Where is Huatulco? Santa María Huatulco versus Bahías de Huatulco: Key differences Explained.
- Noémie Bourdin Habert
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
We could write an entire novel about Huatulco—and in fact, some already have, telling the history of the old port—but if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a clear and simple answer.
Where is Huatulco located?
Huatulco is located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, in a region known for its dramatic landscapes, biodiversity, and laid-back charm. But here’s where things get confusing: Huatulco is a name that can refer to two places, depending on the context.
Huatulco vs Bahías de Huatulco vs Santa María Huatulco
Bahías de Huatulco is the coastal resort area developed for tourism, stretching along nine spectacular bays and 36 beaches. This is the Huatulco most travelers are looking for. It is usually referred to as "Huatulco", "Bahías" or "La Cruz" by locals.
Santa María Huatulco is the municipal seat, a historic inland town about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the ocean. It’s also the official name that shows up on Google Maps, highway signs, and legal documents—often leading to confusion for first-time visitors. It is referred to as "Santa Maria" by locals.
If you type “Huatulco” into Google Maps, you might be directed inland to Santa María instead of to the coast. Many people end up booking accommodations far from the beach, or follow the signs while driving and completely miss the ocean. So if you're planning a trip, make sure you're looking at Bahías de Huatulco or Crucecita on the map.
What is Bahías de Huatulco?
Bahías de Huatulco (or "Huatulco Bays") was launched as a model for sustainable tourism in 1984 by the Mexican government through FONATUR. The coastal area includes 9 bays, 36 beaches, and 6 of the best-preserved national parks in Mexico. It was master-planned with long-term environmental and urban planning in mind—making it unique among beach destinations.
Some of the most popular bays and beaches in Bahías de Huatulco include:
Santa Cruz, Chahué, La Bocana, and Conejos bays
Playa La Entrega (accessible with a wheelchair ramp)
Playa Arrocito, Playa Maguey, Playa Chahué, Playa Santa Cruz, and Playa Conejos
Playa Cacaluta, Playa Violín, and Playa Órgano, which are part of Huatulco National Park and reachable by boat or forest trails.
The two main hubs for tourists are La Crucecita (a lively town center) and Santa Cruz Huatulco (home to the marina and cruise ship dock).
Is there an airport in Huatulco?
Yes. Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is only 20 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from Santa María Huatulco. It offers direct flights to and from:
Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
Dallas, Chicago (seasonal flights)
Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg (seasonal flights)
And even Guatemala City (seasonal flight)
How to get to Huatulco by land?
From Oaxaca City: 3 to 4-hour drive
From Puerto Escondido: 1.5 hours
From Mazunte and Zipolite: 1 hour
The region is nestled between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving Huatulco a dramatic topography—from sea level to nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters)—and making it ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, diving, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, birdwatching, whale watching, and visiting waterfalls or coffee plantations.
What makes Huatulco special?
One of Huatulco’s little-known advantages is its location on the Gulf of Tehuantepec, at the southern end of Mexico’s Isthmus. This gives it a unique southeastern ocean exposure, which means spectacular sunrises, and also a degree of protection from hurricanes. While Huatulco can receive strong rains and winds, no hurricane has ever been registered making landfall directly on the Gulf.
Another remarkable feature is the urban planning of Bahías de Huatulco. Instead of traditional neighborhood names, areas are designated by sectors—like Sector E, Sector M, Sector U2. Designed from the ground up, the city has wide roads, modern water treatment, green zones, street lighting, 2 marinas and a golf course—uncommon luxuries in most coastal towns in Mexico. Bahías de Huatulco is also home to six national parks, with nearly 70% of the area under environmental protection—an exceptionally rare feature for a coastal destination in Mexico. In fact, more than half of the entire land of the municipality of Santa María Huatulco is protected through National Parks and officially recognized voluntary conservation areas. Huatulco is positioned as a tourism destination focused on eco-tourism and sustainable travel, often described by visitors as a "Oaxacan version of Costa Rica" for its rich biodiversity, protected landscapes, and commitment to nature preservation.
If you’re looking for a destination that is authentic but not rustic, modern but not flashy, and surrounded by protected nature, then Huatulco may be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
But don’t just take our word for it—come and experience it!
