Oaxaca: chocolate, ruins and a petrified waterfall ...

After our first steps in the Mexican capital, we went to Oaxaca. Besides being a beautiful colonial town and also including some archaeological sites (the ruins of the Zapotec civilization), Oaxaca is also known for its Mezcal, a local alcohol (we tasted but not particularly like) and cocoa. We found in the city numerous chocolate shops which serve excellent hot chocolate with cinnamon!

After these culinary tastings (we skipped the chapulines: grilled crickets, specialty of the city), we went to visit the Monte Alban site. Set atop a hill overlooking the valley, this Zapotec city reached its peak between 200 and 600 AD but the place was already inhabited in 500 BC. Archaeologists have found many engravings of dates and letters showing us that men were willing to leave traces ... but even so it is not known what caused the fall of the city, which had up to 40,000 inhabitants at its peak.

We liked to walk around on these pyramids, experience the traditional ball game (but do not forget that this game ended in human sacrifice for the losers) and admire the engravings of "dancers": naked men who represent either people with disabilities (Down syndrome) because they were given various magical powers, or prisoners of war to represent the military power of the city.

After human constructions, we went to visit a natural construction: the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. In addition to being a truly beautiful site (and somewhat mystical it must be said), getting there is also an adventure in itself. Take a shared taxi from Oaxaca to Mitla and then get into a small van ... which only leave when full !!! We were lucky and did not have to wait long but patience can sometimes be put to its limits...

Once there, we were amazed by these stone waterfalls. In general, we find the stalactite and stalagmite formations type in caves but here it is in the open air. The phenomenon is due to a supersaturated in calcium carbonate (among others) water. The water reaches the surface at a slow rate and the excess of minerals is deposited. We would have bathe in this water with thermal properties but the breeze was a bit disheartened ... So, we simply observe the waterfalls from every angle and we could find traces of an irrigation system. Archaeologists have shown that the channel system (mostly destroyed today) dates back over 2,500 years and is quite unique in Mexico because irrigation was generally not used by pre-Hispanic civilizations ... Another mystery of history, why? How? ... We love it, do not you?

It is now time to reach San Cristobal de las Casas and discover the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe.