Huatulco
General Information
&
The Fabulous Zaashila Resort
HUATULCO’S LOCATION
Huatulco Bays are located along the coast of Oaxaca, at the end of the Southern Sierra Madre mountains, extending 35 kilometers of the Mexican Pacific Ocean’s seashore, between the Coyula and Copalita River mouths. Because of its geographic locations, the Huatulco Bays topography is formed by mountains, valleys and slopes and is quite rough and uneven. The land formations are irrigated by the Coyula, San Agustín and Copalita Rivers, giving a very special touch to the magnificent landscape where the nine beautiful bays are located.
WEATHER
The coast of Oaxaca lies well within the tropics at a latitude of about 16°. Monthly lows and highs are typically 18° C (64° F) and 45° C (113° F), averaging 30° C (86° F), with little variation from month to month. The region is generally arid along the coast with more rainfall in the nearby mountains. The rainy season runs from May to October, with September usually having the most rain. Amounts vary from year to year and most of the rainfall occurs on a relatively few days. Just because it is the rainy season does not mean it will be raining though; it just means it can rain. A typical day in the rainy season would be a clear morning, clouding up in the afternoon, with thunder heard in the nearby mountains. In this hot climate, the afternoon clouds can be quite welcome.
The rainy season is also hurricane season, and hurricanes offshore can have a strong impact on the amount of rainfall. Refer to the satellite, radar, and storm map images below.
November through April is the dry season. As things dry out, most plants in the lower elevations lose their leaves, but the bougainvillea, which grows wild, takes this opportunity to bloom, and star fruit trees produce their fruit. The terrain is hilly along the coast with granite outcroppings extending into the sea against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur to the north. Venturing into the mountains, you will soon find yourself in the jungle with a corresponding drop in temperatures as the elevation increases. In the dry season when things are pretty brown on the coast, mountain areas may still be green due to rainfall at the higher elevations.
WEATHER Winter
(Jan-Feb- Mar) Spring
(Apr-May-June) Summer
(Jul-Aug-Sep) Fall
(Oct-Nov-Dec)
á
Temperature 26.2º C
79.2º F 29.1º C
84.4º F 28.6º C
83.5º F 27.0º C
80.6º F
Û
Rainfall 10.8 mm
0.43 in 350.8 mm
13.81 in 615.5 mm
24.23 in 88.5 mm
3.48 in
Days with rain 2 in 90 16 in 91 28 in 92 5 in 92
NTERNATIONAL HUATULCO AIRPORT
International arrivals and departures are to the left and domestic flights to the right. The airport has a single runway 25/07. Runway 25 is most often the active runway. Aircraft will circle once to the left over the bays both on arrival and departure. Passengers seated on the left-hand side of the aircraft will have the best view.
The airport is located on Hwy 200 (Carretera Costera) Km 238, 13Km/8Mi west of Huatulco.
GPS for the airport entrance (NOT for aircraft navigation): 15°46.084'N 96°15.486'W
The cost of taking a taxi from the airport is high compared to other rates in the area. Budget travelers may elect to take the short walk to the airport entrance and catch a local bus or perhaps even find a taxi that is not under airport influence. For example, my companion and I once balked at the $50 US fare for a taxi to Puerto Angel and walked to the entrance where a taxi pulled up as we were waiting for the bus. His fare was $15 US. I do have a report from one visitor who heard that travelers attempting this are in danger of robbery. I find this surprising since the area is rather public and subject to frequent traffic during aircraft arrivals.
Arriving by plane
Huatulco Bays International Airport Distance from downtown Huatulco or hotel area
Code: HUX
20 km (12.4 mi) to the west
Airlines with direct flights to Huatulco
Cities Air code Airlines Length of flight
México, Méx.
MEX Aeroméxico, Mexicana
1:05
Oaxaca, Méx.
OAX Mexicana
0:30
Puerto Escondido PXM Mexicana
0:20
TRANSPORTATION
If you decide to explore Huatulco on your own, stick with taxis—the rates are fixed and very reasonable. The fare to La Entrega beach from Santa Cruz is US$3.15 each way; to La Crucecita (where you’ll find most shops and restaurants), US$1.10; to Tangolunda, US$1.70. Taxis are readily available almost everywhere—you can even arrange for the driver to return for you at a specified time. Be aware that many drivers do not speak English.
Lanchas, or small open boats, take visitors to secluded beaches that can’t be reached by land. Companies offering the service include the Sociedad Cooperativa Tangolunda at the Santa Cruz harbor. Many of these companies, and almost every travel agency in Huatulco, offer tours and guides to the bays. Prices depend on how many bays you visit and how far they are from Santa Cruz.
Buses, called colectivos, stop right by the harbor on Carrizal between Colorin and Chacah, but the routes can be confusing. If you don’t have much time, avoid the hassle of figuring out which bus goes where. They are cheap, though—US$0.25—and they run every 15 minutes from 6 am-5:30 pm daily.
Bicycles rent for US$9 per day, or US$2.25 per hour. Mopeds rent for US$34. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) rent for about US$50. Eco Discover Tours in the Plaza las Conchas in Tangolunda (phone 70678) rent an assortment of vehicles.
A rental car isn’t really necessary, but if you’d like to tour on your own, you can rent a car for US$40-$60 per day, including free mileage and insurance. You’ll need a driver’s license, passport and a major credit card. Several car rental agencies are located in the Hotel Castillo Huatulco on Boulevard Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, and there are also some in the hotel district in Bahia Tangolunda. (Make reservations in advance for the best selection.) When buying gas, tip the attendants—it’s customary.
The Bahias de Huatulco International Airport is 14 mi/22 km northwest of Santa Cruz. A taxi to the airport costs about US$15. Flightseeing tours are not available.
THE BAYS
Bahía de San Augustín is the westernmost bay and is remote to the main development area.
T The town of San Augustín is located here. It can be accessed by a dirt road which exits the Ccarretera Costera (Hwy 200) near the Huatulco International Airport.
Bahía Chachacual is three miles east of San Agustín.
Bahías Cacaluta, Oregano, and Maguey are small bays located 2-3 miles west of Santa Cruz.
Bahía de Santa Cruz is a small bay on which the original town of Santa Cruz is located.
Playa Chahue and Playa La Entrega are in this bay.
Bahía Chahue is a larger bay immediately to the east of Santa Cruz and close to La Crucecita.
Bahía Tangolunda, east of Chahue, is where the more upscale resort hotels are located.
Bahía Conejos is just to the east of Tangolunda.
HISTORY
Huatulco’s history is captivating, starting with its name’s origin, which comes from a legend that says...Long before the Spaniards arrived, a bearded white man, wrapped in a white gown, disembarked at the place know today as Huatulco. Shortly after, the Indians identified the white man as Quetzalcóatl. The Indians were converted to Christianize when the white bearded man nailed a wooden cross on the beach to be worshipped.
When the Aztecs invaded the regions. They named the place “Cuauhtolco”, meaning “the site where the wood is Worshipped”, name which derived to the current one of Huatulco.
During the Colonial period, Huatulco was considered to be the best port in the Pacific Ocean, in view of the declining importance of Tehuantepec and because it is more accessible than Acapulco. In addition, it provides greater safety, on account of its shape and surrounding mountains.
In 1578, it was attacked by the pirate, Francis Drake and, in 1587, by Thomas Cavendish, who disembarked to plunder and burn the village, causing the flight of its populations. Due to this, the village ended as a of small fishermen’s town. During the Independence period on January 30, 1831, the “Colombo” ship arrived to the Huatulco coasts. This is the ship where General Vicente Guerrero, Mexican President and Statesman traveled as prisoner. He disembarked at the Santa Cruz Bay, at a beach site from then moment called “ The delivery “
From there, Vicente Guerrero was transferred to Oaxaca, where he was sentenced to death and executed on February 14 of that year.
THE BEST
THE NINE BAYS OF HUATULCO
In the midst of exhuberant vegetation we find nine beautiful bays and 36 golden beaches. The best way to enjoy this natural spectacle is by getting on one of the catamarans that leaves from the Santa Cruz pier. The cliffs and crags are bathed by a turquoise sea full of beautiful turtles and dolphins. On this unforgettable trip you will find virgin beaches, rocky islands and the unique murmuring of a natural geyser.
CORAL REEFS AND SUNKEN SHIPS
The submarine area of Huatulco is fascinating. Its crystalline waters are a beautiful exception to what is basically a dark area of the Pacific, and its reefs are host to an astonishing array of animals, ranging from blue blowfish to curious turtles who come in to rest from the deep sea. In addition to all of this, there are two sunken ships called the Pecio de las Orugas and the Pecio del Coyote, which bring together human misfortune and the multicolored beauty of marine life.
PARQUE BOTAZOO
The most important natural reserve in Huatulco is visited each year by 227 migratory birds that show off their colors in a wide array of tropical trees. The delta of the Copalita River is home to this park which pelicans and white herons fly over and where they court each other by extending their wings. In Botazoo Park we also find the high peaks of Punta Celeste, which overlooks the sea.
COFFEE PLANTATIONS
You can reach the coffee plantations by means of a breaktaking trip of an hour or so through the Oaxacan highlands. On the way your will run into enormous ceibas and will be crossing rivers, mountains and small villages. At the plantation you will enjoy impressive vegetation from a splendid terrace which meets up with the foothills of the highlands where coffee is cultivated. Just a few yards from the plantation you can take a dip in one of the pools in a crystalline river.
ZIPOLITE
Some 48 kilometers from Huatulco, going through a small fishing village which bears the name of Puerto Angel, is Zipolite. Over the past few years it has become a basic stopover on the international itinerary for backpackers. Zipolite is a Dionysian destination, or at least considered so by the first foreigners and Mexicans of hippie and liberal ideals in the sixties and who changed Zipolite from an isolated beach into a strange spiritual destination. It is the beach of death due to its terrible currents and also the beach of love, as well as one of the few nudist territories in Mexico.
MAZUNTE
Only a few kilometers from Zipolite is this small and beautiful bay. Its beach only has a few modest straw huts where travelers can pitch their tents or hang their hammocks and enjoy fresh fish prepared for them by the fishermen's wives. Mazunte is a natural santuary for turtles.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Located some 80 miles from Huatulco is Puerto Escondido, which for many years was a mecca for surfers and backpackers alike, until its development changed it into a comfortable tourist destination, with good restaurants and a Bohemian atmosphere. In Puerto Escondido your can walk around at night along its famous stone-paved avenue that offers a vibrant night life.
ZICATELA
Only 15 minutes from the stone-paved avenue are the huge waves at Zicatela. After Australia, Zicatela is one of surfers' favorite beaches. Each year in November surfers from all over the world come to dispute the world championship. During the rest of the year you can observe the tireless efforts of the brave surfers while sunbathing. Only a few meters from the beach are palm bungalows with their respective terraces which promise you a pleasant stay.
LAGUNA DE MANIALTEPEC
Only 18 kilometers from Puerto Escondido is this small natural reserve formed by mangrove trees. It is the habitat for multiple exotic birds like the white heron and the cormorant.
LOS BAÑOS TERMALES DE ATOTONILCO
From the small town of San Jose Minialtepec you can rent horses to go to the curative waters in Atotonilco. During the trip you will cross the tropical forest, hearing the shrll cries of the birds. Atotonilco is an ancient ceremonial center where the newborn are taken to be purified.
CAFÉ HUATULCO
At sunset we recommend that you visit the Santa Cruz square, where the Cafe Huatulco is located. The wooden tables are placed next to each other in the plaza under the shade of the trees, while the coffee shop is smack under the kiosk. This shop is a government concession to the Association of Coffee Growers from the region to make sure that the variety of coffee known as "pluma" can be promoted in its place of origin and not only set aside for export. On some evenings two excellent musicians blend with coffee and pasteries at this exceptional spot with their violin and flute.
SPORTS
GOLF
Beside the sea, in Tangolunda Bay, there is a beautiful 18-hole golf course that stretches for some 78 hectares. The Casa Club has a swimming pool, tennis courts and a shop.
SPORTS FISHING
Those who love to fish can enjoy this sport off Huatulco's beautiful coast. The trip on an outboard motorboat brings surprises, such as visits by dolphins. In these waters you can catch sailfish, dorado and, with a bit of luck, the legendary marlin. The trip lasts about 5 or 6 hours. The beauty of the sea and the mountains makes the outing enjoyable for the whole family.
RAPPEL
There are three different spots in Huatulco where you can practice this exciting sport. Punta Celeste is a series of 30 meter high cliffs with a spectacular view of the sea; Piedra de Moros, which is an enormous rocky formation, and finally the walls of the Copalitilla waterfall. There are groups who will take you to these places and will assist you in a very professional manner to descend. Novices are helped in every way to break into this exciting sport.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Experts and novices can practice this ancient sport and explore the most remote paths in the tropical forest. The tour goes by lookouts that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful Conejos Bay and to ride along the beaches which receive the waters from the Copalita River and the Pacific Ocean.
DIVING
The submarine areas of Huatulco are fascinating. There is an amazing diversity of animal life on the reefs, ranging from blue blowfish to curious turtles. The many bays in Huatulco offer something for everybody, from novices to divers with some experience and the real pros who are willing to take risks. The best places for the inexperienced are La Entrega and Cacaluta Island, while experienced divers might like to try diving among the shipwrecks
BICYCLING
In Huatulco bicycle tours are designed to meet your needs. There are guides who organize outings to different places. Novices can begin their trip at Cacaluta Beach. This trip lasts about three hours, including a rest stop and a dip in the sea. For those with more experience, there are trips to the coffee plantations, which last a whole day or to the capital city of Oaxaca, which is a 5-day trip.
AQUATIC SPORTS
The calm waters of the Bays of Huatulco are the backdrop for the most thrilling aquatic sports. There you can practice snorkeling, jetskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.
FOUR MOTOR VEHICLE
This trip combines speed with stopovers in the forest. Before leaving, the guides will take the group to a clearing to show you how the four motor vehicles work. When the group is ready the riders will go into the woods over rough roads. The exact combination of speed and adrenaline is up to the individual. During the trip there will be two rest stops - the first is at Calcaluta beach to swim and freshen up, and the second at Maguey Bay where you'll have a soft drink and can rest under the protection of the straw huts.
HIKING
There are two possibilities for hiking in Huatulco. On the one hand there is Huatulco National Park, which has a huge variety of trees and animals and, on the other, the impressive Botazoo Park, which is visited by more than 200 migratory birds and from where you can see the most beautiful daybreaks.
RAFTING
Professionals with a lot of international experience will help you on this marvelous trip over the Copalita River rapids. There are four different levels of difficulty, so children, adults and the experienced can enjoy this adventure. The spectacular scenery of the gullies combined with the emotion of going down the river in canoe, kayak or raft is wonderful. The trip for beginners lasts four hours and the advanced course lasts eight hours.
NIGHT LIFE
For night fun you have a wide range of entertainment possibilities such as tropical shows, or modern discoteques with light, sound and video system.
At santa Cruz Bay, La Crucecita (downtown) and Chahúe Bay you will find bars and discoteques, where you can enjoy your favorite drinks and cocktails with the music of your choice.
LA PAPAYA NICE CLUB
At Chahué Bay you can enjoy an unforgettable party night. In a huge second floor Palapa, this has a unique style and be sure that you are going to have fun.
BAR LA CREMA
Jamaican rhythms, together with pop music, make the atmosphere at the La Crema Bar a relaxed one, where you can talk or play a kind of pool while enjoying this refreshingly cool spot, which also has a great view of the Crucecita Plaza. This bar is particularly recommendable for young people and is often visited by the Europeans who roam the coasts of Oaxaca.
MAGIC TROPIC DISCOTHEQUE
A group that plays live music brings the best Caribbean rhythms to Huatulco and encourages couples to dance and enjoy a pleasant evening.
SHOPPING
In Huatulco you can find handicrafts from the seven regions of Oaxaca. A large number of shops and galleries can be found in La Crucecita. There you will find traditional masks and typical dresses, as well as black pottery and hundreds of alegorical figures. The stores also sell all kinds of souvenirs, such as T-shirts and hats.
MAZUNTE NATURAL COSMETICS COOPERATIVE
This project has meant another way of earning a living for the people who for decades had depended on fishing and marketing sea turtles. Most of the owners of this cooperative are women and they only manufacture natural products such as moisturizers make from soy and avocado oil and beeswax.
In Santa Cruz, you don’t have to walk far from the harbor to shop. Just across the plaza is the Mercado de Artesanias, where you’ll find shops selling silver, souvenirs, pottery, clothing and other Mexican goods. While some stores may take major credit cards, others accept only cash (Mexican pesos, U.S. or Canadian dollars).
For a better selection of goods, head to La Crucecita. Near the plaza, on the corner of Bugambilias and Guamuchil, you’ll find a larger market that also sells silver, pottery, souvenirs, clothing and crafts. Most stall vendors accept cash only. In addition to the market, there are stores around the plaza that sell similar merchandise. We urge you to comparison shop for the best quality and price.
Among the shops are El Arte Mexicano, a silver store at Guamuchil 210, where you’ll find original designs in silver and gold, as well as indigenous crafts, masks and leather goods. (Major credit cards, traveler’s checks and cash are accepted; no phone.)
If you have time to shop in only one store, head to El Museo de los Artesanias (Flamboyan 216, phone 71513) to get an overview of Oaxacan handicrafts. In addition to selling handmade items, the shop has displays describing how the items are made, the history behind the process and biographies of some of the craftspeople. The shop specializes in masks, leather, embroidered textiles and other items found only in Oaxaca.
Tangolunda has a few stores in Plaza las Conchas that sell essentials (insect repellent, film, suntan lotion) as well as jewelry, clothing and souvenirs. Many of the larger hotels have gift shops, but prices are higher there than at their counterparts in La Crucecita. (If you’re looking for Cuban cigars, both the Hotel Zaashila and the Hotel Quinta Real have tobacco shops.) One of the stores on Plaza las Conchas, Huatulkopka, has a decent selection of jewelry and pottery, as well as Mexican and Cuban cigars.
Bargaining in the markets and with vendors is expected, but don’t count on a dramatic drop in the quoted price. Merchants have a long-term perspective regarding tourism, and they usually start with fair prices. (In fact, the market in La Crucecita bears the inscription: “Friends: Remember to always welcome tourists with courtesy, friendliness, and fair prices. We will protect our heritage and our future.”) Merchants may give you a discount if you buy several items. Most formal shops have fixed prices and do not bargain.
Be aware that the local shops recommended by tour operators, taxi drivers and your ship’s port lecturer generally pay for the privilege. Prices at the shops recommended by the ship may be somewhat higher than others, but passengers usually get a money-back guarantee, valid for 30 days. As always and everywhere, buyer beware.
Shopping Hours: Daily 9 am-9 pm. But hours do change, depending on the season. Some smaller shops close for lunch, and some close on Sundays.
GENERAL INFORMATION
• A resort of Mediterranean-style forms fronted by a quarter mile of private beach.
There are 120 rooms and 10 suites, 41 with private pool and all with ocean view and balcony. Amenities include air conditioning, satellite TV, direct-dial long-distance telephone service, servi-bar and in-room safe. Check in time: 3:00 PM and Check out time: 1:00 PM.
Room categories:
Deluxe Room 79
Camino Real Club (with private pool) 41
Deluxe Rooms with King size bed 32
Deluxe Rooms with two double beds 47
Camino Real Club rooms with king size bed 17
Camino Real Club romos with two double beds 24
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
An exquisite locale in which to enjoy a unique menu featuring internacional and Oaxacan fare.
Open from 6:00 p.m. a las 11:00 p.m.
A casual oceanfront spot that specializes in seafood.
Ofrece desayuno buffet desde las 7:00 a 11:30 a.m.
Open from 11:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m.
Relax alongside a tranquil pool or under a thatched palapa while taking in view of the ocean and the garden areas.
Open from 12:00 a 6:00 p.m.
A selection of beverages ranging from the basic to the exotic, all in a refined and comfortable atmosphere.
Open from 5:00 a 11:00 p.m.
A monumental 130- yard-long pool.
Two swimming pools
Outdoor jacuzzi
Fitness Center
Taxis
Laundry facilities
Aquatic sports
Gift shop
Baby sitting
Room Service (24 hrs.)
EXCHANGING MONEY
Money can be exchanged at the front Desk. The basic médium of exchange in México is the peso , which like the US Dollar, is based on a decimal system and which sub divides into 100 cents. Bill are found in denominations of $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, $100.00, $200.00, $500.00.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are accepted (American Express, Visa, Master Card) at the Front Desk and stores in the hotel. Personal checks are not accepted.
ELECTRICITY
Normal current in Oaxaca and the rest of Mexico is 60 cycles, 110/120 volts, with 220/240 voltage available on request at the hotel.
BALLROOMS
The resort offers two meeting rooms, flexible enough to accommodate up to 170 guest, as web as beach and garden areas suitable for up .
CAMINO REAL ZAASHILA: for a video presentation CLICK HERE!
Blvd. Benito Juárez 5 Bahía de Tangolunda
Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca 70989
