Cultural Immersion in Oaxaca with Friends

Whispers of the Past, Flavors of the Present

Today was a beautiful blend of history and gastronomy, a sensory feast that reminded me why I love traveling with my friends. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Hotel Camba, we ventured into the heart of Oaxaca's ancient past, and savored the flavors of its vibrant present.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Camba in Oaxaca, a charming base for your adventures with free Wi-Fi and tour assistance.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Mexita. I was excited to try this restaurant after reading so many good things about it. It was so delicious! Fuelled up, we set off to explore the archeological site of Yagul.

Yagul: A Hilltop Fortress

Explore the ancient ruins of Yagul, an archaeological wonder in Oaxaca, Mexico, and experience the rich heritage of the Zapotec civilization.
Yagul, known locally as Pueblo Viejo, is perched on a cactus-covered hill, offering panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley. As we walked through the ruins, I couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the Zapotec civilization. The site, which was once a leading Valles Centrales settlement, dates back to 500-100 BC, with most of the visible structures built between AD 750 and 950. It's amazing to think that people lived here thousands of years ago, building their homes and temples on this very spot.
We explored the Palacio de los Seis Patios (Palace of the Six Patios), a labyrinthine complex of rooms, tombs, and columned halls. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining the daily lives of the people who once inhabited this place. The views from the Fortaleza (Fortress), the rocky hill towering above Yagul, were simply breathtaking. I could see the entire valley stretching out before me, a patchwork of fields and villages.
The ball court at Yagul is the largest in the Oaxaca Valley, and the second largest in Mesoamerica. I tried to imagine the games that were played here centuries ago, the excitement and energy of the crowds. It's incredible to think about the history that is embedded in these stones. Hans would have loved to see this place; he always appreciates the engineering and architectural feats of ancient civilizations. I made a mental note to bring him here someday.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. – Ibn Battuta

San Pablo Villa de Mitla: A Journey Through Time

Explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a must-visit destination in Oaxaca, Mexico.
After Yagul, we made our way to San Pablo Villa de Mitla. This town is famous for its archeological ruins, which are a unique blend of Zapotec and Mixtec architectural styles. The name Mitla comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlan, meaning place of the dead or underworld. As we walked through the site, I was struck by the intricate geometric designs that adorn the walls. These grecas, as they are called, are unlike anything I've ever seen. The precision and detail of the carvings are truly remarkable.
Mitla was an important religious center, and it's easy to see why. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, a place where you can feel the weight of history. As we wandered through the ruins, I couldn't help but reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of human creativity.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mitla is the way the ancient structures are integrated into the modern town. The Iglesia de San Pablo, a 16th-century church, was built on top of a Zapotec ceremonial site. It's a striking example of the blending of cultures that has shaped Oaxaca's history.

A Culinary Interlude

After a morning of exploring ancient ruins, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Ocote Cocina, a restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
Experience authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist at Ocote Cocina—a culinary treasure in Oaxaca de Juárez.
The restaurant is known for its use of local, seasonal ingredients, and its commitment to sustainability. I was excited to try some of the innovative dishes on the menu.
We started with the agua del día, a refreshing blend of watermelon and prickly pear cactus fruit. It was the perfect drink for a hot summer day. For our main courses, we ordered the mole coloradito with plantain dumplings and the ravioli filled with huitlacoche and hoja santa. The mole was rich and complex, with a hint of sweetness from the plantains. The ravioli was earthy and savory, with a subtle licorice-like flavor from the hoja santa. Everything was delicious, and beautifully presented.

Shopping for Treasures

In the afternoon, we visited Mia de Oaxaca Tienda de Artesanías.
Explore the vibrant world of Oaxacan crafts and organic goods at Mia de Oaxaca, where culture and authenticity meet in every product.
I wanted to find some authentic Oaxacan crafts to bring back home as souvenirs. The shop was filled with colorful textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. I was particularly drawn to the intricate embroidery on the traditional Oaxacan dresses. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-woven scarf for myself, and a few small gifts for my family back in Berlin. It’s important to me to support local artisans and businesses when I travel, and Mia de Oaxaca seemed like the perfect place to do that.

A Farewell Feast

For dinner, we chose Catedral Restaurant, a Oaxaca institution that has been around since 1976.
Experience authentic Oaxacan flavors at Catedral Restaurant, where tradition meets taste in every delicious dish.
The restaurant is located in a beautiful colonial building, with a lovely courtyard and live music. It's known for its traditional Oaxacan dishes, as well as its elegant atmosphere and seamless service.
We started with the sopa de guias, a flavorful soup made with squash blossoms. For our main courses, we ordered the mole negro and the lechon al horno, a roasted suckling pig with a delicious sauce. The mole negro was rich and complex, with a hint of chocolate. The lechon al horno was tender and flavorful, with crispy skin. The food was exceptional, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Oaxaca's rich heritage.
As we savored our final sips of mezcal, we reflected on the day's adventures. We had journeyed through time, explored ancient ruins, and savored the flavors of Oaxaca. It was a day that I will always remember.
Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Jacobo & María Ángeles. I'm excited to experience more of Oaxaca's vibrant culture and traditions. And maybe find another scarf… one can never have too many hand-woven scarves, right?
I also heard that there is a cultural concert at the Zocalo. I think it would be great to check that out!
Good night from Oaxaca!