Car Hire Oaxaca - Mini guide to Oaxaca

Although Oaxaca is economically one of Mexico's poorest states, it is also one of the country’s richest states in terms of history, culture, archaeology and ecology. Oaxaca boasts some of Mexico's most varied natural terrain, from tropical forests, to majestic mountains and lush valleys. There is also a stunning rugged Pacific coastland, with serene beaches with soft white sands.

Oaxaca is a charming and vibrant colonial city. Friendly to pedestrians, the zocalo (main plaza) is completely closed off to traffic, and surrounded by cafés and restaurants which make it a perfect setting for a relaxed drink. The city's cathedral, dating from the 18th century, is worth a visit to see the stunning stone carvings on its front façade.

The Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) boasts some great architecture both inside and out. Iglesia de Santo Domingo is an impressive-looking church worth visiting. Oaxaca’s oldest church was built around 1521. Although Iglesia de San Juan de Dios is a simple church, it is popular with the local people.

The city’s best museums include: Museo Regional de Oaxaca (Regional Museum of Oaxaca), hosting artefacts from Monte Alban's Tomb Number 7, which contained corpses, jewellery and gold; Rufino Tamayo Museo de Arte Pre Hispanico (Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre Hispanic Art), which has a display of pre-Hispanic art collected over 20 years; and Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca (Museum of Oaxacan Contemporary Art), which includes collections from contemporary Mexican artists, including Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Nieto and others.

Traditional Mexican-themed night parties are popular with the locals. Shoppers will enjoy the myriad of shops and galleries which brim over with quality goods from all over the valley. Alternatively, markets make shopping an even deeper cultural experience. Trips to surrounding villages provide an opportunity to see artisans creating finely crafted products.