Step into the enchantment of this special corner of southern Mexico - Oaxaca - known as the mystical soul of Mexico. Get to know the real Mexican people in the center of the largest ethnic population in the country. Rich in traditions and customs, they preserve their languages and dialects, celebrate fiestas for the living and the dead, and worship nature. Re-live the reform era of Mexico by visiting beloved President Don Benito Juarez's house. Meditate upon the works of the renowned artists Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Morales and Rufino Tamayo. Photograph the wonderful architecture of the historic buildings. Watch an excellent demonstration of the famous glossy black pottery by Doña Rosa's grandson.

For many of its admirers, Oaxaca is synonymous with folk art. Purchase the best Mexican folk art available anywhere. No trip to Oaxaca is complete without some time spent exploring the region's fascinating villages within a 50 km radius of Oaxaca City. Shop in the village workshops for the famous glossy black pottery. Hand-woven wool rugs that are still made from natural dyes and the famous wooden alberijes (hand-carved "nightmare" animals) are crafted in these small Mexican villages. Often combining ancient and modern techniques, most of the region's voluminous output comes from families that have spent generations developing a particular folk art. Meet these artisans in their homes and appreciate how they weave together the riches of traditions and creativity, fantasy & practicality to produce the most exciting popular art in Mexico.

Never tire of Oaxacan gastronomy, recognized in Mexico and throughout the world. Even your most demanding palate will appreciate Oaxaca's famous moles, chocolate, dried beef dishes, & rose petal or prickly pear fruit ice cream. Enter an extra-ordinary culinary world in the exotic native markets. 

Put on your apron for a hands-on cooking class with Iliana de la Vega, the famous owner of El Naranjo Restaurant. Iliana was featured in the May issue of Bon Appétit Magazine, and her restaurant has the honor of being Frommer's favorite eating place in Oaxaca. Iliana specializes in the seven moles of Oaxaca and organic salads.

Walk the ancient pathways of the Mixtec and Zapotec people through the pyramids at Monte Albán and Mitla. Monte Albán, one of the first cities of the new world, is one of Mexico's greatest archeological treasures. Discover how it shared its majesty with Teotihuacan and Tikal as a major ceremonial center of Mesoamerica.

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