At first, Oaxaca was just another point on my plan on the way from Mexico City to the gorgeous beaches and pyramids of Yucatan, lost in the jungle.
But when, finally, my rented “white lightning” covered almost 500 kilometers and ended up in a mountainous area with a cozy authentic town, I wanted to stay here longer.
A little history
Once upon a time, numerous Indian tribes lived in the state of Oaxaca: Zapotecs, Mixtecs and others. The largest city in the area was its younger brother Monte Alban.
In many ways, Monte Alban repeated the fate of its brother: it experienced a period of prosperity, and then was abandoned for many centuries.
From the 13th century, the Oaxaca region was inhabited by the Aztecs, who ruled and collected tribute from the local tribes until the colonization of the region by the Spaniards in the mid-16th century.
The conquistadors began building their city in the 16th century near the ruins of Monte Alban. And for almost 300 years it was called Antequera, until the government of the now independent Mexico renamed it Oaxaca, or “Place where the huaje begins to grow” (the sacred plant of the Aztecs).
How to get there
By plane
Clue:
Oaxaca - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Ekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
How to get there
Getting to Oaxaca De Juarez is convenient, there are several ways.
By plane
Interjet, Aeromar and Aeromexico fly from Mexico City to Oaxaca de Juarez several times a day.
Just an hour in the air, $90–150 one way, and you find yourself at Xoxocotlán International Airport, just 7 kilometers from the city. You can view current prices for the dates you need.
By bus
Intercity buses from the capital to Oaxaca run several times a day. Travel time is about 8 hours. Unlike other Latin American countries, bus companies are divided into classes:
- Luxury buses, where the seats convert into full-size beds, and the ticket price includes hot food (UNO and ADO GL).
- With an improved bus fleet and comfortable seats (ADO, OCC, Primera Plus).
- Regular large buses in good or fair condition with air conditioning (ETN, Estrella Blanca, Estrella de Oro, Omnibus Cristóbal Colón, Fletes y Pasajes and others).
Ticket prices depend on the class and start from $25 or 450 MXN (Mexican pesos).
The bus station where buses to Oaxaca de Juarez arrive also depends on the class of the company. Luxury and superior buses arrive at the first class terminal (terminal de autobuses de primera clase), while the rest arrive at the second class terminal (terminal de autobuses de segunda Clase).
By car
The journey by car from Mexico City will take almost 7 hours without traffic jams, which you need to be prepared for in the vicinity of the capital.
The roads in Mexico are for the most part quite good, especially the toll roads. They are called cuota, and free ones are called libre. Toll roads cost on average $8–10 (150–200 MXN) for a section of 70–100 kilometers. Payment is most often made at the exit, so if you don’t notice the sign, you won’t realize until the very end that you were driving on a toll road. Speed limit signs can serve as a clue: 110 kilometers per hour on toll roads and 90 kilometers per hour on free roads.
The journey from the capital to Oaxaca de Juarez will cost approximately $23 (430 MXN) along highway 135D. Plus the cost of gasoline ($0.5 or 10 MXN per liter).
In the navigator, you can set a restriction on the use of toll roads, then the route will automatically be built along free routes that run parallel to each other. Highway No. 191 leads to Oaxaca. In addition to the obvious savings, free roads are also good because they give you the opportunity to turn into cute villages along the way where they serve the most delicious food.
Drivers in Mexico are polite. If they see that your speed exceeds the speed of their car, they will move into a special lane on the right, and also indicate with a turn signal when it is more convenient to overtake. If a driver begins to sharply slow down due to a traffic jam, accident or speed bump (topes), he will definitely turn on the emergency lights for those driving behind him.
The path will mainly run along the plain, but in the state of Oaxaca the serpentine road begins, where there are often thick fogs.
Clue:
Oaxaca - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Ekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
Oaxaca - weather by month
Clue:
Oaxaca - weather by month
When is the season? When is the best time to go
The city of Oaxaca de Juarez is located at an altitude of almost 1.5 thousand meters above sea level, thanks to which there is practically no stifling heat here.
I traveled during the hottest months (April and May) and did not experience any discomfort. The sun was hot, a cool breeze was blowing and the temperature ranged from +28 °C to +30 °C. Of course, you need to remember about sunscreen and a hat.
In summer, the temperature drops to +25–27 °C and there is a lot of rain. I would not recommend choosing this time to travel.
From October to March the thermometer shows from +20 °C to +25 °C degrees during the day, there is little precipitation. But since the nights are cold at this time, it is worth taking care of warm clothes.
Throughout Mexico, from October 31 to November 2, Day of the Dead is widely celebrated - a colorful and fascinating holiday with a carnival. Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the centers of this celebration.
Imagine streets decorated with altars and sand figures, lined with beautiful houses in colonial style. Crowds of people dressed in costumes having fun, accompanied by orchestras, pass through them. And at night, any travel agency in the city will offer you a tour to one of the ancient cemeteries.
If you decide to visit the city at this time of year, it is better to book a hotel in advance and be prepared for high prices in cafes and restaurants.
Oaxaca - weather by month
Clue:
Oaxaca - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
Although Oaxaca de Juarez is a relatively small city - 250 thousand inhabitants, I would still advise when choosing housing to focus on the historical center, where all the most interesting things are concentrated within walking distance.
If you travel by car, this will save you from headaches about parking. And if you arrived by plane or bus, you won’t need to get to attractions by taxi or public transport every morning and evening.
The historic center area is bounded by Route 190 to the north, Martires de Chicago to the east, and Periferico Avenue to the southwest.
The price range is as follows: from $10 for a bed in a hostel and somewhere up to $200 for a luxury option. On average, a good hotel in the center with breakfast will cost about $30 per night in a double room.
You can book a hotel on Booking, and you can compare prices from different sites. It happens that locals rent apartments and apartments - options for.
Like any colonial settlement, Oaxaca de Juarez begins with a central square Zocalo, which is surrounded by the most important buildings: the cathedral and the governor's palace. In this heart of the city, life is in full swing day and night, tourists share their impressions in many cafes, and locals relax in the shade.
The churches of Oaxaca are the true gems of the city. The most beautiful of them are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, the monastery and the Church of Saint Domingo.
Be sure to go to City Museum (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca), where the countless Zapotec treasures found during the excavations of Monte Alban are located. Ticket costs $3 (57 MXN). Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00.
He spent his childhood in the house at Calle de Manuel Garcia Vigil, 609 national hero, reformer who championed Mexican independence Benito Juarez. Now there is a museum here ( WITHasa de Benito Juarez), which contains things that belonged to statesman. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 on weekends, Monday is not a working day). The ticket costs $2.3 (43 MXN).
I want to note that Oaxaca is an extremely pleasant city and a pleasure to wander around. You can spend many days here, strolling the streets, exploring the surrounding area and trying the local culinary delights.
What to see in the area
Monte Alban
First of all, of course, you should definitely visit the ruins of this ancient city. It is much better preserved than the Mayan settlement of Teotihuacan located to the north. You can very vividly imagine the life of the ancient Indians who inhabited the city. And the paintings that once adorned the pyramids of Teotihuacan and were irretrievably lost over the years are revealed to tourists in all their glory in the tombs of Monte Alban.
During excavations in the 30s of the 20th century, countless treasures were found here - many jewelry and religious objects made of gold, precious and semi-precious stones, buried along with the rulers of the boots.
How to get there
There is a bus from Oaxaca de Juarez to the archaeological complex ($1.5–2 one way). The bus stop at the intersection of Calle de Mina and Calle de Mier y Teran is not marked in any way, but you won’t miss it, because there will be several Mexicans standing nearby. A ticket to visit the ruins costs $4. There is a small cafe on site (with steep prices, of course).
Mitla
Another famous settlement of ancient Indian tribes. It was built before Monte Alban, and with the rise of the latter it became the religious center of the Zapotecs.
In their language the city was called Lyobaa, which translated meant “place of peace.” Over the centuries, it was conquered by the Mixtecs, Aztecs, and then the conquistadors.
You can trace the city's turbulent history through its buildings. Part of the complex is made in a style similar to Teotihuacan; mosaic technology appears in later buildings, and in the north stands the beautiful Catholic Church of the 16th century.
How to get there
You can get to Mitla, located 45 kilometers from the capital of Oaxaca, by car or bus ($8–10) departing from the Central de Autobuses de Segunda Clase bus station. A ticket costs $4 and allows you to visit not only the ruins and the church, but also the museum located right there.
Tule Tree (El Árbol del Tule)
On the road to Mitla grows the widest tree in the world. This traditional Mexican taxodium is about 1.5 thousand years old, and its diameter is a whopping 37 meters!
You can get to the giant, located just 9 kilometers from the city, by bus or minibus for $1–2 from Central de Autobuses de Segunda Clase.
Villages of local craftsmen
There are two of them in the vicinity of Oaxaca de Juarez: Santa Maria Atzompa And Teotitlán del Valle.
Residents of the first are engaged in the production of dishes and figurines from green ceramics. These products are known throughout Mexico and even beyond its borders. So painted bright colors there will be a plate great gifts friends or colleagues.
The second village specializes in weaving. Carpets and other wool products are created on handlooms and then painted using traditional patterns.
In Teotitlan del Valle, in addition to the workshops, there are other interesting attractions: an 18th-century church and a small museum.
How to get there
There are collective local minibuses running to Santa Maria Atzompa (5 kilometers from Oaxaca de Juarez), the fare for which costs $1. Teotitlan del Valle (30 kilometers) can be reached by collective or bus for $3, all from the same Central de Autobuses de Segunda Clase.
Hierve el Agua waterfall
I saved the most unusual place, the likes of which I have never seen anywhere in the world, for last. 70 kilometers from Oaxaca de Juarez stands the huge salt waterfall Hierve el Agua.
Water flowing from the rock, saturated with calcium carbonate, fills clean and warm (+24–27 °C) natural pools, overflows and flows down into the valley, congealing in bizarre-shaped salt build-ups on the rock.
You can contemplate the huge white, seemingly frozen waterfalls while soaking in the mineral baths. It was the pool with the best view I've ever swum in. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and towel.
How to get there
You can get to Hierve el Agua by car along highway 179, turning at the sign and climbing the mountain along a serpentine road for 7 kilometers. Or take a bus to Mitla, and then change to a collective. There is no schedule, the car leaves when it is full. The fare will cost $4–5.
Finally, in Mitla or Oaxaca de Juarez you can purchase a tour, one of the points of which will be a visit to Hierve el Agua. The cost of such tours depends on the program and starts from $30.
Admission costs $1, and there are showers and toilets on site. You can have a snack and buy mezcal in a tiny village located next to a natural miracle.
Main attractions. What to see
Food. What to try
Oaxaca de Juarez is considered one of the culinary centers of Mexico, so do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the original mixture of Idean and Spanish cuisine, which is based on a variety of vegetables and spices growing in the mountains and on the coast, pork, beef, chicken, and seafood.
First, get it from street vendors TLayidas, which is also called local pizza. A lightly toasted flatbread is coated with sauce and spices, vegetables (beans, tomatoes, avocado) and meat are placed on top and grilled. Serve open or folded in half.
If you want something more interesting, try the Sunday market at any local kid's head soup (sopa de cabeza de cabra) or barbecue goat meat. Demand all seven of Oaxaca's famous sauces:
- mole negro (black sauce),
- mole colorado (red sauce),
- mole coloradito (small red sauce),
- mole verde (green sauce),
- mole amarillo (yellow sauce),
- mole chichilo (thin sauce),
- mole manchamantel (tablecloth sauce).
Finally, as a traditional appetizer with beer or mezcal, order grasshoppers (chapulines). They are boiled in boiling water with lime and garlic, served with or without tortilla. You should eat it by dipping it in any sauce of your choice, or simply sprinkling it with lemon juice.
Food. What to try
Things to do
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
The state of Oaxaca, in addition to green ceramics, is famous throughout the world for its magical drink. Mezcal is a 40-45% alcohol that locals make from agave juice (that is, tequila, which is made from blue agave, is a type of mezcal).
Mezcal is sold in every village, people are happy to let you taste it and talk about it. distinctive features of its own variety compared to its neighbors.
A caterpillar is traditionally placed inside the bottle, which, when preserved in alcohol, shows the high quality of the product.
Resourceful Mexicans put not only caterpillars, but also scorpions, lizards, snakes and other exotic animals in mezcal to the delight of tourists. But such a bottle can only be bought in a store.
As a gift in a mountain village, I bought a bottle of mezcal without a caterpillar (fu fu fu fu) so that the recipient could feel the local flavor. To recognize this drink as tasty is to seriously deceive oneself; it is authentic. Well, for pleasure it’s better to take a good one, aged in oak barrels tequila.
The main attraction of the state of Oaxaca is its diverse handicrafts. Therefore, from all sides they sell you something - ceramics, textiles, mezcal (tequila moonshine), chocolate, seasonings and spices... Since it is difficult to directly lure tourists to factories and markets, in Oaxaca de Juarez you will be offered to see the surrounding towns and attractions.
Trip number one. An ancient city on the mountain - Monte Alban.
All buses on Monte Alban belong to travel companies, but they generously sell transportation separately from tours. You can find them on the street near the hotel Angel on Mina. Please note - there are two equal companies at different sides streets, differ only in the departure time of buses (every hour, some on the hour 10:00 - 11:00-.., others in the middle of the hour 10:30 - 11:30 - ...) The cost of a round-trip ticket is 55 pesos. Entrance fee is 65 pesos, there is a small museum on site with the remains of the slabs, the rest is in the main Oaxacan cultural museum in the city. Although mostly only the foundations remain of the buildings, the scale is impressive.
Hello to all stair lovers! You will have to walk here a lot, a lot.
You can look into one of the pyramids.
Inside are slabs with the remains of images, the rest is in the museum on the mountain; in the city, in the main museum - figurines and other valuables taken from these buildings (and not only).
Behind the main group are the most insignificant remains of buildings; from the mountain there is a view of the city, which is difficult to catch because of the trees.
Total: 55 pesos transport + 65 pesos ticket = 120 pesos (less than $10). A guide (Spanish, English) directly on the mountain will cost you an additional 15-20 dollars per group. Tours to Monte Alban sell from $30 per person.
Trip number two. Road of small attractions.
On the other side of the city, on the same road, there are the Árbol del Tule tree, the ruins of Yagul, the ruins of Mitla and the Hierve el Agua mineral springs. If you plan to return to Oaxaca, it is recommended to start the route with the latter. To do this, go to the second class bus station near the Central de Abastos market. From there buses depart to Mitla for 18 pesos. The bus travels through half the city along the ring road, so it may be more convenient for you to catch it on the Calzada Ninos Heroes de Chapultec highway, two blocks beyond the first class bus station, the stop is easy to find near McDonald's. The drive to Mitla takes about an hour.
From Mitla, two types of collectives travel to the Hierve el Agua mineral springs - pickups (with accommodation in the trunk) for 40 pesos and taxis for 50 pesos per person, fully loaded, one way. The roads there and back are different (for those who like to photograph everything, be prepared) and take about 30 minutes due to the serpentines. At the entrance to the territory they take 10 pesos, at the entrance - another 25 pesos. For this money in January you will see such a picturesque puddle.
And then another one, in which some risk swimming.
The culprits for the appearance of water are these holes from which soda flows.
If you have the patience to walk around the site from the other side, or follow a more difficult path through the bushes, everything looks a little more picturesque from the outside. Please note - there are no fences anywhere, it’s very easy to fall, but tourists... who’s counting them here, right?
After that, asking yourself “what was that?”, you will return back to Mitla. There, following signs you can reach the archaeological excavations, which are generously surrounded by souvenir shops and mezcal factories. The excavations are separated by a pretty church.
To the left of it is a free group of ruins the size of small house. I'll give you a hint - the whole point is in the patterns on the friezes.
On the other hand, they charge 30 pesos for entry to a couple more pyramids; I was content with walking around the perimeter of the territory for free.
All taxis travel back from Mitla as a group, 25 pesos per person when fully loaded. True, they seat two people ahead (in a passenger car!). If you wish, you can stop to “gain” impressions at the same small ruins of Yagul and see the tree near the church in Santa Maria del Tule (just a VERY large tree, which was noted by UNESCO).
Total: 18 pesos bus to Mitla, 100 (50x2) pesos to the springs, 35 (10+25) pesos tickets to the springs, 25 pesos collectively back to Oaxaca = 178 pesos (about $10). Travel agencies will take you to all the shops along the way for about 50 dollars.
Thank you all for your attention!
Oaxaca is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Mexico. Included in World Heritage UNESCO, Oaxaca has gained fame for the beauty of colonial architecture, first-class museums, rich cultural traditions, and its own version of Mexican cuisine, attracting tourists from all over the world. Ancient churches and monasteries, colonial architecture, cozy streets recreate the appearance of a former colonial city that has retained its monumental grandeur. The city is also famous for its festivals, and just half an hour's drive away is Monte Alban, one of the first ancient cities of Mesoamerica.
Everything that can be seen today in historic Oaxaca is largely the product of three centuries of colonial era. The city is famous for its green stone buildings and a special style of colonial architecture adapted to frequent earthquakes: the walls and facades are thick and wide; the colonnades are low and located close to each other; The bell towers are squat with massive bases. The overall impression of strength and reliability is created.
Oaxaca is often called the green city, not because there are many trees and parks, but because many of its colonial buildings and churches are built from green volcanic stone. Green color little noticeable during the dry season. But when it rains, the water changes the color of the stone, and then saturated green tint clearly visible.
The city of Oaxaca is small; in the historical center you can get by without buses or taxis. For orientation, take free card cities in kiosks for tourist information. Modern city has preserved its historical center; you can wander aimlessly through its streets for hours. The peak tourist season is during Holy Week, summer (especially during the Guelaguetza festival) and New Year. Most foreign tourists come in summer.
Sights of Oaxaca
Zocalo
The Zocalo of Oaxaca was planned by Alonso García Bravo, one of the best urban planners of the Spanish Empire, the architect of Mexico City and Veracruz. Unlike the wide Zocalo in Mexico City, the Zocalo of Oaxaca is a green and shady oasis surrounded by colonial architecture, coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. Like the streets around the city center, this is a pedestrian zone. For nearly 500 years, it has been the city's most popular place for socializing and celebrating, protesting and relaxing.
One of the pleasant moments of visiting Oaxaca is to watch what is happening around and absorb the unique atmosphere of this city: sit in a roadside cafe, listen to a concert, watch dancers perform and scenes of city life. If you are in Oaxaco, be sure to visit the Zocalo. An ancient church, live music, delicious food, balloons, clowns, children playing. Very fun place. One of the most attractive Zocalos in Mexico, the atmosphere is simply mesmerizing. Most of the city's tourist attractions are located near the Zócalo.
From the Zocalo, the Andador Turistico (Tourist Boulevard) leads towards the Church of Santo Domingo. Along this street there are old colonial houses, the most famous restaurants, jewelry and souvenir shops in the city. At the end of Tourist Boulevard is the Church of Santo Domingo, a beautiful Mexican Baroque church.
Oaxaca Cathedral
The impressive appearance of the Oaxaca Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca) most distinguishes it from other colonial buildings in the historical center. The cathedral is the third temple on this site, since the previous two were destroyed powerful earthquakes in the 16th and 18th centuries. Massive walls and slightly asymmetrical towers helped it survive subsequent natural disasters.
Inside the Cathedral looks quite ascetic. The rich interior decoration was looted during the War of Reform (the Mexican Civil War from 1857-1861), so the inside of the church looks less interesting.
Church of Santo Domingo
In 1572, the first stone of the foundation of the Church of Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo) was laid by monks of the Dominican Order, and construction was completed only 200 years later. Of Oaxaca's 27 churches, none compare to the splendor of Santo Domingo's interiors. Its simple façade conceals an ornate interior with gilded walls and sculptures. The best artists of that time worked on its decorations. The Church of Santo Domingo is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches not only in Oaxaca, but also in Mexico. The church is located a short walk from the main square, be sure to visit this beautiful Cathedral. The ornate interior is comparable to the church of Puebla, another colonial city in Mexico.
The complex of buildings of the Church of Santo Domingo includes a monastery, an extensive system of courtyards, and premises that now house the Cultural Center of Santo Domingo. The monastery garden has now received the status of an Ethnobotanical Garden.
Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
The Cultural Center of Santo Domingo (Centro Cultural de Santo Domingo) occupies the premises of a former Dominican monastery adjacent to the Church of Santo Domingo. Most of the Cultural Center of Santo Domingo is occupied by the Museum of Oaxaca Cultures (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca). The museum has a rich collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. The pearl of the museum is the collection of exhibits discovered in the seventh tomb of the archaeological complex of Monte Alban in 1932. About 500 pieces of jewelry and art objects made of gold, turquoise, amber and obsidian were found in the tomb. Gold objects are considered the best of their kind in South America. Be sure to visit this museum before you make the trip to the ruins of the complex. The museum's halls also display household items from the colonial period.
Ethnobotanical Garden
If you have time, take a tour of the Ethnobotanical Garden, located just behind the Church of Santo Domingo. The tour lasts just over two hours, during which you will learn a lot interesting facts, related to the culture, history, cuisine of Mexico and, of course, you will see collections of local plants brought from all areas of the state of Oaxaca.
Basilica of Soledad
The Basilica of Soledad (Basilica de la Soledad) stands out for its Baroque façade and gilded interior. The basilica was built between 1682 and 1690. It contains the holy image of the Virgin of Soledad, patron saint of the city of Oaxaca. The holy image stands in the church, decorated with 600 diamonds and crowned with a golden crown, the clothes are encrusted with pearls. Many locals come here to pray in front of the image, which is believed to have healing powers and work miracles. On December 18, a large festival in honor of the Virgin Mary is celebrated, attracting believers from all over the state of Oaxaca. Adjacent to the church is the building of a former monastery, one of the premises of which now houses a small museum. The basilica is located 15 minutes' walk from the Zocalo.
Teatro Macedonio Alcala
The Macedonio Alcalá Theater is located a few blocks from the Zocalo. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Oaxaca.
Guelaguetza
Guelaguetza is one of the most colorful folk festivals in Mexico. It is also known as Lunes del Cerro (Monday on the Hill) as it is celebrated on Mondays in the month of July. Its origins lie in the worship of corn as a vital food not only in the Oaxaca region, but throughout Mexico and beyond. The ritual ended with the sacrifice of a young girl. After the Spanish conquest, the ritual was banned.
After independence, the ritual was revived (of course, without the sacrifice of a young girl). The Mixtec and Zapotec converts to Christianity replaced the rituals to the goddess Cinteotl (goddess of corn) in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Originally created as a ritual to worship corn, over time Guelaguetza incorporated elements of music, costume, dance and regional cuisine. To date he remains important part culture of Oaxaca and a significant event in Mexico.
The state of Oaxaca has 16 ethnolinguistic groups. Dancers from different regions of the state demonstrate their local customs by dancing, accompanying the ceremonial procession with music, dressing in traditional clothes, giving gifts, drinking mezcal and having fun.
The word Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec language and means “sacrifice, mutual exchange of gifts.” The holiday is based on the exchange of goods and services, the age-old tradition of “paying in advance.” At the end of the dance, each group of dancers presents the audience with their own Guelaguetza by throwing fruits, hats, coconuts or pineapples. In anticipation of abandoned gifts, spectators vigilantly watch what is happening so as not to suffer from such donations.
One more important event The festival is a beauty contest among indigenous women from different regions of the state of Oaxaca. The winner of the competition impersonates the goddess Cintheotl and presides over the celebrations along with state officials.
To watch the dance festival, tourists need to purchase tickets. If you are visiting Oaxaca outside of July, you have many options to see this wonderful dance. "Mini-Gelaguetza" is shown to tourists in several hotels in the city throughout the year.
Night of the radish
Mexico is famous for its colorful, grandiose festivals, one of the most interesting of them is the Night of the Radish (La Noche de Rábano). It has been Oaxaca's most famous festival for over a century. Combining folk art and agriculture, it is one of the most unique festivals in the world.
The Spanish first brought radishes to Mexico in the 16th century. The Dominican monks who cultivated radishes carved various figures from radishes in order to interest buyers in purchasing this product at the market. According to the Christmas tradition of having a big dinner on the night of December 23, carved figures from radishes began to be purchased to decorate holiday tables. Gradually, the tradition of holding Radish Night arose. Three centuries later (1897), the mayor of Oaxaca, Francisco Flores Vasconcelos, officially established an exhibition of radish compositions on Christmas Eve in the Zocalo. Since then, this event has been celebrated every year on December 23.
Some types of radish can reach 50 centimeters in length. Of course, these giant vegetables are grown using large amounts of fertilizer and are not intended for consumption. Radishes are collected and delivered to craftsmen a few days before the holiday to make interesting figures from them.
The night of the radishes in Oaxaca's main square lasts only a few hours, but attracts much of the city's population, who come here to admire the sculptures carved from radishes. The festival includes a competition where radish creations are judged on originality, technical skill and beauty. You can evaluate the craftsmanship from the photographs.
In addition to the radish exhibit, artists compete in two other categories using dried flowers and corn cob leaves (pictured).
Mole
The city of Oaxaca has long been considered the “culinary capital of Mexico.” Its cuisine is famous for its variety of moles (traditional hot sauces of Mexican cuisine). Mole is consumed in many parts of Mexico, but Oaxaca is known for its wide variety: negro (black), colorado (red), coloradito (pinkish), verde (green), amarillo (yellow), and mancha mantel (literally “stained tablecloth”). "). Mole is added as a seasoning to meat, fish, and sausages. The use of a large number of ingredients, fragrant spices, herbs, and aromatic vegetables gives mole an indescribable aroma.
Oaxaca's most famous mole is black mole (mole negro). It includes chocolate, chillies, onions, garlic and more, and the addition of hoja santa leaves (translated as “sacred leaf”) gives it a special taste. This is the most difficult sauce to prepare.
Oaxaca is famous for two of its drinks: mezcal and hot chocolate.
Mezcal
As for alcoholic drinks, Oaxaca prefers mezcal, which, like tequila, is made from fermented agave juice, but the taste is completely different. What tequila means to Jalisco (the state in Mexico, the birthplace of tequila), mezcal means the same to Oaxaca. This one is strong alcoholic drink- an integral feature of local culture and traditions. Mezcal is also used as an ingredient in cocktails. Tour operators offer city guests tours to the factories that produce this drink.
Chocolate
As in other areas of Central and South America, chocolate acquired special significance long before the Spanish conquest. It was consumed not only as a tasty delicacy, but also used as medicine, and cocoa seeds served as money.
Hot chocolate is not just a dessert in Oaxaca, but the most popular non-alcoholic drink. Extraordinarily delicious hot chocolate is well known in Mexico. It is flavored with cinnamon, almonds and sugar and is usually prepared with hot water or milk, served in large cups with sweet buns.
It is also worth mentioning that the local cuisine includes dishes from various insects, of which grasshoppers are the most famous and probably the most nutritious.
Oaxaca - useful information
Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional de Oaxaca International Airport (more commonly known as El Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlan) is located approximately 15 to 20 minutes south of Oaxaca City. The airport is small, there are several flights every day to Mexico City, one flight each to Puerto Escondido and Guadalajara, several international flights per week to the cities of Houston and Texas (USA). Some information about the airport on the website http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeropuerto_Internacional_Xoxocotlan
Bus stations
Oaxaca has two main bus terminals:
Terminal de Autobuses de Primera Clase (address: Niños Héroes de Chapultepec 1036, at the intersection with Calle 5 de Mayo), is located 2 km northeast of the city's main square.
Terminal de Autobuses de Segunda Clase (address: calle Juárez Maza), located next to the large city market of Abastos, about 1 km from the main square of Oaxaca).
There are still a number of smaller bus terminals in the city, such as Sur Bus at Periférico 1014, 500 meters from Terminal de Autobuses de Segunda Clase.
How to get there by bus from Mexico City
Tourist Information
You can get a free city map, magazines and other useful information at the tourist information kiosk just behind the Cathedral. The information provided will also help you discover famous attractions around Oaxaca.
Tourist season
The peak tourist season is at the end of July and August (especially during the Guelaguetza festival), the end of October - the beginning of November (Day of the Dead), the month of December (especially Christmas and New Year) and Easter.
April and May are the hottest, driest months. The rainy season lasts from July to October. September is usually the rainiest month. The rainy season does not mean that it will rain all the time. A typical day during the rainy season begins with a clear morning, followed by clouds over the sky and precipitation in the afternoon.
Tule is the Tree of Life, also known as the famous Mexican tree, standing proudly near the city of Oaxaca in Mexico.
Tule belongs to the species Taxodium (swamp cypress) and even has a human name - Sabino. The roots of the famous tree go into the ground to a depth of 80 meters, the shadow of the crown covers more than 500 m2, the height of the natural sculpture is about 42 meters, the diameter of the trunk is 14 meters, and the “waist” is 58 meters.
The branches and growths of the tree resemble images of animals - lion, deer, turtle, fish, crocodile. And this is by no means a riot of fantasy. All these animals appear in an old Indian legend.
Briefly - a legend: once upon a time the animals were friendly with each other and spoke the same language, and they had an enemy - a merciless man. The animals could not cope with the upright walker and turned to the god Pitao for help. Among those who were especially unhappy were a lion, a deer, a turtle, a fish and a crocodile. In general, Pitao advised the animals to be careful, but the animals did not succeed. And at the moment when the animals were once again surrounded by hunters, they asked the tree for help and it sheltered them. Forever.
The Church of Santa Maria del Tule was built near the cypress tree. On major religious holidays the procession makes procession not only around the church, but also around the tree, thereby showing respect and respect to your pet.
Natural pool of Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a unique natural pool and petrified waterfalls located in the mountains, 70 kilometers from the city of Ojaca. Petrified waterfalls, as if by magic, have frozen for centuries and fascinate with their extraordinary beauty. 95% of the composition of the surface of frozen waterfalls is calcium carbonate. This unforgettable, mesmerizing spectacle will not leave anyone indifferent. Ideal option, for getting more impressions and emotions can come from a night spent in the mountains, which will give you the opportunity to watch the sunset and meet an unforgettable sunrise in the morning.
"Cascada chica" is the first example of the amazing creations of local nature. This is a rock, 60 meters wide and 30 meters high, on which there are two pools. The first is cold, for extreme sports enthusiasts, the second is more comfortable, warmer. The second pool, "cascada grande", is located a little further away. It is much larger in size and a spring flows out of it.
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Indian town of Monte Alban
In 1931, Mexican scientist Alfonso Caso began excavations nine kilometers from the capital of the state of Oaxaca, which resulted in the discovery of the ancient pre-Columbian Indian settlement of Monte Alban. This name was invented by the archaeologists themselves, because history has not preserved the real name of the city.
When the tomb was opened, fabulous treasures were discovered. It is hardly possible to say how many of them there actually were, but about five hundred copies reached the museums. In addition to many bracelets, gold necklaces and a gold mask of the god Xipe Totec (covered in human skin), one of the most mysterious finds of our time was found - crystal human skulls, cut from a single piece of crystal. It is known that rock crystal can only be cut with a diamond. How the ancient Indian tribe managed to do this is a question that haunts many scientists.
The Regional Museum of Oaxaca is considered the cultural center of the city.
The building of the Regional Museum of Oaxaca was built at the end of the sixteenth century. Previously, there was a monastery on this site. The halls of the museum, where its exhibits are housed, used to serve as cells for the monks. In addition to antique jewelry, valuable cutlery and household items, the museum contains items found in the tombs of Mexican rulers. There is also a hall in the museum that displays paintings by local artists.
Regional Museum of Oaxaca is open all year round. Not only Mexicans, but also guests of Mexico come to look at his collections.
The museum covers an area of several square kilometers. Therefore, many who come here do not enter the museum itself, but wander around its surroundings.
Next to the Oaxaca Regional Museum is a huge ethnobotanical garden. It contains a large collection of trees and plants that grow in Mexico.
Juarez El Llano Park
One of the decorations of Oaxaca is El Llano Park or, as it is otherwise called, Paseo Juarez. Almost from the moment of its formation, this place was significant on the city map. In former times, this territory housed a zoo where large African animals could be seen. Later, in the 70s of the 20th century, it was transformed into a city park and decorated with fountains. As a reminder of the zoological past, there is a pair of gilded lions at each corner of the park.
Now the park is one of the city's centers of attraction. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings that can be considered examples of colonial architecture: Teatro Juarez, the Convent of Mary of Guadalupe, the Church of Our Lady of Patronat and others. There are many shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.
The park itself looks cozy and elegant, and it is also one of the few green places in the city. Its center is decorated with a monument depicting Benito Juarez.
Nowadays, the park is a place where citizens not only enjoy relaxing. Many significant city events are held here.
Wi-Fi is freely available throughout the park.
Teatro Macedonio de Alcala
This theater is a rich and fashionable building, the architecture of which shows the influence of the Renaissance. Columns, smooth lines, a dome, balustrades, caryatids greatly decorate the building and give it a solemn appearance.
Its construction took place from 1903 to 1909. The theater was opened to the public in September 1909.
An interesting detail: the building was originally used as a theater-casino. And only in the 30s of the last century it was retrained as musical theater.
His interior decoration also distinguished by luxury. The white marble staircase, sculptures, exquisite carvings and opulence highlight the building's purpose as a temple of art. The five-tier hall can accommodate more than a thousand people.
In the theater you can watch musical performances, but it also willingly rents out its premises for various kinds of events.
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Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, which explores in detail the history of development different nations, inhabiting the region, itself has a rich history. It was founded back in the 19th century, in 1831. Until 1933, it remained essentially a small archaeological exhibition. Later, the museum significantly expanded the collection and was located within the walls of the former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzman, which in itself is a significant historical monument. Now the museum's exhibition offers a detailed look at the local ethnographic history, which is supported by archaeological finds from different times and other artifacts.
The museum gives a complete picture of the life of the people of Oaxaca in the space-time continuum. In its halls you can find reflections of all spheres of human life: politics, history, religion, culture, economics and so on. All this carries with it the main idea - the desire to preserve one’s cultural identity.
The museum is part of an entire cultural center, which in addition to it includes a church, a library and a kind of ethnobotanical-historical garden.
The most popular attractions in Oaxaca with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Oaxaca on our website.
More sights of Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca has a special magic that attracts travelers from all over the world. A stronghold of Mexico's indigenous culture, home to some of the country's most exciting crafts and art scenes. Incredibly colorful festivals, excellent cuisine and varied natural resources. In the center of the state is a beautiful colonial Oaxaca city, which is its elegant and fascinating cultural center. Near the city, the forested Sierra Madre is a great place for cycling, horseback riding, buying souvenirs at competitive prices and climbing the local peaks. In the south, through the mountainous remote areas is the coast of the state, washed by the waters Pacific Ocean. There is a whole galaxy of small towns and villages along the coast: a lively Puerto Escondido, relaxed Huatulco, Sapolite others. The ancient dominant of the state is an abandoned city Monte Alban.
Oaxaca City: Mezcal, Baroque and Indians
The capital of the state of the same name in southeastern Mexico. By the way, this is the only place in Mexico where they prepare a 50-degree mezcal drink. There are no fashionable resorts or industrial centers of the country here; this is the real Mexico, where Indian traditions and colonial architecture are combined. In the remote mountainous regions of the state of Oaxaca, Indians still live, whose way of life has changed little after many thousands of years. Among them there are also healers - “curanderos”, who prepare magical potions according to old recipes. Walking along the cobbled streets of Oaxaca, you can admire the many churches built in the Baroque style, sit in one of the local cafes, where you can taste the nationally famous cuisine of Oaxaca, buy real mezcal with “gusano” (beetle larva), as well as Indian handicrafts.
Puerto Escondido Surfing
Puerto Escondido was once a fishing village; today it is the most famous resort in Oaxaca. Zicatela Beach is an ideal place for surfing; fans of this sport come here from all over the world. In November, famous competitions are held. For lovers of a calm coastline and snorkeling, there are beaches: Puerto Angelito. Roca Blanca and Carisalillo.
Puerto Escondido has plenty of ecotourism options and excellent sport fishing, even hosting international marlin fishing tournaments in November and February. For lovers of wildlife - Manialtepec Lagoon. In addition to the fantastic landscape, this is a paradise for birds and animals. Laguna Chacahua is another reserve where you can find different kinds turtles, crocodiles and jaguanas. Here is the famous Bird Island.
Huatulco: idyll and tranquility
The resort of Huatulco is located on the Pacific coast, 276 kilometers from the capital. 35 kilometers of coastline, with white sand and calm seas, with nine picturesque bays, known throughout the world for their rich flora and fauna: Cacakita, Chachacual. Chahue, Conejos, Organos, Maguey, San Agustin, Santa Cruz and Tangolunda.
There are plenty of coffee plantations, active sports such as quad biking and mountain bike trails. Also worth mentioning is the famous Copalita Zoo, home to a huge number of birds. Despite its untouched nature, Huatulco offers excellent tourist infrastructure and services.
Monte Alban: capital of the Zapotecs
Monte Albán is located on a 400-meter hill above the surrounding valley, a few kilometers west of the city of Oaxaca. From this city the Zapotecs ruled all the peoples of the Central Valleys: Valle de Tlacolula, Valle de Simatlan and Valle de Etla.
Palaces, temples, high stepped platforms, an observatory and a ball field have survived to this day, from which a 360-degree view of the city, valleys and mountain ranges opens. Being here you understand why this particular place was chosen by the Zapotecs for their capital empires. At the entrance to the archaeological zone there is a museum, cafe and bookshop.
We visit Oaxaca during sightseeing tours:
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