Mexico Family Holidays in Oaxaca
Oaxaca, Mexico, is a culturally rich, visually spectacular destination perfect for food lovers and families on the go. From its ancient monuments to its delectable cuisine, there’s something for every age and interest.
Check out these fantastic ideas for the perfect Mexico family holidays in Oaxaca.
Welcome to Oaxaca
Ever considered the state of Oaxaca for your next Mexico vacation? Oaxaca takes its name from the state’s capital city and sits in southern Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Guerrero to the west, Puebla to the northwest, Veracruz to the north, and Chiapas to the east. Oaxaca also boasts a significant swathe of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
The state officially recognizes sixteen indigenous people groups, including the Mixtecs and the Zapotecs. Most locals live in the Central Valleys region, which includes impressive archaeological sites like Mitla and Monte Albán. Besides historical sites, you’ll find a variety of native cultures and crafts to explore, thanks to the region’s ancient diversity.
Another Oaxacan tourist attraction is the Pacific Coast, with its picturesque resorts like Huatulco. Stunning beaches also abound like Puerto Escondido, Puerto Ángel, Bahia de Tembo, Mazunte, and Zipolite.
Lastly, Oaxaca is known for its incredible biodiversity, ranking among the top three Mexican states for number of amphibians, reptiles, plants, and mammals. On a Mexico family vacation, come prepared to snap incredible photos of local flora and fauna.
Explore Oaxaca City and Monte Albán
Located in the center of the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán is one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica and once ranked as one of its most populous. It is still considered sacred by shamans today. In ancient times, it was the capital of the Zapotec nation but also held significance to the Mixtec people.
Located 25 minutes outside of the present capital of Oaxaca, Monte Albán once exercised economic, political, and ideological control over the communities of the Oaxaca Valley. As you wander the ancient ruins, check out pyramids, palaces, and temples constructed by the Zapotecs. There’s also a theater, a marketplace, and a ball court where a vicious cross between soccer and basketball once occurred.
After checking out this jaw-dropping location, head to Oaxaca to stroll its cobble-stoned streets. Savor its vibrant squares, colonial structures, and countless picturesque churches. Highlights include visiting the largest central market in Oaxaca and the central plaza, Zócalo, where you’ll gain an appreciation for local handicrafts.
Visit Teotitlan Market and Cook With a Zapotec Family
One of the best ways to gain a feel and taste for local cultures is through an authentic cooking class. In Teotitlan del Valle, immerse your family in Zapotec culture. Explore the pueblo’s beautiful church and its stunning Baroque artwork.
Then, head to the house of a local Zapotec family to learn more about Teotitlan’s celebrated rug weaving tradition. Artisans in the region continue to use traditional carding, spinning, dyeing, and weaving techniques on rugged, hand-built, wooden looms.
After learning about textile traditions, participate in a Oaxacan cooking class at a local home. You’ll learn about new recipes and experience distinct flavors and techniques before diving into the lunch you helped create.
Discover San Martin Tilcajete and an Alebrije Workshop
Are you and your kids fans of Coco? If so, you’ll delight in exploring San Martin Tilcajete, which inspired the Pixar movie. The town is also home to alebrije—vibrant, hand-carved wooden animal figurines.
One of the highlights of this part of your stay is getting to try your hand at crafting alebrije. As you pick and paint your figurines, you’ll gain an intimate knowledge of this age-old tradition.
After exploring your artistic side, head to a traditional roadside eatery to savor handmade blue and white corn tortillas filled with delish ingredients like corn truffle, squash blossoms, wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and avocado.
Step Back in Time in Hierve el Agua and Mitla
In Hierve el Agua, explore petrified waterfalls and enjoy a swim in natural pools. The site sits atop a cliff, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The petrified cliffs appear frozen in time, a stunning memory of thousands of years of cascading water features.
Next, head to Mitla, a small town 25 miles southeast of Oaxaca City, where you’ll find the ruins of another ancient Mesoamerican site. Explore a sophisticated series of tombs and mosaics while learning more about the complex history of this region. Mitla is derived from the Nahuatl word Mictlán, which translates as “the place of the dead.” As the name suggests, the site once acted as a sacred burial location.
A mixture of Zapotec and, to a lesser degree, Mixtec cultural influences bear witness to the peoples who interred their dead here. Mitla remains unique among Mesoamerican archaeological destinations for its intricate mosaic fretwork and geometric designs that embellish tombs, friezes, panels, and entire complex walls. The mosaics were created using small, finely cut and polished stones fitted and fastened with mortar. No other place in Mexico displays this type of decorative work.
Mexico Family Holidays in Oaxaca
Rich cultural experiences and intriguing archaeological sites abound in Oaxaca, Mexico. Your family will also enjoy chances to observe wildlife, explore petrified waterfalls, learn how to cook local cuisine, and much more. And an alebrije workshop in San Martin Tilcajete and trip to the market in Teotitlan are a mere drive away.
Ready to find out more about Mexico family holidays in Oaxaca and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Besides Oaxaca, other great Mexico family vacation options include Baja and cultural activities near Cancun. Let’s schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and unique travel style. Then, we’ll craft a meaningful travel experience your family will never forget.
