Oaxaca is known for both its artisan crafts and local foods. Brilliantly colored wood carvings are much sought after by visitors. These carvings often differ dramatically in both quality and price. A general rule is to spend time shopping around - do not purchase the first item you see just because you like it. With so many similar items available, competition is high for your peso. Perhaps you will return to that original item but chances are … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Attractions
A Short Walk One day I decided to walk due west and see where I ended up. I left the phone at the hotel, I didn't research anything. I just began walking. I passed by Mercado de Abastos (a market) and then drifted by an extremely polluted river, an ecological disaster so to speak. I spent some time watching people wade back and forth through the water. I witnessed several people use the soil behind small bushes as a bathroom. I watched the wind … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Museums
Museums in Oaxaca range from displays of treasure (the jewels of Monte Alban), to historical artifacts to wonderful artwork. We visited the following museums during our time in Oaxaca. Museo de Arte Contempraneo de Oaxaca (Contemporary Art Museum), is located inside Casa de Cortes at Alcala 202. This museum houses permanent displays of five famous Oaxacan artists including Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Gutierrez and Rodolfo Morales. The … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Churches
Iglesia de Santa Domingo is truly an impressive building. It is located a few blocks north of the zocalo and easily noticed due to its impressive twin towers. This church was built between 1570 and the early part of the 17th century. It was the primary church used by Oaxaca's Dominican Monastery. Take a look at the incredibly thick walls. The building has survived many earthquakes - in the early 19th century it was even used as a stable. A … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Festivals
Oaxacan Festivals are the most exciting times of the year in Oaxaca; many have religious significance. Participants in certain festivals will parade between churches in order to complete a variety of rituals. Others march around the zocalo wearing ornate costumes. December is a popular festival month but festivals are held at certain times throughout the year. Guelaguetza is perhaps the largest and most exciting Oaxacan festival. This … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Shopping
Oaxaca offers an incredible variety of shopping experiences. The premium shops are located north of the zocalo, while to the south of the zocalo are less expensive markets and lower-end shops. The highest quality shops can be found on Valdivieso which turns into Alcala, and the parallel street next to it, 5 de Mayo. These stores sell exquisite jewelry, beautiful wooden carvings, hand blown glass, rugs, paintings, ceramics, and other crafts. Some … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Monte Alban
For travelers on short schedules who are not able to visit any of the surrounding towns or other attractions in the Oaxaca area, at least go and see Monte Alban. These historical ruins are among the most impressive in all of Mexico. Most of the ruins have been restored to their original splendor but some of the original structures can also be seen. This site was occupied by the Zapotec Indian tribe between 800 BC and 400 BC. Archaeologists and … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Hotels
Many of these hotels are located very close to Oaxaca's zocalo (center of town). Prices listed are in USD and range from one person/1 bed/1 room to 2 persons/2 beds/1 room. When dialing any phone number from abroad, one needs to dial Mexico's country code first (+52) before the local phone number. Since Oaxaca is frequented by many travelers (at least the central part of town) I found that the prices for lodging were a bit higher then in less … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Food
Oaxacan food is generally quite tasty - there are lots of good restaurants in the city of Oaxaca. And in general, these restaurants are priced reasonably. Most restaurants will serve cut up pieces of limes in a small dish. Diners can either squeeze these onto their meals or use them to clean your hands after finishing eating. The following are select Oaxacan specialties. Amarillo con Pollo translates to chicken in a yellow cumin and chile … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Restaurants
There are many restaurants in Oaxaca, perhaps on average, they are a little more expensive then comparable restaurants in other cities in Mexico. This can be attributed to the fact that Oaxaca is a popular tourism destination. Years ago I heard that visitors were afraid to eat in Oaxaca's restaurants for fear of becoming sick from food poisoning. This has completely changed as the standards of food health have improved significantly including … [Read more...]