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May 6-7, 2025 Marti Eicholz The Odyssey docks in Huatulco, on the Pacific Coast of southeastern Mexico, half-way between Acapulco and Guatemala. The whales are showing off and the dolphins are playing. What a day! Huatulco, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, got its start as a small fishing village. It is low key, authentic with a small-town feel, and divided into four districts: Tangolunda (luxury resort area), Santa Cruz (the pier), La Crucecita (small village) and Chahué (the largest bay and beach area). For ecological conservation purposes, it has protected zones where no development can take place. Indigenous tribes have a significant presence in the region, contributing to its cultural richness. Huatulco, Mexico is known for its renowned beautiful nine bays, protected and cared for by Indigenous tribes, thirty-six beautiful beaches, diverse options for sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, river rafting, hiking through the jungle (the home to monkeys, ocelots, and white-tailed deer), and exploring a mix of culture and relaxation. The area protects the jungles and ocean surrounding the bays, ensuring the health of the reefs and marine life. Huatulco, a thriving ecotourism scene, offers a unique blend of luxury and environmental preservation with a sizable portion designated as an ecological reserve. No glitzy high-rises, it focuses on preserving the natural landscape and avoiding excessive construction. A unique development. After an hour drive into the mountains near the village of San Miguel del Puerto, we took a short hike along the Copalita river full of waterfalls and small natural swimming pools, coming to a larger swimming area with bigger falls and caves to explore. Clean and refreshing water for swimming, jumping, wading, and relaxation. Snorkeling is excellent, waters full of brightly colored fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. The coral reefs do not look healthy. The warm ocean temperatures caused by global warming are destroying the reefs. It looks like the future of snorkeling in Huatulco is in danger. Visit a traditional Temazcal, a sweat lodge. Temazcal, an Aztec word, means bath at home. The bathing ceremony used by the Indigenous people is a therapeutic and spiritual ritual. You enter an adobe building, holding the Temazcal bath chamber (heated by rocks), like a sauna. A richly scented steam is created by dousing water and herbs on rocks. The steam relaxes and purifies the body, releasing toxins. After forty-five minutes of quiet meditation inside the Temazcal, you enjoy a massage. You leave feeling relaxed and energized. For shopaholics: Visit Recuerdame Bonito, a gallery filled with unique Mexican goods such as, mesh cosmetic bags, fabric animals, shoes, ceramics, jewelry, and purses. Caracol Boutique is where you can find designer ware, something unique and get an espresso next door at Café Porto. Cre Arte highlights throws, towels, and runners. Oaxacan Handicrafts Museum houses fanciful wood carvings, colorful weavings, handmade pottery, folk art, and handicrafts produced in the villages around Oaxaca. The dying and weaving of their handmade Aztec rugs are authentic. The selection is extensive. Galeria Pintando Esperanza is on the pier near the church, Capilla De La Santa Cruz. The shop sells pillows, key chains, pottery and purses. The women in the remote villages pattern and sew the goods. All sales support rural communities in need. We saw women picking up supplies and others dropping off their handmade treasures. During our day visit, I rarely heard any English. Locals were happy to teach me some Spanish, and I was happy to learn. Everyone was friendly, trying to understand one another. Our day in Huatulco, known as Mouth of Heaven, comes to an end. I will remember the white-sand beaches, strolling the city’s pedestrian streets, and the tranquility of its waves. Most of the buildings in the area are built palapa style, allowing the heat to rise out of the building and makes for easy rebuilding if a hurricane or tropical storm comes through. Sharing a photo depicting the palapa style. After a relaxing day at sea, we will arrive in Acapulco, Mexico on the 9th of May for a two-day visit. |
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