Right point break paradise near Huatulco, Mexico on a budget

One of my favorite waves on earth, Barra de la Cruz or "La Ola Perfecta," is a peeling right hand point break in southern Mexico with beautiful tubes. I waited a long time to finally check out this wave because it is more for intermediate to advanced surfers, and definitely better for shortboards than longboards. It’s an amazing spot for solo female travelers - especially surfer girls that want to go in the smaller wave season (Oct-March) -  because the vibe is mellow and they even have a designated two hours every Sunday for women and kids, ONLY!

The town of Barra is super mellow and small, so if you are not a surfer you probably won't end up here because it is pretty sleepy during the heat of the day. The smallness makes it feel very authentic and close to nature and you are sure to leave with friends, both locals and travelers, as long as you show up respectfully and share the good vibes.

GETTING THERE

First, you will need to get to the small city of Huatulco. The layout is a little confusing because there are several areas called Huatulco, but the main city center is also locally known as La Crucecita.

Fly to Huatulco

This tiny, accessible airport is super easy if you’re flying from elsewhere in Mexico. I flew into here, then walked 200 m out of the airport and caught the public bus going south to get to the main transportation hub, Central Camionera.

Bus from Oaxaca or Puerto Escondido

If you are coming from Oaxaca City or Puerto Escondido, it’s an easy ride on a bus or sprinter van thanks to the brand new highway that opened earlier this year, shortening a windy 10 hour journey to just 3 hours!

Bus from San Cristobal de las Casas

If you are already on the typical backpacker route and in Chiapas, you may want to take an overnight bus to Huatulco. From Huatulco, you could work your way to Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca City.

Take a private or shared taxi to the pueblo

Once in Huatulco and you want to get to Barra de la Cruz, make sure to get to the Central Camionera. 

I believe a private taxi is about 500-600 pesos, a very solid rate considering the journey and if you have extra baggage. I am not positive, but I imagine most taxis would be able to accommodate you if you are traveling with surfboards, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to carry straps with you.

Or if you want to travel like the locals, you can take a shared colectivo taxi to Barra de la Cruz, running most the day until around 5pm. It is about a 30 minute ride for about 50 pesos, if I recall correctly. You just need to wait until enough people show up to fill up the ride, and you’ll be on your way! If you know where you’re staying, either by the name of the person or the approximate streets, they can drop you at your door.

WHERE TO STAY

I really love Barra de la Cruz because it has stayed very locally owned and operated, in part thanks to the usos y costumbres system in Mexico which allows indigenous communities to co-own and manage their land. A large portion of communities in Oaxaca’s are governed by this system. Because of this, it also means that you cannot stay beach front in Barra de la Cruz as people can’t own or build property on the main beach, so you have to enjoy the approximately 1 mile walk to and from every time. 

If you prefer, you can always find a bike, motorbike, or hire a taxi or mototaxi to get out there!

That being said, I stayed with a local surfer, Eric, and he was the best host I have ever had in Mexico! He took me to the beach sometimes when he was surfing, amde sure I knew my way around, and introduced me to people. If you send him a message on instagram or Whatsapp, he can share really economical options starting from 350 pesos (about $20) for a private room for night. Not to mention set you up with taxis, photos, and everything you would need for your stay.

Barra is very affordable compared to other destinations in Mexico, for the cost of what most dorm beds would be in a hostel, you get your own room here. If you don't want to go with my recommendation, you should get on Google Maps and message hosts directly on homestays there!

GOING SURFING

As mentioned, you got to trek out the beach here, as well as pay 100 pesos every time you surf. This fee goes back to the community to help maintain the public and free spaces they provide at the beach. For perspective, many people come from out of town to surf the wave and don't even stay the night in Barra, so this is one small way to make sure that travelers invest back in the community.

As you crest over the hill, if there's a good swell in the water you will be amazed by the site of right hand waves lined up over the horizon. Down at the bottom of the hill, you'll find a little store and restaurant where you can get a pre or post surf snack. Walk a little farther on the beach and you'll find hundreds of boards to rent-- mostly at an hourly or daily rate-- so if you aren't traveling with a board, it is easy to find the right thing!

And then you're out there! I was intimidated to paddle out at first but once I was in the line up and caught my first wave, I was beyond stoked! There were so many girls surfing out there in late October when I visited, and I pretty much avoided the main peak and sat more inside of the wave while I tested the waters.

As a peeling point, you can sit along a pretty wide area so don't feel you have to paddle battle at the peak. I've heard it can get really competitive, especially on a swell, so my words might not always hold true but that's again why I recommend surfing the shoulder season, when it's consistent but not too big.

WHERE TO EAT

I only got to stay in Barra for a few nights because I found another beach town in Mexico that I fell in love with... but still did get to try a few nice spots in town!

You should definitely look to stay in a place with a kitchen because the food options area are a little scarce, but you can stock up at any tienda in town for the essentials.

El Viejon sold me a chicken burger that lasted me two whole meals and was a banging price!

Every surfer ends up at Las Gemelas every night for beers and some light food. Be there or be square. The photographers will show up and sell you your perfect surf shot, too! Didn't see too much in the area of cutesy coffee shops, so digital nomads this probably not the best place for you if that's what you're looking for.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

With a surf, sleep, repeat lifestyle, you may be itching to do something a little different depending on how long you stay in Barra. Huatulco is a small resort city with gorgeous views that you have to pass through anyways, and I think it's totally worthwhile to stay a couple nights as well. Of the touristic beach towns I know in Mexico (ie Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo, etc), this is one of the most lowkey and affordable that I've seen, and you are much more likely to hear Spanish speakers than English speakers which is refreshing.

I ended up getting stay with my dear friend Bruce at a beachside hotel since invited me on a fishing expedition, so I couldn't pass up that opportunity!

What to do in Huatulco

Charming town center and market

This area, known as La Crucecita, is super laid back, safe, and feels like a very authentic small Mexican city. It is all fairly walkable, or you can hail a colectivo van or taxi for just a few pesos around the city.

So many beautiful beaches

Get lost in the coves and bays that are great for snorkeling or scuba diving! While this part of town has much calmer waves, diving enthusiasts come from all over to enjoy the marine life.

Visit Puerto Escondido

A classic stop on the backpackers journey, you won't wanna miss it! I much prefer surfing in Barra, but you're more likely to find parties and beginner surf lessons in Puerto Escondido. You can read my surf guide or my general tips here.

Spend a day in Mazunte and nearby towns.

On the way to Puerto Escondido heading north, you will pass a beautiful strip of coastline made up of several towns that are worth a night or a longer daytrip (not great surf, but fun and mellow vibes).

Stay in a surf resort or do a guided surf trip in Salina Cruz region.

As you go further south from Barra de la Cruz, there are so many more epic right hand points but they are much less accessible and most people visit with local guides.

This is on my bucket list for sure! When I eventually go, I am looking at booking directly with

Punta Chipehua Surf Camp or Punta Conejo Resort.

IN SUM

I love Barra de la Cruz and the Oaxacan coastline and if you are looking for a place in Mexico that has great weather, kind people, and a very vibrant culture, this is where you wanna go. As always, tread with respect and be sure to put your money back to the local community whenever possible. Feliz viaje!

Me, at sea in Huatulco, after the boys caught all the 100 lbs fish