Oaxaca MX where History, Gastronomy, Mezcal, Art and Culture blend

The most famous landmark and a World Heritage site in Oaxaca City is the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman built in 1551. There are three sections to the church and two bell towers. It has a rich history that has survived earthquakes, been occupied by various military forces, and served as a theological center. It now houses a museum, an ethnobotanical garden, and a theology center with a library.

An ancient book displayed in the Theological Library.
The old convent where the cultural museum is located.
The interior of the Templo is shining with impressive gold work. 

The gardens of the Templo house an impressive collection of regional botanical species.
Let's Eat!!
Levadura de Olla, with a Michelin star, requires reservations, and it can take several days. The wait was worth it. The tamale covered with two types of mole and laced with squash blossoms was fantastic.
The heirloom tomato salad was unbelievable, with 8 different tomatoes beautifully arranged and lightly covered with a vinaigrette that let all the tomato flavors shine.
Within Oaxaca city, there are many Barrios, each with its own personality. Jalatlaco stands out for its bright murals that decorate the walls.
There are many speciality coffee shops, and some offer organic, homemade items.
A colorful Barrio on the way to Monte Alban.
Monte Albán is the place every tourist goes when visiting Oaxaca. Founded in 500 BC, it is among the earliest settlements in Mesoamerica. The Zapotec lived in and ruled the region for one thousand years.
A Zapotec ball court.
Mitla is second to Monte Alban in historical importance. It was a religious center for the Mixtec. The artistry of the brickwork is seen in the patterns of rugs produced by local weavers in Teotitlan.
Close to Oaxaca is a village called Teotitlan de Valle. It is an easy day trip by taxi or colectivo to see the village, visit the Church Preciosa Sangre de Cristo, and see the rugs. Built on a Zapotec site, the church used stones from a Zapotec site.


Wool carpets line the streets in Teotitlan, where almost every household is involved in dying and weaving these beautiful rugs. Many use the ancient patterns found in the Zapotec temples. The dyes are natural and from many regional plants.
Many families produced Alebrejas in the village of San Martín Tilcajete. They are fantasy animals, but also ones that match an owner's birth year, similar to the Chinese zodiac. The lion with a serpent's tail would be a very powerful Alebreja.
This is the process, from carving a special Balsa wood,
Then painting the pieces,
and finally displaying and selling.
The Sunday market at Tlacolula de Matamoros is famous for indigenous products, vegetables, fruits, clothing, and Mezcal. Anything produced in or near Oaxaca is sold here. It is a sensory overload.
Most visitors go to the market for the food.
Yes, even grasshoppers, or Chapulines, are served in Tacos.
The coast of Oaxaca is called the Mediterranean of Mexico. We visited Huatalco. It was quiet and very laid back. Many foreigners, especially Canadians, like to buy condos there and stay during the winter months in Canada. It makes sense, and the coastline's visual beauty is hard to beat.
A protected area adjacent to the beach is full of birds.
An early morning boat trip was a fantastic aquatic wildlife experience.
My final thoughts on the trip - go before it is too late! There is so much more that wasn't provided in this blog. I am definitely going back.
For our bird watching adventures in Oaxaca, visit the Birding in Oaxaca blog.

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