Huatulco National Park: planning guide
Nine bays and dry tropical forest on the Oaxaca coast. Snorkel coves, low hills, and resort development along the shore.
Huatulco National Park is in Oaxaca, Mexico. The nearest town is Crucecita — roughly 8.9 km (5.5 mi) out, about 15 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Crucecita | 8.9 km (5.5 mi) | 15 min |
| Santa María Huatulco | 18.9 km (11.7 mi) | 31 min |
| San Pedro Pochutla | 29.2 km (18.1 mi) | 43 min |
| Merced del Potrero | 39.3 km (24.4 mi) | 54 min |
| El Coyul | 46.8 km (29.1 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| San Miguel Suchixtepec | 51.4 km (31.9 mi) | 1 hr 7 min |
| San Agustín Loxicha | 56.2 km (34.9 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Tapanalá | 57.5 km (35.7 mi) | 1 hr 14 min |
Where Huatulco National Park sits
Official Huatulco National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Huatulco National Park
Huatulco National Park sits close enough to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, Benito Juárez National Park, Cañón del Sumidero National Park, and Cañón del Río Blanco National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Lagunas de Chacahua National Park | 162 km (101 mi) | 2 hr 50 min |
| Benito Juárez National Park | 172 km (107 mi) | 2 hr 59 min |
| Cañón del Sumidero National Park | 354 km (220 mi) | 5 hr 39 min |
| Cañón del Río Blanco National Park | 361 km (224 mi) | 5 hr 45 min |
Parks close by
- Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Coastal lagoons and mangroves west of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Boat trips, beaches, and Afro-Mexican villages on the Oaxaca coast.
- Benito Juárez National Park
Cloud forest and oak woodland on the Sierra de Juárez above Oaxaca city. Cool, misty trails within reach of the capital of Oaxaca.
- Cañón del Sumidero National Park
A sheer-walled canyon cut by the Grijalva River above Chiapa de Corzo. Boat trips and rim overlooks are the usual way to see the cliffs.
- Cañón del Río Blanco National Park
A deep limestone canyon on the Veracruz–Puebla border with tropical forest and waterfalls. River gorge country east of the central highlands.
Common questions
Where is Huatulco National Park?
Huatulco National Park sits in Oaxaca, Mexico. Crucecita, about 8.9 km (5.5 mi) away — roughly 15 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Huatulco National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.