Exploring Oaxaca: Your 2023 Travel Guide

Introduction

Oaxaca is a rich combination of indigenous cultures, historic architecture, and natural beauty nestled in the mountainous region of Southern Mexico. It’s a site where ancient civilizations, art, and traditions collide at every turn. From its busy markets to its hallowed temples, Oaxaca encourages visitors to embark on a sensory-rich trip. Oaxaca is a one-of-a-kind and fascinating destination due to its rich history and present vivacity.

Attractions Of Oaxaca

Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico, is a treasure mine of experiences just waiting to be found. This city and its surrounding region offer travellers a rich tapestry of history, art, and flavour, with indigenous roots, Spanish colonial influences, and current energy.

Historical and Cultural Endowment

Oaxaca’s history is complex, with each epoch leaving its imprint on the city’s fabric. The ancient Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations set the groundwork for the region, and their impact may be seen most vividly in the remains of Monte Alban. Monte Alban, once a prosperous metropolis and ceremonial center, survives as a tribute to the architectural and astrological prowess of its ancient inhabitants. Its pyramids, tombs, and plazas tell the stories of a lost civilisation while providing a panoramic view of the Oaxaca valley below.

The Spanish conquest brought with it colonial architecture, and the streets of Oaxaca City are replete with wonderfully maintained examples. The city’s lifeblood is the Zócalo, a lively square flanked by cafes, shops, and the stately Oaxaca Cathedral. With its elaborate baroque façade and gold-leafed interiors, the Santo Domingo Temple epitomises the richness of colonial religious architecture. A lively square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, is at the heart of the city, where locals and tourists alike congregate to taste the city’s vibrancy. The stately Santo Domingo Temple, with its exquisite baroque design and attached cultural museum, sits nearby as a testimony to Oaxaca’s colonial past.

Monte Alban, the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilisation, is a short drive from the city. Atop a mountain, you’ll find temple ruins, plazas, and tombs, as well as panoramic views of the valley below.

A Cultural Mixing Bowl

With 16 officially recognized indigenous communities, Oaxaca is a cultural melting pot. Each lends its own language, traditions, and crafts to the Oaxacan tapestry, enhancing it. The city’s markets, particularly the Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, are colourful manifestations of this diversity. Oaxaca’s products provide a window into its soul, from hand-woven Zapotec rugs in Teotitlan del Valle to the black ceramics of San Bartolo Coyotepec.

Festivals are also important in Oaxacan culture. The Guelaguetza, an annual indigenous cultural celebration, has groups from several regions performing traditional dances and music while clothed in colourful garb. The city is transformed into a realm of marigolds, altars, and parades during the ‘Dia de los Muertos’ or Day of the Dead celebrations, as inhabitants mourn their deceased loved ones in a blend of indigenous beliefs and Catholic customs.

The Culinary Journey

The food of it is nothing short of legendary. It is renowned for its diversity and flavour, and it provides a culinary adventure unlike any other. The state’s glory is moles, complex sauces prepared from over 20 components. Each version offers a distinct experience, ranging from the dark, chocolate-infused ‘Mole Negro’ to the milder ‘Mole Amarillo’. Street food is very important in Oaxaca. Tlayudas, often known as Oaxacan pizzas, are giant tortillas stuffed with ingredients and grilled to perfection.

However, the essence of Oaxacan cuisine is perhaps best reflected in its beverages. Mezcal, tequila’s smokier cousin, is steeped in Oaxacan heritage. Mezcal is made from the heart of the maguey plant and is a labor-intensive technique that is often passed down through generations. Each sip tells a tale about the land and its people.

Ancient meets Modern

While the roots of Oaxaca are deep, its branches spread out to the modern. The city is experiencing an influx of modern art galleries, stylish boutiques, and fusion restaurants, transforming it into a destination for the new-age traveler. This modernity, however, does not eclipse its traditions; rather, it complements them, resulting in a uniquely Oaxacan combination.

Nature’s Wealth

It is a region of natural treasures, in addition to its cultural and culinary delights. Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls create a bizarre scene, while the beaches of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido provide sun, surf, and calm.

Attempts at Art

It is a sanctuary for art lovers. Creativity thrives here, from the bright murals covering its streets to the countless art galleries and workshops. The city is famous for its “alebrijes,” which are quirky, hand-painted wooden creatures. Workshops open their doors to visitors so they may see how these unusual crafts are made and even try their hand at painting one.

Delights in the Kitchen

It would be a shame to it and not explore its culinary realm. The city is known as the “land of seven moles,” each with its own distinct blend of ingredients and flavours. From the deep, chocolatey ‘Mole Negro’ to the green, herbaceous ‘Mole Verde,’ there is a mole to suit every taste.

Oaxacan culture is inextricably linked to street cuisine. Tlayudas are huge crispy tortillas stuffed with toppings that are commonly served with a side of fiery salsa and washed down with a cool ‘agua fresca’.

But it’s mezcal, the smokey cousin of tequila, that truly encapsulates the soul of it. Travellers can attend tours of distilleries to see the traditional production process of this agave-based alcohol and indulge in tastings.

Natural marvels

The natural beauty of complements its cultural riches. Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich springs provide a bizarre scenery and an opportunity for a restorative soak. Beachgoers can visit the picturesque beaches of Mazunte and Zipolite, where golden sands meet the azure Pacific.

Local Customs

Every trip to it is an immersion in the culture. Markets are alive with activity, selling anything from handwoven textiles to aromatic spices. ‘Dia de los Muertos,’ or Day of the Dead, is a particularly special time to visit, with colourful altars, processions, and festivities honouring the fallen.

Favorite Spots 

Monte Alban: This UNESCO World Heritage site, once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilisation, stands as a testament to Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic past. The panoramic views from the main plaza, overlooking the Valley of Oaxaca, are simply breathtaking.

Oaxaca’s Zocalo (Main Square): The heart of City, this bustling square is surrounded by cafes, shops, and the grand Oaxaca Cathedral. It’s a perfect spot to sip coffee, watch street performers, and soak in the city’s energy.

Hierve el Agua: These natural rock formations, resembling cascading waterfalls, offer a unique landscape against the backdrop of the Sierras. The mineral-rich pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Santo Domingo Temple: A masterpiece of baroque architecture, this temple and its adjoining museum house fascinating artifacts and offer insights into the region’s history.

Mazunte and Zipolite: A short drive from Oaxaca City, these coastal towns boast pristine beaches and a laid-back ambiance, perfect for relaxation.

To Summarize

It is an experience, not just a location. It’s where ancient traditions meet modern living, where every meal tells a tale, and where songs from the past blend with the rhythms of today. A trip to it is a sensory experience that leaves visitors with memories as bright and varied as the city itself. Oaxaca’s embrace is warm and unforgettable, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply an inquisitive spirit.