Huatulco - Excursions

Uncover the beauty of the bays…

Huatulco's greatest attractions are the bays themselves. There are eight distinct and beautiful bays to explore: Conejos, Tangolunda, Chahue, Santa Cruz, El Organo, El Maguey y Cacaluta, Chachacual and San Agustin. Most harbor isolated beaches with soft golden sand and clear azure waters teeming with a huge array of marine life. Exploring these bays, each with its own unique natural beauty, is the favorite pastime. It's a good idea to take a tour that includes stopping at various bays for snorkeling, swimming and sun bathing !

Mazunte

A popular day trip from Huatulco is a visit to the turtle research and conservation center at Mazunte. Visit most of the world's fascinating variety of marine turtles at Mazunte's huge aquarium. While in Mazunte, be sure to visit to a nearby cosmetics plant that serves as an example of an alternative, sustainable source of income for locals who used to hunt the now endangered sea turtles. The small cooperative uses only natural ingredients, like avocado, beeswax and palm oil, to make its line of products. Known as Mazunte, these natural cosmetics are available at a variety of shops in Mexico, including The Body Shop.

Puerto Escondido

Once a haven for hippies in the late 60's and 70's, Puerto Escondido has still managed to escape development and remain almost untouched. An international surfing destination, Puerto Escondido is known for its excellent surfing and fabulous beaches, it is guaranteed visitors will immediately fall in love with this place. Restaurants are exquisite, offering, seafood fresh from the sea and international specialties. Nightlife is varied and diverse, from local bars to clubs for dancing. Accommodations are quaint hotels or villas. All contribute to this magical paradise in a corner of the Oaxacan state. Come and experience it for yourself!

La Santa Cruz de Huatulco

An anonymous Spaniard who taught Christianity to the natives brought this historic cross to Santa Cruz. Legend has it that when the English pirate Tomas Cavendish took the port of Huatulco he tried to destroy it, but the cross miraculously withstood his attacks. Twenty-five years later, the bishop of Oaxaca took the cross to the city of Oaxaca to conduct research on the miracles of the Cross. One year later, it was divided into three smaller pieces; one was sent to the Vatican, another remained in the cathedral of the City of Oaxaca and the third was sent to Santa Maria de Huatulco. In 1895, a replica of the cross was placed in the same spot where the original was located, where it is until this day.

Over Night Trips

Just five hours from Huatulco is a great spot for an overnight exploring trip. The ancient city of Monte Alban is perched on a hilltop in the center of the valley of Oaxaca. Inhabited for a period of over 1500 years by a succession of peoples - Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs - the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were literally carved out of the mountain and are the symbols of a sacred landscape. Nearby, the checkerboard design of the beautiful city of Oaxaca is a good example of the Spanish colonial architecture. Be sure to spend some time strolling its picturesque historic streets. Oaxaca City is one of the most beautiful city's you will find in Mexico, rich in Mexican culture, hospitality and architecture. This is one visit you shouldn't miss!