Reviewed on 7 Jan. 2022
Reviewed on 20 Jan. 2022
Reviewed on 4 Jan. 2022
Visit beautiful beaches, modern cities and interesting villages in this Mexican state, a prime area to learn about Mexico’s indigenous cultures before and after Spanish colonisation.
Oaxaca has stunning beach resorts and quaint villages on the Pacific Coast. The state is known for its biodiversity and fascinating indigenous cultures, with pyramids and churches found in the villages and on their outskirts. Make the most of the hot summers and warm winters by travelling along the beaches of the coast.
Get a sense of the local culture among the historic attractions of the city of Oaxaca. Visit the Government Palace and the Oaxaca Cathedral in the historic centre. While in the area be sure to check out the the Santo Domingo Temple. Adjoining the temple in the beautiful old monastery buildings is the Museum of Oaxacan Culture, a great place to learn about the region’s pre-Hispanic roots and the impact of Spanish colonisation. A little further north is the historic Alvaro Carrillo Theatre, with its intriguing green façade.
Take a guided tour of the mountain-top ruins of Monte Alban in the outskirts of the city. It is among the state’s highlights, with its 2,500-year-old Zapotec city. Note that the weather is fairly cool in the mountains of the state, while it is tropical in the lower climbs.
For a change of scenery, make your way to the resort town of Huatulco on the Pacific Coast. Work on your tan on Huatulco Beach, Playa Zaachila and San Augustin Beach among others and explore the scenic coastal terrain in the vast Huatulco National Park. Learn about the indigenous cultures at the Copalita Eco-Archeological Park, which incorporates ruins among the wetlands and undulating forests.
A little further west are the Pacific resort areas of Zicatela, Mazunte and Zipolite. The latter has Amor Beach, Cameron Bay and Zipolite Beach.
Note that in addition to Spanish, the Zapotec and Mixtec languages are common here.
The state of Oaxaca is in the southern part of Mexico, on the Pacific coast side. Fly to Xoxocotlán International Airport just outside Oaxaca city and take buses around the state.
Historic cities, villages and indigenous communities combine with beach resorts to make up the varied attractions of Oaxaca.