Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Huatulco, Oaxaca



Las Brisas Resort Huatulco is a beautiful property! Apparently it used to be a Club Med. It’s much, MUCH better than the flight. I mean what could be better than toilets that work! The resort is very lush and green with well kept tropical gardens. I would venture to say that it feels like a tame jungle. Very beautiful!

The photo is the view from our room.


Huatulco is in the state of Oaxaca and situated 286 kilometres from the colonel capital of Oaxaca city. The bays of Huatulco are located along the coast at the end of the southern Sierra Madre mountains. The clear, turquoise water of the 36 beaches are spectacular! Over11,000 acres in and around Huatulco were declared national parks by the Mexican government in 1998. Important to sustaining the natural ecology and sea life, many of the bays are considered protected areas with development prohibited. Some of the bays are also the spawning grounds for variety of marine (sea) turtles.

The state of Oaxaca, among Mexico's 31 states, is known for its diverse culture with 16 different ethic groups. As such, Oaxacan culture combines the history of many of these groups. The native tribes ruled by the Aztecs in the city's earliest years were the Zapotec and the Mixtec. Both tribes still influence Oaxaca culture to this day, and the informed traveler will note that separate accents representing these different tribes can still be heard in Oaxaca today. Spain and colonialists from Europe also influence Oaxaca culture. Together, this mix of cultures and peoples creates a modern day Oaxaca that is full of history and fascinating people and traditions.

Nowhere are the differing sides of Oaxaca culture seen as prominently as they are in Oaxaca food. Oaxaca food is famous throughout the world for its unique flair and combination of spices that are found almost nowhere else in Mexico.

Senga and I signed up for a few low key tours. Here are some photos from a natural, fresh water lagoon and crocodile habitat! We also went on a snorkeling trip visiting 7 bays.



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