Dec-2014
The three wonders of Oaxaca
Mexico has plenty of great places to visit and we have all heard about those beautiful cenotes and ruins of pyramids, but several places are still very unknown to foreigners. The must-see Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca makes a great example.
Oaxaca has a special place in my heart. Ever since I set foot on Mexican land I’ve been in love. At first, I only knew Oaxaca, since I never left the airport in Mexico City and only stayed in this region. It was till last June that I started exploring other parts of the country. Still I believe Oaxaca is simply the most beautiful place in Mexico and perhaps on earth.
Oaxaca has three places that one must visit when in the region’s big city that shares the same name. Monte Alban, a spacious pyramid complex from the Aztecs, Mitla, the most strange Mexican archeological area and Hierve el Agua, a petrified waterfall that is hidden in the mountains with a giant pool you can actually swim in.
Monte Alban
Monte Alban is one of the most important archeological sites of Oaxaca and is declared to be UNESCO world heritage. It is located on top op a hill in the center of Oaxaca and has a large beautiful valley surrounding the site. Lots of carvings are placed near the pyramids for exhibition to its visitors and they are quite interesting as they give an insight into the Zapotec history.
A pyramid in Monte Alban
The ballgame area also known as juego de pelota
The Zapotec carvings
Mitla
When someone visits Mexico he is most likely into visiting one of the pyramids. Well, Mitla is one of those interesting archeological UNESCO sites I’d higly recommend you to visit, but it actually doesn’t have one of those popular-to-visit pyramids. What can be found in Mitla are many details of the Zapotec culture. The stone walls are extremely interesting to take a look at because of the decorations looking like thunder and rain. It is not sure what the walls are expressing, but we can all guess as we take a look. The word Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, meaning place of the dead or underworld. In the Zapotec language this place is called Lyobaa, meaning place of rest or burial place.
The petrified waterfalls of Oaxaca
Hierve el Agua is still not on the UNESCO world heritage list for some reason, while I really believe such a magical place should be on it in to keep its existence. The name meaning that the water is boiling refers to the springs which bubble up with cold water. Due to water over saturated with calcium carbonate the waterfalls have been formed. Since the water runs down the rocks it forms stalactites which look like those formed in caves. The calcium carbonate makes it all look white and gives Hierve el Agua its unique appearance. On top of the waterfalls you can find platforms where you can walk. There water from several springs flowing through the platforms are being captured by several small natural pools and two artificial large pools.
Hierve el Agua
The infinity pool
Natural ‘pools’ on top of the waterfall
I’m wondering what you think about Oaxaca and if you think it’s worth a visit!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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