The Best Solo Travel Destination in Mexico You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Huatulco, Mexico was never on my travel radar.
Now its a firm fixture on my solo travel repeat list!
Huatulco is one of the best kept secrets of Canadians (and now some Americans) who like to escape the winter (known as snowbirds) or...
Those who have retired seeking year around warmth and Pacific Ocean and...
This is why it makes it such a great destination for solo women travelers over 50.
📍 First things first... where the heck is Huatulco?
Great question—and I had to Google it myself the first time I heard the name.
Huatulco (pronounced wah-TOOL-co) is tucked into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, in the lush and rugged state of Oaxaca.
It's a pocket of paradise made up of nine bays, 36 beaches, and three main towns: La Crucecita (think town square and local life), Santa Cruz (where the cruise ships dock), and Tangolunda (home to most resorts).
You’ll land at Huatulco International Airport (HUX) and within 20 minutes, you can be sipping something cool on your condo balcony, the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains behind you and the Pacific sparkling in front.
It’s quiet. Low-rise. And so refreshingly not Cancun.
🏡 Where I stay and why it matters
While many visitors start with the resorts, I jumped right into condo living. And I’m so glad I did.
I stayed in a cozy 12-unit building tucked into the hillside. Most of the owners were Canadian or Mexican, with a few who spend the entire winter here.
From the start, I was wrapped in warmth—not the tropical kind (though there’s plenty of that too)—but the friendly, welcoming kind that turns a solo trip into something richer.
One of the owners ran informal aqua-fit sessions in the pool. We’d all gather in the late morning, floating and laughing under the sun.
It was relaxed, low-key, and genuine—no racing for loungers, no booming resort music.
I quickly earned the nickname “the lap lady.” I’m not exactly graceful in the water, but I do love my morning and evening swims.
Often, I had the pool all to myself. Bliss.
And I had my very own rooftop plunge pool—my true sanctuary (given I'm a giant introvert).
I'd watch the boats out in the bay while reading a book with a glass of an adult beverage in my hand haha. It was perfect to either grab some shade and cool down or relax sunbathing with a gentle breeze and views of the ocean and mountains.
Everything I needed was a short walk away. The Chedraui supermarket that resembles a Walmart on steriods in a mini mall just 10 minutes down the road.
A 15-minute wander to the Saturday Farmers Market in Santa Cruz. And a beach close enough to slip down to for sunset or a barefoot stroll before breakfast.
☀️ The Weather... So Important
Here’s something that surprises people: although Huatulco is on the Pacific, it actually faces south, thanks to the curve of the coastline.
That means year-round sun and stable temperatures that rarely budge from 30°C (86°F) by day and 22°C (71°F) by night.
Dry Season: November to May (think sunshine, blue skies, and not much humidity)
Rainy Season: June to October (it’s greener, the rain is usually short-lived, and yes—still very warm and it will be humid)
✈️ Getting There
If you’re lucky, you can grab a direct seasonal flight from Canada or the U.S. straight into Huatulco.
Otherwise, connecting through Mexico City is easy with several daily flights.
Now, a lot of online travel groups will tell you to walk out of the airport, cross the road, and flag a local taxi to save money. And yes—it’s cheaper.
But here’s the thing: you’ve just flown for hours, it’s hot, you’re on your own, and you're probably juggling bags and everything feels new and foreign.
This is not the moment to go budget-hunting. Book a car service or take an airport taxi. It’s still affordable, and honestly, worth every peso to land smoothly and safely.
🚕 Getting Around
You don’t need a car!
Taxis are everywhere, inexpensive, and easy to use. Most people get to know a few go-to drivers they call when needed.
The first time I visited with a friend we hired a driver for the day.
He took us to different beaches, waited for us, made some suggestions... and it was totally affordable.
And!!!
There were only 5 people on the beach and we were 20 minutes from our condo.
The region runs on a zone-based fare system—no haggling, just fixed rates. Want to head to Playa La Entrega for a swim?
Just flag a cab down or Whatsapp the taxi company or a driver that has been recommended.
Here’s a great little article from The Eye Huatulco that breaks down the system:
👉 The Taxi System in Huatulco (2023)
📱 Communication The Local Way
WhatsApp is the preferred way to connect—with taxi drivers, hosts, even some restaurant owners.
It works for texts, calls, and sharing your location.
I only know a few Spanish words and phrases and I butcher the accent!
I’ve had full conversations with locals using Google Translate, a smile, and a little patience. People here are kind and happy to help if you’re trying.
🛡️ Is Huatulco Safe?
In a word: yes.
Tourism is the heartbeat of this region.
Locals and expats alike take pride in keeping the community safe and welcoming.
Santa Cruz is even a cruise ship stop, and there’s a small Mexican Navy base between town and Playa La Entrega.
Like anywhere, use good solo travel habits. Keep your belongings close, stay aware, and trust your gut.
Need a little extra confidence? Here’s my 👉 Solo Travel Safety Guide:
💵 Cash or Credit Card?
Huatulco still runs on cash for small purchases, especially at local markets or beach vendors.
Use ATMs inside banks or at Chedraui supermarket (La Crucecita) for safe withdrawals.
Larger restaurants and stores accept cards—but if in doubt, always ask.
And bring cash just in case.
Oh and for our American friends do make sure you bring Mexican Pesos. It is quite difficult for locals to have to convert USD to pesos.
🌮 Where To Eat
From street stalls to restaurants and everything in between. You will certainly not starve in Huatulco.
Mercader (Santa Cruz)
Incredible Thai food, small and cozy. Outdoor seating, friendly staff. Reserve ahead!
I know Thai food in Mexico sounds odd. But seriously the food is amazing. This is a small restaurant and you will likely be greeted by the owners.
Most of the seating is outside which is perfect for the evening and you won’t feel out of place sitting alone. In fact you will likely end up in a conversation with some friendly Canadians...
And some great tips on beaches and places to visit and eat!
Café Juanita (Tangolunda)
All meals are great here but I love to go for brunch.
Jane, the owner is originally from Canada but has lived here most of her life.
She runs fabulous food tours and cooking classes—even I loved it, and I don’t cook. And...
She also happens to be the editor of The Eye (see the article above on taxis).
RAÍCES (La Crucecita)
Great for lunch or dinner when you’re wandering the town.
You can either sit inside in the air conditioning or venture out the back where this is a wonderful courtyard and bar.
Restaurant Macuil (Santa Cruz)
Ocean views, fresh fish. What’s not to love?
If you love fish and want a view of the Santa Cruz beach and the bonus of watching Cruise Ship passengers hustling to get back to their cruise ship on time then this is the place for you.
Mama Elsa Hamburgers
No trip to Huatulco is compete without a visit to Mama Elsas..
Not only are her hamburgers and hospitality great but the whole atmosphere of the food truck tucked into the trees with the picnic tables mean you will certainly not feel lonely being a solo diner.
BTW she is only open in the evening from 6-10pm!
If you’re unsure how exactly to find the location just go to Hotel Villablanca and she is in the next block. And don’t be shy asking folks to direct you there. They’re likely going there as well.
🌽 Don't Miss The Farmers Market
Held every Saturday in dry season (monthly during rainy season), the Santa Cruz Farmers Market is full of colour, flavour, and connection.
One week, I bought hummus from a local vendor who later offered to deliver more to my condo midweek.
The food is fresh and organic here.
The coffee is amazing, fresh made soft tacos... yum!
Another time, I shared a shady bench with a lovely woman from the US, Violet.
On her travels she had ended up stranded in Costa Rica during COVID, and ended up in Huatulco by chance.
We talked for an hour. That’s the magic of markets when you’re traveling solo.
🍽️ Nervous About Dining Alone?
Don't be, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Here’s a blog that might help you get comfortable with it:
👉 Solo Dining Tips for Women Over 50 Traveling Solo
💬 Some Final Thoughts...
This really is just a teaser of what Huatulco has to offer.
I haven’t even scratched the surface on all the things you can do—like hopping on a boat to explore the bays, snorkeling in calm turquoise waters, or wandering the quiet streets of La Crucecita and Santa Cruz with no agenda but to see what you’ll find.
Whether you're here for a week or several, the magic of Huatulco lies in its ease.
It’s the kind of place that lets you slow down, settle in, and start to feel like a local.
And as a solo woman traveler over 50, that sense of safety, simplicity, and genuine connection is worth everything.
Pack your curiosity, your sandals, and a sunhat—and get ready to discover one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way on your next travel building lasting memories.
