Native Trails MyTrails 2025 203 Oaxaca 18 Visit of the archaeological site of Atzompa Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium Visit the archaelogical zone of Atzompa. The excavation site, which is situated on a hill opposite Monte Albán, comprises a large ball court with a niche for sacrificial offerings in each of its corners. Atzompa, probably a satellite town of Monte Albán, flourished in the Late Classic Period and impresses visitors by its terraced layout and its extremely harmonious architecture. 19 Visit of the Museo Cultural Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy Visit the Museo Cultural de Oaxaca located in the former Dominican monastery of the 16th century. Among the most impressive finds are goldsmiths’ works from grave 7 (1250 – 1480 AD) of Monte Albán – outstanding masterworks of Mixtec artists. But not only precious metal was highly valued, but also jewelry of jade, serpentine and turquoise, which were considered symbols of life. 20 Visit of the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, a botanical garden with more than 1,500 species, is located in the old monk’s garden of the ex-convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Since 1998, under the influence of famous artist Francisco Toledo, more than 2-hectares (about 5-acres) have been converted into a wonderful garden landscape – or rather a work of art. Over 90 Mexican cultural clubs helped building the fascinating herbatorium and the seed bank that supplies genetic material of old cultivated plants to scientists and gardens worldwide. The concept is completed by a botanical library. 21 Oaxaca with a visit of the church of Santo Domingo Duration: 04:00 h · Level: Easy During a tour of the center of Oaxaca, you will experience one of the most beautiful colonial towns of Mexico. Situated in the Valle Central, Oaxaca is part of the tropics climatically, but owing to its altitude (1,500 m [4,900 ft.]), the mean annual temperature is a pleasant 21°C. Stroll the old cobbled streets, and do not neglect to visit – besides the magnificent church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the ever-bustling Zócalo – one of the many colorful markets. 22 Visit a Guelaguetza Presentation Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy Guelaguetza (derived from Zapotec “guendalizaa” – “to cooperate”) is a big folk festival held in Oaxaca in late July. It is rooted in indigenous celebrations, but many other lines of tradition converge in this event, too, and find their most obvious manifestations in the music and the dances in traditional costumes. Several hotels and restaurants stage guelaguetza shows during the week throughout the year to give visitors of Oaxaca the chance to get an impression of the performances outside the festival season. Enjoy the colorful representations and the loud music with their easily distinguishable Indian and colonial influences. You will also be served an excellent meal in accordance with the time of the day. 23 Experience the cuisine of Oaxaca Duration: 05:00 h · Level: Medium Being served a welcome cocktail and coffee from the mountains of Oaxaca, you meet today’s chef in the restaurant Origen in the morning to discuss the menu for your cooking lesson. You then go to the Sánchez Pascuas market to buy fresh ingredients from the surrounding villages for your meal; enjoy the hustle and bustle of buyers, barkers and marketeers. Your bags filled with lots of regional products, you return to the school kitchen where you will learn a lot about the traditions of the Mexican cuisine while preparing your multi-course menu. And you may look forward to the degustation of a Mexican wine and beer as well as of the famous mescal, which is, of course, also part of the program. 24 Short stop in Tule Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Between Oaxaca and Mitla is the tranquil community of Santa María del Tule. In its center, next to the small church, you will visit one of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The enormous Ahuehuete tree, a Mexican bald cypress, which according to legend was planted by an Aztec priest of the god Ehécatl, has reached a girth of about 58 meters and a height of more than 40 meters during its lifetime. The tree, which is more than 2.000 years old, is the symbol of Santa María del Tule, and as you walk around the
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