By: @TravelistaKelli

I recently spent 4 action-packed days and nights in the Mexican Pacific destination of Huatulco, home to the newest resort situated on the Conejos Bay, Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

It’s extremely rare that I get to visit a destination in Mexico that I have never visited so I was thrilled for the brand new experiences and to learn about the area’s resorts, food, people, culture and activities.

Base of a Pyramid at the Site

Walking through Copalita Eco Archaeological Park

Because I don’t want to spill all of the details of my time in Huatulco in one post, I’ll be giving it you in a few parts. Here’s part 1…

The first full day of my trip was unfortunately spent getting wet…it was pouring! Perhaps it was the aftermath of Hurricane Ernesto or just sheer bad luck, but no one was raining on my parade.

First, I visited the Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park. The park and museum just opened in 2010 and are in pristine condition. The museum showcases the evidence of human occupation that dates back 2000 years and was important to the development of the settlements on the Mexican Pacific. The actual grounds of the park are neatly organized and easy to walk, featuring pyramid bases and a ball court. During my visit a new tomb was just discovered by the archaeologists whom never stop excavating the area.

Interior of Church

Church of La Crucecita

Following was an impromptu trip to the town of La Crucecita, located only 15 minutes from Secrets Huatulco. First was a stop at the church of La Crucecita, a beautiful church honoring the Virgen of Guadalupe, the patron virgin of Mexico. The largest painting of her in the world, by Jose del Signo, adorns the ceiling in this small church.

Sabor de Oaxaca Restaurant

Next stop, the town’s square. La Crucecita is full of local restaurants and shops that makes this town and Huatulco such a cultural hot spot. The mission was the find the best tamales in Oaxaca… and they were found at The Taste of Oaxaca, or El Sabor de Oaxaca.

Mmmmm Tamales and Mole

Chapulines

The restaurant, located right in the heart of town, served true Mexican tamales accompanied by the most authentically delicious mole sauce that I have ever had the pleasure of eating…cold beers and Agua Fresca were a must as well.

Lots of Mescal

Then a sampling of the region’s claim to fame, chapulines, known to most as… grasshoppers! This local favorite food is served a variety of ways. I dined on them with chips, mole and Oaxaca cheese. Then washed the dish down with mescal, an alcoholic drink obtained from the distillation of the agave plant, which basically tastes like tequila with a smokey flavor.The tastes of the town were fantastic ways to conclude my first day in Huatulco. More from Huatulco to come, stay tuned!And for more on Huatulco and our other luxury resort destinations, follow me on Twitter @TravelistaKelli