Huatulco, Mexico
Things to see and do in Huatulco, Mexico
Huatulco, comprising the towns of La Crucecita, Tangolunda, and Santa Cruz, is a tourist development located on southern Mexico’s Pacific coast. After the Spanish conquered the area in the 1500’s, Huatulco thrived as a supply port for other Spanish settlements along the Pacific coast. Until the 1980’s brought resort development, the area was mainly known as a coffee plantation center. In 1984, Mexico’s national tourism agency acquired a large area of land to develop a tourism center similar to that in Cancun. The people living on that land were relocated to nearby Santa Maria Huatulco so that building could begin.
Huatulco, in the state of Oaxaca, has a population of just over 23,000 and the population is projected to grow exponentially by 2020. Tangolunda is where most of the hotels and condominiums are located; just west of Tangolunda, Santa Cruz features the main marina and three beaches on Santa Cruz bay; La Crucecita (just north of Santa Cruz) lies further inland and is a town that has less of a touristy influence. Huatulco has a sunny climate with an average of 330 days of sunshine a year. It tends to be rather dry between December and May, with a rainier season between June and November. A cruise ship dock opened in 2005 in Santa Cruz, which has increased the tourist activity level significantly.
Coffee plantations are still present in the area and many give tours. Golfers will find an 18-hole championship course nearby at the Tangolunda Golf Course. There are also tennis courts there available to the public. Scuba diving and sport fishing is relatively close to shore and the many coves and bays offer ample spots for snorkeling. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available for exploring sea life in the shallow bays. Horseback riding is offered on a few of the beaches and extended rides into the jungle can be arranged and provide an interesting alternative to spending the entire day at the beach or in the water.
There are significantly fewer options for shopping, dining, or night life in Huatulco when compared to larger resort cities in Mexico. It is in La Crucecita that you find the largest number and greatest variety of night spots and businesses. Maica is a hand-designed jewelry store located in La Crucecita, two blocks away from the main plaza. The Kristal Rose restaurant (http://www.kristalrose.com.mx/english/huatulco.htm) in La Crucecita features steak and seafood dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Nightlife choices include the Iguana Bar in La Crucecita. It has live music and sports on TV, and is also connected with the neighboring Los Portales restaurant.