I'm trying to find the best way to get to Oaxaca from Ixtapa/Zihuatanajo. Would like to take a first class bus but can't find any that go that route.

Also, I am thinking of going for about a week over Christmas...any thoughts on whether this is a good time to visit or must see's?

Thanks

The Xmas season is the *worst* time to travel in Mexico-planes, busses, hotels are jammed with people travelling-it's mayhem.
As to accessing Oaxaca city from Zihua you'll need to spend a lot of time on busses-it would be easier to bus up to Mexico City and then bus down to Oaxaca.
Connecting through Acapulco would take far too long IMO.
Overall I'd say it's a poor idea unless you speak excellent Spanish and enjoy massive crowding and overtaxed facilities.

As above, you would have to bus to Mexico City first. Likewise, depending on travel dates, you could face crowded travel conditions. I would not, however, be as negative as Sam above about visiting Oaxaca during the Christmas season. Yes there are lots of people around, but if you can get a reservation and have a good place to stay it is still quite enjoyable. The weather is wonderful and there are all sorts of things going on.

Are you going to Zihuatanejo before or after Christmas?
Before Christmas, it's fine. After Christmas all touristic places in Mexico are crowded, except for Mexico City (which gets deserted from Dec 24 to January 2nd)
Travelling by bus in that area is actually risky. I would suggest you look up www.mexicana.com for plane travel. I punched in some random dates in december and found round trip from zihuatanejo to oaxaca is about $400.00. They also have a program called "mexi-savers" in which you get much reduced fares for flights between mexican cities if you fly also from the US into Mexico.
I am mexican and I tell you I would not take a bus in that area.
Manenita

Thanks for all your responses. I think I will plan my Oaxaca trip for some time other than Christmas. Any thoughts on the best time of year to go? smallest crowds, coolest weather etc.

Thanks again