Guadalajara to Huatulco: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco?

Most people would immediately think of taking a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Huatulco.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Why Should You Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

Like all major Mexican cities, Guadalajara is home to a stunningly beautiful cathedral in its historic center, the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Guadalajara Cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style. However, its two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century make it truly spectacular.

Nearby Tlaquepaque is a colorful Mexican “magic town” (pueblo mágico) where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and explore some great local artisanal cafes, art studios, and street art. You can also walk down the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque (the “tourist walk”) and see the beautiful colorful umbrellas creating an artificial rainbow above you.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find. 

You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

Before we jump into getting from Guadalajara to Huatulco, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Huatulco in the first place.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Why Should You Visit Huatulco?

If you love stunning beaches, awesome waves, and a relaxed vibe, you absolutely need to visit Huatulco. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a coastal paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Huatulco is known for having nine bays and 36 beaches with beautiful clear waters, hence its formal name, Bahías de Huatulco. There are great surfing beaches like Playa La Bocana, beaches with a more tranquil vibe like Bahía El Órgano, and famous romantic beaches with sunsets you won’t forget like Bahía de Cacaluta.

You don’t need to love the beach to enjoy the lazy seaside atmosphere of Huatulco. Many of the best hotels in Huatulco have fantastic sun-decks where you just can relax on a sun lounge by the pool.

And for nature-lovers, Huatulco is a nesting ground for sea turtles. You can even participate in turtle releases, which is a heartwarming experience you won’t forget.

So let’s look at how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

1. Fly to Huatulco

If you think even briefly about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add in layover time and the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly.

Fast Facts: Flying From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Where Do I Book A Flight To Huatulco?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at the airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Guadalajara International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has several options.

Private transfers will start at around US$30 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Guadalajara, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$10 to US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Guadalajara and it’s perfectly safe to use. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Guadalajara to the airport should cost you around US$10, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Statista, Guadalajara had a population of 5.7 million at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a sophisticated public transport network to help you move around.

Traveling on the light rail or on a city bus is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (called “Mi Movilidad“), which you can get in a Metro station and many bus stations in the city. The card will cost you 30 Mexican pesos (about US$1.50). You can find a map of the Guadalajara light rail and bus lines here.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the metro or city bus stations.

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 9.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00).

You’ll need to take the Ruta T13-A bus from the airport to into the historic center of Guadalajara. The trip will take around an hour.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are buying your recharge card or when you’re topping it up.

FAQs: Flying To Huatulco

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Huatulco?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$85 to Huatulco.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Huatulco?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly to Huatulco, but only Volaris makes direct flights and there is only one a day on some Thursdays and Sundays.

If you can’t make the direct flight, you’ll need to take a connecting flight in Mexico City.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 1 hours 40 minutes.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Huatulco is approximately 567 miles (around 912 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) in Huatulco when you arrive.

If you can’t make the direct flights, you’ll need to get a connecting flight in Mexico City. You’ll use either Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) or Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) for your connecting flight.

How Far Is It From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

Huatulco International Airport is 10 miles outside of La Crucecita, the Huatulco city center.

How Can I Get From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or a colectivo to La Crucecita.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30 depending on how far you need to travel. You can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator.

Private transfers will start at around US$50 and will take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Colectivo

Another option is to use a colectivo, which is somewhere between a shared taxi and a public bus.

You won’t find much online about them, but they’re used by locals who need to travel around Huatulco. Basically, they’re a shared minivan or covered pick-up truck that makes stops like a bus along the way.

A colectivo will cost around US$0.50 (8 Mexican pesos), and you’ll see them waiting outside the airport. Make sure you bring Mexican pesos as the drivers won’t accept credit cards or US dollars.

Can I Rent A Car At Huatulco Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

2. Rental Car To Huatulco

A road trip from Guadalajara to Huatulco is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 15 to 16 gallons to get to Huatulco.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Huatulco when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$980 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Guadalajara, then you’ll pay around US$25 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

The route from Guadalajara to Huatulco starts at the south of the city on highway 23, which becomes highway 90D just to the east of the city.

After around 10 miles, you’ll take highway 15D to the south-east and will follow that for nearly 250 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

After around 60 miles you’ll reach Cuacnopalan and you’ll then turn south on 135D and follow that for then next 140 miles until you turn on to highway 190 for the last 10 miles into Oaxaca City.

From Oaxaca, you’ll then take highway 175 south through the mountains. The new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido has finally been completed, which you will take from Barranca Larga south to a town called Ventanilla.

When you reach Ventanilla, you’ll just need to head east on highway 200 for the last 60 miles.

What’s Great About Driving to Huatulco?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Huatulco.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re traveling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

FAQs: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Huatulco

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

A rental car that you pick up in Guadalajara and drop off the next day in Huatulco will cost around US$980. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Guadalajara, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$25 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

The route from Guadalajara to Huatulco starts out on highway 15D and follows it for nearly 250 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

After around 60 miles you’ll reach Cuacnopalan and you’ll then turn south on 135D and follow that for the rest of the way into Oaxaca City.

From there you head south on highway 175 into the mountains and take the new highway further south to Ventanilla, which is just a few miles east of Puerto Escondido. You then turn east along highway 200 for the last 60 miles.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for at least 16 hours, depending on traffic and how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

The total distance is approximately 781 miles (1,256 km) from Guadalajara to Huatulco.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Guadalajara?

There are lots of places in Guadalajara where you can rent a car, including on Avenida Niños Héroes and other places downtown and at Guadalajara International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Guadalajara. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Guadalajara have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

3. Bus To Huatulco

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Guadalajara to Huatulco, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Where Can I Book A Bus From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

The two biggest providers of standard bus routes from Mexico City to Huatulco are OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colón) and Autobuses Altamar.

I recommend using Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 781 miles (1,256 km) from Guadalajara to Huatulco through the mountains, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Guadalajara to Huatulco, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown La Crucecita.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to your hotel.

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Guadalajara to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

Prices start at around US$150 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

For the route from Mexico City to Huatulco, OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colón) and Autobuses Altamar are the largest providers.

I recommend using Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Guadalajara to Huatulco?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Guadalajara to Huatulco without a stop in between.

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 20 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling, the provider you use and the layover time between connecting buses.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

The bus route is approximately 781 miles (1,256 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Guadalajara, the pick-up point is Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, just a few miles south-east of the historic center.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at Central de Autobuses del Norte in the north of the city. The connecting bus to Huatulco usually departs from TAPO, just to the east of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In La Crucecita you’ll be dropped off at the ADO Bus Terminal in downtown Huatulco.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

4. Private Jet to Huatulco

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Guadalajara to Huatulco, even though it is a relatively short distance.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Guadalajara to Huatulco?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Guadalajara to Huatulco route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Huatulco than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re traveling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Huatulco by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

If you want to fly privately from Guadalajara to Huatulco, you’re looking at around US$11,500 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$37,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 1 hour 30 minutes.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Huatulco is approximately 567 miles (around 912 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Huatulco International Airport (HUX) in Huatulco when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

Huatulco International Airport is 10 miles outside of La Crucecita, the Huatulco city center.

How Can I Get From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or a colectivo to La Crucecita.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30 depending on how far you need to travel. You can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator.

Private transfers will start at around US$50 and will take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Colectivo

Another option is to use a colectivo, which is somewhere between a shared taxi and a public bus.

You won’t find much online about them, but they’re used by locals who need to travel around Huatulco. Basically, they’re a shared minivan or covered pick-up truck that makes stops like a bus along the way.

A colectivo will cost around US$0.50 (8 Mexican pesos), and you’ll see them waiting outside the airport. Make sure you bring Mexican pesos as the drivers won’t accept credit cards or US dollars.

Can I Rent A Car At Huatulco Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

5. Helicopter to Huatulco

If you would consider taking a private jet from Guadalajara to Huatulco, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Huatulco. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Guadalajara to Huatulco?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Guadalajara to Huatulco route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Guadalajara to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying privately apply to flying by helicopter as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a helicopter below.

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than traveling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Huatulco By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter from Guadalajara to Huatulco?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Huatulco, you’re looking at around US$9,500 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around 6 to 7 hours in total.

You won’t be able to fly that in one journey, because the maximum range of most helicopters is around 400 miles. You’ll need to either stop and refuel at Mexico City or Puebla or split up your trip into two or more flights.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Huatulco is approximately 567 miles (around 912 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Huatulco International Airport (HUX) in Huatulco when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

Huatulco International Airport is 10 miles outside of La Crucecita, the Huatulco city center.

How Can I Get From Huatulco Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or a colectivo to La Crucecita.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30 depending on how far you need to travel. You can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator.

Private transfers will start at around US$50 and will take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Colectivo

Another option is to use a colectivo, which is somewhere between a shared taxi and a public bus.

You won’t find much online about them, but they’re used by locals who need to travel around Huatulco. Basically, they’re a shared minivan or covered pick-up truck that makes stops like a bus along the way.

A colectivo will cost around US$0.50 (8 Mexican pesos), and you’ll see them waiting outside the airport. Make sure you bring Mexican pesos as the drivers won’t accept credit cards or US dollars.

Can I Rent A Car At Huatulco Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

What Are The Best Things To Do In Huatulco?

Huatulco is home to nine separate bays and 36 beaches, so as you might imagine, there are plenty of great things to do.

One of the best things to do is definitely a tour of the beautiful bays and beaches.  Some of them, like Playa La Entrega, are a little harder to access by land, so a tour is a practical as well as fun way to see the area.

There are lots of other fun things to do on the water.  In addition to swimming, you can go snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding on the water in the bays.  

Outside of the water, you can explore La Crucecita, which is essentially downtown Huatulco, and Santa Cruz Huatulco, which is where the large cruise ships dock.  There are great local markets where you can shop for textiles and fresh local food, and there are also some lovely old churches as well.

You can also do day-trips to nearby Zipolite and Mazunte.  Playa Zipolite is Mexico’s only nude beach, if that is your thing, and Mazunte has several things to offer.  You can watch a beautiful sunset at Punta Cometa or help to release baby turtles and watch them make their way into the sea.

Almost all of the activities available are suitable for children, so it’s also a great place to visit as a family. For a small beach town, Huatulco really is full of great things to do and you’ll have no trouble filling the hours.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Huatulco?

When you make it to Huatulco, the next obvious question will be where do you stay? Even though Huatulco is quite small in terms of population, it has a great range of accommodations in its various bays.

If you’re looking for luxury resorts, you have lots of options. There are several different bays where large resort complexes have been developed.

If you’re travelling as a couple, I think the adults-only Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is one of your best options. It’s set in the beautiful Bahía Conejos and has a stunning pool area leading right down onto a huge beach.

If you’re travelling with a family, you have a few great options in neighbouring Bahía Tangolunda. Both Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa and Hotel Las Brisas Huatulco are family-friendly all-inclusive hotels with fantastic facilities.

For options in Santa Cruz Huatulco that are a little cheaper, Hotel Villa Blanca Huatulco and Quinta Bella Huatulco are both beautiful and very centrally-located.

As to budget options, the most popular hostel is Hostal Azul y Blanco. It offers dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, a salsa night, movie night, and can also connect you with local tour operators to help you see Huatulco.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

When is the Best Time to Visit Huatulco?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like the state of Oaxaca don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Huatulco, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from December to the end of April and the rainy season runs from June through to October.

The average maximum temperature doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year.  You can expect a fairly constant maximum of 85°F (30°C), with lower temperatures during the dry season.

Unsurprisingly, the dryer, cooler weather of the dry season means that it’s the most popular time for tourists. If you can put up with the occasional deluge, you’ll get better rates in the rainy season. 

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

What Should I Pack To Go To Huatulco?

Before you travel from Guadalajara to Huatulco, you’ll need to know what to pack.

Huatulco has warm days all year round, averaging a maximum of 85°F (30°C) cooling off to 69.5°F (20.5°C) at night. On that basis, other than a jacket for the evenings, I’d leave the warm clothes at home. 

If you travel during the rainy season from June to October, you can expect some rain, so you’ll want to buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  After a downpour, it can get a little humid, so you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get sweaty.

You’ll do a lot of walking in Huatulco, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a hat for the sun.  It should go without saying, but obviously bring your swimwear, because you’ll want to spend at least a few days enjoying the beautiful beaches.

You should also be aware that there are also mosquitoes in Huatulco and it will be too hot to cover up entirely.  Mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream can be hard to come by, so I recommend that you bring some with you.  

How to Get From Guadalajara to Huatulco

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Guadalajara to Huatulco beyond just flying or renting a car.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Guadalajara to Huatulco are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Huatulco!