La Verde Antequera (the green place of antiques), as it is known with aristocratic nostalgia, watches over countless ancient and modern legacies that tempt its visitors. The historic heritage catches the eye when traveling through the city and its surroundings. The valleys around Oaxaca also offer an incredible variety of ecological experiences and exciting adventures that an adrenaline addict should not miss.
One day in the city is not enough to visit all the churches and convents, museums and galleries, markets and workshops. It is also a must to consider more than two days to visit the most representative archaeological sites. But a trip to Oaxaca wouldn't be complete without visiting just some of the hundreds of towns and indigenous communities in the city's vicinity by the sierras, the valleys or the canyons, and admire their handcrafts and the dramatic landscape as well as enjoy their food and drink.
There are at least four dates you have to consider when planning your trip to Oaxaca: the rituals of Holy Week, the lively Guelaguetza in July, the mystical Days of the Dead in November and the traditions of Christmas. If your trip doesn't coincide with any of them, don't worry! There is always a town nearby celebrating the feast of their patron saint.
It is important to consider that one of the activities that will not only satisfy you, but will leave you in awe is dining, so don't miss the restaurant section in this destination.
Monte Alban
Monte Alban was founded by the Zapotecs around 250 a.D. on top of a hill that was practically leveled to build a great square and many pyramids. Recent archaeological discoveries reveal that the city was, besides a religious and political center, a sort of school of medicine. During its last phase, it was occupied by the Mixtecs who had remained there until the conquest. Its original name is unknown and the present day name was given by the Spaniards, due to the resemblance the site has with the Montalban Fortress, near Toledo, Spain. The archaeological site and the view from it are extremely beautiful and they are part of Oaxaca sightseeing.
La Guelaguetza
The meaning of the word is "exchange" or "cooperation" in the Zapotec language and is the most important fiesta of the year in Oaxaca. It is an admirable exchange of culture and goodwill among the 16 ethnicities populating the 8 regions of the state. The celebration as we know it now has been held since 1932 but its origin is a legendary peace pact between Zapotecs and Mixtecs. For almost 6 hours, folkloric dancers will show their best dances, dressed up with fine colorful folkloric costumes, offering their products to the crowd. Bearing witness to this celebration can easily be one of the most enriching experiences you could have on any trip.
Day of the Dead
This celebration is of pre-Hispanic origin and it blends with Catholic traditions to take place today in the city cemeteries with unusual color and happiness, on the first two days of November. Cempasuchil (marigold) flowers, mole (a sauce made with spices and chocolate), Dead Bread (sweetened bread with bone-shaped pieces of bread on top), mezcal (local spirit drink) and songs are a tribute the Oaxacan people offer to its ancestors on top of the graves, said to attract departed souls with aromas and thousands of candles; an eerie event.
Noche de Rabanos
Noche de Rabanos (the Night of Radishes) is a traditional festivity of Oaxaca City that takes place every year on December 23rd, where the color and creativity of horticulturist predominates, displaying their creative talents with radishes and totomoxtle (peel that covers the corn), making figures and traditional adornments with them. This event is celebrated in the Main Square of Oaxaca City where the crowd gets together to admire the impressive exhibition.
The creations are inspired by topics related to Christmas time such as the Nativity scene, the Three Wise Men, Days of the Dead, traditional costumes, dances and Calendas (religious procession or pilgrimage as an act of thanksgiving to an icon). Noche de Rabanos culminates the evening by giving a prize to all the participants in an atmosphere full of applauses, music, fireworks and a lot of happy faces.
Centro Cultural Santo Domingo
Recently restored, this 16th century convent has recovered its moderate baroque style splendor, typical of the Dominican order in New Spain. After the War of Independence, its facilities were taken over by the army. The temple was opened again in 1902. In 1993, the convent was handed over by the army to the National Institute of History and Anthropology, which performed a beautiful and meticulous 4-year restoration. In 1998, the monumental Centro Cultural Santo Domingo was opened with a history museum, newspaper library, and ethno-botanical garden. Regularly on Fridays the central patio hosts high quality scenic performances. Enjoy Oaxaca sightseeing.
El Zocalo
Probably there is no plaza with more color and life in all Mexico. Happy music spreads through the air and mixes with food aromas. There are vendors everywhere, selling their stuff: balloons, candies and handicrafts. Take an afternoon break and sit down under big shady trees, savoring your coffee or a beer, watching people walking by. Do you need a shoe shine? You can get one here from wandering shoe shiners, while drinking your coffee.
Etla, Coyotepec, Atzompa, Arrazola, Teotitlan del Valle, Tlacolula y Ocotlan
Oaxaca attractions include these towns are very close to Oaxaca City and they make a wonderful one-day excursion. They are famous for their handcraft production: Etla for cheese, Coyotepec for black pottery, Atzompa for green pottery, Arrazola for "alebrijes" (fantastic colorful animals made out of wood), Teotitlan for wool carpets, Tlacolula for mezcal and Ocotlan for knives. You can even visit the workshops where entire families work in the production of handcrafts. Try and make it coincide with a market day in the town you plan to visit. Once there, you cannot leave without cooling off with a "tejate" (drink made out of corn and cacao seeds and flowers) or a "chilacayota" (drink made out of a white pumpkin).
Hierve el Agua
An hour and a half east of Oaxaca, there are mineral water springs that have formed impressive petrified lime waterfalls over time. Since the water contains high concentrations of carbonates, it bubbles, seeming to boil (hence the name of the place which means "boil the water"), but its temperature rarely goes above that of the climate temperature so you can swim comfortably in the natural pools. There are also activities like hiking, camping and rappel.