In the colonial times, Huatulco was a commercial port that awoke the greed of the famous pirates Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish. Later, it was for centuries the refuge of humble farmers and fishermen. Until 1980, Huatulco had only a single town, without water or electricity, and only accessible through a rough dirt track. In 1983, the first luxury hotels were built, followed by an airport, a golf course, and a marina. Today, Huatulco has an adequate communication system and a modern international airport, located 11.80 miles from the hotel area.
Bahías de Huatulco incorporated a highly sophisticated urban infrastructure. With respect to the ecology, the traditional architecture and the natural environment guided the tourist development projects that today, are comprised of first class hotels, spas, fine restaurants, bars, nightclubs and international-level shopping centers.
Some bays offer infrastructure for the most demanding tourist: Tangolunda, the most exclusive, has 600 acres where one can find five-star hotels, villages and residential areas. It has a professional 18-hole golf course that extends by 193 acres with splendid views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Nothing is better than its dreamy beaches: Ventura, Tornillo, Manzanillo, Rincón Sabroso and Tangolunda, favorites of lovers of walks on the beach and aquatic sports such as free scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking.
The opportunity for aquatic activities is vast: autonomous and free scuba diving, sport fishing, swimming, jet ski, and water ski. Scuba diving is a must activity for the visitors who like more than the traditional, because Bahías de Huatulco has the biggest coral reefs of the West Coast of North America. Another big activity is kayaking and rafting in the river, which allows tourists to see the most hidden places. Windsurfing and sea kayaking also compete as preferred activities amongst the more sporty. Exploring the nine bays in a yacht, catamaran or a romantic sail boat at sundown is at the reach of all preferences and budgets. There are tours to beaches, where one can swim and sunbathe in an intimate setting with nature.
The tropical vegetation of Huatulco allows for peaceful trips in four-wheeled bikes, on horses, in bicycles or guided walks. For those who practice rappel, Huatulco has, at only five miles from Punta Celeste, in the Parque Botazoo, a rock wall 147 feet high with an inclination of 100 degrees. From the top and the cracks of the cliff, the views of the waves that reach the beach are amazing.
Until now, a great part of Huatulco remains just as nature created it, a privileged destination for those who choose ecotourism and adventure. The vegetation, with more than 9,000 species, and a large fauna, has been preserved. In marine life one can find oysters, lobsters, shrimps, dolphins, turtles, red snappers, and occasionally whales. Another site that one cannot miss out on, is the ancient coffee farms where the visitor finds a shining table filled with flavor and color. One cannot turn down a walk through the mountains because the paths surrounded by jungles, orchids and waterfalls, as well as the sweet songs of exotic birds and running deer are simply irresistible.
The vacations in Huatulco are a perfect mixture of sophistication and ecotourism. With the advances of the 21st century and the beauty of its nature, this is a must see destination.
