Oaxaca is both the name of the state of Oaxaca (wah-HOCK-ah), and the name of its capital city Oaxaca de Juárez. This rich cultural area of Mexico was inhabited by the Mixtec and Zapotec people for millennia and is a popular area to visit for Mexicans and foreign visitors. It has been my privilege to spend time here over the decades, and I’d recommend it it in a heartbeat.
Oaxaca is extremely diverse and rich. Because of its mountain ranges, the state has a number of climates and cultures, which contributes to making the culture, customs and cuisine the most varied in Mexico. The state has coastal, mountainous and nearly everything in between terrain and climate. Oaxaca has seventeen recognized indigenous groups and seven language groups, all who contribute their own traditions and may also show syncretic influences from the Spanish conquerors. The cooking of each region in the state is characterized by local ingredients and to some extent cooking methods. One example is that of the Triques, who are known for their pit barbecuing. (Modified from Wikipedia)
Climate: Weather is moderate and dry November - May, mostly afternoon and night rains at other times. It tends to be cooler at night due to the elevation of 5,102 ft (1,555 metres). See climate chart below.
Getting there: Though one can drive in under six hours using the toll road through Puebla and Tehuacán, it’s also easy to get there by air (about an hour from MEX / Mexico City international airport. One can also get there by very reliable and comfortable bus.
Safety: There are occasional demonstrations in the center of town occasionally, but they’re not interested in targeting tourists and locals will tell you when these might be and where to avoid. Mainstream Oaxaca is pretty safe, but as anywhere tourism is very popular be aware of opportunistic petty thievery, pickpocketing and purse snatching in crowded market and tourist areas. The violence a few years ago between government (police, military) and the teachers’ confederation have pretty much gone away with the new national government, but if locals warn you about demonstrations or actions, heed their advice; they lived through seven months of prolonged troubles in 2006.
LOCAL SIGHTS
Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) is a large plaza that is the heart of Oaxaca, surrounded by portals with shops, restaurants, a museum, a central kiosk that hosts band concerts such as the Musical Band of the State of Oaxaca, Marimba and other groups. Nearby are the Cathedral, la Catedral de Nuestra Señora de al Asunción, and the lush
Alameda de León garden area. Nearby is the pedestrian only
Andador Turístico Macedonio Alcalá with notable buildings and shopping.
Rufino Tamayo Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Oaxacan Cultures
Textile Arts Museum
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Links
Link to Lonely Planet list of attractions in Oaxaca
Link to
Oaxaca Events of all kinds, including classes. Highly recommended!