Things To Do
in La Huerta
La Huerta, Jalisco is a small coastal municipality and town on Mexico’s Pacific coast known for relaxed beaches, fishing villages and an agricultural hinterland. The area combines palm-lined beaches, estuaries and low jungle hills, offering a quieter alternative to larger resort towns. Local life centers on small markets, family-run eateries and seasonal festivals that celebrate seafood and regional traditions.
Visitors come for beach time, boat trips to mangroves and a chance to experience authentic coastal Jalisco culture away from major tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the charming coastal town of La Huerta, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture. Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to soak in the refreshing ocean breeze. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring authentic Mexican flavors.
Spend the afternoon exploring the colorful streets of La Huerta and visiting its bustling local markets. Engage with friendly shopkeepers and sample unique handicrafts that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a hearty lunch at a beachside restaurant, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
As the sun sets, find a beautiful spot along the beach to witness a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. For dinner, indulge in a traditional Mexican feast, perhaps trying local specialties such as pozole or tacos ahogados. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, listening to the calming sound of the waves.
Start your day with a guided tour of the local museums that showcase La Huerta’s history and artistic expressions. Meet talented local artists and learn about their crafts through engaging demonstrations. Afterward, enjoy a vibrant breakfast at a local baker, sampling fresh pan dulce and coffee.
Attend a cooking class that introduces you to the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, where you’ll prepare traditional dishes using fresh local ingredients. Relish the fruits of your labor for lunch, enjoying the delicious meal you created. Post-lunch, visit local artisans and witness traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving.
In the evening, experience the rhythm of La Huerta by attending a live music performance or local dance show. Sample street food from night vendors, offering a variety of delicious bites that reflect the region's culinary diversity. Take in the lively atmosphere as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride / colectivo | $1-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.80-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic coastal atmosphere away from mass tourism
- Plenty of fresh seafood and local culinary traditions
- Good opportunities for nature activities: mangroves, birdwatching, short hikes
- Lower costs compared with major resort destinations
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end services
- Less frequent public transport and fewer direct flights — travel may require driving
- Basic medical facilities locally; serious care requires travel to a larger city
- Wet season brings heavy rains and occasional storm risks
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está la playa?" - Where is the beach?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in La Huerta
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light, colorful fishing boats and calm water make the beach ideal for sunrise landscapes and reflections.
Boat or shoreline shots of winding channels, birds and mangrove roots — great for wildlife and nature photography during golden hour.
Capture local life, market stalls, architecture and evening gatherings in the plaza around the church and municipal buildings.
Elevated viewpoints above the coastline offer sweeping panoramas of the Pacific, especially dramatic at sunset.
Vibrant color and activity in early morning fish markets and the quay where fishermen unload their catch.
Food in La Huerta
La Huerta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Light battered or grilled local fish served in corn tortillas with cabbage, salsa and lime; widely available at beachfront stands and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Raw fish or shrimp 'cooked' in citrus with onion, tomato and cilantro — refreshing and common in coastal eateries and markets.
A regional grilled fish preparation with smoky char and a tangy adobo — served at popular seaside grills and family-run restaurantes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Town market offering fresh seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, prepared foods like tamales and quesadillas, and coffee; perfect for breakfast and sampling local flavors.
Small palapas and street vendors near the sand selling tacos de pescado, ceviche, grilled corn and aguas frescas — great for casual, affordable eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings go a long way — say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' and use a friendly tone. A handshake is common for new acquaintances; in small towns people are warm and conversational.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or community events, and ask before photographing people in private settings. Participate respectfully in local festivities and observe any community rules at beaches and natural areas.
Bargaining is acceptable in local markets and with street vendors but do so politely. A friendly conversation and small purchase often leads to a fair price without hard bargaining.
Safety
Tipping in La Huerta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is common if service is good; small cash tips for porterage, housekeeping and guides (20–50 MXN) are customary. For taxi drivers, round up the fare or add a small tip; for tours and boat operators tip guides according to the level of service.
Cash (Mexican pesos) is widely used, especially at markets, street stalls and small restaurants. Major hotels, some restaurants and larger shops accept cards, but connectivity can be unreliable; carry cash for rural purchases. ATMs are available in larger towns, though fees may apply — bring a backup card and notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often high; the rainy season intensifies from late spring into summer with afternoon thunderstorms. Beaches are warm but watch for occasional rough surf and rip currents; mosquitoes increase, so bring repellent. Summer is lively locally and often less crowded than holiday peaks in other resort towns.
Transition period with lingering rains early on and gradually more settled weather; warm days and cooler nights make outdoor activities pleasant. Hurricane season technically runs into autumn, so monitor local weather and travel advisories. Migratory birds can be seen in estuaries as seasons shift.
Dry-season months bring sunny, comfortable days and cooler evenings — ideal for beach time and hiking. This period sees the most stable weather and is popular with visitors seeking warmth without extreme humidity. Nights can be noticeably cooler inland and on hilltops.
Warming temperatures, blooming vegetation and low-to-moderate humidity before the rains; a pleasant time for outdoor exploration. Occasional windy days and early showers may occur later in the season.
La Huerta at Night
Hiking in La Huerta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails above the shoreline offering panoramic views of the Pacific, best at sunrise or sunset for photography.
Flat, easy walking routes along estuary edges and mangrove channels — ideal for birdwatching and gentle nature exploration.
Rural tracks through farmland and low hills where walkers can observe local agriculture, small pueblos and native flora; good for moderate hikes and cultural immersion.
Airports
How to reach La Huerta by plane.
Major international airport with many connections; travel time by road varies but is typically a few hours depending on where you are in the municipality. Good option for international arrivals and car rentals.
Regional airport serving the Colima/Manzanillo area with some domestic flights; driving time is often shorter than to more distant hubs for western parts of the municipality.
Major inland international airport serving Jalisco with many national and international flights; expect a longer drive (several hours) but useful for broader connectivity and international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families involved in fishing, agriculture and small commerce make up much of the population and maintain many regional traditions.
Communities whose livelihoods are based on the sea and surrounding agricultural land — key participants in local markets and cuisine.
A modest number of expatriates and retirees choose the quieter coastal towns for seasonal or permanent residence, contributing to local services and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local pickup games and community matches are common and central to social life.
Both a livelihood and a recreational activity; sport fishing excursions are available and local competitions may occur seasonally.
Informal beach volleyball games and activities like surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Huerta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in major cities. Ask for vegetable-based tacos, grilled corn, rice, beans, salads and dishes based on local produce; many restaurants will adapt mains if you explain your needs. Carry snacks if you rely on specific vegetarian staples.