Oaxaca state

Oaxaca City

The city of Oaxaca, the capital of the state by the same name, is located in the middle of a spectacular landscape dominated by four valleys and a mountain chain and favors itself with a moderate climate of 18°C (64°F) that reigns in this city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After lodging down in one of its more traditional hotels, walk through the streets of its historical center and discover the architectural beauty of its main buildings: the Cathedral, the Templo y Ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Church and Former Convent of Saint Domingo of Guzmán) and the Basílica de la Soledad. Hang around awhile, in front of the vestibules that surround the main square, and you will be surprised at the great quantity of handicrafts offered there.

Hierve el Agua

About 28 km from Mitla you'll find the magnificent natural scenery of Hierve el Agua, where you can admire spectacular fossilized waterfalls that are more than 50 meters (165 feet) high. The waterfalls have taken form over the years due to the flow of the area?s sulphuric waters. In addition to the spectacular landscape at this place, you can also go swimming in natural springs, which have waters that are famous for their healing properties. This place is ideal for those looking for rest and relaxation.

Tule tree

About 12 km from Oaxaca City you'll arrive at the first interesting stop: the town of Santa Maria del Tule, where you can see the famous Arbol del Tule (Tule Tree), an old tree that is more than 2,000 years old and measures 50 meters (165 feet) in diameter and 40 meters (132 feet) tall. If you'd like to buy some wool textiles to decorate your home, the best place to buy them is in the town of Teotitlan del Valle, located 25 km (15 mi) from Oaxaca City off Highway 190.

Monte Albán

Monte Alban originated approximately between 700 and 500 AC; however, the first settlers to the region before the Zapotecs, arrived hundreds of years before. The Great Square of Monte Alban was built on an artificial platform. To its opposite ends there are two platforms, the North and South platform. The latter being more important due to its sunk patio and stand from which it is possible to observe the whole Great Square.

Monte Alban was not only the main Zapotec city but also a burial place. The tombs on this site were decorated with paintings on its walls. The location of the city and the geometry achieved of its monumental buildings are important precedents of urbanism in Mesoamerica.

Mitla

In the valleys of Oaxaca lies Mitla, the main ceremonial centre of the region. It was inhabited since the Classic Period (100 to 650 AD) and reached its climax in the Post-classic Period (750 a 1521 AD). Mitla's main attractions are the detailed decoration of its buildings, a unique characteristic amongst archaeological sites in Mexico.

Puerto Escondido

Set in Oaxaca State Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido has fine weather throughout the year with an average temperature of 23 ºC.

Puerto Escondido's Zicatela beach is the birthplace of the famous Mexican Pipeline and it has become a surfer´s paradise from around the world. For gently waves visitors should make their way to neighbouring beaches such as Puerto Angelito, Roca Blanca and Carrizalillo.

Nearby Manialtepec´s lagoons and Chacahua National Park are very good options for nature lovers. Here visitors can enjoy boat trips and tour guides around the estuaries. In neighbouring Mazunte, the Mexican Turtle Centre is in charge of protecting thousands of turtles that come every year to the shores of Oaxaca.

Zipolite

The beautiful 1,5km stretch of white sand beach called Zipolite, begins about 2,5km west of Puerto Ángel. In the south of Mexico it's seems to be the best budget chill-out spot. It's a perfect place to take it easy and the atmosphere is great. The Pacific Ocean, open air sleeping in hammocks, nice bars along the beach and a lot of international travellers make this place unique.

The beach of Zipolite is well known as a perfect surf spot. But beware: the shore break is only for experienced surfers. Also this place is not that good for swimming because of the dangerous undercurrent.

Mazunte

A kilometre west of San Agustinillo, Mazunte has a fine, curving, sandy beach and the interesting Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, a centre dedicated to the research and protection of sea turtles. It?s also well known as a travellers? hangout and you will find inexpensive places to stay or eat.

Huatulco

The centrepieces of Huatulco´s attraction are the nine bays encompassing 36 beaches and numerous inlets and coves, each with its own unique setting and ecology. Located in the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca State, Huatulco´s bays are well known for their lovely beaches of golden sand and crystal clear water. Some are so secluded that they are only accessible by boat. Visitors to the bays can practice water sports or just relax under the shade of palm trees.