If you google "the city of Oaxaca" you will immediately see links to travel blogs with titles like, "10 things to do in Oaxaca, the most fun city in Mexico," "Oaxaca, my favorite city in Mexico" and so on. So it may be clear, Oaxaca is a must-see destination in Mexico!

Oaxaca (pronounced o-wa-ga-ka) de Juárez is the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is characterized by small alleys, plazas with cozy terraces, brightly colored houses and colonial buildings. But also the landscape surrounding the city is fantastic. Oaxaca offers you a perfect combination of city and nature.

What you should definitely do while in Oaxaca is visit one of the many markets. At the Mercado Juárez you will mostly meet locals doing their daily shopping. A fun way to check out what's in their shopping basket. You should visit the Mercado Sánchez Pascuas with an empty stomach, because that is a large indoor food market where you can order the most delicious Mexican dishes.

A typical Oaxacan dish is tlayuda a large crispy tortilla with a base of beans and a topping of guacamole, tomato, cheese and lettuce. By the way, this is a dish that can be seen as a full meal, because after this tlayuda you are guaranteed to be full. So if you want to be able to taste more things, share it with your travel companions!

In the middle of the city stands the Catedral which is also described as the most imposing structure in Oaxaca. The construction of the church took hundreds of years and the result is impressive. The richly decorated interior of the church is magnificent and well worth a visit.

If you want to go out at night, go to Café Central. A club where, in addition to DJs, many bands perform live. Every night of the week there is something going on, from dance parties to movie nights or a jazz concert by a Big Band.

From Oaxaca you can also plan fun excursions. The temple ruins of Monte Alban are really worth seeing. But don't skip the ruins of Mitla and a hike along the Pueblos Mancomunados (eight authentic Zapotean mountain villages) if you have the chance. On the coast - Yucatán - you can also have a great time and discover the flora and fauna of the sea while snorkeling or diving.

Although Oaxaca is called the cultural heart of Mexico, mass tourism is not (yet) very present. This allows you to enjoy the local culture, way of life and experience Mexico in a unique way.

And to make your trip to Oaxaca even more enjoyable, you can also take a Spanish course at our don Quijote school in Oaxaca where you can start a course every Monday of the year regardless of your current level!

TYPICAL CANDY FROM SALAMANCA: LAS OBLEAS

Make your stay in Salamanca even sweeter by trying one of the city’s most typical candies! The traditional obleas are artisanal and has over three centuries of history behind it. It’s made from natural ingredients: flour, egg and sugar. Although it’s origin, like many Spanish candies, can be traced back to convents, the recipe made its way out of the monastic walls and eventually became part of a normal diet for many families. This is why today it’s common to eat them with breakfast, as dessert or guilty pleasure, or at any time of the day, along with honey, soft cheese, marmalade, chocolate or ice cream.

The creation of obleas is a common topic of conversation in Salamanca thanks to a traditional and family-run company, “Pan de Ángel”, better known as Obleas de Cipérez. The name is derived from a little town, located in the natural park Arribes del Duero, where the family of Fabian Martin has been kneading and baking this special pastry of just 10 grams and 20 centimeters in diameter for over 160 years.

Its design has barely changed since the great-grandfather of the current owner Fabian Martin began his business selling and baking obleas. He and his wife had traveled all around the province of Salamanca, from village to village selling obleas that were even more artisanal than they are now. Back then, they used a cast iron mold, which Fabian Martin still has saved as a memento. Nowadays the process has been automated.

They are excellent gifts to bring back after your stay in Salamanca, especially the candies that are decorated with silhouettes of monuments, such as the two Cathedrals or the iconic Botón Charro symbol.  And, of course, they also have the Martin family name printed on them and the village where they created this delicious product. Take advantage of your stay in Salamanca to discover the obleas, try all of its combinations and discover your favorite – make it a sweet reminder of your stay!