Live Oaxaca, visiting Monte Albán, Architecture, Arts and Crafts, Shopping

Oaxaca Archaeology

Less than ten kilometers from Oaxaca, is the hill on which stands Monte Albán archaeological site. Where an excellent Museum offers basic information about this Zapotec archealogical site. The highlights are the Great Plaza, the Ball Court, the building of the dancers and the Tomb 7. Consider also, a trip to Lambityeco and Mitla, 48 miles from the city. Mitla is an important pre-Hispanic ceremonial center, mythological abode of the dead. Zapotec priests lived at Mitla.

Oaxaca Architecture

Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, along with Puebla and Zacatecas. This city is wonderful for lovers of Baroque architecture, plateresca, Renaissance and neoclassical.

Since 1987, Oaxaca has been part of UNESCO (Heritage of Humanity), which gives us a good idea of what the visitor or tourist can find here: a city preserved over the centuries in which you can find bright golden altarpieces and the traditional green stone of the Oaxaca quarry. Visit the Cathedral or Santo Domingo and the temples of Cuilapan, of the Society of Jesus, San Agustin, San Juan de Dios, de San Felipe Neri, of Solitude, and St. Catherine of Siena, among others. Do not forget also the civil architecture, represented by the main Oaxacan Government Palace.

Oaxacan Arts and Crafts

The craftsmanship of Oaxaca city is shown in it's ceramics, textiles and jewelry. Oaxacan handicrafts are made with the most diverse materials and their aesthetic value is second to none.

Camping in Oaxaca

If you want to camp in Oaxaca city, to save money and see more attractions, like museums, archeology and colonial architecture, you can camp in Oaxaca Trailer Park, located on the outskirts of the city. However, if you prefer camping in a more natural setting there is abundant countryside just 7 miles north of Oaxaca city. Benito Juárez National Park was formed in 1937, granting an area of 2,737 hectares of outstanding natural beauty.

Shopping in Oaxaca

In Oaxaca city, the Benito Juárez market and Fonart are two great places to shop, both have crafts of the regions of the state of Oaxaca, jewelry, ceramics and textiles. To the south, 16 km, lies the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its black clay pottery.