Huatulco International Airport (HUX) |
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 International arrivals and departures are to the left and domestic flights to the right. The airport has a single runway 25/07. Runway 25 is most often the active runway. Aircraft will circle once to the left over the bays both on arrival and departure. Passengers seated on the left-hand side of the aircraft will have the best view.
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A small commuter plane depart 10am for Oaxaca in small plane. Flight time is 35 minutes (much quicker than the 8-hour drive). The return flight departs Oaxaca at 9am. US$240 round trip. (2/10)
Aerotucan is now flying daily between Oaxaca-Huatulco and Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido. Contact Vista World Travel for reservations.
 The airport is located on Hwy 200 (Carretera Costera) Km 238, 13Km/8Mi west of Huatulco. GPS for the airport entrance (NOT for aircraft navigation): 15°46.084'N 96°15.486'W
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See Transportation and car rental tips for more information.
Ground Transportation
The cost of taking a taxi from the airport is high compared to other rates in the area. The taxi ride into Huatulco is not too bad because it's not very far. Budget travelers bound for more distant points may elect to take the short walk to the airport entrance and catch a local bus or perhaps even find a taxi that is not part of the airport monopoly. For example, in 2009 it costs US$70 to take a cab from the airport to Puerto Angel. If you walk out the gate, a taxi from outside the airport is about US$20. Expect to pay about 3 times the fair rate when riding with the airport taxi bandidos. Those staying at the resort hotels will have transportation arranged and do not face this problem.
The local bus will make frequent stops and does not have a place for your baggage. Another option is to taxi into La Crucecita and take a first class bus from one of the bus stations there. Also, Viajes Diamar (954)582-0734, (954)582-0737 (fax) in Puerto Escondido offers transportation from the Huatulco Airport to Puerto Escondido for 80 pesos per person if the van is full (3/01). Puerto Escondido is about 2 hours away; call to make arrangements in advance.
Taxi drivers at the airport are aggressive and may heckle those who walk to the airport gate to avoid the steep fares. I apologize if this is your welcome experience to Oaxaca. The rest of your visit will probably be much more enjoyable.
I do have a report from one visitor who heard that travelers attempting to walk to the gate are in danger of robbery. I find this surprising since the area is rather public and subject to frequent traffic during aircraft arrivals. This sounds like a story invented by the airport taxi service.
Car rentals are available at the airport. Avoid Thrifty and Eurocar. They are expensive (almost double their competitors), fail to honor reservations, and require that you purchase extra insurance. Hertz is better.
Private Flying
While in Huatulco I also took a sightseeing flight and photographed 60 miles of the Oaxacan coastline. See Photographing the Playas. In 2008, the Huatulco airport had avgas and tiedowns (wings only) but no ropes were available. Gas may be paid for in pesos or by American Express (no Visa or Mastercard). Airport personnel were very friendly and helpful. The Comandancia office is inside the general aviation area and the Operaciones office is outside facing the tarmac. |
 landing on 25 in Huatulco |
Telephone NumbersNúmeros de Teléphonos
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Wear a HatThe airport is a lovely open-air palapa-type structure. It is advisable to wear a hat to protect against bird droppings.
Timeshare Sharks
One (02/03) impediment to passage through the airport is the timeshare sharks. These high-pressure salesmen will try to entice you to attend a presentation regarding the purchase of timeshares in a hotel, which at this time has allegedly not even been selected. These people are currently operating out of the Crown Pacific Hotel. Travelers report being delayed and ground transportation is sometimes missed. A firm NO should get you past this obstacle.
Unfortunately, with the taxi bandidos and the timeshare sharks greeting you on your arrival, your first view of Huatulco may be of its backside. I understand there will be an attempt to remedy the situation. At least from this point forward your vacation should improve.
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Tom Penick:
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