Excursions:

Oaxaca has something for everyone, whether your interest is ancient civilizations, indigenous culture, colonial architecture, gastronomy, arts and handicrafts, or local color and festivities. The city is beautiful and peaceful and the locals are friendly, fascinating, and eager to interact with foreign guests.

Monte Alban, one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in Mesoamerica and symbol of the Zapotec people, is only 16 kilometres from the city of Oaxaca. Another famous site is Mitla, an ancient Mixtec city that once controlled the entire valley of Oaxaca.

More recent inhabitants, the Spaniards, built the town of Antequera (i.e. Oaxaca City) in 1529. The second city of New Spain, Oaxaca boasts magnificent churches and monasteries.

Other attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the vibrant music and nightlife scene, and numerous fiestas. The most important of the last are La Guelaguetza, a harvest festival in late July, and La Noche de Rabanos, the "Night of the Radishes," on December 23.

Nearby are the pueblos in which Oaxacans make the state's famous black pottery (San Bartolo de Coyotepec) and beautiful rugs (Teotitlan).