Oaxaca, Mexico 💖

Mezcalerias. Food. Vibrant Capital. Incredible Mountains. Ancient Cultures. Breathtaking Beaches. One of Mexico’s most vibrant regions.

(CNN) —Between its mountains and its beaches, the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico is a treasure trove of beautiful views and outdoor activities. But thanks to its capital and some of its lesser-known villages, it's also an art and food destination.

Oaxaca is one of those places you wished you left more days for in your itinerary.

Oaxaca City

"A cultural colossus fit to rival anywhere in Latin America for history, gastronomy and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture, Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a Unesco World Heritage badge...Flowing through handsome yet tranquil streets, life pulsates with an unadulterated regional flavor..." - Lonely Planet

Our photos from Oaxaca City:

Monte Albán

"Inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs – the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Albán were literally carved out of the mountain and are the symbols of a sacred topography... The solidity and volume of the city's buildings show that they were adapted to the earthquake-prone region in which these architectural gems were constructed." - Unesco

Our photos from Monte Albán:

Monte Albán, Oaxaca, Mexico (Photo by Lee Coren)

Playa Zipolite

If I'd say it's Heaven on earth, would you think I'm exaggerating? Even though walking this beach was not easy (I think the only reason we wanted to leave was we couldn't walk it anymore).