Destinations

Many of us when we think of Mexico beach towns we usually think of Cancun, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, maybe even Acapulco. But, just as there is much more to Mexico than beaches, there is another beach location that is mostly unexplored by the American tourist. In fact, most of the tourists found in that area are national tourists and only a small percent are international tourists, mostly Europeans, but not so many yet. So let me tell you a little more about Huatulco (pronounced, wah-toolco), on the Pacific coast, in the southern state of Oaxaca (pronounced, wah-haca).

The official name is Bahias de Huatulco (or Bays of Huatulco). The area is made up of 9 bays with about 36 beaches, from the most rustic virgin beach to the most popular swimmable beach.  The more popular bays are Bahia de Santa Cruz, Bahia Chahue and Bahia Tangolunda. Most of the bays are not resort developed yet and may not be so easily seen from the road or have easy access to get to. If renting a car, which I would recommend for at least a couple of days, you are able to explore the different beaches in the different bays at your own leisure.
Huatulco has four main parts, all within a mile or two of each other, these are, Tangolunda, Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, and Chahue.

Huatulco is a fairly new tourist destination since it only started being developed in the 1980’s. The area is protected by FONATUR, a government agency dedicated to the development of tourism in Mexico. The result is an ecologically friendly area that is protected against future development. And for those nature-concerned travelers, you will like this piece of fact, Huatulco has been awarded the Green Globe certification and it is the only resort in Mexico to have received this award. Cancun and Puerto Vallarta…eat your heart out!

So, you ask, what can I do there beside beach swimming and sunbathing? Well, my fellow travelers, despite the under developed conditions and lack of a huge international tourism crowd, Huatulco has many services to offer, such as restaurants, hotels and tourism operators. The traveler can enjoy activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, boat touring, motor touring, horseback riding, and coffee plantation tours. Hotels vary depending on your budget; you can get something as exclusive as Dreams Resort Huatulco or Las Brisas Huatulco, to more affordable type accommodations. I’m sure one of the expert Casto Travel leisure agents will set you up in a fantastic hotel. Oh and as far as security for tourist, it is quite safe; all its parts have a small town atmosphere.

One beach I recommend that is not too far out of the way, but it can get a bit crowded is Playa La Entrega. This beach is great for snorkeling. One way to find secluded beaches that are not very visible from the road is to do as I did. While driving around on the main road that runs parallel to the beach beware of parked vehicles on the side of the road. If you come across a few with nothing in sight of where the car owners could be, then you’ll likely find an entrance to a small trail leading to a beautiful secluded beach. Just remember to test the waters first as there are no lifeguards on duty. Some of these beaches may have quite a drop in your initial steps into the ocean.

I hope you make it to Huatulco one day, but I also hope you keep it a secret because we would not want to make this beautiful place too crowded.

The airport is 20 minutes from the resorts in Tangolunda and the major carrier is Mexicana.

Happy Travels!

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