Huatulco is a beautiful resort town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The city is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation. Huatulco is also a popular cruise destination, with several ships docking at the pier each day.
The Port Area
The port area of Huatulco is a relatively new development. The first cruise ship to dock in Huatulco arrived in 1992, and the port has been expanding ever since. The pier is home to several shops, restaurants, and hotels. In addition, several tour operators offer a variety of tours to the surrounding area. These tours include visits to the beaches, the coral reefs, and the waterfalls. In addition, some tours offer hiking, biking, and kayaking to the surrounding area. Although it’s not a long walk, on a hot day, you may want to check out the little tuk-tuks that take travelers from the ship into the shopping area of the pier.
The pier itself is a great place to start your day in Huatulco. There are several shops and restaurants located on the dock. The port is also a great place to people-watch, as you can see a mix of tourists and locals going about their daily lives.
La Crucecita
After you have spent some time at the pier, you can stroll the streets of La Crucecita. This charming town is located just a short walk from the pier. However, the walk has a nice-sized hill en route, which can be taxing on a hot and humid date. You can also grab a cab at the port for a reasonable amount (we paid $5). We took a taxi into town and walked back to the port when we were done exploring. La Crucecita is home to several churches, shops, and restaurants.
Iglesia de la Crucecita
The church on the square in La Crucecita is called the Iglesia de la Crucecita. It is a beautiful colonial-era structure that was built in the early 1800s. The church is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to explore the interior.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful murals and paintings. The church also has several beautiful stained glass windows.
Dining
There are many restaurants in La Crucecita. These restaurants offer a variety of Mexican and international cuisine. Some restaurants also offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal while watching residents and tourists go about their day.
Hotels and Resorts
We saw several hotels in the area. These hotels offer a variety of amenities, including pools, spas, and restaurants. We also saw several resorts near the pier and in the vicinity of the town. There were major brands known in the United States, like Holiday Inn, to more locally run properties.
Retail Shops
Many retail shops frame the square in La Crucecita. These shops sell a variety of souvenirs, including clothing, jewelry, and pottery. The shops also extend down the streets that lead to the square.
Pickleball Courts
On our way back to the pier, we ran across pickleball courts just a few blocks from the square. Pickleball is a paddle sport similar to tennis; its popularity has exploded in the past few years. The courts are open to the public, and visitors are welcome to play.
A Great Place to Visit
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Huatulco, the pier and La Crucecita are two great options. Everyone we met in the area was friendly and helpful when we needed directions or when we were visiting the local retail shops.
