Discover Oaxaca: Mexico’s Ultimate tourist destination

The region is rich with ruins and museums with exhibits of early civilizations from the pre-Columbian and Aztec tribes that once roamed Oaxaca. The state is home to 16 indigenous groups who have managed to maintain their native languages and traditions into the 21st century. 

Whether you're a historian at heart, gastronome in search of your next great meal or art lover with the desire to see world-renowned handcrafters at work, Oaxaca has something in store for you.

Monte Albán

It’s believed that the center of the Monte Albán ruins, ascending more than 1,300 feet above the Oaxaca Valley, is the oldest pre-Columbian site in Latin America.

The settlement of Monte Albán – an archaeological area covering 2.5 square miles – was considered a key place of worship for more than 2,500 years and provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of sixth-century BC natives. At its height, the historical site was home to 16,000 people who worked, created art, played games and were eventually buried. 

Oaxaca Cathedral

Oaxaca Cathedral dates back to 1535 and serves as a reminder of the Spanish who conquered the region a number of years earlier. For more than two centuries, there were additions and modifications made to the building, including major rebuild projects following several earthquakes.

When you visit, you may notice that the two bell towers are designed in the same style as the cathedrals in Mexico City and Puebla, built low in order to withstand earthquakes. Make a point to check out the exhibit of paintings and remains of the Cross of Huatulco – transported from Santa Cruz Bay, Huatulco in 1612.

Museo Regional de Oaxaca

Sometimes referred to as the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca is the city's most prestigious museum. Situated in imposing monastery buildings adjoining the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the museum's main exhibit includes a collection of artifacts from a Zapotec burial site in Monte Albán. Excavated in the early 1930s, the tomb held corpses as well as a treasure trove of jewelry and other precious stones.

Visitors with children can also join in on the learning experience – the museum is home to numerous interactive exhibits that are sure to spark your child’s imagination.

Tree of Tule

Take a more than worthwhile seven-mile drive east of Oaxaca to the small village of Santa María del Tule to see the ancient Tree of Tule (Árbol del Tule). Standing nearly 138 feet tall and 131 feet wide, the tree is believed to be in excess of 1,500 years old.

The Tree of Tule is a Montezuma cypress located on the grounds of a charming little church. Legend has it that the impressive tree was originally planted by a priest of the Aztec wind god, Ehecatl.

Once there, consider taking a further six-mile drive to San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, the site of the 16th-century San Jeronimo Church, which is famous for an interior jam-packed with colorful paintings created by locals.

Los Pacos

Oaxaca is one of several states in Mexico that claims to have created the first mole – the thick, rich sauce made from chocolate, nuts, chili peppers and other ingredients.

No need to get involved in the national debate over which recipe is best. At Restaurant Los Pacos, you can sample seven different kinds of mole and decide for yourself.

If just thinking about travel gives you the urge to find someplace new, then check out our guides for more fun things to do on your travels.