When it’s time to get out of the city and see some sights, one of the best natural attractions is Hierve el Agua. This group of calcareous rock outcrops in San Lorenzo Albarradas is reminiscent of a frozen waterfall clinging to the face of a cliff. Several trails lead right up to the edge of the waterfall.
Located on a plateau some 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a phrazle terraced pyramid and other artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. The Zapotecs, an indigenous people, built a lot of the sites you’ll visit. They arrived in the area around 800 BC. Largest ceremonial center in Central America.
Location of Oaxaca Airports
The city of Oaxaca is home to a smaller-than-average airport known as Xoxocotlán International. The cities of Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston are the U.S. gateways for direct service. Going to the beach probably requires a transfer. When flying from the United States to Puerto Escondido Airport, most passengers will have a layover in either Guadalajara or Mexico City. But that could change quickly as the town on the Pacific coast becomes a more well-known vacation spot.
In Oaxaca, they make mezcal.
The Oaxacan region is famous for its mezcal, a distilled agave spirit. It has been manufactured in this region for hundreds of years using methods that have, for the most part, been impervious to the advances of mechanization.
It would take an entire article to detail all of the various “palenques” (farm distilleries) and charming sipping parlors (where it is consumed) where it is produced (in fact, this is a good one right here). However, if you are beginning your quest for liquids in the city of Oaxaca, you should not miss out on these four tastings: We recommend Mezcalera In Situ for its extensive bottle selection and focus on education, El Distilado for tastings of mezcal with regional dishes, and Selva Oaxaca for experimental mezcal cocktails.
If you’re thirsty, head to the top of Puro Burro, a trendy watering hole established by Asis Cortes, the native agave impresario responsible for Mezcal Dixeebe. Booking a Mezcal Educational Tour with in-house expert Alvin Starkman is a great idea if you don’t mind traveling outside of the city for several hours. His renowned day trips bring you up close and personal with the palenque’s time-honored procedures. (Scheduling is available on this page.)
As a result, Puerto Escondido is starting to draw a lot of attention from people who are looking for a beach vacation. It is a popular tourist destination for good reason: the beauty of the tropical seas and the friendliness of the locals make this place hard to resist. However, Oaxaca has more than 300 miles of coastline, so there is plenty to see besides the most popular tourist spots.
Mazunte is a great illustration of this because of the way its turquoise waters crash against its rocky shore. Those who live there are extremely friendly, so you won’t have any trouble making friends and feeling at home. Stop by the Mexican Turtle Center, an institution in town committed to protecting everyone’s favorite sluggish animal.
Traveling the few miles east along the coast to Zipolite can help you get there quickly. Powerful waves crash onto this beach, making it a favorite among surfers. Some people prefer to walk around and explore the area, while others prefer to lay back and soak up the sun while watching the sun go down over the cliffs. In addition, Huatulco National Park, located nearby, features a number of coral reefs that are safe for snorkeling.
