Many visitors come to Oaxaca (300 000 pop.), to visit from here the nearby pyramid Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Oaxaca, the capital of the homonymous state, is interesting because of its enthusiastic quiet, almost provincial atmosphere. Nightly visitors gather in restaurants and cafes around the Zócalo.

Andador Macedonio Alcalá From central square attracts a pedestrian zone to the north lined by numerous of colonial buildings. Some of them are today restaurants and shops. Between Zócalo and Santo-Domingo-Church Plaza Principal A Zócalo without traffic, surrounded by cafes and restaurants under arcades; on the circular stage are daily concerts.

Santo-Domingo-Church The two mighty towers flanked the facade from 1575, in the niches of the baroque church built saints of the Dominicans you can see. daily 7am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm. Alcalá/Gurrión

Monte Albán Just 10 miles from Oaxaca is one of the greatest pyramid complexes in Mexico, the former cult center of the Zapotec people. In nearly 2000 meters of altitude were the first settlers of the valley, probably Olmecs, demolished the dome of Monte Albán, the "White Mountain". On the resulting 200 V is 300 m wide area they built temples and palaces. daily. 9am to 5pm. shopping: Oaxaca enjoys an excellent reputation for its handicraft products, the Indians also sell it on the street.

food                                                                                                                                                                    Hostería de Alcalá Highly recommended: attentive service, tasty food and a beautiful courtyard. Calle M. Alcalá 307                      La Olla Cafe, bar and restaurant with regional kitchen, various specialty coffees and fruit juices; nice art gallery. Reforma 402 (close to Santo-Domingo-Kirche)                                                                                                                                             El Portal de la Soledad Fantastic location on the first floor above the Zócalo, partial view of the square. Regional kitchen is served, creatively interpreted. Portal B. Juárez 116                                                                                                                        El Sagrario Gorgeous patio at the Zócalo, regional kitchen plus pizza, pasta and fish dishes. Valdivieso 120.

where to stay                                                                                                                                                    Camino Real The 1576-built former monastery Santa Catalina, now a historical monument, is one of the most stylish addresses in the country. 91 rooms. 5 de Mayo 300                                                                                                                     Posada Catarina Rustic accommodation in a historic house in the centre with rooftop its own cafeteria for breakfast. 30 rooms. Aldama 325                                                                                                                                                                Los Olivos Recommend value house with a pool. 70 rooms. Calzada F. Madero 1254                                                         Paulina Modern hostel in the center for young people with all amenities. 96 beds in double rooms. Trujano 321                          Las Rosas A stairway leads up into the lobby on the first floor, nice and quiet, the rooms to thw colonial patio. 19 rooms. Trujano 112 (close to the Zócalo)