Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca offers tourists almost 500 years of history, architecture, customs, cooking and hospitality. It also offers several centuries of history that pre-date the conquest. Monte Albán, one of the first cities on the continent, was created by many of the first Spanish families who had come to the “New World”.
For centuries, the predominant economic activities in Oaxaca have been mining, agriculture, cattle ranches, property and commerce. It is located in the southeastern part of the Mexican Republic. It is bordered on the north by Veracruz and Puebla, on the east by Chiapas, on the west by Guerrero, and by the Pacific Ocean on the south.
The climate of Oaxaca varies greatly because of its diverse geography of mountains, gorges, valleys and coastal land. The mountains are generally cold, the Central Valleys have moderate weather, and on the coast, Istmo and Tuxtepec can be extremely hot.
This state makes up about 4.8% of the country and has a fairly small population of 3,228,895.
Without a doubt, the government of Porfirio Díaz greatly advanced the state with great public works between 1867 and 1880. The streets were illuminated with gas lamps, the positioning of the railway began and the telegraph was established.
One of the main characteristics of the state is the diversity of the indigenous towns that conform and continue to exhibit the culture and customs of their inhabitants like the amuzgos, cuicatecos, chatinos, chinantecos, chocholtecos, chontales, huaves, ixcatecos, mazatecos, mixes, mixtecos, nahuas, triquis, zapotecos, zoques or tacuates, and towns of African origin.
The inhabitants are predominantly indigenous. Of the 570 municipalities, 418 have almost a completely indigenous population. Approximately one-third of the population speaks an original language. 53% of all indigenous people in Mexico live in Oaxaca.
The main attractions in the state are: the Temple of the Immaculate Conception, the School of the Virgin, the Episcopal Palace, the Palace of the Archbishop, the Alhondiga, the Estanco de Tabaco, Consolidación de la Ciudad de Antequera, Carmen Alto Church, and Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church. The convents are another important attraction you should not miss. They are San Agustín, San Felipe Neri, San Juan de Dios, Basílica de la soledad, San Matías Jalatlaco, Los siete Príncipes, La Merced, Virgen de Guadalupe, La Sangre de Cristo, San Francisco, Santa Catalina de Siena, Carmen Bajo, Las Nieves, El Patrocinio and San José. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Institute of Graphic Art, the Juárez House and Filatelia Museum for a taste of Oaxacan culture.
The Bays of Huatulco are a state icon as well as a very attractive tourist destination. The splendor of the Pacific Ocean interweaves with the beauty of the 36 beaches in nine bays of crystalline water and gentle waves where nature and man coexist in harmony. The beautiful bays are surrounded by many mountain coffee farms, Ceiba, orchids, gentle breezes, the song of exotic birds, innocent deer and the fierce roar of the jaguar.
The most popular activities in this area are tours of the Bays of Huatulco, river rafting, diving, sports, sport fishing, rappelling, bicycling, long walks, car tours, golf, horseback riding and tours of coffee farms.
The artisan hand of the Oaxaqueño is praised around the world. Acquire some of these fine crafts like the Alebrijes, Black Mud, cut stone, ceramics, basketwork, cutlery, forged iron, tinwork, Huarachería, wood work, precious metal work, crafts made of palm fronds, leather work and textiles.
As you can see, Oaxaca is an unquestionably attractive destination where you will find a beach paradise and ancient culture surrounded by excellent hotels, and great activities for all ages.