Oaxaca

Vibrant and historical, Oaxaca City is a captivating blend of old and new that just begs to be explored. Street art covers its pastel-coloured lanes and intoxicating smells float from every window. Known as the gastronomic capital of Mexico for good reason, sample the famous mole negro, a spicy, smoky meat and bean stew, although there are six other famous moles to try too. Don’t miss the Guelaguetza folk festival in July.

Oaxaca state offers so much more than just its capital city — visit Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec capital city and one of the most important archeological sites in the Americas, and take a trip to Hierve El Agua, otherworldly natural limestone formations that resemble petrified waterfalls.