Oaxaca is a city in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. It is a charming place of narrow, cobbled streets and wide, cool plazas, as well as beautiful old buildings. Although the city is fairly remote it is quite modern and trendy with a diverse mix of inhabitants.

Around and closeby
Arbol de Tule has the largest base of any tree in the world. Legend has it that it is over 1400 years old. It is located 13km from the city of Oaxaca on the road to Mitla. Mitla is approximately 40km away. It was a very important Zapotec city and religious centre and is now famous for its Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican buildings. Monte Albán has the largest set of ruins near Oaxaca city, and, as such, can become very crowded. Although frequently overlooked in favour of the more extensive ruins at Mitla and Monte Albán, the ruins at Yagul are more pastoral (and therefore more similar to its original setting) and much less overrun with tourists. Hierva del Agua. is a two hours drive from Oaxaca by bus or taxi. Natural warm hot springs at an altitude of about 3000metres, near a massive petrified waterfall make it a must visit. From the plateau you have a breathtaking view over the mountain ranges. Teotitlán del Valle is famous for its weaving, this village is approximately 30 minutes outside of Oaxaca city. You can book a longer stay here at the Casa Sagrada. Be sure to check out the cooperative in Teotitlán that is striving to use and instil organic methods in its dyes.

Sightseeing
Oaxaca is well-known for having one of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in Mexico, housed in and around the large candle-lit city cemeteries. Guelaguetza festival takes place in July. The Guelaguetza highlights the traditional practices of the various indigenous cultures from the state of Oaxaca.

Getting there
Oaxaca has a small but fully functional airport which mainly has flights to Mexico City. There are regular buses from Mexico City, Puebla, Tapachula, Tehuantepec, Tuxtla, Veracruz and Villahermosa.