The state of Oaxaca is located in the southwest of the Mexican Pacific Ocean, bound to the north by Puebla and Veracruz, to the east with Chiapas and the west with Guerrero. The surface area of the entity is 95 000 364 square kilometers, representing 4.8% of the whole nation. For its size, Oaxaca is the fifth in the country after the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila and Durango. The entity has a nautical area of 11 000 351 square kilometers and it is located 1558 meters above sea level. Due to its political, economic and social conformation, Oaxaca has eight economic regions: Cañada, Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur and Valles Centrales.

The Central Valleys contain the most important historic tourist attractions in the state. The Central Valleys have archaeological sites, XVI Century convents, baroque temples, civil buildings from the colonial period and museums. There are also many important cultural expressions, such as religious celebrations with their typical parades (calendas) and holiday celebrations where they offer food, music and drinks (mayordomías). The state of Oaxaca is located in the southeastern part of the Mexican Republic , just five hours from Mexico City by the Mexico-Puebla-Oaxaca highway; and it is easily accessible by air too. Prehispanic civilizations flourished in Oaxaca . Ethnic groups, such as the Mixtec and Zapotec, which were conquered and colonized, yet, were able to maintain their form of government, language and culture. There are 16 ethnic groups that maintain their traditions, dances, languages and cuisine. In 1987, the UNESCO declared Oaxaca and Monte Albán historical landmarks.