Huatulco, Mexico - Panama Canal, Central America and Mexico Cruises

Enjoy some time to shop at La Crucecita, and experience a Mexican Fiesta folkloric show.

Huatulco is a resort that comprises of three areas, the port town of Santa Cruz, Tangolunda and La Crucecita, all located within the state of Oaxaca.

Leaving Santa Cruz, a short drive will take you to the downtown area of La Crucecita, where you will have the opportunity to browse the local shops. You will also visit ‘La Probadita’, where you may wish to sample the traditional local tipple, Oaxaca’s Mole and Mezcal.

Afterwards, you will return to Santa Cruz to enjoy a true taste of Mexico at a traditional Mexican Fiesta folkloric show. Let your senses be delighted with the many colorful costumes of the dancers and the rhythmic Mexican beats, from ‘La Bamba’ to ‘Polkas’ and ‘Tamboras’.

The folkloric show venue is located just a short walk from the port so you may choose to remain in town and return at your own leisure, or your guide will escort you on the walk back to the ship.

Note: This tour involves around one hour of walking, some of which is at guests’ discretion. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. US Dollars are accepted for purchases. Those guests, who wish to remain in town following the folkloric show, are responsible for their own return to the ship.

Experience the fun of a river-rafting trip through beautiful landscapes to see nature at its very best.

The destination for your rafting adventure is the Copalita River. After a safety briefing, you will set off on a river journey downstream. Enjoy the sights as the water flow silently ‘whorls’ you along for around an hour, taking you past the jungle-filled banks of the Copalita. Your rafting experience is along the peaceful part of the great white water run of the Copalita River.

The lush vegetation of the unspoiled jungle is a natural habitat for the local tropical birds. Parrots, egrets, herons, frigate birds, sandpipers and kingfishers are just a few of the 100 species of birds that can be found here. Several endangered, protected and rare species are also present in this area.

During the journey, you will enjoy the fun of rafting, paddling here and there as your guide expertly navigates the river.

Note: Children and pregnant women may not participate. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel and non-oil sunscreen. Personal belongings should be kept to a minimum. You will be required to wear a life jacket and helmet. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Soak up the sun, participate in sporting activities or simply relax at one of Huatulco’s finest resorts. The choice is yours.

Las Brisas Resort began operation as the largest Club Med in the western hemisphere, their second largest in the world. After its closure, it was reopened in 2003 by Las Brisas, the renowned operator of the traditional ‘Pink Casitas’ in Acapulco. The resort is perfectly designed to cater for active guests and those who simply want to relax.

Relax with a book by one of the pristine swimming pools, stroll along the beach or participate in one of the sporting activities available on the day. The hotel resort also offers restaurants, a boutique and numerous water-sport facilities.

Note: The following services are included in your visit: squash, tennis, basketball, volleyball, snorkel equipment and use of the gym. These are all subject to availability and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Water-sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and hobie cats will incur additional costs. Please take US$ for purchases. Luncheon and refreshments are not included. Upon arrival you will be issued with a coupon booklet, which may be used towards purchases in the restaurants, boutique or water-sport activities. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ and ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

An opportunity to explore Copalita, the most recent archaeological discovery in the Mexican Pacific.

Embark on a scenic drive, enjoying two photograph stops en route. The viewpoints of La Bocana and Tangolunda look out over the sweeping coast of Huatulco.

Afterwards, you will continue to Copalita, one of the most remarkable archaeological findings in the country over the last 20 years. This recent discovery is said to be a mixture of Mayan and Olmeca cultures. Experts estimate that excavations could take another 40 years, with the site currently consisting of pyramid vestiges, a ball court and burial sites dating from 500 BC.

During your visit, there will be an opportunity to visit the Zone Museum, which houses important archeological pieces, before the return drive to the port.

Note: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over some uneven, inclined and rough ground, including cobblestones and steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Guests are advised to take insect repellent and sun protection. US Dollars are accepted for purchases. There is a local charge of five Dollars to use video cameras at the Eco-Archaeological Centre. A bottle of water is provided during this tour.

Step aboard a Jungle Truck and head to the beach to discover the marine life and capture the lovely views of Huatulco.

Enjoy a fun ride on a Jungle Truck taking in a myriad of ocean blues as you pass the breathtaking shoreline of Huatulco.

At La Entrega Beach you will find an abundance of coral, which provides shelter for millions of colourful fish. Enjoy the opportunity to don some snorkel gear and view the fascinating marine life. The experienced snorkellers may wish to head to the ‘Bat Cave’, located just a few yards from the beach. Afterwards, you can enjoy some time to simply relax on the sand and soak up the sun.

Your return journey will take you back along the shoreline, stopping en route at the Santa Cruz viewpoint. Here, you will capture lovely views of the surrounding landscape before returning to the pier.

Note: Children under 10 and pregnant women may not participate. Snorkel equipment is included and all participants must be competent swimmers. The Bat Cave is only recommended for experienced and confident snorkellers / swimmers. The entrance is narrow and there may be a swell, depending on sea conditions. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. The beach location may be subject to change. There may be around 70 steps leading to the beach, depending on which beach is used. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Experience a ‘Temazcal’, a traditional prehispanic Mexican steam bath, said to heal body, mind and spirit.

Located just a brief drive from the port is the Xquenda Spa, a modern complex that offers the experience of a ‘Temazcal’, more commonly known as a steam bath. The ancient people of Mexico would take steam baths enriched with medicinal and aromatic herbs and plants, and this tradition is continued today.

During your visit, the ‘master’ Temzcalero will provide interesting facts behind the symbolism and rituals that the steam bath represents. The Temzcalero will prepare a blend of water, plants and herbs over the hot rocks, producing a relaxing steam. Allow the steam and tranquil atmosphere to calm all of your senses, as you relax inside the authentically built Temazcal.

At the end of your steam bath, cool off with a soft drink refreshment and enjoy a jacuzzi session, before the return drive to the port.

Note: The tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the minibus. There are also some steps and uneven surfaces at the steam bath. The floor at the steam bath is wet and may be slippery and guests must exercise caution. This excursion is only suitable for those in good physical condition and is not suitable for those with breathing, circulation or heart problems. Pregnant women and children may not participate. The steam bath is unisex. Towels and lockers will be provided. Please remember to take swimwear. The temperature in a steam bath is high. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy breathtaking views and beautiful bays from both land and sea on this delightful combination tour.

Take a scenic drive to the fabulous viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Tangolunda, a luxury resort area. You will continue to downtown La Crucecita, where your guide will point out the evergreen Central Park and Church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Whilst in La Crucecita, you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the wonderful local products such as black pottery, rugs, coffee, local chocolate, cheeses and liqueurs such as Mezcal - the original Oaxacan version of the well-known Tequila.

On board your motor-catamaran you will head to the Marina of Santa Cruz for a scenic cruise. Enjoy the sights of Huatulco’s wonderful shoreline, passing by many small bays with more than 36 beaches, scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. The cruise continues to ‘La Bufadora’, the blowhole, to take a closer look at the natural features of an Indian face, engraved into the cliff over the years by the sea and wind. Sit back and relax as you cruise by more secluded bays enjoying some welcome refreshment.

Note: Walking in La Crucecita is at guests’ discretion. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the bus and catamaran.

Make the most of your time in Mexico and sample the picturesque bays carved into the sun-drenched Oaxacan coastline.

The secluded coves and sandy beaches of this region provide the ideal environment for sunshine holiday getaways. Step aboard a comfortable, motorised catamaran vessel for a relaxing cruise from Huatulco Harbour to Organo and Maguey Bays.

Your captain will make a brief stop for you to take a dip and cool off in the inviting Mexican waters, before continuing your cruise.

Admire the area’s natural beauty and surrounding resorts as you sail past the curious rock formations of pristine Organo Bay and the peaceful Maguey Bay. You will also pass by Santa Cruz Bay with its beautiful beaches and see the impressive blowhole. Nearby, you will find Chahue and Tangolunda Bays.

Whilst taking in the sights you can enjoy an open bar offering beer, Margaritas, soft drink refreshments and freshly-sliced fruit.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, however there is a walk of around 500 metres to reach the catamaran. There are five steps to the restrooms on board. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. The sea conditions in the area can sometimes be choppy. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Discover the real Huatulco, as you glimpse into some of the local culture and traditions.

Enjoy a short drive to visit the neighbouring communities of the Huatulco resort area, and learn about the local culture and traditions.

At Piedra de Moros, you will discover a variety of different species of edible and medicinal herbs and plants and learn how they are used. Enjoy the opportunity to see how tortillas and tamales are made in a traditional kitchen and the uses of Nopal, the cactus that is a popular ingredient in many local dishes.

Afterwards, you will head to Santa Maria Huatulco and visit the church, with its graphic representation of the history of Huatulco painted on the walls. You will also enjoy a visit to a local blacksmiths artisan shop.

Just a short drive from Santa Maria Huatulco is a local Mezcal Factory. Discover the distillation process of Oaxaca’s local tipple and the uses of the Maguey Plant, before the return drive to the port.

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over some rough and uneven ground. There are 18 steps to negotiate at the Mezcal Factory. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Toilet facilities at the local communities are basic. The inside visit at the Santa Maria Church is subject to local services or events and may, on occasions, be restricted. Please note that some of the route taken may be via unpaved dirt roads, which may be bumpy. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.

Capture the surrounding coastal views of Huatulco and enjoy a visit to La Crucesita.

Embark on a drive to the Bay of Tangolunda, where a photograph stop will be made for you to admire a lovely panoramic view. From there, your drive will continue passing the Bay of Conejos before proceeding to La Crucesita.

A visit to the town of La Crucesita is a perfect way to become acquainted with Huatulco. Enjoy some free time to see the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and browse its local shops. You will find a variety of local products, including Mezcal, the original Oaxaca version of the well-known Tequila and black pottery.

On your return, a photograph stop will be made at the Santa Cruz Viewpoint. Here, you will have a bird’s-eye-view of Playa Entrega, one of Huatulco’s many beaches, with the ship docked close by.

Note: Walking on this tour is limited and at guests’ discretion. The ground is uneven at each viewpoint and there are steps to negotiate on to and off the bus.

An opportunity to enjoy bird watching in Huatulco.

The tropical climate surrounding the bays of Huatulco still preserves its jungle environment and provides the perfect habitat for bird watching.

A short transfer will take you to the Copalita River Estuary which attracts a large proportion of Huatulco’s birdlife, including heron, kingfisher and cormorant. During a walk around the estuary you may encounter woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, parrots and a variety of hummingbirds. If you have your own binoculars, bring them along to spot the more camouflaged and shy species.

During your tour, your guide will give explanations of the ecology, birds and points of interest.

Note: This tour involves walking over pathways and some uneven ground. There are several stops along the way. Flat, non-slip shoes are recommended. Please wear a long-sleeved, light shirt or blouse, long trousers and a hat. Sun screen is recommended. Bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not suitable for children.