Oaxaca CoastOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Ancient Port to Pirate Raids

The Oaxaca Coast, particularly the area around Huatulco, has a history stretching back to pre-Hispanic times. The name "Huatulco" is believed to derive from the Nahuatl word "Cuahtolco," meaning "the place where wood is revered," referencing a legendary cross. Before the Spanish arrived, the region was inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Mixtec and Zapotec.

With the arrival of the Spanish in the 1520s, Santa Cruz Bay became a strategic port for trade routes to Peru and Asia. This prominence attracted attention. In 1579, the English privateer Francis Drake raided the port, looting the local church and provisions. Eight years later, in 1587, another English pirate, Thomas Cavendish, attacked the settlement. Legend states that Cavendish attempted to destroy a revered wooden cross in Santa Cruz Bay, but it resisted his efforts.

The Modern Resort Era

For centuries after the colonial period, the region's economy relied on fishing and coffee cultivation. It remained undeveloped until the late 20th century. In 1969, the Mexican government identified Huatulco as a location for a new tourist resort. Infrastructure development began in the 1980s. The National Fund for Tourism Infrastructure (FONATUR) acquired over 21,000 hectares by 1984 and started construction of an airport and the service town of La Crucecita in 1985. By 1986, the original coastal community of Santa Cruz was resettled in La Crucecita. Most of Huatulco's nine bays were connected by paved roads by 1987. In 2005, Huatulco received the Green Globe International Certification (now EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations) as a sustainable tourist area, becoming the first in the Americas to do so.

• —Plaza Principal de Santa Cruz — This main square in Santa Cruz is a central gathering point by the marina. It often hosts local events.
• —Templo de la Santa Cruz — A local church in Santa Cruz, connected to the legend of the Holy Cross, a symbol in Huatulco's history.
• —Marina Santa Cruz — Observe fishing boats and yachts. It is a departure point for boat tours to explore the bays and coastline.
• —Mercado Benito Juárez — In La Crucecita, this traditional Mexican market offers local foods, artisan crafts, and souvenirs. It provides an experience of local commerce.
• —Chahué Beach — This beach has clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the larger beaches in the Huatulco area, offering space for swimming and sunbathing.
• —Tangolunda Bay — This crescent-shaped bay has golden sands and hillsides. It contains several larger resorts and offers waters suitable for paddleboarding and swimming.
• —Playa Principal — The main beach in Santa Cruz, offering a place to relax by the ocean.
• —Turtle Museum (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga) — In Mazunte, this center is for the preservation of sea turtle species. It features an aquarium and serves as a research and education hub, an initiative that began in 1991 after a ban on sea turtle harvesting.

The dry season, from November to March, is the best time to visit the Oaxaca Coast. During these months, expect clear skies, less humidity, and consistent sunshine, with daytime temperatures around 32-33°C. This is also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.

The shoulder seasons, April-May and October, offer a balance with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Temperatures can be hotter in April and May, reaching up to 34°C.

Avoid the peak rainy season from July to October, when humidity is high and afternoon downpours are common. September is typically the rainiest month. While mornings can be sunny, heavy rains can impact outdoor activities.

Huatulco is served by Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX), about 15-20 minutes from the main towns. Taxis from the airport to areas like La Crucecita or Santa Cruz cost around 500-630 MXN (approximately $25-31 USD). Walking about 500m to Highway 200 can reduce the fare for local taxis or colectivos.

Within Huatulco, walking is possible between nearby areas like Santa Cruz and La Crucecita, which are about a 15-minute walk apart. For longer distances, local buses are the cheapest option, costing around 8 MXN between La Crucecita and Santa Cruz. Taxis are plentiful and operate on fixed rates, typically between 20-50 MXN for local trips. Colectivos, shared taxis, offer a budget-friendly way to travel, charging per seat.

The Santa Cruz organic market is held on Saturdays, offering local produce, crafts, and food. For a larger, more traditional experience, the Pochutla market, about 45 minutes north of Huatulco, is a Monday event.