Imagine strolling down a street lined with jewel-hued houses, an eclectic mix of Colonial buildings, Mexican vitality, and ancient cultures set against a brilliant blue sky and the turquoise green Pacific. This is Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico rich in culture and tradition, a place whose culinary expertise is world-renowned, and a home to some of the friendliest people in the world. Beyond being a welcoming community, the artisans of Oaxaca are internationally-renowned for their black pottery, wool rugs, and sculpture.

Descendants of the Zapotec, Mixtex, and Olmec - ancient peoples who have left remarkable visions of their highly advanced civilizations - meld with Spanish influence to create a particularly distinguished, vibrant community. Baroque churches stand alongside mysterious ruins, Colonial architecture mingles with regional artistry, and cosmopolitan nightlife set in a locale deemed part of "Humanity's Cultural Patrimony" are but a few examples of an interesting juxtaposition of ancient and modern. Encircled by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, this busy state retains a purity that is refreshing. Charming ambience and a tranquil pace make Oaxaca a marvelous place to soothe your soul and expand your horizons.