Huatulco Adventure and City Sightseeing: River Rafting, Snorkeling and La Crucecita Tour

After a pickup from your Huatulco hotel by air-conditioned minivan, your adventure begins on the Copalita River. Following a safety briefing, start down the river canyon toward the ocean — an approximate 4-mile (6-km) trip from the highway — and enjoy some fun but gentle class 1 rapids along the way. The journey downstream offers breathtaking scenery between high cliff walls as well as fantastic opportunities for bird watching in the lush jungle that borders either side of the river.

When you reach the junction where the river meets the Pacific Ocean, disembark on the beach at La Bocana to enjoy a traditional Baño Zapoteco, or Zapotec mud bath (additional expense). Also used by the Mayans and Aztecs, the black mud is renowned for its medicinal healing properties. Enjoy a treatment provided by the women of a local village cooperative who are the direct descendants of the Zapotec people.

From here, snorkel in the side bay of La Entrega and get acquainted with one of the largest sections of coral reef in the area. The picturesque and sheltered bay is home to plentiful schools of reef fish, including ballyhoo and Pacific barracuda, as well as pelagic fish. Following your swim, your guide takes you to the spectacular beach of Santa Cruz, where you can indulge in delicious seafood prepared in the traditional style of the coast (own expense).

Then head to the Oaxacan town of La Crucecita, where you’ll have a bit of time to browse the handicraft stores around the main square. Visit the Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe and view the 65-foot (20-meter) tall paining of Mexico’s patron saint. Continue to the locally owned shop called La Probadita, which offers a variety of fascinating products for sale. Here, try a shot of mezcal with salt made of maguey worms, and taste specialty snacks like quesillo (a type of Oaxaca cheese), cinnamon-laced Oaxacan chocolates and chapulines (grasshoppers) fried in lime juice and salt.

Learn about the pre-Columbian weaving tradition at a local workshop before re-boarding your vehicle for the return trip. Enjoy complimentary water and soft drinks on board until drop-off at your hotel.