OAXACA
Oaxaca City is located in the Oaxaca Valley in the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, in Mexico’s southern region. Situated 1,550 m (5.000 ft) above sea level, the climate mild with an average temperature of 18º C (64º F).
The capital of the state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca city offers beautiful architecture, especially within the Centro Historico (Historic Center), which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, rich history and culture, and the traditional flavours of Mexico. In the main centre of Oaxaca city is Catedral de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Cathedral), the church and former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the most important baroque ecclesiastical building in Oaxaca, la Basilica de la Soledad (The Basilica of Solitude) and el Teatro Macedonio Alcala (The Macedonio Alcala Theater), among other magnificent colonial and 19th-century buildings. Surrounding the Historic Centre is a variety of craft stores which sell some of the popular traditional Oaxacan items such as the colorful alebrijes, swords, wool garments and beautiful black pottery they make.
Monte Alban and Mitla, some interesting archaeological areas, were the pre-Hispanic capitals of the Zapotec and Mixtec people, are a popular destination located in the surrounding area of Oaxaca city. Also of particular interest is the town of Santa Maria de Tule, which has the famous Arbol del Tule (Tule Tree), the magnificent natural scenery at Parque Nacional Benito Juarez and the spectacular fossilized waterfalls at Hierve el Agua.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido, meaning ‘hidden port’, lies on the Pacific Ocean coast of the state of Oaxaca, 249 km (154 mi) south of the state capital. The climate is semi-humid, with rainfall in the summer and an average temperature of 28º C (82º F).
Originally established in 1928 for the shipment of coffee, Puerto Escondido has become a popular destination for surfers and backpakers world-wide. Famous for its notable group of beaches surrounded by lush vegetation, these attract world class surfers to its blue-green waters each year. Playa Zicatela is a famous surf break which hosts an international surfing competition and attracts thousands of top class surfers from all over the world each year, while Playa Principal is home to a renowned sportfishing tournament held each November. A turtle sanctuary located at Mazunte Beach offers an insight into the research and conservation of a variety of turtle species.
Surrounding Puerto Escondido are nature areas such as the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, which consists of a group of lagoons and mangroves, where you can view crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds.
While in Puerto Escondido ensure you experience the delicious seafood dishes on offer, view the beautiful crafts made of seashells and black coral, and enjoy the lively nightlife that is on offer in the numerous bars and nightclubs along the beach.
HUATULCO
Huatulco is located in the southern region of the state of Oaxaca. It is located 277 km (171 mi) from Oaxaca and 50 minutes, by plane, from Mexico City. The climate is hot and semi-humid, with an average temperature of 28º C (82º F) and sunny days throughout most of the year.
Huatulco is a tourist destination most commonly visited by Mexicans and Canadians, although the US and UK tourist markets are drawing more and more vacationers to the area each year. Huatulco has a wide selection of bays, which are protected areas, and a large number of beaches, all protected from future development and the pristine waters are kept exquisitely clean. The most popular resort areas are Tangolunda Bay, Camino Real, Gala, and Barceló, which make up part of the Bahias de Huatulco National Park. Here you will find calm blue-green waters which you can explore in relative privacy by snorkel or diving to view some amazing tropical fish and coral. Santa Cruz Bay, considered one of the most important ecological reserves, is another popular diving and snorkeling spot due to its stunning coral reefs. The waters of Huatulcos Pacific coast have an abundance of marine life, and hosts the annual Torneo de Pesca de Pez Vela (Sailfish Fishing Tournament) in April and May.
In the small surrounding communities such as Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, and old Santa Maria, you can explore the quaint shops and delicious restaurants, either traveling by foot or local taxi, while enjoying the vast natural beauty, the diverse landscapes Within Huatulco you can experience top quality hotel resorts, excellent plazas and one of the best golf courses on the Pacific coast.
