Oaxaca

corner of Constitución, Centro· Expensive

A former army base, converted to a large botanical garden in 1993. The garden, designed by Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo who led the project to create it, has the largest collection of living cacti and agave plants in Oaxaca.

Centro· Free

An 18th century mansion (restored in 2007) with exhibits featuring the designs, techniques and creative processes used for the production of Oaxacan textiles. In addition, the museum regularly runs conferences and workshops.

Centro· Pricey

Historic childhood home of former Mexican President Benito Juarez. It's an unassuming home fitting for a man of humble roots.

corner of Alcalá and Gurrión· Free

A spectacular church built from 1570-1608, with subsequent Baroque renovations. It has been restored. Particularly noteworthy on the south side is the elaborate Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario, as well as the Capilla de la Cruz de…

next to the Zocalo

Oaxaca's largest church dates from 1533 and is known for its unique interpretation of baroque style architecture.

Catch a street act, watch a clown entertain children, buy a souvenir or just people watch from a sidewalk cafe as time passes by. Dozens of vendors have set up booths around the square.

De Los Derechos Humanos· Moderate

Oaxaca has a popular and successful baseball team, the Guerreros, who play from late March through late August in a modern, well maintained stadium. Good concessions at reasonable prices.

Provides small week-long tours during Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca. The tours introduce people to the history of Oaxaca and the Day of the Dead by engaging them in its unique celebrations such as visiting the Panteóns (cemeteries)…

Organizes regular hikes, both day and the occasional overnight, to various locations around Oaxaca and also into the Sierra Norte.

The Guelaguetza highlights the traditional practices of the various indigeneous cultures from the state of Oaxaca. The main days are the Mondays following July 16 (Feast Day of Saint Carmen).

A Mexican holiday that traditionally takes place in candle-lit city cemeteries, but today takes place in front of almost every church in the historic city center.

· Moderate

Large natural park with hiking trails, zip lines, and great opportunities for bird watchers.

Calle de Mariano Abasolo 300

Offers a wide selection of moles, including three-mole combination plates and varieties not easily found elsewhere.

C. Porfirio Díaz 207

Should you tire of the traditional Oaxacan fare and desire something more familiar, this is the place to go.

between Av Morelos and Calle Murguía

There are several excellent eateries in this traditional market. La Güerita, located on the northeast side of the market, is well-known for its memelas and huitlacoche, but has only a few seats. La Florecita (no.

The plaza in front of this church is filled with stores selling nieves (snows), frozen sorbets flavored with any number of fruits. The most classic flavoring is tuna, the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

Miguel Hildalgo 1017

A pleasant little restaurant with fresh-tasting Oaxacan cuisine and an understanding of vegetarian/vegan requirements.

4 blocks from Santo Domingo Church

Casa Angel is a stylish backpackers hostel in a restored downtown house. It offers inexpensive and stylish accommodations for their guests in 3, 4, and 10 bed dorm rooms.

18 km from Centro· Expensive

The campground is gated and safe with level campsites, clean restrooms and hot showers. Free WiFi. Full and partial hookups for any size RV. Pets are welcome and petsitting available leaving you free to explore.

Ejido Guadalupe Victoria, 15 min taxi ride from the Zocalo· Expensive

A family-run property, a well done eco-construction, relaxing environment and a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges with large swimming pool.

Jalatlaco, 3/4 mile from the Zocalo, near the 1st class bus station· Expensive

Run by great family. Lots of parrots in a wonderful garden. Nice terrace overlooking the San Matias church. Breakfast in common area (extra).

About 3 blocks W of zocalo· Expensive

Shares a wall with an identical hotel. Shared baths. Some rates by the hour, to give you an idea of how budget it is. Not clean at all!.

west of Centro

A highly-rated hostel renowned for its incredible breakfasts and customer service. Offers basic and premium dormitories as well as private rooms. Not a party hostel, but certainly a social hostel.