Welcome to Huatulco, a magical corner of the Mexican Pacific coast! This sunny destination can be confusing to navigate if you have never visited before, and I hear the same questions asked from new travellers over and over.
Here’s the part that gets people confused – Huatulco isn’t a single town! It’s a collection of bays, beaches, and neighbourhoods that belong to the district of Santa Maria Huatulco.
Santa Maria Huatulco covers 26 kilometres of coastline and is home to Huatulco National Park and a UNSECO Biosphere reserve. It’s one of the most diverse protected areas in Mexico!
Before we dive into each area of Huatulco, let’s learn a little Huatulco geography and how the district is organized.
How Huatulco is Organized: Sectors, Bays & Getting Around
Town Centres (where the locals live & eat) There are two main commercial areas of Huatulco, La Crucecita and Santa Maria Huatulco (the district centre).
Bay Areas (where the beaches and resorts are) This is what travellers usually mean when they refer to Huatulco. You can access almost all of Huatulco’s bays from the main Highway 200 that runs along the coast. If youare looking for a beach holiday, you want to stay in one of the 9 bays of Huatulco.
Sectors (how the neighbourhoods are named) Huatulco is further organized into neighbourhoods that are referred to as sectors. Sectors are named with a letter or the beach or bay they are on.
For travellers, the important thing to know is that each sector functions as its own neighbourhood, as you might expect back home. Sectors have their own markets, businesses, taxi stands, and restaurants.
You don’t need to memorize these, but knowing the names of common areas will help you get around.
Getting around in Huatulco
Huatulco is one of the easiest places to get around in Mexico – I love it! You can walk, bus, or catch a taxi pretty much anywhere.
There is very little traffic in Huatulco compare to other parts of Mexico. Taxis are:
Affordable (there is a union regulating pricing. No “tourist tax!”)
Easy to Find
Available at clearly marked stands or by WhatsApp
You can get most places in Huatulco within 5-15 minutes. This means you don’t need to be beachfront to enjoy the beach. You can stay centrally and explore a different beach every day!
Now that we’ve got an idea of how the area is organized, let’s look at each sector of Huatulco in detail, including who it’s best for and where to stay.
La Crucecita – Local Vibes & Walkability (Sector H)
The Church of the Virgin Guadalupe in La Crucecita Photo: Shev
La Crucecita is the beating heart of Huatulco. The “downtown” of the area. Here is where you find street vendors, fruit markets, and local events & celebrations.
In La Crucecita you will find:
the Zocalo (town square for festivities)
Restaurants, cafes, bars, and businesses
Festivals, government events, and major activities
Condos Pacificoor Terrazas: Next door to each other, I lived in both at different times. I loved it here. You get a community vibe from the other residents Lucero de Mar: on a quiet side street off of the zocalo.
Santa Cruz Huatulco – Beachfront & Cruiseport (Sector A)
Santa Cruz is one of the most popular areas to stay in Huatulco, especially for first-time visitors. It’s a well-rounded base that offers direct beach access, tour departures, and easy transportation, without feeling overly resort-heavy.
This bay is home to Playa Santa Cruz, one of Huatulco’s most swimmable beaches thanks to its protected shape and calm water. It’s so quiet we do a lot of scuba training there!
Santa Cruz sits just below La Crucecita, it’s possible to walk between the two via the tourist corridor. But it’s about a 30-min walk, so if you prefer to avoid the heat, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.
Who Santa Cruz is best for
First-time visitors to Huatulco
Travellers who want beach access & convenience
Families and casual swimmers
Anyone booking boat tours or snorkelling trips
Things to know about Santa Cruz
One of the busiest bays, especially in high season
Beyond the main part of Santa Cruz, on the way to Playa el Violin you will find Sector E & the Naval Sector. You will need a car or reliable taxi to stay in this area, but there are some stunning places and views to be had if you do!
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
This is where you’ll find a mix of hotels, condo buildings, vacation rentals within walking distance to the beach.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
🏨Hotels: Holiday Inn – right on the marina. Best views and access to the beach. 🛋️Apartments:La Playa Suites – the only accommodations right on the beach in Santa Cruz. I have stayed here many times. 💎Luxury:Princess Mayev Hotel
New in 2026 – the tourist corridor has finally been constructed! What was once just an empty path connecting La Crucecita & Santa Cruz is now bustling with shops (and shade!)
Tourist Corridor in 2021 when I would walk from La Crucecita to Santa Cruz for DivingTourist corridor in 2026
Chahué sits just east of Santa Cruz and is known for its beach clubs, pools, and nightlife. While Playa Chahué itself isn’t always ideal for swimming due to stronger currents, the area makes up for it with lively atmosphere and great sunset views.
This sector is popular with travellers who want to be close to bars, restaurants, and social spaces, while still having quick access to Santa Cruz, Tangolunda, and La Crucecita by taxi.
Chahué also has a mix of residential buildings and hotels, making it a good option for people who want a more energetic base without committing to an all-inclusive resort.
Please do not swim here! You will see some people in the water from time to time, but the area is subject to sudden swells and rip currents. There are so many other places to swim in Huatulco, it’s not worth the risk.
Who Chahué is best for
Travellers who enjoy nightlife and social settings
Couples and friend groups
People who prefer pool time and beach clubs over swimming beaches
Shorter stays with lots of dining and evening plans
Things to know about Chahué
Playa Chahué can have strong currents
Better for lounging than swimming
Lively at night, quieter during the day
Very well connected by taxi
Where to stay in Chahué
Chahué offers hotels, condos, and vacation rentals, many with pools and views over the bay.
Quinta Bella Huatulco: the most popular resort on the beach, complete with personal plunge pools! They have several restaurants on-site and host events each night.
Xquenda Hotel & Spa: Beautiful hotel with Mexican aesthetic and I highly rated spa!
Note: When looking for places to stay beware of the difference between Bahia Chahue and Residential Chahue. The sector behind Chedraui, on the east side of Boulevard Chahue is called Residential Chahue. There are many AirBnB’s and condo buildings in this area. It’s a great area of town but not on the oceanfront like Bahia Chahue.
The ocean is quiet in Tangolunda beach today. Photo: Shev
Tangolunda – Hotel District & All-Inclusive Resorts (Sector T)
Tangolunda is Huatulco’s main hotel district and the area most associated with large resorts and all-inclusive stays. Are you picturing a classic resort holiday – beachfront pools, on-site restaurants, and everything in one place? This is where you’ll find it.
The bay itself is wide and scenic, with long stretches of beach and space between properties. Many of Huatulco’s biggest resorts are located here, along with the golf course and a calmer, more polished atmosphere compared to Santa Cruz or Chahué.
While Tangolunda doesn’t have the same walkable town feel as La Crucecita, it’s still very easy to get around. Taxis are readily available, and you’re only a short drive from Santa Cruz, Chahué, and the town center.
Who Tangolunda is best for
Travellers who prefer resorts or all-inclusive stays
Families and multi-generational trips
Holidayers who want a relaxed, self-contained experience
Anyone prioritizing comfort and amenities over nightlife or walkability
Things to know about Tangolunda
Less walkable than other areas
Dining and nightlife are mostly within resorts
Great ocean views and wide beaches
Where to stay in Tangolunda
Tangolunda is home to Huatulco’s largest concentration of hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive options, beachfront properties, and a few nearby condos and villas. Here are some of the top-rated ones:
Bahia Arrocito & Conejos have similar vibes so I’m putting them together here. Two of the quieter bays in Huatulco, often chosen by travellers looking for scenery, privacy, and a slower pace. These areas are farther from the town centre and feel more residential and resort-like, with fewer restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Arrocito is a small, protected bay with calm water and a relaxed atmosphere. It is popular with long-stay travellers and those who prefer peaceful mornings and ocean views over nightlife.
Conejos sits farther west and feels even more removed. This bay is known for its dramatic coastline, open ocean views, and adults-oriented stays. It is a good choice for couples or travellers who plan to spend most of their time relaxing on property rather than exploring.
Who Arrocito & Conejos are best for
Travellers looking for a quiet, scenic stay
Couples and honeymooners
Long-stay visitors who do not need walkable amenities
Anyone prioritizing views and calm over nightlife or ocean activities
Things to know about Arrocito & Conejos
Limited restaurants and shops nearby
Taxis or car rental are essential for getting around
Very peaceful, especially in the evenings
Better for relaxing than for activity-heavy trips
Where to stay in Arrocito & Conejos
Arrocito
Villas Coral: Luxury rooms and amenities with stunning views of the bay. Coral Blue: Popular beach hotel and home to the famous Ocean Restaurant.
If you are planning a longer stay or want a more authentic experience in Mexico, these areas of Huatulco are also worth considering.
Residential Huatulco – Sectors J, K, L, M, N & O
Backtracking a little bit, in La Crucecita you will see Sectors J, K, L, M, N, and O. These are are primarily residential neighbourhoods rather than tourist zones. They are like the suburbs of town and many locals, foreign residents, and long-term visitors choose to live.
You will not find beachfront hotels or resorts in these sectors, but you will find apartments, houses, and longer-term rentals, often at better value than properties closer to the coast. These neighbourhoods are well connected by taxi and are close to grocery stores, markets, schools, and everyday services.
I lived in Sector K for a few years and loved it, but also because I had a moto. It is difficult to live here without transport, though taxis are easy to find.
Sector M, N, & O are more suburby. They do not have their own markets and taxi stands like Sectors K & J do. These areas are for people who have purchased homes and make Huatulco a long-term stay.
Who these residential sectors are best for
Long-term travellers and digital nomads
Visitors staying several weeks or more
Travellers looking for a local, non-touristy experience
Budget-conscious travellers who do not need beach access
Things to know about sectors J, K, L, M, N & O
Not walkable to the beach
Quiet and residential, especially at night
Excellent taxi access (except for N & O)
Better suited to longer stays than short vacations
Where to stay in these sectors
Expect mostly vacation rentals and apartments, with fewer short-stay hotels. These areas work best if you are comfortable using taxis to reach beaches and attractions.
Rooms Huatulco: Gorgeous apartments in Sector K, right where I used to live! Casa Xtao: Budget-friendly with full kitchens and a great location Casa Colibri: Gorgeous house with a pool in Sector N
Huatulco is compact, calm, and easy to navigate. Choosing the right sector is about matching your travel style, not finding a perfect location. With taxis everywhere and little traffic, it’s easy to enjoy multiple bays no matter where you stay.
Here is a little more about the region of Bahias de Huatulco.
Huatulco Geography – Maps & Road Details
To understand Huatulco, you will need to adapt your mindset from our Canadian/European/American organization of townships.
Huatulco isn’t a town by our definition; it’s more like a district (well, district and region as you’ll soon learn), as well as a grouping of small settlements. Let’s do a quick geography lesson.
Generally, when people talk about “Huatulco”, they are referring to the Bahías de Huatulco, the famous bays.
Huatulco is home to 9 Bays and more than 36 beaches, all within just 26 kilometres of coastline!
For visual reference as we move along, here are the nine bays of Huatulco, named and colour-coded. You can also see the custom map I made here.
Huatulco’s 9 bays
San Agustin – Furthest bay & end of the National Park. Accessible by road, full services, best snorkelling in Huatulco.
Chachacual Bay – Largest bay in Huatulco. Only accessible by boat. Great snorkelling sites.
Cacaluta Bay – Accessible by bike, moto, or ATV. Famous turtle habitat. No services, fantastic dive sites around Cacaluta Island
Maguey Bay – Accessible by taxi. Great for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and beach day. Lots of restaurants.
Organo Bay – only accessible by boat or walking the trail. No services, great snorkelling, ok diving.
Santa Cruz Bay – Cruise port and central area. Accommodations and all amenities are available. Protected swimming area, kayaking, paddleboarding.
Arrocito Bay – Luxury development, largely inhabited by foreigners. Small beach with some public access and restaurants.
Tangolunda Bay – the hotel district, this is where the all-inclusive resorts are.
Conejos Bay – Quiet area, with just a few developments & Secrets Huatulco Adult-Only resort. Public access is via a trailhead from the main road.
One of the first sights of Huatulco I took in. I snapped this shot of Tangolunda from the plane when I arrived in February 2021. You can see the resorts along the beach tucked into the hills. This is what Huatulco looks like in the dry season (December – April). In the rainy season those hills are lush and green!
Where is Huatulco?
Located on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, Huatulco is a tourist region uniquely situated, so it faces south into the Pacific Ocean. This portects it from the direct western force of the Pacific Ocean.
Just off the coast of Huatulco, there is a deep seawall that drops hundreds of metres into the ocean. This serves two main purposes:
Allows large pelagic sea life to swim by (like humpback whales!)
Protects the region from tsunamis, hurricanes, and other strong weather patterns
To top it off, the Sierra Madre Sur mountains are just 25 minutes inland from Huatulco. This place really won the geographical lottery.
What does the name Huatulco Mean?
Huatulco is an abbreviation of the district of Santa Maria Huatulco and/or Bahías de Huatulco.
The district of Santa Maria Huatulco sits on the coast of Oaxaca between San Pedro Pochutla and San Miguel del Puerto. It encompasses the Huatulco Airport (HUX), the town of Santa Maria Huatulco, La Crucecita, and the tourist destination of Bahías de Huatulco (among other hamlets dispersed throughout).
A map of some of the regions of Oaxaca. This post is about Santa Maria Huatulco (note the bays etched in the map). Other popular destinations on the coast are the towns of Mazunte and Zipolite in San Pedro Pochutla, and popular surfing destination Puerto Escondido is in Santa Maria Tonameca.
Note that in the naming of places each little hamlet in Santa Maria Huatulco is referred to by its name, then Huatulco on the end. You will see a lot of common Latin American names (Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, etc.) so the Huatulco is added to clarify. e.g. Santa Cruz Huatulco.
What is Special About Huatulco?
It’s hard to put your finger on it exactly, but Huatulco is just a special place. It’s quiet, but still has some nightlife and good food. There are tons of activities to do and places to explore, but also dozens of beaches to choose from if you prefer to relax.
It is home to the Huatulco National Park (protected land and waters), Oaxacan food, shopping, and of course, the beaches.
So, what are the Bahías de Huatulco? Bahías de Huatulco is a section of the Oaxacan coast consisting of 9 bays and more than 36 beaches. Yup, that’s right, this little region alone is home to more than 36 beaches! Bahías de Huatulco starts at the edge of the Huatulco National Park with Bahía San Agustín and follows the coast all the way to the Hotel District of Conejos and Tangolunda. The district of Huatulco runs a little further and includes a few more beaches, but Conejos is the last bay.
The Town of Santa María Huatulco
Santa María Huatulco is the biggest city in the region, so naturally, it has the bigger city things. Bigger markets, larger shopping centres, and it is the political centre for the area.
It is also a portal to the rest of the state and by extension, the country. There are two other roads from the interior to the coast, but the route through Santa Maria Huatulco is the most direct, therefore preferred.
Note: Santa María Huatulco is also where the weather readings come from on your phone apps, which is why the weather forecast is so rarely accurate for the Bahías de Huatulco. The weather varies just 1-3km off the coast, and Santa Maria Huatulco is about 10km off the coast as the crow flies. For more on Huatulco weather, see The Best Time to Visit Huatulco.
Huatulco Airport (HUX)
The HUX airport is located 17km (~ 20minutes) from the bays and 13km from Santa Maria Huatulco. It’s a very small airport, so it generally moves pretty quickly with only one flight leaving or arriving at a time. This makes navigating simple and short lines for baggage claims and customs.
There are plenty of taxis waiting outside the arrival gate that will be willing to take you to most areas in the region for about $500 pesos.
It is also common for people visiting Puerto Escondido to fly into Huatulco and take a bus or private transfer. It’s about 2-3 hours from HUX airport to Puerto Escondido, depending on the type of transport you take.
New in 2025 – the Puerto Escondido airport has been upgraded. The first international flight from Houston via United started April 5, 2025.
Note: a great thing about Huatulco is that the taxis are safe and standardized. No matter which taxi you take they will be the same price, no haggling or worrying about “tourist tax”. If you do take a taxi and like the driver, I recommend getting their Whatsapp number (usually printed on the car, or they will happily give it to you). Then you will always have someone to call if you need a ride somewhere there aren’t taxis waiting!
The Sectors of Huatulco
Spiralling out and to the east of the downtown are residential areas called sectors. These areas are similar to what you might know as neighbourhoods in your home city and are naturally divided up by the canals that run through the town protecting the area in the rainy season, and the few core streets. Like any city, these sectors vary in wealth, vibe, and what they offer.
I put together this map to easily lay out the sectors, and included some notes about each area! Sectors are an official form of geography and are noted in mailing addresses. I will go over some of the most popular sectors here, but please use the map to see details on all of Huatulco’s sectors!
Huatulco is well known to be a very safe place, and the community prides itself on this fact. The only sector I would avoid is H3 as it is the most run-down and unlit of the areas. Otherwise anywhere in La Crucecita has something to offer visitors.
Boulevard Benito Juarez
Two helpful roads to be familiar with in Huatulco. Highway 200, the main highway that connects the Oaxacan coast, and Boulevard Benito Juarez that runs beside the ocean, connecting 6 of the 9 Bahias de Huatulco
Blvd Benito Juarez is the road that runs along the coastline of Huatulco. It starts at Bahía Maguey/Cacaluta and runs down the coast to La Bocana Beach, then follows the river inland to connect with Barra Copalita and Highway 200. 6 of the 9 Bahías de Huatulco can be accessed by road, 5 of them are along Boulevard Benito Juarez.
Highway 200
Highway 200 (the orange in the photo to the right) is the main highway that runs along a huge chunk of the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It starts in Salina Cruz, just 2 hours from Huatulco, Mexico. and runs all the way north through Puerto Vallarta, before ending in Tepic.
In Huatulco, we use it to access the Huatulco Airport, Santa Maria Huatulco, and to head to Pochutla or Puerto Escondido.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk between Huatulco beaches?
No – there are a few bays that have more than one beach that you could walk between theoretically, but not safely. It’s best to take a taxi, drive, or bike.
What’s the best town to stay in Huatulco?
La Crucecita is my favourite town to stay in for its local vibe and vibrant community. Santa Cruz is the best town to stay in to also have direct beach access.
What’s the best all-inclusive resort in Huatulco?
By public ratings, the best resorts in Huatulco are Secrets Resort & Spa (Adult-Only) & Las Brisas (for families).
Shev’s Summary – Where to Stay in Huatulco
Ok! That’s it! That was my guide to figuring out where to stay in Huatulco. There is so much more to say about this unique corner of the world, and I will continue to share my knowledge and tips on how to make the best of your time here.
I hope you found this helpful. If you have a question I haven’t answered, you can reach out to me here.
Here are some additional resources for you if you are planning a trip to Huatulco.
All About Huatulco – This is my landing page for all the information I have gathered about Huatulco, Mexico. Head over there for an interactive menu of Huatulco info!
Things to do in Huatulco – There are tons of events and activities happening in this little corner of the world. Find out more about them here!
Chat with a Local – I offer 1-to-1 information calls to anyone interested in learning more about Huatulco. Check out my About page for more info on that!
There are also few Facebook groups for the area that can be helpful. Use the search bar function with any questions, or make a post if you can’t find the answer!
Want to learn more about Huatulco, Mexico? Check out some of my other posts below, or sign up for my email list to be notified of new posts about the bays!
Shev is a writer and PADI Dive Instructor who gets to travel a lot for work!
When not leading scuba diving trips in Central America, Shev calls Oaxaca, Mexico home. Shev loves to share insider info on this gem in Mexico so you can experience this magical place too!
Shev aims to equip first-time visitors with everything they could possibly need to get the most out of this Pacific gem.
