Tricepilot's Oaxaca

Oaxaca, the Mexican state I would consider the most exotic of all 31 that Mexico has, is also the name of her intriguing capitol city. Touching the beautiful blue Pacific on the south, Chiapas to the east, Guerrero to the west, and Puebla and Veracruz to the north, Oaxaca was and is easily reachable from the U.S. (Texas) in 2 or 3 days, depending upon how much time you choose to dawdle. This was a relatively expedient run down to Oaxaca, now officially one of my favorite places in all of Mexico.



This is the land of the Zapotec and Mixtecs, an ancient land. Oaxaca itself sits in the confluence of three relatively high altitude valleys, and what is to be found in these valleys as well as the surrounding hills and mountains is what gives purpose to going, as much as the city itself.

Fans of colonial Mexican architecture will be thrilled with Oaxaca, as much as with Chiapas' San Cristóbal de las Casas. Ancient indians, Conquistadors, ties to Mexico's own revolution is all here, as well as one of the biggest reasons to pin Oaxaca on your map: artesanias. If you're interested in one of, if the the, premier places on the planet for black pottery, loomed rugs dyed with cochineal, or fantastic (in both the sense of the imagination as well as quality) wood carvings, Oaxaca is your place.

Much more about Oaxaca (both the city and state), getting there, getting back, recommendations on what to see and do, some restuarants not to miss, and a few (ok, a lot) more treats thrown in for good measure.

Exotic landscapes such as Hierve el Agua (The Water Boils) within a short ride:



Warm blue skies over endless colors everywhere on Oaxaca's streets:



A guide for getting an international bicycle riding chick to smile on your bike:



Or just getting some nice smiles:



This was my solid week in Oaxaca, to include the Day of the Dead, plus the ride in via Veracruz and out via San Miguel de Allende and Real de Catorce....

¡Oye!.....here we go again

Thanks for another one of your most excellent Mexico ride reports!! Thanks for taking us along