"The natural fresh-water springs at Hierve el Agua were incredible (and cold!). The water is very high in calcium carbonate, and the minerals have formed these natural pools and crazy waterfall-like rock formations. The dusty road was somewhat harrowing, we had to make way for quite a few donkeys packing some serious loads. (And the formerly white rental car came out of the experience with a light yellow coating.) But the view over the valley of Oaxaca was unbelievable, and the meal we had at one of the stands was delicious. We were there in December; it was clear and warm and perfect. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"Chapulines! Chapulines! Throughout Mexico in the many colorful markets there are lots of interesting items for sale, from live animals and produce to clothing and all sorts of knickknacks. Food is also plentiful and varied. But nothing seems to have registered more with me than the women in the Oaxacan markets screaming "Chapulines! Chapulines!" A quick peek at the giant baskets they carry and you'll readily notice that insects are on display. Grasshoppers to be exact. Chapulines are very popular in this region and locals buy them by the bagful and munch on them as afternoon snacks. They are only collected at certain times of the year, and after a thorough cleaning and washing, they are toasted with garlic, lime juice, chili and salt. Skeptical as I was, I just had to see what all the fuss was about. So, I bought a small bagful. I reached in, grabbed one and got completely grossed out. Antennae, eyes, wings - everything was still visible. I took a tiny nibble on a wing. Not bad tasting really, but I just didn't have the stomach to bite through to the center of the critter. I gave the rest of the bag away to a gentleman who was more than thrilled with my offer. By cheryl peress"

"Ruins Like No Other Mitla is located in the Oaxaca Valley, just a short distance from Oaxaca City. However you get there, it’s worth the visit. It’s not a large site; an hour and a half will be more than enough time to walk around. There are so many things that set Mitla apart from other ruins in Mexico . First off, it’s neither Maya nor Aztec. Its influence comes from the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. It sits right on the desert floor, so cactus, desert scrub, and aloe plants punctuate the surrounding landscape rather than jungle. There are no pyramids to climb; the highest structure on the site probably has no more than 10 or so steps to get to the top. There are no stone sculptures or carved walls to be seen anywhere. Instead, the decoration on the buildings are beautiful geometric patterns created by inlaid and interlocked pieces of stone (grecas). Amazingly enough, no two walls have the same grecas, and on some of the walls, you can still see the original red-painted stone. Some of the walls and the cupolas of the San Pedro Church (built by the invading Spaniards) have been restored to their red-colored glory. The desert backdrop, the grecas, the pops of red color – it all adds up to a very special place!"

"Lazy Afternoon at La Biznaga We hung out at La Biznaga Restaurant a few times while in Oaxaca . We ate dinner there twice—the main courses were a bit too big, so I'd steer anyone who's asking toward the delicious appetizers. They're also open all afternoon and they have interesting beer on tap and a good selection of mezcals. They make a crazy spicy michelada. They're on García Vigil 512, near Santo Domingo. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"Discovering Mezcal Just down the street from where we stayed in Oaxaca there was a mezcal bar called Mezcaloteca. It was staffed by one woman, very studiously sharing her love of mezcal. She poured us a tasting of three different mezcals into the little gourd cups: an espadin, a madrecuixe, and a tobala—all different agave plants, different producers. She told us how to warm up our mouths with the spirit, how to rub a little bit between our fingers to get the aromas. She didn't need to tell us how to drink it; that we knew. Reforma No. 506, Col. Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, C.P. 68000 By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"The Lesser-known Zapotec Ruins Monte Alban and Mitla are the well-known Zapotec ruins near Oaxaca , but Yagul is worth a visit too. It was absolutely empty the day we were there, and it's overgrown, unkempt, and has an amazing view over the valley. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"Lobo Azul Cafe The coffee in Oaxaca is better than it is in Mexico City but still not Blue Bottle standard. We found this relatively new place near the 20 November market. The espresso is great. They roast their own beans and also serve food. Plus free Wi-Fi—it's a bit of an expat hangout. Lots of communist propaganda on the walls for a nice revolutionary touch. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"Mexico's Youngest Resort The Bays of Huatulco are paradise. Made up of 37 beaches spread across nine Oaxacan bays, Huatulco has the beauty and luxury accommodations of its Yucateca sister Cancún, with an intimacy and seclusion that the world famous mega-resort just can't match. Huatulco is warm nights, the smell of fresh flowers and the ocean, miles and miles of gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood, and some of the most original and beautifully designed hotels in the world. Planned and designated as a resort as recently as the 1980s, Huatulco is graced with hotels short in height and with architectural design that complements the tropical flora and beautiful coast. Everything in Huatulco is within reach: water sports, tours, hiking, horseback riding, boat rides, luxury spas, beautiful hotel pools, even a small but budding night life. While many of the coastal hotels are on the pricey to very-pricey side, budget conscious travelers can find more modest accommodations in nearby Crucecita. And the best thing about the Bays of Huatulco is free: golden-sand, secluded beaches and bays to explore and relax on, where you can imagine yourself a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island."

"Celebrating Oaxaca's Cultural Diversity Held every year during the last two weeks of July, the Guelaguetza festival highlights Oaxaca 's diversity. Representatives of the different ethnic groups of Oaxaca state perform their traditional folk dances and throw items to the crowd that are representative of their region - bread, fruit, baskets... The main presentation takes place in the auditorium on the hill overlooking Oaxaca city, but there are events going on in town and in the surrounding villages as well. You can buy tickets through Ticketmaster Mexico , or get free access to the back section of the auditorium (but line up several hours in advance)."