If you follow my adventures, you know I have a soft spot for places that assault the senses in the best way possible. I’m talking about destinations where the colors are brighter, the music is louder, and the food? The food changes your life. 🌮✨

Well, pack your bags, amigos, because we are heading to Oaxaca City, Mexico.

While places like Cancun and Mexico City get a lot of the glory, Oaxaca (pronounced wah-ha-kah) is the soulful, culinary heart of the country. It’s a place where ancient Zapotec traditions blend seamlessly with a vibrant modern art scene, all set against a backdrop of colorful colonial architecture and the Sierra Madre mountains. I just got back, and I honestly considered missing my flight home. Here is why you need to go immediately.

The Land of Seven Moles

Let’s get the most important thing out of the way first: the food. Oaxaca is often called the gastronomic capital of Mexico, and for good reason. It is known as the "Land of Seven Moles." If you think you know mole, think again. It isn't just a chocolate sauce; it is a complex, labor-intensive masterpiece.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mole Negro: The king of moles. It’s dark, rich, savory, and slightly sweet, made with chocolate, chilies, and dozens of spices. I had the best version of my life at a tiny stall in the Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
• Tlayudas: Often called "Oaxacan Pizza," this is a giant, crispy tortilla covered in beans, asiento (pork lard), cabbage, avocado, queso fresco, and your choice of meat. It is messy, it is huge, and it is glorious. 🍕
• Chapulines: Okay, hear me out. These are toasted grasshoppers seasoned with chili and lime. They are crunchy, salty, and honestly? Perfect with a cold beer.

Mezcal: The Spirit of the Gods

You cannot visit Oaxaca without diving into the world of Mezcal. Unlike its cousin Tequila (which is only made from Blue Agave), Mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave, many of which grow wild. This gives it a smoky, earthy complexity that reflects the terroir of the region.

I highly recommend booking a tour to a palenque (a mezcal distillery) in the countryside. Watching the maestros mezcaleros roast the agave hearts in underground pits and crush them with a horse-drawn stone wheel is a lesson in patience and tradition. It’s not just a drink; it’s a ritual. 🥃

Beyond the City: Ancient Ruins and Petrified Waterfalls

While the city center is walkable and enchanting with its cobblestone streets and bright yellow cathedrals, the surrounding valleys hold some absolute treasures.

Monte Albán

Just a short drive from the city center lies Monte Albán, the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization. Perched on a flattened mountaintop, the views of the valley below are breathtaking. Walking through the Great Plaza, flanked by pyramids and ancient ball courts, you can feel the weight of history. Pro Tip: Go early in the morning (right when they open at 8 AM) to beat the heat and the tour buses. 🏛️

Hierve el Agua

This is one of those places that looks like it was generated by AI, but I promise it is real. Hierve el Agua features a set of natural rock formations that look like cascading waterfalls. They are actually created by fresh water springs that are rich in calcium carbonate and other minerals. You can hike to the bottom for a unique perspective or take a dip in the natural infinity pools at the top, overlooking the rugged mountains. It is a bit of a trek to get there, but absolutely worth the winding roads. 🌊

A Canvas of Culture

Finally, leave some room in your suitcase. Oaxaca is famous for its artisans. In the village of Teotitlán del Valle, families have been weaving wool rugs using natural dyes (made from indigo, moss, and even bugs!) for generations. And you’ll see alebrijes everywhere—brightly painted, fantastical wooden creature carvings that inspired the spirit guides in the movie Coco.

Oaxaca isn't just a destination; it's a feeling. It’s the smell of roasted chilies in the air, the sound of marimbas in the Zocalo, and the warmth of the people. So, what are you waiting for? ✈️

Have you ever been to Oaxaca? Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite mole!