La Vida Huatulco Huatulco Life

CruisePortInsider.com - Huatulco Cruise Ship Schedule - 2014

2014-01-06T07:38:00.001-06:00

CruisePortInsider.com - Huatulco Cruise Ship Schedule - 2014

Welcome to Huatulco STATENDAM!

2013-03-06T10:09:00.000-06:00


MS Statendam, March 6, 2013 Huatulco, Oaxaca

From Digital Workshops to a Van Gogh-themed theater, adorned with over 2 million dollars worth of Dutch art, this Holland American mid-sized ship plies the Mexican Riviera and is a frequent visitor to Huatulco. Check it out, including interior videos at Statendam.

Huatulco Welcomes Cruisers!!! 2012 schedule

2012-10-03T08:09:00.001-05:00

For the second day in a row, another of the massive NCL ships is tying up at the dock in Santa Cruz.

Welcome to the 965 foot (295 meter) Norwegian Pearl and its 2394 passengers!

Chica-chica- CHICATANAS!!!

2012-06-17T10:02:00.001-05:00

Last night the giant flying ants known as CHICATANAS emerged from their hard earthen nests, softened and released by Hurricane Carlotta's heavy rains. Oaxacans are definitely bug eaters! Known primarily for their affinity for chapulines, little crickets, Oaxacans Really celebrate the arrival of the CHICATANAS. At 5 am I observed a man and woman filling Super Che grocery bags in the beam of the headlights of their car parked on our street! I have been told that they are valuable, about 50 pesos a kilo. I found this great video, enjoy!

Chica-Chica-CHICATANAS!!!

2012-06-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Chica-Chica-CHICATANAS!!!
Last night the giant flying ants known as CHICATANAS emerged from their hard earthen nests, softened and released by Hurricane Carlotta's heavy rains. Oaxacans are definitely bug eaters! Known primarily for their affinity for chapulines, little crickets, Oaxacans Really celebrate the arrival of the CHICATANAS. At 5 am I observed a man and woman filling Super Che grocery bags in the beam of the headlights of their car parked on our street! I have been told that they are valuable, about 50 pesos a kilo. I found the great video, enjoy!

How to prepare chicatanas

PEACE Spay and Neuter Clinic in Huatulco

2012-04-30T11:06:00.001-05:00

Huatulco Dolphins

2012-04-05T15:25:00.001-05:00

Cacahuates: From Soup to Nuts!

2012-04-05T14:32:00.000-05:00

If asked to list the staples of Mexican cuisine, most people would name rice, beans, corn, chiles, lime, and cilantro. Well, add peanuts to the list. While used as a thickening agent in many dishes, peanuts also star in salsas and soups. A nutritious snack, throughout Mexico peanuts roasted with chiles and salt are common, but it is in Oaxaca that they are most addictive, typically studded with roasted cloves of garlic and whole chiles. Just try to eat only a few! Cerveza, por favor!

Cacahuates, from the Nahuatl word tlalcacahuatl, are thought to have been discovered in Peru, cultivated by pre-Columbian cultures, and then spread throughout Mesoamerica, and ultimately the world, by the conquistadors. Peanuts are officially a legume, and grow just a few inches under the surface, in light, sandy loam soil. They require five months of warm weather, and an annual rainfall of 500 to 1,000 mm (20 to 39 in) or the equivalent in irrigation. Our part of Mexico has all the requirements for peanut cultivation, and Oaxaca is the third largest peanut producing state in Mexico.

By coincidence, sea turtles and peanuts share a confluence of economic and ecological spinoff on the Oaxaca coast. When the Mexican government closed the sea turtle fishing industry in 1990, the door to eco-tourism in the area opened (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga). At the same time, the government introduced a movement toward sustainable agro-economic development to the area. One of the programs established was the cultivation of peanuts and sesame in the community of El Tomatal, near Puerto Escondido.

What was originally an agricultural commodity project became value-added cottage industry post-Hurricane Paulina in 1997. In the devastated communities along the coast, as part of an emergency health plan, workshops were held to teach the local people how to best achieve nutritional value from their crops. The realization that peanuts could be more than just a cash crop for the community, at a time when commodity prices were low, was the impetus for the establishment of Las Productoras de el Tomatal Ecologicas S.C.L. located about 10 km south of Puerto Escondido, in the village of El Tomatal.

Roughly signed and palapa roofed, the workshop is home to a women’s co-operative that last year processed over 4 tons of peanuts. They produce organic roasted peanuts, peanut butter, and tahini for an expanding range of markets. The day that we visited recently, 3 of the co-op’s 10 members were sealing and labelling jars of Crema de Cacahuate for a shipment to Mexico City. Productoras’ manager, Constanza Santos López, explained that “nada de hombres” (no men!) were involved in the co-op, with the exception of the husband of one associate who grows the peanuts.

Their peanut butter is delicious, as are the roasted peanuts! The co-op also has also written a recipe pamphlet, Flores y Semillas, showcasing their sesame and peanut products. Here are 2 great peanut recipes for your enjoyment. The first is an adaptation of the Co-op’s Chicken in Cacahuate sauce. The second is one of the most delicious soups you will ever taste! Buen provecho!

Huatulco Life and Style: Jim Spicka "Huatulco Being"

2012-03-05T12:35:00.008-06:00

Last Friday evening, artist Jim Spicka mounted an exhibition of his recent work. The theme for the exhibition is "Huatulco Being" and one senses a transformation in Jim's relationship with his surroundings and perhaps with himself. Some of the pieces represent his tropical lifestyle and surroundings ,taking obvious inspiration from places and elements we here call home - quite literally, Hagia Sofia, the Gales of Tehuantepec and Pluma Hidalgo. The Blanca series although named after 3 of Huatulco's populated bays, Chahue, Conejos and Arrocito, are almost austere, clean and simple, unlike the busy beaches of their namesakes. But it is with Going Bamboo, and Secret Garden, that the artist seems to be most at home, and is comfortable letting the viewer create his or her own context.


Ministry of Culture representatives Hugo Ancantara Avelino and Dario Pacheco Venegas, artist Jim Spicka and El Sueno Zapoteco founder Britt Jarnyrd.

Officially opened! Ribbon cutting ceremony.

Guests enjoying the ambiance, art, and refreshments.


Jim's medium is tissue paper and acrylic on glass, the multiple layered shapes and materials create depth against vivid backgrounds. Framed, the pieces take on a weight and gravity that suits traditional spaces. Unframed, resting on wooden pegs on the wall, they float across the landscape with a breezy lightness.

Foundation co-founders Raymundo Ruiz and Britt Jarnryd with Silvana Araiza, El Sueno Zapoteco workshop director and head designer.

It is fitting that this exhibition supports El Sueno Zapoteco, and their art and craft work shop where they teach young people from the villages how to use the natural materials to create saleable art. Jim partnered with El Sueno Zapoteco who also exhibited, and donated 60% of sales to the foundation creating a very public bridge for support to this esteemed organization.

Over 70 people gathered in the remarkably perfect Sueno Del Mar storefront gallery to view the exhibit, and support El Sueno Zapoteco.The exhibit was also coupled with a Sueno del Mar open house, and a number of people toured the property.

Drink your way to Health the Mexican Way

2012-03-01T14:38:00.003-06:00

FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMBOS FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

*Published in Huatulco Eye, January 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your blenders, but first put away the tequila. After the indulgences of the holiday, it is time to turn a new leaf – a leafy green antioxidant one!

As the New Year begins, it is a perfect time to cleanse and renew our bodies, and to establish healthy habits for the months ahead. Visiting the local Jugo and Licuado stand at least once a day is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to kick-start a new regime.

You will find all of the trendy buzzwords of our popular North American lifestyle propaganda incorporated into the jugo and licuado menus, but this is not “news” to most Mexicans. That nopal can control diabetes or that beets can lower blood pressure are not recent discoveries.

An intrinsic part of Mexican culture that has not been adulterated by North American culture, but perhaps co-opted by it, is that certain plant products have specific properties that help combat disease and contribute to well being.

The benefits of a fresh diet are more appealing and effective here than north of the border where “fresh” fruits and vegetables are chilled and gassed to prevent ripening during days and weeks of shipping. Somehow, eating an anti-flammatory, antioxidant, high fibre diet makes a lot more sense when it starts with fresh-off-the tree papayas, bananas and oranges.

A 2010 joint study on nutrition between the University of Madrid and the University of Queretero produced this statement: “Local fruits and vegetables consumed in the Mexican rural diet are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties and are important source of bioactive compounds and dietary fibers.” Good news. The scientists recommended one action: that even rural Mexicans with this great diet could benefit from eating MORE of it. One of the easiest ways to get MORE is to have a polyphenol-rich shake every day, the ultimate “fast food.”

The local fruteria offers extensive Jugo and Licuado menus. What’s the difference? Jugos are mainly fruit and vegetable juice combinations, while licuados typically have milk or yogurt, and often nuts and seeds in addition to juices.

Take Note: When targeting specific conditions and diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you are taking medication for any condition. There are some natural compounds that might interfere with your medication, and indeed be harmful, such as grapefruit and some cholesterol lowering drugs.

I am particularly fascinated by the combinations that are separate from the main menus, ones that I consider the “big guns” of nutrition. Consider cabbage juice – touted as being good for weight loss and gum disease. Cabbage and its fibre-rich sense of fullness have long been in a dieter’s bag of tricks – but, gum disease? Well, it turns out that cabbage is especially effective against anaerobic bacteria that cause gingivitis – it has analgesic as well as antibiotic, antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

I love the recommendations for traveler’s fatigue- feel the miles melt away with a blend of jicama, celery, apples and carrots. Instead of uncomfortable annual parasite treatments, consider a guava licuado. Guava has anti-parasitic properties that not only rid the intestinal tract of pesky amoeba, but actually eliminate their eggs and soothe the whole digestive system.

Perhaps my favourite “trend vs tradition” combo is the Brain Tonic, something we could all use once in a while to improve memory and cognitive thinking. The Brain Tonic ingredients make for a delicious shake, but it is the addition of “pasitas” or raisins that make it a reversatrol cocktail. Reversatrol, considered to be a “longevity molecule” is found in the skin of grapes, and not surprisingly, in plump raisins.

I typically get my daily reversatrol in a glass of red wine, but for the New Year….who knows?

David Rotundo Band Leap Year Party

2012-02-27T08:49:00.001-06:00

Back by popular demand, the David Rotundo Band, will be preforming in Huatulco on Wednesday Feb 29 on behalf of Un Nuevo Amanecer.

The party will be at the Latitude 15 beach club on Chahue Beach.

Doors open at 7 PM, Music at 7:30.

Beer/wine and snacks available

Tickets 200 pesos in advance; 250 pesos at the door.

Please join us for a great evening and let your friends know. We need a good word of mouth push to get a great turnout. The last concert was fantastic, this event promises to be even more spectacular with Bahia Chahue as a backdrop, a crescent moon, Saturn and Jupiter gracing the evening sky.

Tickets Available at the following locations:

HEMINGWAY’S

RESTAURANTE VIENA

Café Dublin

CAFÉ JUANITA

FINCA DE VAQUEROS

Fundraiser for Nuevo Amanecer - http://www.freewebs.com/nuevo_amanecer/

For more Information on the band, please visit http://www.davidrotundo.com

HECTOR INFANZON LIVE IN HUATULCO

2012-02-13T13:16:00.000-06:00

Hector Infanzón, arguably Mexico’s best jazz pianist played to a sold out audience in Huatulco on Thursday night.

The city of his heart and the theme of his latest CD Citadino, the vibrant tumult that is Mexico City, beat and soared through the tropical night. Perched on an oceanfront stage, framed by palm trees and lit by a rising moon, Infanzón and his quartet delivered the passion of the city to the shores of Tangolunda Bay.

Midway through this season’s Amigos de la Musica Huatulco concert series, Infanzón dazzled an audience already heady with the season’s previous performances, ranging from Opera Obsession to Patá Fuá's eclectic instrumental fusion.

Percussion was the buzz of the evening as young drummer Giovanni Figueroa lit up the audience with his intensity, and Luis Gomez on congas and cajon (box drum) framed Infanzón’s original but obviously latin influenced compositions. Percussion and piano shared the stage in a passionate conversation, backed by bassist Adrian Infanzón.

Next Amigos de la Musica Concert will be on February 25^th, at the Camino Real Zaashila.

Concierto Baroco will feature Amigos de la Musica’s Honorary Artistic Director Horacio Franco along with Asaf Kolerstein and Santiago Alvarez.

Tickets $ 150 general admission and students $ 100 available at : Photo Conejo, tel. 587-0054, Office of Residential Chahue, tel. 587-0502, REMAX, tel. 587-0136, Hotel Camino Real Zaashila, tel. 583-0300.

Life's a Beach and then you.....PLAY VOLLEYBALL SEASON 2 HUATULCO

2012-01-16T03:54:00.001-06:00

Mixed Team Drop In Volleyball

Monday 4 – 6 pm

Sunset Beach, Santa Cruz

We began the 2012 season of mixed team beach volleyball last Monday. Lots of old faces, and some new ones too. Carla, a young doctor from Puebla brought some outstanding play to the court. Stu played his first and last game of the season as he and Wendy are going traveling to the UK. He was the player last year who traveled the furthest every Monday to play (from Salchi). Unless we recruit some Salchi players, that title will go to Fancy Nancy. Our ref Ritu only had to flash her special card a couple of times - good behaviour so far. Mari's tamales were delicious as usual!

CARRERA PARA LA CRUZ

2012-01-13T07:26:00.000-06:00

Mission Red Fundraising Committee hosts:

Race for the RED

In support of the HUATULCO RED CROSS

Sunday January 22, 2012 Parque Guelaguetza in front of Plaza Chahue

A city wide scavenger hunt with fun and whacky tasks that test your local knowledge, creativity, and sense of humor.

* Grand Prize awarded to team that completes the most challenges within allotted time.

What do you need?

Up to 8 fun willing participants – individuals and teams welcome!!

1 digital camera with video capability per team

*Transportation will be provided for each team

When & Where

Sunday January 22, 2012

10.30A.M Participants must arrive for explanation of race rules and team placement for individual participants.

11.30AM.-2.00PM. Race for the RED Scavenger Hunt

Start & Finish – Parque Guelaguetza in front of Plaza Chahue

How to Enter

Fill out individual or team entry form. Submit with payment to Mission Red Committee member or at one of the following locations:

Palm Princess Destination Services – Plaza Chahue Local 9

Café Juanita – Santa Cruz, across from Café Huatulco Kiosk

Senor Puck’s – Marina Park Hotel and Suites, across from Marina Chahue

Committee Members: Valerie Verhalen, Nancy Norris, Kathy Taylor, Araceli Garcia, Pat Hudson, Gerry Freund, Caryl Coffey, Kimberley Clearwater.

Team Entry: up to 8 persons - $4800 pesos per team. Includes: Team transportation, entry into Finish Line Fiesta and chance at the GRAND PRIZE!

Individual entry: $600 pesos per person. Includes: Placement on a team with fellow participants, entry into Finish Line Fiesta and a chance at the GRAND PRIZE!

*Don’t worry, we will place you on a fun and friendly team. Couples placed together if desired.

Deadline for Entry: Wednesday January 18, 5pm

FINISH LINE FIESTA

Enjoy food, beverages and entertainment from our generous sponsors.

**Live Music**

Premium Raffle including great prizes, luxury vacations, appliances, sunset cruises, and much more!!

Fiesta Times: 1.00PM – 5.00 PM

Finish Line Fiesta Tickets: $100 pesos

Children under 5 Free, must be accompanied by an adult.

*Tickets not necessary for Race for the Red participants.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO HUATULCO RED CROSS FOR BUILDING AND OPERATING IMPROVEMENTS

ALL MONEY RAISED STAYS IN HUATULCO

Dia de Revolucion Parade Huatulco

2011-11-21T12:36:00.000-06:00

Interjet Announces San Antonio flight, Additional Holiday Flights

2011-11-05T18:18:00.006-06:00

Interjet begins San Antonio to Mexico City flights on December 1^st!

The inauguration promotion is excellent! If you buy before the 10^th of November, the price for a return fare is $3,270 pesos, or about $250.00. The promotion runs from the 1^st till the 14^th of December, and some dates are already sold out (December 9^th and 10^th), so book early. The good news is that you will be able to get from Huatulco with enough time to connect to an outbound flight, and the same with the return from San Antonio. This gives yet one more option for travellers, especially from the East.

Check their online calendar for availability and prices. www.interjet.com.mx

The phone number for booking in English is 866 285 9525

Interjet is also adding some extra flights from Mexico City to Huatulco and return for the holiday season.

December 22^nd: extra flight from Mexico City to Huatulco at 11:00 am, departure Huatulco to Mexico City at 12.35

December 29^th, extra flight from Mexico City to Huatulco at 11:00 am, departure Huatulco to Mexico City at 12.35

January 1^st As of today, there is one flight from Huatulco to Mexico City available on January 1^st, 2012, departing Huatulco at 9.25 PM and arriving in Mexico City at 10.45 PM. There are 4 flights available from Mexico City to Huatulco.

January 2nd As of today, there is one flight from Huatulco to Mexico City available, and that is at 7.35 AM, arriving MEX at 8.55 AM.

Note on January 1st and 2nd the additional early flight from Mexico City to Huatulco, at 6:00 AM.

Safe holiday travels, everyone!

Huatulco United to Help

2011-11-03T17:03:00.000-06:00

Tis the season for giving, and this Saturday and Sunday, the 5^th and 6^th of November will see the first annual United to Help Fair at Parque Rufino Tamano (across from Pemex). Saturday from noon until 11 pm and Sunday from noon till 9.

Participating Associations are:

DIF
Club Rotarios de Huatulco
Asociacion Hospital Materno Infantil
Promotoras Hospital Naval
Esperanza de Vida
Sueño Zapoteco
Formando Sueños. Taller Comunitario para niños y niñas con discapacidades diferentes
Centro de Atención Multiple N° 17
Plan Genesis 13
Centro de Integración Juvenil

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Arts and crafts sale.

Christmas decorations.

Have your picture taken with a “Catrina”, the elegant Day of the Dead skeleton lady.

Photo ops with The Three Wise Men.

Lotteries and Bingo.

Fun activities for kids.

Contact:

Myriam Fernandez, Coordinadora

Huatulco Unidos para ayudar

958 103 4788/ 958 113 1791

CHARTER FLIGHTS TO HUATULCO

2011-09-30T15:06:00.006-05:00

This is a brief post, unfortunately. There are two charter operators servicing Huatulco from Canada and the United States this coming season, to the very best of my knowledge.

Air Transat is NOT flying to Huatulco this season – I phoned their service centre to confirm this change.

Sunwing is the only charter provider from Canada, offering both all inclusive packages and flight only tickets.

Their website is: www.sunwing.ca

I spoke to the local rep for Apple Vacations, and this is what she told me:

“The Apple charter from Chicago starts on November 5th and runs through until August of 2012. It will be on Saturday evening arriving at 8:10pm with USA3000 airlines until December 3rd, then we start with a new airline and much better flying times, it will be with Frontier and arriving to HUX at 2:40pm.”

To book a flight or vacation with Apple Vacations, visit http://www.applevacations.com/mexico/

If you can’t take advantage of either of these charter offerings, check my post on Huatulco Flights for various flights and connections through Mexico City(UPDATED SEPT.30/11)

I just finished booking a return flight from Huatulco to Vancouver. Juggling 3 internet windows, I co-ordinated Interjet flights with US Airways and Alaska Airways, looking for shortest layovers and best fares. I saved my itineraries for the MEX-YVR and return portions of the trip on Sunday night, and headed down to Interjet on Monday morning (their website still rejects my CAD credit card – this is an ongoing problem with Interjet, they only seem to like American Express – if you have had a different experience, let me know).IF YOU ARE BOOKING FROM THE US or CANADA, call U.S. phone # 1-866-285-9525 and ask for an English speaking agent - you can pay with your credit card over the phone. I should have done that, but because the ticket office is a minute down the road, I thought I would do it in person. Unfortunately, the flight that was 999 pesos on Sunday night was over 1400 pesos on Monday morning. Apparently the special ended Sunday at midnight! The next online special might be next weekend, October 7-9, according to local staff, but they are making no promises.

Best connections to Vancouver price/layover times:

Interjet HUX (10.25) to Mexico City, US Airways from MEX to Vancouver, connecting in Phoenix, arriving YVR at 11.15 pm.

Alaska Airlines from Vancouver(6.30 pm) to MEX, connecting in Los Angeles, arriving MEX at 5.27 a.m (red eye), Interjet from MEX (8.50) to HUX (10.00).

Total cost: US Airways 223.47 CAD

Alaska 279.57 CAD

Interjet (return MEX/HUX) 223.94 CAD (2915 pesos)

Total 726.98 CAD

The same trip Aeromexico was $950.00 US and at least one in transit overnight stay, depending on your stamina.

Pays to shop around.

Huatulco Greets Seven Seas Navigator

2011-09-19T16:57:00.001-05:00

Seven Seas Navigator in Santa Cruz

Another of the "repositioning" cruises stopped in Huatulco on Saturday. Regent sails 3 of these smaller "Seven Seas" ships in various crusing oceans at different times of the year. The hallmark of these ships is the crew/passenger ratio. Remarkably, almost 350 crew serve the less than 500 guests aboard. The Seven Seas ships are all-suite, all with ocean view, and a full 90% of the suites have balconies.

Regent also offers "small-group enrichment and excursion opportunities, specifically designed to experience destinations at a more authentic level." In other words, you and your club or family can book a cruise to a destination, and experience more than a superficial visit, with a well-known authority on the destination on board.

More about these ships at http://www.rssc.com/ships/seven_seas_navigator/shipinfo.aspx

Huatulco Welcomes Oceania Regatta, 1st cruise ship of the 2011/2012 season

2011-09-16T12:49:00.002-05:00

Oceania Regatta, September 16, 2011

Viva Mexico!

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to have the first cruise ship of the season arrive, just in time for the parades and pageantry that go along with the celebration!

Oceania Regatta is one of the smallest ships that visit Huatulco, only 594 feet, carrying 684 passengers.

She left San Francisco on the 9th of September and Huatulco is the 3rd of 4 stops in Mexico (next is Puerto Chiapas) before continuing on the 21 day cruise that will take her and passengers through the Panama Canal, through the Caribbean, and up to New York. Sounds fabulous!

Huatulco Solar Halo

2011-09-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

This is what our noontime sky looked like today. What a phenomena! And of all days, El Grito, Mexico's Independence Day. More about El Grito after tonight's festivities when the sky will light up again, but with unnatural phenomenom, Fireworks!

This is what wikipedia.com has to say about sun or solar halos:

A halo from Greek ἅλως; also known as a nimbus, icebow or gloriole) is an optical phenomenon produced by ice crystals creating colored or white arcs and spots in the sky. Many are near the sun or moon but others are elsewhere and even in the opposite part of the sky. They can also form around artificial lights in very cold weather when ice crystals called diamond dust are floating in the nearby air.

There are many types of ice halos. They are produced by the ice crystals in cirrus clouds high (5–10 km, or 3–6 miles) in the upper troposphere. The particular shape and orientation of the crystals is responsible for the type of halo observed. Light is reflected and refracted by the ice crystals and may split up into colors because of dispersion. The crystals behave like prisms and mirrors, refracting and reflecting sunlight between their faces, sending shafts of light in particular directions

MegaYacht Guide to Pacific Coast of Mexico

2011-09-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

For the past few years I have written the Mexico section of Yacht Essentials "big boat guide" , aimed mostly at the owners, captains and crews of 100 footers PLUS.

They publish a bi-monthly international magazine as well, and in the September/October edition, they have published my article about megayacht marinas on the west coast of Mexico.

Click here to read my article:
MEXICO REVISITED

Huatulco Flights

2011-09-05T21:13:00.009-05:00

Magnicharter flight arriving in Huatulco.

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

It has been said that "all roads lead to Rome" . Well, when getting to Huatulco by air, all flights lead to Mexico City[except Continental to Houston, Aerotucan to Oaxaca City, and high season charters (subject of a forthcoming post)].For example, you can get a good deal on a flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City, but if it arrives after all the flights to Huatulco have left for the day, you then have to spend the night in Mexico City. And vice versa. So, when booking your trip, that would be good to know, wouldn't it?

I have tried to compile an "at a glance" reference guide for flights into Huatulco from Mexico City, and flights back again. I used the information from each airline's website, and made a few phone calls. Some airlines use a 24 hour clock, some don't. I used whatever they did.

All of the airlines publish a disclaimer stating that all flights are subject to change, and that their timetables are subject to inaccuracy through no fault of their own. Same with me. Use this guide at your own discretion, and please double check with the airline. If you find an error or discrepancy, please comment. I will do my best to make sure the information is timely and accurate.

Interjet has just opened a real office in Huatulco, in Plaza Chahue. No more standing at the kiosk in Super Che!

DOMESTIC

Airline Depart MEX Arrive HUX Depart HUX Arrive MEX

Aeromexico www.aeromexico.com

1.20 2.35 3.05 4.30

Click here to download the complete Aeromexico schedule in PDF format. Huatulco is on Page 40. If you are looking for a U.S. destination that connects in Mexico City for Huatulco, this is where you will find it. The schedule is valid from July 11, 2011, with no expiry date.

Aeromar             www.aeromar.com.mx

             M,T,W,TH,F,S,S       10.55                 12.15            M,T,W,TH,F,S,S 12.45                 14.05

                        T, W, Sat           14.55                 16.35             M, Th, Fri, Sun   16.50                 18.10

               M, Th, Fri, Sun       15.00                 16.20                    T, W, Sat   16.55                 18.35

Aeromar has a nifty little chart that shows their Huatulco flights valid until September 30, 2011.

VivaAerobus www.vivaaerobus.com New schedule effective Oct. 3rd, 2011

Dep MEX Arr HUX Dep HUX Arr MEX

                    Sun     10.40                 12.00                             Sun   12.25               1.50

                         M, Fri   2.55                   4.15                     M, Fri          4.40                6.05

                     Th           3.00                   4.20                               Th    4.50                 6.15

VivaAerobus has a flashy website, and uses Messenger chat for "live chat". Their schedule page requires you to put in your destination, etc. Try inputting a date a week in the future and it will display a week's worth of flights. They are also flying to U.S. cities like Chicago, San Antonio, and Orlando out of Monterrey.

Magnicharters http://www.magnichartersmx.com/Huatulco.htm

daily except Tues 13.45 14.45 14.30 15.30

Interjet www.interjet.com.mx U.S. phone # 1-866-285-9525, ask for an English speaking agent.

This schedule is valid until 31/01/12

Departure
México D.F.

Arrival
Huatulco

Flight

Stop

DOW

08:50

10:00

2653

non stop

MON,

TUE,

WED,

THU,

FRI,

SAT,

10:25

11:35

2653

non stop

SUN,

14:35

15:45

2651

non stop

SAT,

14:35

15:45

2655

non stop

MON,

THU,

FRI,

SUN,

16:40

17:50

2651

non stop

MON,

TUE,

WED,

THU,

FRI,

SUN,

Departure
Huatulco

Arrival
México D.F.

Flight

Stop

DOW

10:25

11:45

2652

non stop

MON,

TUE,

WED,

THU,

FRI,

SAT,

12:00

13:20

2652

non stop

SUN,

16:10

17:30

2650

non stop

SAT,

16:10

17:30

2654

non stop

MON,

THU,

FRI,

SUN,

18:15

19:35

2650

non stop

MON,

TUE,

WED,

THU,

FRI,

SUN,

INTERNATIONAL

Continental www.continental.com

Dep Houston Arr Huatulco Depart HUX Arrive Houston
11.40 2.12 2.45 5.22

(Saturdays only until high season)

Huatulco Cruise Ship Schedule Fall 2011

2011-08-30T21:51:00.022-05:00

In 2011, Huatulco will receive over 86,000 cruise ship passengers. The winter and spring season brought about 2/3 of them, and starting on September 16th, the rest will begin arriving. The first ship of this fall season is the 684 passenger Oceania Regatta, one of the smaller ships at 594 ft.
Regatta was one of the last ships here, last May 6th, enroute to Alaska where she spent the summer.

Click here for the Fall Cruise Ship Schedule Huatulco 2011

http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/huatulcoschedule2011.html

BOOK YOUR CRUISE

If you are ready to visit Huatulco by ship, here is a fabulous link describing the ships, the routes, and how you can book.

Here is an example:

Oceania Cruises, Oceania Regatta

21 Days - Starting in San Francisco with stops in Cruising the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, Puntarenas, Panama Canal Transit, Cartagena, Cruising the Caribbean Sea, George Town, Cruising The Straits Of Florid, Cruising the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah, Charleston, New York
2011 Sails: Sep 9

http://www.cruisecompete.com/vacations/visits/huatulco/1

Insider's Guide to a Week in Huatulco

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The nice folks at My Huatulco Vacation invited me to write a guest blog post for them, An Insider's Guide to a Week in Huatulco. Problem is, you really need at least TWO WEEKS to see and do everything! Enjoy!

So you’ve arrived Paradise, aka Huatulco, and let’s face it, it is like no other place you have ever visited!

Whether your stay is in a condo, hotel or villa, the first thing to do is just stop for a moment and breathe in the wonderful tropical atmosphere. Lush palms, gardens cascading with bright flowers, flocks of parrots, the warm salty breeze, the rhythm of the ocean on the shore … this will be the magical backdrop for everything you do while you are in Huatulco.

Here is an insider’s guide to a week in Paradise. Many vacations run Saturday to Saturday, so that is when we begin. Here is the most important advice that I can offer: WEAR SUNSCREEN!

Saturday Evening: Sunset cocktails are a ritual in paradises all over the world, and Huatulco is no exception. The lofty elegant SkyBar at the Quinta Real on Tangolunda Bay or Xitric on the breakwater in Santa Cruz are definitely recommended. Saturday night is a fun night to visit La Crucecita where the zocalo, or central park, with its soaring huayacan trees, is the centre of all the action. Courting couples, strolling musicians, art displays, craft sellers and indigenous artisans provide lots of local color. Want to try some Oaxacan cuisine? Sabor de Oaxaca is just a block off the zocalo, a bit upscale and well known for its traditional black mole and Oaxacan specialties.

Sunday is a great time to hit the beach, and this is when the choice gets tough. If you like to snorkel, I recommend Maguey or Entrega; if surfing is your thing, then La Bocana is your best and closest choice, and is also the home of Bocana Surf School where you can rent a board and take a few lessons. Sunday afternoon, however, should be reserved for Finca de Vaqueros in La Bocana. Mexico’s great ranch expanses have spawned a whole caballero or “cowboy” culture and Los Vaqueros is a cowboy bar/restaurant of the finest order. Our standard fare is charros (delicious beans in a tomato sauce), and a “mixta” platter that includes arrachera (marinated steak), chorizo, ribs, and quail. All of these savory treats are accompanied by tender tortillas and an array of delicious salsas. A chunky onion condiment is my favourite. This is a great place try your first shot of legendary mescal. The beer is cold and the singing is smooth. Oh, didn’t I mention the singing? The owners have great crooning voices and are wonderful crowd pleasers. Wind up the evening with a beach stroll or amble around the zocalo in Crucecita.

Monday, I definitely recommend a bay tour to orient yourself to the 9 bays and 36 beaches that comprise the area known as Bahias de Huatulco. Charters are available, or there are many catamaran tours out of Santa Cruz which include beverages, guided snorkelling and a stop for lunch. Maguey Beach is great for snorkelling, and boasts a number of palapa style beach restaurants, but our personal pick is Ay! Caray!, where the fish is fresh and delicious and the beer is icy cold. This is a long day on the water, and you will probably be a bit tired, so make it a pizza night, and early to bed. There is a surprising Italian presence on the Oaxacan coast (due to a cult sixties Italian movie filmed close by), and the pizza is excellent at quite a few restaurants in town. La Crema, that funky throwback to the sixties with its head shop and batik bedspread ceiling, serves up crispy thin crust pizza from its wood-fired traditional domed pizza oven. Mamma Mia and Rigoletto offer pizza and other Italian specialties, in a slightly more traditional setting. Sleep well.

Tuesday is market day in Huatulco, and truck loads of produce arrive from the Oaxaca Valley. Local mountain farmers come to town and spread their wares on blankets on the sidewalk, and locals stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. This is a good day to walk the streets of town and do a little shopping. You won’t be taking papayas back on the plane, but a hand made rug or bedspread might do the trick. Follow your ears – that clackity clack you hear are the looms for which Oaxaca is famous. The weavers’ feet literally dance across the loom’s foot pedals, creating intricately patterned rugs and textiles. While you are immersed in all things Oaxacan today, it might be the right time to indulge in what I consider the quintessential Mexican dish. Restaurant Santa Clara specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine, including Chiles en Nogada. Because it displays all the colors of the Mexican flag, it is a nationally celebrated dish – the green poblano chile is stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and dried fruits and spices, it is then smothered in a creamy white walnut sauce, and scattered with ruby red pomegranate seeds.

Wednesday is a great adventure day – I am sure you are feeling confident and are ready to explore more of this amazing coastline and the scenic southern Sierra Madres. Last year six of us did a challenging 22km raft trip with Aventura Mundo, which is probably the most experienced tour company in the area. Thirty- five Class IV rapids later, we arrived exhilarated and safely at our destination. These guys also do bike tours and combination iguana farm and low key river tours. Come evening, check local English language newspaper Huatulco Eye events calendar. There are lots of things to do, but tonight might be your lucky night. Once a month in high season, on a Wednesday, Amigos de la Musica, a local non profit arts group, sponsors an outdoor concert. The ever changing program brings some of the finest Latin American classical musicians to Huatulco, and this is definitely THE evening to dress up a little and rub elbows with some very interesting people. Get ready for a truly magical experience!

A day in a botanical paradise is a must for Thursday. Hagia Sofia is a 130 hectare agro-ecological development only about an hour from Huatulco, in the foothills of the Sierra Madres. Swim in the grotto, eat fruit right from the trees, this is probably what Eden looked like. From beehives to earthworms, it is an evolving example of sustainable agriculture and deep respect for the planet. Make arrangements when you arrive in Huatulco so you don’t miss out. After a rustic day in the mountains, it is probably a good night for a fancier dinner out. Café Viena is one of Huatulco’s few fine dining restaurants, and is the most personality driven of them all. That means FUN! Manfred is the front of house consummate professional and Helmut mans a kitchen that produces a myriad of fusion dishes – Austrian/Mexican/Thai. Lively, a great pour, delicious food – that’s fusion at its finest.

Friday – oops only a day left… How about visiting one of the beaches that caught your eye while you were on your bay tour earlier in the week? But this time, do it on a jet ski. Huatulco Water Sports is a professional bilingual company renowned for their ski/snorkel trips. Luis, the owner/operator has even been known to jump off and catch a lazy fish sunning on top of the water! Or, take a snorkel or dive tour on one of Huatulco’s best dive charter boats, Sam’s Town, with Gravity Sports Divers. Friday night, put on your dancing flip flops and shake it up with the band. Hemingway’s Cantina in La Crucecita has live music, an extensive menu, yummy fruity cocktails and a great selection of mescal. You’ll probably see me there!

Saturday morning – this is your last morning in Paradise, at least for a little while – I know that you have had such an amazing time that you will come back as soon as possible. On this last day, take your final, lazy swim in the ocean, walk the beach, drink a refreshing juice or smoothie, and pack your suitcase full of amazing memories to take home. See you soon!