When you think of beach destinations in Mexico, images of Cancun and Puerto Escondido probably spring to mind. But there's another tropical vacation destination along Mexico's Pacific Coast--Huatulco. This lesser-known spot has long been popular with Mexican tourists, but as it becomes easier to reach, folks from the United States are spending their vacations here, too.
Huatulco at a Glance
If you're ready to step a bit off the beaten path, plan your next trip to this tropical paradise. Here's what you need to know about how to get to Huatulco.
Huatulco has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by warm year-round temperatures and two distinct seasons. The dry season (November through April) brings sunny skies, virtually no rain, and daytime highs in the mid-80s to low 90s °F (29–34°C). Evenings cool to a comfortable 66–73°F (19–23°C). This is peak tourist season and the best window for beach days, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, and whale watching.
The wet season (May through October) brings slightly hotter temps up to 95°F (35°C) in the peak months—along with brief afternoon showers that turn the landscape lush and green. The tradeoff? Lower accommodation prices, fewer tourists, and it’s the best time for surfing at La Bocana and chasing waterfalls. September is the rainiest month, so plan around that if possible.
December through February is the sweet spot for most visitors, with warm days in the mid-80s, cool evenings, zero rain, and humpback whale watching season in full swing. If you want lower prices without sacrificing weather, late November or April are smart shoulder-season picks.
People from the United States will need a passport to visit Huatulco. If you're visiting by land or sea, you may be able to do the trip with just a passport card. But by and large, it's safest just to bring your standard passport book. Be sure to check the U.S. State Department’s entry, exit, and visa requirements before booking a trip to Mexico!
Flying into the Bahias de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the quickest way to reach this breathtaking region. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the main town of La Crucecita, so once you land, you won’t need to wait long before arriving at your accommodation. Airlines including United, Frontier, Sun Country, and AeroMexico offer flights direct service from the U.S. is most common during the November–April high season.
If you want to see even more of Mexico on your vacation, you could fly into the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), spend some time in the city—the food alone is worth the detour then take a public bus down to Huatulco. Bear in mind that this route can take upwards of 4 hours.
Before you set off on your adventure, make sure you have the right currency in hand! You'll need to exchange your American dollars for the Mexican peso. You can purchase pesos at most international airports or stop by an ATM in town.
Getting cash at the airport is usually the safer option, but be prepared for a marked-up exchange rate.
Huatulco isn’t just a place to park yourself on the sand it’s a full-on outdoor adventure playground wrapped around a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Whether you’re here for a week or just passing through on a cruise, here are the experiences that make this place unforgettable:
It's time to get going! You have a few options for Huatulco transportation to get you out of the airport. If you're ready to take on the challenge of driving in Mexico, you can rent a car and pick it up at the Huatulco airport. Remember to read up on the traffic laws and road rules, as they may be a bit different from what you're used to.
If you prefer to have someone else drive, you have two options from the airport: transfers or taxis. Here are the basics of each:
Unless you plan to rent a car, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the best ways to get around in Huatulco. Uber and Lyft don’t serve the area, but public transportation is available and pretty straightforward once you know the basics.
The city bus is the cheapest way to get around town during the day—look for the blue-and-white vehicles. The buses cover the entire region and can take you between Santa Maria Huatulco, La Crucecita, and Santa Cruz. If you choose to travel by bus, make sure to have small bills, because waiting for your change and holding up the line is a hassle nobody wants.
The best way to travel between specific destinations is by taxi. Taxis can make some people nervous, given that services in other countries have reputations for dishonesty. But in Huatulco, most tourists report positive experiences with drivers. Taxi fares are usually pre-set, so you have a minimal chance of being scammed. Plus, short trips are inexpensive! Just wave down any taxi you see, or wait at a local taxi stand.
You can also rent bikes in La Crucecita if you want to explore at your own pace. Companies like Easy Bikes Huatulco offer rentals and even guided tours through the national park to remote beaches like Cacaluta Bay.
Huatulco is very safe, especially compared to other popular places in Mexico like Acapulco. While no destination is 100% secure, bad things can happen anywhere, it ranks among the safest towns in the country. The area even holds an international Green Globe Certification for sustainable tourism and benefits from the state's generally low crime rates.
Just like you would anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Most travelers don’t have any problems!
Now that you know how to get to Huatulco, getting back to the airport is easy. A taxi is always a great option, but the airport also offers transfers. If you booked a transfer into town from the airport, consider making it a round-trip ticket. This is the simplest, lowest-stress way to make your flight on time!
Traveling to a new place is incredibly exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking if you don't know what to expect. With a good knowledge of Huatulco transportation and how to get to your destination, your vacation will be smooth sailing! My Huatulco Vacation can make your trip even more amazing, with luxurious accommodations featuring unmatched ocean views. Explore their vacation rentals, and imagine yourself soaking up the sun on a Huatulco beach!
