Scenes from around Bahías de Huatulco, a coastal town in the state of Oaxaca, known for its nine, beautiful bays and ocean-fresh seafood.
El Violin, a little-known beach frequented mainly by locals.
The whole fried fish at El Grillo Marinero
Casa Mayor boasts a small, open-air coffee shop in the center of Crucecita
Beach visitors can pay about $10 USD to climb aboard a small boat for a 2-hour excursion plus snorkeling, at Playa Arrocito.
A vendor sells seafood cocktails on the street.
Huatulco is known for its bounty of seafood — these are octopus tostadas at La Isla beachfront club.
The view from the cliffside path next to El Faro, the area’s main lighthouse.
El Faro, meaning, simply, lighthouse.
Beachgoers swim off the coast of Playa Entrega.
Fresh huachinango, or red snapper
Me, at Playa el Violin, a tiny hidden beach without any signs alerting its presence
Bicycle cart street vendors are typical in Crucecita, the city at the heart of Huatulco
A lively farmacia, or pharmacy, in Crucecita’s center
Laundry hangs to dry outside a colorful window.
Caldo, fish cooked in a broth of chili, greens, garlic and onion
Outside Giordana’s, an Italian restaurant in Crucecita
El Grillo Marinero, a hut-like seafood restaurant in Crucecita
Many shop owners have tropical birds, as pets, often sans cages.
The vista at Playa el Violin
It’s common to get around Crucecita by motorbike.
Vendors sell all sorts of tourist goods, such as wide-brimmed hats.
There are a handful of excellent fresh produce markets in the center of Crucecita, selling many vegetables and fruits, such as these bunches of tiny bananas.
Outside Iglesia de la Crucecita
Beachgoers build sandcastles along the protected shore of Playa Arrocito.
Live plants and cactuses are all over Crucecita — in shops, casa windows and on the street.
A few from the deck of a palapa, or beachside restaurant, at Playa La Entrega
Pescadillos: fried tortillas encasing fish, with salsa and avocado
Beachgoers enjoy a beer at a oceanfront palapa at Playa Arrocito.
Locals swim at Playa Pescadores, named for the area’s local fishermen.
One of my hosts, Enrique, coats a whole fish with chipotle peppers and mayo before grilling.
The vista at Playa Pescadores, named for the area’s local fishermen
Mama Elsa’s, an excellent outdoor operation serving only burgers, tacos and French fries
The buzzy night scene at La Crema, a second-story bar and wood-fired pizzeria in the center of Crucecita
One of my hosts, Enrique, shows me the secret path to Playa el Violin
Fried huachinango, made by my hosts
Grilled huachinango, or red snapper
Rocky banks surround Playa Chahue, common in Huatulco, known for its nine bays.
Kids play soccer at Playa Arrocito.
I climb up cliffs near Playa el Violin.
Huachinango, marinating in garlic, salt and oil, before being fried.
Beneath the cliffs near El Faro, the area’s main lighthouse
A young girl learns to walk near the water at Playa el Violin.
The center piece of zocalo, Crucecita’s main square.
Around zocalo,
Toy guitars for sale at vendors lining zocalo in Crucecita’s center
Fresh grapes and rambutan in Crucecita
The courtyard at Casa Mayor
Outside Iglesia de la Crucecita
A small art gallery near the center of Crucecita
A view from zocalo, in the center of Crucecita
Fresh peppers at a local produce market in Crucecita
Typical architecture on the back streets of Crucecita
One of the main produce markets in Crucecita
Palapas line the beach at Playa Arrocito.
In zocalo, at the center of Crucecita
Never thought much about going to Mexico until I started seeing your postings. I will reconsider, and maybe get it on my bucket list of destinations. I am going to Sicily first two weeks in September. Saw your packing video, so I dumped my roller bag which I always hated and opted for a back pack.
So glad to hear that, Thomas! It really is a fascinating country, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. And yes, traveling longterm by backpack is always better IMHO. I love Italy but have never been to Sicily — it’s on my very long bucket list. Have an amazing time. 🙂