Oaxaca tastes like mezcal and yellow mole; smells like herbs and has the sound of church bells combined with the rhythm of sones and huapangos. This city, the capital of the state that bears the same name, is felt throughout the body and is remembered forever.
Founded by Aztec warriors in 1482, years later it received the name of Antequera, chosen by King Carlos V, who called this territory a “very noble and loyal city”. Today it is known as Oaxaca de Juárez in honor of the Benemérito de las Américas, a native of that state.
The history of Oaxaca has witnessed the birth and success of plastic artists of the stature of Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo, and writers such as the poet Andrés Henestrosa.
Home of artists from various disciplines -which include cooking and the art of making mezcal- there is no doubt that this city is art, creativity, and color.
What can’t you miss in Oaxaca?
You have to know that people come to this city hungry and very, because it has a spectacular gastronomic offer: from starting the day with some enfrijoladas, to ending it with the tasting menu in some Oaxacan high-end cuisine restaurant.
As for food, you have to try the mole in all its variants -especially the black and yellow mole-, try the tlayudas with cheese and jerky, and enjoy a fruit ice cream or sorbet (a kind of custard ice cream). Of course, Oaxacan cuisine is rich in all aspects and very complex, so we recommend you make reservations at the following restaurants so that you get enjoy this very special gastronomy:
- Pitiona
- Criollo
- Casa Oaxaca
- Las 15 Letras
- “Juanita”, dentro del mercado Benito Juárez.
With the very important culinary issue resolved, you have to tour the historic center, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where you will find parks, plazas, churches, and old houses that will make you travel back in time.
Apart from the imposing Cathedral of La Asunción, a must-see is the beautiful Cathedral of Santo Domingo, beautiful construction of pink quarry and New Spain baroque style that houses in its interior a gold-carved altarpiece that takes your breath away. Go to the Museum of Cultures, located next to the cathedral (in what used to be the monastery) to learn more about the history of Oaxaca and feel like you are traveling back in time.
