La Ventanilla
The Basics
Beginning in the 90s, the previously quiet La Ventanilla village began to establish itself as an ecotourism destination. Now, the region attracts visitors keen to get back to nature on the Oaxacan coast. Half- or full-day tours departing from Huatulco allow you to canoe through the mangroves, horseback ride along the beach, or visit crocodile farms. Some tours also combine La Ventanilla with stops at cacao factories, nearby Mazunte, or popular beaches such as Zipolite.
Things to Know Before You Go
Most visits to La Ventanilla include a canoe ride through the mangroves and horseback riding; combo excursions are a good way to maximize your time.
Expect to see crocodiles and other flora and fauna lurking in the lagoon during a canoe ride; the lagoon must be visited with a local guide.
Dolphins can be seen off the coast during the rainy season, while turtles usually spawn in and around La Ventanilla between July and December.
The seas can be rough around La Ventanilla beach and there are typically no lifeguards on duty.
La Ventanilla is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
La Ventanilla is situated on the Costa Chica of Oaxaca, just 66 miles (107 kilometers) from nearby Huatulco and 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Mazunte. While you can reach La Ventanilla by private vehicle, most people visit as part of an organized tour from Huatulco or Mazunte for extra convenience.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
La Ventanilla is accessible year-round, although many activities are best enjoyed seasonally. For the most pleasant weather, both spring and fall are ideal, although turtles are typically around between July and December. Summer is the rainy season, which can also see hurricanes on the Oaxacan coast, but does bring more dolphin-spotting opportunities. Meanwhile, winter is the peak season in the region.
Best Beaches in Oaxaca
After a day enjoying all that La Ventanilla has to offer, make time to visit some of Oaxaca’s best beaches. Puerto Escondido—9 miles (15 kilometers) west—and its surrounding shorelines are a must for beach bums, and Zipolite is a nearby clothing optional option. Meanwhile, surf fans won’t be able to get enough of Zicatela Beach, a long-time favorite for strong swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
- Copalita River (Río Copalita)
- Finca La Gloria
- Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
- Zipolite Beach (Playa Zipolite)
- Huatulco National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco)
- La Crucecita
- Órgano Bay (Bahía Órgano)
- Tangolunda Bay (Bahía Tangolunda)
- Santa Cruz Bay (Bahía Santa Cruz)
- Copalita Ecological Park and Ruins (Parque Eco Arqueológico Copalita)
- Playa La Entrega (La Entrega Bay)
- Maguey Bay (Bahía Maguey)
- Chachacual Bay
- San Agustin Bay (Bahía San Agustín)