via globalgrasshopper.com

Oaxaca is a unique state in southern Mexico with from its tasty food and incredible nature to its mystical ancient ruins. It's too hard to not fall in love with.

1. You can taste some of the best you'll eat in your entire life in Oaxaca.

It might be Oaxaca's biggest gift to the people of Mexico (and the world!): tlayudas (a big, thin corn tortilla base often topped with beans, cheese, and other ingredients), queso Oaxaca (or string cheese as we know it in the US), and chapulines (dried grasshoppers, and yes, they're delicious).

2. There are bursts of color everywhere you look in the capital.

haalkab / Via Pixabay / pixabay.com

Oaxaca City is the capital of the state and honestly one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Mexico. Great museums, outstanding restaurants, imposing colonial buildings, and unique local handicrafts could be found here.

3. In the Guelaguetza festival, you'll taste the state's traditional sounds, dances, and food, if you visit in July.

@Artem Beliaikin / Via Unsplash / unsplash.com

This annual celebration is the biggest and most important in Oaxaca and takes place in late July. Try to make schedule for your trip appropriately so you can see traditional dances and costumes and taste authentic foods from all eight regions of the state.

4. Don’t mention all the amazing endemic plants in the Ethnobotanical Garden of Santo Domingo.

Hundreds of plant species from the whole state of Oaxaca belong to this breathtaking botanical garden. It's part of the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, so you can also visit the beautiful Santo Domingo cathedral if you're there.

5. You can sample some of the best mezcal in the world.

In Oaxaca's marvellous agave fields, you can meet the "maestros mezcalerosare" (masters of mezcal) — families that have been producing this national drink for years, passing the knowledge from generation to generation. Visit a palenque (mezcal distillery) and try all the flavors that come from different varieties of agave.

6. You can visit the massive Tule Tree just outside the city.

@Marco Marques / Via Unsplash / unsplash.com

This ancient tree near Oaxaca City is one of the biggest in the world. Hidden in its bark, a lot of figures of animals, fruits, and even celebrities (you can pay a local guide to show them to you) could be found here. There is another fun fact: the tree is so big that you need more than 30 people holding hands to "hug" the tree.

7. You can sleep above the clouds in the nearby mountain town of San José del Pacífico. 

This town, which is perched in the middle of the Oaxacan mountain, has astonishing views over the forests and valleys below. As time goes by, you'll see the clouds underneath you change color. You can find peaceful, rustic cottages that'll bring you closer to Oaxacan nature and mountain culture in this place.

8. You'll get a taste of *true* paradise if you go to any of its beaches.

A few of the mesmerizing beaches like Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Chacahua, Carrizalillo, Zicatela, San Agustinillo, Zipolite, Mazunte... located in Oaxaca. Soak up the nature, have a surf session, load up on great mariscos (seafood), and get ready to party a little (or a lot).

9. Anything you've ever tried before will not be like what Oaxacan hot chocolate tastes.

Sabrina_Ripke_Fotografie / Via Pixabay / pixabay.com

The idea of foamy hot chocolate could be forgot. This one’s absolutely delicious although it’s way different. Oaxacan chocolate is made with the mix of a cacao and almond paste, mixed with spices (like cinnamon) and sugar which is then compounded into blocks that can later be dissolved in either hot water or milk. YUM!

10. You can also learn about the contemporary side of Oaxaca at San Agustín Etla Arts Center.

You'll find this inspiring arts center where is just 40 minutes from Oaxaca City called San Agustín Etla. It's located in what used to be a textile mill built during the early 20th century, when Porfirio Díaz was the president of Mexico. Explore the building and discover the many architectural, natural, and artistic wonders all around it.