Huatulco: Mexico’s most pristine coastline By Colleen Besman

Huatulco: Mexico’s most pristine coastline

By Colleen Besman

Huatulco

The Pacific Ocean along the Oaxaca coastline laps the shores of Huatulco’s 36 stunning beaches, spread across nine bays boasting warm waters and golden sands. In these bays live the most important coral communities of the Mexican Pacific. More than 700 species of animals live in the Parque Nacional (National Park) Huatulco, including numerous species of colorful fish. The park provides opportunities for snorkeling, bird-watching and hiking. Its biodiversity and pristine landscapes make Huatulco a favorite destination for nature lovers.

Trip to Huatulco
Audubon Eco Journeys
Dec 6-11
viajesconaudubon@gmail.com
or by phone at 415 152-3644

The park, a protected area, was created in 1998. It contains 6,375 hectares of lowland jungle and 5,516 hectares of marine areas, encompassing four of Huatulco’s bays. Members of the tour will sail in a private yacht to view and enjoy the coastline. The bays are calm and clear in early December, allowing for excellent snorkeling. There are no sharks in these waters, so the snorkeling will be carefree.

The tour will include a visit to Rio Copalita, which forms the western border of Huatulco. It is the largest river in the region and has paths for hiking and enjoying its extensive bird life with an expert guide.

La Crucecita is a small community located just a few minutes drive inland from Santa Cruz, the town on the main bay for this region. Although it is a new town, it has developed the feel of an authentic small Mexican village, but with many restaurants and interesting shops.

The Hagia Sofia is an agro-ecological development of more than 130 hectares in the hills above the ocean. Here there will be an opportunity to see different phases of the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and timber, as well as to observe a great diversity of flora and wildlife.

In 2005, Huatulco was awarded the Green Globe International Certification as a sustainable tourist area, and in 2010 Huatulco received an Earth Check Gold Certification; it is the only destination in the Americas to achieve this distinction.

Join Audubon Eco Journeys for an inside look at Huatulco’s pristine beaches, abundant forests, and diverse wildlife. Travel with a small group in comfort with knowledgeable guides, and enjoy visiting this remarkable seldom-visited area of Mexico.

The price of the trip, US$1,325 (a little less for Audubon members), does not include air fare, for which participants must make their own arrangements; however, there will be a van leaving San Miguel for the Mexico City airport at 7am on December 6 to catch a 2:35pm flight to Huatulco.

Reservations and full payment have been requested by October 21. Colleen Besman can be contacted for reservations at viajesconaudubon@gmail.com or by phone at 415 152-3644. Full details of the trip can be found at www.travelian.com.mx/huatulco.