What to do in Oaxaca, Mexico?
I am going to Oaxaca and would like to know if you have any places and/or activities that you can recommend to me.
I will be there during Guelaguetza, so I know that will be one of the festivals I will be attending. Thanks in advance! 
5 Answers
There are some ruins (Mitla) outside of Oaxaca that are popular. If you're flying in, you'll see them atop one of the cerros near the airport. You could book a tour to the black pottery place (Doña Rosa is great) and to a village nearby where a family does all the painting of the animals (alebrijes) that you see everywhere in Oaxaca. Eating on the plaza in the middle of Oaxaca is fun but if you sit outside be prepared to be inundated with locals trying to sell small trinkets in a steady flow. There are some artisanal shops on the plaza too (The Zocalo). There's always something going on Saturdays at the Zócalo. You should find a place to drink Chocolate at one of the Chocolaterías off the square. It's stronger than hot chocolate and not as milky with a touch of cinnamon. There is a Valley of Artesans near Oaxaca and it would be worth taking a tour of that.
I went to a language school in Oaxaca many years ago in November. I remember there was a book festival on plus lots of music and dances. The students were in lively tuna groups - Guanajuato has similar musicians as do many cities in Spain with large universities. I also saw many traditional dancers with a variety of brilliantly coloured costumes. It will be very hot when you go and very busy. I remember eating at a restaurant near where the guelaguetza is held. I enjoyed visiting various art galleries particularly with indigenous art "MACO Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca". I saw a lovely exhibition of Frida Kahlo's letters to her Doctor at Casa de la Cultura Oaxaqueña González Ortega, corner Colón My favourite museum was "Museo de Arte Prehispánico Rufino Tamayo" it is the collection made by the artist and is beautifully presented. I went on two tours at the weekend but cannot remember now which ones went together. I enjoyed visiting monte alban and also went to Mitla after which we went to a petrified waterfall. We also saw an enormous tree at tule and a large and colourful market. I think with monte alban we went to various indigenous 'factories' they included pottery and carpet weaving, If you look at the large market in Oaxaca and also the various craft shops you will enjoy seeing the artisans at work in the villages. You can try fruit with chili from the street vendors and eat grasshoppers. There are various shops selling mezcla and you will visit a factory on the tour.Besides the Basilica of Soledad are lots of stalls selling 'nieves' icecreams and sorbets. I liked tuna which is made from prickly pear but burnt milk is also popular. There is a cinema which shows free films but the day I went it was closed - cine el pochote. The first day I arrived I walked down to the town stopping by the Santa Domingo church - do go inside - outside a guatemalan choir were singing as two young children played hide and seek between their legs thenenboldened joined in the singing! The church is opposite a good coffee shop. The street is wide and there are lots of indigenous people selling carpets etc. Many Oaxacans are Zapotec or other indigenous people. The food is excellent various mole, aztec soup and I enjoyed tamales. I watched ballet at the theatre and also went salsa dancing - did I enjoy my trip - of course. If you have time there are trips available hiking in the countryside.
Eat lots of great food. Tamales and moles. These are some of the best of Mexico.
Puerto Escondido is pretty cool! Good surf and overall laid back environment.
I will be there for almost two weeks and reading your comments makes me want to leave now! I will be attending a Spanish language school while I am there as well. Many thanks for taking time out to reply to my question. Much appreciated!
