Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in a city where the air itself vibrates with ancient stories, where art greets you on every corner, and every bite is a cultural revelation? That's Oaxaca!

Its Historic Center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, doesn't just weave centuries of history into its streets; it breathes them! It's an explosion of colors and aromas that envelops you. Think of chocolate, mole, and mezcal flooding everything, while music floats in the air, dictating the city's unmistakable pulse.

Here, the past and present don't just coexist; they intertwine in a unique way. It's a place where more than a dozen indigenous languages resonate, where the threads of an embroidery tell personal stories, and where every festival has a deep and rooted meaning.

Can you imagine a festival where they throw food and gifts at you? That's what Guelaguetza is like. It's not just a festival; it's the ultimate expression of the cultural diversity and community spirit of this vibrant state. It takes place every July.

The name, Guelaguetza, comes from the Zapotec language and means "offering," "exchange," or "mutual aid." Isn't it fascinating how one word encapsulates such a profound concept of reciprocity?

During Guelaguetza, different regions of Oaxaca present their traditional dances, attire, music, and gastronomy. But here's the best part: at the end of each performance, the groups throw regional products like bread, fruit, or coffee to the audience. It's a symbolic gesture of sharing that makes attendees feel like part of the celebration!

This celebration, rooted in pre-Hispanic times, has evolved without losing an ounce of its essence. Today, it's an internationally renowned event that attracts thousands of visitors, but it maintains a deep connection with the indigenous roots of Oaxaca.

Have you seen a winged jaguar with impossible colors? It was surely an Oaxacan alebrije! These figures aren't just handicrafts; they're an explosion of imagination and artistic mastery!

In Oaxaca, these magical creatures are carved from copal wood and meticulously painted with patterns that recall pre-Hispanic symbols.

These fascinating figures represent real or imaginary animals often reflecting the spiritual world and dreams. The towns of San Martín Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola are the guardians of this tradition. Here, artisan families invest weeks or months in each piece, carefully attending to every detail.

More than simple decorations, alebrijes are expressions of identity and creativity. Today, they are exhibited in museums worldwide, but their heart continues to beat in Oaxacan workshops!

Can you imagine waterfalls that seem frozen in time, but are actually made of solid rock? That's the incredible wonder of Hierve el Agua! Just an hour and a half from Oaxaca city, you'll find one of the most surprising natural marvels in the country. At first glance, they look like huge waterfalls, but we assure you they're unique rock formations in the world!

These whimsical "waterfalls" were created over thousands of years. How? By the slow runoff of water rich in minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium, which solidified as it dried, just like stalactites! The result is two large white and golden "cascades" that "fall" from a cliff, giving the illusion of water frozen mid-motion.

Besides the petrified cascades, Hierve el Agua has thermal water springs that form small natural pools high up on the hill.

And did you know it was also a sacred site for the Zapotecs? They built pre-Hispanic irrigation canals to harness the spring water for agriculture.