Regions of Oaxaca State

The state of Oaxaca is located in the southwest of the Mexican Pacific region: it shares its northern borders with the states of Puebla and Veracruz, on the east is Chiapas, and on the west, Guerrero.

Oaxaca is rich in traditions and customs and has the largest ethnic population found in the Republic of Mexico. According to its political, economic and social configuration, Oaxaca is divided into eight geo-economic regions: Cañada, Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur and Valles Centrales.

Oaxacan Coast

There are three principal beach/resort areas on the Pacific Coast ­ Surfer's paradise of Puerto Escondido, Puerto Angel with its famous/infamous Zipolite Beach, and the new "planned" resort of Bahias de Huatulco. There are airports at Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, about 120 kilometers apart, with Puerto Angel slightly above the halfway point along the coastal highway (Fed. 200). There is bus service from Mexico City via Acapulco (a long ride of some 12 or more hours at a cost of or from the city of Oaxaca in tourist, first or second class buses( 6-10 hours depending on route and destination at a cost of , as well as air taxi service (20-30 minutes at a cost of around US$125 one way).

Isthmus of Tehuantepec

The port of Salina Cruz and the cities of Tehuantepec and Juchitan are accessible by bus from the city of Oaxaca (4-5 hours at aprox)

Geologically speaking, Oaxaca is considered the most complex area in Mexico because of its highly seismic nature which gives rise to very diverse regions, with one of the richest flora and fauna in Mexico.

Ethnic groups

Oaxaca is home to around 19 ethnic groups: Afro-Mexicans along the little-developed coast of Oaxaca, and Amuzgos, Chatinos, Chinantecos, Chocholtecos, Chontales de Oaxaca, Cuicatecos, Huaves, Ixcatecos, Mazatecos, Mestizo, Mixes, Mixtecos, Nahuas, Tacuates, Triquis, Tzotziles, Zapotecos and Zoques. Over 34% of the population speaks an indigenous language, being the most widespread Zapoteca, Mixteca, Mazateco and Mixe.