Huatulco, Oaxaca Rissask Report (#2!) - Page 2

cmsitaly · 01-20-2008

Nice pics!

I don't think I have ever seen a picture of you btw

So pretty!

Sol · 01-20-2008

Riss,
Thanks for the trip report and the pictures. Huatulco is a place that I want to visit sometime soon.
Dang girl, you are hawt!

maestranba · 01-20-2008

Thanks for taking me back to Huatulco, Maggie! You and your hubby are a gorgeous couple!! And your cousins must have been turning all the Mexican heads!

If I ever go back to that area of Mexico, I HAVE to go back to a town called Mazunte. It's a tiny little town where the Body Shop set up a cooperative of women who used to work in the turtle industry, which the government finally banned. The Body Shop owner was there on vacation, and wanted to help out these poor jobless women. He set them up with some of their secret recipes for lotions and soaps. They make the absolute BEST shampoo and conditioner I've ever tried. Unfortunately, you can't get it anywhere except there and in Mexico City. If I had known you were going, I would have paid your taxi ride there so you could get me some, and of course, some for yourself and all the girls. They'd LOVE it too, I'm sure!! And it was only like 60 pesos for a huge bottle! (maybe next year!)

Maverick69 · 01-20-2008

Great report Maggie. You are still looking fine!

I guess I'll have to make my way there.

mouse · 01-20-2008

I went to Huatulco a few years ago. Your ocean pic's really brought me back. Although the ocean is on the pacific side it is fabulous. Sonofdob is crazy for it and he's always begging me to go back. I will go back one day, I found that the town (La Crucecita) a bit too under delveloped for my liking. We're thinking of venturing off to Cuba next fall but this February it's PLAYA all the way

Rissask · 01-21-2008

Thanks guys....it was too wordy and too few pictures, it should have been the other way around. We are getting lazy about taking pictures, especially when it's a place we've been before. (I promise to take LOTS in Cuba!!

)

yes, Mari- the summer would be pretty hot- and too humid (for me anyway, but we are not at all used to humidity- so I guess it would depend on the person.)

No kidding, good deal on the condo, huh.

It's nothing fancy but completely refurbished and a great location (it's 5 blocks from a great beach with 2 beach clubs, about a 15 minute walk on that nice walkway). It's tempting! Renting it out would pay for it in short order.

Thanks for the compliments, too.
Yes- my young cousins with their white-blonde hair sure did get a lot of attention!

Not at all in a bad way- I think they quite enjoyed it.

maestranba- I have heard of Mazunte and that cooperative.(Maybe from your Oaxaca trip report?) It would be interesting to go there, yes. A couple we were talking to on the plane were going to stay at a little hotel in San Augustinillo, a fishing village with a few hotels, about an hour from Huatulco.
On the return trip we saw them again and talked to them, they had a great time there, very laid back and relaxing. And when we go again, we will stay there or at Puerto Escondido one week, and then Huatulco/la Crucecita the other week, I think. Do a bit more day trips further afield.

hey mouse, yes, I have talked to sonofdob about the area I think before on here. La Cruc has really grown, I think you'd be surprised. There are a bunch of new businesses and restaurants and quite a few more residential sectors being built in the area too. Many of the beaches are still empty and prisine though- unfortunately we never got to our favourites, Playa Violin and Chacacual. (I think there are better beach pictures of them in my last TR though, HERE.)

Jacko/Ron- I thought of all people, one of you two would have commented on the Grand Funk guy!

Doggiemom · 01-21-2008

Been looking for a place on the west coast to go...you have me convinced now!

Great report and pics!

Rissask · 01-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggiemom

Been looking for a place on the west coast to go...you have me convinced now!

Great report and pics!

I am sure you'd like it!

There, or if you want nice beaches but a bit more development/shops/restaurants/clubs/bars- try Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.

It's our second favourite.

ELECTRA · 01-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouse

I went to Huatulco a few years ago. Your ocean pic's really brought me back. Although the ocean is on the pacific side it is fabulous. Sonofdob is crazy for it and he's always begging me to go back. I will go back one day, I found that the town (La Crucecita) a bit too under delveloped for my liking. We're thinking of venturing off to Cuba next fall but this February it's PLAYA all the way

If you think this is underdeveloped, you are in for a surprise in Cuba......

Rissask

Good report! It is definately on my radar. There are a few all inclusives in the area with attractive prices.
Speaking of prices....Was your hotel all inclusive? How did you find the prices in town for souvenirs, snacks, drinks etc?

Thanks

Rissask · 01-21-2008

No kidding huh, Elektra (about Cuba being undeveloped)!
And you were in Varadero weren't you? There is a lot more there than where we are going (Guardalavaca/Holguin).
I have been doing lots of research and it sure sounds like it will be worlds different from Mexico in the shopping/restaurants/availability of everything sense. Unsurprisingly of course.

We stayed at the Hotel Villas Coral. Non AI.

I really recommend staying somewhere like that, as there are so many different beaches and other things to see and do in the area, that staying AI might not be the best, unless you are going to just relax and not worry about finding places to eat, etc.

If that is the case there are a few different AI hotels in Tangolunda Bay- the Las Brisas and the Gala are the nicest, there is also a Barcelo and a little cheaper 3 star one, the Crown Pacific. There is also a couple of upscale hotels that are non AI, the Quinta Real and the Zaashila, very fancy.

Prices- about the same as Playa or anywhere else...not cheap, really.
Beers were from 18-22 pesos at the bars/restaurants (I paid 75 for my tall can of Guiness!). Cocktails about 60 or 70 pesos. Meals on average were around 80 pesos, I'd say.
The pan francesa at Terra Cotta (french toast stuffed with citrus cream cheese, mmm

) is 65 pesos.
Ice cream cone- 12 pesos single, 24 double.
bottle of decent Chilean red wine- 75 pesos. Mickey of rum- same.

Our hotel was 1400 pesos a night, but that was because it was xmas- it's normally cheaper. There is a few small hotels that are only about 700 pesos that are quite nice too though.

What is really cheap and convenient is getting around - taxis are cheap and plentiful, it was just 25 pesos to get to town for us (ten minute or so drive to the main square). There doesn't seem to be a local bus system in town, but there is a big ADO station for longer haul trips.

Souvenirs- same as everywhere...but not that many people selling stuff on the beach- and best of all- not one single timeshare shark in the area. No timeshares!

There is a big Mega-type grocery store that had just opened, there is 4 screen theatre in a mall, etc. No McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks, or Wal Marts though. Matter of time, though, I bet.

roni · 01-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rissask

Jacko/Ron- I thought of all people, one of you two would have commented on the Grand Funk guy!

I took note of it

I was more of a folkie back then, but GFR did put out some straight up rock and roll, as I recall.

Tommygurl · 01-21-2008

We're an American Band.................

Rissask · 01-21-2008

Melissa! That is the only song of theirs I knew.

Except I thought it was "I'm an American man."

Don corrected me.

Folkie, huh Ron? All I can recall my parents listing to in the seventies was Leonard Cohen, Tom Jones, and Barry Manilow. Maybe a little Meat Loaf and Englebert Humperdink thrown in for good measure.

monte · 01-21-2008

Thanks Maggie for the tr

You've opened my eyes to yet another place in Mexico I would love to go to. Just las night a couple of us Dallas peep's were talking about going somewhere new. I am going to suggest this place. Thanks

Rissask · 01-21-2008

hey Shirl

congrats on the still no smoking by the way! (around 3 months for me now too

)...I think you'd like it, there are even a few salsa clubs/discos there now too.

Although it's nowhere near as diverse a crowd as Playa is.

01-21-2008	#21 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,567	Thanks guys....it was too wordy and too few pictures, it should have been the other way around. We are getting lazy about taking pictures, especially when it's a place we've been before. (I promise to take LOTS in Cuba!! ) yes, Mari- the summer would be pretty hot- and too humid (for me anyway, but we are not at all used to humidity- so I guess it would depend on the person.) No kidding, good deal on the condo, huh. It's nothing fancy but completely refurbished and a great location (it's 5 blocks from a great beach with 2 beach clubs, about a 15 minute walk on that nice walkway). It's tempting! Renting it out would pay for it in short order. Thanks for the compliments, too. Yes- my young cousins with their white-blonde hair sure did get a lot of attention! Not at all in a bad way- I think they quite enjoyed it. maestranba- I have heard of Mazunte and that cooperative.(Maybe from your Oaxaca trip report?) It would be interesting to go there, yes. A couple we were talking to on the plane were going to stay at a little hotel in San Augustinillo, a fishing village with a few hotels, about an hour from Huatulco. On the return trip we saw them again and talked to them, they had a great time there, very laid back and relaxing. And when we go again, we will stay there or at Puerto Escondido one week, and then Huatulco/la Crucecita the other week, I think. Do a bit more day trips further afield. hey mouse, yes, I have talked to sonofdob about the area I think before on here. La Cruc has really grown, I think you'd be surprised. There are a bunch of new businesses and restaurants and quite a few more residential sectors being built in the area too. Many of the beaches are still empty and prisine though- unfortunately we never got to our favourites, Playa Violin and Chacacual. (I think there are better beach pictures of them in my last TR though, HERE.) Jacko/Ron- I thought of all people, one of you two would have commented on the Grand Funk guy! Last edited by Rissask; 01-21-2008 at 09:29 AM..

01-21-2008	#25 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,567	No kidding huh, Elektra (about Cuba being undeveloped)! And you were in Varadero weren't you? There is a lot more there than where we are going (Guardalavaca/Holguin). I have been doing lots of research and it sure sounds like it will be worlds different from Mexico in the shopping/restaurants/availability of everything sense. Unsurprisingly of course. We stayed at the Hotel Villas Coral. Non AI. I really recommend staying somewhere like that, as there are so many different beaches and other things to see and do in the area, that staying AI might not be the best, unless you are going to just relax and not worry about finding places to eat, etc. If that is the case there are a few different AI hotels in Tangolunda Bay- the Las Brisas and the Gala are the nicest, there is also a Barcelo and a little cheaper 3 star one, the Crown Pacific. There is also a couple of upscale hotels that are non AI, the Quinta Real and the Zaashila, very fancy. Prices- about the same as Playa or anywhere else...not cheap, really. Beers were from 18-22 pesos at the bars/restaurants (I paid 75 for my tall can of Guiness!). Cocktails about 60 or 70 pesos. Meals on average were around 80 pesos, I'd say. The pan francesa at Terra Cotta (french toast stuffed with citrus cream cheese, mmm ) is 65 pesos. Ice cream cone- 12 pesos single, 24 double. bottle of decent Chilean red wine- 75 pesos. Mickey of rum- same. Our hotel was 1400 pesos a night, but that was because it was xmas- it's normally cheaper. There is a few small hotels that are only about 700 pesos that are quite nice too though. What is really cheap and convenient is getting around - taxis are cheap and plentiful, it was just 25 pesos to get to town for us (ten minute or so drive to the main square). There doesn't seem to be a local bus system in town, but there is a big ADO station for longer haul trips. Souvenirs- same as everywhere...but not that many people selling stuff on the beach- and best of all- not one single timeshare shark in the area. No timeshares! There is a big Mega-type grocery store that had just opened, there is 4 screen theatre in a mall, etc. No McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks, or Wal Marts though. Matter of time, though, I bet. __________________ *The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he knows too little. Mark Twain*

01-21-2008	#29 (permalink)
monte añejo Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: dallas Posts: 12,805	Thanks Maggie for the trYou've opened my eyes to yet another place in Mexico I would love to go to. Just las night a couple of us Dallas peep's were talking about going somewhere new. I am going to suggest this place. Thanks

01-20-2008	#16 (permalink)
cmsitaly añejo Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 4,729	Nice pics! I don't think I have ever seen a picture of you btw So pretty!

01-20-2008	#17 (permalink)
Sol añejo Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Gem State Posts: 16,176	Riss, Thanks for the trip report and the pictures. Huatulco is a place that I want to visit sometime soon. Dang girl, you are hawt!

01-20-2008	#18 (permalink)
maestranba añejo Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,102	Thanks for taking me back to Huatulco, Maggie! You and your hubby are a gorgeous couple!! And your cousins must have been turning all the Mexican heads! If I ever go back to that area of Mexico, I HAVE to go back to a town called Mazunte. It's a tiny little town where the Body Shop set up a cooperative of women who used to work in the turtle industry, which the government finally banned. The Body Shop owner was there on vacation, and wanted to help out these poor jobless women. He set them up with some of their secret recipes for lotions and soaps. They make the absolute BEST shampoo and conditioner I've ever tried. Unfortunately, you can't get it anywhere except there and in Mexico City. If I had known you were going, I would have paid your taxi ride there so you could get me some, and of course, some for yourself and all the girls. They'd LOVE it too, I'm sure!! And it was only like 60 pesos for a huge bottle! (maybe next year!)

01-20-2008	#19 (permalink)
Maverick69 añejo Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Katepwa Lake, Sk : Casa Jalapeno -PDC Posts: 2,376	Great report Maggie. You are still looking fine! I guess I'll have to make my way there.

01-20-2008	#20 (permalink)
mouse beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White Rock, B.C. Posts: 457	I went to Huatulco a few years ago. Your ocean pic's really brought me back. Although the ocean is on the pacific side it is fabulous. Sonofdob is crazy for it and he's always begging me to go back. I will go back one day, I found that the town (La Crucecita) a bit too under delveloped for my liking. We're thinking of venturing off to Cuba next fall but this February it's PLAYA all the way

01-21-2008	#22 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 9,363	Been looking for a place on the west coast to go...you have me convinced now! Great report and pics!

01-21-2008	#27 (permalink)
Tommygurl crab killer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: I am Canadian!! Posts: 15,165	We're an American Band.................

01-21-2008	#28 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,567	Melissa! That is the only song of theirs I knew. Except I thought it was "I'm an American man." Don corrected me. Folkie, huh Ron? All I can recall my parents listing to in the seventies was Leonard Cohen, Tom Jones, and Barry Manilow. Maybe a little Meat Loaf and Englebert Humperdink thrown in for good measure.

01-21-2008	#30 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,567	hey Shirl congrats on the still no smoking by the way! (around 3 months for me now too )...I think you'd like it, there are even a few salsa clubs/discos there now too. Although it's nowhere near as diverse a crowd as Playa is.

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