becb

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you know about a good resource for anyone travelling to or living in Oaxaca.

www.quepasaoaxaca.com is a website that lists local events such as live music, art, dance, theatre, films, talks etc. There is also a facebook page. Make sure you check it out if you're in the area!

Cheers, Rebecca

ekscrunchy

Thank you for posting the link to Que Pasa Oaxaca.

I've been to Oaxaca several times, but my last visit was about 20 years ago. I am mystified as to why this fascinating destination gets such scant attention on these forums. I see thread after thread on Cancun, for example, but so very little space dedicated to Oaxaca.
Even Huatulco, which I remember as gorgeous (I've been both before its incarnation as a planned development, and after the hotels were built, but again, last time was more than 20 years ago), gets very little discussion here.

Has the coast been "ruined" in some way? Is it largely a domestic-tourism destination?

I know about the unrest in years past, but is there something else I need to be aware of that might dissuade me from visiting? (Was considering a visit of about 6 days--Oaxaca City, not the coast-- in February).

Should I plan to visit the main food market on Saturday? Anything I will see on that day that I would not see on less-crowded days? (Triyng to decide which days of the week to include in my visit)

PuraAventura

I agree with you Ekscrunchy, it is a big shame people in general have Riviera Maya in their mind rather than the State of Oaxaca when they think about Mexico. Oaxaca being for me the most gorgeous place in the whole country (food, culture, traditions, scenery... It has it all!). Oaxaca is mainly domestic tourism and most foreigners that go there are French, German and some Brits.

The coastal area is wonderful and you can still find almost untouched beaches! Many years ago they wanted to build a 'new Cancun' in Huatulco, but it didn't work, so that's great, because today you have all the facilities, and all kind of hotel range, but most of the time it is empty! And activities very cheap in comparison to Riviera Maya.

Concerning your 6-day trip in Oaxaca, I think it's ok as there is plenty to do. Plan a day trip to Monte Alban and Mitla archeological sites and another one to Tule and Hierve el Agua (you'll find some local Tour Operators that do those kind of packages just near the Zocalo).
You can visit the main food market on Saturdays but I don't think you'll find something different in any other day. I only recommed you to avoid the day trips I recommended above on weekend days because those sites will be overcrowded. Also, don't buy handcafts during those tours, it will be just too expensive, even if you think the price worth it.

In February you'll have great weather, however mornings and nights (when the sun goes down) are cold.

Finally, If you like travelling like locals, I highly recommend you to take your breakfasts on local markets, it is just wonderful!


Hopefully this helps!

Laurent

becb

I can't see any reason not to visit Oaxaca - there are so many beautiful places to visit and the city itself is also great. Sorry to sound cliched but it is quite a vibrant and interesting place. There is always something to do and is filled with art, music, dance and anything else you could want (the food is fantastic!). You'll definitely have enough to keep busy for 6 days.

I haven't been to Cancun but from what I hear it's very touristy and not somewhere I would enjoy. I guess it depends whether you like the resort lifestyle or if you want something a bit more natural. I have been to Puerto Escondido and Mazunte though and they're both great.

Saludos!

ekscrunchy

Thanks to you both.

We are planning to spend 6 or so days in Oaxaca this winter....will return here to ask questions closer to the date..

ekscrunchy

Still planning a week in Oaxaca in February...looking especially for advice on good local food....

eliztravels2

Comparing Oaxaca to Cancun seems a little like comparing Las Vegas to Paris. Be glad that Oaxaca is usually overlooked--sounds like it has retained it 's charm and hasn't changed a lot since I was there many years ago. I recall many wonderful meals there-- garlic soup, mole chicken, marinated cheese, fresh orange juice, something delicious wrapped in banana leaves--but have no current info on which to base recommendations. So be sure to give us your suggestions when you return. I long to go back.

ekscrunchy

I am still planning a 6-day-long visit to Oax, Oaxaca next month. Hope to fly into DF and make quick connection, although still might consider a couple of days in capital city. Should I? Again, have spent much time there, but not in many years and partner has not been..would be more keen on strolling around and snacking..maybe visit to Coyoacan, and Zocalo area than organized sightseeing. Tips on where to stay..upscale and handy to my interests? are tacos de canasta still a draw..shows you how long I have been away!


On Oaxaca...Would love to hear recent tips on where to eat, speaking now of Oaxaca, and possible hire of guide for day trip. My Spanish is fluent and I have been to the city several times, but partner has not been before..and my last trips were about 15 years ago..!,

.. More interested in local dining spots, but will consider all..espeically looking for barbacoa and also any and all local fare.

Stewbear

I'm spending a month in Oaxaca starting in mid February. Looking forward with Muy Gusto!

Fra_Diavolo

Also considering a February visit to Oaxaca. Haven't been in 13 years. It's my wife's favorite Mexican city. We'll probably spend a couple of days in Mexico City as well, but our tastes there run towards the Zocalo area, which is not usually described as upscale. On our last visit we did stay upscale, at the Camino Real in the Polanco District, and found ourselves missing our old digs at the Hotel Majestic!

However, I think we will stay at the Camino Real in Oaxaca, which is in a beautiful old convent just a few blocks from the Zocalo there.

Fra_Diavolo

Seems to be called the Quinta Real these days. Hope it hasn't changed.

Stewbear

Love the Majestic! A bit funking but a room w/those super low balcony railings are a hoot. We spent NYE 98'/99' in our upper floor room with the balcony door open watching the hordes of people bring in the NY on the Zocalo!

emd3

We hired Linda Hanna in Oaxaca as our guide for a day trip to several of the artisan villages outside the city in the valley. She is very well connected with artisans in those cities and we had personal demonstrations of their handicraft-making. Google her and her sit comes up- her home is a B&B just outside of the city. She was wonderful. Highly recommend her.

The other guide that people use is Alvin Starkman. We actually ran into him with his small group while we were at the knife maker in Ocotlan (do not miss the knife maker-- he makes knives and swords and machetes out of car engine parts, amazing demonstration).

Try the comida at the restaurant at Parador San Miguel hotel. It was some of the best food as had in Oaxaca on our last two trips. Other places like Las Ollas, Pitonia, Casa Oaxaca were surprisingly disappointing for us.

emd3

Stewbear, where did you decide to stay in Oaxaca for your upcoming trip?

Stewbear

I've rented a small apartment for a month. I have had great luck at this in the past so hopefully this one also will be good.
It has very good reviews & is located 8 blocks from the Zocalo.
One of the nice things to help decide(for Me) was a video of the neighborhood.
I am retired on a pension so no longer any 5 star places for me, but that's not all bad. Love living in a local neighborhood.

ekscrunchy

Hope to read your comments, Stewbear, as I am about to make the airline reservations for a visit to Oaxaca next month...have also booked a B&B..not been back in a very long time..

williamdavis

are trips overnight to the mixteca region safe sensible and worth while

williamdavis

are trips overnight to the mixteca region safe sensible and worth while