Saturday, January 14, 2023
After rocking in winds up to 48 miles per hour all night, we could feel the shift at 7:00 in the morning, awakening us as the ship slowed for docking. We pulled open the curtains and stepped out onto our balcony, where the hills of Huatulco were beckoning in the glistening morning sun. What an absolutely stunning paradise it looks like from our ship, with frigate birds soaring above and sailboats sheltered among the rugged rock outcrops.
The newest resort area on the Pacific Riviera, Huatulco has coral reefs, vast areas of ecological reserves; clear crystal waters in shades of blue, lilac and turquoise. We could see that about half of the buildings seem to be under construction. This area reportedly has 9 bays and 36 beaches.
Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca, where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The rugged mountain ranges are lush with deep green rain forests and coffee plantations.
Walking through the clean and colorful village, we enjoyed the steady soft Pacific breezes, which felt heavenly. My favorite site was a small, open stone church, where flowers decorated the altar and people were praying.
Flowers were everywhere -- being sold in the market or decorating the stores and restaurants.
We loved the huge metal sailfish sculpture with the Island Princess in the background. Ours was the only ship docked in Huatulco.
In the square was a market filled with people selling their wares — everything from fancy salts, to juices, flowers and dried fruits. The people are wonderful here. They offered their wares and crafts, but were not pushy at all.
As we walked in front of one restaurant, a waiter showed us a tray of whole red snapper caught this morning. I mentioned that a whole fried one would be delicious.
We sat on the beach — there were dozens of tables beneath umbrellas. Cliff and our friend Joan enjoyed margaritas made with Mezcal instead of Tequila. Cliff excused himself and came back after ten minutes, reporting that he visited the restaurant and they took him back into the kitchen to show him the fresh fish.
Then the three of us sat at the restaurant under a large canopy with the lovely breeze, and we were able to pick out our fish. We shared the largest of the red snappers with rice and vegetables. (First, they brought out a huge bowl of whole thin fried tortillas with the spiciest salsa verde we have ever tried.) What a feast!
Cliff had a huge drink made of Clamato juice, and on the rim and inside the drink were peeled steamed shrimp — over a dozen of them. He had that drink and two beers, Joan had a beer, and we had that huge platter of food for only $65.
The waiter was truly special. Like every one we encountered, he was kind, cheerful, and laughed at Cliff’s jokes.
We took our time walking back to the ship, wishing we could stay there for a few days instead of just a few hours. I bought an embroidered hat and a thin sterling silver bracelet inlayed with garnet.
There are beautiful resorts and homes on the cliffs. Ocean front lots are selling for about $399,000 (U.S. dollars). We talked at length to a Canadian couple who are staying here for a month. They have been here many times.
Our first trip ever to Mexico will be forever in our memories. We loved Huatulco.
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