The best things to do during a stay in the state of Oaxaca
25 July 2024Oaxaca is a fascinating state in southern Mexico that overwhelms the eyes and delights the palate. It is also the cultural center for pre-Hispanic culture and culture today. Oaxaca has so many interesting things to offer travelers who make the effort to come and visit. Here are 6 mind-blowing things you won’t want to miss if you’re planning a getaway to this Mexican region.
Visit Monte Alban
Founded around 500 BC. BC, Monte Alban was one of the most important Mesoamerican cities of its time. The city’s population sailed to Teotihuacan to trade its jade and other precious stones.
Today, the ruins of the city constitute a green, hilly cemetery of ancient houses and ceremonial centers. There is also a small museum on the grounds to give you a more complete picture of the significance of the site.
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Explore Oaxaca de Juarez
The capital of Oaxaca is a jewel of the Mexican South. Culture, crafts and various historic buildings each add their own special touch to this incredibly colorful capital.
Great restaurants await in Oaxaca City, with the country’s most famous chefs running them. With the growing obsession with mezcal (alcohol made from agave) in this region, the city’s bars are some of the hippest places.
Taste the chocolate and egg bread of Oaxaca de Juárez
The delicious chocolate in Oaxaca de Juárez is made from a little cinnamon, a little almond, a pinch of chili, all mixed to perfection.
It takes an expert to whisk the chocolate and water until it’s just the right creamy texture, but the women in Oaxaca’s markets know how to do it perfectly. Order some with pan de yema, an egg bread whose delicate texture perfectly matches the weight of your chocolate.
Enjoy quesillo, a culinary specialty
These cheese balls found all over Mexico are often called queso oaxaqueño (Oaxacan cheese), because much of its production is in the state of Oaxaca.
The real name of the cheese is quesillo and you will find very fresh ones almost everywhere in the state of Oaxaca. Eat it with a quesadilla, melted into a milanesa torta (a sandwich) and above all, take your time to savor it.
Make a quick stop at Hierve de Agua
Magnificent waterfalls and natural mineral pools dot the Hierva de Agua just outside the city of Oaxaca de Juárez. Waterfalls are actually rock formations, caused by freshwater springs with high concentrations of calcium carbonate and other minerals.
The semi-desert landscape makes for an epic hike in the warmer months, but a nice mid-afternoon swim in the mineral pools is also highly recommended.
Oaxaca State Markets
The markets of Oaxaca state offer an impressive display of regional fruits, vegetables, cheeses and chilies. Farmers come from the most rural areas to sell local apples, tiny chili peppers and wild turkey eggs.
Every small town probably has a local market, and the state capital of Oaxaca has more than half a dozen. The massive Tlacolula market in the town of the same name also takes place every Sunday.