Oaxaca

The indigenous cultures of southern Mexico are particularly well-represented in the state of Oaxaca. Colonial structures in the capital city are constructed from green volcanic stone, which has given the city its name. The Catedral de Oaxaca, a baroque church, dominates the central plaza, El Zócalo. Mitla, Yagul, and Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital from around 500 B.C., are just a short distance from the city and are all excellent examples of pre-Columbian archaeological monuments.