What to Do in Huatulco at Night – A Local’s Guide to Huatulco’s best Nightlife!
Are you wondering what to do in Huatulco at night? There are so many Huatulco activities to do during the day, but what about the nightlife in Huatulco?
You may have heard that the bays of Huatulco are just a sleepy beach town, but that could not be further from the truth! Huatulco has a vibrant nightlife – if you know where to look.
I am here to dispel all those myths. Here I will share with you Huatulco’s best bars, nightclubs, and things to do at night!
If you are looking more for a nice meal out with good cocktail options, check out my list of The Best Restaurants in Huatulco here.
The Best Bars in Huatulco
Despite its small size, Huatulco has no shortage of bars! Most Huatulco bars offer live music of some kind in the evenings.
Here are some of Huatulco’s best bars!
La Incondicional (La Mezcala)
Formerly known as La Mezcala, La Incondicional is perhaps my favourite bar in Huatulco. They have a huge outdoor seating area, surprisingly great food, and lots of weekly specials and events.
La Incondicional hosts karaoke, dance lessons, and are a popular meeting place for friends headed to La Papaya on the weekend.
(Photo: Shev)
La Crema
La Crucectia’s most popular bar, and maybe oldest, is La Crema.
La Crema is famous for its pizzas, craft cocktails, and lounge bar vibes. I like to get the Rosemary Gin & Tonic (photo above) just for the dramatics.
Maz + Mezcal
A play on the words “mas mezcal”, meaning more mezcal in English, Maz + Mezcal has an ideal location in downtown La Crucecita and a lovely, levelled lounge area. It’s perfect for people watching and enjoying one of the dozens of mezcals on their menu.
Maz Mezcal has long seating in on the front patio, as well as back garden area for dancing with a live DJ on the weekends.
Maz + Mezcal is a great place in Huatulco to sample mezcal from their extensive menu!
A Mi Manera
A Mi Manera is Huatulco’s best karaoke bar. Also in downtown La Crucecita, you will find A Mi Manera on the second level overlooking the square.
Order a beer, and some popcorn, and sing the night away to any Luis Miguel song of your choosing!
El Pacifico
This is a new bar in downtown La Crucecita, across from Condos Pacifico. The have a live band almost every night of the week!
What I love about El Pacifico is that it’s popular with locals and foreigners. The crowd is always a good mix of people enjoying the music!
Santa Cruz’s most popular bar, Guns & Beers, closed down in 2020 and has not reopened. While it is dearly missed by many, El Pacifico bought a lot of their decor, so if you want to see something familiar check them out!
Café Casa Mayor
Looking over the central park in La Crucecita sits Café Casa Mayor. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a nightcap and desert after a meal.
Cafe Casa Mayor has a little stage built up like a loft looking down on the tables, and has a house musician that plays every night.
El Habanero Loco
Habanero Loco is one of the best beach bars in Huatulco, and its the best bar in Santa Cruz for dancing. They have a lot of the”typical” vacation events that you would get in a resort or cruise, but on the beach in Huatulco instead!
They do basic dance lessons, parties for every holiday, banquets, and almost always live music of some sort!
Wednesdays are Canadian nights. There is dancing, a live band, and discounted food and drink!
They also organize a bus that will take you to their location in San Agustin on Saturdays. Its a great way to explore more of Huatulco!
Huatulco Nightclubs
Huatulco’s bars are a great meeting place before heading out for a night of partying – Mexican style! Lets take a look at some the best night clubs in Huatulco.
La Papaya
Of all Huatulco’s bars and nightclubs, La Papaya is by far the most popular. And it deserves the title! La Papaya has a beautiful bar, a large dance floor, as well as large booths popular with groups and parties.
But the real attraction of the La Papaya Nightclub is the mermaids. Featured behind the main bar is a pool that can be seen through large, circular, porthole-style windows. At 3 am you can see the mermaid show!
The cover for La Papaya is $300 pesos, and it is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 10 pm.
Sugar Huatulco
Huatulco’s best (ok, only) gay bay is Sugar in Santa Cruz. This is a great nightclub for shows and dancing.
Sugar has excellent drag shows, a fun vibe, and really friendly staff. We love visiting!
Insomnia
Located above Maz + Mazcal in the heart of La Crucecita where everyone can hear the beats, Insomnia is another popular dance club in Huatulco. It tends to draw a slightly younger crowd, and the pop beats can be heard from almost anywhere in downtown La Crucecita.
The best way to find live music in Huatulco is by walking around and discovering it. Things aren’t always consistent and well-scheduled on the coast.
But if you are looking for suggestions, these Huatulco bars usually have a band going!
Mezcalerias
(Photo: Shev)
Mezcaleria Quiereme Mucho
Quiereme Mucho is Huatulco’s only craft mezcaleria. They produce small batch, high-quality mezcal, and then bottle it in beautifully hand-painted bottles.
Their mezcal bar is located in Playa La Bocana, so unless you are staying close by in Conejos or Tangalunda, you might want to pair a trip to La Bocana Beach with your adventure at Quiereme Mucho!
Huatulco Sports Bars
If you are really needing a night around fellow Canadians and Americans to watch the good ol hocky game, SuperBowl, or other events, then these are the bars for you:
Xipol
Can’t miss a game? Xipol (pronounced “zee-pole”) has got your back! Xipol is always playing seasonal games, so come here to cheer on your hockey team of choice with your fellow canucks!
Ricky’s
If darts and futbol are more your scene, Ricky’s is the place for you! Here you will find Premier League, car racing, and boxing matches on the screens.
Also check out Huatulco Events and Activities for gatherings for the big sporting events. There are a lot of World Cup and SuperBowl parties around!
How to Party in Huatulco
If you are looking to enjoy Huatulco’ nightlife, it’s probably not your first time being out after bedtime. Maybe you have even been out after dark in Mexico like Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. Here are some things to know before you head out for a night on the town!
Mexicans Know How to Party
It’s well known that Mexicans like a party! Here’s what that means for you:
- Parties start late.
Don’t be surprised if you head out before midnight and nightclubs are dead. Places will really get going around 1 am, and often the shows don’t start until around the same time.
Bars start a little earlier, around 8-9 pm. - Bottle service is something for everyone
I don’t know about you, but in my experience in Canada, bottle service is not overly common because it’s so expensive.
In the clubs in Huatulco however, you will find ordering a bottle of tequila or mezcal for your group very common and might be a really affordable option. - The Party Doesn’t Stop!
Back home you might go out for a few hours after work, or stay out dancing until 3 or 4 am.
Not in Huatulco.
If you go out for the night, chances are you won’t stop until the sun is up. If you’re with friends you will probably end up enjoying the sunrise with your toes in the sand. Not the worst thing really!
This also applies to parties your neighbours might be having. Even the mildest of friendly gatherings likely won´t end until 7am. Speaking from experience.
Other Things to do in Huatulco at Night
If you are not into the bar scene or are looking for something to do away from the crowds, this list is for you! Here are some more great things to do in Huatulco at night that don’t involve going to nightclubs.
(Photo: Shev)
Ride the Party Bus
There are a few night buses that leave from La Crucecita every night for a tour of Huatulco. The buses vary slightly, but cost $80-$100 pesos and include a stop for mezcal tasting and food!
First, you’ll ride the double-decker buses downtown, then out to Tangolunda to see the Huatulco sign and get photos.
Next, the bus rolls through Santa Cruz where you will see lots of people out at the beach bars or enjoying music in the central square.
The whole tour lasts about an hour and delivers you back to La Crucecita.
Eat Street Food
Some of Huatulco’s best street food can be found at night! Its totally different than the fare offered during the morning, and is a quintessential Huatulco experience.
You’ll find tacos, burgers, churros, marquesitas, street corn, and more incredible eats littered all over downtown La Crucecita.
In Santa Cruz, some vendors set up dozens of tables and chairs until the whole square feels like a restaurant! They offer the best tlayudas you’ll find in Huatulco.
Visit the Zocalo
The main square in downtown La Crucecita, sometimes called the Zocalo, also comes alive at night.
Food vendors dot the streets around the park, while artisans set up their wares in the pathways.
In the central gazebo, there are often celebrations for holidays, school bands performing, or breakdancers practicing on the smooth cement. They are pretty good!
Star Gaze at Chahue Beach
I love coming down to Chahue Beach at night. It’s a popular place for locals to meet up with friends and share a few beers after a long day of work.
The breeze is nice and cool, and the stars are on display. The full moons are great here too!
We like to pick up a pizza and a couple of beers or some wine and have a picnic on the beach.
Watch the Sunset and Stars from the Lighthouse
One of the few places in Huatulco you can see the sunset is from El Faro, the lighthouse. It has a great vantage point looking west towards Maguey bay, so you can watch the sun set!
The lighthouse itself isn’t open at night, but there is a lot of space on the ground where people gather with their picnic blankets to take in the sunset or the night sky.
Huatulco FAQ
🌎Where is Huatulco, Mexico located?
Huatulco or the Bays of Huatulco is a sustainable touristic development on the coast of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Huatulco is known for its pristine beaches and coastline that is home to 9 distinct bays. Huatulco is also home to one of Mexico’s largest national parks, Parque Nacional de Huatulco!
Here is a map I put together of the many beaches and bays in Huatulco!
🗺️How to Get to Huatulco?
Huatulco has its own international airport (HUX) that offers direct flights from several major cities in North America. It is also common to fly into Huatulco when visiting other parts of the Oaxacan coast like Mazunte or Puerto Escondido.
You can also go by land between popular destinations like Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite, and more using one of Mexico’s ground transportation options.
✈️ How to get to Huatulco from the airport
The Huatulco airport is about 20 minutes from the coast by car, and over an hour from Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. It is possible to take a taxi or transport on arrival, but you will save money and stress by booking an airport transfer in advance.
You can also rent a car in Huatulco, which can be great if you are travelling with a group or want to see more of the area!
🚖How to Get around in Huatulco
There is no Uber in Huatulco, the best way to get around in Huatulco is by taxi. The local taxi drivers are professional, knowledgeable, and very cheap as dictated by the union.
The only time you can negotiate with a taxi driver is if you are looking for a driver for the day or to a specific location outside of Huatulco.
Taxi laws in Oaxaca are actually quite interesting, I explain more about them in this post about transport in Huatulco.
🚙Renting a car in Huatulco
If you are looking to do more exploring in the surrounding areas like Pluma Hidalgo, you may want to rent a car.
Renting a car in Huatulco is very easy, and a great way to make sure you can visit as many of the beaches as possible!
I recommend comparing prices and booking through a trusted partner like Discover Cars. They compare known brands like Hertz with local vendors, so you know you are getting the best rate!
🏨 Where should I stay in Huatulco, Mexico?
(Photo: Canva, Huatulco Hotels)
Huatulco is a diverse area offering options from luxury villas to family-friendly stays, or rooms downtown. The best place to book your hotel or short-term apartment rental is through Booking.com here.
You can check out my full list of the best hotels in Huatulco, but here are a few faves:
🏨 Huatulco Hotels on the Beach
- For family-friendly fun – Dreams Huatulco
- Adults-only relaxation – Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
- Luxury Villas with a kitchen – Fasol Villas Tangolunda
- Closer to town but on the beach – Quinta Bella Resort
Huatulco Hotels in the Downtown
- Santa Cruz – Marina Resort Hotel
- Santa Cruz All-Inclusive (with beach club!) – Binniguenda Huatulco
- Chahue Bay – Hotel & Spa Xquenda
Huatulco Pet-friendly Hotels
- Santa Cruz – Holiday Inn Huatulco
- Chahue – Best Western Posada Chahue
- Downtown – Casa Shaguibá
🗓️When to Visit Huatulco?
I believe there is almost no bad time to visit Huatulco! You can read my month-to-month analysis of life in Huatulco for more details, but here is the short version:
- Huatulco High Season: December to March
- Huatulco Shoulder Season: October/November and April/May
- Huatulco Hurricane Season: There isn’t one! We don’t typically get hurricanes
- Months to avoid: May is the hottest month, and September is the rainiest
🌡️ Huatulco Weather Averages
(Photo: Holiday Weather)
People love to visit Huatulco in the winter to escape the northern cold, and the temperatures in Huatulco are more moderate. The days are still hot, but the humidity is less in December and February and the evenings get cooler.
Winter is the most expensive time to visit Huatulco. I recommend November, or July and August if you’re on a budget. These months are low season, but the weather is less volatile. The mid-seasons like spring and fall bring a lot of turbulence, especially in the water.
🐬What is the best time to see megafauna in Huatulco?
The Pacific shores off the coast of Huatulco are teaming with life, including some of the big stuff like Humpback whales, giant mantas, pods of dolphins, and sometimes false orcas!
- Late November to Early March: The best time to see Humpback whales in Huatulco
- April and May: The best time to see Giant Manta Rays in Huatulco
- All year round: The best time to see dolphins in Huatulco
Is Huatulco worth visiting?
Absolutely! Huatulco has something for everyone. Its rich landscape, vibrant ocean life, dedication to craft food and activities, and even the growing nightlife offer so much to travellers willing to explore a new and hidden gem.
Compared to big tourist centres like Cancun or Puerto Escondido, Huatulco might seem small. Don’t worry, there are still so many beach resorts, tours, and countless activities to experience.
🔐 Is Huatulco safe?
Huatulco is not only as one of the safest places in Mexico to visit but also to live in. The people here are very friendly and welcoming of newcomers, and it is easy to get around the area safely.
Always use common sense, and make sure you are carrying both travel insurance and travel health insurance for your visit.
💧Can you drink the water in Huatulco?
Technically yes, and many people do. Huatulco has great water treatment facilities. However, I don’t recommend drinking water directly from the tap in Huatulco just to be safe!
Most people and all the restaurants and street vendors use filtered water sold in “garafons”, the big blue 18L bottles. You can feel confident drinking the fruit waters sold by local vendors as they all use this reverse osmosis water!
For personal use, I take my Waatr bottle with me everywhere. That way if I do need to drink from the tap, I can purify it first with the UVC light installed in the cap!
If you need distilled water for devices such as a CPAP machine, you can purchase it in bottles at local pharmacies. It is usually sold as “agua infantil” or “baby water” in English as it is more commonly used for sinus flushes and medical care for children.
