The Simple Life of Someone Exploring Huatulco
Our last morning in Mexico City started at Taller Masa, a quaint coffee spot across the street from our Airbnb. We enjoyed pastries, Pan de Muerto, and strong coffee before heading to the airport and beginning our journey exploring Huatulco.
After a short 50-minute flight, we landed in Huatulco, a relaxing coastal town in Oaxaca known for its calm beaches and quiet charm. Besides the resort in Huatulco, it offers so much more than we thought:
- Thirty-six beaches, each with its own character
- A slower pace than most Mexican resort towns
- Warm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling
- Small-town hospitality everywhere you go
Before we called a taxi, we noticed a family stepping out of a tour van and decided on a whim to ask their driver if he could take us too. That’s how we met Jacobo. He worked for a touring company and, after a quick conversation, offered us a price that was impossible to turn down, especially compared to the guides who were clearly overcharging tourists. Jacobo ended up becoming our guide for the next few days, taking us to his favorite places, sharing the history behind each site, and genuinely looking out for us the entire time.
A Guided Tour to Start
We visited Playa de Entrega with our guide, Jacobo, who quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. His easygoing nature, deep knowledge of the area, and genuine care made every stop feel more meaningful. Huatulco felt warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived, but with Jacobo, we experienced it on a whole different level.
We were connected us to Pepe, who seemed like the manager at La Entrega Restaurant, where we sat to munch and sit by the beach. Tyler, Juan, and Cynthia went snorkeling for a bit for Mex$ 150 per person ($8.12 USD) while I laid on the sand and collected seashells. Perks of being pregnant… can’t do too many activities without doctor’s approval.
Our food order included garlic- seasoned fish, spicy meals, tajin-covered mango, and drinks. Stay hydrated, friends!
We later took a short boat ride for Mex$ 250 ($13.53 USD) each, learning about the coastline, local stories, and hidden coves.
One of the first things we learned is that cash truly is king here. Most places prefer it, and even when card payment might be an option, it’s always better to ask first. We also found that bringing money to convert is helpful since some nearby towns offer slightly better exchange rates. Between taxis, boat rides, snacks on the beach, and tips, having cash on hand made everything smoother and saved us time (and stress).
Exploring Huatulco in Oaxaca
When we weren’t out exploring, we let ourselves settle into resort life, wandering the property, swimming in the pool, and soaking in the beauty of Oaxaca’s coastline. The quiet moments in between were a peaceful balance to our otherwise adventure-packed trip.
And then there was the full-day excursion, the kind of day that becomes the centerpiece of a vacation story. Once again led by Jacobo, we spent hours traveling through coastal towns, waterfalls, and ecological areas. We began in the Biosphere region, known for its freshwater pools and natural springs preserved by indigenous communities for centuries. It was humbling to hear that corn was cultivated there over 300 years ago. Some of the pools even had tiny fish that naturally exfoliated our feet. Entry was Mex$ 400 ($21.65 USD) per person, and worth every bit of it. The water was so clear and refreshing, surrounded by thick tropical greenery that made the whole place feel untouched.
About the Coastal Towns
The tour continued through several coastal towns, each with its own personality. Puerto Ángel was a quiet fishing town where locals pull in marlin, dorado, and mahi mahi from the morning’s catch. Zipolite, Mexico’s only legal nude beach, had a free-spirited vibe with noticeable European influence. San Agostinillo was bright and lively, with surfers scattered along the shoreline. Mazunte offered a calmer atmosphere, once known for its turtle sanctuary.
Later in the day, we stopped for lunch at La Ventanilla Restaurant. We had fresh seafood, cold aguas frescas, and a front-row view of nature. The surrounding area is famous for wildlife tours, horseback riding, and turtle release efforts. At Playa Ventanilla, we got to witness a turtle release at sunset, learning about the work that goes into conservation and how deeply the community cares about protecting these species.
Our last stop was Puerto Escondido, a place known for its bioluminescent lagoons, surf culture, open-air restaurants, and nightlife that doesn’t seem to end. The bioluminescence alone was magical. As soon as we moved our hands or feet through the water, it lit up in glowing blues and greens, like swimming through stars.
By the end of the week, we were exhausted in the best possible way. Waterfalls, wildlife, glowing lagoons, and coastal towns all in one trip. It felt like Oaxaca had given us a little piece of everything it had to offer. It was long, immersive, unforgettable, and easily one of the most memorable travel days we’ve experienced. Something completely different than Mexico City itself.
Between excursions, we wandered the resort, swam in the pool, and took in the beauty of Oaxaca’s coastline. It was the peaceful balance we didn’t know we needed.
Xo, Mel
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