Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
The economic importance of Huatulco, Mexico, did not start when it first became a popular tourist destination.
Its importance dates to pre-Hispanic times when indigenous people gave the area the name Cuahtolco, which translates to “place where the wood is worshiped.”
The word became Huatulco over time.
Indigenous people recognized its importance for some of the same reasons that people do today.
Historians and researchers explored the area and discovered the ruins of several settlements that date to pre-Hispanic times.
There is evidence that Huatulco was used as a port for textile exports, and possibly for gold exports.
Today, its location still makes it an important area for the many travelers who visit Huatulco.
Located in Oaxaca, Huatulco sits in the southernmost area of Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean.
The many attractions, things to do, and the beautiful weather are some reasons that tourists visit Huatulco.
Some people are likely to wonder if it is safe for travelers to visit Huatulco.
Learning about the overall safety, the safe places to visit, and places to avoid can help travelers plan a safe, exciting trip to this beautiful destination.
Warnings & Dangers in Huatulco
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Huatulco is known for its low crime rates. It has a lower rate of both serious crimes and petty crimes, compared to many other areas of Mexico. People should still keep a watchful eye on their belongings and their surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Consider renting a car when visiting Huatulco, rather than relying on public transportation. Tourists who do want to use taxi services should only use taxis from reputable companies. Do not take a taxi parked on the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Travelers experience fewer incidents of falling victim to pickpockets in Huatulco, compared to many other areas of Mexico or other places around the world. That does not mean that there are no incidents of pickpockets. Visitors who make themselves an easy target may become victims. Taking proactive steps to protect themselves from pickpockets and bag snatchers can help travelers have a safe, enjoyable time in Huatulco.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Huatulco has a very low risk of experiencing natural disasters. Visitors should still check local weather reports for risks such as tornadoes or floods.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging is rare in Huatulco, like many other crimes. Tourists need to follow basic safety tips, like not going into unsafe areas and not walking alone on dark streets.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The cartels and other criminals who commit terrorist acts in Mexico usually do not fight against each other or target the locals or tourists in Huatulco. Staying alert to any possibility of terrorist activity helps visitors protect themselves if terrorist activities do occur.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams are not usually an issue for people who visit Huatulco. People who let their guard down may present an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of them. Stay alert to possible scams when traveling to Huatulco.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Many women travel to Huatulco every year and have a wonderful experience with no safety issues. Women who travel alone usually have a great time when they visit Huatulco. Women can protect themselves from safety risks by not walking alone at night and by not going anywhere with strangers, even if they seem polite and offer their assistance.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water in Huatulco goes through extensive modern treatment, storage, and distribution. The process makes the tap water safe to drink. It is also safe to use for hygiene, cooking, and washing produce.
Safest Places to Visit in Huatulco
Huatulco draws visitors from many countries, including the U.S., because of its history, natural beauty, location, and low safety risks.
People who travel to Huatulco are likely to discover many safe places to visit to enjoy their trip.
Enjoy engaging in water sports, sunbathing on pristine beaches, visiting parks, seeing archaeological ruins, indulging in the local cuisine, and many other things, depending on your preferred activities.
The Huatulco National Park is a must-see for people who visit Huatulco.
It is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve.
See many colorful birds and reptiles while hiking through the park.
People who want to explore the many pathways throughout the Huatulco National Park usually enlist the services of a guide.
The park covers 27,000 acres.
People who want to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and participate in the many water activities can enjoy snorkeling, diving, surfing, dolphin and whale watching, or relaxing on the beach.
Take a boat ride and visit all 36 beaches throughout the nine bays of Huatulco.
Enjoy different experiences at each beach.
Tour a working coffee farm at Finca La Gloria or Finca El Pacifica.
Learn the process of turning coffee berries into coffee beans.
Visitors get to pick coffee berries themselves and watch them being processed at the coffee plantations.
No trip to Huatulco is complete without indulging in authentic cuisine.
Travelers can enjoy the local food at cafés or upscale restaurants.
Stop for food after shopping for cotton clothing, Day of the Dead figurines, wood carvings, painted masks, and many more items.
Visit the Copalita Ecological Park and Ruins and safely explore ruins that are more than 2,000 years old.
Walk the wooded trails to see dozens of species of indigenous birds and animals.
Stop at the museum before leaving the park.
Places to Avoid in Huatulco
Huatulco is much safer for tourists compared to many other areas of Mexico.
Tourists still need to take precautions to avoid some places to minimize safety risks.
Do not walk alone at night.
Although Huatulco has a low crime rate, crimes can occur if there is an easy opportunity for someone to commit them.
Do not walk on the beach at night unless you are with a tour group or a group of friends.
Stay away from hotels or resort accommodations that do not have extra security.
People who commit petty crimes, such as pickpockets and bag snatchers, may think that travelers are an easy target at hotels that do not have safety measures.
Huatulco has a reputation for being one of the safest places in Mexico.
The local authorities took several steps to keep travelers safe, including establishing a tourist police force.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Huatulco
- Do not take personal belongings to the beach. Take only what you need with you when visiting the many beaches in Huatulco. You may discover your belongings gone if you leave them unattended on the beach.
- Consider hiring a guide. The wooded areas, parks, and jungles of Huatulco cover thousands of acres. Visitors may want to use a guide while visiting the sites in Huatulco.
- Do not walk alone at night. Walking alone at night, including on the beaches of Huatulco, can increase the risk of tourists becoming easy targets for criminals.
- Dress down. Dress like the locals, not like a rich person. Do not wear flashy clothes, jewelry, or other accessories.
- Do not get intoxicated and leave a bar or restaurant alone. Do not leave a restaurant, bar, or nightclub alone if you get intoxicated. Even if the hotel is a short distance away, call a reliable taxi service for a ride. Consider visiting the bars and restaurants with friends if you know that you are going to drink alcohol.
- Book tours and accommodations with reputable companies. Huatulco likely seems like paradise to many people. It is a popular tourist destination. It may also be a way that scammers take advantage of travelers. Check the reputation, reviews, and ratings of hotels, resorts, and companies that offer tours before paying for them.
- Stay away from deserted areas. Resist the urge to explore areas that are deserted or that are away from the usual tourist destinations. Do not go to any unfamiliar areas.
- Do not carry a large amount of cash. Travelers who make the mistake of carrying large amounts of cash put themselves at risk of becoming a victim of pickpockets, mugging, or other crimes. Take only what you need when seeing the sites, enjoying the food, and shopping in Huatulco.
- Carry insect repellent. Carrying insect repellent is important for travelers who visit the parks, jungle, or forest areas of Huatulco. Protect yourself from the risks of being stung or bitten by insects in these areas.
- Do not go with anyone who offers to show you the sites. Do not go with a stranger who offers to take you to your destination or show you the sites. Call a reputable taxi company for a ride to your hotel or other accommodation, or stay with friends or your tour group.
So... How Safe Is Huatulco Really?
Huatulco consistently ranks as one of the safest places in Mexico for the local people and for travelers.
It has a low violent crime rate and a low petty crime rate.
The low crime rates may be one of the top reasons that Huatulco generates nearly 45 percent of Oaxaca’s tourist income.
Women feel safe when they visit Huatulco, including women who visit the area alone.
Women need to follow basic safety tips, including not walking alone at night and not walking alone after leaving a bar or restaurant while intoxicated.
People who visit Huatulco usually feel safe, especially with the extra precautions that local officials implemented to help keep travelers safe.
Things such as having an increased police presence in areas frequented by tourists and establishing a tourist police force are some examples of the extra precautions.
Staying aware of their surroundings, leaving valuables at home, and not flashing cash are some things that can help to minimize safety risks for travelers who visit Huatulco.
Tourists should also avoid touching the wildlife that they see when visiting the parks or other areas where there is wildlife.
How Does Huatulco Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Huatulco |
88 |
| Los Cabos |
78 |
| Leon |
68 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
| Cabo San Lucas |
72 |
| Mexicali |
40 |
| Zacatecas |
60 |
 Medan | 62 |
 McDonough | 72 |
| Mesa | 84 |
| Lusk | 82 |
 Siem Reap | 63 |
| Las Cruces | 46 |
Useful Information
Visas
Tourist visas are not required for people who visit Huatulco or anywhere else in Mexico for less than 180 days.
Currency
The Mexican peso is the official currency used in Huatulco. Exchange currency only at reputable locations.
Weather
Huatulco has beautiful weather, which is likely a reason for many people choosing to visit the area. It has little seasonal temperature change in the weather. Huatulco is hot year-round, with January, the coldest month, having average temperatures in the upper 70s. The temperatures can reach the 90s during the warmer months.
Airports
The airport that serves Huatulco is the Bahías de Huatulco International Airport. It manages the domestic and international air traffic. Bahías de Huatulco International Airport is about 20 minutes from the main resort area of Huatulco.
Travel Insurance
All travelers should purchase travel insurance before they leave for their trip to Huatulco. It is important for people who plan to visit Huatulco to purchase travel insurance that meets their specific needs. Speak to your travel insurance provider about things like trip cancellation coverage, medical insurance, and evacuation assistance. The U.S. Department of State highly recommends that people purchase travel insurance before they travel anywhere, which includes when visiting Huatulco.
Huatulco Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
33 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Low °C |
19 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 |
| High °F |
91 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 95 | 93 | 93 | 95 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 |
| Low °F |
66 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 70 | 66 |
Safe Coastal City
This is the first beach city/area post review I have looked at in Mexico. Being from an island, I’m used to spending quite a bit of time at the beach so it is helpful to see how this coastal city compares. I like that the area isn’t overly crowded and has a high safety rating.
Among the safest
I feel like this is not totally accurate. I have lived in Huatulco for over 5 years and generally :
– taxi is mega safe
– driving is super safe. You don’t need to park in guarded areas, and as a matter of fact there are almost none.
– natural disaster is medium. It’s one of the most seismic areas of the continent. That being said, all buildings are below 5 floors and built to stand the highest earthquake. It can be hurricane prone in the summer too.
– pickpocketing is very rare but can happen around bars and clubs at night.
– it’s not really more dangerous for women than it is for men, but there has been some reports of women being bothered at night in low light areas.
– scam is totally possible in some restaurants (check being wrong or including service and still requesting a tip…). Also beware with some taxis who want to double charge at night or from airport…
– terrorism is zero
All in all we do not think about our safety when living in Huatulco and we sometimes take it for granted. It’s always recommended to be careful to scam and pickpocketing but that is pretty much anything.
Strolling along that coastline feels like stepping into a postcard, especially with those vibrant colors popping everywhere. Plus, the stories tied to the churches really add a unique touch to the whole vibe.
I can’t believe how breathtaking the views are around here; the mix of the mountains and the vibrant jungle is something you don’t see every day.
Stumbling upon that ancient cross in Santa Maria Huatulco felt like a little secret from the past just waiting to be discovered.
I don’t know if I’d revere wood quite that much, but the views definitely make you feel something special about the place.
How did I not know about those ancient cross fragments in Santa Maria Huatulco until now? It sounds like such a fascinating piece of history to discover while enjoying the stunning coast!
Is there a particular historical site you would recommend visiting in Huatulco that gives a real sense of its rich past and significance beyond the beaches?
Walked the cove at sunrise, watched fishermen mend nets by the old stone ruins, and the salty air with warm sand underfoot left me feeling quietly curious and happy.