January, 17, 2026

It was time to discover what many of the locals have known for years-Huatulco is a tranquil haven for those seeking relaxation in an uncrowded paradise. And just so you know, Huatulco is pronounced wah-TOOL-co.

Nine bays bordered by 36 golden-sand beaches form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco. Huatulco is a tropical Eden with crystalline waters and amazing coral reefs. I immediately noticed that Huatulco has a different feel from other destinations on the Mexican Riviera like our next stop Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas to the north. That is because large areas of Huatulco have been designated as an ecological reserve. It is the perfect spot where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.

One of the pleasures of traveling is that you get to immerse yourself in the everyday like of the locals and get to indulge in the charms of a new community. In Huatulco those indulgences include cuisine and exercise. Seafood is definitely the catch of the day but in the case of Huatulco it is “the catch of the hour.” Shrimp, lobster, squid and many other varieties of seafood are freshly caught each day. One of Huatulco’s favorites is “pescado a la talla.” (marinated grilled snapper) Huatulco is also known for its complex, multi-ingredient sauces often simmered with meat or fish. Among the most famous is “mancha manteles,” a fruit and chili-based sauce that literally means “tablecloth stainer.”

And because of its prime location in the Sierra Madre cyclists often take trips along the winding roads along the Capalita River home to precious trees including cedar, mahogany and almond hoping to spot the more than 227 species of birds. The most famous is the tzentzontles, the bird of a thousand voices.

No matter how successful a community we always see opportunities to help others. Here are a young mother and her son that we were able to bless. (I always ask permission to take photos)

In doing my research on Huatulco, I discovered that Frances Drake was one of the many buccaneers who attacked ships in these same bays looking for gold in the Spanish galleons that made their way up the Pacific Coast. That is a far cry from Huatulco’s current motto “El Respecto al Derecho Ajeno es la Paz.” Translated: Respect for the rights of others is Peace.

Thanks for traveling with us.