The Camino Real Oaxaca Hotel is located in the heart of this colonial city. Originally the 16th-century Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, this historical gem is dotted with 400-year-old frescoes, ancient archways and intimate patio-courtyards.

Over the centuries the building has undergone many changes of use, but the basic architectural fabric has survived. Between the east and west courtyards is the original chapel, now an auditorium, where there are regular displays (Wednesday and Friday evenings) of the world-renowned Guelaguetza folk dance.

Location

The map opposite shows the location of Oaxaca, 1,550 metres above sea level in the southern Sierra Madre of Mexico. There's a fast motorway from Mexico City (5-6 hours' drive) and an airport with flights from all over Mexico.

The Mexipass allows you to economically link by air virtually all cities in Mexico using the services of AeroMexico, Mexicana, AeroCaribe and AeroCozumel.

Things to do

Oaxaca lies in Mexico's least prosperous state, and whilst the residents do not regard this a benefit, the city  has not burgeoned into a powerhouse of industrial activity. It’s still the quiet, essentially colonial, city it was thirty years ago.

Three miles outside town, and 200 metres up, is the extensive and important Zapotec ruin of Monte Alban. A half-day visit here can easily be arranged - often combined with a trip to what they claim is the world's largest tree at El Tule, and Mixtec ruins of Mitla. Nearby Yagul is virtually unvisited, and in the late afternoon it is worth the climb up the cacti flanked path to the hilltop.