Visiting the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-kah) gives you a different feeling than any other region in the country. It is what most consider the official cultural center of Mexico as it has preserved many of the indigenous traditions. In the capital city of the same name, artisan shops are abundant as well as gourmet restaurants. You can find delicious food all across the country, but in my opinion, the best traditional cuisine can be found in this beautiful state. From the fried insects, to the Oaxacan moles and the tlayudas– the cuisine is unbeatable. And if you head to the coast, you can find the popular surfing spot of Puerto Escondido (PE) that has delicious seafood. Below are my recommendations for both the capital and PE.
Oaxaca (city)
- Santo Domingo Church/ Museo de las Culturas– visit this beautiful church and the adjoining museum for a look into the region’s history.
- Ethnobotanical Gardens– for all you plant enthusiasts, this is a must-see! The garden features species native to Oaxaca and offers plenty of Instagram-worthy backgrounds.
- Monte Albán– one of my favorite archaeological sites in Mexico, and where Anthony Bourdain once visited and drank mezcal on his show, Parts Unknown.
- Hierve El Agua– an incredibly beautiful spot, surrounded by mountains, this is one of only two sites in the world that has petrified waterfalls. The site also features small, natural springs in which you can bathe.
- Mitla– one of the most unique archaeological sites in the country, Mitla has a combination of Spanish and indigenous structures. It was once home to the Zapotecs, but when the Spanish colonists arrived, many of the original structures were destroyed and a Catholic church was built on the ruins.
- Árbol del Tule– estimated to be over 2,000 years old and considered to have the stoutest trunk in the world (diameter- 46ft), the Tule tree is an impressive sight. It is usually included in tours to Hierve el Agua and Mitla.
Puerto Escondido
PE, literally hidden port, is a cute beach town with friendly locals and fresh seafood. Its flagship beach, Playa Zicatela, is well-known to surfers around the world, but if you want to lounge around or swim, I would recommend Playa Carrizalillo. For a fun night outing, I recommend Laguna de Manialtepec, which is just a few miles from PE. Several times a year, you can see the lagoon’s main attraction- the bioluminescence.
Food
- Alhóndiga Reforma– trendy, gourmet food court that offers a variety of food options for an afternoon snack or late-night meal close to Santo Domingo church.
- Los Pacos– located in Oaxaca’s city center, this restaurant specializes in homemade-style Oaxacan food.
- Casa Oaxaca– if you’re looking for upscale fare, this is the best place in the capital.
- El Cafecito– best breakfast in PE! And if you’re into soups, the best Sopa Azteca you’ll ever have.
