Oaxaca
is a magical place, known for its everyday rituals, hospitality, feast
days, art, people and spirit. Begin the day with an early morning meditation,
accompanied by the birds that serenade each new day with their song, or
take a refreshing swim, walk through the remains of the ancient Hacienda
and surrounding farmland, and treat yourself to a delicious breakfast
. . . the HACIENDA EL ENCUENTRO provides a space propitious for renewal.
In front of us, to the South, are the archaeological ruins of Atzompa - as impressive as those of Monte Albán (behind it) - which can be reached by walking (about 45 minutes). In addition to the mysterious beauty of these ruins, the village at the foot of the hill can't hide its genuine atmosphere of a pre-Hispanic agrarian community.
Within the same day, you can explore a rural setting, witness the pre-Hispanic roots of the surrounding area, and feel a grand colonial presence, particularly in the city center . . . all this complemented by the generosity and warmth of the Oaxacan peoplee.
Depending on the time of year, the valley of Oaxaca celebrates colorful feast days, highlighted by Easter Week, the Guelaguetza or Monday of the Mountain (during July), Day of the Dead (end of October and beginning of November), the Night of the Radishes (the 23rd of December), Christmas and the New Year.
In
addition to enjoying a meal at the market or in a wide choice of different
restaurants around the zócalo, some of the villages that surround
the city within the Oaxaca Valley are inviting, many with
a long tradition of craft-making: weaving, embroidery, ceramics,
wood carving and jewelry making.
Or
you might like to visit Francisco Toledo's art-quality Paper Factory,
or the village where the beloved painter Rodolfo Morales lived. The locally
fermented beverage known as Mezcal is produced in the Oaxaca area, with
an astonishing variety of tastes for every palate. There are also innumerable
archeological sites to feed your adventurous, curious spirit . . . . until
night falls, when the starry sky is most appreciated from the secluded
grounds of the HACIENDA EL ENCUENTRO . . . and the night is yours to enjoy.
Among the interesting sites found in the OAXACA VALLEY:
|
|
|
On the road to the Valley of Mitla:
|
|
a.
The "Árbol del Tule" - the great "grandfather"
of trees.
|
|
b. Temple at Tlacochahuaya - with 16th century paintings.
|
|
c. Dainzú - archelogical ruins.
|
|
d. Teotitlán del Valle - carpet weaving.
|
|
e. Tlacolula - the village and Saturday market.
|
|
f. Mezcal Factory - tastes of different flavors are offered.
|
|
g.
Pictographs - in the caves on the side of the road.
|
|
h.
Yagúl - archaeological ruins.
|
|
i.
Mitla - the village, archaeological ruins, and market.
|
|
j.
Hierve el Agua - mineral waters at the top of the mountain.
|
|
On the road to the Valley of Ocotlán: |
|
a.
San Bartolo Coyotepec - ceramic artisans.
|
|
b.
Ocotlán - the village and Friday market.
|
|
c.
The highway to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.
|
|
On the road to Zaachila: |
|
a.
The Convento at Cuilapan.
|
|
b.
Restaurant "La Capilla".
|
|
c.
Zaachila - the village and archaeological site..
|
|
On the road to Etla: |
|
a.
Maestro Francisco Toledo's Paper Factory.
|
|
b.
El Mogote - archaeological ruins and village museum.
|
|
c.
Etla - the village.
|
|
In and around the CITY of Oaxaca, we recommend: |
|
a.
Monte Albán - archeological ruins and museum.
|
|
b. Zócalo - the outdoor coffee shops, and Cathedral. |
| c. Central Market - all sorts of things can be found.. |
|
d.
Turistic Walkway - The "Casa del Mezcal".
|
|
e.
Santo Domingo Museum and Church.
|
|
f.
Rufino Tamayo Museum.
|
|
g.
La Mano MágicaGallery - great selection of art and
crafts.
|
|
h.
El Sol y la Luna
- food, drink and jazz music.
|
|
i.
La Candela - music and tropical dancing.
|
|
The Ecological Experience: |
|
a.
Flying on a Paraglider .
|
|
b.
Horseback Riding.
|
|
c.
Hiking and Rock Climbing.
|
|
d.
The Oaxacan Rain Forest.
|
