Oaxaca

Description

I’ve gotta tell ya, Oaxaca is one of those places that just grabs your soul and doesn’t let go. Trust me, I learned that firsthand when I spent three weeks exploring this magical Mexican city. The moment you step into its cobblestone streets, you’re hit with this incredible mix of aromas – fresh tortillas, smoky mezcal, and those amazing local spices that’ll make your mouth water.

Key Features

• The Monte Albán archaeological site – an ancient Zapotec capital that’ll blow your mind with its massive pyramids and astronomical alignments
• Santo Domingo Church and Cultural Center, which honestly left me speechless with its gold-covered interior
• The absolutely wild Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can try chapulines (grasshoppers) if you’re feeling brave
• That incredible Jardín Etnobotánico (Botanical Garden) showing off Oaxaca’s insane plant diversity
• The jaw-dropping Hierve el Agua, these natural rock formations that look like petrified waterfalls
• Traditional mezcal distilleries where you can learn how this smoky spirit is made (and sample plenty!)
• The mind-blowing Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed in that gorgeous former monastery

Best Time to Visit

Ok, here’s the deal – Oaxaca’s weather is pretty sweet year-round, but October through March is when it really shines. The temperatures hover around 75°F (24°C) during the day, and there’s barely any rain. I made the mistake of visiting in July once, and while it was still amazing, those afternoon showers can be a real pain.

The Day of the Dead celebrations (late October to early November) are absolutely incredible here – the streets come alive with celebrations, altars, and the most beautiful decorations you’ve ever seen. But heads up: book way ahead cause everyone wants to experience this!

How to Get There

Getting to Oaxaca is way easier than you might think. The Xoxocotlán International Airport connects with major Mexican cities and some U.S. hubs. I usually fly into Mexico City and then hop on a quick 1-hour flight to Oaxaca – it’s super convenient and the views coming in are spectacular.

If you’re feeling adventurous (like I was on my second trip), you can take a first-class bus from Mexico City. It’s about 6-7 hours, but you get to see some gorgeous countryside, and the buses are surprisingly comfy. Plus, it’s way cheaper than flying.

Tips for Visiting

From my experience, there are some things I really wish someone had told me before my first visit. First off, the altitude here is no joke – we’re talking about 5,000 feet above sea level! Take it easy your first couple days and drink plenty of water.

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases – Oaxacans really appreciate the effort, and it’ll make your experience so much richer. I got by with just “gracias” and “por favor” at first, but now I can order my favorite tlayudas like a local!

Don’t rush through the markets – they’re not just places to shop, they’re like living museums of Oaxacan culture. And speaking of shopping, make sure to bring cash. While more places are accepting cards now, many small vendors and some of the best restaurants are cash-only.

The street food here is incredible, but pick spots where you see locals eating. That little cart on the corner of the zócalo with the long line of office workers? That’s where you wanna be. Oh, and don’t forget to try the seven different types of mole – each one’s got its own unique story and flavor profile.

And here’s something most guidebooks won’t tell you – mezcal tastings hit different at altitude! Take it slow, especially if you’re not used to the elevation. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way!

Lastly, don’t try to pack everything into one day. Oaxaca operates on a different rhythm – things move slower here, and that’s part of its charm. Some of my best memories are just sitting in a café, watching the world go by, and soaking in the atmosphere. Take time to wander, get lost in the side streets, and let the city reveal itself to you naturally.

So yeah, bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, and a healthy appetite – Oaxaca’s gonna surprise you in the best possible ways!

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