Oaxaca, Mexico

January 23 - February 13  [2022]

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Oaxaca (pronounced Waa·hah·kah) is located in the Southwestern region of Mexico near its narrow stretch of land that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico. It's the capital city of a State with the same name and historically significant for Spanish Colonial Architecture and archaeological sites of the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures (both registered with UNESCO in 1987). It's another high elevation (5500 feet), ideal climate location within a large valley at the foot of the Sierra Madre range. The city is alive with creative energy, known for its food (especially Mole) and bustling with international tourists seeking the aesthetic and gastronomical pleasures it embodies.

 

Like Querétaro, Oaxaca is patterned after the classic European grid but it's a little more gritty in appearance and texture with much of the historic center built in its native greenish stone. The city is not as colorful as my previous visits but it showcases a collection of wall art that's second to none. In fact, walking around town is akin to walking through an outdoor gallery of creative chaos where there is no curator - just talented people exposing their individual brilliance without the pretentious filter of a controlling persnickety class.

 

Finally, the historic archeological site of Monte Albán is a short 20 minute drive up a nearby plateau overlooking the city and well worth the time to visit. This fascinating pre-Colombian city (at least 2500 years old) was home to the Zapotic civilization for a thousand years and a very early example of urban planning. The site is well preserved featuring multiple terraces, stairways, pyramidal structures and residential dwellings built of stone. It also offers lengthy vistas of the valley and spectacular views of the Oaxaca from above.

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