Checking in at Hotel CasAntica — a hotel housed in a 16th century former convent — is a nice way to start your Mexican vacation. But of course, staying cooped up here is not the best way to spend it. Other than this heritage building turned into a hotel, Oaxaca is an adventurer's paradise, with a wide range of activities for every traveler to check out.
1. Visit at least one of the many museums in the area.
With 16 officially recognized indigenous groups living in the region, Oaxaca is known as one of Mexico's centers of culture. That's why it's no surprise that many museums, featuring an array of artifacts, can be found in the area. Must-visit museums include the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, Oaxaca Regional Museum, and the Museo Textil de Oaxaca (Textile Museum of Oaxaca).
2. Watch a performance at Teatro Macedonio de Alcala.
Built in the early 1900s, this theater is one of the finest examples of Belle Epoque architecture in the region. Known for its impressive facade and ornately decorated interiors, this 5-tier auditorium can accommodate around 1,300 people, and hosts operas, concerts, plays, and even film screenings. Not interested in the shows on schedule? Opt for one of the guided tours at noontime instead.
3. Eat grasshoppers at Benito Juarez Market.
There's no better way to experience a culture than eating its local delicacies. In Oaxaca, it's chapulines or grasshoppers roasted to perfection, and available in abundance at Benito Juarez Market. If this kind of grub is not to your liking, then sample other dishes instead. These include tlayuda, a toasted tortilla topped like a pizza with avocado, beans, cabbage, cheese, meat, and more.
4. Shop.
Benito Juarez Market is not only popular for its many food stalls. It is also the best place for souvenir shopping, with a rich variety of handicrafts available. Products sold here include leather goods, hats, and knives. A textile area, which also features cloth made in neighboring Chiapas, can be also found in this market.
5. Go on a trip out to Monte Alban.
While this archeological site is on the western fringe of the city, and most likely quite some distance from your Oaxaca accommodation, it is certainly worth rescheduling an itinerary for. Here you can find the ruins of one of the earliest cities on the continent, built by the Zapotec people thousands of years ago. Many stone platforms and numerous carved monuments are still standing up to this day, offering travelers a glimpse into the area's glorious past.
With these 5 activities in Oaxaca, it won't be surprising if you decide to just leave your bags at Hotel CasAntica and set out to explore the city.
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