La Crucecita is a fantastic launchpad for exploring Huatulco’s diverse attractions, thanks to its central location and lively local atmosphere. It’s not just a sleepy town but a hub for cultural encounters, nature adventures, and culinary delights. Whether you’re into tasting local mezcal, cruising through mangroves, or hiking to scenic viewpoints, this area offers something to match every interest. We especially love the guided sunset tour because it combines stunning views with authentic local flavors, and the full-day discovery tour that hits both the bays and the town, giving you a well-rounded experience. If you want a deeper dive into nature, the mangrove safari or the bioluminescence tour are must-do activities that reveal the rich ecosystems of the region.
Quick Overview
La Crucecita’s tours cater to a variety of interests: cultural explorations, nature adventures, beach outings, and culinary experiences. For example, you can enjoy an affordable city tour with sunset views (La Crucecita: Huatulco Guided City Tour and Sunset Viewing), or learn about eco-tourism with a mangrove safari (Safari through the Mangroves in Ventanilla Oaxaca). For those who love tasting local flavors, the Gastronomic and Mezcal Tours offer authentic Oaxacan cuisine and spirits. If adventure calls, the waterfalls, snorkeling, and hot springs tours provide active options. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top-rated experience, helping you decide which suits your style.
1. La Crucecita: Huatulco Guided City Tour and Sunset Viewing
At number 1, this guided tour combines a relaxing city walk with spectacular sunset views. It’s perfect if you want to get acquainted with La Crucecita’s main viewpoints, historic downtown, and local cuisine. The tour includes tasting mole, mezcal, and quesillo, offering a true taste of Oaxaca’s flavors. The guide takes you to key spots like the main church and the best viewpoints to watch the sun dip below the mountains. With a solid 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews, travelers appreciate its friendly pace and authentic experiences. For just $27 per person, it offers a concise yet rich introduction to Huatulco’s charm. Sunset from one of the main viewpoints makes this a memorable short tour, especially for first-timers.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick culture with stunning sunset views and delicious local bites at an affordable price.
2. DISCOVERY HUATULCO FULL DAY
At number 2, this full-day tour immerses you in both the sea and land of Huatulco. It’s a comprehensive look at the region’s bays, local town, and scenic drives. You’ll start with a tour of the bays, then head to La Crucecita for a walk through the town, shopping, and food tasting. The trip is well-paced, with multiple water transports, scenic stops, and a relaxed vibe. Rated 4.8 from 4 reviews, travelers find it’s excellent value considering the 8.5-hour duration and included hotel transfers. The itinerary covers snorkeling, swimming, and marine life viewing, along with cultural stops. The mix of land and sea adventures makes this a good choice for travelers who want a full picture of Huatulco.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want an all-in-one experience with plenty of time to explore and relax.
3. Discover Huatulco: Beach, Flavors, and More
Number 3 is a five-star-rated half-day tour that highlights Huatulco’s amazing viewpoints, local cuisine, and snorkeling. It kicks off with visits to lookouts offering stunning vistas of the flora and fauna, followed by a taste of Oaxacan specialties like mezcal and chapulines. The tour culminates at La Entrega Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reef, perfect for snorkeling. The 1-reviewer calls it “an authentic experience,” and at $42 per person, it’s packed with diverse activities. This tour suits travelers eager to combine nature, food, and beach time in one outing.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded half-day that balances scenic views, local bites, and snorkeling — ideal for active travelers.
$42 per person
4. Safari Through the Mangroves in Ventanilla Oaxaca
Number 4 on our list offers a unique eco-adventure in Ventanilla’s protected mangroves. You’ll explore coastal ecosystems on a rowing canoe tour, learning about conservation efforts and local wildlife. The guide shares insights into the environmental importance of mangroves, making it both fun and educational. The sunset sail in La Ventanilla lagoon adds a magical touch. Rated 5 stars from 1 review, it’s lauded for its informative nature walk and wildlife viewing. The tour lasts about 6.5 hours and costs $54 per person. It’s suited for nature lovers and those interested in ecological preservation.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, eco-friendly experience that’s perfect for curious travelers wanting to see wildlife and support conservation.
$54 per person
5. Waterfalls, Coffee and Adventure Tour, Huatulco
Number 5 offers a full-day nature escape into the Sierra Madre del Sur, focusing on crystal waterfalls, swimming, and coffee tasting. You’ll visit San Miguel del Puerto, where you can swim in natural jacuzzis and enjoy the serene setting. The tour emphasizes connecting with nature and experiencing local flavors. Priced at $44 per person, it’s an excellent value for active travelers who enjoy hiking, swimming, and trying regional coffee. The guide helps you appreciate the landscape while keeping the pace relaxed. It’s perfect if you want a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Bottom Line: Great for outdoor lovers seeking to combine scenic swimming spots with local coffee culture.
$44 per person
6. From Crucecita: Ventanilla, Zipolite, and Puerto Ángel Tour
Number 6 offers a seven-hour journey covering both land and sea, including visits to Zipolite’s nudist beach, Mazunte’s artisan town, and Puerto Angel. You’ll learn about species preservation at a local cooperative and cruise through mangroves, seeing vibrant wildlife. The highlight is relaxing at Zipolite, known for its bustling, open-sea beach. The tour also features regional cuisine and scenic drives. It’s perfect for those wanting a mix of cultural, ecological, and beach experiences in one trip. The tour is priced at $44 per person and appeals to travelers interested in local conservation efforts and relaxed beaches.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a full day of diverse coastal and cultural sights, with a focus on local wildlife and community.
$44 per person
7. From Huatulco: Coffee Private Experience
Number 7 is a private coffee tour that takes you into the Sierra Madre Mountains. For around $218, you visit Santa Maria Huatulco, learn about local murals, and walk through a coffee farm with a detailed explanation of the coffee-making process. You also explore Pluma Hidalgo, known for its charming village life. This tour is ideal for coffee enthusiasts and those wanting an intimate, educational look at Oaxacan coffee culture. The experience is personalized, and the scenery makes the journey worthwhile even if you’re not a caffeine fanatic.
Bottom Line: Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a private, in-depth look into Oaxaca’s famed coffee farms and rural life.
$218 per group up to 1
8. From Huatulco: Crocodile and Turtle Eco-Tour
Number 8 combines wildlife observation and conservation. You’ll explore La Ventanilla lagoon on an eco-friendly rowboat, spotting crocodiles, native birds, and iguanas. Later, you visit the Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary to learn about turtle conservation efforts and even help release baby turtles. Rated 5 stars, it’s highly recommended for nature lovers and families. The tour lasts 7 hours and costs $191 per person, offering a meaningful experience that supports wildlife preservation.
Bottom Line: A meaningful eco-tour that combines wildlife, conservation, and the chance to help baby turtles on their journey.
$191 per person
9. From Huatulco: Excursion to the Hot Springs
Number 9 offers a relaxing day in mountain hot springs, with six pools embedded in the Sierra landscape. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the river and lush vegetation while soaking in the warm waters. The tour emphasizes stress relief and natural beauty, making it suitable for travelers wanting rest and scenery. It’s priced at $218 per group, making it a good value for a private experience. The hot springs are perfect for rejuvenation after exploring other tours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation amid scenic mountain surroundings.
$218 per group up to 1
10. Huatulco: Mexico City Guided Taco Tasting Tour with Drinks
Number 10 is a tasty food tour that explores Mexico City’s taco culture. For 3 hours at $80 per person, you’ll visit three different kitchens, sampling a variety of tacos along with drinks like beer or soda. The guide shares stories behind the recipes and local culinary traditions. Though not directly in La Crucecita, this tour offers insight into Mexican street food that can complement your Huatulco trip. It’s perfect if you’re a foodie eager to discover authentic flavors beyond the coast.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies wanting to taste Mexico’s best tacos and learn about their history.
$80 per person
11. La Crucecita: Hiking and Snorkeling/ Drinks and Fruits
Number 11 delivers an active half-day adventure combining scenic viewpoints, hiking, and snorkeling. You’ll hike through tropical vegetation to reach a 180-degree ocean viewpoint and snorkel at Organo Beach, famous for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Before returning, you’ll refresh with water, sodas, and fresh fruits. Rated for its adventure and scenic beauty, this tour costs $91 per person and suits those comfortable with moderate physical activity. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor activity and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want a mix of hiking, snorkeling, and scenic vistas.
$91 per person
12. La Crucecita: Guided Day Of The Dead Festival Tour Sun Nov 2
Number 12 invites you to experience Mexico’s iconic Day of the Dead with a guided tour. It includes learning about ancient civilizations and participating in local celebrations, with stops for shopping and cultural insight. The tour provides a relaxed environment to understand the holiday’s significance. Priced at $50 per person, it’s perfect for culture enthusiasts wanting an immersive experience during the holiday. The tour’s focus on local traditions and community makes it a memorable way to connect with Mexican customs.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to experience Day of the Dead authentically and respectfully.
$50 per person
13. La Crucecita: Magic Lagoon Bioluminescence and Turtles Tour
Number 13 offers a long, immersive day from Bahias de Huatulco to Puerto Escondido. Witness bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon, learn about turtle conservation at Escobilla Beach, and enjoy the surf at Zicatela Beach. This 10-hour tour costs $82 per person and appeals to travelers interested in ecology, wildlife, and unique natural phenomena. The combination of marine biology, conservation, and beach fun makes it a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers eager to see bioluminescence and support turtle conservation.
$82 per person
14. Huatulco: Mezcal and Gastronomic Tour
Finally, at number 14, this 5-hour tour visits a traditional mezcal hacienda. You’ll learn about mezcal production, taste different varieties, and enjoy a typical Oaxacan meal. The tour also includes chocolate & coffee tastings, with breathtaking views from a lookout point. For $64 per person, it offers an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. This experience is ideal for spirits aficionados and those wanting a cultural deep dive into local drinks and food.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for food and drink lovers seeking a flavorful, educational experience.
$64 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after a quick cultural fix, the city sunset tour (La Crucecita: Huatulco Guided City Tour and Sunset Viewing) offers a compact, scenic experience. For those wanting nature and conservation, the mangrove safari (Ventanilla Mangroves) and turtle eco-tour (Crocodile and Turtle Eco-Tour) are excellent choices. Budget travelers might prefer the full-day discovery or food-focused tours, while those seeking a more private or specialized experience should consider the coffee private tour or hot springs day trip.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak times like the Day of the Dead or holiday seasons. Think about what excites you most—whether it’s tasting mezcal, snorkeling at coral reefs, or learning about local traditions—and pick accordingly.
Final Thoughts
La Crucecita’s variety of tours ensures there’s something for every kind of traveler. For culture lovers, the city sunset tour offers a perfect intro, while adventure seekers will appreciate the waterfalls, snorkeling, and mangrove experiences. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should consider turtle conservation or the bioluminescence tour. And if you’re after a culinary adventure, the mezcal and gastronomic tour will not disappoint.
With careful planning, you can enjoy a well-rounded trip that combines relaxation, discovery, and fun. Be sure to book early, especially during popular festivals or holiday weekends, and prepare for authentic experiences filled with local flavor and natural beauty.