We tell you what to do in Oaxaca, a destination full of natural and architectural beauties and with a great cultural tradition.
1. Visit the archaeological site of Mitla
Oaxaca is a destination rich in archeological zones and one of them is Mitla. This complex is located in the north of the Tlacolula Valley. It is a fascinating site whose monuments are divided into five sets.
Without a doubt, you will be fascinated with its imposing buildings. In addition, it is said that, if you enter one of the basements and embrace a circular structure that is at the bottom, you will know how many years of life you have left. Would you dare
Mitla
Cost: General admission $ 70.00 MXN (about 4 dollars)
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2. Meet the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños
Oaxaca is a state that has seen the birth of numerous important figures for our history such as Porfirio Díaz, Benito Juárez and the Flores Magón brothers. However, it has also been the cradle of great artistic talents such as the famous painters Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo.
That is why, visiting this museum is something you can not do. Here you will find a series of exhibitions that will allow you to get closer to the work of graphic and plastic artists of Oaxaca origin. You can also go to one of the scheduled activities such as concerts, conferences, workshops and readings.
Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños
Cost: General admission: $ 20.00 MXN (about 1 dollar)
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3. Visit the Jardín Etnobotánico de la ciudad de Oaxaca
This site is part of the current Santo Domingo Cultural Center – an old Convent that bore the same name and was built by Dominican friars between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Here you will find a large sample of plants that are native to Oaxaca and that come from different regions of the same state. So prepare your camera because this Garden is an impressive place. You will surely be captivated not only with the landscape and the diversity of flora in Oaxaca but with the explanation of the guide that takes you through the labyrinths of the Garden.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Cost: General Admission $ 50.00 MXN (about 2.5 dollars)
Hours: Monday to Saturday in three schedules; 10:00 a.m., 12:00 and 17:00 p. m.
We recommend you arrive ten minutes in advance.
4. Try the tlayudas
If there is something you can not miss when you go to Oaxaca, it is its gastronomy. And that state is famous for its culinary delights. Among them we have the famous chileajo – a traditional mole of Huajuapán de León -, and of course, the exquisite tlayudas or clayudas.
Tlayudas are huge corn tortillas whose diameter can reach 30 centimeters. They are usually accompanied by quesillo, beans, cecina of pork, and so on. You can accompany this delicious dish with a good mezcal or with a refreshing tejate.
5. Take a walk through the Centro Histórico and know the church of Santo Domingo
You can enjoy a very pleasant afternoon taking a walk through the center. Let yourself be amazed by the beauty and color of its buildings and take a tour of the Mercado Municipal (municipal market).
Another must-see is that you take a little piece of Oaxaca buying some nice souvenir. Along the streets you will find beautiful regional crafts and even very nice blouses made with looms for only $ 60.00 mxn (about 3 dollars), a real bargain.
After or during the walk, be sure to visit the most famous church in Oaxaca, The iglesia de Santo Domingo. This is a beautiful building that was inaugurated in 1603. It has a baroque style and, thanks to its beauty, in 1933 it was declared a Historical Monument.
6. Experience the Guelaguetza
This holiday is the maximum of the state of Oaxaca. It takes place during the month of July and has its origins in pre-hispanic times. It is a celebration where everyone is welcome. In the environment it permeates a sense of community that stays in the heart.
In addition, while the Guelaguetza is celebrated, there are dance groups, belonging to different regions of this magical state, which, accompanied by traditional music and the representative clothing of their community, give beautiful dances to the spectators. You can’t miss this experience!
7. Escape to Santa María del Tule and visit an ancient tree
Near the city – just 11 kilometers away – is Santa María del Tule, a small town that hides many charms in its bowels. One of them, and perhaps the most prominent, is the Tule Tree. It is a huge hollow that has more than 2000 years of life and whose trunk is the largest in the world – its diameter is more than 14 meters.
During your visit, we recommend you get carried away by the small guide children. They will give you a little introduction and show you the shapes that can be seen in the tree. Without a doubt, you will have a very pleasant time in exchange for voluntary cooperation.
8. Surprise yourself with the archaeological zone of Monte Albán
It is one of the most important Mesoamerican cities. It was founded in the year 500 a. C. and inhabited by different cultures. Among them is the Zapotec which established its capital there. It should be noted that this invaluable legacy of our ancestors, is located just 8 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca.
Monte Alban
General admission: $ 75.00 mxn (about 4 dollars)
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p. m.
