PORTS OF CALL - South America
Huatulco, Mexico
Once a haven for pirates and weary sailors traveling from the Far East, today Huatulco (pronounced wah-tool-co) is a relatively undiscovered port of call. Located on the Pacific Coast in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, it's one of the first destinations in the western hemisphere to focus on eco-tourism and the protection of natural resources. And with 22 miles of jagged coastline, pristine beaches and spectacular crystal-clear waters – it's easy to see why.
Don't Miss
Visit one of the Bays of Huatulco. There are nine individual bays along the coast, some of which are accessible only by boat. A local guide can show you the best spots for snorkeling and fishing, or if you'd like to see more than one bay, take a guided tour by motorized catamaran.
Fun Things to Do
- Go on a Bird-Watching Eco Tour along the Copalita River. The forest is filled with an incredible array of wildlife including iguanas and deer, spectacular flora and fauna, and even precious mahogany trees.
- Take a scenic drive through the bays of Chahue and Conejos, along the Copalita River and to the small town of La Crucecita.
- Explore the area on an off-road SUV adventure or comb the beaches on horseback.
Sporting Adventures
You'll find underwater adventures everywhere in Huatulco. For some of the area's best snorkeling head to either La Entrega Beach or Calcuta Bay, which earned the nickname Kings Beach because it was a favorite of King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
Shopping for Bargains
The main destination for shopping is La Crucecita. Here you'll find a traditional open-air market with everything from beautifully embroidered clothes to alebrijes, animals carved in wood. You may also want to visit the Handicraft Museum where you can purchase the works of local artisans that are displayed.
Local Flavours
Mexico is home to mescal, an alcoholic spirit made from the agave plant. There are many different types, distinguishable by the region where it's made and by the variety of agave plant used. In fact, one you've probably heard of – tequila, which is made near the town of Tequila using the blue agave plant. But for a real authentic taste, try one of the many mescals that can't be found outside of Mexico. (Just be sure to look for 100% agave on the label.) And what about the worm that can be found in the bottle? While legends and rumors are abundant, general consensus is that it's just a gimmick used to catch the attention of consumers and to alter the flavor of a poorly made mescal.
Currency
Mexico's currency is the peso (MXN). The $ sign is used to refer to pesos, so don’t be shocked at the price tags. Any prices in U.S. dollars are listed as US$ or USD. Many hotels, restaurants and shops also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate.