Huatulco National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco)

Most visitors experience the beauty of Huatulco National Park on boat tours of the area’s deserted beaches and bays—some include time for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the beach, while others focus on whale- and dolphin-watching.

Back on dry land, wander through the park’s myriad pathways in the company of an expert birder or cover more ground with a thrilling ATV adventure instead. Most excursions to the 27,000-acre (10,900-hectare) Huatulco National Park feature a dedicated guide and round-trip transportation.

• Bird lovers won’t want to miss Huatulco National Park, which is home to hummingbirds, hawks, and more.

• Pack plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and bug spray before taking a trip to Huatulco National Park.

• For the best views over Huatulco National Park, don’t miss the La Entrega viewpoint.

• Huatulco National Park is not fully wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Situated on the Oaxaca coastline, Huatulco National Park is a roughly 6-hour drive from Oaxaca City. The easiest way to get there is by flying into Huatulco International Airport, before taking a taxi to the town of La Crucecita. From there, you can charter boat tours from Santa Cruz Bay (Playa Santa Cruz).

There’s no bad time to visit the forests and beaches of Huatulco National Park, but you’re more likely to get the place to yourself if you vacation during the winter low season—except the Christmas holiday period. Otherwise, visit outside of the May–September rainy season to avoid getting caught in a downpour.

There are nine bays that make up the Huatulco coastline and more than 30 individual beaches. Playa Maguey is a quiet option that’s also accessible by car, while Tangolunda Bay is a near-deserted haven for strong swimmers. Alternatively, if you’ve got limited time in the region, Chahue Beach is situated right next to the town of La Crucecita.