In Oaxaca — which made TPG’s list of influencer-free spots last year — over 3,000 years of history come alive with pre-Columbian ruins and baroque churches mixing with modern architecture.
Monte Albán, about 20 minutes from the city, is a pre-Columbian Zapotec capital and an archeological site as well-preserved (and as big) as Teotihuacan or Chichén Itzá but with fewer crowds.
Oaxaca is known for its skilled silversmiths and its barro negro (“black clay”) pottery, so be sure to set aside time for shopping.
Your friends and family will love the affordable handmade sterling silver trinkets and treasures, many set with native stones such as turquoise.
Getting to Oaxaca
American Airlines recently launched flights from DFW to Oaxaca (OAX) and there is good availability for 30,000 miles round-trip in economy and 50,000 miles in business from numerous connecting gateways. United via Houston or Delta/Aeroméxico via Mexico City are other options.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
The Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca-Centro Historico gets terrific reviews. With free breakfast and a downtown location, you won’t go wrong at 15,000 points/night, especially if you have the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card with the fourth night reward. Cash rates could be a good option as well — in the $70-$80 range. Rooms are only rated for three online, so I would contact the hotel before I put a second kid in the room. At these low rates, two rooms could also be a good option.
Mor info at thepointsguy.com
The Mazatlan Post