visited part of Mexico, there is minimal (if any at all) dangerous activity that occurs here.
Since there’s no big city, it’s a small, rural feel where the locals you do meet are very laid back and friendly.
13 Best Things To Do in Huatulco
Wondering what to do in Huatulco besides hanging out at an all-inclusive resort?
Whether you elect to stay on a resort or in your own villa, there are endless activities, several places to visit and fun adventures to be had down the coastline.
Some of my favorite Huatulco activities were the waterfalls, mudbaths and natural jacuzzi water!
Here’s my list of list of the best things to do in Huatulco Mexico:
1. Try the Mezcal
First thing’s first, get your drink on! Mezcal is the local drink down here. While very similar to its cousin, Tequila, it’s a little different.
Have some fun trying the different flavors wherever you end up, it’s always on the menu!
I recommend taking this tour early on in your trip.
On the tour, you’ll go for a mezcal tasting and be brought to several scenic overlooks in the area and browse through the shops of La Crucecita.
Don’t forget to pack a few of these bottle protectors for your trip!
If you’re planning to bring home any bottles of mezcal (or anything else), these sleeves protect your bottles in your luggage.
They’re also leak-proof on the rare chance that they do break.
I’ve used these for several trips now, and my bottles always come home safe!
2. Find the Secret Natural Jacuzzi Bath
One of the most fun things in Huatulco that I discovered was this hidden lagoon that was basically a natural hot tub!
Complete with ‘jets’ and everything!
It’s easiest to get here if you’re staying at the Huatulco Secrets Hotel, since it’s located at the end of the beach.
But, you can still access it through the public trail to get to this beach.
If you’re standing on the beach looking at the ocean, look all the way to the right and find the big rock formations.
You will have to climb over a few to get into the little pool area.
The waves from the ocean constantly splash over into this small cove, but the large rocks keep everything protected and calm so that you can lounge.
Since it’s pretty shallow, the water stays a perfect warm bath temperature.
3. Take a Street Food Cooking Class
Learn how to make some of the most flavorful cuisine in Mexico.
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Huatulco, this cooking class will fit the bill.
Not only will you be fully immersed in learning how to make local dishes, the instructors teach you about the history and significance of the ingredients and dishes.
We’re talking homemade (real) salsa, tortillas and tacos and hibiscus margaritas!
After participating in this hands on experience you leave with your own recipe book!
4. Visit the Hagia Sofia Ecological Park
This is a botanical garden and ecological paradise. Up in the mountains, you’ll be greeted by incredible species of flora and views of the bays.
Tranquility surrounds you as trails lead you through the many different gardens.
You’ll pass streams and bridges that eventually lead you to a waterfall among vast boulders. A must visit in the area.
Find more information here.
5. Get Up Close to Crocodiles and Turtles
This is definitely a hidden gem activity in Huatulco.
Hope on an eco tour and see the preservation efforts of the area and view these exotic animals in their natural habitat.
On this tour you will cruise through the mangroves and search for crocs.
Then you will head to a turtle sanctuary.
On the way back you will pass through a couple rural communities to observe their way of life and have a chance to visit local shops and support the local economy.
6. Hike to Cascadas Mágicas (Magic Falls)
If hiking in Huatulco is on your list of things to do, this is definitely a place you want to check out.
Here, you will trek through the jungle in a 4×4 vehicle until you come to a river.
Through the jungle and up the mountainside a hidden river will take you to Cascadas Magicas.
After passing mini waterfalls, you will come to the main one and can splash around in the clear lagoon!
This tour company will bring you there and will also take you to a nearby coffee plantation where you can taste the freshest coffee you’ve ever had!
7. Get a Mud Bath at La Bocana Beach (This Was My Favorite Activity in Huatulco)
Of all the Huatulco beaches, Playa La Bocana is my favorite, and a real hidden gem that you won’t read about anywhere else.
If you’re staying at Secrets Resort, it’s about a 20 minute walk from the complex.
Or you can grab a taxi for less than $10usd. If you arrive by taxi, you’ll turn off the highway onto a cobblestone road.
You’ll pass by local shops and restaurants, one even boats homemade banana bread, a must try.
The beach here is gorgeous, usually quiet and the water is shallow and safe enough to play in the small waves.
Pack your sand-free beach towel (if you’re like me and hate getting sand all over your stuff) and Bluetooth speaker and hang out!
On arrival, you will be dropped off at the entrance to the beach; it looks like a small scale malecon or promenade.
Chances are, you’ll be met by the mud bath ladies! They are descendants of the Zapotec people who created this ancient healing technique.
The Mud Bath Experience
This is seriously the most underrated attraction in Huatulco!
In their clay pots they carry a special mud.
It’s a mixture of sand from the beach, saltwater and fresh water.
For about 100 pesos per person, they cover you from head to toe in this mud.
In the process of covering you with mud, they use a massage-like technique; so you get a mini massage and an exfoliating treatment all at once!
Once you’re completely covered, you dry out in the sun.
As it dries, it acts like a natural sunscreen.
Under the hot and direct equatorial sun, you’re completely cool and comfortable.
After about 10 minutes the clay is now dry and the mud ladies then rub it off.
It’s another round of massage and exfoliation, completely different sensations from the first application.
After it’s all removed they direct you to take a dip in the ocean. Time to wash off all remaining dried mud.
What you’re left with is the softest smoothest skin you’ve has since you were a baby.
No word of a lie, my skin stayed this smooth for 4 days!
8. See Gardens and Ruins at Copalita Ecological Park
If you’re still up for more adventure, about ten minutes passed La Bocana is the Copalita ecological park and ruins.
This site is about 35 hectares in size; it includes a network of trails throughout the lush jungle and some amazing views of jarring cliffs overlooking the copalita river.
These ruins are interesting because they are one of two ruins in Mexico located located on the coast.
The other Mexico beach ruins are in Tulum.
This tour will provide you with a knowledgeable local guide of this archaeological site.
A must do activity in Huatulco for those interested in the fascinating history of the ancient cities of Mexico.
9. Release Baby Turtles in Mazunte
Now we head a little north of Huatulco.
If you can manage a full day trip away from the resort area, or if you’d like to spend several days up along the cost, I highly recommend a visit to the town of Mazunte.
Well known for being a laid-back hippie town, this is the perfect destination for those interested in slow travel.
It’s also a creative mind’s paradise!
Time is slow here, it’s not high tech or fancy, but there’s a small beach town charm that draws any visitor in.
Tip: Eat at La Empanada and stop for a smoothie at El Tiburon.
Next, be sure to pay a visit to the National Turtle Centre in Mazunte (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga).
Here you can learn about the conservation work the government has been doing to protect the dwindling turtle population in the area.
You will learn how they protect these important creatures from when the adults bury their eggs in the beach to when the eggs hatch.
The baby turtles make the dangerous run from their nest to the water and survival rates are usually quite low in unprotected areas.
And if you’re visiting during hatch season you can help them get safely to the ocean.
Want more hiking while you’re in the Huatulco area?
You can also head over to Punta Cometa and climb up for some of the best views of the bay.
It’s about a 10-15 minute hike up, with a few trail head options.
The easiest is from the southwest end of Playa (beach) Rinconcito.
You can also get there from the other beach, Playa Mermejita.
TRAVEL TIP: plan a visit to watch the sunset, so bring a flashlight for your return back to town.
Also, there’s another small beach area with a natural jacuzzi, don’t miss this hidden gem when you’re there.