Far from the conventional tours that visit established attractions in the city, region, or state, in recent years visitors to Oaxaca City have sought out other places to explore, such as nearby towns.
The plans are varied, and although they revolve around museums, food, the beach, and other attractions, more and more tourists are looking to broaden their experiences.
According to the city’s tourism providers, many visitors inquire about new places, although interest remains strong among those who come to the capital to see its architecture and museums, primarily the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures (located in the former Santo Domingo de Guzmán convent) and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.
The capital boasts many more museums, and city hall staff at information booths or those on the street in wheelchairs provide visitors with maps of the city center and other cultural spaces to explore.
There are also those who ask about street food stalls for something more authentically local than what restaurants offer, an interest also tied to the economy.
During this Holy Week and Easter season, the capital city remains one of the top three destinations in the state, according to the Ministry of Tourism, which has projected a total of more than 242,000 visitors to the state between March 30 and April 12.
In the city center, hundreds of visitors continue to flock to public markets like the 20 de Noviembre Market, where they sample some of the local cuisine. However, many more ask the city’s tourism staff for recommendations on where they eat or where they can find street food, something other than expensive markets or restaurants.
“There are many Koreans who come for the experience of the texture and flavor, which is different from what you’d find in a restaurant,” they say.
Tours in and around the city
Amidst the city’s diverse tourist offerings, where tours aboard tourist buses generally cost 100 pesos per person, dozens of tour operators continue to offer excursions to nearby communities, the beach, and other regions.
For example, a trip to the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua (including visits to other sites) costs an average of 350 pesos per person. This does not include entrance fees to places like the Tule Tree, the Mitla archaeological zone, or the right-of-way fees charged by the communities surrounding Hierve el Agua.
If you’re looking to explore other destinations like San José del Pacífico or Santiago Apoala, the cost is generally 600 pesos per person, while a trip to Puerto Escondido costs 1,200 pesos per person with one of the agencies we consulted.
Source: imparcialoaxaca
