Plaza Principal La Crucecita Huatulco
The vibrant heart of Huatulco, offering lively evenings, local crafts, delicious street food, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps and lively atmosphere
Plaza Principal La Crucecita Huatulco
Best Time
Cooler temps and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The vibrant heart of Huatulco, offering lively evenings, local crafts, delicious street food, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
"This place is beautiful from the iguanas that live in the trees and the beautiful friendly people. Love this park!"
🤝 Sweet & Helpful Locals
Don't be shy to interact! Shop owners are very sweet and eager to help, even with limited English. :heart:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Delight
Try the fresh coconut water opened with a machete by vendors like Sergio. Perfect for hot weather! :coconut:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Iglesia de Crucesita
Across from the plaza
A beautiful church with stunning artwork, offering a glimpse into local culture and spirituality.
Mercado Tres de Mayo
Across from the church
A vibrant open-air market filled with local crafts, produce, and a true taste of Huatulco's daily life.
Evening Plaza Ambiance
Plaza Principal
Experience the heart of Huatulco as locals gather to relax, enjoy street food, and cool off in the evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Strolls & Local Flavors
Market & Artisan Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Sweet & Helpful Locals
Don't be shy to interact! Shop owners are very sweet and eager to help, even with limited English. :heart:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Delight
Try the fresh coconut water opened with a machete by vendors like Sergio. Perfect for hot weather! :coconut:
🛍️ Market Treasures
Explore Mercado Tres de Mayo for unique local crafts and souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🌳 Iguana Spotting
Keep an eye out for iguanas in the trees around the plaza – they're part of the local charm! :lizard:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Sweet & Helpful Locals
Don't be shy to interact! Shop owners are very sweet and eager to help, even with limited English. :heart:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Delight
Try the fresh coconut water opened with a machete by vendors like Sergio. Perfect for hot weather! :coconut:
🛍️ Market Treasures
Explore Mercado Tres de Mayo for unique local crafts and souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🌳 Iguana Spotting
Keep an eye out for iguanas in the trees around the plaza – they're part of the local charm! :lizard:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Plaza Principal La Crucecita to be a charming and safe central hub, especially lively in the evenings. It's praised for its friendly locals, vibrant market, and refreshing street food options like fresh coconut water. While some shops may have limited English speakers, the overall experience is warm and welcoming.
"You won't want to miss La Iglesia de Crucesita. We took a tour to get here. It is across from a plaza that has multiple shops around the Plaza and area. There is a large market, Tres de Mayo, across from the church. Many shop owners do not speak much English, but are very sweet and willing to help in anyway. I wanted to see the open air church right after you get off the ship in Santa Cruz. However, it was closed for renovation."
Shauna Barnhurst
"Cute little centro area. The Mercado, church with beautiful art work, restaurants, and stores are great ways to experience some of the best huatulco has to offer."
Sabrina Parker
"This place is beautiful from the iguanas that live in the trees and the beautiful friendly people. People come here in the evening to cool off and enjoy the evening love this park vety safe."
Denise Schreyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza Principal La Crucecita is easily accessible. If you're arriving by cruise ship, many tours will take you directly there. Otherwise, taxis are readily available from hotels and other areas of Huatulco. Free street parking is also often available nearby.
Yes, the plaza itself is very walkable and is the central hub for exploring the surrounding shops and restaurants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza Principal La Crucecita is a public space and there is no entrance fee to visit.
Shops and the market generally operate during daylight hours and into the evening, especially on weekends. The plaza itself is always accessible. It's best to check specific vendor hours if you have a particular shop in mind.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the lively evening atmosphere, sample street food, browse shops and the market, visit La Iglesia de Crucesita, and simply relax on the benches.
Yes, there are concrete sitting benches available under the trees, providing a nice spot to rest and people-watch.
The plaza is considered very safe, especially in the evenings when people gather to cool off and enjoy the atmosphere.
Yes, many visitors report seeing iguanas in the trees around the plaza, adding to the natural charm of the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of options, including street food vendors selling treats like fresas con crema, as well as restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
The area surrounding the plaza is dotted with numerous restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets.
Look for vendors like Sergio who expertly open fresh coconuts with a machete. It's a refreshing treat on a warm day.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant market scenes, the beautiful artwork inside La Iglesia de Crucesita, the lively evening ambiance, and the unique street food vendors.
The golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting, and the evenings are great for capturing the lively atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will likely be fascinated by the iguanas in the trees and the lively atmosphere of the market. Trying street food like fresas con crema can be a fun culinary adventure for them. The church also offers a quiet moment of cultural exploration.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Browsing the Mercado Tres de Mayo can yield great souvenir finds without breaking the bank, and many restaurants around the plaza offer reasonably priced meals. It's a place where you can experience the local culture without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Huatulco: Plaza Principal
Surrounding the plaza, you'll find a delightful array of shops and restaurants. From souvenir stalls to eateries serving local specialties, there's something to satisfy every interest. Don't miss the chance to try fresh coconut water, expertly opened by vendors with a machete – a truly refreshing experience.
This central plaza is also home to La Iglesia de Crucesita, a church known for its beautiful artwork, and is adjacent to the bustling Mercado Tres de Mayo. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pulse of Huatulco and experience its welcoming community spirit.
Exploring Mercado Tres de Mayo
While many vendors may have limited English proficiency, their warmth and willingness to assist visitors are consistently highlighted. Engaging with them, even with gestures, can lead to delightful discoveries and a more authentic shopping experience. Be prepared to haggle respectfully, as is common in many local markets.
The market is a microcosm of daily life in Huatulco, offering a glimpse into the local economy and the vibrant community. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and find authentic treasures to take home.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit