Getting there
Oaxaca has an airport connecting with Mexico City, Tuxtla, San Cristobal and others. Look at the general info 1 chapter for links to airlines.
The busstation is quite out of the town center (don't be misled by the old LP-map which puts the station near the city center). Anyway, a taxi around town costs only 15 Pesos (12/99). There are several night buses from all over Mexico going to Oaxaca.
Hotels
We stayed at the Victoria Hotel which is an excellent hotel a bit out of town on a hill overlooking the city. They have a shuttle to the center every 30 minutes. Rooms are big, with TV, large bathroom, large beds and set in bungalows around a swimming pool. Their restaurant is also excellent. Price is about 1000 Pesos for a double room. You can make reservation via e-mail at victoria@antequera.com. (12/99).
Another excellent hotel is the Camino Real marvellously set in an old convent, but also with all the luxury you can expect (swimming pool etc...). Prices match accordingly.
The Hotel Parador Plaza, Alcala 1005, has 3 stars. They have 56 rooms around a cosy patio, no swimming pool, price is 480 Pesos in low season without breakfast, 590 Pesos in high season (12/99).
The Meson del Angel has changed it's name now (forgotten, sorry). It's a big hotel with plenty of big rooms, with big terraces overlooking the patios (1 patio has a large swimming pool). Price was about 300 Pesos which is not bad, but the hotel is rather old and out of the center. It's here were the bus to Monte Alban leaces every 30 minutes.
La Casa de la Tia, 5 de Mayo nr. 108, has small and old rooms around a dark patio. The front desk is reinforced with iron, not my idea of cosyness. They charge between 225 and 350 Pesos for a double without breakfast, with bathroom and small fan. Ccasa de sierra azul, hidalgo 1002 esd fiallo, www.mexonline.com/sierrazul.htm. It has been operating over two years. It's a colonial building form 1850, just restored. Even though it's two blocks from the zocalo, it is quiet, the staff is very friendly.
Casa oaxaca, Garcia vigil 407, http://www.casaoaxaca.com.mx/default.htm. It's another colonial house a few blocks from the zocalo. They have a swimming pool. The food at the restaurant its excellent. Have a look at the Rough guides selection.
What to do
You can off course walk around a bit from the Zocalo to Santo Domingo and watch the shops.
Most people also pay a visit to Monte Alban. Easiest way is to go to Hotel Meson del Angel and take the bus there which leaves every 30 minutes from 9 am onwards. You get about 2 hours on the site (which is more then enough), but you can also return later at a small surcharge.
Monte Alban is definitely worth a visit, especially because of the setting high on the mountains. Price is now 25 Pesos, unfortunately there had been an earthquake, so restaurations were underway and some temples were closed for climbing (12/99).
Language schools
There are plenty for all budgets, but if you are loking for cheap and good "teaching" try centro de idiomas. It's afiliated to the U
niversity Benito Juarez de Oaxaca. The rates are really reasonable, staff excelent, small groups. Calle Burgoa between Bustamante and Armenta y Lopez. (José Gonzalez 12/2000).
Getting away
Plenty of bus connections to other cities We took the plane to Mexico City. We had breakfast at the airport where they serve excellent fruit juices. Price for the flight was 1107 Pesos (this includes 25% taxes). The flight with Mexicana was pretty straightforward. Taxi from the hotel to the airport was 60 Pesos.
Going to the coast: there's another small bus station, 5 block south of Zocalo, its just across from the red cross station on Armenta y Lopez 721. I always take the 10:40 bus at night , either bound for Puerto Angel, Zipolite or Mazunte (get off on Pochutla), it's 80 pesos.
To go to Puerto Escondido, it's 90 pesos. The service its called "star" as in english or just ask for the" directo de las 10:30"
At the first class station the ride cost 140 and takes 2 hours longer. If you are in town at the high season go directly to the second class bus staion , you will get more choices there!
Whatch out for pick pockets! (José Gonzalez 12/2000).
Puerto Escondido
I haven't been to Puerto Escondido myself, this chapter was written by José Gonzalez (12/2000).
I go to puerto escondido pretty often, mostly november for the surfing contest or in easter ,but I dont recommend Easter because it is way too crowded!
Accommodation
Because I'm a budget traveler I always go to the camping ground "Las Palmas". It's at the east end of the "adoquin", the pedestrian street closed to traffic. They charge 25 pesos so you can pitch your tent, and this includes use of shower. I like this place better than the one across the street, its nicer and cleaner.
Last trip I made to Puerto Escondido I stayed at this excellent place called "bungalows Puerta del Sol" on Zicatela beach between hotel Doña Ines and rockaway, the 3 places are highly recomended. I went there on november 2000, they charged me 180 for the bungalows. I think it's a great value. They've got a swiming pool,kitchen facilities and laundry. Its on the beach side and the bungalows are cosy.
The best one are the ones besides Dona Ines. The owner told me they were thinking of raising the rate in december, but it would be the same rate in february 2001.
In the "Adoquin" area Mayflower its the traveller's favourite, I hear the prices are reasonable and the staff friendly. I rather stay on Zicatela beach. It's nicer, you get more places to choose on the beachside, plus the best restaurants are there.
Places to eat
The bestfood all around Puerto you can only find it at Carmen´s cafecito, plus the prices are really cheap, last time I was there I ate breakfast lunch, and and dinner and I couldn't finish to try all the different items on the menu.
There's a new place just in front of "cafecito" called Aroam Divino. I like the food better at Carmens Cafecito but the view of the surfing and the sunset its just amazing. Prices are really cheap. This is the surfers favorite at the time I was there!
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Article Comments:
| 03/22/2006 |
| Emilie (1) |
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Hi mate,
i am very interestde in the cmaping ground in Puerto escondido Las Palmas. I can not find any web side. Do u have any e mial adress or phone number of this place??it would be great for me!I am going in 3 weeks there and I am really desesperated about it!1
thanks for your help!!
Emilie
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