Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Oaxaca, capital of Oaxaca State, is one of the prettiest towns in Mexico and was deservedly nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust Site in 1987. Founded by the Spanish in 1521 on a pre-existing Zapotec and Mixtec settlement, the town gracefully combines colonial charm with its ancient pre-hispanic roots.

Imposing churches, airy plazas and hidden convents blend with busy markets, traditional crafts stalls and local music makers.

Chiapas, Mexico
Mexico

A little more about Oaxaca & The Central Valleys

Relax in the zocalo and enjoy a locally produced Mezcal while absorbing the feel of this vibrant and colourful town. Oaxaca is also one of Mexico’s major handicrafts and arts centres with a vast range on offer guaranteed to keep even the most dedicated souvenir shopper happy.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Keel-Billed Toucan, Costa Rica
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Wildife of Tortuguero

Peacefully meander down the waterways of Tortuguero National Park by canoe, getting up close and personal with birdlife, colourful frogs and lizards, playful monkeys and sloths. You are surrounded by the warm Caribbean sea, where you can watch baby turtles taking their first steps towards the sea.

See related content

Green sea turtle hatchling
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Turtle Conservation

Visit Tortuguero, one of the world’s major nesting sites for Atlantic green turtles.

Holiday idea

Underground cave system in Belize
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Cave Exploration

Going Underground – dip into an ancient network of caves that were sacred places for the Maya

Suggested Holiday Idea

San Blas, Kuna Yala, Panama
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Snorkel in San Blas

Snorkel in crystal waters.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Manta Ray off Cano Island
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel with manta rays and turtles.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Kuna Woman Creating Molas, Panama
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Kuna Culture

Immerse yourself in the Kuna culture and traditions.

Suggested Holiday Idea

El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Waterfall, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Adventures in the Tree Canopy

Raft and zip line through the jungle canopy and abseil down waterfalls.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cheese board, farm to table, Senda Monteverde Hotel, Costa Rica
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Cookery Class

Join a local family for a cooking class, extract juice from sugarcane, milk a cow and make cheese.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Poas Volcano crater, Costa Rica
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Volcano Adventure

Walk up to the ridge of the active Poas volcano for a peek into the steaming abyss of its caldera, the largest in the world.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chocolate making course in Costa Rica
Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Chocolate Making

Discover how to make chocolate, from bean to bar.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Mexico holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Hotel Catrina de Alcala £££££

  • Mexico

Hotel Catrina de Alcala is a boutique hotel, set in the heart of Oaxaca – a World Cultural Heritage area, designated by UNESCO. The hotel has 13 rooms, each with vibrant interiors and an inviting and modern theme throughout. Catrina de Alcala benefits from a heated pool, an in-house restaurant with a unique wine cellar – the staff members are knowledgeable in pairing specific grapes with dishes. There is also an in-house art gallery with a collection of pieces demonstrating the culture of Oaxaca.

View Property

Quinta Real Oaxaca £££££

  • Mexico
  • Boutique

Once a 16th Century convent, the Quinta Real has been carefully converted into a luxury hotel. All rooms are air-conditioned and have shuttered windows opening onto Oaxaca’s historic streets.

View Property

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Sue Grimwood

I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

Over multiple trips, John has immersed himself in the natural and cultural highlights of this huge country. He has had close encounters with grey whales off Baja’s Pacific coast, swam with whale sharks in the Caribbean, attended shaman rituals in Chiapas and sought out some of Mexico City’s finest Mezcalerias.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E