During the Spanish Conquest, Huatulco thrived as port under Hernan Coretes' control serving as a vantage point for Spanish galleons and a distribution centre for supplies on the Pacific coast. The latter half of the 16th Century saw Huatulco ravished by such pirates as Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish - both leaving their prints on the regions history and legends which continue to this day.

Today, Huatulco (pronounced wa-TOOL-co) is Mexico's newest tourist resort destination and is one of the most beautiful areas on Mexico's Pacific coast. The foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean with 9 amazing bays and 36 white sandy beaches. Located approximately 500km south of Acapulco in the state of Oaxaca, sunshine can be expected over 300 days a year with the average temperature of 34C.

This unspoiled tropical paradise is known for its pristine natural beauty. The State of Oaxaca along with FONATUR (federal tourist development agency) and the federal government have committed to preserving Huatulcos' status as an eco-friendly resort.

For getting around, taxis are abundant and inexpensive and there are several car rental companies. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants, from economical to elegant international cuisine. Shopping includes the fresh produce at the farmers market to shops and any type of souvenir in between.

There are direct flights to Huatulco International Airport with charter companies from the US and Canada during the tourist season. However most commercial airlines route through Mexico City and offer connecting fights to Huatulco throughout the year.

Things to do:

• Boat & Bay Tours
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Sport & Deep Sea Fishing
• Golf- 18 hole champion golf course
• Bird Watching
• Tennis
• Horseback Riding
• River Rafting & Kayaking
• Biking
• Coffee Plantation Tours
• Eco-tours
• Four Wheel Jungle Tours
• Turtle Museum & Sanctuary
• Ancient Ruins of Monte Alban (Oaxaca City)
• Mountain Village Tours
• Water Sports