Huatulco National Park

Huatulco Overview

Huatulco National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Huatulco, is a stunning protected area on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Covering approximately 46.8 square miles (121.3 square kilometers), the park is part of the larger Bahías de Huatulco region, a coastal paradise that blends tropical forest, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches along the Pacific Ocean.

The park is characterized by rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and secluded coves, with lush greenery that includes tropical dry forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Notable features of the park include the numerous bays, such as Bahía de Cacaluta and Bahía de San Agustín, as well as dramatic rock formations that provide breathtaking ocean views. The nearby Sierra Madre del Sur mountains add to the park’s diverse landscapes, creating a dramatic contrast between the land and sea.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, offering visitors a chance to observe an array of species in their natural habitats. Among the most notable mammals in the park are ocelots, jaguarundis, and white-tailed deer, as well as raccoons and armadillos. The coastline and mangrove ecosystems attract an impressive selection of bird species, including the orange-fronted parakeet, white-throated magpie-jay, and the strikingly beautiful roseate spoonbill.

Sea turtles, such as the olive ridley and green sea turtle, frequently nest on the park’s beaches, while the surrounding waters are inhabited by dolphins, manta rays, and even migrating humpback whales during the winter months. The combination of marine and terrestrial biodiversity makes Huatulco National Park an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

A major draw of the park is its spectacular beaches and coral reefs, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and diving. The reefs at Bahía San Agustín and Bahía Cacaluta are teeming with vibrant marine life, offering visitors the chance to see tropical fish, sea urchins, and colorful corals up close.

Kayaking along the coast allows for exploration of the hidden coves and inlets, while guided boat tours provide a more relaxed way to experience the beauty of the bays. Hiking trails meander through the tropical forests, leading to scenic overlooks and providing opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Birdwatching is another popular activity, with many visitors venturing into the mangroves and forests in search of rare and endemic species.

Conservation efforts in Huatulco National Park have focused on protecting its delicate ecosystems, particularly the coral reefs and coastal forests that are vulnerable to human activity.

Sustainable tourism initiatives have been introduced to limit environmental impact, including regulations on fishing, waste management, and visitor access to sensitive areas. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including illegal fishing, coastal development, and climate change, which threaten the park’s biodiversity.

However, conservation successes, such as increased awareness of sea turtle protection and the restoration of some reef areas, highlight the ongoing commitment to preserving this natural treasure.

Park Map

Huatulco National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s combination of tropical dry forests, coastal lagoons, and mangroves provides an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, from seabirds to songbirds and raptors.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A common sight along the coast, brown pelicans use their large throat pouches to scoop up fish while diving dramatically into the ocean.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
Known for its impressive wingspan and red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the coast, often stealing food from other seabirds.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
A wading bird with a long, curved bill, the white ibis is commonly found in mangroves and coastal wetlands searching for small fish and invertebrates.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
A striking pink wading bird, the roseate spoonbill sweeps its spoon-shaped bill through shallow waters to catch small fish and crustaceans.

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
One of the most colorful birds in the park, the motmot is easily recognized by its bright blue and green plumage and distinctive tail feathers.

Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis)
A social and vocal bird, this parakeet is commonly seen in small flocks flying over the park’s forests and feeding on fruits and seeds.

Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus)
A large woodpecker with striking black-and-white plumage and a bright red crest, this species is commonly found drumming on trees in search of insects.

Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)
This coastal raptor is often seen soaring over mangroves and beaches, hunting for fish, crabs, and small mammals.

Rufous-naped Wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
A bold and noisy songbird, the rufous-naped wren is frequently seen hopping through trees and shrubs in search of insects.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic hunter, the crested caracara is frequently seen in open areas, feeding on carrion, small mammals, and reptiles.

Huatulco National Park, located along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a stunning mix of tropical dry forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. This diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in the warm, coastal environment.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A small and elusive wild cat, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the dense forests of the park.

Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
Smaller than the ocelot, the jaguarundi is a diurnal wild cat that is highly adaptable and hunts small mammals and birds in forested and coastal areas.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal travels in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, playing a key role in seed dispersal.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, contributing to the park’s ecological balance.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
This nocturnal, burrowing mammal is often found digging for insects and larvae in the park’s dry forest areas.

Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
A large rodent with reddish-brown fur, the agouti plays a key role in seed dispersal and is often seen foraging for fallen fruit.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
One of the most recognizable reptiles in the park, the green iguana is often spotted basking in trees or foraging for leaves and fruit.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
A large reptile found in the park’s freshwater areas and estuaries, Morelet’s crocodile is a powerful predator that feeds on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Pacific Coast Parrot Snake (Leptophis diplotropis)
A slender, tree-dwelling snake, this non-venomous reptile is often found in the park’s forested areas hunting lizards and frogs.

Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus savagei)
One of the largest frogs in the region, this nocturnal amphibian plays a key role in controlling insect populations.