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I have a friend arriving at the Huatulco airport late at night on February 11. And my husband is leaving the next morning from Huatulco airport. We are thinking of staying overnight in Huatulco the night of the 11th. That way we can easily meet my friend, stay overnight in Huatulco and send my husband off the next day.
Can anybody recommend a decent hotel that is not outrageously expensive in Huatulco. Let's say between $50 and $100 US?
Thank you for responding.
tfoxman@odyssee.net
December 2000
You should be able to pick from any in La Crucecita and most in Santa Cruz. The Flamboyant is nice. Right on the square in La Crucecita--a good place to wind down. -Tom
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Kathy Ellsbury
KATHEGOLF@aol.com
December 2000
LP
dlpassfield@sympatico.ca
December 2000
Didier Lopez
Hanzel
Elsa
Tomas
Scott
Andrew
Gracias, Meaghan
MILFORDJAC@aol.com
December 2000
I'll give your greetings to the Good Kid Didier and to Tomas. They are still working in water sports, so I see them every day. Scott and the rest of your friends are gone. -Carlos, charlie_diver@hotmail.com
Linda McHugh
emchugh@globaldialog.com
December 2000
Yes, there is taxi service. I don't know exactly what the taxi bandidos are charging now, but it's about 3 times what the return trip costs. -Tom
If you bought a package to stay at the Gala, I'm almost sure that the transportation airport-Gala-airport is included. Signature and Apple use buses or Suburbans to transport their customers to the hotels in Huatulco. Check it with your travel operator. Airport taxis are a monopoly and if you want a taxi for you alone, it can cost up to three times more than the trip back. If you want to take a "collective" taxi, is cheaper. The trip from the town to the airport costs $60.00 pesos (7 bucks more or less). -Carlos, charlie_diver@hotmail.com
We are really looking forward to our trip but feel very unfamiliar with Huatulco. Other than what we've read here, if anyone has any other tidbits and tips for us, please write. I see here someone talked about renting bicycles. That's sounds great. Any ideas where would be the best place to rent them? We are staying at the Gala.
We'll write again after we return and let you know about our trip. Keep up the good work, Tom!
Donna & Ron
rprdmt@rochelle.net
tastad@kish.cc.il.us
December 2000
There are two or three places where you can rent bicycles. You can even take an amazing mountain bike tour thru the jungle. For this tour contact with Erasto Rojas erastorojas@hotmail.com or phone (9) 58 00 and (9)58 16 95. His business name is Aventuras Huatulco and is located in the Hotel Conejo, half block away from the main square. He also offer rock climbing, cannoning, bird watching (he knows a lot about birds) and coffee plantation tours. Another option is ECO Aventuras located right in front of the Barcelo. The owner's name is Edgar Pedraza and he also rent bikes. -Carlos, charlie_diver@hotmail.com
kathyford@home.com
December 2000
I'm also very interested in knowing if there are any health spas in Huatulco - especially spas with steam rooms. I was in Huatulco with my family at the Gala (Royal Maeva then) in 1998. We had such a fantastic time. We are going back January 8 with two other families! Its great to hear that the Gala is still a great place to be.
Carlos if you are reading this, my husband the diver wants to know if its better to contact you before we arrive or just pop over once we get there?
Merry Christmas. -Cordelia Abankwa-Harris, cabankwaharris@yahoo.com
There is not a full SPA here in Huatulco. There is a new beauty shop (I'm not sure about the name of the business dedicated to make women to look beautiful) inside the BARCELO and they offer hair cutting, manicure, and facials. It's open to the public. There is another similar business in LA CRUCESITA's main square. The owner's name is Meche and her business "ESTETICA CRONOS" is located in the PLAZA OAXACA mall. Her phone number is 58 702 93. She offers massages also.
About steam rooms, the only one is located at the Hotel Marina. This steam room is very interesting, because it uses the same system to produce steam that the ancient Aztecas used 600 years ago. This room is named TEMAZCAL. The TEMAZCAL was a privilege of aztecas emperors and their courts. Notable can use it too, but not priests, because Azteca priests never took showers or baths. It is a very small closed room (you can't stand up), and the steam is produced throwing water over hot rocks. The water is mixed with aromatic and medicinal plants. I've never been inside, but it must be very hot. About your husband the diver, the best way to contact me is calling by phone upon you arrival. I need to say something important. I don't work for Gala but I assist them when they need my help. When Gala's instructor is on vacations I take care of the dive trips, or if he has many divers, I take care of part of the group. I don't teach SCUBA in the GALA. I teach in the BARCELO property. I work for Action Sports Marina, located INSIDE the BARCELO. I write INSIDE with capital letters, because there is another dive shop IN FRONT of the Barcelo and many times, divers looking for our services go there by mistake or because unfair travel agencies, front desk clerks, "trawlers" and taxi drivers send the divers there telling that I work there. This happens very often even after interchanging a lot of emails between the interested diver and me, believe it or not. So, if someone decide to use my services (there are three or four more scuba operators in Huatulco) thanks in advance and the phone numbers to contact me are (9) 58 702 42 (home) and (9) 58 100 55 extension 842. And of course, answering your question, is better if he get in touch with me in advance.
And another important note. GALA offers one tank dive included in its packages. That means that you can dive once a day for free, but only CERTIFIED divers can take advantage of this activity. And I recommend him to take this advantage.If after knowing this your husband wants to dive more than one tank, just jump to the next ramp and I'm there, 20 steps away. If not, come to say hello anyway. -Carlos, charlie_diver@hotmail.com
The truth is I didn't see one mosquito nor did I come anywhere near a Scorpion. The food was awesome I am personally a fitness nut and was concerned about healthy choices but it was never an issue. The a la carte Italian rest was my fav.. They had the best pina Colada's in the whole resort. The food was great there especially the antipasta bar....
I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to workout down there but luckily I took advantage of a fairly well equipped gym right on the resort. I really had the time of my life and would definitely return in the future..
If anybody has any questions please e-mail me.
Natalie Bean
natbean@hotmail.com
December 2000
Josh
joshob@videotron.ca
December 2000
We stayed in a private home with a pool, which was just great. Casa Costena is on this website and certainly reasonable for what you get. It was huge and clean and pretty luxurious -- great for a family or a couple of couples. We also stayed a couple of nights at the Castillo Huatulco, one of the snazzier hotels in Santa Cruz. It runs a shuttle to a private beach club on Playa Chahue, which includes a restaurant and bar, pool, kiddie stuff and hammocks. It was pretty nice, although the hotel itself is a little beat up around the edges. Then again, it was only $40 a night (off season).
I loved it down there, although for me the impending development takes away from its appeal. Go now while it offers plenty of tourist amenities but hasn't yet lost its realness and charm.
Ruth Schechter
ruths@stanford.edu
December 2000
Josie
querenci@inreach.com
December 2000
I read the question about El Arrocito, next to Tangolunda Bay. Josie asked if this beach is still public and the answer is yes. There are no plans for a close future regarding this beach beautiful beach. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car and descend the concrete stairs until the beach.
The beach that is harder to reach now is El Tejoncito. Somebody bought the lot in front of this beach and they put a wall, blocking the access. Actually, this is against the Federal Laws in matter of beaches, because all the beaches in Mexico are federal property, and all those whose properties have limits with them, must leave a free access for the public. So, if somebody don't allow you the free access to ANY beach, can receive a huge fine if the offended promotes a legal suit.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
We met a newlywed couple on our second day there and became very good friends and took two tours with them and Mario. The bay tours and the trip to the coffee plantation and cascades were just beautiful. I would suggest anyone go to La Crucecita for most dinners, many good and reasonable places to eat. Huatulco was so uncrowded it was fantastic. Anyone reading this should do themselves a favor and find Mario Cobos for anything you need while in Huatulco. I have his phone number. He speaks fluent English and Spanish and you could not possibly meet a finer person. We will go back to Huatulco!!!!! It was wonderful.
Jeff Liptak
Broadview Heights, Ohio
lamarlafong@webtv.net
December 2000
James Parisi
Jparisi@prodigy.net
December 2000
You can't walk across the beach without getting all sorts of boat trip and 4-wheeler proposals. For restaurants, there are plenty of recommendations right here in the Visitors' Comments. I think everyone agrees on the Sabor de Oaxaca in La Crucecita for a taste of the Oaxacan cuisine. -Tom
Terry
potters@adelphia.net
December 2000
Dave is with Ventures Huatulco. http://www.tomzap.com/venture2.html. You can email him at ventures@huatulco.net.mx. Having trouble finding something? Remember you can search this site now. -Tom
For the same client I need as well a small B&B in Oaxaca from January 25th to February 2nd.
Many thanks.
Denise
nadeau-rouleau@videotron.net
December 2000
We heard from Mario the day of our departure. This was not a problem as we managed on our own as I speak Spanish and am used to some fairly tough negotiation (fair but firm). It also meant good opportunities to interface with the people as well as with my parents.
In terms of activities we would highly recommended the deep sea fishing as well as snorkeling/diving. You should mention more strongly the recommendation to visit Entrega Bay as I loved that as well as the local flavour (there were mostly local tourists there which made for a better atmosphere). One can return to the hotel by boat cheaper than by taxi (20 versus 50 pesos) We also enjoyed Sta Maria Huatulco which was the closest thing in the area to local living. Chez Binni was very good though with a poor wine list (high prices with no good vintages) as well as the restaurant on the beach. Val del Mar (Sta Cruz) was pleasant but somewhat off-handed in service with prices which were equal to Canada. Taxis were odd as even when the hotel called one which was not air-conned we were charged the hotel rate (I ended up going down and hailing the official ones myself). Taxi service from the airport is now 600 pesos return (350 to the hotel and 250 pesos for the return portion - same price from the hotel using its car).
Other than that we ventured little and relaxed by the ocean, swam a lot and enjoyed the balconies.
You have an excellent property which I will recommend to others (including many friends in Mexico City) though I will warn that the service of the Camino Real does not consistently meet the standard of the accommodation (perhaps it was simply low season and everyone was on slow mode).
Many thanks again with kindest regards,
Orest Nowosad
onowosad@yahoo.com
Switzerland
December 2000
1) Can anyone recommend the best way to fly into Huatulco from Detroit Michigan or within a few hours of Detroit?
2) We will need to completely furnish are condo and would like to know where we could purchase everything at reasonable prices.
3) I would like to here from anyone else that has purchased a unit at the Bayside Residential in Santa Cruz, Huatulco.
Once we have taken possession and have it completely furnished we will be looking to rent out our unit, so anyone interested can e-mail me for more details.
Thanks,
Ron Lussier
bigboy5@mnsi.net
December 2000
We stayed @ the Camino in Ixtapa in the early 90's and loved it. Our last inclusive was @ Sandals in Negril in 1990. At the time, we thought it was good.
Thanks for your help,
Lisa Oakley
loakley@barilla-usa.com
December 2000
I have not eaten at the Gala or the Camino Real. It is my impression that at the resort hotels you can expect international cuisine with a Mexican influence. If you want to experience the regional food, you will probably have to go out and find it. A good place to start is Sabor de Oaxaca, a restaurant in La Crucecita that specializes in Oaxacan dishes. To drink, I suggesting trying some of the aguas--often not on the menu but available almost everywhere, these are drinks made from fresh fruit, water and sugar. I like the agua de sandía (watermelon); better get a pitcher full (una jarra). Also, there is the street food. Many guide books say to avoid this, but if it's sizzling on the grill and other patrons are surviving then it's well worth the risk. You can fill up on the little tacos and things for less than what you'd leave for a tip at the hotel and they're very tasty. If there's a language barrier, just point and wave your hands till you get food. -Tom
Rick Raymond
RRaymond1@prodigy.net
December 2000
I'm sure one of the readers can help you out. Sounds like a great thing to do, plus you can use the empty suitcase to bring back the stuff you buy in the markets. -Tom
There are many poor kids (and adults of course) who would appreciate any donation. There are two or three communities close to Huatulco were you could give your donations. There is also an association named Nuevo Amanecer (New Sunrise) which is dedicated to assist and give special education to handicapped kids. Many of them are very poor and if you want, I can help introducing you with the director. She is a very nice person with a big heart, and I'm sure she will distribute the goods on the best possible way. If I could assist you, just let me know.
LAST MOMENT.
I'm talking with Fernando Dorantes, owner of Bahías Plus, a well known and established travel agency, and he is offering, if you want, to provide one of his Suburban to transport you from your hotel to the Nuevo Amanecer office.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
The beaches were extremely beautiful and there are peddlers either selling excursions or goods. A firm no and they will not bother you or be pushy. There is someone always at security not letting any of the peddlers into the resort complex. There is not much to do in the Huatulco area at night so we stayed in the resort. there is also a disco but we never went...I think the days sun wore us out.
My fiance's 15 year old daughter was able to get her scuba diving certification by Carlos Ramos whose shop was next door near the Barcelo Hotel. She got individual instruction by Charlie and the price was very reasonable. Charlie is very helpful if you have any questions about the Huatulco area or if you need a qualified diver. Charlie is the person to go see. He will take you to amazing dive spots in the Huatulco bays with great pictures for you to take home of your dive.
Oh yes...we did return home with insect bites on our legs and arms. Not sure what type of insect caused the bites but they do itch like crazy. However, it is not stopping us from planning our 2nd trip to Huatulco sometime in 2001.
Bill, Emily and Jessica
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Actuarywmg@aol.com
December 2000
Bob Ritenour
rritenour@mail.enc.k12.il.us
December 2000
Les
Les922@aol.com
December 2000
#1 Could anyone help me and tell me the recent exchange for a Canadian dollar to peso for both cash and Travelers Check and is it easy to exchange Canadian dollars at the bank and which Bank is best?
#2 The recent exchange for the US dollar to peso for both cash and Travelers Check. (I look at the exchange rate on the web every day but sometimes that is very different then what you actually get at a Bank in Mexico.
#3 What is the difference between the Banks and the money exchange houses (casa de cambio)? - I know you do not usually get a good exchange at the hotels it would only be for convenience. If we do not have to buy US dollars we won't because we pay $1.55 can = $1.00 us and we will be in Huatulco for almost one month so anything will help. This is my second posting on your site and I am very grateful for it and thank-you to all that has helped me out so far, I was the one Walking the Bays eight years ago in Huatulco with my Husband Lloyd. Hopefully our 11-month-old son will prevent us from doing anything that stupid this year. I do speak Spanish and French so if anyone wants to reply in Spanish or French that will be appreciated as well.
Linda Bourdage
Lb@moosemountain.com
Bragg Creek, Alberta
November 29th, 2000
The bank gives the best rate--should be very close to the official rate that you get on the net. Casa de cambio will not be quite as good but is usually not enough difference to worry about. I don't know if they have Canadian in Huatulco though. Hotels as you say are typically terrible.
What about ATM cards? If you have an ATM card, that is positively the best way. You get the best rate and you don't have to stand in line or figure out what the banks' hours are. Your bank may charge you for using the card on the machine--check with your bank, but that is the only charge. It's a per use charge, so just take out as much as you can at a time. For us it's about a dollar, so if you take out $200, that's a 0.5% charge. I haven't heard from Canadians about this, so I would be very interested. -Tom
Thanks for your replies.
Nina
rizmar@aei.ca
November 2000
Just like to add some of the treasures that we found.
Carlos Rodriguez Portillo (Private Guide) speaks perfect English and some French. We had our best day with him! He took use to the Coffee Plantation. We got to swim in four crystal clear waterfalls in the Sierra Madre Mountains and in a underground cavern with a waterfall coming through it. With being the off season the tours did not get enough people so we had to get a private guide. HE WAS THE BEST! Always went a head and checked out if it was safe since the Hurricane last month changed some of the terrain. Ask him about the stalled farm truck in the mountains and that tough Wisconsin woman. Tel. 044 958 92114 or at the Cooperative Tango Unda.
Some dining ideas:
Hotel Flamboyant in the Square in La Crucecita, say hi to Maria... we had breakfast there a lot.
Ve El Mar in Santa Cruz for Seafood and Clean bathrooms!
Quinta Real for drinks and a view of the bay... don't waste your money eating there it was just ok. Beautiful !
A must for its White Sauce alone is El Giardino (Chef for the POPE). The bathrooms were spotless.
Other pointers to first timers:
- You need a Passport to cash any kind of Traveler's Check at any bank. Papers and ID will not get you very far. Your Hotel will cash it but at a much poorer rate.
- The Apple Vacation side tours are the exact same tour that you can arrange on your own only a little more costly.
- Excellent service at the Camino Real Zaashilla...Juan at the Swimming Pool makes the best Margaritas!
- About the pool situation at least 5 men are cleaning 3 times daily and what happened before was just a fluke.
- We did not know about the full Moon and the Waves (Science 101) and had 12-15 waves and could not swim behind our Hotel. So we swam at Maguay($25 US roundtrip taxi) or at Santa Cruz ($3 US).
- The flowers were gorgeous.
- Also prescription drugs at the Farmacias Del Dr. Simi... half the price of US.
- Last but not least get to the Bakery just off the Square, 20 cents for a pastry that is out of this world.
Drox
drox@new.rr.com
November 2000
Did you get to try the homemade ice cream there at the bakery? They use a lot of local fruits; the helado de mamey is to die for! -John M. Williams, sharkbait69@yahoo.com
Roger
roger.simpson@bell.ca
November 2000
Linda Cartwright, Hood River, Oregon
lcartwright3@excite.com
November 2000
Ademas sobre la renta de un departamento en Huatulco para los dias de 22 a 2 de Enero 2001.
Gracias.
cordobaf@vw.com.mx
November 2000
Si, hay una marina nueva y tambien la marina en Santa Cruz. Sobre un departamento, no sé. Pero pondré su email en los Comentarios de Visitantes. -Tom
The food, we found to be pretty good. Didn't care for the Italian Rest. tho'. Nice pools, & adults only pools (where we spent our time). Beautiful, beautiful beach. Peddlers are there, but, they're not persistent. There is a disco there, but, we never went. Also, entertainment every night. Huatulco is very laid back & not much if any nite life around. We ate out a couple of nites, Casa Del Mar & Mission Fa Sol. Both were excellent. We did hear that the restaurant at the Quinta Real is suppose to be very nice, with good food & service. The Quinta is kinda new. Sorry we didn't go to it. The weather was perfect & the drinks flow from 11:ooam. We like the Sandals(Dunes River) & (negril), but, I would classify the Gala a real close second. We will definitely go back, the people are very friendly & it's safe. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me.
Masterjager@aol.com
November 2000
Kevin and Leigh
towne@henry-net.com
November 2000
I can answer the question about the airplanes. The airstrip runs parallel to the beach a mile or so inland and a few miles out of town, and when the planes fly the downwind leg parallel to the runway, they do so out over the water so that they are flying around the hotels and not over them. The airport only has a few daily operations anyway. -Tom
As of last week, there was no construction at the Gala. It was nice & quiet at nighte, but, we stayed on the quiet side --rooms #200. Originally we were on the first floor overlooking a courtyard not far from pools, but, we asked to be switched, & it worked out fine. -Masterjager@aol.com
Lauren
lgfarley@jps.net
November 2000
There is an American Express representative office in Huatulco. This is located on the same street I live. American Express travel and service is run by BAHIAS PLUS, a well recognized travel agency. The owners are Fernando Dorantes and his wife Mirella (they live in the same building I do). They have offices in the GALA as well as in the Meigas Binninguenda. The phone number of the main office (in La Crucecita downtown) is (958)) 7 02 16. The closest office to Zaashila is located in the Gala, but if you are not guest of Gala, is almost impossible to get in it. So, I recommend to take the trip to the downtown (the cab rate is only 20 pesos and is ten minutes away from Zaashila) and go the main office.
Something else. Traveler cheques are welcome in most of the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, etc. All the banks change them, and I strongly recommend to change travelers (visa, MasterCard or amex) outside of the hotels. Banks have much better exchange rates than hotels (sometimes up to 1 peso difference).
As always, I hope you find this information helpful.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
Helen
hsdv@symaptico.ca
Toronto, Canada
November 2000
LAMARLAFONG@webtv.net
November 2000
Dear Marla, It takes an unusual US 800 number to be accessed in Mexico. Call your carrier to make sure, but I think you're gonna have problems with this. You might email Charlie at the dive shop and let him try to call you before you go. Your best bet is probably going to be to call your service provider and ask their advice. If you get a glib "don't worry abput it/ It'll work fine." from the first Customer Service Rep, ask to speak to his supervisor. -John M. Williams, sharkbait69@yahoo.com
M. Charpentier
charp4@msn.com
November 2000
Hola, amiga! Just a suggestion: I sold vacations on the Riviera Maya/Tulum Corridor and had way too many Palace customers end up in a big crowd in the Moon Palace lobby while their concierge explains that the reservations the clients had cannot be honored as the resorts are oversold. Particularly a problem for Friday and Saturday arrivals. Free advice is worth every penny you pay for it, but I STRONGLY suggest the Omni Puerto Aventuras. They only have thirty hotel rooms nestled amongst condos belonging to yachties. Both All Inclusive and Continental Breakfast Only plans are available. Most importantly, I never had a complaint from anyone I booked there. Unless you and your significant other are heavy drinkers, I suggest the MAP and recommend you eat at all the area restaurants. Plan to grab the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen and spend a day on the island. The less you pay for in advance the less you'll regret blowing off when island time sets in! -John M. Williams, sharkbait69@yahoo.com
Muchas Gracias por la abundante informacion.
Alejandro Libkind
Bariloche Argentina
libkind@bariloche.com.ar
November 2000
I have a little exploring story, 7 years ago in Huatulco my husband and I were at one of the bays (can't remember which one but it is one that we drove to). I had a great idea that we should walk to the next bay though the jungle, it looked so close. I had asked a man on the beach how long he thought it would take to walk to the next Bay, being too polite to say he did not know he told us 20 min. Do not do this, after one hour we ended up at a little cabin and the man of the house was able to help us get back on track. With not enough daylight to go back to the bay we had left we went forward and ended up on the next bay 2 hours later and had to swim in the ocean and flagged down a boat to take us back to the previous bay to our truck. It was not altogether a bad experience and one that could have been avoided if I had only thought before acting. My husband, Lloyd, even got a tooth filling done at the dentist while we were in La Crucecita 1993 and it is still in and holding, $10.00 US bucks.
Anyway does anyone know of any companies that organizes flight and hotel from Huatulco to Oaxaca, leave one day in the morning and came back the next in the evening and the approximate cost??? Tom, I hope you still have energy and time to keep this web site going because it has helped me out a lot.
I will write my comments on today's Huatulco when I get back in January, 2001.
Thank-you very much.
Linda Bourdage
Lb@moosemountain.com
Bragg Creek, Alberta
November 2000
Hi Linda, I have been going to Puerto Escondido for the past 4 years and I went to Huatulco one past Christmas. The bays are taken over by local Mexicans that come to spend their holidays - wait to visit the various bays until New Year is over and the locals are gone, otherwise it's wall to wall people in the water! There's one bay great for snorkeling and corals, well it's not possible to see anything in the water due to the pollution and the sheer numbers......
Have you been to Puerto? This is a really nice little town that has a few nice beaches too and one great surfing beach, also very popular with Mexicans. Also there's a new Pacific Turtle aquarium that has been built after Pochutla (as you are coming from Huatulco)I believe, you may enjoy visiting and seeing the new hatchlings. There is also a group of women that produce beauty products for Body Shop and they are wonderful, just before the turtle museum.
There are travel agencies that can book you for a day-trip to Oaxaca without problem, small airplanes. [Technically, this would be an overnight trip. I think the little airplane only crosses the mountains in the morning. Or at least that's the only time you would WANT to do it due to afternoon turbulence. -Tom] Huatulco and environs have really expanded, you'll find it changed with more services and handicraft stores and a marina, etc...
All the best,
Monique
Ottawa
mhaggar@mondenet.com
One of the more interesting dives was the shipwreck of the Caterpillars. Although much of the wreck has been scattered around through the years, the boiler is resting on it's side at about 85 feet. We were able to swim through it easily and see the sponges and corals that decorate the inside. The chain and anchors where also easy to spot.
Charlie and his boat man, Paco, [photo] were always right on time and made sure that all of the dives were both safe and enjoyable.
Gordon Brow
Vancouver, Canada
gbrow@basicbusiness.com
October 2000
In the meantime, I hope I can be of any help, if someone needs any information, please feel free to send me your questions. I have also spent 3 months at the Gala Resort in Playa Del Carmen. Very nice site, the beach is incredible, lost of activities and tours to take.
Tom, are you in contact with the entertainment staff at Gala, if so, please say hello to Anai, Hector, Beto, Julian, not quite sure who else is still around. Please say "bonjour" to my friend at La Crema(owner) and Cathy (Paraiso Huatulco).
Christine Prud'homme
christine.prud'homme@completions.bombardier.com
October 2000
Hi Chris. I remember you of course. I'm not sure if you too, but I've been working with Orlando since 1996 at the Sheraton, and before that time I worked diving on the Zaashila, when it was Omni. My partner there used to be Luis Sanchez (do you remember him, the short, bearded guy who brought a blond girl from Guadalajara to work with us and she finally was hired by Maeva as Maevamiga? I know the "old" staff of Maeva (Archi, Leonardo, Victor Fraile) but many of them are gone.
Beto is still here, as well as Julian. Hector is gone. Jorge Martinez (the oldman diver) is still working, but Roberto Castillo (the divemaster) has moved to Cozumel.
Is nice to receive greetings from known persons, and be sure I'll give your message to Beto (he is still working for Gala and I see him every single day, but this weekend he went to Oaxaca city).
Saludos and keep in touch.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
October 2000
Como no sabíamos como sacar el máximo provecho a estas vacaciones en Huatulco, optamos por tomar tres "tours" que nos ofrecieron, el primero por bote recorriendo las bahías y los otros dos por carretera, todos fueron divertidos e interesantes, los guías que nos acompañaron de primera, en fin que quedamos muy satisfechos con todo. Por ultimo quiero agradecer a todas las personas que habitan Huatulco por ser tan amables con nosotros.
Ruben Valdez y familia.
ruben09@prodigy.net.mx
Mex. D.F.
28 octubre, 2000
I would also appreciate it if someone could recommend a good boat and captain for deep sea fishing. I would also like to know where to go to schedule a good ATV jungle tour. How about renting mopeds or motorcycles for touring the countryside is it safe? What about a guide?
Any recommendations on tours or excursions, or the Magnihotel would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin Timmerman
tpot73@hotmail.com
Michigan, USA
October 2000
Susan Brisk
susieb99@newnorth.net
October 2000
Insurance is easy to get. I like to use Sanborn's because they give you a custom travel guide. Do that at the border town on the U.S. side. It is okay to drive in the Mexican border town without it, but you will need it to go much further. You pay for just the days you are there.
You need to have the title for your car. If you don't own it (say the bank still owns it, for example) you still need a copy of the title and a letter of permission from the legal owner. You have to post a bond to insure that you will not sell the car in Mexico. Best way is to have a credit card, not a debit card. That way you don't have to actually give them a large sum of money. This is done in the Mexican border town. Don't try to leave town without taking care of it or you will be turned back 15 miles out of town.
You will get your visas at the border, Mexican side. You need an official birth certificate with an embossed seal on it, not just a photocopy. A passport will work instead.
I have camped alongside the road without any problem other than curious people pearing in during the middle of the night. I understand it is not recommended.
There are many places to snorkel. Entrega beach is one. -Tom
And talking about Piedra de Moros, time ago you asked me about what kind of rock was this. Finally, one of the experts on mountainism, who is also geographer and geologist, told me exactly what family of rocks belongs this one. Piedra de Moros is a ignea intrusiva (igneous intrusion). This guy told me that this rock belongs to the granodeoritas (granodioritic-a granular intrusive quartzose igneous rock intermediate between granite and quartz-containing diorite with plagioclase predominant over orthoclase) family or group.
He explained me that this kind of rock was formed on the bottom of the sea. A bubble (a huge bubble) of lava came out from the ground and due to the difference of temperature between the lava and the surrounding water, it crystallized almost immediately, forming an almost perfect sphere. When the ocean moved back and this part of the ocean floor surfaced, the rock was decolorized by the action of the sunlight, giving to it its clear color. He said that this kind of rock is not the best to climb, because it "peels" when it breaks, and thick layers of rock may roll down.
I hope to develop the pictures and finish my story about the competitions to send it to you. The exploration team found a canyon on Copalitilla river, that according to the opinion of one of the Costa Rica's team members, "this was the most beautiful canyoning I've ever done in my whole life". This girl has participated in the Eco Challenge and taking her words, "this is the most incredible river in north, central and south America", talking about rafting and canyoning.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
October 2000
Kathy Lynn Kinzel, Travel Consultant
Kkinzel406@aol.com
October 2000
Now back in Mexico City, with all these beautiful memories on mind: full moon in Arrocito Beach and stars and mild sand in Chahué, I must thank you for the excellent page you have displayed in the Web, the tips, info, maps and so are extremely well organized, the pictures are pretty good (well, there is nothing like being there). Thank you for the time, for sharing your knowledge and making all the people who visit your pages to be in love of Huatulco and the beautiful beaches of the unique Pacific Coast of Oaxaca.
Francisco Luis Aviña Cervantes
favina@spin.com.mx
October 2000
We ate at Don Porfirio one night, the food was very good (try jumbo shrimps and/or lobster) and margaritas. The town is very small and safe and besides visiting the church or shopping for t-shirts or other souvenirs there is not much to do.
The only down side was when we book a trip to the seven bays in a catamaran but we end up going in a small boat named "Zorro". A couple of people got sick on the boat and we end up taking a cab back to the hotel from one of the stops en the afternoon. We use Apple Vacations and we were not happy about that (not worthy unless you are sure you are getting what they offer). Personally if you are happy in the hotel stay there.
Angelo and Nancy
aclerici@banet.net
October 2000
Entré en su Página WEB y observé sus paisajes al cuál me sorprendió que en la vida real existieran. Contestando a su ofrecimiento me gustó todos los lugares, pero me sentiría halagado si me designan ir a Oaxaca, ya que es un lugar interesante donde aprender y si hay posibilidad alguna, de hacer carrera. Por otra parte, estaría muy conforme en el Area que usted me designe, ya que aunque tenga bastante experiencia en el Servicio Gastronómico/Hotelero, desearía comenzar desde abajo como lo han hecho por tradición todas aquellas personas que entregan su vida por el Servicio a los Huéspedes.
Esto no significa que no tenga ambiciones, ya que desearía llegar a delegar a un grupo de jóvenes, en las Areas de Front Desk, Housekeeping, o el Area de Pisos, para poder así implantar mis conocimientos y enseñarles lo Importante que son Nuestros Huéspedes para Nosotros, por que en la realidad " Cuesta más afianzar a un nuevo Cliente que mantenerlos Satisfechos ".
Ésto no son palabras que quedan lindas en un e-mail, es una realidad a la cuál estoy dispuesto a entregar mi espíritu hacia éste objetivo, que es el SERVICIO HOSPITALARIO. Si se da la posibilidad de empleo desearía que me escriba y me mande los requisitos y/o documentos a presentar, ya que en mi poder tengo mi Certificado Analítico, DNI., CI. y Pasaportes actualizados.
Si desea otro documento le agradecería que me lo dijera. Con respecto al Viaje yo me ocupo de mis Pasajes y/o Tramitación a realizar desde Argentina. Le estoy agradecido por dicha oportunidad y espero muy ansioso su contestación a ésta humilde petición por parte mía.
Sin otro particular y esperando una resolución favorable y estando a su entera disposición, lo saludo muy atte.
Lisandro Atuel Reynoso
stzenon@videotron.ca
Hi, Michael. My name is Lorenzo Ostergren. I have a real estate business in Huatulco. We can help you offering different options in Santa Cruz. Please let me know what kind of unit you need (how many bed rooms, what dates etc).
Regards,
Don't miss the Reto Huatulco (Huatulco Challenge).
This is an extreme sports competition. It will be three days long. There are 20 teams ( a crew of four each), many of them coming from USA, Canada, Finland, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Mexico. Some of them have participated on the Discovery Channel ECO-CHALLENGE as well as some other international competitions. The staff to make possible this championship have reached 250 participants.
The route is really challenging. It will include ocean kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing (in Piedra de Moros), cannoning, rafting, rappel (on Cascadas de Copalitilla) and of course, a good handle of navigation and orientation skills.
The prize for the winner team is $15,000.00 US. The event will be covered by the Mexican TV as well as by some foreign stations as FOX.
I've beeen asked to participate as judge. I accepted of course, so I will have chance to run the route and to take photographs of the amazing surroundings of Huatulco. I will send them to you of course.
The competition will start October 12 at 8 AM in Chahuue Bay, with a kayak tour until Cacacaluta, where the teams will begin a race to reach PIEDRA DE MOROS, to climb the rock and... well, I can't give you more details, because the path is secret, but I'll send you a detailed description of the race and my experience after its completion.
Carlos C. Ramos
I couldn't listen any more so I swam away from the pool bar promptly swimming headfirst into an empty hypodermic syringe. I told my wife this about an hour later and we swam over to where I had left it she decided we should tell the bartenders. Swimming back to them, I swam into the other half of the syringe. The bartenders all gathered round and unrolled a napkin in which they placed the syringe bits with the other three! That had been found that day!!. No closing the pool, nobody looking for more. They eventually got some kid to swim around with a mask and look for more. (if anyone has seen the pool there its like looking for a needle in a haystack, its so big). Needless to say we weren't too happy about the situation and swimming was now out of the question except in the ocean. The managers were accommodating and gave us the two nights for free.
We then checked out caught a taxi out front (300 pesos) to Puerto Escondido, and rolled up to what was then the brand new Olas Altas hotel right next to Cafecito and across the street from the main surf break. We have been back there since and enjoyed the people running the place very much they are nice people although very limited English is spoken there it shouldn't be a problem. I would encourage anyone wanting to visit a truly special part of Mexico to make Puerto Escondido a stop on their tour you may never want to leave. Thanks again for creating such a fantastic resource. We'll be back again this winter so see you all there!
Joe Embra
Please send this email to someone who can do something.
Gaby Teigeiro
Bob & Dot
Many all inclusives are supposed to have a no tipping policy but we tip immediately for exceptional service and we also tend to tip as a final thank you, those who have given continuous good service all through our stay on the last day. Some of those folks just work too hard not to get extra recognition - ie. A million Thanks AND a tip.
Your travel agent should be able to tell you about the hotel's policies but regardless I think extra consideration should be given to those who go the extra mile. Any comments? -Tony Harris, caharris@home.com
Deseo Trabajar en éste País
Estimado Sr. Tom: Me es muy grato el haber podido comunicarme con usted y el que me hubiera respondido a mi humilde petición.
CI. 13.993.538
lisandroatuel@yahoo.com.ar
October 2000Looking for Condo or Villa
Bonjour My name is Michel can you help me to found a condo or villa for the month of January At Santa cruz Merci Michel In French if possible (my English is not very good).
stzenon@videotron.ca
October 2000
Lorenzo Ostergren
Saa-Iba Real Estate
Telf-Fax. (9)587-1742
saa-iba@huatulco.net.mxExtreme Sports Competition in Huatulco
To those visitors coming before October 12:
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
October 2000Hypodermic Syringes in Pool
Hi there, first off thanks for creating such a great resource for people to see the beautiful state of Oaxaca. I have been visiting Puerto Escondido since 1989 and it has to be one of my favourite places to be. This is just to share an experience my wife and I had the first time I took her to Huatulco. It was our honeymoon and I wanted us to have a couple of special days at a deluxe resort so I chose what was once the Sheraton but I believe it has changed hands now. Our first day was nice and fairly uneventful except for the extended bathroom time due to a couple of days exploring Mexico City prior to arriving in Huatulco. The second day was nice, lolling about the pool listening to some apparent American soldiers of fortune recount their tales of the jungles in Guatamala.
jembra@silk.net
October 2000Turtles Trying to Check Out of Club Med?
Hi, I just visited Club Med Cancun and they were taking care of a nest which hatched many many baby turtles that they put in a little pool and then let go. The sad thing is that a guard said that there had been as many as 20 nests but the employees in charge of making the beach look pretty been using their machines to pack the sand over and over and over and the turtles could never come out.
teigeiro@infosel.net.mx
October 2000What About Tipping in All-Inclusives?
Great job on your web site with lots of information and pictures too! Glad I found it and we will be back to check it out again. Booked our 1st. Huatulco vacation last month for 2 weeks in March of 2001. Our friends stayed at the Barcelo Huatulco Resort when it was the Sheraton in 1997. They loved it. Have heard nothing but good reports about the area of Huatulco and it resorts. We had a hard time choosing which resort, but finally decided to try the Barcelo. We have not stayed at an all-inclusive resort before so I am not sure about their tipping practices. We always did the "Pay as you go" and tipped accordingly. Can you suggest what is expect and when?
bdmartin@sympatico.ca
October 2000We Did It!
Dear Tom, We do not expect you to remember us, since you probably correspond with millions of people a day, but we are a couple from Santa Barbara California, who lived in the mountains with solar power only (maybe that will ring a bell) and asked you for info regarding moving to the Oaxacan coast. You recommended checking the Chacalapa area, etc. Anyway, we are writing you today to let you know we did it! We bought property in the San Agustinillo area and have built a small posada, which is almost done now, we really appreciate all the information you provided us and eventually would like to have a link to your page if possible. Anyway, our place is across the street from the ocean in a palm grove, the rooms have kitchens, purified water, hot water and fans, we are planning to open this November and are anxious to have our first guests, if anyone asks for info on a place that is a step up from a palapa or hammock send them our e-mail address! And if you should ever consider to visit this way come as our guest of honor! - Thanks for all you have done for folks like us and we leave you with our best wishes.
Jeff and Ana
tierrapin@hotmail.com
October 2000
Merci for you time,
Lyne Renaud
Quebec, Canada
lyne.renaud@crtc.gc.ca
October 2000
Your site has been very helpful to us so far. As a matter of fact, that's why we have picked Huatulco for our next holidays. My husband and I plan on traveling to Huatulco in January 2001. We are planning on staying at the Gala for 1 week, then staying somewhere else in Huatulco for a week.
One other couple may be traveling with us, and we would like to rent a condo/villa near the beach. Can anyone recommend someplace? Or even a nice hotel with a little kitchen unit. Moderate pricing, although we would be willing to pay a bit more to ensure that it is clean and comfortable. We don't need a pool, and we prefer to be on the beach. Also, if anyone can recommend a place where we have the option of a cook, that would be great!
Ronnice
Vancouver Island, Canada
krugr@timberwest.com
October 2000
Response:
It is very nice, and I agree with you in most of the facts. Do you know? I worked in Zaashila from '92 to '96 as scuba instructor in water sports concession, and complimentary I worked on the front desk for five months. I know Mr. Marcelo very well and I agree with you: He is a very kind and helpful person. Evodio is also my friend. And of course I know Mrs. Williams since the time she taught English at the Sheraton (she host every year an event during the child's day on April 30 that we dedicate to handicapped kids. The snorkelers take the kids snorkeling or over boards with clear windows to allow them to see underwater in the ocean, I show them the scuba gear and I follow them underwater greeting and catching some puffer fish to show them underwater. After the in water party, all we go to La Langosta Gorda to have a nice and emotive party with all this handicaped kids in which we have lunch, drinks, piñatas and clowns.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
October 2000
Name Withheld
September 2000
Sounds like these guys were just thieves to me. Their method evidently kept you from reporting the incident. Whether any of them were actually police, who knows? But it would explain where they got the idea. Anyone else have a similar experience? -Tom
Tom, About the guy that was at Organo beach getting robbed, there are no police on horses in Huatulco, they could have been iguana hunters. Part time resident since 1988, Lynn Halonen, lynnhalonen@hotmail.com
My girl and I are heading down again, driving this time. Our plan is to cross at Nuevo Laredo, autopista to DF, then to Puebla and on to Oaxaca City -- and finally (ahhhhh) back to Huatulco, PE, etc. for a few months. But --- we are open and taking each day as it comes --- and could cross anywhere from Arizona to Texas if we change our minds.
Any suggestions? Anybody out there have recent (summer/fall 2000) road reports? We'd love to hear of some recent road experiences...
I don't need info on the Oaxaca - Pochutla drive, did it a several times last winter, and besides, things could change overnight with *that* road.
BTW, I'm driving a late model 4X4 pickup with a topper and have a little room left in the back --- and would be willing to haul a box or two down for a helluva lot less than DHL would charge --- (like a case or two of Corona :-) if anybody needs something in the next 2 or 3 weeks. We plan on being there by the first week (or so) of October, 2000.
Thanks in advance. Hasta luego!
Michael Young
kmyoung@alaska.net
September 2000
If you're up for some high adventure and like archeological sites, I have a suggestion. About midway through the state of Queretaro on highway 120, there is a spur that cuts off and goes to San Joaquín. It's even paved all the way. When you turn off the highway you will be in a desert, but not for long. The road goes up continuously for several miles and shortly you will be in a cloud forest. When you get to San Joaquín the highway terminates into the main street which proceeds to go up a long, steep incline which levels off rather abruptly at the top where you will veer to the left to avoid going off the other side. The road becomes dirt and you continue out of town for a mile or two until it dead-ends at a gate. These are the ruins called Las Ranas (frogs) that are perched on a point at the end of a ridge at about 12,000'. They are not well known and you may have to hunt around for someone to unlock the gate and take your fee. There are many structures and about half of them are restored, the other half covered with jungle growth. There are no carvings at this site. We spent four hours there, alone. (The gate-keeper got bored and left.) -Tom
Kathy Jago and Bob Mcdonnell
Orillia, On. Canada
jamcd@mcw.net
September 2000
Thanks
Tony
antonv@skyenet.net
September 2000
Hi Tony. I can see that you (as most of thee people who comes to this place) are hooked with our town.
There is no problem if you bring your metal detector. There are not laws prohibiting the use of these (or any other device) to search for lost artifacts. But, if you find any archaeological thing, it belongs to the government and, accordingly with the law, you can't keep it.
I'll tell you a true story which happened many years ago (at least 20).
In Veracruz (a coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico), a local fishermen who used to skin dive to collect octopus, found on the bottom of the sea some gold bars. During the colonial stage of Mexico, when it was under Spanish control, Veracruz was (and is until today) the most important port. Many galleons and merchant ships used to take the way to Spain and Cuba from here. There are many coral reefs in Veracruz, as well as sand bars. Veracruz is hit very often by strong winds called nortes (norths). They appear without warning, suddenly, and they may reach up to 140 kms. (75 knots or 87 mph). On those days, many Spanish ships wrecked along with their gold, silver; emeralds and other valuable cargo. The reefs, sand bars and nortes took care of them.
So after this guy found the gold bars (called "tejos"), he went to see a jewelry owner. This last guy, bought the gold and ask the fishermen to bring all the bars he could find because he will buy all them. He paid the gold very cheap. The fishermen never looked for octopus again, and he could recover almost 800 gold bars (each bar weights more or less one pound) and he sold all them. He bought a new house, a new truck, and his relatives were surprised seeing the economical improvement of the fishermen.
But... one day, one of his "compadres" (Godfather of his son) ask him what was he doing to become rich (drug commerce was not popular on these days to suspect about this). The compadre knew that the fishermen was going to dive in the ocean every day, but the octopus commerce have never been very profitable. The fishermen didn't tell nothing. But one day, the compadre followed him, he saw when it got in water and then he followed him until the jewelry. Finally the compadre discovered the origin of the richness of his friend and he ask for money. As the fishermen refused to give part of his profits to his compadre, this last went to the police and...
Well, the end of the story is: the fishermen and the gold buyer finished in jail; the government could recover some of the original pieces (dated around 1750) because the rest were melted and sold as ear rings, bracelets, etc. and the fishermen lost all what he could buy.
About you, good luck in your search; if you find a ring, watch, coins, or a coca cola can, you can keep it; but if you find a gold "tejo", it belongs to the government but please, don't tell nothing to your "compadres".
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
August 2000
I'm a Frenchman from Montreal, but I also speak English and Spanish. Do you think it is possible to ride a bike around that area...how are the roads...and the traffic... Thank you in advance, you have created a great site.
Jacques
famille008@lycos.com
September 2000
It is possible--there have been bike races there. But you will need to be very cautious. The roads (highways) are paved, 2-lane, NO SHOULDERS. Traffic is light to moderate and many motorists, especially bus drivers, drive as fast as possible. -Tom
The Gala Resort is exceptional. We really enjoyed spending time at the pool with all of the staff members (No more Tequila volleyball!) We really do recommend staying on the Gala [photo 39K]. The food and service was great. It's a wonderful place to spend your honeymoon.
The local restaurants were also fabulous...we must have gained 10 pounds from all the lobster and shrimp stuffed pineapples we had!
We've made a pack that we would travel to Huatulco every 5 years.....so see you all in August 2005!
Wishing we were in Huatulco,
Hector & Yannina Pineda
North Hollywood, CA
ydiaz@ddapr.com
September 2000
George A Ponce. M.D., FACC
Riverside California.
GAPONCE@dnamail.com
September 2000
I put several pages devoted to Huatulco on my web page. go.to/texaspepper. Thanks again Tom. For a guy that does not get out much (smile re:your reply to ruben) you do good.
David AKA; Texas Pepper
pepper77@earthlink.net
http://go.to/texaspepper
August 2000
Verónica Flórez
Rel. Públicas en Maeva de 1994 a 1998
www.sieteyuna.com
cuevita@prodigy.net.mx
August 2000
Greg Pryor
lifep@lifepriority.com
August 2000
There are three new cafe internet services in Huatulco. One is located inside PLAZA CONEJO (half block away from the main park) and the other two are located in LA FUENTE ( a mini super market near the gas station). They charge 30 pesos for hour. The nicest is still CHOCOLATTE, but this is the most expensive.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
August 2000
Jessie
JWED1@aol.com
August 2000
According to my friend, Carlos, the answer is no. The last parasailing in Huatulco was 3 years ago. -Tom
Also if you see Jorge Martinez (gala dive master) tell him hello...also Valentin.
Terrie
cousins_greece@yahoo.com
August 2000
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND STAYING THERE---The Resort was sooooo.... beautiful; a perfect paradise; kept exceptionally clean, the food was great, the service fabulous, and the activities kept my two younger sisters busy all day! And never could I express how wonderful, kind and genuinely friendly the people were that worked there. I met so many amazing people---I have to say, the nicest people that I have met in my entire life. Never did you see them without a sincere smile on their face, eager to help you, eager to make you smile, and eager to get you involved.
ACTIVITIES:
Activities were constant throughout the whole day, usually around the main pool, but usually not too disturbing if you just wished to relax---which I did a lot of! If you wanted there was an "adults only" section with lawn chairs to sprawl out on, which over looked the beach, which was as frequently as necessary patrolled by waitresses who took our drink orders. It was always quiet and peaceful---unless of course you were disturbed by the infamous...(Hector and Freddie)...uh...I mean "Batman an Robin!"
Some activities they had at the pool side were, water aerobics, water volleyball, movie trivia and cocktail classes (there were much more--too many to list!), snorkeling and scuba diving lessons happened in the secondary pool, with a snorkeling trip every day; scuba diving if you had a certificate. There were tennis courts, ping-pong tables, pool tables, and a mini club to leave your kids under 12 for the day; my youngest sister really enjoyed it, because her day was filled with fun! My 12-year old sister met many friends, went kayaking, boogie-boarded and played in the pool and on the beach, and never complained that there was nothing to do. The only thing we ALL complained about, was that the DAYS IN MEXICO SHOULD BE LONGER THAN 24 HOURS!
WATER SPORTS:
I felt that the team and the activities at water sports on the beach were the best at the Gala. The people who worked there were attentive and could answer all of our questions; and there were many activities to choose from. You could rent sea-doos; sign out kayaks that could hold up to two people, sign-up for snorkeling or scuba diving trips or lessons, and take lessons in sailing, and wind surfing. The instructors were wonderful...typical of the crew at the Gala.
NIGHT SHOWS:
The nightly shows at 9:30 were fabulous---which all of the Gala's crew engaged in. Each night had a different theme; Latin night, Disney night, Mexican night are a few that come to mind. They also had a guest night, which got everyone involved...and was not annoying----it was FUN! My whole family participated and we all had a great time!
The Bambola Bar was a great place to go after the show had finished, where you could order your choice of drinks, play pool and spend time with friends, reflecting on the fabulous day. (By the way, the average daily temperature was about 30 degrees Celsius, with a gentle breeze----and stayed like that the whole time that I was there...WITHOUT ONE CLOUD IN THE SKY!)
The Boom-Boom Disco was also a great way to spend your night. It opened around 11:00 and closed at about 2:00am. The music was great, ranging from Spanish Dance music, the Gypsy Kings, to the Village People---and Y.M.C.A. I had such a good time, dancing with family, friends I met there, and my new found friends, the fabulous crew at the Gala!
All and all I recommend this resort to everyone! Everyone is sure to have a WONDERFUL time; and the only thing my whole family can complain about is.............A WEEK WAS WAY TOO SHORT!
Please say hi to everyone for me, and send out extra hola's' to Ivan, Antonio, and Lassaro, who all made my week even more amazing.
I hope to be returning soon.... PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS....OR COMMENTS...I'd love to help you decide on the perfect vacation.
Thank you GALA...FOR AN AMAZING WEEK...IN PARADISE!
Lauren Herz
Toronto, Canada
Lorina2@hotmail.com
August 2000
Garry Gassel
Mr220088@aol.com
August 2000
I've been living here for eleven years. I work in a dive operation next door to Gala (formerly Sheraton) and I'm in close contact with Maeva's staff all the time. I barely can remember a situation like this that happened two or three years ago. It was a sort of generalized Montezuma revenge epidemic. You're right, something like this happened, but I haven't heard or known something similar again. Only isolated cases of tourist getting sick, as is common when the people changes the kind of food and the spices and condiments used to prepare it, or the quality and content of the water is different is different than that used at home.
I think, truthfully, you should not worry about the occurrence of these isolated events. Gala (by the way, is exactly the same as in years passed when it was operated by Maeva) has a very good quality of meals (at least the twenty fellow workers on water sports eat every single day there and nobody have got sick).
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
Now I am preparing to return to Mexico later this year. I am planning to spend a week on the Oaxaca coast after climbing Orizaba and do not look forward to lugging around my climbing gear. My plans to sleep in a hammock on Zipolite would be out of the question. Do you know of a safe place to store things in Huatulco or Puerto Angel? Thanks.
Evan Dorward
edorward@hotmail.com
August 2000
I'm trying to get Guillermo Ugate's email address. He gave it to me last year (we rented his apartment in Santa Cruz) but I don't have his business card with me. By chance do you have the address? If so, would you please forward it to me?
Also, do you know how the construction at Hotel Las Palmas is going?
K. Michael Young
kmyoung@alaska.net
August 2000
Guillermo's email address is sabordeoaxaca@huatulco.net.mx. I haven't heard about the construction at Hotel Las Palmas. -Tom
an
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
http://www.huatulco.com.mx/charly
First, I'm certainly no expert on Huatulco, but after spending three months there last fall, there *are* a few things I've learned. One is, that NO, there is no Budweiser in Huatulco :-) That I'm certain of, as my girlfriend is a Bud Light drinker and we looked everywhere. She finally settled on Modelo or Tecate and learned to like it. Me? I love the Corona, not the stuff they ship up here to the states, which definitely has a different taste. And, hey --- if you're gonna be there awhile, as we were, we learned to buy beer by the case from the Corona distributor and save a few bucks.
Here's a few recommendations for food and drink:
El Sabor de Oaxaca, for good Oaxacan fare. It's located at the Hotel Las Palmas, just around the corner from the Los Portales and the Iguana Bar. BTW, we ate at Los Portales regularly --- great tacos, guacamole, etc. and all at very reasonable prices. The Iguana Bar (right next door) serves up the coldest beer in town, and it's a great place to watch people stroll by, and right across the street from the zocalo.
Maria Sabina's (next to the ice-cream shop) is another of our favorites. Good grilled fish, pork ribs, etc... and you can sit outside and watch the zocalo (obviously one of our favorite pastimes in La Crucecita).
La Crema --- good for late-night thirst quenching, and the rock-n-roll is tops for Huatulco. The pizzas from the wood-fired oven are a plus, too.
Cafe Huatulco, in the middle of the zocalo in Santa Cruz, serves up great coffee, espresso, and frappucino. Their cakes and stuff are excellent. It's a very pleasant place to spend a quiet morning. But if you get one of the little tables that they put out, be SURE to move it from under the trees, or your cup may get ruined by the many birds.
I noticed one visitor's comments at your website regarding Budget car rental --- I had NO problems with them overcharging my Visa card, and in fact got quite a good deal for car rental (by the week). We were there Oct, Nov, Dec, and maybe the prices go up after Xmas (high season).
Anyway, thanks again for your info on Guillermo Ugate, who was very helpful to us. Regarding the construction at Hotel Las Palmas -- he is expanding the hotel, right next door (away from the zocalo) and as of last November he told us he expected to have it completed within a year (but you know how things go in Mexico). Although the construction doesn't start up until 8am, it still was a little annoying during our last week in Huatulco, after we moved out of the apartment. But, the rooms are spotlessly clean, well-arranged (but small) and have a great location, plus very reasonably priced.
All in all, (and I've done a lot of traveling in my day), Huatulco is one of the few places that I know I'll visit again and again. It's a great place to hang out, have fun, and use for a base for further explorations of Oaxaca.
Michael Young
Kathy Ehlers
msnke@ecol.net
August 2000
Hi Kathy. If you have come 7 times to Huatulco, probably I met you here, because I've been in water sports for five years at the Sheraton.
I have good news for you. You won't see many changes: animation team has some more guys and girls, food and meals have improved, there are some more amenities at night, and the hotel sells all inclusive as well as non- all inclusive rooms. Most of the staff is the same, Jesus (the life guard) is gone, but you'll find many familiar faces.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
http://www.huatulco.com.mx/charly
Jean Weiss
JWeiss@Wmorrisgroup.com
August 2000
There is a Miniclub with a huge staff (miniclub team is the largest on the village). There are many activities for kids on the beach, pool, workshops, land sports and games.
Depending on the age of the kids, they may learn to fly on the trapeze (every day at 11.00 and 4.00). There are also juggling, swinging trapeze, trampoline (tumbling?). They may participate on the flying trapeze show (normally 12 years or older), on the circus show and of course, on the mini club show. On these last two, they are customized and make up accordingly with the numbers they'll perform.
And we take a lot of photos of course.
Carlos C. Ramos
charlie_diver@hotmail.com
PADI OWSI 157092
PADI IRA 19632
http://www.huatulco.com.mx/charly
Lynn Halonen served as our tour guide. It was a wonderful experience, and we were all anxious to return. Lynn has the uncanny ability to sense when someone is feeling left out or slighted in any way. She quickly turns her attention to that person, soothes the situation, and everyone is happy. She never loses sight of the fact that it's your vacation, offers a wide variety of options, and let's you decide just what you want to do.
The highlight was the day Lynn arranged for us to experience the Bays of Huatulco by boat. We stopped at totally secluded beaches that were breath taking. Having cruised the Caribbean numerous times, I have found no beaches more beautiful. While snorkeling, the boat driver dove down and brought up an octopus. We were all in awe. On the way to St. Augustine, several of the women fished. The fish that were caught were prepared for us at a restaurant on the beach. It was truly delicious and unbelievably inexpensive. You might say, downright cheap.
We often opted to break up into smaller groups. One of the women was particularly interested in the culture. Lynn was able to show her things most tourists would never experience. One day she took a group to the black sand beaches and a quaint restaurant serving crawfish. Upon their return, everyone said it was a great day. I'm sorry I opted to stay at the hotel and lounge on the beach.
Not speaking the language, I found that you miss so much. Lynn easily acted as our interpreter and taught me a few basic words, which was no easy task.
She took us to a restaurant in La Crucecita a few blocks off the square. The owner's husband is a fisherman. She did not offer a printed menu, but a tray of the day's fresh catch from which to select. Since we had several people in our party, we ordered one of each so we could sample all of the delicacies. They were all so good, it was impossible to pick a favorite.
Of course, no vacation is complete without some shopping. Knowing the area so well, Lynn was able to direct each of us to the best places to buy what we were looking for ranging from jewelry to t-shirts and local specialty items. We reluctantly returned home, but we were all still friends and each one of us had a memorable vacation.
I've returned twice. Both times we arranged to have Lynn meet us. She took us on a bus trip to Puerto Escondido, where we stayed for a couple of days. Along the way, she told us about the area and points of interest. One of the women wanted to go kayaking, which Lynn arranged for her.
My husband was very leery of traveling in Mexico, but after seeing my pictures and hearing my commentary, he reluctantly agreed to go with me on my last trip. Lynn arranged for us to be picked up at our hotel and taken to the marina in Santa Cruz for the must do tour of the bays. My husband caught a nice fish along the way, which was prepared for us in St. Augustine, half barbecue style, have traditional. He loved it. He liked the restaurant with the fresh-catch selections so well, he can't wait to go back. The food had to be fantastic. When he saw the choices, I could see him thinking, I don't think so. We had octopus, shrimp, and red snapper - all delicious, but the red snapper was his favorite. Once he got a taste, he was sold on the place. Lynn made a list of restaurants to try, right down to specific entrées, and we were never disappointed.
Lynn has put me completely at ease trekking to Santa Cruz or La Crucecita on my own, even without knowing the language. My husband definitely wants to vacation there again, and he is not an easy person to please. The only thing holding us back is waiting for the airlines to resume direct flights from Minneapolis.
I highly recommend Lynn Halonen, (651) 487-5066, (651) 488-7116 (fax), lynnhalonen@hotmal.com, to make your vacation a truly memorable experience.
Betty Hannemann
bjh@fishnet.com
July 2000
www.tomzap.com
Tom Penick: tom@tomzap.com
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