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 Oaxaca is located 340 miles southeast of Mexico City, Oaxaca and it's
surrounding valley sits on an arid highland plateau some 5,000 feet above sea level.
Despite its population of 450,000, Oaxaca City's pace is relaxed,
unpretentious and friendly. Its immaculate downtown streets are lined with
baroque colonial architecture dating from the 16th century. The city's treasures include perhaps Mexico's most splendid church, some of its finest museums, and dozens of well preserved municipal and religious buildings from the colonial era. The climate is spring-like and pleasant year round.
There are over 4,000 known archaeological sites, of which only about 800 have been surveyed. The area's main attractions are the majestic sites of Monte
Albán, Mitla, and Yagul. Each lies within a 25 mile radius of Oaxaca City.
(Note: Visitors should be aware that Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico. Some outlying, remote villages should be visited only with an experienced guide, as residents may have a healthy suspicion of strangers.)
Literally thousands of tiny villages dot the surrounding hillsides and valleys. Some 16 distinct language and cultural groups (speaking over 200 dialects) have survived. In fact the majority of the state's 3 million inhabitants are non-Spanish speakers!
Lodging and dining in Oaxaca are remarkably affordable. Whatever the region lacks in resort
swankiness, it more than makes up for with its quaint inns and comfortable hotels. Native cuisine is outstanding, and the region is home to
mezcal, a fiery native liquor similar to tequila.
The weather in Oaxaca is temperate, with the following average
temperatures: Spring: 25° C (77 °F); Summer: 22° C (72 °F); Autumn: 22°
C (72 °F); Winter: 16 °C (61 °F). |
