Mexico Guide
Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca marks the break between North American central Mexico and Central America. Here the two chains of the Sierra Madre converge, to run on as a single range, through the country's narrowest point, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, right into South America. The frequently barren landscapes of northern Mexico are left behind, replaced by thickly forested hillsides, or in low-lying areas by swamp and jungle. The striking differences of the region are compounded by the relative lack of development. Industry is virtually nonexistent, and while the city of Oaxaca and several coastal hot spots such as Puerto Escondido have thrived on tourism, the rest of the state is woefully underdeveloped – the "Mexican economic miracle" has yet to reach the south.
Highlights
1 Oaxaca Indigenous traditions fuse with colonial grandeur in one of Mexico's most hypnotic cities.
2 Monte Albán A potent symbol of Zapotec power, these ruins were once an astounding ancient city with a population of over twenty thousand.
3 Teotitlán del Valle Experience the rich artisan traditions of Oaxaca's Central Valleys while shopping for iconic tapetes (rugs).
4 Benito Juárez Stay in a Tourist Yú'ù cabin in this quaint village named after Oaxaca's most famous son, where you can hike in beautiful mountain surroundings.
5 Mitla The ancient Zapotec ceremonial centre with sublime greca stonework is considered to be without peer in Mexico.
6 Puerto Escondido Ride the Mexican pipeline – or just watch – at this world-famous surfing spot and beach destination.
7 Mazunte See the queens of the sea, female Golfina turtles, in this tranquil oceanside town or increase your heart rate with a trip to the local crocodile lagoon.