Questions about affordable family vacations at Casa Raab Vacation Rental Home in Oaxaca. Find out more about services, touring, and in depth infomation.
Where is the location of this villa?
We are located in a foothills village, San Pablo Etla, about 20 minutes due north of the center of the city of Oaxaca.
What is the security situation like? Is it safe to walk the grounds of the estate?
There are no security issues to be concerned with here in our peaceful village. There are paved and dirt roads to walk while exploring the village, and of course you can hike around on our 40 acre estate to your heart's content. Trips to Oaxaca and the villages require a bit more thought about security. The only real issue is a minor threat of pick-pockets and petty thieves in crowded situations. There is no violent crime in Oaxaca.
Is there Internet access available?
Bring your laptop if you need to do extensive work while you are away. We have installed cable-DSL internet in the Casa Grande, so you can plug in there. There is also an older IMac in place for email access, and WiFI is on the way. Internet access in La Castia can be arranged for an extra charge. The most effective way of communicating from Oaxaca on a frequent basis is by e-mail, or cell phones. You can send and receive e-messages either from Casa Raab or from one of the many cyber-cafes in Oaxaca.
How about phones?
Most cell phones work here at Casa Raab and all over Oaxaca. Call your carrier for details before leaving, and for charges for calling from Mexico. Some service providers offer plans that include Mexico as a local call.
The Casa Raab phone number is:
From the U.S.: 011-52-951-520-4022
From Mexico City: 951-520-4022
From Oaxaca: 520-4022
What about the Teacher's Strike, and the demonstrations of '06? What can I expect? Is it dangerous?
The combined annual Teacher's Strike and APPO demonstrations of 2006 were incredible events. Thousands of Oaxacan people took to the streets to protest social inequity, poor school conditions, and the governor's role. The movement was left to run its course for several months in the hope it would disperse, but it didn't. Unfortunately what started out as a popular movement for social change and improvment ended up focusing on a single political issue: unseat the governor. The social demands were eventually left behind and the attempt to oust the governor failed.
Contrary to the US news reports, there was never any threat to tourists. The one US journalist who was shot disregarded all sense of law, safety and logic, and joined the front lines of the worst battle of the 6 month protest. APPO radicals cornered and threatened a few undercover cops, the guns came out on both sides, and the reporter caught a stray bullet. This was indeed unfortunate, and shortly afterwards the federal police came and ended the protests
Inconvenient as it was, the tourist groups that stayed at Casa Raab still had a great time, and actually enjoyed the excitment of an ongoing social revolt. We were able to go about our business and tours, although we had to take some back roads to completely avoid the problems.
Will the protests and demonstrations return? Probably. The teachers are still complaining about bad conditions, although the government has now comitted to injecting millions of dollars into the school systems. Does APPO, the revolutionary movement, still exist? Yes, and the poor of Oaxaca still need represertation and help to improve the quality of their lives. Will the city get shut down again in the future? Probably not.
Bottom line: Social unrest is an ongoing part of southern Mexico, and will remain so until long lasting reforms and programs are put into place. This may take many more years. The people are guranteed the right to protest under the constitution. Demonstrations at various times are expected, but they are no threat to tourists and are only meant to cause change within the social structure of Mexico. Inconvenient? Yes. Dangerous? No. Of course you can always write to us and ask us for the local updates on these issues, and how they might affect your visit.
My mother is 82 years old and needs oxygen. Should she come?
Oaxaca is located at 5,500 feet above sea level...about the same as Denver, Colorado. People with respiratory illness should carefully consider the challenge of breathing at higher altitudes before coming to Oaxaca. We do have good medical facilities here, and oxygen tanks and generators can be obtained. Please inform us of any special medical needs so we can plan well in advance.
Two members of our group are vegetarians. Will they be able to eat at Casa Raab?
Many of our guests are vegetarians, or have other special dietary needs. Our cook is well experienced in preparing food with special requests in mind.
We would like the pool to be available for our stay - is this possible?
If you rent both houses the pool will be completely yours without interruption. Since the Casa Grande wraps around the pool, other renters of La Casita must make arrangements with the folks in the Casa Grande to insure everyone's privacy. This always seems to work out just fine.
We would either want to hire drivers or rent a few cars. Would you be able to help with this?
If you have a large group I recommend that you do not rent cars… just too many people if you want to keep the group together in their travels. Better to rent the big van for basic touring. Rental cars make sense for small groups, or if you want one small vehicle for runs to the store or to take a few people to Oaxaca.
Also, Oaxaca has a big traffic problem. We know the shortcuts and various routes to handle this problem. The first time drivers around here spend a lot of their time and emotional energy just getting through traffic, trying to figure out the map, and trying to find a place to park. Better to have a driver who knows his/her way around. We have a 15 passenger air-conditioned luxury van for use in our guided tours, and also for general transportation around Oaxaca for the group.
We will be arriving fairly late at the airport about 9:30 pm. What is your recommendation as far as transport to the house? I am planning on renting a car, but I am wondering how easy it is to find your house in the dark?
You can either navigate your way to the house with written instructions and a map (more difficult at night), hire a cab to lead you here, or else have me meet you at the airport and help out. Another alternative is to take a taxi to the casa and then pick up the rental car the next day during daylight hours.
Are there any coffee plantations next to Casa Raab? I am looking at planning a wedding on or near a coffee plantation...any suggestions?
The valley system surrounding the city has a moderate climate, without humidity. Coffee grows best in more humid climates, and coffee plantations are found mostly on the Oaxacan mountain slopes dropping to the Pacific Ocean. Your best bet would be to talk to agents who plan vacations to Huatulco, the big luxury resort on the coast. Travel agents familiar with the area can put you in touch with various coffee plantations that offer tourist services and accommodations. You can get good rates on the hotels, and fly directly into the modern airport.
I am still looking for a location to hold my daughter's wedding. Are you availble for weddings?
Yes, we are happy to host weddings and other events. We can arrrange all food services, music, and fill any other special requests. We have a major event about once per year, and they always seem to turn out wonderfully.
I would like to hold a Yoga workshop in Oaxaca. Can you facilitate this event?
Yes, we host several workshops per year and are well experienced in the extra challanges. Besides Yoga enthusiasts, we also have bird watchers, mountain bikers, plant specialists....etc.
Weather
www.wunderground.com
And here is a wealth of other interesting information that you might want to know about Oaxaca:
Safety
Your safety and health are of the utmost importance to us. All the bedrooms have desks with locked drawers or cabinets, and we strongly recommend that you put any valuables into those safe drawers upon arrival. The staff is completely trustworthy, but with everything locked up you will have an extra feeling of security and can dispense with any concerns about your most important items.
US managers live just behind the kitchen in a little house. They are available to you,and will look out for your well being throughout the trip. The village is a friendly one, sharing a 35-year relationship with Casa Raab. Once you are in San Pablo Etla, and especially on Casa Raab grounds, you can relax and enjoy the best of Mexico. The only criminal threat to even consider in Oaxaca is petty thievery in a crowded public marketplace. Avoid this by leaving backpacks, purses, and wallets at the Casa. (see Money) Carry only photocopies of your IDs and leave the originals at Casa Raab, locked up.
Tipping
All maid, laundry, and cooking services are included in the rental price. If you are pleased with the services the recommended tipping is $3.00 US per night per bedroom. The actual amount you tip will depend on your satisfaction with the services. Tip money is divided among the staff. At the end of your stay just give the total to Innocencia, the cook, and she will distribute it to the family members.
Local Tours/Visits
Day-Trip Excursions to handicraft villages, ancient ruins, cultural centers and Eco-locations usually run from four to eight hours.
Arrazola - Cuilapan - Zaachila
- Arrazola - One of the main villages for wooden carved animals
- Zaachila - Part-Mixtec, part-Zapotec village, with an amazing Thursday market.
- Cuilapan - a Mixtec town and site of the Dominican monastery from the 16th century.
Atzompa - Monte Alban, Etla
- Atzompa - craft village noted for its green pottery, home of Teodora Blanco's family who continue her tradition of whimsical pottery with pottery making demonstrations
- Monte Alban - Famous ancient Zapotec mountain-top capitol, a spectacularly restored ruin and museum
- Etla - Noted for its traditional Wednesday market
El Tule, Yagul, Teotitlan, Mitla
- El Tule - A vast ahuehete tree (a type of cypress) in the churchyard is claimed to have the biggest girth of any tree in the Americas. It is between 2000 to 3000 years old.
- Teotitlan del Valle - One of Mexico's most famous weaving villages, known for fine hand woven blankets, rugs and serapes.
- Yagul - a beautifully situated ruin 35 km from Oaxaca.
- Mitla - a Zapotec religious center from after the fall of Monte Alban (after 750 AD). Mitla is also noted for textiles, clothes and mezcal. The main street is lined with wonderful shops leading to the ruins.
San Bartolo Coyotepec, San Martin Tilcajete
- San Bartolo Coyotepec - famed for black pottery, home of Dona Rosa's family
- San Martin Tilcajete - A village that makes hand painted wooden animals
- Ocotlan - Home of the Aguilar sisters, makers of ceramic sculptures. The wonderfully restored church is a must see
Places in Oaxaca
- Zocalo - the social center of town, a restaurant lined park and people watching place extraordinaire
- Rufino Tamayo Museum - pre-Columbian art
- Museo Regional de Oaxaca
- Santo Domingo Cathedral, built between 1570 and the early 17th century, originally the church of the Dominican monastery.
- Calle Alcala, shops, restaurants, money exchange places
- Teatro Macedonio Alcala, belle epoch opera house built during Porfiro Diaz's regime
- Juarez Market food and craft market one block from the zocalo
- Abastos Mercado - the main market located on the Periferico where you can find anything
Market Days
- Sunday - Tlacolula
- Monday - Miahuatlan
- Tuesday - Soledad Etla
- Wednesday - Zimatlan, and San Pedro y San Pablo Etla
- Thursday - Zaachila and Ejutla
- Friday - Ocotlan
Mountain-to-Beach Adventure's itinerary:
Day 1: 6 to 8 hour drive west over the Continental Divide and down the mountains through the rain forests to the beach town of Puerto Escondido. Overnight in Puerto Escondido.
Day 2: Swimming, fishing, beach activities, hiking, birding, restaurants and shopping all day Overnight in Puerto Escondido or Puerto Angel (to the south)
Day 3: 6-8 hour return drive to Oaxaca via different route
Those wanting to spend more time at the beach, or choosing to skip the long drive home, can fly back to Oaxaca from Huatulco or Puerto Escondido. It is a 45-minute flight.
Check with Mexicana Airlines, AeroTucan for prices.
We now offer Adventure Tours to the Pacific, Chiapas, Guatemala, and the Caribbean.
Adventure Tour prices are negotiable with clients, depending on services
What to Bring
Here is thorough list of items to bring with you for your stay at Casa Raab.
Identification: Since 9-11 the US customs is requiring passports to return to the US, so be sure to get a passport for your journey. Any children traveling with one parent should also have a letter of permission-to-travel from the other parent.
Take a photocopy of your passport before leaving the US. Once in Oaxaca put the passport into one of the locked drawers at Casa Raab, and then carry the photocopy with you for ID. You will probably never be asked for ID except when cashing traveler's checks, and for this you must take the real passport. Your driver's license works well for most any purpose except reentry into the US.
Children's Papers: If you are one parent traveling with a minor child you will need to arrange an authorization letter from the other parent. This is extremely important: parents with children have been delayed in the states for over 24 hours while they sort this out. Please call the airline and arrange whatever they request well in advance.
Money: If you carry cash dollars to Oaxaca with you, make sure they are clean bills with no writing or stamps on them. If there is a tear or a hole or any markings, the cash exchange windows and banks will not accept them.
In the states before leaving, consider buying one of those hidden money pouches that fit under your clothes somewhere. There are a lot of styles…just get one that suits you. Using one of these to carry your money (and airline tickets, passports) will give you a remarkable sense of security.
If possible, as you leave the States get $50-200 worth of pesos for pocket cash. This will get you through any demands for money en-route: restaurants, porters, etc. Any major airline hub will have international money available. Just get some between planes. Another option to get pesos for Mexico is the service from www.travelex.com. This is a great way to prepare for the trip. You contact them and, using your credit card, order cash pesos to be delivered to your doorstep…at a reasonable exchange rate. The money will arrive in couple of days. You can even send back extra pesos after the trip for credit to your card. If you do this before you leave, you will avoid the need to get cash pesos during your first few days in Oaxaca. $500 dollars worth of pesos will go a long way as you get settled in, buy groceries, etc. If you arrive in Oaxaca with no pesos, don't worry. There is an ATM machine at the airport, and we can always get you replenished the day after you arrive.
Rent: The balance of your rental payment will be paid in Oaxaca. This may be more than $1,500 us dollars, and must be paid in cash pesos or dollars. Carry this down in traveler's checks, cash, or plan on several ATM withdrawals. Of course, the simplest method of getting cash into Mexico is to carry dollars on your person. The local banks and money exchange locations (Casas de Cambio) will change dollars into pesos.
ATMs: If carrying cash makes you uncomfortable, we recommend ATM withdrawals as the second easiest method. There are many ATM machines in Oaxaca. They usually have a 3,000 or 4,000 peso per-hit limit ($350us). Most US banks have a $500us dollar daily withdrawal limit. However, multiple withdrawals are possible if you set it up with your bank before leaving.
The least desirable method of exchanging money is Traveler's Checks. They require more time and energy to cash, and you will need your passport for identification when cashing them.
Clothes: Consider wearing a nice set of clothes on the plane. This will transport the evening wear that you might want for an evening out in Oaxaca, and it also will get you a little more respect from officials in the airports. This comes in handy when passing customs, getting information or receiving assistance.
Oaxaca is in a temperate subtropical zone, at 5,500' above sea level. It can be hot during the day (80's) and can cool to sweater weather at night. Travel light, bring comfortable shoes for both dress up and hiking. Remember there's a swimming pool, so suits are needed. The layered method will prepare you for most weather…ending with a simple lightweight water-resistant jacket, during the rainy season; from June to October.
Shorts and T-shirts are suitable for lounging around Casa Raab, but for visiting Oaxaca or the outlying villages. you might want to dress a bit better. Long pants and a nice short sleeved shirt are suitable for men, while pants, dress, or skirt/blouse are fine for women. If you are the kind of person who must wear shorts everywhere, don't worry, just do it. Oaxaca has changed in the last 25 years, and accepts all tourists without question.
Small Comforts: With the advent of NAFTA you can get almost everything you might want in the supermarkets and mercados. Suntan lotion, insect repellant, shampoos, peanut butter, good coffee and even pumpernickel bread can be purchased at the local stores. You might want to bring some specialty items like herbal teas, special chocolate, exotic coffee, etc. with you .
Music & Video : VCR/DVD & Cassette players are in the Casa Grande and may be used at any time. La Casita also has DVD, CD & VCR players. Just bring your music. Also we have a huge selection of VHS videos (450+); all great movies. There is also a growing selection of DVDs. We currently have no connection to broadcast or satellite television in the Casa Grande. This is by choice, since we find non-stop TV disruptive to the peace and tranquility of Casa Raab.
Internet: Bring your laptop if you want full time access. We have installed cable-DSL internet in the Casa Grande, so you can plug in there. A full time computer and WiFI are on the way. Internet access in La Castia can be arranged for an extra charge. There are also numerous internet cafes in Oaxaca City.
Overnight trips will create additional housing and meal expenses, beyond the basic cost of Casa Raab. Any increased housing expenses only apply to the multi-day adventure tours, since the day-trips begin and end at Casa Raab. An average adventure tour will mean two or three nights in a hotel along the way. We will be choosing from hotels in the $50 to $100 per night range, unless otherwise directed by the client, or necessitated by destination.
Airfares, Packing, and Travel
Airfares to Oaxaca vary with seasonal demand. From Seattle it can be as low as $500 round trip to as high as $850. Internet shopping for fares can be a real money saver. If you do book through the Internet, try to arrange a way for you to pick up a printed ticket at the airport when you check in. This will help to prevent any future problems with Internet ticketing, altering schedules, etc. Also check for any hidden restrictions that might hamper your changing a departure date, or?
There are now some direct flights from Houston,
You can directly book your flight with Continental at www.continental.com. Be sure to get a seat assignment confirmed in advance. As with other airlines, people are sometimes "bumped" from this flight ... and the first ones to go are those without seat assignments.
Immigration: If you fly directly to
Customs: If you take a plane that lands in Mexico City and then you connect with a flight to
It is crucial to visually inspect your destination tag on each bag at the airport when you check in for your initial departure. It must show the different travel legs in proper order, ending with OAX, (or what ever that symbol for Oaxaca is). If it ends in MX (Mexico City symbol), the bag will come out at Mexico City customs, regardless what the agent may say. If you assume it is correct without visually inspecting it, it is a gamble. So, a bit of concentration as you depart will get your bags to where they belong.
On the way home: When leaving Oaxaca have the bags routed to your final destination, not the port of entry. For instance with travel to Seattle thru Los Angeles, the final tag address should be SEA not LA. If it was LA, you would have to hand-carry the bags to the next gate and recheck them rather than just handing them back to a porter after clearing customs. .
Luggage: Most visitors figure on bringing a load of handicrafts back with them and this can be done in your regular luggage. Travel with some empty suitcases or packs and fill them up on the return trip. Cardboard boxes are not allowed anymore, and even Action Packer type crates are now frowned upon. For more protection and room you can buy rigid suitcases that hold a maximum amount of goods.
If you are planning to bring back breakables, it is a good idea to bring a roll of bubble material & two or three rolls of 1 1/2 " or 2" clear plastic tape. On the return, put one roll of tape in your carry on luggage in case you need to reseal something en route. Make nice luggage tags on your computer before leaving, (carry the return ones with you for use on the way back), and tape them on your luggage,Two per person, about 3" x 4". On the way down use "name/Oaxaca, Mexico/Casa Raab/ with our phone number (951-520-4022). On the way back use "name-US address-US phone number". Change tags in Oaxaca, before returning home.
Always use porters at the Mexico City Airport even if it is a short distance. They will haul the suitcases, duffels and carry-ons, take you to your ticket counter, and act as guides.... for a few bucks. Either pesos or dollars work.
Time in Mexico City: If you have several hours to spend in Mexico City, with luggage to recheck later, ask the porter to take you to a "bodega". This is a storage facility in the airport where you can leave your load in a locker. Traveling South: Find the bodega in the domestic area rather than the one in the international area, since you will be departing on a domestic flight and will need to check in there. Traveling North: find the bodega in the international area since you will be departing from that part of the airport.
Once you store your bags, go down to near the "C" gate in the domestic end of the airport, find the stairs or elevator to the right, and walk across the sky bridge to the wonderful hotel across the street. Great restaurant (safe to eat here), bar, lounge area...this is the place to spend time when waiting...only 5 minutes back to the terminal, the bodega, and check in gate.
Maps: It is a good idea to print out and carry a map of the route to Casa Raab. If you are not met at the Oaxaca airport, or if something changes in your schedule, or if you drive down…. you will be able to get there on your own. You can just show the map and Spanish directions to a taxi driver, and he will take you there.
Here are some Internet ticket sale sites:
www.continental.com
www.mexicana.com
www.united.com
www.delta.com
webcenter.travel.netscape.com
www.orbitz.com
www.LastMinuteTravel.com
www.skyauction.com
www.11thhourvacations.com
www.flycheapol.com
airtravelcenter.com
www.bestfares.com
www.economytravel.com
www.onetravel.com