Oaxaca Mexico Where mezcal is made, parades are a near-daily occurrence, and you’ll find some of the best food in Mexico...

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Where mezcal is made, parades are a near-daily occurrence, and you’ll find some of the best food in Mexico... Oaxaca is the picturesque capital city of the Mexican state with the same name. An increasingly popular tourist destination, it draws visitors with its impressive cuisine and rich cultural offerings, and delights them with its photogenic beauty and air rich with the scent of corn, chocolate, and mezcal. Explore Oaxaca

Good to know Budget: $$$$$ When to go: April-May; Sept-Oct Family friendly:  Public transportation:  Main languages: Spanish, English English speaking:  Global Peace Index rank: 137/163 LGBTQ+ Equality Index: #31 in the world Main airport: OAX Average SCF deal price: $298 roundtrip

Archaeological marvels and mosaics Overlooking the city of Oaxaca, and visible from many parts of the city center, is the impressive archaeological site of Monte Alban. Founded around 500 BCE, the city enjoyed the height of its power from 100 BCE to 200 CE, with an estimated population of around 35,000. Today, the main plaza has been carefully excavated and the tallest structures offer impressive views over the city from the top. Los Danzantes (the dancers), naked figures of men carved into stone in a number of different contortions found at the site, are said to be some of the earliest of their kind and are possible depictions of sacrificial victims. Mitla is another important archaeological site, located around 30 miles from the city center. This Zapotec ceremonial center is famous for its unique mosaic work set against bright red stucco, which remains vibrant in some parts of the site to this day. The red-domed San Pablo Apostol church which was built on a pre-Hispanic platform alongside the excavated site and whose foundations were laid in 1590, speaks to the desire of the Spanish conquistadors to turn the native Mexicans away from their Indigenous faith.