Don't Sleep on This Incredible Mexican Region

Incredible food, less-traveled beach towns, and the hub for Dia de los Muertos ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [View this email in your browser]( [puerto Escondido]( Matador's Ultimate Guide to the Oaxaca Region Many travelers visit the Mexican state of Oaxaca for its lively Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the fall, or to surf the famous waves of [Puerto Escondido](. But Oaxaca City and the highlands that surround it are incredible any time of year for foodies, mountain bikers, culture seekers, and nature lovers. Oaxaca City, the vibrant capital, is a hub of countercultural art and music, as well as excellent restaurants and mezcalerias, which are tasting rooms that specialize in mezcal, the region's traditional spirit. The region is famous for its agriculture and [food]( including tlayudas (a fried tortilla topped with Oaxacan cheese, beans, meat, and cabbage) and many [different styles of mole](. A trip here is a world away from the beach resorts of the Riviera Maya, and one of the most rewarding experiences for travelers seeking cultural immersion. This week, Matador explores Oaxaca. Let’s dive in. Start with Matador’s latest travel guide for the perfect Mexican beach getaway. [EXPLORE THIS PERFECT BEACH TOWN: PUERTO ESCONDIDO](  GET INSPIRED [They call themselves aceitados (the oiled ones) because their body is completely covered in oil. They go around the town doing mischiefs and they are the most colorful part of the parade.]( The Culture of Carnaval in Oaxaca Is Hauntingly Beautiful Wood carving, painting skills, and great imagination are required for the production of alebrijes, and these same skills are exploited to manufacture the costumes that set the town’s carnival apart from any other celebrations in Mexico. [READ NOW](  [Mole Enchiladas]( Oaxacan Cuisine Is Unlike Food From Anywhere Else. These Are the 5 Dishes You Have To Try. The State of Oaxaca in Southwestern Mexico is known as a destination for people who plan trips around what they are going to eat. This sierras-meets-sea locale is saturated with exciting cooking techniques and colorful ingredients like almost nowhere else in Mexico and the depth of flavors to be found are unparalleled. [READ NOW](  [dying wool]( The Art of Dyeing Naturally in Oaxaca When visiting the state of Oaxaca, there is one type of memento that travelers should consider over everything else: Zapotec weavings. [READ NOW](  NATURE + ADVENTURE [young woman snorkeling]( MATADOR TRIPS: Puerto Escondido and the Wild Oaxaca Coast Travelers have begun to search for destinations within Mexico that are lesser known and offer a more authentic experience. The rugged and wild Oaxaca coast offers everything a traveler could want—a respite from the crowds, virgin beaches, backpacker towns, secluded houses for rent—and all at an affordable price tag. Travel with us to Puerto Escondido. [READ NOW]( [Hierve El Agua in Mexico]( How To Visit Hierve El Agua in Mexico Hierve El Agua Spanish for “the water boils,” is a geological phenomenon in the heart of the Oaxaca state of Mexico. You can read our tips here on how to visit—or [you can come with us]( as Matador Trips is traveling here October 2022 for the Day of the Dead celebrations. [READ NOW]( [Muxes of Oaxaca putting on earrings]( Meet the Muxes of Oaxaca, a “Third Gender” That Goes Back To Pre-Hispanic Times Found in the Zapotec community of Juchitán de Zaragoza, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, Muxes are men who dress like women, assume traditionally “female” roles in daily life, and whose culture goes back thousands of years. [READ NOW](  FOOD + CULTURE [Snacks sold on the streets of Mexico]( 11 Pre-Hispanic Dishes That Show Oaxaca Is the Cradle of Mexican Food While today’s Mexican food is a hybrid, it still abounds with dishes, ingredients, and techniques that predate European colonization. The state of Oaxaca is one of the best places to see this cuisine. Oaxaca has Mexico’s largest indigenous population, and the traditions maintained by its 16 indigenous groups represent a cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. [READ NOW]( [Mole Mexicano, Poblano Mole Ingredients, Traditional Spicy Mexican Food in Mexico]( Understand Oaxaca by Understanding These 7 Moles Mole is one of Mexico’s most complex and historic sauces. In Oaxaca, known as the Land of Seven Moles, these sauces range in flavor, color, and popularity, but they all inspire a passionate allegiance to undermine the minimalist cooking movement. [READ NOW]( [sugar skulls]( On Dia de Los Muertos, Sugar Skulls Represent Death Through Sweetness and Nostalgia Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) are made from a white sugar mixture that’s shaped with a skull mold. The skulls are decorated with colorful designs and adornments, and the name of a deceased loved one is often written on the forehead. [READ NOW]( [Sombra Mezcal]( 5 Sustainable Mezcals You Can Feel Good About Drinking Many brands have built sustainability into the very core of their identities, business practices, and farming techniques. This is partly to do justice to the generations of Mexicans who operate the palenques (mezcal distilleries). [READ NOW](  TIPS, ADVICE + DEALS [Oaxaca Airbnb]( Grab Your Crew and Book These Oaxaca and CDMX Airbnbs for Dia de Los Muertos The celebrations pour onto the streets with parades and parties, and the result is a blend of profound remembrance and crazy fun that only Mexicans can create. Here are the best Airbnbs for Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca City and Mexico City, two of the most visited destinations. [READ NOW]( [Hotel in Puerto Escondido]( 11 Coastal Airbnbs and Hotels in Puerto Escondido With Ocean Views and Beach Access From surf shacks to beachside villas and apartments, here are the best Puerto Escondido Airbnbs and hotels for an amazing seaside vacation. 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