Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hah-kah), a city located about 300 miles south of Mexico City, is the capital of the state of the same name. Oaxaca city’s pleasantly mild climate, due to its altitude of 5000 feet above sea level, is but one many reasons to visit. Rich in history and culture, Oaxaca is a fascinating destination where you can appreciate ancient civilizations, colonial art and architecture and vibrant cultural traditions. You needn’t be concerned about safety here; Oaxaca is one of the safest Mexican tourist destinations you could choose.
Oaxaca city was founded in 1529, but the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times; some of the earliest known evidence of domesticated plants in the Americas was found within the valley of Oaxaca. Monte Alban archaeological site, located on a spectacular mountaintop setting, about 16 km (ten miles) west of Oaxaca city, was the capital of the Zapotec civilization from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. It is the most important archaeological site to visit in Oaxaca, but there are several others that are also well worth your time, such as Mitla, Yagul, and Dainzu.
The layout of Oaxaca city follows the traditional colonial town plan, with its zocalo (main square) surrounded by the cathedral and government buildings. Many of the city’s colonial-era buildings, dating from the 16th century, have been exquisitely restored and now house galleries, museums, hotels, and restaurants.
Oaxaca’s history is strongly felt, but its present day life and culture are very vibrant and colorful, as you will experience through the fiestas, food, handicrafts and markets. Among the many important fiestas that take place in Oaxaca city throughout the year, some that stand out are the Guelaguetza, Day of the Dead, and Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes).
Oaxaca is renowned for its cuisine with culinary specialties including mole, a rich sauce made of ground chilies and a multitude of other ingredients; a local type of string cheese called quesillo; large tortillas called tlayudas; and spicy fried grasshoppers known as chapulines. Try traditional Mexican hot chocolate or sample mezcal, an alcoholic beverage, which like tequila, is made from the agave plant. Many visitors to Oaxaca choose to take a cooking class.
Looking for handicrafts? Many of the villages surrounding Oaxaca city specialize in different types of crafts, including ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, and tin work. You can purchase crafts in the city shops and markets, or go to the villages to meet the craftspeople and see them at work.
Extraordinary cuisine, unique handicrafts, fascinating archeological sites, colonial architecture, vibrant villages and the welcoming locals with their deep-rooted traditions all combine to make Oaxaca one of the most enchanting places to visit in Mexico. Not to be missed!
By Air
The airport, “Xoxocotlán” International Airport (OAX), is 5 miles south of Oaxaca City. The airport has a small restaurant in the second floor, souvenir shops, a bar and three rental car agencies. The State of Oaxaca has three international airports: Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. There is direct international service to Oaxaca City from Los Angeles (via “red-eye”).
Travelers normally arrive via connections made in Mexico City, by Mexicana and Aeromexico Airlines. From Oaxaca City there is also service to Villahermosa, Tabasco; Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas; Mérida, Yucatán; and Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.
This allows visitors to Oaxaca to enjoy easy connections to a beach vacation, or to Mexico s archaeologically rich southern States of Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán.
By Land
If you choose to drive your car or a rental car to Oaxaca, please check with a Mexican consulate for all rules & regulations before you leave. A new toll road now arrives from Mexico City/Puebla. Remember Mexican car insurance is mandatory.
First class and second class buses arrive from many cities in Mexico daily. Both bus stations in Oaxaca are some distance from the Zocalo; at least twenty minutes walking. The first class bus station (ADO) is on Calzada Niños Héroes de Chapultepec, north of the center. Taxi fare from the Zócalo is about $10 pesos. The second class terminal, where you will find a Casa de Cambio (money exchange booth) with good rates daily from 9am – 7pm is west of the center, across from the Abastos Market. Follow Avenida Trujano across Periferico, with the single track railway lines running down the middle.
The train station is still further out, but there is bus service (Col. Reforma/ Santa Rosa / Centro) that will take you close to the railroad station; or you can get there by taxi from Downtown, for about $10 pesos. There is an overnight train from Mexico City to Oaxaca, departing at 7 pm and arriving at 9:30 am. Sleeping compartments are available and there is a dining car.
ACCOMMODATIONS
~ Casa de las Bugambilias Bed & Breakfast
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
~ Mezcal Distillery Tours by Mezcal Educational Excursions
CLASSES & LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
RESTAURANTS & BARS