Things To Do in Bahias de Huatulco

Attractions around Huatulco concentrate on the nine bays and their watersports. The number of ecotours and interesting side trips into the surrounding mountains is growing. Though it isn't a traditional Mexican town, the community of Crucecita is worth visiting. Just off the central plaza is the Iglesia de Guadalupe, with a large mural of Mexico's patron saint gracing the entire ceiling of the chapel. The image of the Virgin is set against a deep blue night sky and includes 52 stars -- a modern interpretation of Juan Diego's cloak.

You can dine in Crucecita for a fraction of the price of eating in Tangolunda Bay, with the added benefit of some local color. Considering that shopping in Huatulco is generally poor, you'll find the best choices here, in the shops around the central plaza. They tend to stay open late, and offer a good selection of regional goods and typical tourist take-homes, including artesanía, silver jewelry, Cuban cigars, and tequila. A small free trolley train takes visitors on a short tour of the town.

Shopping in the area is limited and unmemorable. It concentrates in the Santa Cruz Market, by the marina in Santa Cruz, and in the Crucecita Market, on Guamúchil, a half-block from the plaza. Both are open daily from 10am to 8pm (no phones). Among the prototypical souvenirs, you may want to search out regional specialties, which include Oaxacan embroidered blouses and dresses, and barro negro, pottery made from dark clay exclusively found in the Oaxaca region. Also in Crucecita is the Plaza Oaxaca, adjacent to the central plaza. Its clothing shops include Poco Loco Club/Coconut's Boutique (tel. 958/587-0279), for casual sportswear; and Mic Mac (tel. 958/587-0565), for beachwear and souvenirs. Coconuts (tel. 958/587-0279) has English-language magazines, books, and music.

Huatulco has a very limited selection of dance clubs. What clubs there are, seem to change ownership -- and names -- almost annually. Check with your hotel to see if any new places have opened. A hot spot is Bar La Crema (tel. 958/587-0702; www.lacremahuatulco.com), in Crucecita (about 4 blocks south of the zócalo, at the corner of Bugambilia and La Ceiba), with a lounge atmosphere and a mix of tunes. Nearby is Café Dublin (no phone; www.gpshow.com/dublin), Carrizal 504 (1 block east and a half-block south from the zócalo), an Irish pub with a book exchange. Both bars open in the evening during high season and stay open as long as the management sees fit; hours are sporadic in low season. The Tipsy Blowfish (tel. 958/587-2844; www.thetipsyblowfish.com) plays rock music and features televised sports. The bar is open daily from noon to 4am during high season, with limited hours in low season. It's located on Boulevard Tangolunda across from the golf course.

La Papaya (tel. 958/583-4911), on Bulevar Chahué, is a popular dance club, open Thursday through Saturday into the wee hours. Each Tuesday, the Barceló Resort (tel. 958/583-1440) hosts its Fiesta Mexicana from 7 to 11pm, featuring folkloric dances, mariachi music, and a buffet of Mexican food and drinks.