The Destination - Huatulco

Authentic, natural Mexican beauty awaits in unspoiled Huatulco

By Rudie Gluckie, Travel Manager, Shawnessy

A peaceful jewel nestled between the sea and the mountains, Huatulco lies about 430 km south of Acapulco, near Puerto Escondido and the city of Oaxaca. With its nine bays, 36 powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, mountain backdrop and the white-water rapids of nearby Río Copalito, the relatively new resort area of Huatulco (Bahías de Huatulco) is fast becoming one of Mexico's key attractions.

It's the ideal setting for travellers in search of natural surroundings, environmentally friendly ecotourism, and outdoor activities like sailing and snorkeling. Unlike more commercial Mexican destinations, Huatulco is being carefully managed to prevent overdevelopment and minimize environmental impact. Thousands of acres have been set aside for protection and ecological preservation. A variety of excellent resorts are already in place, but properties aren't and won't be crammed together. High-rise buildings are prohibited, and many of the bays will remain undeveloped.

Huatulco is hot and humid year-round. The rainy season is May to October, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cool. September brings the highest levels of humidity and the heaviest rains. The four main regions of Huatulco are Tangolunda, where the more upscale resorts are located; Santa Cruz, a little town with hotels, a marina and a beach; La Crucecita, a village set back from the coast; and Chahué, a still rather undeveloped area that stretches between Santa Cruz and Tangolunda.

RESORT AREAS

Tangolunda
The Bahía de Tangolunda is the most developed of Huatulco's bays, with upscale resorts and a top-notch 18-hole golf course. This high-class resort town is modest in size but not in ambition, offering all the luxurious ingredients for a dream vacation.

Santa Cruz
Tour boats depart from Santa Cruz to criss-cross the bays of Huatulco. This small town's beach is lined with restaurants where visitors can eat under the stars while their feet bathe in the sea. One of the town's most picturesque features is its marina, which is set right in the middle of the village and is connected to the bay by a short channel.

La Crucecita
The charming pueblo of La Crucecita lies about 1.5 km inland and boasts a pretty zócalo (square) and a public market where visitors can buy the famous Oaxacan pottery that is made from the region's black clay. La Crucecita also features a boarding pier where cruises leave for the bays of Huatulco.

Chahué
Chahué's lovely hotels are located near the bay of the same name. Visitors will also find a modest shopping mall here. An interesting park featuring modern landscaping and monumental architectural elements stretches between Boulevard Benito Juárez and Playa Chahué.

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