By J. Clark
Bahia Maguey is one of Huatulco's nine bays.
Huatulco is a planned
resort town located along a series of nine spectacular bays along
Mexico's southern Pacific Coast. Because it was built around small, isolated bays instead of on a long, straight
beach -- and because it was developed as an ecologically responsible resort -- Huatulco maintains a much more cozy and natural feeling than its cousins at Cancun and Acapulco.
Wows and Woes
Water taxis are a convenient way to move around.
The breathtaking bays are easily accessible thanks to taxi and water taxi services. Several of the bays and their beaches, such as the popular Playa Santa Cruz and Playa La Entrega and Bahia Maguey, are lined with palapa (thatched roof) restaurants serving fresh seafood. The swimming is excellent, and there are plenty of spots to rent snorkel equipment, inflatable rafts or jet skis.
The touts at the beaches can be overly aggressive, flocking around visitors to insist they eat at their restaurant or sign up for their boat tour.
Insider Tips
To avoid the touts and enjoy a little privacy, stay at one of the top-end resorts that has its own beach such as Las Brisas or one that has its own beach club such as the Hotel Castillo Huatulco. The budget traveler might consider staying at the inland town of La Crucecita, where plenty of hotels offer decent lodgings for less than $75 a night as of September 2009. The town has a pretty plaza and church.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I took a water taxi to the Bahia Maguey, a sandy bay lined with restaurants on one side but completely undeveloped on the other. I walked to the undeveloped side, laid my towel down and spent the rest of the day moving back and forth from my spot on the white sand to the bath-like waters as sand crabs scurried around me. It was a perfect postcard moment.
Bottom Line
Huatulco is an excellent option for travelers who seek a beach resort with a unique personality. Still, as a planned resort, it lacks a bit of truly authentic Mexican flavor.
About the Author:
J. Clark is a freelance journalist who has written news and feature stories for a number of newspapers and magazines in the United States and Mexico since 2004. He has covered topics ranging from politics and business to sports and entertainment. He has a Master's degree in history and a special interest in Latin American cultures.
