Oaxaca Overview

The state of Oaxaca holds strongly to its indigenous roots. There are more speakers of indigenous languages here than in any other state in Mexico. Still, Oaxaca is celebrated for its successful and seamless marriage of the traditional and the modern. Its capital, Oaxaca City, is entrenched in its tradition and history. It’s often considered the culinary capital of Mexico, and your visit to the city would be incomplete without a trip to one of its famous chocolate cafes. Just a day’s journey from the city, Oaxaca Valley is the site of numerous indigenous towns.

Oaxaca City and a few other towns, such as surfing hotspot Puerto Escondido, have benefited from the tourist industry, but the rest of state remains impoverished—Oaxaca is the second-poorest state in Mexico, behind Chiapas; you certainly won’t find Cancún crowds hanging out here. That being said, Oaxaca has some beautiful, tranquil beach towns on the southern coast, including Mazunte and Zipolite, whose unspoiled and relatively peaceful settings are well worth a visit.

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