THE PACIFIC COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO

THE  PACIFIC  COAST OF  OAXACA,  MEXICO

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The state of Oaxaca covers an area of 36,820 square miles with 370 miles of Pacific coastline. Most of the state is mountainous with rugged terrain right down to the coast. It has a large Indigenous population composed of numerous different groups including Mixtec, Náhuatl, and Zapotec. Oaxaca is known for its black pottery, unique carved wood figures, coffee, cuisine, and is the source of the first chocolate brought to Europe.  Oaxaca is the second poorest state in Mexico, next to its neighbor, Chiapas, yet it is rich in tradition, cuisine, culture, and natural beauty.

The coast of Oaxaca is at a latitude of 16°, placing it well into the tropical zone. There is little seasonal variation in temperature; it's almost always hot. The rainy season runs from May to October. This doesn't mean it will be raining all the time, just that it CAN rain. Thunder is often heard in the nearby mountains where there is considerably more rainfall. The first rains turn the brown dry-season forest to green. Rainy season is also hurricane season so keep an eye on the weather.  For some interesting aerial photos of the State, see Tom's Flight to Huatulco.