Exploring the Best of Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca may be a fair way from Mexico City, but it’s a fascinating state you should make the effort to visit.

With a strong indigenous tradition, a great culinary history and amazing landscapes, the Pacific state of Oaxaca should not be missed. The best place is to start is the eponymous state capital, which packs in some great museums and boutiques in its colonial streets.

The Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitucion, is at the center of it all, and makes for great people watching. Stop in at the MACO to see some contemporary art, or the Museum of Oaxacan Painters.

Oaxaca is known for its food and drink, so get out into the countryside to visit some of the people who produce mescal, the spirit arguably the region’s most famous export. Visit the town of Matatlan and go to one of the small family farms where mescal is still made according to centuries-old tradition.

If you fancy a bit of beach time, get down to Puerto Angel for some budget sand and surf. Alternatively, take on the waves at the more famous spot of Puerto Escondido, a firm favorite with travelers in recent years.

Get to know more about the preservation of indigenous cultures at one of the many community-tourism projects in the Sierra Norte, and try to catch one of the unique festivals such as Guelaguetza, which takes place each July.

Mexico is a huge country, but if you’ve not got time to visit it all you could do worse than choose to spend the bulk of your time in Oaxaca.