Question 1

Where is ALMA located exactly?

Accepted Answer

ALMA is situated on the west side of Bahías de Huatulco, on the coast of Oaxaca, and near the beaches of Maguey, Órgano, and Cacaluta, at the doorstep of Huatulco's National Park.

This prime location means ALMA is:
- A 3-minute drive from La Entrega Beach
- A 4-minute drive from the Santa Cruz neighborhood
- A 7-minute drive from Huatulco's main supermarket
- A 9-minute drive from the town center of La Crucecita
- A 20-minute drive from Huatulco International Airport
- A 1-hour drive from the mountain village of Pluma Hidalgo
- A 1.5-hour drive from Puerto Escondido
- A 3.5-hour drive from Oaxaca City, the state capital

Question 2

Is ALMA located in the National Park ?

Accepted Answer

ALMA is situated adjacent to the pristine Órgano Bay, which was recently designated as part of the National Park Extension. This prime location places ALMA at the doorstep of the protected reserve, and this ensures the preservation and tranquility of the surrounding area.

The residence is just a few-minute-forest-walk away from Órgano beach, via commonly used fishermen's trails. From ALMA, you can access three beaches with restaurants—Santa Cruz, La Entrega, and Maguey—within a 5-minute drive, as well as three virgin beaches of the National Park: Órgano, Violín and Cacaluta.

It is important to mentioned that Bahías de Huatulco counts 71% of its land being protected by 6 National Parks.

Question 3

Who are ALMA's clients ?

Accepted Answer

ALMA boasts a diverse and vibrant community of likeminded people.

Our clients range in age from 27 to 77 and represent seven nationalities, with nearly 40% being Mexican—the largest group among them.

This eclectic mix fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment, ensuring a rich and engaging lifestyle for all residents. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active social scene, ALMA offers a welcoming community where diverse backgrounds and interests come together harmoniously.

Question 4

What security measures will you find at ALMA?

Accepted Answer

ALMA is designed to feel calm and well protected. The residence is gated and includes 24/7 security, with cameras in the common areas and at the entrance. It adds a reassuring layer of privacy and peace of mind as you settle into the setting. In addition, Huatulco is considered one of the safest towns in Mexico.

Question 5

How safe is it to invest in ALMA ?

Accepted Answer

All brokers working with Esencia, the development company behind ALMA, have conducted thorough due diligence. Several factors contribute to ALMA being a secure investment:

- Private Property: Private property is not always available in Mexico, and purchasing "communal" or "ejidal" land can be particularly risky, especially for foreigners, as it typically comes with an "agreement" rather than a deed. ALMA, however, was acquired as Private Property directly from the federal government and includes a deed, ensuring a secure investment for clients.
- Permits: In Mexico, it is mandatory to have a municipal construction license and an environmental permit. Additionally, in Huatulco, obtaining project authorization from FONATUR (the federal government institution that created and funded the city) is required. ALMA has secured all three permits.
- Building Company: The choice of a building company is critical to any development. At Esencia, we have partnered with PROH Constructora, a company with about 20 years of experience in Huatulco, specializing in building on cliffs and terrains similar to ALMA's. They have successfully completed the highest-end projects and properties of Huatulco, such as Montecito Beach Village, Amanecer Coastal Casitas, The Cove, or Villa La Montosa. Feel free to ask for references!

Question 6

What permits has the developer obtained for ALMA's construction?

Accepted Answer

Esencia, the developer of ALMA, has secured ALL the permits required to build in Huatulco:

Project Authorization from FONATUR – Obtained
Construction License from the Municipality – Obtained
Environmental Permit from the State (M.I.A.) – Obtained
Residencial Zoning Authorization from State (C.U.S.T.F.) - Obtained

Additionally, Esencia is committed to pursuing environmental certification for building design and construction from EarthCheck. Stay tuned for further updates on this.

Question 7

In what stage is ALMA?

Accepted Answer

ALMA is under construction since March 2025. 
Feel free to reach out for an update on the progress anytime.

Question 8

What are the best activities and attractions in Huatulco?

Accepted Answer

Huatulco is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse activities:

- Beaches: Huatulco is home to 36 beautiful beaches, including popular ones accessible by car, and remote ones located in the national park, only accessible by walk or by boat.
- Mountains: Enjoy coffee and cacao plantation tours, waterfalls, thermal waters, or cloud forest hiking.
- Outdoor Activities: Discover activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. Hiking trails offer stunning views of the coast and surrounding landscapes. You can also find river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, tennis, pickle ball, yoga, dance classes, and more.
- Boat Tours: Explore the nine bays by boat, with options for private charters or group tours to discover hidden coves and marine life.
- Local Markets: Visit the organic market in Santa Cruz, which operates every Saturday in winter and every other Saturday in summer, offering fresh, local, and organic produce. Huatulco also hosts night markets selling local handcrafts. 
- Cultural Experiences: Huatulco hosts concerts, stand-up events, charity events, and lots of sports competitions. You can also book cooking classes, language classes, or volunteer at one of the many organizations.

Question 9

What are the local amenities and services available in Huatulco?

Accepted Answer

Huatulco offers a range of amenities and services for residents and visitors alike:

- Healthcare: Huatulco has medical facilities, including private clinics and a public hospital. There's great dental service and other specialty doctors in the city too.
- Shopping: There are various local shopping options, including fresh markets, supermarkets, and specialty stores. For larger shopping needs, there’s a significant supermarket just a 7-minute drive from ALMA.
- Dining: The dining scene in Huatulco includes everything from street food and casual eateries to high-end restaurants. You can enjoy local specialties and international cuisine across the town.
- Entertainment: The town features cultural and entertainment options, including local events and live music. 
- Services: There are also services such as banks, post offices, hair salons, notaries, attorneys and schools, making Huatulco a well-equipped destination for both short and long stays.

Question 10

How to get to Huatulco ?

Accepted Answer

Getting to Huatulco has become much easier over the last few years.

- By Air: Huatulco is just 15 minutes away from the International Airport (HUX), which offers direct flights to Oaxaca City, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Dallas, and, depending on the season, Monterrey, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Chicago.
- By Road: Huatulco is approximately 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido, 3.5 hours from Oaxaca City, and 11 hours from Mexico City.

Question 11

What’s the climate like in Huatulco?

Accepted Answer

It never really gets cold in Huatulco and the average yearly temperature is 28°C / 82°F. 
The region experiences two distinct seasons: one hot and green, reminiscent of Costa Rica, and one hot and dry, evoking Mediterranean destinations.

- Green Season (June to October): This season is hot and humid, characterized by rain showers a few times a week, ocean thunderstorms, fireflies, and a lush, dense tropical landscape.
- Dry Season (November to May): This season is slightly cooler, and the drop in humidity makes it feel fresher overall. It’s also the season of whale migration.

There’s no bad time to visit Huatulco, as it very rarely rains for more than two consecutive days. The peak season is in winter though, from November to April, when direct flights are available from North America’s colder regions.

Question 12

What's special about Huatulco ?

Accepted Answer

Huatulco is unique in many ways:
- Preservation and Green Spaces: 70% of Huatulco's land is preserved as National Parks (6 of them), ensuring its sustainable development on the long term.
- Renewable Energy: 90% of the electricity in Huatulco comes from renewable sources.
- Water Management: 100% of the greywater is treated and reused for the city’s greenery.
- Biodiversity: Huatulco is home to over 400 animal species and more than 700 plant species.
- Planned Development: Created as a tourist destination by the Federal Government, Huatulco has benefited from significant investments in infrastructure.
- Urban Planning: The city benefits from low-density, low-rise urban planning, maintaining its natural charm.
- Coastal Beauty: Huatulco spans 9 bays and boasts 36 beaches.
- Distinct Seasons: The area experiences two distinct seasons—a hot, green season reminiscent of Costa Rica and a hot, dry season similar to the Mediterranean.

Question 13

For a first visit to Huatulco, what are the must-sees?

Accepted Answer

Huatulco offers so much to explore that it’s hard to recommend just one thing—it really depends on your preferences!

We love the 7 Bays beach-hopping tour by boat, whether in a group or privately. Some of the beaches are located in the National Park and can only be accessed this way. You can also book boat tours specialized in dolphin and whale watching or even whale listening, which is absolutely sensational.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a wide range of activities: kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding, surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving, trekking, and more. You can also rent ATVs, scooters, e-bikes, or cars if you prefer exploring on your own. We personally love birdwatching tours and baby turtle "release".

In the city, you’ll find a Saturday organic market in Santa Cruz, cooking classes for discovering Mexican cuisine, art galleries, cultural events, and a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes.

Beyond Huatulco, you can visit cloud forests, coffee farms, high altitude (3,000 m / 9,800 ft) mountains, thermal springs, swimming waterfalls, bioluminescent lagoons, crocodile sanctuaries, turtle sanctuaries, or sand dunes.

Huatulco is also a great base for exploring nearby destinations: Mazunte and Zipolite are just an hour away, Puerto Escondido is two hours away, and the state capital, Oaxaca, is about four hours away. All are well worth a visit.

If you’d like a more detailed list of recommended tour operators, certified nature guides, dining spots tailored to your taste, or accommodations, let us know, and we’ll send you a curated list of our favorites. But remember, the best part of Huatulco is getting lost and discovering things for yourself. It’s a safe place where you won’t have to worry about wandering into the wrong neighborhood. The only risk is your food being a little too spicy !

Question 14

What’s the cost of living in Huatulco?

Accepted Answer

Like many places around the world, the cost of living in Huatulco varies greatly depending on your lifestyle. In Mexico, this variation can be particularly significant.

For example, meals can range from $3-4 USD for street tacos to $60 or $100 USD per person at high-end restaurants. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 and $30 USD per person to dine at a restaurant in the town center. While beer is relatively inexpensive, a shot of mezcal or a cocktail can be more costly.

Vacation rentals also vary widely. Staying in a city center studio or a villa with a private pool on the oceanfront are two very different experiences. For short-term rentals, we recommend using myhuatulcovacation.com. Long-term rentals can be more challenging to find, as is the case in many tourist destinations. Prices can range from $500 to $5,000 USD per month. It’s advisable to be on-site for this search, as many of the best deals are found through word of mouth.

Gasoline costs around $1.10-1.50 USD per liter (approximately $4.16-5.68 USD per gallon) as of September 2024, depending on the station and octane.

Supermarket prices can sometimes be as high as in Europe, the USA, or Canada, especially for imported products. However, buying fresh produce from local butchers or greengrocers will typically cost less than in those countries.

Additionally, there’s an organic market in Santa Cruz every Saturday in the winter and every other Saturday in the summer. The fresh produce sold there is local and mostly grown by small mountain producers. It may cost more than in regular shops, but it’s 100% organic and locally sourced.

Question 15

How safe is Huatulco ?

Accepted Answer

Huatulco is widely regarded as one of the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. The state of Oaxaca is also very safe. It's perfectly fine to drive at night, travel along the coast or through the mountains, exercise alone, and go out for dinner or drinks without concerns for your safety. As with any destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings when out and about, and exercise caution with potholes and speed bumps while driving.
In Huatulco, most people park their cars on the street, and thanks to active local social media forums, those who lose items like wallets or phones often recover them the same day.

Question 16

Can ALMA help with interior design or furnishing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collaborate with interior designers and architects to offer decoration packages that complement ALMA’s aesthetic and respond beautifully to the tropical climate. These packages are designed to feel cohesive, elegant, and practical, while still allowing room for different tastes and ways of living.

Question 17

What makes ALMA a sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

ALMA is shaped by a simple conviction: that beauty and responsibility can live together. The project brings together resilient and bioclimatic design, protection of native biodiversity, efficient water management, the reuse of raw materials present on the land, and a very low-density master plan. Each choice is made to lessen impact, honor the land, and let the natural setting remain the quiet protagonist.

This has led to ALMA being awarded the Best Sustainable Residential Project in the Americas by International Property Awards.

Frequently asked questions