Oaxaca: a quick guide to Mexico’s enchanting state

From its unique attractions to ancestral traditions and a growing coffee scene, in this quick guide we’ll show you why Oaxaca is an attractive destination to live or invest in real estate.

Oaxacan Culture: unique traditions

Oaxaca is one of the most culturally rich states in Mexico. It has one of the largest indigenous populations in the country, with more than 15 ethnic groups such as Zapotec, Mixtec, Chinantec, Mazatec, Mixe, Chontal, Amuzgo, and more.

But beyond its linguistic variation, Oaxaca offers a world of culture, starting with local handicrafts, passing through unique flavors, and ending with a culture that enchants locals and foreigners alike.

Oaxacan Handicraft

Oaxaca is known for its beautiful handicrafts and its creations are diversified throughout the state:

• Arrazola: home of alebrijes, which are fantastical creatures carved from hand-painted wood and featuring a unique combination of vibrant colors.
• Teotitlán del Valle: home of traditional handmade tapestry, such as rugs, tablecloths, folders, and more.
• San Bartolo Coyotepec: whose artisans make figures from black clay.
• Taxco de Alarcón: where silver is the main material for jewelry.

Local Gastronomy

Oaxacan cuisine is as diverse as its people, with indigenous influences that make each dish a special preparation. Some typical flavors of Oaxaca include:

• Mole. It is one of the most famous dishes. It is a thick sauce made of chiles, spices, plantain, and seeds, among other ingredients. There are different types of moles, such as black, green, yellow, or red, and each region of Oaxaca has its unique recipe, which has been perfected over generations.
• Tlayudas. Another specialty. They are large, crunchy tortillas usually covered with beans, cheese, herbs, and salsa -some add chapulines-. They are considered the perfect quick dish in Oaxaca.
• Chocolate. Oaxaca is a producer of chocolate, and it is even possible to take tours to learn how it is grown and processed. Oaxacan chocolate is a delicious finish to any meal.
• Coffee. Mexico is also an excellent producer of coffee, and Oaxaca is one of the states that grows it. It is characterized by its sweet and roasted flavor with low acidity and medium body.
• Mezcal. It is an artisanal and traditional alcoholic beverage made from distilled agave, with a strong smoky flavor, and mainly produced in Oaxaca. In fact, mezcal has an origin denomination, which means that it can only be called ‘mezcal’ if it is produced in specific regions of Mexico.

Did you know that… Matatlan is the world capital of mezcal. Here you can learn about the production of this distillate and even have a personalized tasting.

Top beaches to fall in love with

From pristine and secluded beaches to those with resorts and activities for the whole family, here are some of the top beaches in Oaxaca:

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a popular destination for surfers, with challenging waves and a vibrant atmosphere. The most popular beaches in Puerto Escondido are:

• Playa Zicatela: Known for its giant waves and considered one of the best surfing beaches in the world.
• Playa Carrizalillo: A quieter beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Playa Puerto Angelito: With a bohemian atmosphere and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Zipolite

Zipolite is a nudist beach with a hippie and relaxed atmosphere. It is an ideal place to practice yoga, and meditation or enjoy nature.

Huatulco

Huatulco is a group of nine bays with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Some of them are:

• San Agustin Bay: With a family atmosphere and water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.
• Cacaluta Bay: A virgin beach with crystalline waters.
• Chachacacual Bay: Famous for its rock formations and coral reefs.

You might be interested in: Owning your beachfront home in Mexico: tips for international buyers

Oaxaca’s Pueblos Mágicos*

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Located only 30 minutes away from Oaxaca city, there is the archaeological site of Mitla, belonging to the Zapotec culture. Its constructions are unique in Mesoamerica for their intricate geometric designs. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit its tombs, palaces, and the Catholic church built over the ruins.

Capulalpam

Surrounded by hills and forests, this charming town is known for the Temple of ‘San Mateo Discípulo’, dating from the 16th century. Its inhabitants, mainly Zapotecs, are warm and friendly, which, combined with the local landscapes and buildings, create an unparalleled harmony.

Huautla de Jimenez

With the smell of wet earth, this Magical Town offers unique vegetation. It is here where the delicious coffee of the Mazatecan region welcomes you and whose cave system -considered the deepest in America- becomes the perfect place for an ancestral ritual.

Juquila

The Sierra Madre del Sur is part of the landscape of this town. The Sanctuary of the Juquila’s Immaculate Virgin is a must-see and the main reason for almost 2 million visitors every year.

Mazunte

One of the wonders of Oaxaca is its beaches and if you add the ecological part, Mazunte becomes the perfect place. It is a destination that stands out for marine turtle conservation and where tourists, year after year, witness the wonderful spectacle of nesting.

San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula

This Mixtec town that houses has the largest open chapel in the world. It is a Dominican convent with columns, walls, and vaults of quarry stone. It was built in the XVI century and its facade has a tequitqui art.

*Source: México Desconocido

Oaxaca as a real estate investment destination

Once you know a little bit more about Oaxaca, it is important to mention that it has become a state with great potential to invest in real estate.

Its climate, beaches, mountains, and valleys make it an attractive destination, as it is also one of the cheapest states in Mexico in terms of cost of living and properties.

If you think long term, Oaxaca has great growth potential, so if you are looking to invest in real estate in Oaxaca, in Puerto Escondido you will find an excellent opportunity.

You might be interested in: Why invest in real estate in Puerto Escondido?

Osan Puerto can help you find the best place to invest in Puerto Escondido real estate. Contact us and get more information.