Santa María Huatulco Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Chahue Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Scuba dive above coral reefs, sunbathe on one of the many beaches and peruse small Mexican pueblos in the traveler’s paradise of Huatulco.

Huatulco is a major travel destination on Mexico’s southern coast. It comprises dozens of picturesque beaches of different types and sizes along the Pacific Coast. The region is ideal for a holiday, whether you intend to scuba dive among coral reefs and colorful fish or enjoy local delicacies in charming oceanfront pueblos.

Drive or take a boat from Santa Cruz to La Entrega (The Surrender), one of the more isolated beaches in the Santa Cruz area of Huatulco. Sunbathe on soft sand while the kids play with buckets and shovels. Take a swim in the Pacific Ocean’s calm waters. Bring scuba equipment or rent snorkeling gear right at the beach to swim with fish around the colorful reef.

Break for lunch or dinner in one of the charming restaurants along the bay. Fresh oysters are a specialty remember to barter to get the best price. After the crowds thin in the late afternoon, stay for the sunset in quiet seclusion.

Make a visit to nearby Playa Chahué, which is surrounded by mossy cliffs and hills. Lie on the often deserted beach listening to waves crashing against the rocks. After your day of sunbathing, take an evening walk through the town of La Crucecita (The Small Cross). This charming area has a plaza, shops and traditional restaurants where you can buy homemade ice cream. Listen to typical Mexican music, such as folk and mariachi, as you sip a tropical drink of coconut water or mescal.

Spend a beach afternoon at the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) long Playa San Agustín in the western Santa Cruz region. Dine along the beach at one of the small restaurants serving fresh seafood. Scuba dive in the calm waters or snorkel over the shallow reef.

Reach Huatulco from Mexico City by plane, bus or boat. Many visitors pair a trip to Huatulco with one to Oaxaca, 230 miles (370 kilometers) to the north. After a few days exploring the cobbled streets of the inland colonial city, take a welcome sunbathing break on Huatulco’s beaches.

Where to stay in Santa María Huatulco

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Crucecita

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Crucecita. You might want to make time for a stop at Mercado Tres de Mayo or El Zócalo.

Crucecita
Chahue Beach showing a garden

Chahue

While visiting Chahue, you might make a stop by sights like Chahue Beach and Santa Cruz Bay.

Chahue
Huatulco showing landscape views and a coastal town

Santa Mar’a Huatulco Centro

While Santa Mar’a Huatulco Centro may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Parador Turistico Shluuna and Hagia Sofia Botanical Garden.

Santa Mar’a Huatulco Centro
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Santa Cruz

If you're spending some time in Santa Cruz, Playa Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Santa Cruz
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Arrocito

If you're spending some time in Arrocito, Tangolunda Bay and Playa Arrocito are top sights worth seeing.

Arrocito
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Tangolunda

While visiting Tangolunda, you might make a stop by sights like Tangolunda Beach and Tangolunda Bay.

Tangolunda
Las Brisas Huatulco
Las Brisas Huatulco
4.5 out of 5
Bahia de Tanglounda Lote 1, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
The price is AU$368 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
AU$368
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"staffs are friendly and amazing, always happy to help you."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Las Brisas Huatulco
Barceló Huatulco - All Inclusive
Barceló Huatulco - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Paseo Benito Juarez S/N, Bahía de Tangolunda, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
The price is AU$507 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$507
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"it was a great experience!"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Barceló Huatulco - All Inclusive
Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Seccion Hotelera Bahia de Conejos, Lote 8, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
The price is AU$748 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$748
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (794 reviews)
"Beautiful property amazing views from each room"

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2024

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Palmas De Chahue
Palmas De Chahue
3.5 out of 5
Zapoteco, 089, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Chahue Beach and La Entrega Beach are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (34 reviews)
Great little getaway
"Great little boutique hotel in he heart of la Crucecita, near amenities and close to the beach"

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2024

Palmas De Chahue
Rooms Huatulco
Rooms Huatulco
3 out of 5
Monte Alban Este, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Chahue Beach and La Entrega Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"The property was very clean. It was a nice quiet neighborhood. I wish it was made more clear to me that I was responsible for my own towels and things like that."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2024

Rooms Huatulco
Villas & Resort Luz de Luna
Villas & Resort Luz de Luna
3 out of 5
Mza. 2 Lt 14. Resid. Arrocito, Santa María Huatulco, OAX
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santa María Huatulco. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Chahue Beach and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
"The restaurant had good food and service."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2024

Villas & Resort Luz de Luna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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