Poverty may be something of an issue in Mexico’s Oaxaca; however, what the city lacks in economics, it more than makes up for in terms of culture, heritage, archaeology and ecology. This southern region is rich in fine landscapes, lush green forestry, rolling mountains and scenic valleys as well as some fairly awesome coastal areas providing deserted beaches with silky soft sands.
The city’s pedestrianised center is a truly picturesque location, brimming with cafés and restaurants and offering sights of grand old colonial buildings which sit on shady, tree-lined streets. Enjoying the setting requires time for sitting down and relaxing with a drink while you soak up some of the atmosphere and vibrancy.
The city’s list of architectural treasures is graced by the likes of the Government Palace and Santo Domingo and San Juan de Dios churches, while culture buffs will not want to miss the Oaxaca Museum of Contemporary Art, Regional Museum of Oaxaca and the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. Visitors wishing to don khakis and get their magnifying glasses out will find something of interest at the primary archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla, where ruins dating back at least 2,500 years are located.
Highlights
Monte Alban: the remains of a city belonging to an ancient civilization that experts say is over 2,000, perhaps closer to 4,000, years old.****
Mitla: another ancient city, this one having been occupied until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
Regional Museum of Oaxaca: features artifacts such as jewelry and gold as well as human remains from the seventh tomb of Monte Alban
Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art: boasts a two-decade old collection of works of pre-Hispanic origins.
Museum of Oaxacan Contemporary Art: features works by contemporary Mexican artists including Rodolfo Morales, Rodolfo Nieto, Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo.