Oaxaca: Cultural Sites and Natural Landscapes

Oaxaca offers many different ways to experience history and nature: in Mitla, five monumental architectural groups tell the story of an important city in the Tlacolula Valley; in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, ecosystems range from semiarid to tropical. There is also historic architecture, archaeological sites and regional cuisine. When choosing a holiday rental, a good first question is therefore which experiences you want your trip to focus on.

Archaeological History and Architecture

Monte Albán was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Mitla’s history also offers a distinctive perspective on the region: after Monte Albán’s decline in the 9th century, the city grew in importance, reached its peak around 1200, and retained its pre-eminence in the Tlacolula Valley until the Spanish conquest. Its five monumental architectural groups are called Grupo del Norte, Grupo de las Columnas, Grupo del Arroyo, Grupo del Adobe (also known as del Calvario), and Grupo del Sur. Those interested in architectural forms and early urban history will find a different focus here from the rock paintings of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape in 2010.

Yagul reveals another facet of the archaeological landscape: in the 10th century, its inhabitants built pyramids, palaces, tombs and a large ball court complex on interconnected platforms around the Caballito Blanco plateau. Atzompa, meanwhile, is a Zapotec settlement that formed part of the pre-Hispanic city of Monte Albán; its occupation is dated to periods IIIB–IV (650–850). The archaeological zone of Zaachila is considered the last capital of Zapotec power. These different sites offer several historical themes for a trip without needing to be grouped into a single era.

The historic centre of Oaxaca is also worth exploring for its built heritage: it preserves a distinctive architectural legacy shaped by an artistic and historical tradition spanning more than four centuries. A total of 1,000 historic monuments have been inventoried and recorded. The Museum of Oaxacan Cultures is housed in the former Santo Domingo monastery; the Jardín Etnobotánico is next to the Templo de Santo Domingo and is home to around 1,300 species native to Oaxaca.

Natural Landscapes and Regional Cuisine

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve extends across 31 municipalities in the northwest of the state of Oaxaca. Semiarid, temperate and tropical ecosystems shape its diversity. The reserve encompasses nine vegetation types and around 2,700 plant species identified to date, 11 percent of which are endemic. Much of the area can be explored via the Cuacnopalan–Oaxaca expressway and federal highways 150, 135 and 125. For nature lovers, this landscape offers a distinct focus for a trip through Oaxaca.

On the coast, Huatulco National Park encompasses nine bays, lowland forest, mangrove areas, a seasonal wetland, beaches, and coral and rocky reefs. Sendero Zanate is one of the national park’s three hiking trails. Lagunas de Chacahua National Park protects a rich system of lagoons and coastal wetlands; bioluminescence, turtles, crocodiles and mangroves are also associated with it. Benito Juárez National Park likewise preserves diverse flora and fauna as a protected natural area in the state.

If you’d like to explore regional cuisine and traditions alongside the landscapes and history, you can follow the Caminos del Mezcal. The route begins in Oaxaca’s Central Valleys and offers a chance to discover traditions surrounding mezcal and regional dishes. This makes it possible to accommodate the different interests of your travel group when choosing the focus of your holiday. When looking for a holiday rental, it’s a good idea to first select the subregion that suits the experiences you’re looking for.

More Places in Oaxaca

Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca De Juárez, Puerto Escondido, Guadaloupe, San Felipe Del Agua, San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Cacaotepec, San Pablo Villa De Mitla, Puerto Ángel, San Pedro Pochutla, Santa María Xadani, Mazunte, La Luz, Asunción Nochixtlán, Santa María Jacatepec, San Juan Bautista Valle Nacional, San Felipe Usila, San Felipe Jalapa De Díaz, Tehuantepec, San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, Villa De Tamazulapam Del Progreso, Santa Catarina Lachatao, San Miguel Amatlán, Salina Cruz, Cuajimoloyas, Tlalixtac De Cabrera, Juchitán De Zaragoza, San Antonio De La Cal, Santa Catarina Juquila, Tlachicon, San Pablo Etla, San Agustín Etla, Santos Reyes Nopala, Santa María del Tule, El Barrio de La Soledad, Teotitlan del Valle, San Pedro Mixtepec Distrito 26, Santa María Chimalapa, Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, San Pablo Etla, Santa María Tonameca, San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, Santa María Colotepec and San Miguel del Puerto.

For the overarching travel guide: Mexico.