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| Back | PREHISPANIC OAXACA The two main cultures that made up the prehispanic culture of Oaxaca are the Mixtec and Zapotec, both had a strong presence in Monte Albán. Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital was the most important center for economics and politics in the Central Valleys and is the tourist symbol for Oaxaca . In 1932, the Mexican archaeologist, Alfonso Caso, discovered a tomb which he named Tomb 7, finding one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures of the country. Mitla, another archeological site, amazes you because of its exquisite and unique architecture. The main attraction of this archaeological site is, without a doubt, its variety of ornamental buildings with unique designs (grecas). Some other interesting archaeological sites are: Dainzú, Yagul and Lambityeco. |
HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN The Plaza of the Constitution (zócalo) is located in the historic center which is downtown, where the State Band and a marimba band perform concerts. (A marimba is a type of wooden xylophone.) The government palace (Palacio) is located in the south end of the zócalo, it has now been converted into a center for art and photography exhibitions. In the Palacio, there is also a mural of Arturo García Bustos, which represents the History of Oaxaca. At the north end of the zócalo is located the beautiful Cathedral, which was built near the end of the XVI century, the Alameda de León Park. Enjoy the exquisite regional food in the restaurants located in Los Portales (arches of the zócalo), at the same time you can enjoy the beautiful and magnificent architecture surrounding the zócalo. The tourist walkway is located a few blocks from the zócalo, on Alcalá Street where you can buy handicrafts; you can also visit the Contemporary Art Museum of Oaxaca (MACO), the beautiful Temple of Santo Domingo and its Cultural Center where you will be able to visit the Oaxaca Historical Museum of Anthropology, the botanical gardens and the Francisco de Burgoa Library. |
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LOCATION The state of Oaxaca is located in the southeastern part of the Mexican Republic . Oaxaca is bordered to the north by the states of Vera Cruz and Puebla , its eastern border is the state of Chiapas , its western border is the state of Guerrero and to the south it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean . |
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| TOTAL POPULATION OF THE STATE OF OAXACA : 3,438,765. | |
REGIONS The state of Oaxaca is divided into eight regions: Cañada, Istmo, Costa, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur and Valles Centrales. The state capital is Oaxaca de Juárez, which is considered a cultural and historical landmark. |
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MAIN PORTS The main port is Salina Cruz, where commerce and fishing takes place. Puerto Escondido and Bays of de Huatulco offer a wide variety of water sports and sports fishing. |
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MAIN HOLIDAYS Holy week (Semana Santa), the annual world-famous Guelaguetza festival in July (folkloric dances and a variety of celebrations), the Day of the Dead (October 31, November 1 and 2), and the Night of the Radishes (December). |
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CURRENCY The Mexican peso is represented by the symbol ($). Coins used include: $1, $2, $5 y $10 pesos. Paper currency: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000. |
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TIPS It is customary to tip the 10 or 15%. |
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