Exploring Huatulco at Night: Sunset to Sunrise Fun

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Discover the wild side of Huatulco! While this Pacific Coast beach destination is famous for its beautiful bays and endless water activities, don’t miss out on its exciting nightlife scene.

Is Huatulco a Party Town?

Between living in Oaxaca and writing for Fodor’s guidebook and Lonely Planet’s Mexico from the Source, I’ve spent a lot of time in Huatulco over the past 20 years.  

Evenings in Huatulco used to revolve around the nightly entertainment at its all-inclusive resorts. That’s changed!

While Huatulco still isn’t a wild party town, you don’t need to pack it in when the sun sets.

There’s plenty to do at night if you know where to look.

While Cancun, Puerto Escondido and Playa del Carmen boast well-defined strips of restaurants, bars, beach parties and nightclubs, Huatulco’s nightlife is scattered throughout town.

It takes some sleuthing to scout it out.

Here are a few of our favourite activities, attractions and places to go if you’re looking to spend a fun evening in Huatulco, Mexico.

1. Catch a Spectacular Sunset

Begin your evening by catching a Pacific Coast sunset.

Unlike its neighbours to the south such as Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Chacahua, it’s a bit trickier to actually watch the sun slip below the horizon in Huatulco.

Why? The Bahias de Huatulco actually face south rather than west. But it’s still possible to see the sunset in Huatulco.

The two best places are Playa La Bocana (Google Map) and El Faro, the lighthouse and scenic lookout (Google Map) near Playa La Entrega Beach.

To see the sunset at Playa La Bocana, wade across the Copalita River and walk east along the shoreline to get the best view.

Soak up the solitude, surf or just enjoy the sight (and sounds) of hundreds of sea birds dive-bombing for food.

Or take a birding watching tour. Herons, plover, cormorant, egret, ibis and up to 230 species of resident and migratory birds gather along this important estuary and coastline.

A taxi from Santa Crus to Playa La Bocana is $100 MXN one-way.

🌟 Pro Tip: Watch for incoming tides as the depth of the river can rise quickly which means you could end up swimming back to shore rather than wading.

At El Faro you’ll actually get to see the sun set at Maguey Beach to the west. Take a folding chair and libations with you as there are no amenities at the lighthouse.

A taxi should cost no more than $60 MXN pesos one-way to the lighthouse from Santa Cruz. Ask the driver to return to pick you up.

2. Master Your Mixology Skills at a Cocktail Class

Ready to expand your repertoire of Mexican liquors? Look beyond tequila, kahlua and mezcal and elevate your knowledge of other Mexican spirits with a hands-on cocktail class!

Hosted by the always entertaining and informative Jane Bauer (of the popular Chiles&Chocolate Cooking School) each of these fun classes will introduce you to a unique regional liquor of Mexico.

From the spicy Ancho Reyes liqueur of Puebla to subtly-sweet Nixta elote (corn) liqueur, learn about the history, ingredients and culture of spirits that aren’t well known outside of regions they’re produced in.

During a small-group class, you’ll shake, stir and sip your way to craft three different cocktails and pair each with a different snack.

You’ll also receive copies of all the recipes to wow friends and family with your cocktail-making prowess when you get home.

These classes take place between 5 and 7 pm, so they’re a fun way to kick off your evening! They’re held at Café Juanita in Tangolunda (Google Map) across from Dreams Huatulco Resort.

Book online in advance at Chiles&Chocolate Culinary Adventures.

3. Ride a Doubledecker Party Bus

Imagine the trajineras (gondolas) of Xochimilco Mexico City on wheels and you’ve got the idea of the party bus tours of Huatulco.

The long boulevards are ideal for sweeping along in the darkness, wind whipping through your hair, as you zoom beneath palm trees to the beat of a cumbia, classic mariachi song or disco hit.

Similar to the brightly-painted Kunuku buses of Aruba, the idea of riding the party bus is to have fun and get loud.

So feel free to let loose and sing along with the blaring music. Or practice your best grito (Mexican shout) as you fly around town.

No Mexican fiesta is complete without food and drink. So it’s no surprise that your Huatulco party bus tour includes a stop for traditional Oaxacan specialties of mezcal, chocolate and chapulines (toasted, spiced grasshoppers).

To board one of the party buses, head to the special Tran vía Huatulqueño stop on Guamuchil in La Crucecita. It’s across from Waldo’s in the Plaza El Madero shopping centre.

Cost is $150 MXN pesos per person. There are three tour buses (Huatulqueño, Zapoteco and Alebrijes) to choose from. They depart hourly from 7:30 pm onward.

While the buses are operated by different tour companies they all travel a similar route. The loop includes La Crucecita, Santa Cruz Marina, the Huatulco sign in Tangolunda and a food sampling stop in La Crucecita.

🌟 Pro Tip: Just like partying on the gondolas of Xochomilco in Cancun, for the best fun Mexican-style, choose the noisiest/fullest bus. Then, grab a seat on the upper deck (watch out for tree branches along the route) and enjoy the sights of Huatulco at night!

4. Drink Like a Local at a Mezcal Bar

While taking a tour of a mezcal palenque (distillery) is one of the top things to do in Huatulco, you can also get an education in mezcal at one of the local mezcal bars.

There are lots of places to choose from. The mezcal scene has really expanded over the past few years and there are now many places to sip and sample Oaxaca’s native spirit.

One of the most unique places to sample mezcal in Huatulco is El Santuario Mezcalero. At this speakeasy-style mezcaleria in La Crucecita (Google Map), you can sample everything from smoky reposada to bold joven mezcals as well as unique regional variations.

Be sure to try mezcal de pechuga. It’s made by incorporating a raw chicken breast into the distillation process.

There’s often live music, free samples and more at this happening hot spot. Open evenings (hours vary from 4 to 6 pm) until 2 am.

Another popular place to try mezcal is Maz + Mezcal, a restaurant-cocktail bar located in Plaza Oaxaca across from the Zocolo La Crucecita.

Known for its live music, DJ sets, dancing and extensive menu of mezcal ocktails, Maz + Mezcal opens in the morning. That makes it easy to fit a carajillo (coffee cocktail) into your schedule even if you’re on a cruise ship excursion.

🌟 Pro Tip: Once you’ve discovered your fave mezcal, enjoy it in our easy recipe for the classic Paloma Cocktail.

5. Soak Up the Vibe at the Zocolo in La Crucecita

Nightfall is the ideal time to head to the zócalo (main square) in La Crucecita.

In the evening when the heat of the day begins to lift, locals and visitors gather to socialize, cool off with paletas (icy treats), listen to live music, watch performances by street buskers and take part in various cultural events.

It’s the perfect place to experience some Mexican culture.

🌟 Pro Tip: Check out our playlist of top mariachi songs to request from one of the roving troubadours.

6. Sample Street Food on a Walking Food Tour

Taking a food tour is a must-do in Huatulco any time of day.

Traditional Oaxacan food is of culinary and cultural importance due to its rich blend of indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking techniques and diverse cultural heritage.

While it’s possible to take a tour in the daytime, opting for an Huatulco Walking Food Tour in the evening means you can focus on the food rather than looking for shade when the temperature reaches a blazing 34 C (93F).

In addition to the weather being cooler at sundown, during this 3-hour culinary adventure you’ll have an opportunity to sample some of Huatulco’s enticing street food from tlayudas (giant pizzas) to tacos.

Check prices and availability of a Food Walking Tour of Huatulco on Viator.com.

🌟 Related: Discover more about Latin American street food in our Complete Guide to the Street Food of Guatemala.

7. Indulge in Dining at a Huatulco Restaurant

One of the most popular things to do at night in Huatulco is to dine at one of the many restaurants. In fact, it often seems that if people aren’t talking about real estate they’re talking about restaurants.

Unlike when I first visited Huatulco when food options were scarce outside of the major resorts, these days there are so many enticing eateries, you’ve got to have a plan (and often a reservation).

Here are a few places to put on your radar of where to eat in Huatulco.

1. Mercader

This long-standing restaurant in Santa Cruz (Google Map) has remained small despite its success. It draws crowds who come to enjoy its eclectic menu of favourites like Pad Thai, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and Vegan options. Don’t miss the chocolate lava cake.

Reserve a week in advance: 52 958 587 0523

2. Sabor de Oaxaca

You can’t visit Huatulco without sampling traditional Oaxacan moles, sopes and enmoladas and more! Topped with chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) of course.

At Sabor de Oaxaca in La Crucecita, you can dive into a range of these delicious typical dishes.

A good bet is the Plato Oaxaqueño. Ideal for sharing it includes quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese), tasajo ( beef), chorizo (sausage), a mole negro, a tamale and more.

3. Rocoto Huatulco

Surf and Turf, short ribs, seafood, salads and pastas are all expertly prepared at this welcoming chef-driven restaurant in La Crucecita (Google Map).

Combined with a relaxing backdrop of live music, Rocoto is a must-try in Huatulco.

You’ll need a reservation. 52 958 688 1778 or book online. Cash only.

4. Restaurante Ve El Mar

Unlike many beach palapas where every menu seems to have the same ho-hum grilled fish, this waterfront restaurant in Santa Cruz (Google Map) is a step above the rest. Dine with your toes in the sand at a candlelit tables set at water’s edge.

The wood-fired oven does its culinary magic on a range of seafood dishes. Coconut shrimp with mango sauce, pineapple stuffed with shrimp, 4 x 4 shrimp, aguachile and ceviche are all popular.

While it’s always a good idea to have a reservation, Restaurante Ve El Mar is quite large so it’s a good bet if you haven’t booked in advance.

5. Giordana’s Delizie Italiane

This Italian restaurant in La Crucecita (Google Map) has been a long-time favourite of mine. Giordana’s hand made pastas (especially the ravioli) and tiramisu are stand-outs.

Reserve in advance. Closed Tuesdays. Check their Facebook page for updates.

6. Bonanza Grill

Channel your inner charro at Bonanza Restaurante in La Crucecita (Google Map), an outdoor eatery where the atmosphere is chuck wagon rustic.

Grab a seat at a picnic table and tuck into a gigantic burger flamed to perfection on the wood-fired charcoal grill.

Other options include tacos served with fiery homemade salsas, grilled chicken and fresh salads.

🌟 Fun Fact: What appears to be a food truck is actually a vintage farm cart that’s been restored.

7. Alfredo’s and La Crema

See listings in the live music section below.

There are many more restaurants to mention! Sign up for our newsletter to receive a complete guide to Must-Try Food in Huatulco.

9. Chill Out to Live Music

It’s possible to find a place with live music almost every evening in Huatulco. There’s an ever-evolving range of venues offering music from Mexican ballads, jazz, rock and blues and more.

Here are a few of our favourite places to enjoy live music in Huatulco:

1. La Crema Bar

This long-standing bar in La Crucecita (Google Map) is deservedly famous for its live music (a mix of classic rock, 80s and 90s,reggae), cocktails (gin, tequila and mezcal) and quirky decor.

Their wood-fired pizza is always a good bet. Get updates on music schedule, hours and special events on the La Crema Facebook Page.

2. Cerveceria Carros Chocados

One of best places for live music in Huatulco at night, tiny Cerveceria Carros Chocados features a wide range of performers from Beatles tribute bands to jazz to Mexican ballads.

It’s located in Plaza Las Palmas (also home to Nikko’s) in Santa Cruz (Google Map).

Check their Facebook Page before you go for hours and music line-up. Music takes place weekdays between 7-9 PM. If you can’t get in, you can always grab an ice-cream and an outdoor table at Thrifty’s Ice-Cream next door.

3. Alfredo’s Restaurant Bar

In addition to its stellar menu of pastas, seafood and signature dishes (chef/owner also heads up the Wahaca Cooking School), Alfredo’s Restaurant Bar in La Crucecita also offers live music (cumbia, tropical, Mexican ballads, funk, soul and more) and dancing.

You’ll need to make a reservation (52 958 124 4830) if you hope to score a table here. Check the Alfredo’s Restaurant Bar Facebook page for the music schedule.There’s Happy Hour specials too.

4. El Habanero Loko Huatulco

If you’re Canadian (like we are) or even if you’re not, you’ll be welcomed like a true Canuck at Canadian Night in Huatulco.

Held on Wednesday evenings at El Habanero Loko Huatulco (Google Map) beachfront at Santa Cruz, it features food specials, live music and dancing.

Complimentary mezcal shots may also be involved.

10. Party ’til Dawn at a Huatulco NightClub

While Huatulco doesn’t have as big of a nightclub scene as Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, there’s still enough happening to keep you dancing until the sun comes up.

Begin your night at La Incondicional on Benito Juarez Blvd near Playa Chaué (Google Map). It boasts a large outdoor space and draws fans to its karaoke, salsa and other special nights.

When it wraps up, head to nearby La Papaya (Google Map) where you can party to techno music until 5 or 6 am.

Other late night options include The Suite Disco (Google Map) for reggaeton and Sugar Disco (Google Map) both in Santa Cruz. Cover charge is lower here than at La Papaya.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still awake when the sun comes up and ready for breakfast, we recommend NISZUL Brunch and Coffee in Santa Cruz.

It’s set in a garden conveniently located between The Suite and Sugar discos (Google Map). The coffee is strong and the pancakes and huevos rancheros will set you up for the start of another perfect day in Huatulco.

🌟 Bonus Tip: Another option is to take an overnight trip to party in Puerto Escondido. It’s easy and inexpensive to take the bus.

SUR, ADO and OCC bus lines offer direct connections between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. Browse our list of recommended hotels and restaurants in Puerto Escondido before you go.

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