Entertainment & Events

Oaxaca Excursions

Monte Alban

Monte Alban is located about 6 miles outside of Oaxaca. By Car from Oaxaca City, take a road named "Trujano". Regular buses make the trip from Oaxaca all day, every day. The closest airport is Oaxaca City. Autobuses Turisticos, Tel: 516-5327, has a shuttle leaving from Mina 518 downtown every 30 minutes, from 08:30am to 3:30pm. Travel time is around 30 minutes and cost 20 pesos. Once there, it is easy to find an english-speaking guide at the entrance of the site.

Many organised tours to Monte Alban are also available from Oaxaca, including professional guide in English and several other languages. You can also hire a car with driver for more flexibility.

The site is opened 7 Days a week; 9am to 5pm. Admission is free on Sundays (but this is also the busiest time). Better visit the site in the morning, as the afternoon sun can be very strong.

A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. There is a small additional fee for using video equipment, even on Sundays.

Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Clothing should be light and breathable, but remember it is often windy up there.

Pacific Coast Excursions

Bird Watching & Coffee Plantations Visits

If you are in Huatulco, pay a visit to one of the many picturesque coffee plantations. All are surrounded by miles of explorable tropical forest trails, and plantation owners will readily provide lodging and ecotours through curvy dirt mountain roads at an unbeatable price. Hiking opportunites are numerous as well, especially along the many rivers and waterfalls of the area.

You will have no problem in finding independant guides once in Huatulco area, but if you like to plan ahead, contact one of the following agencies:

• Turismo Conejo in La Crucecita, half a block east of the Zocalo. Organizes bird-watching tours, coffee plantation visits, jungle jeep safaris and rock hieroglyphic paintings visits among others. Av. Guamuchil No. 208 La Crucecita. Tel ++52 (958) 5 87 15 29 .
• Ecoaventuras Huatulco specializes in the observation of the flora and fauna. Organizes bicycle tours, rafting and sailing. Tel ++52 (958) 5 87 17 04. ecoaventuras@huatulco.net.mx
• Zona de Aventura Extrema caters to younger crowds, with more challenging excursions. Av. Río Coatzacoalcos Edificio No. 12 - 402, La Crucecita. Tel ++52 (958) 5 87 12 64
  

Sailing around Huatulco.

Also popular are sailing excursion through Luna Azul. You can rent a 44-foot sailboat at the Marina and cruise through strong ocean surf and calm bay water. Stop at some secluded, virgin beaches for snorkeling, then drop by Maguey bay for seafood lunch on a beach plalapa. You can also contact:

• Eco - Discover Tours Huatulco, in Tangolunda Bay right next to the most luxurious hotels, organizes many sailing, kayaking and rafting excursions. Plaza las Conchas L-6, Huatulco. Tel ++52 (958) 5 87 06 78 or (958) 5 81 00 02.

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving.

Good snorkeling can be done virtually anywhere in Huatulco. You can easily rent or buy equipment locally, but it can be expensive. Many agencies can help you specific outting, like visintg shipwrecks or night dives.