September 16: Mexican Independence Day
October 12: Dia De la Raza

Current exchange rate is $1USD=9.076 Pesos

One of the largest coral deposits on the North American coast is found in Huatulco. Some of the best dive and snorkel sites are the reefs at La Entrega, Riscalillo, and San Agustin beaches. 

Bike rental, golf, chartered boat cruises, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and horseback riding are all popular activities in and around Huatulco. Local tour operators and sports outfitters will supply you with equipment and guides as needed.

Several agencies in Huatulco organize tours by kayak, raft or canoe along the Copalita and Zimatan rivers. They range from Class I floats to Class IV white water adventures.

Bargaining in the markets and with vendors is expected, but don’t count on a dramatic drop in the quoted price. Merchants have a long-term perspective regarding tourism, and they usually start with fair prices. Merchants may give you a discount if you buy several items. Most formal shops have fixed prices and do not bargain.

Be aware that the local shops recommended by tour operators and taxi drivers generally pay for the privilege. Prices at the shops recommended by these sources may be somewhat higher than other stores, but usually offer a money-back guarantee, valid for 30 days. As always and everywhere, buyer beware.

Shopping Hours: Daily 9 am-9 pm. But hours do change, depending on the season. Some smaller shops close for lunch, and some close on Sundays.

Archaeological artifacts: Some shops may offer archaeological items, but beware that these may not be real. Authentic relics cannot be exported legally from the country. Reputable stores and museum shops offer quality reproductions of artifacts. 

Ceramics: A wide variety of unique pottery is available, produced at both low temperature and high temperature. Low temperature pottery is normally a lighter weight than high temperature, but you can tell the difference by carefully flicking a fingernail against the item. High temperature pottery will create a ring something like the sound of a bell, while low temperature pottery creates a more solid sound similar to wood. Also be aware that low temperature pottery often contains lead, which is toxic to humans, especially pottery finished in a green glaze that can release the lead. Be especially careful to avoid using this pottery with any food or drink and to ensure the pottery is not accessible to children who may put the item to their mouth. 

Copper: Quality copper items are usually rather heavy. To tell if the item only has a copper paint finish (and is not solid copper), find a less visible spot on the item and scratch with a fingernail to see if the copper finish comes off. 

Silver: Mexico has a law that makes it mandatory to stamp silver with the markings "sterling" or ".925." These indicate that the item has 925 grams of silver in every 1000 grams (the rest being copper). Items of higher purity can also be found. Watch for similar but slightly different markings meant to fool you. 

Textiles: Bright colored clothing can be a warning sign in Mexico. Less expensive dyes are offered bright, and will run or fade when washed. Try dry cleaning or washing carefully in cold water to maintain the color of the items you purchase. Purple is one color that often ends up being a problem with running or fading. 

Wool: Checking to see if an item is truly wool can be difficult. One surefire method to tell the difference between wool (and cotton) and synthetic fabrics is to test them against an open flame. Wool will burn to ash, while synthetics will melt. Higher quality wool items are often more tightly woven and thus heavier.