Oaxaca Attractions & Tours

Oaxaca is a culturally rich state with recreational alternatives for everyone. From ancient archaeological sites and historic churches to some of the finest beaches in Mexico, Oaxaca offers something for everyone. Discover ancient Zapotec Indian ruins at Monte Alban and explore historic churches in the City of Oaxaca. Enjoy all water sports, white sand beaches, sport fishing, river rafting and more in Huatulco. Experience the the "Mexico Pipeline", an internationally acclaimed surf break in Puerto Escondido.

Oaxaca was previously inhabited by the rivaling Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous peoples, and their ancient cities represent two of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Monte Alban, which was the capital of the Zapotecs and reached its peak in 800 A.D., is located just six southwest miles from Oaxaca City. Two centuries later, the Mixtecs conquered the Zapotecs and used Monte Alban as an elaborate cemetery. Today, only 10 percent of the site has been excavated. Mitla is the second most important ceremonial center in the region, and is located 30 miles east of Oaxaca City. Its structures show influence from both the Mixtecs and the Zapotecs. Photography by Bruce Woodworth ©.

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Testimonials From Our Guests

"Dear Gene: The Oaxaca tour was nothing short of fantastic! I have nothing but positive and wonderful things to report...it was very well organized and Ivan Diaz, the tour guide was very helpful, knowledgeable and professional. It was worth every penny and even the frustration of having to take time off from teaching. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. Thanks much, LIZ CRUM"

"Gene: Claude and I want you to know that our recent trip to Oaxaca was one of the best trips we have ever taken. It was well organized and Ivan Diaz, our guide, was the greatest! He was very knowledge about the ruins, day of the dead, and everything else that was asked of him. He was always on time and ready to go. Excellent trip. Do you have any trips to Tikal, Guatemala? Claude and Ginger Sowry"

"Gene: We just returned from our trip to Oaxaca; and our 2 day visit to Puerto Escondido went as smooth as we could have possibly wanted. The flight to the coast and the Hotel Santa Fe were both great, we were particularly impressed by the restaurant food and service at the Hotel. We had a wonderfully relaxing time at the coast. We will happily recommend your services to anyone interested in traveling to the Oaxacan coast and look forward to returning ourselves for a longer stay. Thanks again for your assitance. Andrew Cooper"

Day of the Dead Tour—Oaxaca, Mexico   October 29-November 3, 2008
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Wednesday, October 29….arrival at Oaxaca Airport.  You will be met and transferred to your hotel.  

Thursday, October 30…breakfast at the hotel.    Morning walking tour of the Zocalo area including Governor’s Palace, Cathedral, and the markets.    Afternoon guided tour of the Monte Alban archaeological site.

Friday, October 31…breakfast at the hotel.   Day free for museums, shopping, optional tours.   Meet for dinner at a fine dining restaurant with speaker explaining the meaning of Day of the Dead.  Night cemetery tour to the famous Xoxocotlan cemetery to see the lighted altars and offerings.

Saturday, November 1….breakfast at the hotel.   Morning cemetery tour for two hours…followed by excursion to the Tule Tree, Mitla archaeological site, Teotitlan, and Tlacolula Market.   Return late afternoon.  

Sunday, November 2….breakfast at the hotel.  Free day for optional tours, museums, shopping, and visiting favorite restaurants.  

Monday, November 3…breakfast at the hotel.   Transfer to airport for flight home.  

The package price includes the tours and services listed above and 5 nights accommodations at your choice of the following hotels…

Hotel Parador Del Dominico (3-star) $624 per person based on double occupancy, $832 per person based on single occupancy

Hotel Aitana (3.5 star) $708 per person double occupancy, $915 single occupancy   

La Provincia (4 star)  $998 per person double occupancy, $1534 single occupancy

Tours and transfers only without hotel accommodations….$420 per person  

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Oaxaca is also home to several important regional and national festivals including Guelaguetza in July which celebrates with traditional song and dance and dates back to prehispanic times when the cultures wished to please the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest. Although a national holiday, the Day of the Dead is not celebrated more passionately than in Oaxaca. The famous skeletons of Jose Guadalupe Posada can be seen throughout the city as people celebrate their dead relatives. And December 23 welcomes the annual Night of the Radish Festival in Oaxaca City, where radishes are transformed into elaborate nativity scenes.

Among the many handicrafts found in Oaxaca, the black clay pottery (“barro negro”) is one of the most popular, representing a tradition that dates back to prehispanic times and spans generations. The black clay used to make this pottery can only be found in Oaxaca with most of the artisans concentrated in the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec, about eight miles south of city of Oaxaca. Another popular handicraft in Oaxaca is the colorful “alebrije,” creatively hand-carved or paper mache figures, usually depicting monsters and hand-painted.

The regional cuisine is also an important aspect of Oaxacan life as the state is famous for its mole (a sauce made containing over 20 different spices) and the native types of chiles. In October, Oaxaca hosts their Food of the Gods Festival which, among other things, celebrates chocolate which comes from the state.