Traveling to Huatulco is relatively easy, but there are a few things that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, especially if it’s your first time visiting the area. From getting around to how to pay for things, these are some helpful tips based on our experience.
Money & Payments
The best way to pay for things in Huatulco is in Mexican pesos. While some places accept U.S. dollars, you’ll usually get a better price paying in local currency. You can bring pesos from home or easily withdraw cash from ATMs once you arrive, including at banks and grocery stores.
Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, grocery stores, and many shops, and it’s generally safe to use them. If you’re using a credit card, it’s helpful to have one with no foreign transaction fees.
When withdrawing cash from an ATM, you’ll often be asked if you want to accept the machine’s conversion rate—it’s best to decline this and use your bank’s rate instead, as it’s usually more favorable.
Smaller vendors and taxis typically require cash, so it’s a good idea to have pesos on hand. It’s also helpful to carry smaller bills (20–200 pesos), as many places don’t have change for larger bills like 500 or 1000 pesos.
Getting Around
Getting around Huatulco is generally easy, with taxis being the primary form of transportation throughout the area. Taxis are widely available in the main tourist areas and are commonly used for beaches, restaurants, activities, and airport transportation.
If you plan to visit more remote beaches or activities, it’s helpful to understand how transportation works locally, including arranging return rides, airport taxis, and transportation with kids.
Renting a Car
Renting a car in Huatulco can give you more flexibility for visiting remote beaches, snorkeling spots, and day trips outside the main tourist areas. While many travellers rely entirely on taxis, having a vehicle can make exploring easier if you plan to visit multiple beaches or activities during your trip.
Traveling with Kids
Huatulco is a very family-friendly destination, with calm beaches, welcoming locals, and plenty of activities suitable for children. Many restaurants and public areas are accommodating, and it’s easy to find everyday items like diapers, wipes, snacks, clothing, and even toys at local stores.
For larger or more specific items, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring what you’ll need from home. Things like car seats, travel strollers, and playpens can be more expensive locally, with limited selection and fewer options available.
Thinking ahead about your transportation and daily activities can help you decide what’s worth bringing—whether that’s a car seat for getting around or a compact stroller for walking to beaches and restaurants.
What to Bring
Packing for Huatulco is fairly straightforward, as the weather is consistently warm and doesn’t cool off much at night, so there’s usually no need for sweaters or heavier clothing. Rain is also uncommon during peak travel season, so most days are hot and sunny. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential, although all of these can be easily purchased locally if needed.
Comfortable footwear is important, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking or excursions, so bringing a good pair of running shoes is a good idea. A reusable water bottle is also helpful to stay hydrated in the heat, especially when you’re out for the day.
If you’re traveling with kids, UV protection shirts or swimsuits are helpful for extra sun protection. It can also be nice to bring a few comfort items or books from home, but inexpensive toys are easy to find locally, so there’s no need to pack too many. For babies, bringing your own floaties can be helpful, as local options tend to be limited to inner tubes or life jackets rather than baby-specific gear.