Huatulco, Mexico, located 270 miles south of Acapulco, is the ideal destination for the traveler who seeks natural, pristine beauty and a wonderful place to relax. Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco consists of nine virtually unexplored bays and 36 beaches that offer seclusion, 34,600 acres of vegetation, and views of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains. In the 1980's, Huatulco officially became a government-planned resort with hotels and roadways. Since then, Huatulco has established itself as an ideal tourist destination that offers a wonderful and vast variety of activities.

La Crucecita
La Crucecita is the only place in Huatulco that resembles a real Mexican town. Its central plaza has a church whose interior is covered with native frescoes; on the ceiling is a fresco of what locals claim to be the "largest Madonna in the world." You can dine, hang out at a bar or sidewalk cafe, and browse in boutiques. You'll also find a bank, bus station, and Internet cafes here.

Playa Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, on the bay of the same name, was the center of a 30-family fishing community before the development of Huatulco. Today the bay is a nice spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can arrange boat tours and fishing trips at the marina. Mingle with the locals in the central zocalo, or sip a cool drink or cappuccino in the Cafe Huatulco, right in the middle of the plaza where the traditional kiosko should be.

Shopping in Huatulco
In Huatulco you'll find many places to go shopping, including plazas, malls and markets selling a wide array of products. If you're looking for crafts, you'll find them in the Santa Cruz Market, by the marina in Santa Cruz, and in the Crucecita Market, on Guamuchil, a half-block from the plaza. Among the prototypical souvenirs, you can also purchase regional specialties, which include Oaxacan embroidered blouses and dresses, and barro negro, pottery made from dark clay exclusively found in the Oaxaca region.