How To Visit Huatulco National Park

Today, Huatulco Mexico continues to be a prime destination for those who are in search of their next part- or full-time residence or vacation property. The community is relatively “young” compared to its sister cities of Cancun, Ixtapa and Los Cabos.

Real estate price tags are still low for luxury beachfront villas, condos and land for sale. Plus, the vacation property appreciation rivals others in many of Mexico’s favorite residential areas.

But we’d by lying if we said that it was the stunning infrastructure alone that caused people to buy in Huatulco.

There is so much more to the “why” of buying Huatulco real estate. Nature here is omnipresent and is indeed one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with this place:

• Crystal clear turquoise water with a kaleidoscope of marine life
• Carefully protected green spaces including 22-miles of clean, amazingly beautiful beaches
• Ecological must-see’s including the protected Huatulco National Park, lowland jungle, marine areas filled with protected coral communities, bays, waterfalls, ravines and the beautiful gardens of Hagia Sofia.
• A professional golf course
• Outdoor activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, sport fishing, horseback riding, scuba, diving and snorkeling, hiking, biking

What is the Huatulco National Park?

Huatulco National Park was initially registered as a protected area and ultimately declared a National Park on July 24, 1998. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, it is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved areas in Mexico. The Park is framed by the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains that slide into the ocean here. It has 9 bays with low jungle vegetation, parts of a mangrove, a seasonal, temporary wetland and beaches.  The pristine beaches  have sand dunes, protected coral reefs and underwater rocks and boulders.

Comprised of 6,375 hectares (15,753 acres) of land, and 5,516 hectares (13,630 acres) of sea area, it is the first protected natural area of the state of Oaxaca and the first to have a Conservation and Management Program contributing to the protection of biodiversity in this beautiful coastal region.

It is home to 130 species of mammals, 282 species of birds, 87 species of reptiles & amphibians, 400 species of butterflies and a large variety of fish & water wildlife. Extensive conservation efforts have also preserved the ecosystems of the tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs and wetlands that make up the land area of this park.

Where is the Huatulco National Park?

Given its location within the Huatulco Integrated Development for Tourism, the Huatulco National Park offers endless possibilities for tourist activities. At Huatulco’s doorstep, the park acreage offers a huge green buffer zone for Huatulco and because of its protected status as a National Park and a declared UNESCO biosphere reserve, that’s a permanent playground for those of us lucky enough to live here.

What can you see in the Huatulco National Park?

The wealth of natural attractions include: islands, reefs, beaches, bays, lakes, lagoons, rivers, streams, lowland forests and all of the protected wildlife species that live or migrate through these areas. The reef ecosystem of Bahías de Huatulco is recognized as one of the most important coral communities in the Mexican Pacific.

The Huatulco National Park plays an important role for conservation on a national and international level. It is a unique habitat for species that exist nowhere else in the world. For example, Sea Turtles as well as the rare purple snail live here and play important cultural roles for the Mixtec and other indigenous cultures since pre-Hispanic times.

Some of the natural seasonal phenomena you can witness:

• Humpback whales — migrate from October to April to give birth to their young in our warmer waters.
• Hundreds of birds — migrate from September to March through the Tehuantepec isthmus to South America.
• Sea turtles — on the beach from June to November the adults make nests; and the baby turtles hatch and return to the sea.

How to get there

Depending on what you’re doing and where you’re going in the Park, you may have a 10-20 minute drive to get to the Park. Again, plan your trip first by going to the Park Office.

• Private car — you can rent a car locally or form a group to spend the day together.
• Taxi — be sure to arrange the fare and schedule before you get in the cab. It is best to avoid surprises.
• Commercial tour — finding a reliable tour guide is a great idea. Your hotel or other expats can be a good source for finding one.

When you visit

You can visit on your own and hike, mountain bike, and bird watch. Get trail info at the local Park office.

Organized trips are for all levels: individuals, families, young, old and all those who can and are willing to share the love of nature. For your safety, use qualified guides that have authorizations and permits. They can tell you the history and stories that will enrich your visit. Check internet for recommendations and reviews.

Huatulco National Park has become a destination for travelers looking to get back to nature and spot rare species of animals and birds that exist nowhere else in the world. So whether you explore the forests, charter a boat to snorkel, dive, or fish in the crystal blue pristine waters, or lounge on a deserted beach, Huatulco National Park offers you a chance to experience this country as it used to be.

Here are some important things to remember in order to make your visit more comfortable and to protect our wild friends.

• Please be sure to use Eco friendly bug spray!
• Do not use sunscreen if you are going to snorkel!
• Do not handle species or step on the coral!
• Do not take the shells of any kind…some are protected!
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike!
• Bring along an extra sweater or jacket, it can get cool at times.

Open Monday through Sunday, from 7 am to 6 pm

Website: https://www.gob.mx/conanp/documentos/parque-nacional-huatulco

Phone: 958.587.0849 and 958.587.0446

Office Address: Blvd. Chahué esq. Guamúchil, man.19 Lot 5, Sector “H”, La Crucecita, Ground Floor, Federal Building, Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca; Mexico CP. 70989