Oaxaca...

Oaxaca City is located in Mexico’s southern region in the middle of a zone surrounded by four valleys. Behind the valleys lie three important mountain ranges, which keep the climate mild with an average temperature of 18º C (64º F).
In this city, the capital of the state of Oaxaca, you can admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings in the Centro Historico (Historic Center), which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The edifices include la Catedral (The Cathedral), el Templo y ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzman (The Temple and Ex-Convent of Saint Domingo de Guzman), la Basilica de la Soledad (The Basilica of Solitude) and el Teatro Macedonio Alcala (The Macedonio Alcala Theater), among other magnificent colonial and 19th-century constructions.

As you visit the main plaza, the numerous establishments surrounding the Historic Center, and the traditional markets, such as Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre, you’ll find all kinds of crafts that come from various regions of Oaxaca. Among the most popular crafts are the colorful alebrijes, swords, wool garments and beautiful black pottery. At some of the more traditional places you can try the delicious local fare, such as tamales, mole dishes and Oaxacan cheese. Another favorite is Oaxaca’s famous mezcal, a regional alcoholic beverage made from the maguey plant.

In the city’s surrounding areas, you can visit archaeological zones Monte Alban and Mitla, pre-Hispanic capitals of the Zapotec and Mixtec people. If you visit the town of Santa Maria de Tule, you can marvel at the famous Arbol del Tule (Tule Tree). What’s more, the magnificent natural scenery at Parque Nacional Benito Juarez and the spectacular fossilized waterfalls at Hierve el Agua are certain to impress you. All of these places are relatively close to Oaxaca City, one of Mexico’s most charming cities.

ECOTOURISM
In Oaxaca City’s surrounding areas you’ll find nature reserves and other areas that are ideal for observing flora and fauna. The experience puts you in direct contact with nature, allowing you to enjoy the excellent scenery of the Oaxacan sierras.

Santa Maria de Tule – Located 12 km (7 mi) east of Oaxaca City off Highway 190. Here you’ll find the legendary Arbol de Tule (Tule Tree), which is more than 2,000 years old and measures 42 meters (139 feet) in diameter, 40 meters (132 feet) tall and 750m3 in volume. Some of the branches appear to have the forms of human silhouettes, animals and fantastic creatures.

Sierra de Ixtlan – Located 68 km (42 mi) northeast of Oaxaca off Highway 175 in the direction of Ixtlan de Juarez. This beautiful place has more than 6,000 plant varieties, many of which are indigenous species. It is the ideal spot for researchers and nature enthusiasts.

Teotitlan del Valle – Located 27 km (17 mi) southeast of Oaxaca City off Highway 190. This is the perfect spot for bird watching, particularly during the month of January when it’s common to see herons, kingfishers and other migratory birds from Canada.

Hierve el Agua – In addition to the incredible scenery of the sulfuric springs, here you can also observe endemic flora and fauna.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Oaxaca City’s environs offer magnificent natural settings where you can go trekking and horseback riding. The experience puts you in close contact with nature and allows you to learn about the customs and traditions of some of the communities that you’ll visit.

Santa Ana del Valle – Located 34 km (21 mi) east of Oaxaca off Highway 190 in the direction of Tlacolula. This ecotourism route passes through various communities and the archaeological zones of Tlacolula Valley.

Parque Nacional Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez National Park) – Located 7 km (4 mi) north of Oaxaca City off Highway 190. This national park covers 2,737 hectares (6,760 acres), including the Cerro del Fortin, which hosts the annual regional dances of La Guelaguetza. At this place you can go trekking or horseback riding along various paths that allow you to enjoy one of the best views of the city.

Hierve el Agua – In addition to admiring the natural wonders here, you can also go trekking or horseback riding on safe trails that lead to sulfuric springs.

ARCHAEOLOGYNear Oaxaca City you can visit ancient ceremonial centers of the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, the people that inhabited the territory of present-day Oaxaca during the pre-Hispanic era. Among the most important sites are:

Monte Alban – Located 10 km (6 mi) southwest of Oaxaca City off the state highway. This was the most important pre-Hispanic capital in the Oaxaca Valley region during the classical period (400—800 AD), when it was inhabited by the Zapotecs. The area was abandoned in 800 AD and later became occupied by the Mixtecs during the postclassical period (1,300—1521 AD). The Mixtecs used some of the existing constructions as tombs for their rulers. Among the most important constructions at this site are: la Gran Plaza, which is surrounded by various structures that have been identified as rooms, burial sites and tombs; el Juego de la Pelota; el Edificio de los Danzantes; el Palacio; Plataforma Sur and Tumba 7, where a remarkable treasure was discovered that is currently on display at the Oaxaca Museum of Culture. Other significant structures include buildings J, G, H and I, where it is believed that astronomy was practiced. Because of its important cultural development and its monumental architecture, the UNESCO declared this archaeological zone a World Heritage Site in 1987. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Mitla – Located 48 km (30 mi) southeast of Oaxaca City off Federal Highway 190. This place was one of the most important Zapotec ceremonial centers. It reached its height in 1200 AD when the Mixtecs moved in and built some of the most important structures. Among those is the Grupo de las Columnas, where you’ll find the Gran Plaza de Pezelao, one of the most beautiful architectural complexes of Mesoamerica. This construction has multiple frets, an identifying characteristic of Mixtec architecture. Open daily from 10:00 to 5:00.

Dainzu – Located 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Oaxaca City along Highway 190 in the direction of Istmo de Tehuantepec. The name of this ancient Zapotec ceremonial center means Organ Hill. It was inhabited from 600 – 1200 AD. The architectural complex includes three edifices linked by stairs, terraces, courtyards and rooms. One of the more interesting sights to see here are carvings that depict the violent activities of a ball game.

Lambityeco – Located 28 km (17 mi) southeast of Oaxaca City of Highway 190. This site of Zapotec influence reached its height between 700 – 750 AD. Its principal structures are the Palacio de los Caciques, a tomb where the late rulers were buried, and the Palacio de los Sacerdotes, where you can see two large stucco masks with the image of Cocijo, the Zapotec rain god. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Yagul – Located 36 km (22 mi) southeast of Oaxaca City off Highway 190 in the direction of the Istmo de Tehuatepec. This urban center reached its height in 800 AD. It was one of the most important Zapotec capitals. Here you’ll see numerous courtyards, rooms and tombs laid out on a large platform. You’ll also get a look at the remains of the Palacio de los Seis Patios and the Juego de Pelota, considered the largest ball court in the Oaxaca region and the second largest of Mesoamerica. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
As you walk through the streets of Oaxaca City you’ll discover beautiful civic and religious buildings, particularly in the Historic Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO due to the artistic and cultural value of the following buildings:

Plaza de la Constitucion – Located between Hidalgo, Trujano, Flores Magon and Bustamente streets, in the Historic Center. The main sights here are the corridors lining the plaza and the art nouveau-style pavilion, which takes you back to the Porfirian era at the beginning of the 20th century.

Palacio de Gobierno – Located at Avenida Guerrero and Miguel Cabrera, this building with a neoclassical façade houses an important collection of murals by artist Arturo Garcia Bustos. The murals chronicle the history of pre-Hispanic Oaxaca, the conquest and independence. They also depict the formation of the universe and ancient indigenous beliefs. Open daily from 10:00 to 6:00.

Alameda de Leon – Located on Independence Street in the Historic Center. This place was once a small plaza called Cantaros (pitchers) because it was an area where potters sold their wares. Alameda was inaugurated as a garden in 1843 in honor of General Antonio de Leon.

Catedral (Cathedral) – Located beside the Alameda de Leon in the Historic Center. This is the city’s most important church. Construction began in 1535 as a headquarters for bishops and it was finished in 1574. The Baroque-style façade has sculptures of Catholic saints, which surround a beautiful relief depicting the Assumption of Mary. It is a replica of a painting by El Tiziano. Inside you can admire numerous works of art, images and relics of the 19th century, such as the remains of the famous Cross of Huatulco, a legendary symbol of faith for Oaxaca’s coastal residents. Open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Templo y Ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzman – Located on Macedonio Alcala Street in the Historic Center. Considered one of the architectural marvels of the city, this complex stands out for the temple’s façade, which has three main bodies. Inside the recently remodeled Baroque architecture features a principal altarpiece in the nave, 10 chapels and a large dome with 104 paintings of religious martyrs. The paintings were done between the 16th and 18th centuries. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 8:00.

Templo de San Felipe Neri – Located on Avenida Independencia, at Tinoco y Palacios Street in the Historic Center. The Baroque-style façade is constructed with three main bodies and a crest. Former Mexican President Benito Juarez and Margarita Maza, a Oaxaca native who helped the poor, were married at this site in the 19th century. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.

Basilica de la Soledad – Located on Avenida Independencia, near the Jardin Socrates. This 17th-century construction is one of the most important examples of religious architecture during the Viceregal era in Oaxaca. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.

MUSEUMS
Oaxaca City has a wide variety of museums with an extensive collection of archaeological, historical and artistic pieces from Oaxaca. Among the most important are:

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Museum) – Located at 202 Macedonio Alcala, north of the Historic Center. This legendary building, which was allegedly inhabited by conquistador Hernan Cortes, is currently one of the most important examples of civic architecture during Oaxaca’s Viceregal era.

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Museum of Oaxacan Culture) – Located inside the Ex-Convent de Santo Domingo de Guzman, on Macedonio Alcala Street, at the corner of Adolfo Gurrion. Part of the exhibit at this museum focuses on an important collection of regional pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces. Archaeologist Alfonso Caso found many of the objects at Tumba 7 in Monte Alban. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 8:00.

Museo de Arte Prehispanico Rufino Tamayo (Pre-Hispanic Museum of Art) – Located at 503 Avenida Morelos, this museum houses an important collection of nearly 1,000 pre-Hispanic objects that were collected over a 20-year period by famed Oaxacan painter Rufino Tamayo. Open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 to 2:00 and 4:00 to 7:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 8:00.

Museo Casa de Juarez (Juarez Museum) – Located at 609 6a. calle de Garcia Vigil. In the rooms at this museum you can see some of the personal items of former Mexican President Benito Juarez, such as documents from the War of Independence, the Reform movement and the era of French intervention. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00to 7:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Centro Fotografico Manuel Alvarez Bravo (Photography Museum) – Located at 302 Murguia Street. In this 18th-century house, you’ll find photo exhibits, retrospectives and a library that includes the works of Mexican photographer Manuel Alvarez Bravo. Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 8:00 and Saturday from 9:30 to 3:00.

Instituto de Artes Graficas de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Graphic Arts Institute) – Located at 507 Macedonio Alcala. Donated by painter Francisco Toledo, this graphic arts institute houses a collection of renowned Mexican and international artists, such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, Rufino Tamayo and Alfredo Zalce, among others. Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 8:00.

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
Oaxaca City has numerous festivities that are the product of 500 years of traditions and syncretism, thanks to the blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures. One of the most important celebrations is the Guelaguetza, a celebration of pre-Hispanic agriculture. At the end of July, the region’s pre-Hispanic people would thank the gods for the rains and harvests. The present-day festivity is a colorful fiesta that brings together residents of indigenous communities. During the celebration they wear traditional garb and dance to show their appreciation for the help they have received from the gods. Other important celebrations are Todos los Santos and Los Fieles Difuntos, a Day of the Dead festivity that takes place on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This is the time of year when the living pay respect to their deceased loved ones. They do so by placing flowers at gravesites and offering food and drinks to the dead. Noche de Rabanos, another key date, is celebrated on Dec. 23 at the Plaza de la Constitucion. City residents come together on this special day to display curious radish sculptures.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
In Oaxaca City’s plazas, stores and traditional markets you’ll find all kinds of crafts that are the fruit of 2,000 years of creation and evolution. They come from various regions in the state of Oaxaca. Among the many objects you’ll find are alebrijes, which are colorful wooden figures of fantastic creatures. You can also purchase swords, elegant jewelry and lovely block pottery, which you can buy in the Benito Juarez market on the corner of Cristobal Colon and 20 de Noviembre, or at the market of Artesanias, which you’ll find at the southern end of the market on J.P. Garcia and Zargoza streets.

GASTRONOMY
Oaxaca City is famous for its strong culinary tradition, which is a fusion of indigenous and Spanish cuisine. Among the most popular dishes you can try are the tamales, prepared with corn dough and stuffed with mole or pork and wrapped in banana leaves. Mole, a rich mixture of spices, grains and chili peppers, is the king of Oaxacan cuisine. It comes in seven different varieties, depending on the kinds of ingredients and chili peppers used when it is prepared. Normally it is used as a sauce to top chicken or pork dishes and it comes accompanied with rice and beans. Also popular is Oaxaca’s famous cheese, a stringy cheese that is rolled into the form of a ball. You can eat this as a snack or it may come melted in various dishes. For more eccentric tastes, you can try the fried grasshoppers or maguey worms in salsa. These peculiar treats are usually served in tacos. Wash it down with some delicious agua de arroz (rice water) or agua de chia (sage water). There’s also the traditional tejate, a mix of cocoa and corn. For an after-dinner drink, order a shot of mezcal, a regional alcoholic beverage made in Oaxaca from the maguey plant.

SPASIn Oaxaca City you can enjoy the exclusive spa services offered by the city’s best hotels. Experienced staff members will give you a relaxing massage with oils and fragrances while they prepare a temazcal steam bath (a traditional pre-Hispanic steam bath). The treatment occurs in a special room heated by rocks where aromatic herbs are vaporized. The experience will help you rid your body and mind of toxins.

Petit Spa – Located at 21 Avenida Hidalgo in the Hotel Hacienda Los Laurales. At this exclusive facility you can enjoy select treatments of aromatherapy, therapeutic massages and a temazcal steam bath, which allows you to recuperate the energy you’ll need to continue touring the city and its environs.

Casa de las Bugambilias – Located at 402 Reforma in the Casa de las Bugambilias Hotel. Offers the best treatments and massages, such as temazcal steam baths for the relaxation of the mind and body.

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