OaxacaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Zapotec Capital to Colonial City

Oaxaca de Juárez, initially named Antequera, was founded in 1529 by the Spanish in a valley previously inhabited by Zapotec people. Alonso García Bravo established the city with a grid plan, centered around a main plaza. This layout remains largely intact today. The region had been under Aztec military rule since the 15th century, but the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 led to Spanish control over Oaxaca.

The colonial period, lasting 300 years, saw the Dominicans establish themselves in Oaxaca in 1528, forming the Bishopric of Oaxaca in 1535. They began widespread evangelization, building numerous churches and convents. Many of these structures still define the city's architectural landscape. Oaxaca became a significant producer and exporter of cochineal dye to Spain during this era. European diseases and forced labor reduced the indigenous population. The city's architecture, with thick walls and low buildings, developed to withstand frequent seismic activity.

Earthquakes, Independence, and Modern Identity

After Mexico gained independence, Oaxaca became a state in 1824. The 19th century was marked by political struggles between liberal and conservative factions. The city also experienced significant natural disasters, particularly earthquakes in the 16th and 18th centuries, and again in 1931. These events necessitated multiple reconstructions of prominent buildings like the Oaxaca Cathedral. In 1872, the city adopted the name Oaxaca de Juárez, honoring Benito Juárez, a former president of Mexico and a native of the state. From the 1980s onwards, Oaxaca has seen development in its tourism industry, based on its cultural heritage and colonial architecture.

• —Oaxaca Cathedral — Construction began in 1535 and it was consecrated in 1733. The facade is made of green cantera stone, a material common in Oaxacan buildings. Its Baroque facade, reconstructed multiple times due to earthquakes, includes a relief of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Inside, the main altar is Neoclassical, with a bronze statue of Our Lady of the Assumption.
• —Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) — This building is on the Zócalo. It houses murals depicting the history and culture of Oaxaca.
• —Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán — Construction on this complex began in 1575 and was largely completed by 1608. The Rosary Chapel was finished in 1731. It is an example of New Spanish Baroque architecture, with an interior decorated with gold leaf. The former convent now houses the Oaxaca Cultural Center, which includes a museum and ethnobotanical garden.
• —Mercado Benito Juárez — Opened in 1894, this is one of the city's older commercial centers. It sells fresh produce, spices, traditional cheeses, crafts, textiles, and alebrije figurines. The market was named after Benito Juárez.
• —Mercado 20 de Noviembre — This market is often visited with Mercado Benito Juárez. It is known for its food stalls, offering traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole and tlayudas.
• —Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad — Built between 1682 and 1690, this basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude, the patron saint of Oaxaca. Its concave facade, projecting forward from the building, is a feature in Mexican religious architecture. An adjoining former convent houses a small museum.

The dry season, from October to April, offers cooler weather and minimal rainfall. Late January to early March has pleasant temperatures and low humidity, but it is also peak tourist season with larger crowds and higher prices.

October and November also have comfortable temperatures and less rain, after the summer wet season. The Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November attract many visitors, making it a busy time.

Avoid May, as it is typically the hottest month, with temperatures up to 31°C (88°F). June through September is the wet season, with June experiencing the most rainfall. Afternoon showers are common but rarely last all day. Temperatures remain around 28°C (82°F). This period can have fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) is 9-12 km (6-8 miles) south of the city center, a 20-30 minute drive. Official airport taxis and shared colectivo vans are available. A shared colectivo costs around 135-180 MXN per person to the city center. A private taxi can range from 200-500 MXN.

The historic center is walkable. For longer distances, Oaxaca offers BinniBus public transit for 8 MXN per ride; exact change is recommended. DiDi is the most reliable ride-sharing app; Uber does not operate in Oaxaca. Taxis do not use meters, so agree on the fare before starting. Parking in the city center can be difficult. Many streets have "uno por uno" etiquette at intersections without stop signs.