Huatulco

Huatulco sits on Mexico's Pacific coast where nine bays and 36 beaches meet the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The port at Santa Cruz Bay is small and low-key compared to bigger Mexican resort towns. A quick dip at Santa Cruz Playa is possible right off the pier, and tour operators at the marina run boats to quieter coves and snorkelling spots along the coast. La Crucecita, the nearest town, is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride uphill. La Crucecita has an open-air market selling Oaxacan crafts: carved alebrijes, handwoven textiles, and dark-clay pottery from the region. Boat tours are the best way to see beaches like La Entrega and Maguey, where sea lions lounge on the rocks. The food is firmly Oaxacan: mole negro, tlayudas, and fresh grilled seafood. The peso is the local currency, though US dollars work in most tourist areas. Taxis are cheap for short trips.