Huatulco is home to 36 beaches, 9 bays, and no crowds
The director of the Hotel Association of Huatulco says her Pacific Ocean destination is making major inroads in the Canadian market and those of us who do venture there will find a destination that’s Mexican through and through.
Jessica Garcia Mora reports that Huatulco’s following among Canadians is “excellent,” with the destination having seen growth of over 18% compared to last winter and is expecting a very strong winter.
“We have direct flights from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg with Air Canada and WestJet. Canadians stay longer – 10 to 14 nights average – and 40% are repeat guests,” Garcia Mora states. “They don’t just want a beach, they want safety, nature, and authenticity, and that’s exactly what Huatulco offers.
“For this winter we expect full occupancy from mid-December to March, especially with our new eco and wellness products that Canadians love.”
And, Garcia Mora says, those of us who do visit Huatulco will find a part of the world that’s thoroughly Mexican, more Mexican, she states, than some of the other destinations found on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
“Mazatlán and Vallarta are great, but they grew around international tourism,” she continues. “Huatulco is part of Oaxaca – the most cultural state in Mexico. We are 100% Oaxacan. Mole, mezcal, Guelaguetza, handicrafts, coffee from the mountains. Our town La Crucecita is a real Mexican town where locals live. You hear Spanish, not just English. Our workers are from the local communities. That is traditional Mexico, preserved. If you want a party, go to Cancun. If you want Mexico, come to Huatulco.”
Garcia Mora says those vacationing in Huatulco will find 36 beaches, 9 bays, and no crowds in a part of the world that was master-planned to be sustainable. Only 30% of its land is open to development, with the remaining 70% protected.
“You will never see a 30-storey hotel wall here,” Garcia Mora reports. “You will see jungle meeting the ocean. We are not a party destination. We are safe, clean, and walkable. No timeshare harassment on the beach, no traffic. It’s Mexico as it should be: relaxed, respectful, and real. That’s why we say: 36 ways to feel alive – a different beach every day for 36 days.”
She describes Huatulco’s tourism infrastructure as world-class but low-density.
“We have 5,500 hotel rooms, from boutique to 5-star, including Dreams, Secrets, Barceló, Park Royal. International airport 20 minutes from all hotels,” Garcia Mora adds. “Two world-class marinas, a new hospital, international restaurants, but everything is 15 minutes away.
“We have certification: EarthCheck Gold, Blue Flag beaches, and our bay is a protected national park. Infrastructure without destruction – that’s our model.”
She also adds that Huatulco is a great base for exploring other parts of Oaxaca.
“In 30 minutes you are in coffee plantations at 1,000 meters. In 2 hours you are rafting,” she reports. “You can see waterfalls, release baby turtles, visit mezcal distilleries, bio-luminescence in Manialtepec lagoon, indigenous villages, and of course, day trips to Oaxaca City for history and gastronomy — UNESCO World Heritage. You can have adventure in the morning and be back for a massage at sunset.”
Meanwhile, Garcia Mora says Huatulco is a great vacation destination, regardless of when people visit.
“Winter is for Canadians and Americans – sun and snowbirds,” she states. “Summer is for the Mexican and European markets, plus weddings, wellness, and eco-tourism. We have stable weather: 28 to 32°C all year, water is always swimmable. We are pushing flights also for summer from Canada for younger families.”
Notably, the destination is also striving for more year-round visitors.
“We are promoting: Winter equals beach escape. Summer equals nature, wellness, and Oaxacan culture. We don’t want to be a four-month destination. We want to be a lifestyle destination 12 months a year.”
