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Oaxaca, the State Capital

Oaxaca, the State Capital, is a charming city surrounded by hills. Declared Humanity's Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO, the city owes its fame to the beauty of its architecture, the richness of its cultural traditions, a renowned cuisine, and a spring-like climate throughout the year.

Its name comes from Huaxyácal (the apex of the guajes, a variety of acacia, of Huaxín, guajes, and yacatl, summit). The Aztecs actually first use the name for the hill where they built their first colony in this region, in 1486.

From Nietze to John Lennon, many artists and visionaries lived in Oaxaca to enjoy its inspiring culture and beauty. But Oaxaca's most famous son is undoubtedly Benito Juárez, the first indigenous president of Mexico.

Visitors often feel overwhelmed by the many sightseeing opportunities the city offer: explore the colonial city's stunning churches and outstanding museums, study the nearby archeological sites in depth, or dive into the wealth of markets. The city itself has a half dozen marketplaces worth seeing, displaying many kind of local handicraft and unique food items.

Alexandra enjoying a traditional breakfast

But for many, the best way to enjoy the city is simply to stroll its narrow streets or sit on one of the many benches of its plazas, and enjoy its golden sun. Wherever you look, there's always something delightful: a Mariachi band playing, a merchant selling ice creams, teenagers strolling arm in arm along the cathedral, a vendor surrounded by a mountain of balloons, a woman selling bouquets of gardenias for pennies. The city seems almost surreal - a reminder that in Mexico there's always something intriguing, something serendipitous.