Experiences and local guides in Oaxaca

Nature

Oaxaca, at 1,550 m in a valley ringed by mountains, is Mexico's most diverse state in peoples, languages and ecosystems. To the east, Hierve el Agua and its petrified salt waterfalls above the valley; to the north, the Sierra Norte with pine and oak forests at 3,000 m and Zapotec villages linked by trails; around the city, Monte Albán, agave fields and mezcal distilleries.

Activities

• Sierra Norte trails between the Pueblos Mancomunados: hut-to-hut hiking and mountain biking with community guides
• Hierve el Agua: bathing in the pools and hiking to the petrified falls, with Mitla and the Tule tree
• Mezcal route in Santiago Matatlán: family distilleries, tastings and agave fields
• Monte Albán and Yagul by bike, birdwatching in the sierra, temazcal
• Markets, Oaxacan cooking classes, black clay workshops in Coyotepec and weaving in Teotitlán

When to go

October to April is dry and sunny with cool nights. May to September brings afternoon rain and a green sierra; July is the Guelaguetza and late October the Day of the Dead, the two big festivals.

How to get there

Oaxaca airport (OAX) is 20 minutes from the centre, with flights from Mexico City (1 hour), Houston and Dallas. ADO buses from Mexico City (6 h 30) and Puebla. Hierve el Agua and Mitla are 1 h 30 by shared van or tour; the Sierra Norte 2 hours to Benito Juárez or Cuajimoloyas with community transport; Monte Albán 20 minutes.