places to visit near oaxaca

13 Out-Of-This-World Things to Do in Oaxaca

Known for its delicious food (hello, mole!), colorful streets, access to beautiful ruins, and its festive Day of the Dead celebration, the best things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico are as varied as they are interesting.

During our trip, the city ended up stealing our hearts–and whenever we find ourselves dreaming of Mexican food, we often start absentmindedly searching for plane tickets to Oaxaca.

Planning a visit soon and wondering what to do in Oaxaca? We’ve covered all the best things to see here, including both spots in Oaxaca City (in Spanish, Oaxaca de Juarez) and those that are easy to visit as day trips from Oaxaca.

Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City (+ Nearby!)

Where to stay in oaxaca, about organized day trips from oaxaca, don’t forget travel insurance.

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Visit Monte Alban.

The abandoned city of Monte Alban is, in our opinion, even prettier than Teotihuacan near Mexico City –which is impressive, given how much we love the first!

Monte Alban is one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica, and is believed to have been one of the major cultural centers of the Zapotecs. Visiting is one of the most popular things to do in Oaxaca, and it’s easy to see why!

You can see mountains on all sides of Monte Alban, and ruins all around you–in every direction, there’s nothing but views: the past at eye-level, and the present in the cities occupying the valleys below.

Wander through the center of Oaxaca City and visit the Zocalo.

Oaxaca’s main square is enormous and is easily the perfect first item to add to a list of things to do in Oaxaca.

The gigantic shade trees make it a welcome break from the sun, the balloon sellers throughout the square add eye-catching splashes of color in every direction, and the hawkers are some of the politest that we have come across–they all asked us once, and only once if we wanted to buy anything before moving on.

Prices at the restaurants surrounding the square are a little inflated as compared to other parts of the city, of course–but it’s still worth grabbing a meal here just to people-watch in the square.

Taste some Mezcal.

Taking a Mezcal tour is an incredibly fun way to spend an afternoon in Oaxaca!

In exchange for listening to a sales pitch at the end of the tour, we were able to see each step of the Mezcal process, from the beheaded corpses of fresh agave plants all the way to the finished product.

The tour finished with a Mezcal tasting (which is not to be confused with Tequila– Mezcal and Tequila are very different)–our guide was liberal with the pours, and if you would like, you just may be able to try half a dozen versions of Mezcal.

If you’re not interested in touring a factory, don’t worry: Mezcal is available at just about any restaurant in Oaxaca.

Sample mole.

All of the incredible foods to eat in Oaxaca could justify an entire blog post in their own right, but no other food is as iconically Oaxacan as mole.

Intricate and complex, mole is both delicious and varied (Oaxaca has 7 definitive versions , though each recipe is unique), and well worth devouring with… well, just about anything.

Check out the Templo de Santo Domingo.

Oaxaca’s most famous cathedral is located in the north of town and is never absent from any list of the best things to do in Oaxaca–for good reason.

Situated with a small square in front and botanical gardens to the rear, the area surrounding the church (despite its draw for tourists) is much quieter and more peaceful than the Zocalo to the south–a perfect area to relax in.

Take a cooking class.

What better way to explore a region renowned worldwide for its cuisine than by learning a bit about cooking it yourself?

This cooking class will not only teach you how to cook Oaxacan dishes (complete with plenty of eating) but also includes a market tour.

Book your Oaxacan cooking class today!

Visit the Ethnobotanic Garden.

Oaxaca’s botanical gardens are peaceful and pretty (as all botanical gardens should be), and have a different twist than many flower-focused gardens: a lot more cacti, for one!

Located right next door to the Templo de Santo Domingo, it’s not hard to find a chance to cross this off your list of Oaxaca attractions to visit.

Check out the Oaxaca Cultural Museum.

Oaxaca is the most culturally diverse state in Mexico, and it shows in this museum.

Artifacts spanning many periods and cultures are displayed here, emphasizing individual cultures and, of course, the impact of Spanish colonialism.

The museum is attached to the Templo de Santo Domingo, in what was once the monastery–meaning that the building is a museum artifact itself!

Fair warning: all of the signs in the museum are in Spanish. I stumbled through the best I could, but Google translate was my friend.

I have no doubt that I would have gotten more out of the museum with more advanced Spanish, though the artifacts alone are enough to make it worth stopping by.

Tour Mitla.

One of the best day trips from Oaxaca, the stunning and intricate ruins of Mitla are one of the best places to visit near Oaxaca City.

Mitla is a religious and cultural center for the Zapotecs, dating after Monte Alban was abandoned.

Our guide referred to the style as “Greek” because of the geometric patterns that dominated what remains of Mitla–the detailed work is mesmerizing and well worth spending some extra time admiring.

Much of Mitla was torn down when the Spanish arrived in order to build the cathedral that now overlooks what is left of the city–but the remains are more than enough to be impressed by the incredible amount of craftsmanship that went into creating Mitla.

Enjoy the festivals.

Oaxaca is well known for its exuberant celebrations, and luckily for travelers, they happen all the time.

Jeremy and I didn’t remotely try to plan our trip around any festivals, but that didn’t stop us from hearing fireworks going off every night, seeing the Zocalo covered in people dancing a tango, or stumbling into two different parades, or seeing people performing on stage almost every night we were in town.

A little research showed us that we were most likely seeing preliminary celebrations for the Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe and/or the Fiesta de la Soledad–and, of course, Christmas, for which a Christmas tree taller than the nearby cathedral was being built near the Zocalo when we were there.

Of course, the most famous festival in Oaxaca is its famous Day of the Dead Celebration, which is considered to be one of the most incredible in all of Mexico.

Go shopping at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Whether you want to buy artisanal souvenirs or simply eat your heart out, the Mercado 20 de Noviembre is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca!

Sip hot chocolate.

Oaxacan hot chocolate is spiced with cinnamon and is famous for a reason–it is absolutely delicious! Don’t leave town without sampling a cup.

Fall in love with Hierve el Agua.

I saved my favorite of all the fun things to do in Oaxaca for last.

Hierve el Agua is a petrified waterfall, and the area you visit in order to view it is filled with pools formed of the same calcium carbonate that created the “falls”.

Stand and look forward from the pools, and you will see the gorgeous mountains opening up before you–the view is irresistible.

The area is extraordinarily peaceful, and while there is a small changing area and bathroom nearby, the expected food stalls and souvenir stands are out of sight, and a 10-minute hike up a fairly steep hill from where the pools are located, leaving the entire area feeling less commercial than it could.

Sadly, Hierve el Agua is a couple of hours from Oaxaca City by car–but it is a must-see and one of the best day trips from Oaxaca. This is, hands down, our favorite thing that we saw while in the region, and our only regret is that we weren’t able to stay longer.

November 2021 Update : After a period of closure, Hierve el Agua has now reopened !

When deciding where to stay in Oaxaca, we recommend looking for something centrally located, within walking distance of the Zocalo and the Templo de Santo Domingo. From there, Oaxaca City is easy to explore on foot, and transportation outside of the city is easy to reach!

Prices are most expensive when events are going on, especially the legendary Day of the Dead festival–if you plan to visit Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead, we strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible.

Here are a few well-reviewed hotels that are fantastic places to stay in Oaxaca.

Hotel Oaxaca Magico — This hotel was exactly what we were looking for during our first trip to Oaxaca: clean and in a great location.

A budget hotel means a small room, but the 10-minute walk to the Zocalo, daily maid service/replacement of toiletries, and overall smooth experience left the tiny room in the back of our minds. We would be happy to stay here again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Oaxaca Magico!

Hotel Suites del Centro  — Located just a 5-minute walk from the Zocalo and boasting excellent reviews, these small apartments all feature a kitchenette.

The property boasts a beautiful terrace, and there is free parking on-site for travelers who would like to explore the surrounding area independently!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Suites del Centro!

Casa Antonieta  — For spacious luxury in the heart of Oaxaca, check into Casa Antonieta, where you’ll find gorgeous furnishings, excellent customer service, a walkable location, and a beautiful terrace to relax on.

With fantastic reviews and a popular breakfast option, Casa Antonieta is the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Oaxaca.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Antonieta!

We took a one day tour from Oaxaca, which included visiting Hierve el Agua, a Mezcal factory, Mitla, a wool rug craftsman, and the Tule tree (the last two aren’t on this list because we found them dull–the first is a predictable sales pitch and the second is a large tree that is not worth seeking out on your own).

The cost was 200 pesos per person and included all transportation and an excellent guide for Mitla.

A few other entrance fees (totaling less than $10/person) were required to be paid on the tour, and though not technically “required”, the buffet lunch that the tour pauses for are predictably overpriced (about $7/person, but very tasty).

The tour fulfilled our needs and seemed to be available at a similar price to every tourism agency in town.

You can also book a very similar tour online if you’re partial to paying in advance–but as you can see, you’ll pay less if you book on the ground in Oaxaca.

Check prices and inclusions for Oaxaca day trips today!

The downside was our limited time of about one hour at Hierve de Agua.

Next time, we will rent a car and go independently for the day as it was one of our absolute favorite things to do in Oaxaca, though the mountain roads to access it are very windy–be prepared for a bit of an adventure if you want to drive.

Shop rental cars for your trip to Oaxaca today!

Tours are also available to visit Monte Alban, though I wouldn’t recommend taking one unless you really want a guide with you.

Monte Alban is about 30 minutes outside of the city, and shuttles that will sell round-trip transportation for 70 pesos/person are everywhere.

The Oaxaca City bus is also an option if you want to stick to a very low budget, but my tendency to get motion sickness made me very grateful for the direct and simple transportation.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Traveling to Mexico is generally safe, of course, but it also likely involves stepping outside your comfort zone and trying out new adventures in a foreign land… where you may or may not speak the language.

We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Mexico.

Shop travel insurance for your trip to Oaxaca today!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

33 thoughts on “13 Out-Of-This-World Things to Do in Oaxaca”

Great post! We’re thinking about going. We checked out Mexico City this past year but almost went to Oaxaca and think we might like to make it over in 2018! How did you get to Hierve el Agua and how much time do you recommend spending there?

We definitely recommend it! Oaxaca is awesome, as is Hierve el Agua. We visited Hierve el Agua as part of a day trip that included several stops (we booked it in person), but we’d recommend trying to find one that focuses on Hierve el Agua specifically if you can–we didn’t have nearly as much time there as we had wanted.

I’d only recommend driving yourself if you’re very confident with the directions and mountain roads–it’s about 2 hours of driving, a lot of it on very winding roads with blindspots, from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua! :-)

Who did you book your tour with? The people around the zocalo quote a price and then if you call the agency it is 3x higher. Know a cheap car rental? Thankyou for your post

We booked in person near the Zocalo, but no idea of an agency name–doubt we ever learned it at the time, it was a very casual transaction.

Enjoy your trip!

Hi, thanks for your post. I’d like to ask which agency did you use for day tour from Oaxaca? Thank you :)

Hi Barbora! I honestly have no idea–it was just one of the generic ones in the main square of town. :-)

Hi Kate!! Thank you for this awesome post! My boyfriend and I are going to Oaxaca this week for a wedding and were trying to decide what to do on our free day. This definitely helped us decide on seeing Hierve el Agua! =)

You guys made an excellent choice! Hierve el Agua is such an epic spot. :D

Thank you for your post. We are looking to do a road trip starting in Puebla or Oaxaca , spending 10 -12 days in January in the region to include beach town, villages, culture, national park and fly back either from Puebla or Oaxaca airports. we are 7 in total looking for special places and experiences not interested in the tourist attractions too much. and would probably rent a minivan . We do not want to drive all day so no issues in staying i several places and doing tours from each place. Looking forward for you wonderful advice.

We haven’t taken that road trip, but I can tell you that around the Oaxaca area we strongly recommend making time for Hierve el Agua and Mitla.

We also loved the beach/surf town of Puerto Escondido, and would love to go back–can recommend a stop there as well!

Tip, for anyone else interested in visiting Hierve el Agua. We didn’t fancy going on one of the tours that stopped at several different places so instead booked with Go Well tours – a little more expensive but well worth it for a private tour and a lovely couple running it – this gave us half a day hiking around Hierve el Agua, lots of time to swim, a lovely picnic and then a visit to Mitla on the way back. I did look into ways to get there by public transport but it sounded a little too complicated for my first visit.

Yes, getting to Hierve el Agua on public tranport is a bit complex for the first time and especially if you are not able to communicate in spanish but overall, it is cheaper than the private tours and gives your more liberty on what to do. You have to find a taxi (public transport) or bus that takes you to mitla, then you find the trucks that take you to hierve el agua close to the central bus station. You get on and they will take you up to your destination. It is important to note that they will likely make you wait until other people come to make sure they make the most on their trip. Sometimes I’ve had to wait up to about 40 minutes so if you don’t have the time, this might not be for you. I have gotten a bit nauseous being in the back of the truck, sometimes I prefer to go on the front seats (just a little tip)

Thank you for the article – just super reading. I’m going to be in Oaxaca for around 10 days over Christmas and New Year. Do you have a sense of what will be open for tourists during that time and if guides will be available? And thank you so much for highlighting Hierve el Agua – not in either of my guidebooks!

We were actually there at a similar time ourselves–just before Christmas. Everything should be operating more or less normally, with the usual expected closures for Christmas Day, etc. In the weeks surrounding Christmas, though, you’ll definitely find guides!

Definitely head to Hierve el Agua if you can! Of all the places in and near Oaxaca, it’s the one we’re most excited to eventually get back to. :-)

Hi, Kate – Thank you for this VERY informative post! I’m going to Oaxaca with a small group of friends later this month, and you’ve given us some great guidelines for top things to see in town — and we will now definitely make plans to go out to Hierve el Agua! LOL, we were mainly going for the food, as one of our group is a world-traveling foodie, but I’m the “art person” of the group and will now do some research on the Templo and the museum. I also hear there are many art galleries in town?

Hi Ganieda! Thank you so much, glad we could help!

The food truly is amazing, we still miss it all the time.

I do remember seeing quite a few galleries around, but honestly, I was more like your friend and focused more on the food, so no specific recommendations there, I’m afraid!

Thank you for your suggestions! Can you recommend how many days you think is needed to explore all these spots comfortably? Trying to figure out how many days I should take off from work haha. Also, do you have suggestions for any other day trips that you didn’t get to go to that you thought would be nice? Something a few hours outside of Oaxaca that can still be done in a day? Thank you!

Hmm… I’d say probably a minimum of four full days to be comfortable? Two for the city, one for Hierve el Agua and Mitla, and one for Monte Alban, more or less. But a few more days would definitely be helpful!

I’ve heard that the Yagul ruins are also nice, but we didn’t make it there ourselves. Personally, if we were going back, our first priority would be to dedicate more time to each Mitla and Hierve el Agua, as we felt like we didn’t spend enough time at either!

Great recommendations but in addition I think that a cooking class with visit of a market is a great introduction to Oaxaca’s famous food. I tried 3 and my favourite is Alma de mi Tierra.

Oooh, sounds delicious! Agreed, we love everything having to do with food when we travel.

Great post! and thanks for all the great information! I am very excited, I am visiting Oaxaca in May, can’t wait to visit all these places you are recommending!

Thanks, Yesi! Hope you have a great trip to Oaxaca!

I’m thinking of going in late May. Would you say it’s safe for a female solo traveler? I would like to know more about transportation? It’s been recommended to me to travel there.

I haven’t personally visited as a solo female traveler, but I know lots of women who have visited Oaxaca alone and absolutely loved it (I even know one who loved it so much she moved there).

If you’re staying in the center, you’ll be able to walk to most of the major highlights in town. Shuttles and/or buses will get you to various day trips around the area.

very informative post. I do not think $7 per person at a buffet is overpriced, especially if the food was enjoyable. I paid $20 per person at our hotel, now thats overpiced!

Fyi Hierve El Agua is now closed to the public indefinitely.

Thanks for the update, I just looked into it. I’ll make a note in the post!

Hi, I love your post. Yes, Hierve el agua is closed. I am travelling to Oaxaca early march 2022. How you recomend me a good place to visit a chamán? Thanks Rey

I cannot find a tour with Viator or other under 450 pesos without admission. 200 sounds really cheap for a 12 h day trip. The hot springs are open again maybe that’s why the increase?

It’s generally MUCH cheaper to book on the ground in Oaxaca than through an aggregator, that’s probably why. That’s not the case in all countries (we use Get Your Guide all the time ourselves), but in many parts of Latin America, you tend to pay a very steep premium for booking in advance. It has been a few years since our trip as well. :-)

I recently visited Oaxaca and decided to hike from the centre of the city to Monte Alban. There isn’t really a defined route, it’s just along the side of the road, but definitely doable and took a little over 90 minutes. Along the way, you get great views out over the Oaxaca valley. You pass through some colourful suburbs on the way up the mountain, which then give way to agave plantations. Bring lots of water!

I am going sometime in October 2022 for a girls 50th birthday trip. Is Hierve el Agua open again? If we can do Hierve el Ague and Mitla in one day….Can we do Monte Alban and a Mezcal tour together? Any recommendations for a Mezcal tour?

To the best of my knowledge Hierve el Agua is open again! It re-opened earlier this year.

I’m not sure of any tours that include Monte Alban and Mezcal together, but you may be able to find one on the ground. Monte Alban is also very close to Oaxaca (15-20 minutes), so it doesn’t necessarily have to be a full-day trip.

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33 Spectacular & Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca State

While Oaxaca City is the most popular destination in Oaxaca state, some of the best places to visit in Oaxaca stretch through the eight diverse regions. With a rugged and wild Pacific coastline, and magical mountain ranges in the north and south there are hidden treasures found throughout the entire state of Oaxaca.

Oaxaca Mexico is special and I’m not just talking about the magic and lure that attracts travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage Historical city center of Oaxaca de Juárez. Yes, Oaxaca City has so many awesome things to do. There are bustling markets boasting typical Oaxacan dishes and charming cobblestone streets. Find tons of ruins from lost civilizations that are not mentioned as much as neighboring Aztec and Mayan ruins.

Oaxaca has a pulse, a heartbeat, that keeps travelers here longer than expected, and a magnet that pulls them back time and time again.

Fancy a hike through small communities? Want to take magic mushrooms or practice the sacred technique of a temazcal? Or maybe you want to appreciate fascinating Oaxaca ruins or visit an Oaxaca pueblo magico. Don’t forget all about the best Oaxaca beach towns .

Here are 33 of the best places to visit in Oaxaca State.

Table of Contents

Where is oaxaca & why you should visit.

• Discover Oaxaca City

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca Just Outside the City

• Excellent Places to Stay in Oaxaca City

Exploring Deeper in Valles Centrales Oaxaca

Best places to visit in oaxaca | oaxaca beaches, best places to visit in oaxaca | sierra sur.

• The Stunning Sierra Norte in Oaxaca State

Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca | Underrated Mixteca Region

• One More Oaxaca Pueblo Magico in Cañada Region Oaxaca
• Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca State

Oaxaca State is found in southern Mexico. It is blessed with over 330 miles of coastline on the Pacific Coast. To the East, find underrated Chiapas State which shares a border with Guatemala. In the north, Oaxaca state borders Veracruz and to the northwest, it shares a border with Puebla. To the west find Guerrero State.

Within Oaxaca State find eight very diverse regions with the best places to visit in Oaxaca. Oaxaca City is found in the Valles Centrales . Around Valles Centrales are the mountain regions of the Sierra Norte (North) and the Sierra Sur (South). The Pacific Ocean coastline is the Costa region. Before Chiapas State is the Istmo region. The Mixteca region is filled with the rich history of the Mixtec culture.

The final two regions, Cañada and Papaloapan, share a border with Veracruz.

Oaxaca (pronounced waa· haa ·kuh) Mexico is a must for travelers looking to seek a more authentic and real side of Mexico. In Oaxaca State, 16 Indigenous languages alone can be heard spoken throughout the Oaxaca region. There are still deep roots and connections between the Indigenous people and their traditions.

The best way to see and experience this is to take a day trip from Oaxaca to many of the nearby artisan villages that are still practicing techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

With so much diversity, Oaxaca state is a must-visit Mexico destination. To make the most of your time, spend time in the city and throughout Oaxaca State.

Now, with a little history of this diverse state, here are the best places to visit in Oaxaca City and Oaxaca State.

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca de Juárez

Oaxaca City will probably be the starting point to discover all the best places to visit in Oaxaca state. There is a small, but efficient airport, a centrally located ADO bus station, and lots of collectivo and minivans that make this region well-connected to the rest of Mexico, like hubs in Mexico City.

There are so many awesome things to do in Oaxaca City. Try to spend at least three full days here to get a better understanding and appreciate the richness of the city.

✈ Oaxaca Travel Planning | Awesome Things to Do in Oaxaca Mexico

1 | Stroll the Oaxaca Historic Center

A walk through the UNESCO World Heritage historic city center will more than likely include the towering and center-stage church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Walk past the old aqueduct surrounded by colorful and car-free streets. Visit at least one colorful and diverse Oaxaca marketplace. Get lost in at least one of the whimsical barrios like Xochimilco, or hip Jalatlaco.

Chill out in one of the lovely plazas, like Plaza de la Danza which is lined with a handful of ice cream shops.

Oaxaca has a fun and vibrant art scene. Culture can be found everywhere in the form of modern art galleries, street art, free museums, and street performers. Must-visit places in Oaxaca include the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, Mercado Benito Juárez, and the historic Zocolo. The Oaxaca Zocolo is engulfed in historical buildings, filled with bustling restaurants, and home to multiple street vendors.

2 | Sample Oaxacan Cuisine

What is Oaxaca known for? Besides the rich culture, Oaxaca boasts its own unique and distinct cuisine. The Oaxaca food scene is one of the biggest draws, so indulge in gastronomy with these top-rated Oaxaca food experiences .

Savor a typical Oaxacan dish, like say a  tlayuda which is kind of like a Mexican pizza with meat, Oaxacan cheese, refried beans, and all the dipping sauces. Try at least one of the seven moles that Oaxaca is famous for. Don’t miss snacking on a memela , a fried masa cake slathered in pig lard and topped with goodies like Oaxaca cheese, beans, and additional toppings if you so desire. Trust me, Oaxacan cuisine is a foodie haven.

Oaxaca is also known for its mezcal. The process is more like an art form that again has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a labor of love and there are plenty of stunning rooftops, intimate tasting rooms, and Oaxaca restaurants to sip on a few.

🍽 Oaxaca Foodie Guide | Where to Eat in Oaxaca, 60+ Best Oaxaca Restaurants, Cafes, Coffeeshops, & More

Best Oaxaca Food Tours

3 | visit colorful & diverse oaxaca markets.

One of the best places to sample Oaxacan cuisine is one of the many bustling markets. Mercado Benito Juárez is one of the busiest and most lively Oaxaca markets, and nearby Mercado 20 de Noviembre boasts tons of food stalls.

➯ Detailed Oaxaca Travel Guide | 13 Best Oaxaca Markets to Visit

For a truly local experience, visit Mercado de Abastos, where not many tourists venture to. Be mindful of your personal possessions here. Of course, each neighborhood has at least one busy marketplace. Oaxaca also has fantastic organic markets, like La Cosecha. In all seriousness, one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is a local market.

Oaxaca Market Tours

There are multiple day trips from Oaxaca that are worthwhile. Some of the best places to visit in Oaxaca are just outside the city limits!

From incredible archaeological zones, stunning natural sites, and artisan villages, here are some must-visit Oaxaca day trips.

Skip to | Huayapam | Cuilapam de Guerro | Santa Maria Atzompa | San Bartolo Coyotepec | San Agustin Etla | San Martín Tilcajete

4 | Monte Alban | Monte Albán

Don’t miss the Oaxaca ruins of Monte Alban, maybe the most popular day trip from Oaxaca city. This impressive Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact this hilltop zone was inhabited for over 1,500 by the three most prevalent Indigenous civilizations of the Oaxaca region: Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs.

At its height, Monte Alban was one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica and was home to almost 35,000 people.

It’s easy to visit Monte Alban on your own or as part of an organized Monte Alban tour . The sprawling ruins offer informative signboards with chances to pass by tombs, wander ancient roads, and gawk at unique structures. Climb up Platforma Sur to get some of the best views of these incredible Oaxaca ruins and the nearby valley.

Monte Alban is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca.

Monte Alban | Entrance Fee for Foreigners: 80 pesos ($4.50 USD) | Daily : 8:00 – 17:00 | Due to Covid, access is limited, try to arrive first thing in the morning

How To Reach Monte Albán as a day trip from Oaxaca

Take a Monte Alban tour or hop on one of the direct busses from Oaxaca Centro. The Monte Alban ruins are only 8 kilometers from Oaxaca city.

Two companies in town offer direct shuttle buses to Monte Albán.

🚐 Lescas Co. Tours to Monte Alban | Roundtrip Cost: 100 pesos ($5.50 USD) | Shuttles drop off at Monte Alban parking lot and return to Oaxaca, 4 hours in total | Purchase tickets in the lobby of Hotel Rivera del Ángel, here | Verify which time slot you would like to leave | Tip: the first shuttle (9:00) will pick you up from your Oaxaca accommodation | Shuttles return to Oaxaca and drop near the Zocalo downtown

Another option is to take the tourist bus.

🚌 Touristic Buses to Monte Alban | Roundtrip Cost: 80 pesos ($4.50 USD) | Purchase tickets from near Hotel Rivera , here

Current Time Table for Monte Alban Touristic Buses

Note that Saturdays and Sundays, buses leave for Monte Alban every half hour

5 | San Andrés Huayapam

Just outside of Oaxaca City is the small village of San Andres Huayapam, simply called Huayapam. This little village offers some great Oaxaca hiking trails. Although it’s possible to reach via public transport, the trails are on the outskirts of the village on the nearby hillsides and are easiest to access via car. Expect some seriously incredible views of Oaxaca City.

There are a few eco-parks, like Ecoturistico Huayapam Park and Presas de Tlalixtac De Cabrera which have small entrance fees, but a few different hiking trails.

Huayapam has a beautiful Plaza and church. A great place to eat is Luz de Luna , which boasts a beautiful dining area, outdoor seating, and a cozy bar that feels as if you’ve been transported to a secret cocktail bar in New York City. At Luz de Luna, find lots of typical Oaxacan dishes, their own mezcal brand, and a whimsical cocktail menu.

Want to sleep in the tranquility of Huayapam ? Try Hotel Huayapam Yuu Spa or Casa Bi’cu

6 | Cuilapam de Guerrero

Ten kilometers from Oaxaca is the small village of Cuilapam de Guerrero. What makes this half-day trip from Oaxaca so special is the unfinished Ex Monastery of Santiago Apóstol, a church that never would have its ceiling finished. This grand church was built by the Dominicans in 1550s, with hopes of converting all the Indigenous communities of the Mixteca and Zapotecas to Christianity.

In the 1580s, construction came to a halt. There are two legends as to why the massive basilica was halted, one involving a legend of the devil himself, and another of the pushback from the Indigenous communities. Their resistance was so strong, the church was left unfinished. In reality, it was probably due to the lack of funding behind the mighty Ex Monastery of Santiago Apóstol.

The structure is fascinating and the main courtyard was meant to hold 20,000 people, the population of the surrounding areas in the 16th century. The building boasts murals that show both Indigenous and Christian components and is how the church tried to convert the native people.

Ex Monastery of Santiago Apóstol | Admission: 45 pesos ($2.50 USD)

Even if you can’t enter the Ex Monastery of Santiago Apóstol, you can still wander around the building and get a perspective of how large and important this building was. There is a nice plaza and a main market. The town is small, but find plenty of food stands and local people enjoying the village.

How To Visit Cuilapam de Guerrero as a day trip from Oaxaca

Buses and collectivos depart from Oaxaca to Cuilapan.

🚗 Cuilapam de Guerro Collectivos | One-way Fare: 13 pesos (75¢) | Collectivos depart frequently from next to Central de Abastos Market here | Duration: 20 minutes

Also, it’s possible to take a bus in the direction of Zaachila

🚌 Zaachila Buses | Company name: Zaachila Yoo, buses white with pink and purple markings | One-way Fare: 9 pesos (50¢) | Buses depart frequently from the Lineas Unidas mini bus station here | Duration: 35 minutes

7 | Santa Maria Atzompa

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca for beautiful pottery is the artisan village of Santa Maria Atzompa. This small village creates unique pottery, especially of vivid green coloring. However, you’ll find a wide range of different styles and colors.

There is a main artisan market found in the center of town, which hosts many of the local artisans’ work. It’s possible to walk the small and twisting streets and visit the actual workshops and homes of the artisans.

Besides the beautiful pottery, Santa Maria Atzompa has its very own hilltop ruins a few miles out of town, which are free to wander about. The village has a charming plaza. If you’re visiting on a weekend, stop by the garden restaurant of Barbacoa de Borrego Jardines de Sofía , for you guessed it…. barbacoa!

How To Visit Santa María Atzompa as a day trip from Oaxaca

Collectivos depart frequently from Oaxaca to Santa Maria Atzompa. Once you’re in the village, if you want to visit the Atzompa ruins, you will need to flag down a moto, as it’s a little outside of town.

🚗 Santa Maria Atzompa Collectivos | One-way Fare: 10 pesos (55¢) | Collectivos depart frequently from close to Terminal Periferico here | Duration: less than 20 minutes

8 | San Bartolo Coyotepec

San Bartolo Coyotepec is a small village located just south of Oaxaca City. This small barrio is known for its famed black clay pottery. The techniques date back centuries to the Zapotecs and Mixteca cultures. The clay shaped without a pottery wheel, dried for weeks, and fired in a pit kiln.

However, the shiny black coloring was only introduced in the early 1950s by a new technique initiated by Rosa Real. She found that polishing the objects just before they were dry and lowering the temperature created a beautiful midnight-black coloring.

The main market that offers unique handicrafts is Mercado De Artesanias De Barro Negro. This market is just steps off the main Plaza of San Bartolo Coyotepec.

How To Visit San Bartolo Coyotepec as a day trip from Oaxaca

San Bartolo Coyotepec is just south of the main Oaxaca airport, so it’s easy to catch a local bus or hail a taxi. There are also plenty of guided tours that visit multiple artisan villages.

Try to visit San Bartolo Coyotepec on a Friday when the village has its big market day.

9 | San Agustin Etla

San Agustin Etla is a popular village just outside of Oaxaca city. This picturesque hamlet is known for the impressive Centro de las Artes de San Agustín. The village has access to a wide range of hiking trails in the mountains and a nice welcoming plaza with a mountainous backdrop.

10 | San Martín Tilcajete

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the artisan village of San Martin Tilcajete. This artisan village is famous for Alebrijes, or colorful  “spirit guides”  that are a mystical and creative part of Mexican folk art. Alebrijes are made from wood and intricately hand-painted with bright colors.

San Martin Tilcajete has a beautiful main plaza and a handful of Alebrije workshops that can be toured. For lunch, stop at Restaurante Azucena Zapoteca just outside of town. This restaurant boasts delicious traditional food, a spacious outdoor terrace, and a small handicraft Alebrije shop.

How To Visit San Martin Tilcajete as a day trip from Oaxaca

Collectivos run frequently from Oaxaca to Ocotlán. The buses depart near the Lineas Unidas vans on Bustamante Street. Simply exit at the recommended Restaurante Azucena Zapoteca. From here, either flag a moto into the village or walk along the road to the village.

Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City

There are a wide range of Hotels, hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in Oaxaca

➜  Browse the best hotels in Oaxaca

• Budget  |  Casa Montaña Oaxaca  is a hidden gem oasis found just on the outskirts of Oaxaca. There are stunning rooftop views, clean spacious rooms, and self-sufficient apartments. Roci, the hostess goes above and beyond for her guests. Since it’s easily connected by bus, Casa Montaña is perfect for short or long stays in Oaxaca.
• Budget | Azul Cielo Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in Oaxaca. Find large rooms, a nice garden space, friendly hosts, and breakfast included! The location is a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of centro, but there’s a large kitchen and the place has a bohemian vibe.
• Midrange  |  Hotel Oaxaca Real  is one of the most popular hotels in Oaxaca due to its prime-time location, outdoor pool, and free parking. Hotel Oaxaca Real makes a perfect place to explore the many day trips from Oaxaca.
• Luxury  |  Quinta Real Oaxaca  stay in one of Oaxaca’s most beautiful buildings in the historical center of Oaxaca. This luxury accommodation in Oaxaca has it all from a pool, gym, gardens, and more.

Some of the best places to visit in Oaxaca are found in the beautiful Valles Centrales region. Many of these villages and places in the Central Valley of Oaxaca are simple day trips from Oaxaca and are found in the East Oaxaca Valley or nearby.

➯ Detailed Oaxaca Travel Guide | Oaxaca to Mitla Discover the Rich East Valley of Oaxaca

East Oaxaca Valley Tours

There are multiple tours that run to many of these artisan villages if you don’t feel comfortable visiting independently.

Skip to | Tlacolula | Dainzu | Yagul | San Pablo Villa de Mitla | Hierve el Agua | Santiago Matatlan

11 | Teotitlan del Valle

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the charming village of Teotitlan del Valle . Teotitlan del Valle is known for their textiles, but more specifically their artisan rugs made with love by hand. Intricate rugs can take over 8 months to complete!

In the village, stroll through the charming streets and stop in at a few of the artisan workshops. The process of making the Zapotec textiles is an ancient weaving tradition that has been practiced over 1,000 years. Besides the artisan rugs, drop by Casa Viviana , who is making incredible beeswax candles from elaborate molds.

There’s a bustling main market and an informative Centro Cultural Comunitario Teotitlán del Valle . Don’t skip past the Museo Comunitario where you can purchase tickets to climb the sacred Cerro Picacho . This is one of the best Oaxaca hiking trails that offers spectacular views of the East Oaxaca Valley.

 🥾 Hiking Guide El Picacho  |  El Picacho Hike Fee:  $25 pesos ($1.50 USD)  |  Out & Back Trail  |  Distance:  3 miles total  |  Excursion Duration:  +/- 2.5 hours  |  View the Cerro Picacho Map here

Foodies should have lunch at the famous Restaurante Tlamanalli , which is run by Abigail Mendoza and her sisters and known for their typical Zapoteca dishes.

➯ Detailed Oaxaca Travel Guide | Spend One Full Day in Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca

➜  Browse the best Teotitlan del Valle Hotels and Guesthouses

Oaxaca Day Trip to Teotitlán del Valle

🚌 Oaxaca to Teotitlán del Valle  |  Take any bus or collectivo heading in the direction of Mitla or Tlacolula   |  Exit on the main road to Teotitlán del Valle and flag down a Moto  |   Average Moto fare to village center:  $10 pesos

12 | Tlacolula

Tlacolula de Matamoros, or simply Tlacolua is known for its bustling Sunday Market . This is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca to experience a truly authentic marketplace, which runs daily. However, the Sunday Tlacolula Market brings in over 1,000 vendors who setup and sell along the closed-off streets. 

This village has been a trading hub throughout the Zapotec Empire. Tlacolula is said to be the oldest and longest running continuous markets in Mesoamerica. In the market, don’t miss the alley of women selling barbacoa.

Tlacolula Market is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca State for inspiring Oaxaca foodies.

In Tlacolula, find a lovely plaza with a main church. There’s also a small square that sells ice cream and lots of outdoor tables, perfect for people-watching.

How to Visit Tlacolula as an Oaxaca Day Trip

🚌 Oaxaca to Tlacolula  |  Take any bus or collectivo heading in the direction of Mitla or Tlacolula  |  Tlacolula has a bus terminal with buses to both Oaxaca and Mitla  |  Average Bus fare:  $12 pesos  |  On Sundays the market begins as soon as you hop off the bus

➜ Check this local guide about visiting the Tlacolula Market and other local Oaxaca Markets

More Oaxaca Ruins

While the Monte Alban Archaeological Site is the largest set of ruins in Oaxaca, there are plenty of other places to understand the Zapotec and Mixteca history in the Central Valley of Oaxaca.

13 | Dainzu

One of the most underrated Oaxaca ruins can be found at the Archaeological Site of Dainzu. Find them right before the village of Teotitlán del Valle. Onsite, these Zapotec ruins have a pelota field, a tomb with a jaguar over the entrance, and informative signboards.

The views are spectacular and not many people visit Dainzu, so it’s the perfect sunset destination. For now, Dainzú Archaeological site is free to visit.

 🚌 Oaxaca to Dainzú  |  Take any bus or collectivo heading in the direction of Mitla or Tlacolula   |  Exit on the main road and then walk to the main entrance gate (3/4 of a mile)

Located just after the Tlacolula village is the Yagul Archaeological Site. What makes this one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the well-intact pelota ball court. This ball court is the largest in Oaxaca and only second to the one found at Chichén Itza.

Yagul sees few tourists but is a fantastic place to visit with detailed information boards about the history of this site. Nearby, find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla . Appreciate the epic views of the entire Tlacolula Valley.

Yagul Ruins  |  Cost: $75 pesos ($4 USD)  |  Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 10:00 -15:00  |  Guide required a tour of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla

15 | San Pablo Villa de Mitla

San Pablo Villa de Mitla, or simply Mitla, is one of Oaxaca pueblos magicos .

This village boasts the Mitla Archaeological Zone, a fusion of Zapotec and Mixteca cultures. This site is different from most Oaxaca ruins as it has unique mosaic patterns carved into the exterior of the stucco buildings. Notice the bright red coloring on many of the structures.

Mitla Archaeological Zone  |  Cost:   $75 pesos ($4 USD)   |   Hours:  Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00, Sunday 11:00 – 13:00

The name translates to mean “place of the dead,” so there are many tombs here, too. The Spanish conquistadors came and eventually built a church on top of this sacred site.

Mitla also has many artisan shops, mezcal producers, and a cute and colorful Plaza.

🚌 Bus Oaxaca to Mitla  |  Average Cost: $22 pesos  /  Collectivos Oaxaca to Mitla  |  Average Cost: $40 pesos

➜ Alternatively, there are half day tours just to visit Mitla

16 | Hierve el Agua

Mitla is also the gateway village to one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua. The petrified waterfall, which names literally translates to “boiling water,” is located near the small communities of San Lorenzo Albarradas and San Isidro Roaguia.

While this naturally beautiful place is one of the main Oaxaca attractions, it has been shut down due to turmoil between the communities and between the communities and the government.

More recently, the communities are slowly starting to reissue entrance to visit Hierve el Agua. Always confirm with the tourist information center to verify any roadblocks or resistance. To reach Hierve el Agua, it’s a long ride on a dusty road and then a hike to the top of the petrified falls.

Hierve el Agua Waterfall  |  Admission Fee: $50 pesos ($2.75 USD)  |  Verify that there are no road blockages or community disputes before booking a tour or visiting independently

The best way to visit Hierve el Agua is on a guided tour.

17 | Mezcal Tasting in Santiago Matatlan

Mezcal is part of the Oaxaca culture. The distilling process and heart and soul that goes into Mezcal production is admirable. One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is Santiago Matatlan, which is nicknamed the “Land of the Mezcal.”

Here, it is possible to visit the agave fields and walk among the impressive plants that are used to make Mezcal. These plants are commonly referred to as “maguey” in Oaxaca State. In the village, stop at a Palenque, the actual place where the mezcal is distilled and produced. Many of these Palenques are still using ancient techniques.

The best part is sampling the varied Mezcals and tasting the labor of love that goes into the ancient process.

☛ Psst.. I loved touring El Cortijo, which also has a  lively tasting room , in downtown Oaxaca

With over 330 miles of rugged coastline, the diverse Oaxaca beaches are special. Each little beach town has its own quirk of magic and special things to do. Many of the Oaxaca beaches are tranquil and not overly developed. From magic villages, natural beauty, and unique cultures, the best places to visit in Oaxaca State are along the coast.

While many of these beaches are incredible, please note that due to rip currents and large waves, swimming is oftentimes discouraged. Look for the red flags that deter visitors from swimming. However, many of these beaches are home to surfers.

✈ Oaxaca Travel Planning |  5 Best Oaxaca Beach Towns and Stunning Oaxaca Beaches

Skip to | Mazunte | Puerto Escondido | Chacahua Oaxaca | Huatulco | Where to Stay in Oaxaca Beach Towns

18 | Zipolite

Zipolite is a chilled-out and relaxed beach town on the Pacific Oaxaca coastline. The main beach, Zipolite Playa stretches for miles with lots of restaurants, hostels, and camping spots. Zipolite is a popular nude beach that attracts many travelers and is super LGBT friendly.

Make sure to visit the little cove of Playa del Amor with two stalls serving cold beer. On the hilltop, catch a sunset near Vista Del Amor Restaurant, with panoramic views of the sandy coastline. At night, there’s a funky artisan market where you can purchase anything from jewelry to crepes. Zipolite has a diverse cuisine, with typical Oaxacan dishes, coffee shops, sushi restaurants, and pizzerias.

How to Get to Zipolite from Oaxaca

🚐 Oaxaca to Zipolite Collectivos Logistics  |   Catch Líneas Unidas in the direction of Pochutla in Oaxaca here:   Bustamante 601, Centro  |  Pochutla has multiple collectivos that depart frequently to Zipolite  |  Collectivos depart for Pochutla daily, 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes  |  Current Departures Direct to Zipolite: 5:00, 10:30, 13:30, 18:00, 23:15  |  One-Way Ticket Cost:  $360 pesos |  Duration: 7.5 hours  |  Check the current schedule on Facebook

19 | Mazunte

Mazunte is a laid-back beach town and also the only Oaxaca pueblo magico on the coast.

The most popular thing to do in Mazunte is to hike the Natural Reserve of Punta Cometa. This cape jets out into the Pacific, so it’s the perfect spot to wake up with the world or catch a stellar sunset. Bonus, it’s completely free to visit. Punta Cometa was believed to have been used during Prehistoric times to make sacred offerings.

Besides visiting Punta Cometa, there are plenty of beaches to explore like the main Playa Mazunte, the small and scenic Playa Rinconcito, and finally, the deserted and wild Playa Mermejita.

While in the past, Mazunte was known for its turtle sanctuary, it has been closed since Covid. Nearby, it’s possible to visit the small community of La Ventanilla. Two of the communities are preserving this natural park where it’s possible to tour the lagoon filled with mangroves, crocodiles, iguanas, birds, deer, and other wildlife.

With a funky beach town vibe, there are plenty of ethnic restaurants, bakeries, and bars to enjoy while visiting Mazunte Oaxaca.

How to Visit Mazunte from Oaxaca

🚐 Oaxaca to Mazunte  |  Take the collectivos to Zipolite  |  In Zipolite, walk to the  camioneta station here   |  Hop off in Mazunte  |  This stretch is under 4 miles and should cost no more than 15 pesos

20 | Puerto Escondido

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is Puerto Escondido. With its many diverse beaches, trendy places to eat, and a hub on the Oaxaca coastline, Puerto Escondido is becoming quite up-and-coming. Puerto Escondido is a haven for surfers looking to ride some gnarly waves.

One of the most trendy spots in Puerto Escondido is La Punta. This beach is popular and can become packed at sunset. This Puerto Escondido beach offers a lot of different open-concept bars, organic shops, nightclubs, and restaurants in a condensed area. La Punta Playa is a popular spot for surfers, travelers, and digital nomads alike.

Puerto Escondido offers a lot of nearby activities from Mezcal tastings to bioluminescent tours, and more.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido is a popular spot on the Oaxaca coastline due to the fact that it runs a larger bus on less windy roads.

 🚌 ADO Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Bus Logistics  |   Oaxaca ADO bus terminal:   5 de Mayo 1016 Ruta Independencia, Barrio Jalatlaco  |  Average One-Way Ticket Cost:  $500 pesos  |  Current Departure Times :   8:30, 21:00, 21:30, 22:30, 23:15  |  Duration:  10.5 hour s |  Book tickets here

21 | Chacahua Playa

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca State is Chacahua. This no-frills village has a unique Afro-culture and is found in National Park. Lagunas de Chacahua can be hard to reach, but it’s worth the effort.

The main beach, Chacahua Playa is lined with beach huts and cabanas that offer simple accommodation and places to pitch a tent. One of the best things to do in Chacahua is to simply unplug, relax, read, and lay in a hammock.

Since it has a larger breakwater, the waves aren’t as intense here and attract a wide range of surfers. Those more experienced surfers can ride massive waves beyond the jetty, which is also super fun to watch!

☛ Oaxaca Travel Tip | There are no ATMS in Chacahua, plan accordingly. Most people end up staying longer than expected!

There’s a nice little hike to the lighthouse or El Faro. Technically, it’s closed, but everyone catches at least one sunset from here. There are places to practice yoga or get a massage. The food here is simple but made with so much love, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets.

Chacahua Playa is still pretty disconnected from the internet, so you won’t find any accommodation online just yet. I camped at Terra Tipi for 50 pesos a night but can be waived if you eat all your meals here. BTW they have excellent cheesecake and some of the best food on the beach. It’s best to show up and find a cabaña upon arrival. It’s smart to pack a tent just in case.

➯ Detailed Oaxaca Mexico Travel Guide | How to Reach Chacahua Oaxaca & What to Do There

22 | Huatulco

Huatulco is a popular beach destination in Oaxaca. Although, it’s quite different than many of the chilled and laid-back Oaxaca beach towns. The town of La Crucecita Huatulco is a hub for cruise ships, which means that the town offers a different kind of tourism. There are also plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Huatulco.

Huatulco is known for the Huatulco National Park with its nine bays and beaches. Be mindful that a boat tour may be required to reach some of the most popular beaches. One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the Playa La India. This secluded beach can only be reached via boat and continues to top the best beaches in the world.

Besides beaches and bays, Huatulco is the gateway to a few worthwhile points of interest. There are the Copalita ruins. About an hour and a half away from the coast, find beautiful waterfalls. The three most popular waterfalls from La Crucecita are Cascadas “Las Brisas,” Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla , and Cascadas de Llano Grande.

Huatulco is well connected to Oaxaca with ADO buses and the Bahias de Huatulco International Airport.

➜ Find the Best Places to Stay in Santa Cruz Huatulco

Where to Stay in Oaxaca Beach Towns

There are so many awesome options to stay along the Oaxaca Coast. Here are different accommodations in the most popular Oaxaca Beach towns.

• Budget: La Habana Hostal y Camping
• Budget: Shambala Vision
• Mid-Range: Gustavo’s Zipolite
• Luxury : Hotel Descalzo
• Luxury on the Beach: El Alquimista Yoga Spa

➜ Find the Best Places to Sleep in Zipolite

• Super Budget Dorm: El Hostal de Ivanna
• Budget: Hostal Casa del Angel
• Mid-Range: Casa Gaviota
• Mid-Range: Villa Luna de Miel
• Luxury: Zoa Hotel

➜ Find the Best Places to Sleep in Mazunte

Puerto Escondido

• Budget: Paziflora Hostel
• Budget: Casa Daikiri
• Budget: Casona Puerto Dreams
• Mid-Range: One Love Hostal Puerto Escondido
• Mid-Range: Casa Losodeli & Coworking- Adults Only
• Luxury: Casa Quetzalli

➜ Find the Best Places to Sleep in Puerto Escondido

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the South Mountains (Sierra Sur) and the land Magic Mushrooms. This mountain range provides spectacular opportunities to go hiking, walk among magical forests, and participate in ancient ceremonies. This is one of the best places to experience Oaxaca magic mushrooms and sit in a temazcal. 

☛ Psst… Those interested in visiting the home of Maria Sabina, the powerful female shaman that helped re-introduce mushrooms as a healing medicine will have to visit Huautla de Jiménez, an Oaxaca pueblo magico found in the Cañada region of Oaxaca State.

Skip to | San Jose del Pacifico | San Sebastian Rio Hondo | San Mateo Rio Hondo | Where to Stay in Sierra Sur Oaxaca

How to Visit Sierra Sur Oaxaca

The gateway to this region lies in San Jose del Pacifico. There are multiple mini-buses that depart from

🚐 Oaxaca to San Jose del Pacifico Collectivos Logistics  |   Catch Líneas Unidas in the direction of Pochutla in Oaxaca here:   Bustamante 601, Centro  |  Pochutla has multiple collectivos that depart frequently to San Jose del Pacifico 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes  |  One-Way Ticket: $180 pesos | Duration: 3.5 hours

Many people leery of the minivans that head to Zipolite will break up the long trip to the coast with a night or two in San Jose del Pacifico. If you wish to visit the nearby smaller towns, simply catch a collectivo, flag down a moto or taxi, or take a hike!

💬 Real Talk | These small buses twist through the mountains and are sometimes called “vomit comets,” if you get motion sickness it’s best to take some Dramamine before the ride

23 | San Jose del Pacifico

San Jose del Pacifico is becoming one of the more popular places to visit in Oaxaca. Not only does the village provide some great opportunities to go hiking in Sierra Sur and mushroom foraging, but it also is the halfway point between Oaxaca City and the coastline of the Oaxaca beaches .

However, one of the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico is to simply relax and savor nature and views.

Besides hiking, San Jose del Pacifico is becoming a popular place to dabble in the healing powers of Magic Mushrooms. During the rainy season, which usually lasts from July to October, there will be an abundance of fresh mushrooms.

Technically, mushrooms are a gray area but are not specifically regulated in this area. For example, you can literally purchase hallucinogenic mushrooms on your credit card. Oftentimes it’s possible to sit in a healing ceremony with a shaman. Otherwise, experienced “travelers” can find a spot in the magical pine forest and take a journey outside their consciousness.

San Jose del Pacifico is also one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca to sit in a traditional temazcal, a sweat lodge that honors the elements, four directions, and our ancestors. Many of these ceremonies are self-guided but can include a “limpia,” or cleansing of your soul before entering.

There are four rounds in a traditional temazcal, one for each of the cardinal directions, each one honoring different aspects of humanness. Be prepared to heal in the form of “sweating it out,” and through the breath. It’s also said that a temazcal is a rebirthing experience and exiting the sweat lodge is compared to exiting the womb.

☛ Travel Tip | Temazcal Yo’o Be’en just outside of San Jose del Pacifico has a great authentic temazcal. They add hot rocks for each round (per the elements) and give tips on how to have a great experience. At the end, get splashed with cold water and receive a healing tea.

The village is small, but there are plenty of miradors to visit and hiking trails to explore. Many people love to take the forest trail to nearby San Sebastian Rio Hondo.

24 | San Sebastian Rio Hondo

I can’t lie, San Sebastian Rio Hondo is my absolute favorite village in the South Mountains of Oaxaca. There is still an “untouched” feeling about this special place. There are plenty of hiking trails to walk next to the tranquil river. In the center of town, a beautiful church and plaza is the perfect place to feel the authenticity of the village.

Spiritual seekers will love relaxing at Casa Maitri, with a zen garden, beautiful cabanas, and one of the most powerful temazcals I’ve had the pleasure to sit in. They also offer mushroom ceremonies.

San Sebastian Rio Hondo has unique boutiques like Khadi Oaxaca , which is helping preserve ancient weaving techniques while supporting the local economy.

Don’t miss a chance to have a meal made with fresh and local ingredients from Casa de Barro . They have a cute garden terrace and make freshly baked bread. Casa de Barro is also running cultural events and the garden restaurant is only open on the weekends.

25 | San Mateo Río Hondo

San Mateo Rio Hondo is another small village to visit in the Oaxaca Mushroom region, but again, with fewer crowds. Here, there are many hiking trails that connect to both San Jose del Pacifico and San Sebastian Rio Hondo.

Stop by Torre del Roure to buy serrano ham shaved fresh from the cured leg, just like in Spain.

Sleeping in Oaxaca Mushroom Region

There are many places to sleep between the three villages, however, San Jose del Pacifico has the most options.

➜ Find the Best Places to Sleep in San Jose del Pacifico

San Jose del Pacifico

• Budget: La Cumbre
• Mid-Range: Cabañas Rancho Viejo
• Luxury: Alto de la Sierra By Rotamundos
• This is my honest review of the Cabañas Rancho Viejo in San Jose del Pacifico

For San Sebastian Rio Hondo, Casa Maitri is special. In San Mateo, there are more places to sleep but aren’t on booking yet. Try contacting Cabañas Vicenta and Cabañas Juárez .

The Stunning Sierra Norte of Oaxaca State

Another one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the North Mountains (Sierra Norte) of Oaxaca. This little-visited area has a plethora of Oaxaca hiking trails and nature preserves.

26 | La Cumbre Ixtepeji

Hikers and mountain bikers alike will love a visit to the La Cumbre Ixtepeji. This eco-park boasts tons of mountain bike trails through the beginning hills of the Mountain range that lie north of Oaxaca City. This eco-park is run by a community, so make sure to stop at the roadside building and pay the entrance fee. There is also a small tienda and simple bathrooms.

  Oficina de Ecoturismo La Cumbre Ixtepeji Logistics  |   Find it here:   68777 Santa Catarina Ixtepeji  |  Standard Entrance Ticket:  $50 pesos per person  |  Current Hours :   8:00 – 17:00  |  Facebook Page

Although it is possible to reach La Cumbre Ixtepeji via public transportation, the park is quite large and the more desirable trails lie deeper in the park. There are also small vista points to appreciate the sprawling forests.

➜ There’s also this full-day tour to Ixtepeji from Oaxaca

Before returning to Oaxaca, stop by one of the many cabaña like restaurants that are serving local dishes, especially trout. There are multiple little eco-parks to stop out and explore to the north and south of La Cumbre Ixtepeji.

27 | Hike the Pueblos Mancomunados

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the Pueblos Mancomunados which are scattered in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. There are 6 main villages that make up the Pueblos Mancomunados ecotourism project in the Sierra Notre, however, it’s more like 8 villages.

The most accessible village is Benito Juárez, which is usually the access point to go hiking in the Sierra Norte. The other popular Pueblos Mancomunados are Cuajimoloyas, Llano Grande, La Nevería, Latuvi, Yavesía, Lachatao, and Amatlán.

Each village has its own cultural draws and natural beauty. The best way to experience a few, or all for ambitious travelers, is to plan for a 3 or 4 day multi-day trek. There are also full-day guided hikes from Oaxaca. While it’s possible to hike the Sierra Norte independently, some trails are only accessible via a guide through the community.

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca is the small communities in the Sierra Norte mountains.

Some of the best places to visit in Oaxaca are found in the lesser-visited region of Miexteca. Find beautiful mountains, incredible hiking trails, stunning churches, and unique landscapes in this underrated region of Oaxaca State.

28 | Santiago Apoala

Santiago Apoala is a magical hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. The small community boasts beautiful and diverse hiking trails with rustic cabañas. You will only find Wi-Fi at the tourism center, so plan on a weekend of tranquility. Santiago Apoala is the perfect place to disconnect from the modern world, and reconnect with nature, and appreciate the ways of the ancestors of these sacred lands.

There is an entrance fee to access this community.

Community Entrance Fee for Santiago Apoala Ecotourism Oaxaca:  $50 pesos  |  Find them here:   Pino Suárez Santiago Apoala Oaxaca  |  Hiking   Guides are available for an additional fee  |  Official Website of Santiago Apoala Oaxaca Community

Visit the beautiful Apoala Oaxaca waterfall, walk the trail to the twin rocks, or take the steep climb up the Mirador trail . The Mirador trail boasts two incredible spots to gawk at the lush and fertile mountains.

The village only has a few restaurants and a few sparse tiendas. Make sure to stock up on snacks, and fresh produce, and stop at the ATM in Nochixtlan.

How to Visit Santiago Apoala Oaxaca

Nochixtlan is the access point to reach Santiago Apoala.

 🚐 Oaxaca City to Nochixtlan Oaxaca by T.T.N Combis  |  Find them here:   Galeana 222 Centro Oaxaca de Juárez  |  Buses run:  6:00 – 21:00 ,  depart every 30 minutes  |  One-way bus ticket cost:  $50 pesos  |  Duration:  1 hour 15 minutes  |  Up to date info here

From there either catch a camienta or private taxi to Santiago Apoala.

29 | Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán

Santo Domingo Yanhuitlan is most famous for its massive Ex-Convent church that was built during the 16th century. The large church seems to appear out of the middle of nowhere and towers over the small village. This site was built along a busy trade route. If you wander to the back of the convent, notice that it was built on top of a once Mixtec sacred site.

Behind the church is a sleepy and beautiful plaza.

Those interested in the unique landscape of the surrounding landscape may want to stop at the  Geopark Mixteca Alta , this eco-center offers a wide range of hiking routes focusing on geo-tourism.

➜ This full day tour showcases Yanhuitlan, San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula and the Geopark

How to Visit Santo Domingo Yanhuitlan

Multiple collectivos depart Nochixtlan to this part of the Mixteca region.

 🚗 Nochixtlan to Yanhuitlan by Collectivos  |  Find them here:   José María Morelos  |  Collectivos run:  7:00 – 21:00 ,  depart every 10 minutes  |  One way cost:  $15 pesos  |  Duration:  15 minutes

30 | San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula

San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula is another Oaxaca pueblo magico .

San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula is home to the stunning Ex-Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo. This Dominican-style church was built in the 16th century from stones from both white and pink quarries. The massive Ex-Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo has an open chapel, which is the largest in Latin America.

Ex-Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula   |  Open:  Daily, 10:00 – 15:00  |  Admission:  $40 pesos ($2.25 USD)

Nearby, don’t miss the Casa de la Cacica. There is less information here, but it was the last house of the last Mixtec queen of the region. Today, the old palace is a library and cultural center for the community.

San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula is famous for its typical dishes and its distinct yellow mole.

San Pedro Yucunama is also called Cerro Viejo, or old peak. The small village has a beautiful church, ruins, an old aqueduct, and a short walking path to El Sabino (a very large Montezuma cypress tree). Don’t miss the San Pedro Yucunama Archaeological Museum. It is believed that many of the pieces here actually originated from the mysterious Olmec culture.

San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca State to get off the beaten path.

31 | Tamazulapam del Progreso

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca to relax is the small village of Tamazulapam del Progreso , which is known for its natural sulfur spring pools. Outside the village, stay at one of the facilities like Balneario Atonaltzin which has a lovely pool surrounded by green space, places to grill and picnic, a small tienda, and rustic rooms to rent.

If looking for something a little more natural, walk to the natural pools of  Ojo de Agua Grande  or the small  Ojo De Agua Chico . The large pond has an observatory deck and places to swim. In the village itself, find a lovely church, an authentic market, and a lively garden plaza.

How to Visit Tamazulapam del Progreso

Tamazulapam del Progreso is connected via direct buses to Oaxaca or by collectivo with Nochixtlan

🚐 Oaxaca to Tamazulapam mini vans |  Find them here:   Miguel Hidalgo 313  |  Collectivos run:  3:30 – 22:00 ,  depart at least every hour  |  One way cost:  $95 pesos  |  Duration:  2.5 hours | Check their Facebook Page for current schedules

32 | Reserva de la Biósfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is almost 359,000 acres of unique landscapes that stretch between the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. This area boasts some of the most diverse landscapes in the world, including the enormous cacti forests.

Not only is the entire region rich with flora and fauna, but it was one of the cradles of civilizations for Mesoamerica. There is evidence that this area was inhibited and altered by humans over 12,00 years. The entire Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve was listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 2018.

If looking to visit the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in Oaxaca State, head to Santiago Quiotepec. This area boasts ancient ruins, hiking trails, and more. There is an actual tourism route in place, so it’s best to visit with a car.  More information on the Oaxaca biosphere route is here.

Alternatively, Tehuacán in Puebla is right on the Oaxaca border. This area is the gateway to gigantic cactus forests, ancient salt mines, and impressive botanical gardens.

33 | Huautla de Jiménez (Cañada Region Oaxaca State)

Huautla de Jiménez is an Oaxaca magic pueblo known for its cultural impacts. The most famous shaman in Mexico, Maria Sabina, was from Huautla de Jiménez. Marina Sabina lived and worked with magic mushrooms and is credited with re-introducing the powerful magic mushrooms to the modern world.

Huautla de Jimenez is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca to understand the cultural aspects of Oaxaca magic mushrooms. Maria Sabina hosted many healing ceremonies throughout the 1950s and 60’s in her home in Huautla de Jiménez. This mountain village is found in the Cañada region of Oaxaca State.

It is said that many celebrities came to participate in otherworldly ceremonies with her. Whispers of John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Aldous Huxley, and even Walt Disney were some of the famous names who were said to pass through the house of Maria Sabina. Thousands were said to take the pilgrimage to Oaxaca and sit with this incredible female shaman.

It was actually R. Gordon Wasson who published an article in  Life  magazine that made eyes turn to Mexico and the curative powers of mushrooms. This inspired Timothy Leary to take the journey to experience the healing powers of Oaxaca Magic Mushrooms. Of course, his controversial research with LSD at Harvard would be shut down rather quickly.

Today, it’s possible to visit the House of María Sabina, which is now an intimate museum.

Huautla de Jiménez is blessed with beautiful and sacred natural places. Hikers can climb the sacred Cerro de la Adoración, or Hill of Adoration. This is a very special place and it is recommended to leave a gift. Outside of town, it’s also possible to visit the waterfall Cascada Velo de Novia.

33 Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca State

In conclusion, these are 33 of the best places to visit in Oaxaca state. While most travelers simply visit the picturesque and worthwhile city of Oaxaca, the entire state is filled with treasures and hidden gems.

The diversity of Oaxaca State is incredible! From waterfalls, magical forests, sacred communities, and artisan villages, there are so many things to do in Oaxaca. Each region brings something completely unique for travelers to experience.

Have you explored any of these best places to visit in Oaxaca? Is there a place to visit in Oaxaca state that I’m missing? I spent 6 months here, but only just scratched the surface of the treasures of Oaxaca State. Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.

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Hey, my name is Megs! I'm an adventure-seeking, wanna-be storyteller, with a wandering soul who is smitten with the diversity of this beautiful world. You can find me hiking in the mountains, eating delicious food, and seeking out the most authentic travel experiences possible. Experiences and memories are my most prized possessions. I love to slow travel and have been nomadic for over 12 years.

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21 comments.

Megan, this blog is packed full of amazing information. I hope to explore more of Mexico soon and this is an amazing resource to start my planning. Thank you!

Thank you so much Juli! Enjoy your time in Mexico and I’m so glad you found this guide useful! 💙

I really want to visit this region of Mexico in 2022 so your article is an excellent guide. Do you have a favorite place among all the places mentioned in your article?

That’s awesome Terri! Oaxaca is so diverse and there is so much to see. 😊

Depending on your time, Oaxaca City is a great place to start as you can do many of these places on this list as full day trips. Also, the Sierra Norte is less than hour and the Sierra Sur is about 3.5 hours. ⛰ I’m always drawn to the mountains, so the Sierra Sur holds a special place in my heart… especially during mushroom season. If you have more time, Santiago Apoala is pure magic, but takes some time to reach. However, it’s so worth it! 💛

How long would you recommend in the state- is 2 months enough to reach Santuagi Apoala? Thinking Sept-Nov

Hey Lia –

I think 2 months in plenty of time to slow down and explore Oaxaca. I spent 5 months in the state, but you could easily see the main highlights in 2 months and not feel rushed.

Base in Oaxaca City for a week or two and take day trips to explore the surrounding valleys and sites. After that, you could move to the coast and spend a few weeks with a stop in San Jose del Pacifico to help break it up. After that, a week in Mixteca would be plenty of time to see Santiago Apoala! I wrote up this Oaxaca itinerary to help people make the most of their time in Oaxaca if on a limited time.

With two months you could easily spend more time at the coast or in the Mixteca region.

Enjoy your time!!

I would love to visit Oaxaca someday! What a vibrant and incredible location – thanks for the amazing and comprehensive guide.

Thanks so much Brooke! Oaxaca is really special and it’s easy to fall in love with the diversity, food, nature, and people. Enjoy 🇲🇽

Oaxaca looks so beautiful! I would love to explore around Sierra Sur, so thank you for the inspiration!

Thanks Elena! The Sierra Sur was one of my absolute favorite places, excellent choice! 😉

This looks like a stunning place to visit! I haven’t been to any part of Mexico but Oaxaca is for sure on my list. Thanks for sharing all of these locations!

You’re welcome Krista! I was spoiled since Oaxaca was my first place to visit in Mexico and it is pure magic. Hope you can visit in the near future. ✨

Oaxaca looks so magical! The photos are making me want to visit the destination even more.

Thank you! Yes, there is a lot of mysticism, culture, diversity, and magic in this area! You will not regret adding Oaxaca to your bucket-list! 💚

Wow! I love how colorful the city is, the history and of course the beaches.

This is a really great article/blog – thank you so much! We are heading to the area for 12 days in April – we are excited!

Thank you so much Jennifer! Glad this post was useful! 😊

You will absolutely love Oaxaca… it is simply magic! With 12 days you should be able to cover some ground ✨

Enjoy your trip! 💚

Is the drive to Huatalco a difficult one?

I can’t say on the road to Huatalco. We utilized the buses through the Sierra Sur via San Jose del Pacifico to reach the coast. Those roads are very windy and twisty and many people do get sick. Many people prefer to fly into Huatalco airport.

There is a good Facebook group, On the Road in Mexico which I use as guidance for driving in Mexico. Lots of experience and route suggestions in that group.

Safe Travels!

Hi Megs – thanks for the great travel tips for Oaxaca as it’s making my trip planning so much easier! ll the best! Greetings from Canada! Kathy

Thanks so much Kathy!! Enjoy Oaxaca 🙂

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Oaxaca

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In the heart of the state of the same name and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the high mountains of the southern Sierra Madre, Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most beautiful cities.

Displaying an attractive mix of both Indian and Spanish elements, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers many great sightseeing opportunities and rewarding places to visit. It has successfully preserved its unique character and is a delight to explore thanks to its many attractions. Get your camera ready — every facade and street corner is primed and ready for some serious Instagram content.

First settled as far back as 6000 BCE, it was part of the Aztec empire until the Spanish arrived in 1521 and soon after established the royal city of Oaxaca, a name derived from the original Aztec fortress. In addition to its fine architecture, travelers are drawn here for the city's rich cultural calendar, a highlight of which is the famous Guelaguetza , an Indigenous festival held in July with plenty of traditional dancing, costumes, music, food, and crafts.

To learn more about this and other fun things to do in this beautiful part of Mexico, be sure to refer to our list of the top tourist attractions in Oaxaca.

See also: Where to Stay in Oaxaca

1. Oaxaca Cathedral

2. squares and markets: zócalo and mercado benito juárez, 3. church of santo domingo de guzmán, 4. monte albán, 5. the basilica of our lady of solitude, 6. the rufino tamayo museum, 7. museo casa juárez: fit for a president, 8. the ex-monastery of santiago apóstol, 9. san jerónimo and santa maría del tule, 10. cultural centre of oaxaca, 11. oaxaca ethnobotanical garden, 12. museum of contemporary art & textile museum, 13. hierve el agua, 14. day trips from oaxaca, 15. celebrate the day of the dead, where to stay in oaxaca for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in oaxaca.

Construction of Oaxaca Cathedral — the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) — began in the mid-16th century and lasted almost 200 years.

Situated on the northwest side of the city's main square, the Zócalo , the cathedral is notable for its sturdy building style with its two low towers, rebuilt in their present style after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, a not-uncommon occurrence in the region.

The original clock, the mechanism of which is completely carved from wood, was presented to the church by the King of Spain upon its completion, just one of a number of attractive features of its pleasant Baroque façade with its finely worked figures and bas-reliefs on its columns.

The interior of this top Oaxaca tourist attraction is also worth seeing due to its Neoclassical influences; its eight finely-engraved glass windows; and the organ, parts of which date back to 1712.

Address: Av Independencia S/N, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX

Many of the most important of Oaxaca's best places to visit are to be found in the city's historic downtown core, an area centered around its central square, or Zócalo: the Plaza de Armas .

In addition to its attractive bandstand, its beautiful old trees, and countless cafés, it is here that many of the city's most important festivals and events are held, including the extremely colorful Fiesta de Rábanos — quite literally, the Night of the Radishes — which takes place here on December 23rd each year with festivities such as fireworks, dances, and parades spilling over to Christmas (and yes, there's even a radish-carving contest).

Another important focal point is Mercado Benito Juárez, a colorful covered market that is especially lively on Saturdays when local Indios flock here to buy and sell everything from produce and woven articles to earthenware and leather goods.

Other colorful markets include the daily Mercado de Abastos and the Mercado de Artesanias with a focus on textile goods.

The splendid Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán), a Dominican church founded in 1575, is well worth taking the time to explore. Along with the adjoining convent — home to the must-visit Cultural Centre of Oaxaca — this impressive structure was built with two-meter-thick walls to make it almost completely earthquake-proof.

Notable for its numerous niches filled with statues, set along its impressive Baroque façade, this large church complex boasts interior walls and ceilings festooned with a wealth of gilded ornamentation and bright sculptures, creating an overall impression that's more palace than church. This is offset a little, though, by the many rustic statues that lend the nave and chapels a distinctive Mexican tone.

Also of interest, in the ceiling above the entrance, is a vine from whose golden branches and leaves grow 34 portraits depicting the family tree of St. Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican order who died in 1221.

Other highlights include its 11 chapels, the largest and most beautiful being the Rosary Chapel (Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario), which has its own choir and sacristy, and a lavishly decorated altar with a figure of the Virgin Mary that's considered a jewel of Mexican Rococo.

Address: Calle Constitución #101, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX

The historic settlement of Monte Albán (Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán), just eight kilometers west of Oaxaca and easily accessible by tour bus or taxi, covers an area of some 40 square kilometers and for 2,500 years was an important place of worship for a number of different population groups.

The center of the ruins, rising on a man-made platform 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley, is possibly Latin America's oldest and most impressive Pre-Columbian site. Founded in the sixth century BC, the city was once home to some 35,000 people in its heyday.

Highlights include the spectacular Grand Square (Gran Plaza) measuring 200 meters wide by 3,300 meters long and forming the center of the archaeological ruins, along with the Ball Court (Juego de Pelota), a number of large pyramids, and a palace with an inner courtyard and cruciform tomb.

Expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the ruins and the Monte Albán Ruins Museum with its many sculptures, ceramic figures, jewelry, and displays relating to the excavation of the site.

If time allows, you may also want to include nearby San José Mogote on your list of pre-Columbian sites to visit.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad), dedicated to the patron saint of Oaxaca, was constructed of green cantera, a stone unique to the area, between 1682 and 1690 and is one of the city's finest religious sites.

In addition to its attractive atrium built from limestone blocks surrounded by a covered walkway, it's also notable for its figure of the Virgen de la Soledad with her black robe of velvet embroidered with gold and other precious stones, including a large pearl on her forehead. Also of interest is the old Baroque organ, built in 1686 and which is still in regular use.

Other notable nearby churches include San Felipe Neri with its many elaborate altars, San Juan de Dios with an Indian depiction of the conquest, and San Agustin , notable for its façade reliefs of St. Augustine.

Address: El Calvario 107, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX

The Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo), presented to the state by famous Mexican artist Tamayo, lies in an old palace just a short walk away from the Zócalo .

In addition to displaying archaeological objects from Mexico's many Indian cultures, this rich collection of Pre-Columbian art was established to ensure the more than 1,000 historic artifacts collected over Tamayo's lifetime remained intact and safe from illegal traders.

Also worth a visit is the Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca (Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca, or IAGO), founded by another Mexican artist, Francisco Toledo, and containing numerous fine paintings from across Latin America, as well as a cultural center, a library with many rare manuscripts, and a music library.

Address: Av Morelos 503, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX

The humble looking home at García Vigil 609, now a museum, is famous in Mexico for being the place where much revered President Benito Juárez lived as a servant from 1818 until 1828. Don't be deceived by the home's rather plain exterior.

Inside, the complex opens up into a large central courtyard and houses Museo Casa Juarez , a large museum containing related memorabilia (the President was in fact born in 1806 in nearby Guelatao).

Fun activities include exploring the museum's portrayal of the daily life of both working and middle classes in the 19th century, as well as the period furnishings in the dining room and kitchen.

Also interesting is the Oaxaca Stamp Museum (Museo de la Filatelia Oaxaca), a fun little attraction that features collections of stamps and artworks from local surrealist artists, along with a gift shop and patio café.

Address: Calle de Manuel García Vigil 609, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX

Just 12 kilometers south of Oaxaca is the small town of Cuilapan de Guerrero , once famous for manufacturing cochineal, a brilliant red dye made from the insects of the same name. These days, the town is an important tourist destination thanks to the splendid old Church and Ex-monastery of Santiago Apóstol.

This enormous hillside structure was started in 1555 and is notable for its Renaissance façade and two inner colonnades, part of which collapsed in an earthquake, and a stone pulpit reached by a small flight of steps.

Although abandoned in 1663, its three-meter-thick walls have stood the test of time, as have the murals in the entrance depicting the history of the order. The terrace on the second floor, where the monks' cells were located, offers great views, and, on the rear wall, an interesting stone plaque bears both the Pre-Columbian calendar inscription "10 reeds," as well as the Christian year 1555.

In the church, the only part of the complex still used, the most interesting feature is the tomb of the last Zapotec princess, the daughter of the ruler Cocijo-eza.

A short drive east of Oaxaca is the small village of Santa María del Tule, famous for the ancient Tree of Tule (El Arbol del Tule). This massive cypress tree, 40 meters wide and 42 meters tall, stands in front of a charming little church and is estimated to be around 2,000 years old.

A farther 10 kilometers away is the equally interesting town of Tlacochahuaya , home to the 16th-century San Jerónimo Church. Highlights include its richly decorated interior crammed full of colorful paintings created by local Indians who portrayed their artistic and religious ideas with paintings of stars, flowers, birds, suns, and angels.

The Cultural Centre of Oaxaca (Centro Cultural Santo Domingo), also often referred to as the Regional Museum of Oaxaca (Museo Regional de Oaxaca), is housed in the former convent Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.

One of the top places to visit in Oaxaca, this must-see attraction is well regarded for its excellent collections related to native culture, as well as for its ecclesiastical and secular exhibits from the colonial period. The superb ethnological collection includes costumes, masks, jewelry, ceremonial, and household implements belonging to the Indian tribes from the region, together with archaeological finds from surrounding ruins.

The highlight of the archaeological exhibition is the Mixtec treasure trove of gold, jade, turquoise, and other semi-precious stones found in 1932 in nearby Monte Albán , and from which elaborate bracelets, necklaces, earrings, breastplates, and masks were produced. Historical documents and items from the old church and the convent, including the refurbished old Spanish kitchen, are also of interest.

A fun thing to do in summer and spring when its gardens are in full bloom, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca) sits on nearly 2.5 acres adjacent to the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and is well worth adding to your travel itinerary.

Created by a group of local artists known for their work with other Oaxaca cultural attractions, the garden sets out to explore the important relationship between we humans and the plant life that surrounds us.

With a particular focus on the state of Oaxaca — both its people and its plants — this attractive and easy-to-navigate garden occupies a part of the old monastery grounds and opened to great fanfare in 1998. Highlights include a wide variety of native species, a rescue area, medicinal plants, as well as species used for centuries in traditional recipes. English-language guided tours are available.

If botany is your thing, consider a visit to Benito Juárez National Park. Located just five kilometers outside the city, it was founded in 1937 and covers a massive 7,000 acres of land and features a mix of pine and oak forests, as well as tropical deciduous trees. A number of hiking paths are available to explore.

Address: Reforma Sur n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax

The Museum of Contemporary Art , or MACO — Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca — is a must-visit in Oaxaca for art lovers. With a broad mandate to showcase contemporary art from across the world with traditional local art, MACO features an eclectic array of paintings from locals including Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo, along with creations in disciplines such as graphic art, sculpture, and pottery.

The building itself-an old colonial affair built in the late 1600s-is a delight to explore, whether as part of a guided tour or on your own.

Also of interest is the city's Textile Museum (Museo Textil de Oaxaca). Highlights of what's regarded as one of the top free things to do in Oaxaca include exploring colorful displays of the region's traditional textile crafts, a mix of permanent and visiting exhibits - including examples from abroad - as well as workshops, lectures, films, and a well-stocked library.

Guided tours are available, and a shop is located on-site selling examples of local textiles and related goods.

Address: Calle Macedonio Alcalá 202, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Deep in the jungle-covered mountains outside Oaxaca is a stunningly beautiful natural surprise. From a distance, it looks like a frozen waterfall, flowing in perpetuity from the side of a staggering cliff. In reality, this is Hierve El Agua, a petrified waterfall and series of small, natural pools - and yes, you can swim in them!

Hierve El Agua, which translates to "boiling water," was created from mineral water that pushed through the limestone rock and deposited the seemingly frozen falls over the mountain's edge. The two mineral pools that are at the top of the falls are yellowish in color thanks to the small amount of sulfur in them.

Today Hierve El Agua is one of the top tourist attractions in Oaxaca, but in the past, the effervescent springs were used to supply water to canals and terraces that led down into the valley.

The best way to visit the site is to get there early before the tour buses show up. That way you may even have the entire site to yourself. However, the easiest way to visit Hierve El Agua is to sign up for a tour.

Given Oaxaca's subtropical location in the beautiful Oaxaca Valley, there are many fun day trips and excursions to the splendid countryside surrounding the city. One of the nicest short trips is to the town of Dainzú , just 20 kilometers east of Oaxaca and the location of a settlement inhabited from about 500 BCE until 1400 CE.

One of the most important of its buildings has a pyramid-shaped base and is built in a style similar to that of the north platform at Monte Albán. A few miles farther is Lambityeco with a small pyramid along with seven ancient tombs, including one with two heads and names chiseled into its façade.

Another small town worthy of a road trip is Huijazoo , just a short drive north of Oaxaca , where nine tombs were discovered, the most remarkable being Tomb 5, notable for the serpent mask forming its entrance and an interior furnished with sculpted columns and colored murals depicting rulers or priests and dating from the 8th to the 10th centuries.

Finally, be sure to visit the ruined site of Mitla, on the edge of the village of the same name, just 40 kilometers to the east of Oaxaca's city center. One of Mexico's most famous archaeological attractions, this fascinating site includes elaborate stone ornamentations unsurpassed in the history of Mesoamerica. Sightseeing highlights include the Hall of Columns with its altar, and the Patio de las Grecas , a small inner courtyard surrounded by long narrow rooms where the city's high priest lived.

Day of the Dead, or Dia De Los Muertos, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in the country of Mexico. All across the country, Mexicans celebrate this special time of year when, legend has it, the souls of departed loved ones return back to Earth. It's not a time for mourning, but a time for joy and celebration.

Oaxaca's Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most vibrant and colorful in Mexico. During the festival, the streets come alive with parades, large-scale art, and giant puppets. At night, families gather at the local cemeteries and decorate the graves with candles and vibrant, orange marigold flowers.

All throughout the city, visitors will see the beautifully decorated altars dedicated to departed family members. The altars are strewn with colorful flags, photographs, and offerings like favorite food and beverages.

Another image you'll see all over the city is the image of La Catrina, the skeleton woman dressed all in black. It's common for men and women to have their faces painted to look like La Catrina, so you may see hundreds of people with magical face and body paint wandering the streets.

It is truly one of the most vibrant and culturally significant festivals in the entire country, and no place celebrates quite like Oaxaca. Day of the Dead runs from October 31 through November 2.

We thoroughly recommend these conveniently located hotels in Oaxaca that are handy to the city's attractive historical center:

Luxury Hotels :

• A favorite for those seeking good luxury accommodations in Oaxaca, Hotel La Casona De Tita is a colonial-style boutique hotel with a peaceful central courtyard and a delicious breakfast.
• The elegant Quinta Real Oaxaca is another good choice and comes with a great garden swimming pool, a top restaurant, and charming rooms with high ceilings.
• The focal point of Hotel Palacio Borghese is its beautiful central courtyard, complete with ample seating and a fountain, along with its lovely spacious rooms and proximity to the heart of the old city.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The three-star boutique hotel, Casa de Siete Balcones , is not only affordable, but also offers quality accommodations in a historic center location in a beautiful old building, and fresh flowers.
• Another great boutique hotel to consider is the XTILU Hotel featuring spa services; quality rooms with large, attractive en-suites; and complimentary breakfast.
• Casona Oaxaca is another good option, boasting a great location, a charming courtyard, and laundry service.

Budget Hotels :

• A budget hotel that's worth a look is the Holiday Inn Express Centro Historico Oaxaca , popular for its mid-range pricing, modern style, comfortable beds, hot tub, and outdoor pool.
• Also popular are Hotel Las Golondrinas , located in a quiet neighborhood and offering a peaceful garden to relax in, along with cozy rooms; and Suites Regente , which offers a choice of brightly decorated and spacious family rooms and suites.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Best Beaches in Mexico : Some of the best vacations in Mexico are to be enjoyed in Cancún , an island-based luxury resort off the north coast of Yucatán known for its many beautiful "playas," or beaches. Another island that's popular with modern-day sun-worshippers, Cozumel -also off the Yucatán Peninsula-boasts lush tropical vegetation and great coral reef-lined beaches. Those seeking great luxury resorts should consider Cabo San Lucas , located near the California Baja Peninsula and with a delightful (though not-too-big) beach area.

Mexico's Pre-Columbian Past : An easy commute from Cancun's resort area, the historic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá date back over 700 years and offer plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating ancient culture. Equally as popular is ancient Tulum , the only Mayan fort known to have been built overlooking the ocean. For those staying in the country's capital, a number of great tours and day trips from Mexico City take in such sites as Teotihuacán and Tenayuca.

Mexico Travel Ideas : There's no end of fun things to do in Mexico City , the country's capital, from exploring its old Aztec roots to beautiful architecture that dates back to the time of the first colonists. Add to this the many museums, art galleries, old churches, and palaces, and you'll be kept busy for days. Beautiful Guadalajara has also done a great job of preserving its colonial past, and boasts many fascinating historic attractions and points of interest worth exploring. So, too, has Mérida , the capital of Yucatán, famed the world over as the "white city" for the color of garments most preferred by its population.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca, Mexico

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on April 9, 2024

Renowned for its intoxicating mix of different peoples, cultures and languages, Oaxaca in the southwest of Mexico still retains much of its indigenous identity and as such it is well worth exploring as it has a very different feel to it from the rest of the country.

While its rugged mountainous terrain helped protect and preserve the homelands of people such as the Zapotecs and Mixtecs from the Spanish Conquistadores, the diverse landscapes also allowed different fauna and flora to flourish around the state. Consequently Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions in Mexico and its incredible scenery includes everything from towering mountains and sweeping valleys to a beautiful beach-filled Pacific coastline.

With lots of impressive archaeological sites alongside charming towns replete with native cultures, crafts and cuisine, the best places in Oaxaca really are unlike anywhere else in Mexico.

Map of the best places in Oaxaca, Mexico

10. Yagul [SEE MAP]

Although Yagul was first settled around 500 – 100 BC, most of the stunning ruins that we see today date to the 1200 – 1500s, which was when the city-state was at the height of its power. Known to locals as ‘Pueblo Viejo’ – the old village – Yagul was still inhabited when the Spanish arrived, although the city was soon abandoned.

Despite being one of only four natural monuments in Mexico, the impressive and well-preserved archaeological site sees relatively few visitors. Wandering around with barely another soul in sight is a fantastic feeling.

With a beautiful fort for you to explore alongside breathtaking ballcourts and the remains of a palace, the amazing ruins are well worth checking out. The majestic ceremonial structures and architecture only hint at the power and prestige of the mighty Zapotec civilization that once ruled the area.

9. Bahias de Huatulco [SEE MAP]

Consisting of nine beach-lined bays, each more dazzling than the last, Bahias de Huatulco is a brilliant place to head to if you want to kick back, relax, and take in some rays. While at one time only laidback sleepy fishing villages lined its shores, in the 1980s, the government saw its tourism potential and developed a series of hotels and resorts along the bays.

Fortunately, everything was done very tastefully. The unspoiled feel to the place remains, with all the hotels, restaurants, and bars tucked away among the glorious forests that hug the shore.

Bahias de Huatulco is breathtakingly beautiful. The bays with their pearly white beaches are all backed by vast swathes of forest that are protected by Huatulco National Park. While lounging on the beach amidst the stunning scenery is a great way to spend the holiday, there is also a myriad of different watersports for you to try out, while taking a boat trip offers you the chance to see the glorious coastline from afar.

8. Mitla [SEE MAP]

Named after Mictlan, the Aztec underworld, Mitla is believed by archaeologists to have been the most important Zapotec religious site. The impressive mosaics and geometric designs that cover its tombs and temples are the best in the whole of Mexico.

Exploring the archaeological site is a delight, and seeing the intricate designs that coat the ancient buildings up close is an awe-inspiring experience.

Although the site dates back even earlier, it was between 750 and 1521 that Mitla flourished. Its expansion was still ongoing when the Spanish arrived and destroyed much of it. Despite this, the ruins at Mitla are remarkably well-preserved, and the mix of Zapotec and Mixtec architectural influences is fascinating to behold, with lots of people visiting the site every week.

7. Zipolite [SEE MAP]

Lying along Mexico’s beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline, Zipolite has long attracted backpackers and hippies to its shores, and there is definitely a very laidback and relaxed feel about the place.

Indeed, anything goes in Zipolite, and it is not without reason that the small town is home to the county’s only nude beach. While chilling out on the pristine beach is many people’s favorite pastime, others prefer to go surfing in the waves or take a dolphin or whale watching boat trip along the coast.

At the end of every day, a glorious sunset bathes the beach in a stunning array of colors. Listening to local musicians or watching fire dancers perform is a magical experience as the night draws in.

6. Hierve el Agua [SEE MAP]

Located in a rugged and remote setting just 70 kilometers from Oaxaca, the natural rock formations of Hierve el Agua are sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Cascading down the cliff face to the valley below, the rock formations look like flowing water; from afar, one would stake money on them being waterfalls. In reality the rocks were formed by the accumulation of minerals deposited by spring water that has flowed down the rocks over thousands of years.

While the rock structures are undoubtedly the main attraction, the view from the top of them out over the valley is marvelous, and there are several natural pools and hot springs which visitors can bathe in.

5. Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve [SEE MAP]

Encompassing rugged mountain ranges, sweeping valleys, and the upper basin of the Papaloapan River, the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is home to a wide array of landscapes which are lovely to hike through.

Due to the different habitats on show, you can be exploring a cacti-filled desert one moment, wandering through forest-coated valleys the next, and taking in sweeping views from one of the many mountaintops later in the day.

The fauna and flora are just as diverse as the landscapes themselves, with lots of species of bird, fish, and reptiles also residing within the reserve. A delight for nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike, the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is well worth stopping by if you want to escape from the city for the day and immerse yourself in nature.

4. Puerto Escondido [SEE MAP]

Renowned for its great surfing, Puerto Escondido is the place to head to if you want big waves and near-perfect surf conditions. The gorgeous Playa Zicatela is widely considered amongst the best places to surf in the world; on any given day, a whole host of surfers can be found riding waves or chilling out on its golden sands.

A top-rated tourist destination, Puerto Escondido has a laidback vibe to it, with a number of great beaches for you to choose from if you’re not into surfing. The best of them is undoubtedly Playa Carrizalillo, although Playa Principal and Playa Bacocho also have their charms.

While in town, it is well worth going on a scenic boat trip along the coast to spot turtles, dolphins, and other marine species.

3. Monte Alban [SEE MAP]

Perched atop a low-lying mountain range near Oaxaca City and surrounded by sweeping valleys, the archaeological ruins of Monte Alban are certainly very impressive, with the well-preserved remains of temples, palaces, and ballcourts all on display.

One of the earliest cities founded in Mesoamerica, for centuries, Monte Alban was the center of socio-political and economic life in Oaxaca, with its zenith coming between 300 and 700 AD.

Despite having long been abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived, the site still conveys the majesty and importance of the Zapotecs who ruled from the city; many ornate and impressive stone-carved monuments can still be found scattered here and there. A must-see when visiting Oaxaca, Monte Alban certainly won’t disappoint with its fascinating ruins and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

2. Mazunte [SEE MAP]

Nestled alongside two beautiful beaches, the small village of Mazunte is ideal for people looking for a quiet getaway; there is barely anything to do other than lounge on one of the beaches and take in the stunning scenery. As it is very undeveloped and quite rural, most of the accommodation is basic, with ramshackle thatched-roof beach huts and restaurants clustered under the trees lining the beach.

Very popular with both independent travelers and backpackers, Mazunte has an alternative vibe to it, with lots of yoga studios and Spanish schools found around town. Besides the beautiful beaches, the main attraction is the fantastic turtle center. Many people visit Mazunte in May and June to watch the cute creatures lay their eggs on the beach before returning to the sea.

1. Oaxaca [SEE MAP]

Whether it’s history and culture that you are interested in or gastronomy and nightlife, Oaxaca is the place to go, and no visit to the state of the same name can ever be complete without at least passing by. Home to elegant colonial buildings and leafy plazas, with Zapotec and Mixtec archaeological sites found nearby, the city boasts an intoxicating array of different cultures. Indigenous arts, crafts, and cuisine are also on display at its many merry markets.

Oaxaca has a lot for you to see and do , and simply wandering around town and taking in the ambiance is a great way to explore the city, with beautiful churches and museums lying next to trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

While Oaxaca is excellent to visit at any time of year, it is especially lively and special to check out during Guelaguetza – a month-long festival that showcases traditional Oaxacan dances and music.

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20 Top Things to Do in Oaxaca, Including Mexican Hot Chocolate Tastings and Mural Walks

Culinary and cultural adventure await in this increasingly popular city in Mexico.

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Oaxaca is not just having a moment — it is here to stay. One of Mexico's most enchanting cities , Oaxaca seems to truly have it all, from ancient ruins, excellent cuisine , and fabulous art to indigenous culture, architecture, and dance. I learned this first-hand back in 2017; I was on a backpacking trip that was supposed to cover all of Mexico, but two months in, I got to Oaxaca and couldn't get myself to leave. I didn't finish the trip itinerary that year, and I have zero regrets.

Of course, I am not alone in my passion for Oaxaca.

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"It's one of my favorite destinations in Mexico for its incredible combination of precolombian, colonial, and contemporary influences," says Zach Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico, a curator of highly personalized and expert itineraries all around Mexico. "Let us not forget that Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s biggest states and, like the cultural diversity, its geography is vast, ranging from the high alpine mountains of Sierra Norte and Mixteca to steamy lowland jungles and coastal plains. Throw in some world-class surfing, kite boarding, mountain biking, and hiking, and you’ve truly got something for everyone. While not such a well-guarded secret anymore, you’d be surprised at how few North Americans have actually visited Oaxaca."

Ready to see why we're so hooked this city? Here are 20 of the best things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Related: This All-female Travel Company is Headed to Oaxaca — With Trips Featuring Incredible Women-owned Businesses

Discover the historic core and Zocalo.

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The entire city of Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it makes sense to start your explorations at the historic core. For most cities in Mexico, the zocalo (which translates to public square or market) is at the heart of the its historic core, where you're sure to learn about the city's history, admire some of its oldest architecture, and get some good people-watching in. Oaxaca is no exception. Start in the main square and wander the famous landmarks that are nearby.

Walk the Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Vegetarians, look away! Oaxaca has many interesting markets (more on that in a bit), but perhaps its most famous is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, particularly for its Pasillo de Humo, which directly translates to "hall of smoke." The name refers to a seemingly endless aisle of carne asada within the market. It's an overwhelming experience for all the senses, and a rite of passage for any carnivore.

Make your way through other markets, too.

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Oaxaca has so many different markets to explore, and each one offers a unique experience. Mercado 20 Noviembre is one of the main markets for prepared food and ingredients, like spices, herbs, produce, and meat. But Central de Abastos is the largest market in Oaxaca — if you want it, chances are you'll find it here. Feeling peckish? Find the Doña Vale stall and try her memelas, or fried masa cakes, which are now legendary, thanks to Netflix show "Street Food." At Benito Juarez Market, shop for souvenirs and more Oaxacan food. If local art is what you seek, head to ARIPO Oaxaca Artisan Market, which abounds with jewelry, crafts, textiles, and other artisan products made around Oaxaca.

Eat your way across the city.

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While we're on the subject of food, we'd be remiss not to mention Oaxaca's impressive cuisine. Mexican food is beloved around the world, but there is something about Oaxacan food that makes it extra special. Try items indigenous to Oaxaca like crispy tlayudas , decadent enmoladas , crunchy, salty chapulines , and, of course, the seven different kinds of mole perfected in Oaxacan kitchens. You can find all of these dishes at the humblest of street carts, or at fine-dining restaurants around the city, where you can pair a dish with a sexy Mezcal cocktail. If you want insider secrets, a food tour with Oaxacking will blow your mind (and your taste buds). Restaurants not to miss are Criollo , El Tendajon , and Origen . 

Take a swim in a frozen waterfall at Hierve El Agua.

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One of Oaxaca’s most mesmerizing natural features is Hierve El Agua . This impressive landmark looks like a gushing waterfall that frozen mid-spill over the edge of a cliff. Of course, it's not actually frozen, but an illusion, thanks to calcified mineral deposits. It's surreal sight and one of the most popular attractions in Oaxaca. At the top of the falls are natural mineral infinity pools, too, and you can take a dip in them while enjoying mountain and forest views. Make sure your phone is fully charged — you won't want to miss these photo ops.

Walk like a Zapotec at Monte Alban.

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Evidence of Mexico's indigenous past can be found in all regions across Mexico, but Oaxaca has some of the highest concentrations of what is left of the Zapotec and Mixtec empires. The most famous archaeological site in Oaxaca is Monte Alban. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Zapotec civilization, and today it's an impressive, preserved collection of palaces, tombs, a ball court, and plazas — all on a hilltop perch with 360-degree views of the valley, mountains, and Oaxaca City.

"Monte Alban, along with other archaeological sites in the region, are a combination of Zapotec and Mixtec, reflecting the various battles and interchanging rule of these warring communities. Mexico's pre-Spanish history is much more than simply the story of the Aztec and Mayas," Rabinor said. What's more, these cultures are alive and well and have influenced modern day cuisine, music, art, religion, rituals, and festivals.

Take a spiritual steam.

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Self-care is an integral part of any vacation these days, so why not a little self-care that comes with centuries of history? Temazcal is an ancient ritual that dates back hundreds of years. It comes from a Nahuatl word that means "house of heat," and many of Mexico's indigenous people practiced temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies for healing. The practice is still used today, though it can be a lot more commercialized, particularly in more touristy areas. For something a bit more true to its roots, the RenaSiendo Temazcal Ceremony is a three-hour experience, complete with the use of onsite pools.

Count gold at Templo de Santo Domingo.

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At the heart of Oaxaca is the Templo de Santo Domingo, a spectacular Baroque Catholic church. Standing at attention in front of a main square and surrounded by agave plants, this beautiful work of architecture is one of the highlights of Oaxaca. Not to be missed is its interior, which is practically bathed in gold. Entrance to the church is free.

Don marigolds at Day of the Dead.

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A Day of the Dead festival should be on every Mexico itinerary, and Oaxaca's is one of the best and most popular in the country. Dia de los Muertos is one of Mexico's most important celebrations, where departed souls are honored and celebrated with candles, parades, offerings, art, color, and music. The festival takes place every year from October 31 to November 2. If you do aim to visit Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as this is one of the busiest times to visit the city.

Sip mezcal in its birthplace.

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Born from the agave fields all across the state of Oaxaca, this distant cousin to tequila is known for its smoky taste, though mezcal flavors do range greatly. It's one of the most celebrated beverages throughout the state, and dozens of mezcal bars in Oaxaca are waiting with open bottles to gift you that perfect pour. One of the best is La Mezcalerita Oaxaca , with three intimate rooms and a sprawling rooftop patio. 

Explore Mitla.

If you'd like to see more ruins than Monte Alban, Mitla is a must. This was the religious center for the Zapotecs, and today's visitors usually go here to see the Column of Life, which is located in one of the tombs. Legend has it that if you wrap your arms around the column, the distance between your hands reveals how much time you have left in life. Believe what you will, Mitla is still a fascinating piece of Oaxaca history.

Get lost among the city's murals.

Street art is a vital part of Mexican culture no matter where you are in the country, Oaxaca's streets included. Public walls all over the city are adorned with brilliant works of street art. A large part of the work is due to a collective known as Lapiztola, a group that uses art and creativity to spread messages of change to the public.

Soak up all the art and culture.

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Oaxaca has plenty of indoor art, too. The city is peppered with museums and galleries. The Museo Textil de Oaxaca , for example, highlights traditional Oaxacan textiles and handicrafts, while the Museo de las Culturas features 14 rooms that tell the story of Oaxaca's history. And don't skip the Museum of Contemporary Art , or Jacobo y Maria Angeles Workshop , a fascinating, under-the-radar spot that focuses on carved copal wood figures, an ancestral practice native to the Oaxaca region.

Visit the world’s widest tree.

Not far from Oaxaca City is the stunning Templo Santa Maria de la Asuncion in the small town of Santa Maria del Tule. In addition to being a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, the grounds of the church are home to El Tule, a Montezuma Cypress Tree known as the tree of enlightenment — it's trunk measures 46 feet in circumference.

Sip some serious hot chocolate.

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Chocolate has always been an important part of Mexican kitchens, and Oaxaca is one of Mexico's top-producing regions for cacao beans, so you can expect the hot chocolate here to be a cut above the rest. Oaxacan hot chocolate is made with water, not milk, and is spun with a whisk to give it a froth on top. Cafe Brujula is a personal favorite — visit the one on C. Macedonio Alcala, and order banana bread to go with it.

Hop the bus to San Jose del Pacifico.

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About three hours south of Oaxaca and nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains is the tiny village of San Jose del Pacifico. A completely different vibe from Oaxaca City, this mountain town is known for its thick pine forests, hippie community and — if I'm being honest — its magic mushrooms. The latter is probably San Jose del Pacifico's biggest draw , and Shamans can guide visitors who are interested in this experience. But you'll find much more to do in San Jose, too, from hiking to temazcal.

Road trip to the coast.

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Continue south from San Jose del Pacifico (another five hours or so) and you will be at the doorstep of some of the best surfing in Mexico. The beach towns along Oaxaca’s coast are known for surfing, funky cafes, fresh fruit, and super laid-back vibes. Each beach town is different, but the major ones to hit are Huatulco , Puerto Escondido (home to the Mexi Pipeline), Zipolite, Puerto Angel, and Mazunte. If you want to get to know Oaxaca’s coastline on a deeper level, local tour operator The Puerto Experience is your lifeline. 

Stay with Oaxaca’s indigenous communities.

While sites like Monte Alban and Mitla tell the stories of the past, the communities responsible for these great wonders are alive and well. Oaxaca is home to a group called Pueblo Mancomunados, which are eight remote and protected villages inhabited by Zapotec people. Visitors can connect with these communities through ecotourism projects, which help develop schools, roads, and healthcare for the communities in the region. Local guides take travelers on hikes, horseback rides, wildlife viewing excursions, and temazcal experiences. You might also eat home-cooked meals and sleep in simple adobe huts, if you choose. It's an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, and one of the best ways to really connect with Mexico's roots.

Celebrate Guelaguetza.

Each July, Oaxaca's streets explode with the Guelaguetza Festival, one of the largest folk festivals in North America. The event celebrates all regions of Oaxaca and honors the region's diverse food, art, and cultures. The event takes place over two Mondays in July.

Take a break at the botanical gardens.

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Just steps from Templo de Santo Domingo is Oaxaca's Botanical Gardens . This quiet and beautifully landscaped place is an ideal spot in which to take a break from the heat of the day and wander amongst plants native to Oaxaca. Tours are available, or you can visit on your own.

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7 Best Things To Do in Oaxaca

Updated May. 8, 2023

Oaxaca contains a lot of what you'd expect from a city vacation – a bustling square with coffee shops, restaurants and bars ( the Zócalo ), gorgeous churches ( Templo de Santo Domingo ) and interesting museums ( Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca ). But

• All Things To Do

The Zócalo The Zócalo free

Oaxaca's main square – formally referred to as the Plaza de la Constitución de Oaxaca, but colloquially called the Zócalo – is a must-see. Skirted by cafes and eateries and bounded by the Palacio de Gobierno (the State Government Palace) on its south side, the Zócalo is a prime spot for people-watching, picking up a souvenir or two and watching day fade into vibrant night. Thanks to its leafy landscaping and many trees, it's also a relaxing place to cool off in the shade. Plus, the Mercado Benito Juárez sits just minutes from the square. 

Recent visitors gushed about the Zócalo, saying it's a nice spot for an afternoon coffee or an evening margarita. Others suggested visiting at night when the Zócalo fills with live music. You'll find the Zócalo in the heart of Oaxaca; it is free to enjoy at all hours of the day (though businesses operate on their own hours). For more information, check out Visit Mexico's website .

Templo de Santo Domingo Templo de Santo Domingo free

Dating back to 1555, the Templo de Santo Domingo acted as a convent and church before being used as military barracks in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the convent portion of the building contains the Santo Domingo Cultural Center's Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca and botanical garden. But the real feast for the eyes is the church itself, which is outfitted in baroque design, applied in gold leaf and other rich materials. And don't forget to look up: The domed ceiling is covered in medallions featuring Catholic martyrs. 

Even visitors who have traveled extensively and seen many of the world's most beautiful churches say the Templo de Santo Domingo wins the prize. The ceiling, they say, is unparalleled. 

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca is a regional culture museum that walks visitors chronologically from ancient times all the way to modern-day Oaxaca. Other halls are thematic, featuring Oaxacan medicine, music, language and pottery – and show that much of the cultural traditions have endured. One of the museum's real gems is the "Treasure of Tomb 7," a cache of delicate gold jewelry, precious stones and carved bone discovered in a Monte Albán tomb. Keep in mind that the museum's signage is in Spanish, though there are audio tours available in English. Visitors should also take some time to visit the museum's gift shop, which contains a diverse collection of books on Oaxacan architecture and art.

Some recent travelers said they almost didn't add the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca to their itineraries, but were pleased they did: Many were pleasantly surprised with its offerings, citing the stunning architecture and the fascinating and well-executed exhibits. Recent visitors also recommended popping by the museum's gift shop and enjoying the second-floor balcony's view overlooking the botanical garden.

Popular Tours

Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

(715 reviews)

from $ 50.00

The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class

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Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

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Monte Albán Monte Albán

Monte Albán, literally "White Mountain," contains the preserved ruins of a Zapotec city. Travelers will find pyramids, temples, plazas and more atop this mountain, which rises 1,300 feet above the floor of the Oaxaca Valley. For a deeper understanding of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, travelers can book a tour guide on-site. Keep in mind that the official licensed guides will wear a badge from the Mexico Secretary of Tourism.  

Many travelers give Monte Albán top marks for its preserved structures and the accompanying museum, but they also highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing plenty of water since this outdoor attraction gets hot. Other travelers recommend booking a tour with an English-speaking tour guide, since the bilingual or trilingual tours can get a little long. Though, if you want to see the site at your own pace (and save a little coin), you'll find informational signs are posted in English, as well as Spanish. 

Hierve el Agua Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua – Spanish for "the water boils" – are natural mineral springs located on a clifftop, about a 90-minute drive from Oaxaca City. Along with swimming in the warm springs, visitors can hike on paths above and below Hierve el Agua's petrified mineral falls. 

Recent visitors raved about the beautiful views and warm springs, though they warn that travelers should be prepared for some strenuous hiking and strong sunshine. Some recommend hiring a tour to serve as both the transportation and guide, which can be booked at most Oaxaca City hotels .  

Andador de Macedonia Alcala Andador de Macedonia Alcala free

The Andador de Macedonia Alcala or Calle Macedonio Alcala, as it's sometimes known, is a pedestrian-friendly street that connects the Templo de Santo Domingo and the Zócalo . This north-to-south route is a great way for travelers to orient themselves with the city, especially since many of the top things to do are located in close proximity to it.

Recent visitors call it a lovely walk, punctuated by Colonial architecture, interesting shops and restaurants, the sound of music, and little to no motorbike or vehicle traffic. It's also extremely well-lit and feels very safe, according to other travelers. 

Benito Juarez Market Benito Juarez Market free

To get a taste of Oaxaca, visitors should head to the Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juárez). Different stalls purvey everything from crickets and mole to grilled meats and homemade tortillas to mezcal and cheeses. Stalls also contain handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Most travelers say the Benito Juarez Market is a great place to grab lunch, sample local specialties and get an authentic Mexican market experience. Others say the market feels a bit touristy, but that it's still an interesting place to stop by. 

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27 Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico – A Travel Guide

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There are so many amazing things to do in Oaxaca City and incredible places to visit, from museums to historical buildings, archeological sites, art galleries, clothing shops, and some of the best Mexican natural wonders.

Oh! And the food! In this post, I will tell you all about it, including all the best restaurants, where to stay, and other useful, practical tips.

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Of all the places in Mexico, Oaxaca City is my favorite; after your visit, you will understand why.

I have visited Oaxaca several times, and every time, I enjoyed exploring all the beautiful places the city has to offer, including the incredibly delicious cuisine. So unique.

Oaxaca is one of the most popular destinations to attend the Day of the Dead , one of the most important Mexican celebrations . However, Oaxaca is much more than that.

In this post, I will tell you all about it.

 Are you planning a trip soon? I’ve got you covered

Top tours and activities in Oaxaca

• Hierve el Agua, Tenotitlan del Valle, Mezcal and Tule tour

Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour

• Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour
• Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour
• Street Art Bike Ride

Best Hotels in Oaxaca

• Los Amantes
• Casa Carmen
• Casa Antonieta

▼ BOOK THE TWO TOP-RATED TOURS IN OAXACA MEXICO▼

Hierve el Agua, Teotitlán del Valle, Mezcal, El tule, desde Oaxaca

Discover one of Oaxaca’s natural minerals, the gigantic tree of el Tule which is over 2000 years old, Teotitlan del Valle to see how they saw the wool carpets, the ceremonial center of Mitla, outstandingly beautiful for its magnificent fretwork made of countless polish stones, and finally the magnificent Hierve el agua, the beautiful petrified waterfalls

Discover Oaxaca culinary secrets during a cooking workshop right in the heart of the city. You will visit a local market to gather ingredients for your class. There’s no set menu, so the group can select which traditional dishes to make. Learn about the origins of each dish and several techniques during your hands-on class. Your tour end with the delicious meal that you’ve created.

Every time I visit Oaxaca City, I can spend a quiet day reading or working at a coffee shop with a pretty garden.

Work out by taking a long walk and admiring the architecture, spoil the workout by indulging in delicious food and desserts, partying the night away, drinking some mezcal, and dancing to salsa music.

As a repeat visitor, I would like to share my top recommendations for what to see and do in this enchanting place. 

So, let’s wear comfortable walking shoes, and let me take you on this journey. 

What to do in Oaxaca City Mexico, at a Glance

👉 Book one of the top-rated FOOD tours in Oaxaca on VIATOR .

Oaxaca City is the homonymous state’s capital located in the southwest of Mexico.

This city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It used to be called “ Verde Antequera ” (green Antequera, for a city in Spain).

Verde means green, and it is the color of the quarry used to build the impressive colonial architecture of the time.

The given name today is Oaxaca de Juárez, in honor of the former Zapotecan president of Mexico (1858 – 1872), Don Benito Juarez.  

Oaxaca City was founded in 1529 by the indigenous Zapotec culture. Since then, the city center has been the center of economic, political, social, religious, and cultural activities that give the city its dynamism.

It preserves many icons that represent a cultural tradition of more than four centuries of art and the rich history of indigenous cultures. 

Oaxaca is home to friendly people with many talents and a wealth of cultural events that attract travelers worldwide. 

The city’s grandeur is best experienced at the many festivals that occur throughout the year. These festivals showcase the essence and heart of this destination and its people.

Carnival time is a time of joy and fills the city with sound and color. Holy Week is a time of reflection and respect for the city’s religiosity.

In summer, residents are busy with sports and dancing. The festivals of Mole, Tejate (local drink), Tamal , and Mezcal proudly display the diversity of gastronomy and flavors.

And, of course, the Day of the Dead celebrations, where the city dresses in all the elements that attract our ancestors to this annual gathering.

As you can see, Oaxaca has much to offer throughout the year for the eye and all the senses to explore and discover.

In Oaxaca, you can walk and take pictures, visit places, and participate in guided tours that will help you understand the political, economic, and social issues that have long plagued the city.

Which Are the Best Things to Do in Oaxaca?

I have known for a long time that the best things to do when traveling are only the things you love to do, but if I am being completely honest, that does not necessarily apply to Oaxaca.

If you have the time, you should try to work through the entire list of things to do in the city and, of course, make time for  day trips from Oaxaca , which I will mention briefly here below and more in detail in another dedicated post. 

How Many Days Do I Need in Oaxaca?

I think 5 to 7 days is a reasonable amount of time to finish everything at an average pace and still find time to relax. But of course, the more, the better.

Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca Mexico

1. Walk Walk Walk (And Visit the Tourism Office)

Honestly, I am a bit old school and love paper. Every time I am in a new place, I grab a map, figure out how far the “safe area” is to roam, and then I just go.

I also usually talk to the people at the hotel or lodging I am staying at. I ask them: where do you go? Where do you eat? What to do in Oaxaca City Mexico? This works great for me; you get to connect with the locals instead of looking at an Oaxaca travel guide. 

Also, on my walks, I usually make the tourist office my first stop to find out about any special events or activities that might be going on during my stay. 

The Oaxaca tourism office I usually visit is located downtown at 102 Calle Mariano Matamoros , and of course, there are other offices scattered around the city. They are usually open between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

2. Take a City Tour or a Free Walking Tour

For shared or private city tours (and other tours), I have mentioned them before, and I am probably biased (but no, they are the best).

You can contact  Trez Travel , a fantastic local travel agency with lots of experience in the city and the state of Oaxaca. 

And you can contact Gabriel Sanchez, who offers top-notch private services and tours. 

There are many city tours that I will include here below, or you can go directly to the main tourist attractions and find local guides offering paid mini-tours of the place, for example, at el Templo de Santo Domingo de Gúzman. 

Regarding a free walking tour , I recommend the one organized by Estación Mexico . It takes you outside the main downtown attractions and takes place every day at 11 am.

The meeting point is the main zocalo in front of the El Márques del Valle hotel .

I always take these tours and highly recommend them as a starting point. Please remember that “free” does not mean you take the tour and leave without paying anything.

The guides do this job for a tip, so I recommend you always offer at least 100 pesos per person for a 2-hour tour. 

You can also find more walking tours with different itineraries here

3. Take a Sightseeing Tour Around Oaxaca by Tram

For people who are not very mobile or generally have trouble walking, I want to mention something here that I have never done because I love hiking. 

However , at the corner of Macedonio Alcalá and Morelos Street , a  tram  will take you on a  sightseeing tour of downtown Oaxaca .

It is called “ Tranvía el alebrije .” Please be warned that this tour is very slow. It is a large tram that must be almost full to run. It runs every 30 minutes, and the cost is about 70 pesos per person. The language is Spanish only.

4. Visit the Zocalo and the Oaxaca Cathedral 

As in any colonial city, Oaxaca’s main square, zocalo , is always the perfect place to start exploring and one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. 

And why is that? Well, remember that our territory was conquered and colonized. Mexico started to be built on these squares, and all the elements of colonialism, religious syncretism, and the evolving government system began here.

In every colonial city , including Oaxaca , you will find 3 main elements: 

• Ecclesiastical power in the form of a monastery or cathedral. In Oaxaca city, we have the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción . 
• Political powe r – the colonial buildings of the time were palatial and built to “govern” the city, and so we find what we call today “Palacio de Gobierno de Oaxaca.” 
• The open square , the atriums, or “ Plaza Mayor ,” are the spaces where everything converged. All pre-Hispanic and colonial activities merged in these places.

One reason I enjoy sightseeing tours is that the local guides can provide interesting facts and information that is hard to find elsewhere.

For example, I remember my local tour guide explaining how when the indigenous people carved the details of the cathedral’s facade, they hid deities and symbols that were part of their own culture.

So when the indigenous people “prayed” outside the churches, in this case, the cathedral, it was a way to continue worshipping their gods freely without punishment.

We have to remember that in most cases, the Spanish conquerors chose to build each government office and religious center on top of what used to be a sacred site or a symbol of the leadership of pre-Hispanic times.

They did this to show that they were now in charge.   

I highly recommend visiting the Zocalo area at least 3 times. One, bright and early . Why? For architecture and photography lovers, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the sunrise light and avoid the crowds.

Second, I recommend going after breakfast or in the middle of the day, which is the best time to learn about the main attractions.

Last, in the evening, around 7 pm, for people watching and cultural appreciation.

The evening is when local people go out and enjoy time with their families. You will find couples kissing on benches, friends lining up to eat an esquite , or families buying balloons for their kids.

This is a perfect time to try whatever street food or snack you can find in the Zocalo area. Also, this area is used for many activities like salsa dancing , book fairs , and more, and it all usually happens at night.

5. Walk the Whole of the Pedestrian Macedonio Alcalà From Top to Bottom and Its Streets.

This will undoubtedly take you most of the day. In a later article, I’ll cover some of the restaurants on this street in more detail, but Voces de Copal is one of my favorites, so treat yourself to lunch there.

Café brújula can be found all over Oaxaca, so it’s worth a quick stop for a coffee there as well. If you want to visit a bar, head to La Mezcalerita .

If you have a sweet tooth and want ice cream, stop by Nieves Manolo to try local craft flavors. 

Macedonio Alcalá is where you  get cash at the ATM , visit some  museums , delight yourself in the  Oaxacan art galleries,  and  eat ,  drink , and  SHOP ! 

There are street vendors during the day, but they become more numerous as the sun goes down. 

You can also find street snacks and local drinks like tejate or tamales . Also lots of sweets and pastries. 

Usually, an additional artisan market is added to the existing markets during the weekends at the northern part of the street, just at the end of the Santo Domingo Museum . 

6. Visit the Mercado Benito Juárez: (Market)  

If you have never been to Mexico or any of its local markets but you have seen them portrayed in a movie, this market is the perfect example of what you would expect to see.

This market is the size of a total of 4 street blocks filled. Mexican street vendors , food stalls, and all kinds of trinkets are being sold everywhere, even outside of it. The whole market area is  bustling ,  noisy , and  colorful .

Its many aisles offer a combination of local art and handicrafts, traditional clothing, festivities decorations, mezcal stands, fresh fruit, veggies, seeds, chocolate, spices, and every single element used in the mole making, and more. 

The best way to experience the market is by asking a lot of questions and doing tastings of everything available. 

When you stop at the place where they sell chocolate, ask for a taste. Do the same at the mezcal place. Stop at the local bakery and buy a sweet.

Try the tejate drink. Buy one of the mini string cheese bags and try that too. Go crazy and try the chapulines because they are everywhere. Try it all! T ake it all in. You are in Mexico! 

7. Visit the 20 de Noviembre Market

The 20 de Noviembre market is next door to the Mercado Benito Juárez, and here you will mainly go to eat.

You will be able to try:  tlayudas ,  hot chocolate ,  pan de yema ,  enchiladas de mole ,  mole coloradito ,  tamales  and its main “attraction,” the  meat aisle . Not a great spot for vegetarians or vegans. 

There is a 100-meter (at least) meat aisle where local people buy it to take home, but at 20 de Noviembre, the butchers have decided to set up grills and a seating area right next to the raw meat.

Cecina , tasajo , and chorizo are the 3 main “cuts” in Oaxaca. You can order as much of them as you want, along with tortillas , nopalitos , lemon , and salsa to make your tacos right on the spot. 

8. Have a Mezcal at la Casa Del Mezcal and Then Hop on to Other Mezcal Bars

Of course, mezcal is one of the protagonists of any trip to Oaxaca, and there are many places where you can enjoy it, but a good reason to visit is that it is one of the oldest traditional cantinas in the city, founded in 1935.

There, as soon as you walk in, it feels like you are traveling in time. Plus, you find yourself amongst locals of different ages, and they will be interested in striking up a conversation with you, for sure!

Use the opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills! I am sure you will be fluent after 3 shots. But remember, mezcal shots are to be kissed, not to be chugged . 

9. Have Dinner or Drinks in One of the City Rooftop Bars or Restaurants

Oaxaca’s skyline is gorgeous, gives us very pretty sunsets, and its evening weather is delightful, so enjoying a meal or a drink on a rooftop is a must. 

I have already mentioned  La Mezcalerita , and we can add  Mezquite ,  Gozobi ,  Terraza los Amantes ,  Tierra del Sol,  or  Praga Coffee Bar . 

10. Visit the Xochimilco District

The city center of Oaxaca is quite large, but luckily, everything is within walking distance.

You can call the markets, the main square, and the pedestrian zone the most touristy area, but the whole downtown that you should visit includes this district, which is located on the north side of it. 

The Xochimilco neighborhood is a very pretty and colorful area to walk around. It is very photogenic because there is quite a bit of street art around there.

People go there to see the Xochimilco arches, the cobblestone streets, and the aqueduct, and also because this neighborhood is where Rufino Tamayo , one of the most outstanding Mexican artists , was born. 

11. Visit the Colorful Jalatlaco Neighborhood

This is my favorite neighborhood by far. I love to stay there when I go. This neighborhood is even more colorful than Xochimilco.

Many murals, chocolate shops, coffee places, small boutique hotels , and restaurants exist. Honestly, this is the perfect place for an Instagram photoshoot. It’s idyllic. 

In 2019 Jalatlaco was included in the Time Out magazine list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world. 

12. Visit the Santo Domingo Temple, the Museo de Las  Culturas and El Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca.

If you have  only 2 days in Oaxaca  and you are interested in learning about its rich history and the local culture, you MUST visit this place. It is large enough that it will take you a great part of your day, but it is worth it. 

This temple has been the stage of many historical events throughout history.

During the “reforma times” (part of Mexican history that gives place to the “birth” of a liberal party against the clerical powers), it served the military in different ways, then  Porfirio Diaz  (Oaxacan and Mexican dictator) gave it back to the church. 

At the temple, you can hire a local guide to talk about architecture, history, altarpieces, and a magnificent vault.

The museum is impressive! It consists of 14 rooms that take you through the history of the state of Oaxaca.

From prehispanic times to modern times, you can learn about the different regions, cultures, gastronomy, art, crafts, agriculture, archeology, education, and more.

Unfortunately, most of the museum’s infographics are in Spanish, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide if you do not know the language. 

Finally, for nature lovers, we have the botanical garden ( Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca ). Here you can take a guided tour of it and learn all about the state’s agave plants and other endemic flora.

This place is important because Oaxaca is not only the state with the highest number of ethnic groups but also where we can find more plants.

There are guided tours in English and Spanish. Spanish tours are more frequent. For English, you must go Tuesday or Thursday at 11 am, and the  entrance fee is 100 pesos . There is no entrance without being part of the guided tour. 

13. Try as Many Coffee Shops as You Can

The state of Oaxaca is a coffee producer, and for that reason, the city offers plenty of coffee shops where you can indulge in espressos, cappuccinos, or even iced coffee.

I have mentioned  Café Brujula  because it is on the main pedestrian street and in many other locations, but it is not my first choice. It’s not bad; it’s become commercialized, like a local Starbucks, if you know what I mean. 

One of the best places I know is called CAFETO and BARISTAS . Please DO NOT miss them.

You will find it on Calle de José María Pino Suárez 407- B. It is a tiny location, and having the coffee there can be tricky, but oh so worth it. My second favorite place is BOULENC. This is a great place to enjoy their bakery with a large cappuccino.

Also, Oaxaca is famous for its Cafe Pluma . It is called that because it is grown in the region of Pluma Hidalgo.

This coffee is internationally recognized as the best quality in our country, and it’s sustainably grown in the area. I must mention that this coffee is patented or certified with the “ denominación de Origen ,” meaning that it is a protected brand.

So, look for coffee shops serving this type of coffee when you are there.

Other coffee places to check out are Cafe Nuevo Mundo and Café Café . 

14. Eat the 7 Moles Dish

As you may have noticed, Oaxaca is a destination for foodies. There are so many typical dishes that you can find exclusively here, or at least the original version. One of them is the mole .

There are 7 moles in Oaxaca, and having them in one dish is not only a meal but also education . 

The Oaxaca moles are different in color, flavor (given by the pepper used or herbs added), preparation, protein served, and other factors.

The list of the 7 moles is:  Amarillito ,  mole negro ,  coloradito ,  verde ,  chichilo ,  manchamanteles  and  rojo  (red). 

My favorite place to have them is Los Pacos , a restaurant behind the Santo Domingo Temple. Las Quince Letras also serves that dish. 

15. Take a Cooking Class

👉 Book one of the top-rated cooking classes + market tour with a local chef on this site .

We have already mentioned that  Mexico’s gastronomy  is also on the  UNESCO list  of the cultural heritage of humanity, and Oaxaca contributes in great proportion to that inscription. 

It is only logical that while in Oaxaca, we become chefs and take a cooking class. 

The cooking class I have taken includes drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, margaritas, mezcal shots, and more. Also, it usually includes learning to make mole, as that is the most characteristic meal of Oaxaca.

They can cater to you if you are a vegan or a vegetarian. The class is run by a family in their beautifully decorated home.

Here are some other cooking class options.

16. check out the chocolate process at el mayordomo..

In and around Oaxaca City are many places to learn about the process of making the famous local chocolate. 

El Mayordomo is the biggest brand in the state, so if you have a short stay or a small budget, this is a good option because the demonstration is free. 

The demonstration only happens in one place, though. You have to go to the  Mayordomo  store near the Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre market.  

17. Go to Plaza de la Danza and Eat Ice Cream

So far, we have mentioned 2 very important temples of Oaxaca City, the  Cathedral  and the  Santo Domingo Temple,  but we have yet to mention the one most dear to the local people. 

I am talking about la Basílica de nuestra señora de la Soledad Cathedral of our Lady of the Assumption).

La señora de la Soledad is the patron saint of the city of Oaxaca and is, therefore, most revered by its people. It is known that many locals hold their weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, and other ceremonies there.

So, it is very important to make a stop there to make a deeper connection with the Oaxacan culture.

But, you don’t only stop there to learn or sightsee, you go to that area for this very important reason too: Ice Cream!

Outside the basilica is a vast open area called  Plaza de la Danza.  Many local craft ice cream stalls have taken over a big chunk of the open space, where you can find exciting and creative flavors such as  chapulin ,  mezcal ,  beso oaxaqueño ,  tuna , and more. 

Make sure you go try them all! 

18. Visit MACO  Museum of Contemporary Art

Maco is the contemporary art museum of Oaxaca . Unfortunately, it is closed for now, but they are about to announce its re-opening. 

The most interesting thing about MACO is that its main intention is to bring together the past and the present, the tradition and the modern, in its exhibitions and installations to portray the state’s cultural wealth and diversity. 

If you are looking for different ways to connect and understand the culture of Oaxaca and its social and political issues through art, this is one of the best places to do it. 

MACO is located on MACEDONIO ALCALÁ pedestrian street, opening at 10:30 am. 

19. Visit IAGO, Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca

The IAGO is a museum and library created by Francisco Toledo, a proud native of Oaxaca, a wonderful artist, and a passionate protector and promoter of the state’s culture. 

Unfortunately, Francisco Toledo died only 2 years ago, but his legacy in Oaxaca is very alive. 

There is a really funny anecdote about one of the things he did to protect the integrity of the city of Oaxaca.

It seems that some years ago there was an announcement of a McDonald’s to be opening right in the Zocalo area.

So what Toledo did was to call for a peaceful protest in front of the location where it would open and have people eat Tamales to express the unconformity towards having that fast food place there.

This cultural center has 5 exhibition rooms , 3 library rooms , a patio with endemic plants , a coffee shop , and a regional food restaurant . 

To go into IAGO, there is no cost, and it opens at 9:00 am. 

20. Eat In One of the Delicious Eateries

As we already know, Oaxaca is not short of options for where to eat delicious food.

I promise I will be more specific on which are the best restaurants to try while there, but I will leave you with a couple of recommended places that live in my heart:

• Any of the food stalls at the 20 de Noviembre Market 
• The organic market of El pochote
• For Tlayudas, go to Tlayudas el Negro.
• For fine dining, go to Los danzantes.
• For artists and chefs, go to La Olla.
• For the best mole, go to Los Pacos.

Oaxaca Festivals

As I mentioned before, in Oaxaca, you can experience some of the most incredible festivals where the creativity of the locals is expressed at its best. Here I am listing some of the most important ones.

21. Night of the Radishes

This is a deeply rooted Christmas-time tradition in Oaxaca. It occurs on the evening of the 23rd of December and is believed to go back to 1897. 

The Night of Radishes is a traditional Oaxacan festival with a popular stamp in which market gardeners and flower growers display the artistic talent of their hands with unique designs made in radish,  flor   inmortal  (a type of flower), and  totomoxtle  (corn shell plant).

The exhibition lasts only a few hours, but it brings together practically all the local people in the main square who attend to admire the creativity of the participants in this contest.

It is said that this tradition started because, during Christmas times, the farmers would bring all the fresh produce to make dinner.

To make their stalls more attractive, they began to create figures with radishes, adorning them with cauliflower leaves and flowers made from baby onions. They placed radishes, lettuces, turnips, onions, etc., all in an artistic way.

The works that the gardeners and flower growers present are inspired by motifs consistent with the Christmas season, such as the birth of Jesus or the arrival of the Three Wise Me n.

With the Festival of the Virgin of Solitude , the Day of the Dead , typical costumes of the State, dances, amongst others.  

22. La Guelaguetza

Gastronomic, artisan, and sports exhibitions, traditional representations of the most diverse communities in the state, as well as exhibitions, concerts, and all kinds of events that share the culture and sport of Oaxaca are some of the events to take place in  July , at the Guelaguetza festival. 

The origins of this event go back to both colonial and prehispanic times.

It is said that 2 traditional celebrations were held on a hill around the same dates and on the same days, first by the Zapotecs and then by the Carmelite nuns that built a church there ( Iglesia del Carmen Alto ).

This coincidence gave way to what is called Lunes del Cerro (Hill Monday) 

The  Hill Monday Festivities  occur throughout July with folkloric presentations, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural and sports events. 

Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that describes the participation of people through cooperation.

So, groups of people from the 8 traditional regions of Oaxaca get together to present a sample of their cultural heritage through dances performed to the sound of music and songs that are their own, wearing the dress of their respective towns.

In the end, each group distributes to the public their “ Guelaguetza ” composed of objects characteristic of their respective regions.

The Guelaguetza lasts the whole month, and there are events everywhere. Nowadays, there is an auditorium where the main events at cost occur, but the whole city has a constant party day and night. 

One of the main “happenings” during those days was the parades called Calendars, in which music bands walk through the streets of the city center, followed by the “chinas” (women holding big baskets) and the “Marmota,” a large spherical lantern, and the “giants,” huge motley type characters controlled by the participants.

23. The Mezcal Fair

The Mezcal originates in Oaxaca, so a Mezcal fair is due. It also takes place during July and is part of the Guelaguetza festivities.

It’s a full set up of Mezcal galleries, gastronomic exhibitions, and cultural and artistic forums in an area of 8,900 square meters in the shape of a cross. It usually takes place in the Paseo Juárez at “El Llano” Park. 

Best Day Trips From Oaxaca

Although the city of Oaxaca is not short of things to do and places to visit, its surroundings are brimming with incredible places, both historical sites and natural wonders.

Here I am sharing a quick overview of them, but I will share them in a separate post.

24. The Archaeological Site of Monte Albàn

This is one of the two most important archeological sites in the area. It is only 30 minutes away from Oaxaca City.

The site is located on a low mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the Oaxaca Valley. This is a great day trip for history and culture lovers, but also nature lovers, as the views from the highest points are breathtaking. 

25. Visit the Town and Ancient Ruins of Mitla

Monte Albán might be the most famous, but Mitla is my favorite of both ancient ruins. Mitla is also said to be the most important site for the Zapotec culture. It is located 40 km away from the city center. 

An interpretation of the past says that Mitla was a “ place for rest ” or a place for the dead. Mitla comes from the word “ Mictlan .” One of its meanings is “the underworld.” 

Mitla is a pre-Columbian archeological site that expresses the Mesoamerican belief that death was the most consequential part of life after birth. It was built as a gateway between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

We will be talking about Mitla and the rest of the day trips in more detail soon, but I want to mention a fun fact that our guide told us.

One of the interpretations made by historians and archeologists is that Mitla remains so apparently untouched because when the Spanish arrived, intending to destroy the ancient site.

They got stuck in awe of its beauty and decided to spare it and instead build their churches and other colonial buildings around.

So, Mitla becomes a really good place to observe and imagine the past events in which 2 cultures collided.

26. Visit el Tule 

The best way to visit El Tule is for you to include it on your day tour, either to Hierve el Agua or Mitla as it is on the same path.

Tule is short for the small town called Santa Maria del Tule , and its main attraction is a huge and ancient ahuehuete tree (as it’s called in the Nahuatl language).

The tree has a circumference of 42 meters, and it is around 1400 years old (according to the local people and legends around the tree). Mexican people refer to this tree as “ El árbol de Tule. ” 

One interesting and fun fact that can be polemic at the same time is that there you will find community kids acting as guides that are “working” (for tips) to show you the different formations that can be identified on the tree trunk: a crocodile, a lion, etc. 

As you know, everything has changed in times of pandemic, and it’s no exception for this attraction.

Before, you could go within the atrium of the town’s church where the tree is.

But right now, no one is allowed to go within the area, and the tree can only be seen from the transportation or outside the gate, more or less at a distance of 200 meters.

27. Hierve El Agua

This is the popular petrified waterfall of Oaxaca and one of the most amazing natural wonders in Mexico that you must visit.

Hierve El Agua is 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Oaxaca city center. It is one of the best day trips in the area because it’s a perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views.

There you can hike to the top and the bottom of the waterfall, drink fruit juice, eat a  tlayuda , or freshen up at the exciting swimming pool, which was made to look like it’s part of the natural geography of the place. 

Hierve El Agua belongs to the local community next to it, and there has been a little bit of tension between them and the government, so for a bit, the site was closed.

We got the news that it opened just before the Day of the Dead festivities, but the problem hasn’t found its solution, so if you plan to visit on your own, make sure you confirm that it is indeed open to the public. 

Here are some tour options to Hierve El Agua .

28. Mezcal Tasting at Don Agave  

Don Agave is a mezcal house that produces several mezcal brands of multiple agave plants. 

They produce the mezcal the artisanal way, and they are located around 30 minutes away from Oaxaca City.

Don Agave offers a mezcal tour to learn about its making from the beginning, and they have you participate in a tasting right after.

The one I experienced (several times) included as many as 8 to 10 different types and 5 or 6 mezcal cream flavors . They are fun!

You can also have lunch there. They have a very good Oaxacan food restaurant.  

29. Arts and Crafts Workshops Visits and Demonstrations

Another of the top things to do on a day trip to the surrounding area of Oaxaca is to go to arts and crafts workshops to demonstrate the making processes and to shop, of course!

3 of the most sought workshops are: 

• The Alebrijes of San Martin Tilcajete village. 
• The Barro Negro of San Bartolo Coyotepec 
• The wool and cotton carpets of Teotitlán del Valle

All the 3 villages are a short driving distance from the city center. 

Where to Stay in Oaxaca  City Mexico

I recommend always staying in the  central area , including the  Xochimilco  and  Jalatlaco  neighborhoods. These are some of my recommendations: 

• Oaxaca Real : Great value, located parallel to the Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian street. 
• Parador del Dominico : very close to the Santo Domingo Temple. 
• Hostal de las Américas : budget and central. 
• Hotel Magda – simple and inexpensive in the Jalatlaco neighborhood
• Hotel Casántica for a more high-end treat in the main downtown area. 

Read more on where to stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico , or check directly on the map below.

Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico: FAQ

What should i do in oaxaca.

Well, if I had to choose, I would go on a cooking class that included a market visit and mezcal tasting, and I would spend the Day at the Santo Domingo Temple , at el Museo de las Culturas, and the Jardín etnobotánico de Oaxaca

How Many Days Do You Need in Oaxaca?

If you are a traveler that is going at a fast pace through Mexico, 2 nights and 3 days is enough to take in the city and make some day trips. 

If you have more time and budget while traveling through Mexico but still can’t do a whole week, give Oaxaca 4 nights and 5 days. 

If you are planning to come to Oaxaca only and can do it, stay the full week or even 10 days. 

Is Oaxaca Safe Right Now?

The short answer is YES; Oaxaca is safe right now, but you have to consistently apply common sense.

As we discussed in our article on  safety in Mexico , the basic principles of staying safe are summed up in the following list.

– Do almost everything in daylight. – Don’t flash money. – Keep your valuables in the hotel’s safe or develop your own safe hiding places. – Don’t flash jewelry or many electronic gadgets in areas like local public markets or at crowded events. – Don’t get too drunk and mix and mingle with just anyone. – Do not do drugs. – Do not leave your things unattended ANYWHERE. – Keep your purse or bags in front of you. – Do not put anything valuable in your clothes pockets – By no means become a revolutionary and join social demonstrations of any kind. 

All of the above applies to men, women, and all. 

What 3 Things Is the State of Oaxaca Known For?

The Oaxaca state is mainly known these days for its gastronomy for the Day of the Dead and its arts and crafts.

What Food Is Oaxaca Mexico Famous For?

The most popular food of Oaxaca is, of course mole,  chapulines , Tlayudas, and their tasajo meat. 

How to get from Puebla to Oaxaca

Getting from Puebla to Oaxaca is easy. ADO busses will get you there in about 6 hours and you can travel either by day or night. Or you can rent a car. In the detailed articles linked above I explain it in detail.

Final Thoughts

After this thorough article, I am sure you are ready to tackle the city and make the most of your time there. Stay tuned as more articles on the city are coming out soon.

Before You Go…

Here are some useful posts that you may be interested in…

• How Much Cash to Bring to Mexico
• Renting a Car in Mexico
• 35 Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Read Before Traveling
• The Best Travel Insurance for Mexico
• Why Buy a Mexican Sim Card When You Travel

✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨

👉 do i need travel insurance to travel to mexico.

I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master w hich is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.

🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?

No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.

🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?

The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.

Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico .

📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card . It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!

🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?

The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.

Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.

Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico . If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:

• Is Cancun Safe?
• Is Tulum Safe?
• Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?

No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico

🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?

If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine. Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards. It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa

💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico? 💸

A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:

👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August. 👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts 👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals! 👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia . 👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals

Happy travels!!

Bianca is a Mexican, a traveler, an ally, a dreamer, a creative, 100% human and so much more. Bianca has +20 years of experience in personal travel throughout 3 continents, and many countries, cities, towns, and communities. A passionate advocate of her country (despite it all), an amateur writer & blogger, an art lover, a certified yoga teacher, an entrepreneur, a neophyte researcher, a philosophy fan, and knowledge-obsessed. And, even if in baby steps, she is making the dream, come true through her brand: Mexico4Real Journeys

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30 Things to do in Oaxaca – A complete Oaxaca Travel Guide

A re you planning to travel to Oaxaca soon? Then you’re in the right place! I’ve put together a complete Oaxaca travel guide  that includes a list of 30 things to do in Oaxaca. For 9 months I lived and worked as a digital nomad in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez. 

See, I didn’t plan to stay there for long, in fact, I was only visiting the state of Oaxaca for 10 days during February 2021, but once I landed in Oaxaca de Juárez, I completely fell in love with the city , and on my second day there I decided to move to Oaxaca and had my big backpack delivered to my new Mexican base from my former house in Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana Roo. 

This blog post is a compilation of things to do and see in Oaxaca . Recommendations on where to stay and where to eat (including what to eat!). Tips for your visit and some safety guidelines that will help you move around easily.

Consider checking this 3-Day itinerary in Oaxaca if you’re coming for a very limited time or if on the contrary, you’re planning a move to Mexico, know that I just wrote the ultimate  Oaxaca Digital Nomad Guide with all the essential information you need as a digital nomad, including a list of resources that will be very handy during your stay.

Street in Oaxaca Centro

Why visit oaxaca.

Oaxaca is the perfect combination of ancient and new history, it is a mix of tradition and vibrant cultures. Oaxaca is an explosion of colors and delicious smells all around. It is the place where all (Mexicans and foreigners) come to taste some of the best food and mezcal in the whole of Mexico. From local markets to top-notch restaurants and from handcrafted indigenous products to new art galleries popping up every month in the city, Oaxaca has something for us all.

Overall, if you’re planning to travel around Oaxaca, prepare to visit one of the most amazing Mexican states – no joke!

Things to do in Oaxaca Centro

I have itchy feet (surprise!). During my months in Oaxaca, I can confidently say I took every opportunity to check different markets, street food stalls, monuments, and visit indigenous towns and communities. Here is a list of the best things to do and see in Oaxaca Centro and its surroundings. 

City Tour in Centro

There are several free walking tours you can take around the city. You can also get a map and do it yourself or if you like, you can follow my recommendations to tour the city and find the best spots based on my own experience during my months living in Oaxaca .

View of Santo Domingo Temple

Rugs store in Oaxaca Centro

Abastos market or central de abastos.

This is the largest and most important local market in Oaxaca. Prepare for the explosion of colors and mix of smells of all foods and goods from the state of Oaxaca. I thought I saw it all related to markets, but I was clearly wrong. Come check and judge by yourself, Abastos Market won’t disappoint.

Man feeding his child at Abastos Market

Benito juárez market.

I like to call this the souvenir central of Oaxaca. It is indeed a local market but it has higher prices than Abastos. I would actually recommend visiting this place since sometimes is the only way to find very nice local handmade products coming from the surrounding towns in Oaxaca. Even if a bit pricey, It is worth the visit.

20 de Noviembre Market

Closer to Oaxaca’s main square (Zócalo), this is a great option for eating out and local for a very affordable price. My favorite thing here is eating at the smoke corridor or “pasillo de humo” which is a corridor full of locals cooking several types of meat. You just buy your food per gram and sit to enjoy the amazing meal!

Smoke corridor at 20 de Noviembre Market

Artisans market of oaxaca.

This local market has really good prices. All fabrics, rugs, bags, textiles, etc come from the different parts of the state of Oaxaca.

Lucha Libre

Oaxaca became famous thanks to the movie “Nacho Libre” in which a young Jack Black becomes a luchador wandering the streets of Oaxaca. You can’t miss the opportunity to go to a Lucha Libre event! You can check this Lucha Libre Facebook group to see if there are any events happening when you’re in town!

Eat your way through Oaxaca and don’t forget to drink Mezcal

One comes to Oaxaca to eat. To eat in restaurants, drink mezcal in bars (called Mezcalerias), to try all the street food, including chapulines (grasshoppers). Check below what are the meals you shouldn’t miss while in Oaxaca.

Memelas at Abastos Market

Experience oaxaca nightlife.

There are so many options to choose from! My top three places are Convivio (in my view, the best bar in town – always a safe bet), Archivo Maguey (two different floors with different music styles), and Txalaparta (also two floors with a rooftop). Many times, I have partied in these three places in just one night, right in the exact order I have named them here! La Nueva Babel (great Michelada and sometimes life music) Aloha (great cocktails) or Zapotec (life music) are other great alternatives.

Teatro Macedonio Alcalá

This one is not an easy one to visit on the inside, however, is one of the most amazing buildings in the city. Sometimes there are a few events happening and it is the chance for visitors and locals to get a glimpse of the inside. 

Jardín Etnobotánico

One of the gems of Oaxaca Centro. Here you will be able to find hundreds of species, all endemic from the state of Oaxaca. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there is a limited number of daily visitors, so I would recommend coming in the early morning (around 8 am) to assure your spot.

Me, enjoying a visit to the botanical garden, Oaxaca

Textile museum & san pablo cultural centre.

These two museums are now connected in one. During the pandemic, it is necessary to book a reservation online (both are free entrance), so I would recommend checking if this is still the case when you’re visiting.

Street art hunt in Jalatlaco borough

This stunning borough in Oaxaca is considered by many a little Oaxaca. Is more peaceful than Centro and it is incredibly colorful and beautiful (yes, even more than Centro!), can you imagine that? Moreover, it is the hotspot for Oaxaca graffitis! If you love street art and cute coffee shops, this is your place!

Street art in Jalatlaco borough

Street in Jalatlaco borough

Museum of cultures.

As part of Santo Domingo’s Temple structure, this is one of the most important museums in town since it helds very significant archeological findings, such as the “Tomb Number 7 of the Treasure of Monte Alban”.

Hike around Guelaguetza Auditorium

There is a wonderful hike you can start by climbing the stairs of the Guelaguetza. It is a 2h round hike from where you’ll get amazing views of the city and the mountain range surrounding it.

Guelaguetza Festival

This Oaxacan celebration enhances the traditional costumed dances of the various indigenous peoples of the state. It takes place yearly during most part of July and includes parades of indigenous walking bands, several handicrafts, and food coming from the different parts of the state of Oaxaca.

Día de Muertos

Although this is celebrated in all of Mexico, Oaxaca plays an important role as it is considered one of the best places to celebrate Muertos . Mexicans and foreigners from all over the world travel to Oaxaca to celebrate this festivity. Events take place for several days, being 2nd of November the most important day.

Street painting of a skeleton

Me celebrating Dia de Muertos

Discover xochimilco & reforma boroughs.

Xochimilco is a small borough with gorgeous coffee shops and beautiful street art! I love coming to this area and sitting on any of the rooftops, the views of the city are stunning from here!

Reforma is a mix of local and modern globalization. Shopping malls, international food chains, local coffee shops, and much more co-live in this borough. It is not far from Centro and is the place where most locals live.

Noche de Rábanos (Night of the radishes)

This is also an annual event that takes place every 23rd December and it is dedicated to the carving of radishes and harvesting of flowers that are used to create different scenes all around town.

Things to do near Oaxaca Centro

There are countless activities you could do in the surroundings of Oaxaca City, here are some suggestions

Monte Albán Archeological Site

This is a must-see monument in Oaxaca. I would say it is in my top 3 list of things to do in Oaxaca. These Zapotec ruins not only are the most important in the state of Oaxaca, but they also have a very vital role in the history of modern Mexico. It was after the discovery of the “Treasure of Tomb 7” that the INAH realized the importance of uncovering more of the ruins in the country. Thanks to this, we can visit today Chichén Itza and many others.

Visiting the ruins of Monte Albán

Lake area of huayapam.

This is part of the eco-tourist park of Huayapam. Located less than 40 minutes away from Oaxaca Centro, this is the perfect place to escape from the city and connect with nature. Many people come here during the weekend and to walk their dogs, etc. There are also structures to do barbeques too. Although a wonderful activity, I wouldn’t prioritize this as one of the things to do in Oaxaca as long as you are not coming for a long period of time.

Teotitlán del Valle

This is one of the most interesting towns to visit in the surroundings of Oaxaca Centro. It is known for its inhabitants to have a large tradition in the making of textiles and other types of art crafts such as flower candles, etc. If you’re looking to learn about the traditional weaving process to create unique textile pieces, or you want to buy beautiful rugs, Teotitlán del Valle is your place!

Hierve el Agua

The petrified waterfalls and natural pools of Hierve el Agua have been closed during the  Covid-19 Pandemic. Nowadays, Hierve el Agua is partially open . There are political discrepancies between the communities running the place and the Mexican government, hence traveling with local tour companies is nowadays the best bet.

Natural pools of Hierve el Agua

Petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua

Tlacolula de matamoros sunday market.

This is one of the top markets in the state of Oaxaca. The market covers all the main streets in this Mexican town. Indigenous communities come from all over to sell their products. Prices are very affordable. I have been told that it was even bigger and more impressive before Covid, but nowadays is also a very nice market to wander around. 

Be part of a Temazcal Ceremony

There are many Temazcals in Mexico and Oaxaca is one of these states where you can do a proper Temazcal Ceremony. Every experience is different and very unique. The ceremony follows the ancestral rituals of cleansing the mind and body. There is a Chaman leading you throughout the process and the duration might be different each time, but it can go between the hour and the 2 hours. This is the Temazcal that I went to and I would totally recommend it.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla and surroundings

Also known as Mitla, this town is a big deal. I would recommend spending at least a day visiting this area. You can visit the Zapotec ruins of Mitla , drink amazing micheladas (some of the best I have ever had in Mexico), and buy very affordable indigenous handmade clothing in the town street market. 

Outside town, you will find something very fascinating. The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla are part of the UNESCO Heritage and hold paintings dating back to 12.000 years.

Man in a sombrero sitting down in one of the caves

El tule tree.

This is another UNESCO Heritage natural monument. This tree is famous because it is considered to have the widest trunk in the world. These are surely big words but wait to see the tree for yourself, it is quite impressive.

Barro Negro (Black Pottery) at San Bartolo Coyotepec

This is a very particular art craft that has passed through many generations in families in this little town of San Bartolo Coyotepec. The interesting thing to do when coming here is to visit one of the local family workshops and see the elaboration process of the “Barro Negro”.

Hiking in Sierra Norte

This is one of my favorite things I have done out of Centro. Sierra Norte is quite a special region that promotes ecotourism. The area has one of the best-preserved biospheres in Mexico , as well as a number of interesting towns and villages, some of these are spread all over the mountain range and are considered completely autonomous. They are referred to as “Pueblos Mancomunados de Oaxaca” and they work together to maintain themselves with the resources they naturally grow.

You can actually hike through several of them and stay in the cabins and ecolodges that the communities have prepared purposely for visitors. Note that some of these towns are still closed due to the pandemic, it is always better to check if they’re open to tourism before you travel to the area.

Sierra Norte Viewpoint - Santa Catarina Ixtepeji

Visit an alebrijes workshop at san martin tilcajete.

This is the town that inspired some of the characters in the Disney movie Coco. San Martin Tilcajete is known to be one of the pioneers in developing the wooden colorful figurines called Alebrijes. If you’re looking to find some beautiful alebrijes, you might want to come to check this little Oaxacan town.

Marigold flower fields in Zimatlán de Álvarez

Marigold (Cempasúchil) is the flower used in the Dia de Muertos celebrations in Mexico. You can visit the fields and buy them to decorate the house, the altars, and more. Many Instagrammers come here for beautiful photo opportunities too . If you are coming during the month of October this is definitely one of the things to do in Oaxaca.

El Viejo, posing for a photo in his marigolds fields

Where to eat in oaxaca and oaxaca’s best restaurants.

Nationals and foreigners, all come to Oaxaca for the food . Is one of the richest states regarding the variety and quality of its Mexican cuisine. Oaxaca holds a good amount of top-notch restaurants, but I have to be honest here – for 9 months I have tried food all around town and there is nothing like Oaxaca’s street food !

Street food in Oaxaca

Here is a hint on where to find the best street food in town! 

When in Oaxaca, you’ll have to try tlayudas (best are between Mina and Bustamante streets) memelas (found the best in Abastos Market), tortas (my favorite are climbing Panorámica del Fortín street, only 5 minutes away from Centro), and tacos (seems incredible but there aren’t many good options – the best are Tacos de Carmen between Calle Quetzalcóatl and Manuel Garcia Vigil)! You can also find good tacos near the bus station too.

But let’s get serious, Oaxaca owns a kick-ass street burger : the Cangreburger! (usually found in front of Santo Domingo or at Calle Ignacio de Allende with Manuel Garcia Virgil) and before leaving town, I discovered my new favorite thing that I have personally nick-named el “Tortaco” which is a Torta with 4 tacos inside it that can be found between streets Bustamante and Aldama. Honestly, street food is heaven in this city!

Tacos de Carmen street stall, Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s best restaurants.

Some pretty good restaurants in Oaxaca are Los Danzantes Oaxaca (high-end Mexican food), Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante (pretty good Oaxaca food), Casa Taviche (nice quality / decent price Mexican meals), Boulenc (best pizza and bread), and La Popular (very affordable and good quality local food). Try the seven types of mole in a restaurant too! One of my favorite restaurants for mole is Restaurante Coronita. There are so many food options that it is actually quite difficult to cover it all if you’re coming for just a few days!

Of course, drinking Mezcal is a very Oaxaca thing to do, so that’s one you cannot miss!  Some of the best Mezcalerías in town are Mezcalerita , Mezcalogía , and Mezcalería Los Amantes (this last is a bit pricy), but again, there are many options, especially in Centro.

Man, playing his guitar in Mezcalería Los Amantes

Where to stay in oaxaca: best oaxaca hotels.

When coming to Oaxaca, especially for a short period of time, I always recommend staying in Centro . However, there are other nice alternatives. Many people choose the boroughs of Jalatlaco or Xochimilco and others stay in Reforma too. Any of these areas are a good option and the closer you can be to Centro, the better, no matter which borough you choose to stay.

Here are some ideas depending on your budget  (from low to high budget)

Selina Oaxaca & Casa Angel Hostel are two of the best hostels in town, both located in Centro

Las Mariposas Eco-Hotel & Studios is an eco-friendly hotel with incredible charm

Me, chilling in a hammock at Casa Bumgabilias B&B, Oaxaca Centro

Casa Carlota is located in a calm area in Centro with a wonderful rooftop

Casa de las Bugambilias B&B This is a beautiful Oaxacan style hotel in Centro

Boulenc Bead & Bread Modern hotel in Centro, close to Zocalo and Santo Domingo

Casa de Sierra Azul is a beautiful Hacienda-inspired hotel

Quinta Real Oaxaca is a historic hotel that was part of a former convent. This is, in my opinion, the most unique hotel in town

Tours in Oaxaca

There are so many things to do in Oaxaca that it is overwhelming! It has taken me some time to create a sensitive list of companies to recommend when visiting Oaxaca. As travelers, when we are in a new area and we don’t know what is best, we sometimes get trapped into massified/generic tours that often result in being pointless to experienced travelers.

While in Oaxaca, I’ve seen and done a bit of everything myself, but the longer I stayed in the city, the better choices I made regarding the companies I would do tours with. Some are more pricey than others, but I have personally joined all of the tours that I recommend below and therefore I can safely say that these experiences are really worth it.

THE BEST MEZCAL EXPERIENCE I had in Oaxaca. Mezcal is a synonym of Oaxaca and vice versa. You haven’t really experienced the wonders of this Mexican state if you haven’t visited a Mezcal distillery or Palenque. This tour will take you to a Palenque owned by a local family that has worked in the distillation of the Agave (mezcal plant) for generations. You will visit the agave fields, plant your own baby agave (my favorite thing on this tour), be part of the distillation process, and all of this while drinking Mexico’s best spirit! Want to learn more about mezcal? I have written a detailed article as a  brief Mezcal guide !

Maestro mezcalero, looking at the agave fields with his son

EAT WORLD-CLASS CHOCOLATE & MAIZE while you learn about the origin and legends around them. This is one of the most original (and tastiest) tours in Oaxaca! It is absolutely engaging from minute one. Chris (the guide) is very knowledgeable and definitely knows his stuff when it comes to teaching you all about cacao & maize. I personally, didn’t know how much I didn’t know about these two millenary foods! I would totally recommend booking a tour with him. If you’re interested, send me an email or a private IG DM and I will connect you with Chris.

OAXACA ARTISAN TOURS. This was my third experience having Victor as a tour guide and my favorite of all! Victor is a natural storyteller. He is also very well connected and has friends all over Oaxaca. Thanks to his connections, local families and businesses open their doors to visitors offering very intimate experiences that will surely stick with you forever! In this tour, you will visit several Oaxacan artisans and learn about their work and the arduous process to get their products and art crafts out the door for everyone to admire. You can learn more about his tour here ! you can also contact me privately for a discount on this tour as Victor has become a good friend!

Join a TEXTILE TOUR in Teotitlan del Valle. Since my arrival to Oaxaca, I heard about the many textile tours being run from Centro to some of the surrounding towns. I had the chance to do a couple of tours and I absolutely recommend the Traditional Weaving Tour in Teotitlan as one of the best things to do in Oaxaca.  You’ll spend half a day with a local Zapotec family who has been working for generations on the making of different textiles. You will learn the complete process of how to create the wool threads and obtain the colors to dye the wool. The best part for me was learning a few words in Zapotec and creating my own textile piece using a 90+ year loom. Eating with the family was also something very special. Overall it was a beautiful and very intimate experience and you can read  my complete review here

Me, learning to wave my own coaster

Full day tour of MONTE ALBAN & THE OAXACAN ARTISAN HERITAGE

I consider this tour to be a must-see and I would prioritize this as one of the things to do in Oaxaca. One cannot comprehend the importance of the Mexican archeological sites as a whole without visiting the magnificent ruins of Monte Alban. This tour will include a guided visit to the ruins, a visit to several local artisans outside Centro, where you will learn about alebrijes (colorful wooden figurines) and about the working techniques used during generations to create unique pieces of black pottery. 

This is a full-day tour, but it is totally worth it, especially if you’re coming for a short period of time to Oaxaca! The tour is run by a local tour company, so there is no website to link you to, but you can text me and I will be delighted to connect you with them.

Barro Negro artisan working

Get your best Oaxaca souvenir by getting a PHOTOSHOOT in the best spots in the city. During my months living in Oaxaca, I met several photographers, one of them was Juan Pablo. I had the opportunity to work with him and I completely fell in love with his work and the dedication and passion he puts into everything he does! Not only is he a photographer but a wonderful person – you will love hanging out with him!

If you want a different experience in Oaxaca and would like to have proof of the memories for life, I would recommend booking a photoshoot with Juan Pablo , I consider him to be the best photographer in town!

Best time to visit Oaxaca

Oaxaca is an all-year-round destination. Depending on the season, the city is preparing for a different festivity. I personally think Oaxacans have always a wonderful cheerful attitude – they love to celebrate life! Proof of that is the many Calendas (public celebrations of private events that take place around town) where everyone is invited to join the party. 

Three of the most important festivities take place between the months of July and December, making this period the best time to visit Oaxaca. These are the Guelaguetza Festival (all of July), Día de Muertos (the last week of October and the beginning of November), and Noche de Rábanos (23rd of December). If you come during this period you will find an incredible amount of new events and things to do in Oaxaca – sometimes is even overwhelming!

How to get to Oaxaca

Oaxaca has an international airport located less than 1h from the city center. However, not many international cities have direct connections to Oaxaca. Most of the US, LATAM, and European flights connect directly with Mexico City instead. Here is how to get to Oaxaca Centro from:

• Mexico City

There are daily buses with several companies. I would recommend taking the Ado buses. They’re comfortable and take around 6h to get to Oaxaca main station. A great alternative is using the GuateGo transfers . They are really professional and work pretty well all around Mexico. 

You can also fly from Mexico City to Oaxaca’s international airport. This is a 1h approx duration flight. It can be more expensive than the bus, but it worth checking prices before flying tho. 

• Puerto Vallarta / Baja California / Caribbean Coast

Always better to fly to Oaxaca’s International airport from any of these areas since the journey is incredibly long. Due to covid, connections are now very limited, so probably the way to go is flying to Mexico City and then choosing either to fly from there to Oaxaca or take the bus.

If you still prefer traveling on land, again GuateGo transfers are great to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca City.

If you’re traveling from Chiapas, flying from Tuxtla International airport is one option. Ado buses are good too. Here is another way to travel from Tuxtla to Oaxaca City by land.

• Puebla or Guerrero

There are several buses that connect Oaxaca with the surrounding states. From Puebla City , you’ll spend around 4h on the bus, whereas from Acapulco , your journey will take up to 12h. Again, an alternative to these transfers is the Ado Buses.

How many days do you need for Oaxaca

The number of days recommended to visit Oaxaca will depend on your desired travel itinerary. If you’re only visiting Oaxaca de Juárez, I would say 5 days would be ideal, you can check my 5-Day Itinerary to visit Oaxaca City . However, many travelers don’t have that much time, so as an alternative, here is a suggested  3-Day Itinerary I have put together that will help you maximize your days in Centro.

The state of Oaxaca offers very different sceneries. You might want to check the Pacific coast, where you’ll find incredible seafood, less crowded beaches, and more affordable prices than the Mexican Caribbean side. You will also be able to catch some pretty good waves and surf every day in Puerto Escondido and do yoga and relax in the small Mexican town of Mazunte. I would say, 7 days around the coast would be the minimum stay to properly cover this area.

Playa Carrizalillo drone shot, Puerto Escondido

If on the contrary, you’re more of a mountain person, you might prefer the pure/fresh air and breathtaking sunsets over the neverending pine fields of San José del Pacifico or hike across the small independent towns of Sierra Norte. A 2-night extra stay would be more than enough for any of the two mountain areas from Oaxaca Centro.

Sunset in San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca

How to move around in oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a very walkable city. If you’re planning to travel out of the city center to any of the surrounding towns or areas, you can check how to get there using public transport . Alternatively, you can use a Colectivo Taxi (shared taxi), or if you prefer a more comfortable but slightly pricier option, you can order a Didi (equivalent to Uber) if your destination is not too far.

Is Oaxaca safe?

I consider Oaxaca a safe place to visit. I have never had a bad experience living and traveling in Oaxaca, but you are still in Mexico, so the little tips and tricks to be safe in the country, also apply to Oaxaca de Juárez. 

Depending on the time of the year, I would recommend taking more precautions. Festivities like Guelaguetza or Día de Muertos congregate more people than usual so the number of muggings also increases. Taking a “Didi” home (the equivalent of Uber) especially if it’s dark and you’re a bit drunk or avoiding dark/isolated streets, are things that you can do to play it smart and avoid unwanted situations.

Living in Oaxaca

Have I already convinced you? If you have already traveled to Oaxaca or simply are willing to take the leap and move to Oaxaca Centro, know that I couldn’t recommend it enough. I had the most amazing experience living in Oaxaca and I loved my life every day. I would be very happy to answer any questions you may have related to this topic, but in the meantime, I would suggest reading my Oaxaca Digital Nomad Guide .

Did you find these things to do in Oaxaca useful? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or need any further information about visiting or moving to Oaxaca.

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Nancy Kelly

Thank you so much for this information. We will be in Oaxaca January 21-Feb 1st. Staying at Las Mariposas that you listed. I am interested in the tours you mentioned and once I make a list, I will contact you for more information. Sincerely, N. K.

Luna Rodriguez

Hi Nancy – Thank you so much for your message! Glad you hear the guide is useful! You’re going to love Oaxaca, excited for you to visit! Happy for you to pick my brains once you have your list! I can also get discounts depending on the tours you choose! Feel free to reach out once you got your plan sorted!

Hi Luna, Here are the places I could use help with as far as guides and tours. Full day tour of Mt Alban and Oaxacan Artisan Heritage San Pablo Villa de Mitla and Surroundings El Tule Tree Hierve El Agua tour Sierra Norte for hiking Tlacoula de Matamoros Sunday Market-here I believe we can just take a taxi. We will be in Oaxaca 11 days so plenty of time to explore many other sights.

Thank you! Nancy Kelly

Thanks Nancy, I have sent you an email to help you figurate out your tours. Have wonderful day!

Thanks for the great info! Was interested in the hike you mentioned around GUELAGUETZA auditorium? Is there a path?

Thanks! Vanessa

Hola Vanessa! There are pathways but sometimes they might not be very clear. However you’re not very far from the city and if you’ve got google maps, you can easily make your way up to the hill there. I’ve done it a few times myself and it is always a nice activity to do near centro. Have fun!

Celeste cooper

Can you please explain more how you did the Sierra Norte? I have not found much information online about how to organise my time there. Thank you!

Hello Celeste – Thank you for reading this article and for your comment. I have just sent you an email to your email address.

Hola Lunna, Tu guía es excepcional y muy completa, gracias por compartirnosla. Mi esposa y yo estaremos del 23 de Febrero al 29 de Febrero en Oaxaca y despues del 29 de Febrtero al 4 de Marzo en Huatulco. Me recomiendas rentar auto o cual es tu mejor consejo?

Hola Cesar,

muchas gracias por leer el blog. Me hacen feliz tus palabras! Acabo de enviarte un correo respondiendo a tu pregunta. Un cordial saludo, Luna R.

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The Most Beautiful Destinations to Visit in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca state is a hotbed of culture, from ancient indigenous ruins to beach yoga opportunities and (arguably) the best chocolate in the world. Whether you want to surf waves, spot dolphins or browse the best arts and crafts in Mexico, you can do it in Oaxaca.

Stretching from the mountains to the sea, the state of Oaxaca in the south of Mexico is celebrated as a bedrock of indigenous culture as well as the arts and crafts capital of Mexico. Then there are the rock formations at Hierve el Agua, the untouched sandy beaches in Zipolite and the pre-Hispanic ruins at Yagul.

1. Oaxaca City

Architectural Landmark

A trip to Oaxaca wouldn’t be complete without a stopover in its capital city. If you’re flying in, you’ll likely land in Oaxaca City anyway, so it makes sense to make the most of it straight away. Oaxaca’s zócalo (main square) is right in the middle of downtown. Stalls and street vendors pack out the plaza – make sure you try Oaxacan chocolate, arguably the most important export from the area – and the 16th-century Metropolitan Cathedral towers overhead. Nearby, in the colonial center, artisan markets, museums and regional meals await.

2. Puerto Escondido

Natural Feature

Surfers flock to Puerto Escondido for sun, sand and some of the best waves in Mexico. The town has a reputation for being laid-back and you won’t find mega-resorts like those in Cancún or Puerto Vallarta here. Even if you’re not there to hang ten, you’ll still want to get in the water. Head to the Manialtepec Lagoon, just 20 minutes outside of town, which is one of the few places where you can swim with glow-in-the-dark, bioluminescent plankton that light up the lake.

3. Monte Albán

Archaeological site, Ruins

Down the Pacific Coast, sleepy surf towns dot the shore. One of these is Mazunte, a pueblo mágico (meaning it has special status from the tourism board) known for its black-sand, volcanic beach, Playa Mermejita. Yoga teachers offer classes year-round on the beach and, depending on the season, you may be able to spot dolphins, whales or tortoises breaking the water from a tour starting at Playa Mazunte.

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5. Zipolite

Right down the coast from Mazunte, Zipolite is another hidden-away, laid-back village, but with a slightly more risqué reputation. Zipolite’s Playa del Amor, on the edge of town, has long been a popular, clothing-optional beach, where it’s not uncommon to see swimmers baring all in the water. Now, attitudes at the town’s main beach, Playa Zipolite, are also relaxing, thanks to a nearby nudist hotel and the beach’s annual nudist gathering.

6. Hierve el Agua

Spa, Natural Feature

You won’t find hot springs at Hierve el Agua – which literally translates as “the water boils” – but you can swim in the small mineral-heavy waters, said to have healing powers, at the top of the tall rock formation. Mineral buildup over the years has created the illusion of two white-rock waterfalls down the cliff. While this is a trip worth making, double-check that it’s open before you go, as the site is often closed due to disputes between the state and nearby communities.

7. Bahías de Huatulco

Even further down the coast from Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, the nine bahías (bays) of Huatulco are a set of off-map beaches that have just been uncovered from the surrounding thick forest in the past few decades. One – the bay of Cacaluta – even stood in for the fictional Heaven’s Mouth beach in Alfonso Cuarón’s 2001 film Y Tu Mamá También . The waves at Bahías de Huatulco are less intense than in Puerto Escondido, so if you’re new to surfing, this might be the place to pick up a board.

To the southeast of Oaxaca City, Mitla once held an important role for the Zapotec people. While Monte Albán was the political powerhouse, Mitla (translating to “place of the dead”) served a religious role as a sacred burial site. Here, you’ll find intricately carved stonework unlike anything else in Mesoamerica, along with the Church of San Pablo, which the raiding Spanish placed on top of the conquered city.

Down the road from Mitla, Yagul was an ancient Zapotec city-state occupied as early as 500 BCE, although cliff paintings in the area date back to at least 3,000 BCE. You can get a sense of ancient Zapotec life by exploring the site’s three areas: a fortress formed from volcanic rock, the ceremonial center and the residential living quarters on the outskirts of the ruins. There’s even a labyrinthine palace, hidden tombs and the second-biggest ancient playing field in all of Mesoamerica on the grounds.

10. Punta Cometa Lookout Point

It’s worth stopping in Mazunte just for the incredible vistas from this viewpoint. It’s the best vantage point in the village, And we recommend arriving at dusk to see the sun sink across the horizon in streams of yellows, oranges and purples. Or, if you’re an early riser, do the opposite: watch the sun creep up from the east, then go for a swim on Mazunte Beach before it gets too hot.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in Oaxaca for a local experience . Inspire your itinerary with the best things to see in Oaxaca state , as well as the top things to do in Oaxaca city . Don’t miss the best restaurants in Oaxaca City .

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26 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca, Mexico in 2024

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Published On: March 25, 2024

Oaxaca isn’t at the top of most people’s Mexico travel itineraries, but it should be. Located in the south of Mexico, close the Pacific Ocean, Oaxaca is a city where ancient traditions flawlessly blend with modern life. It’s a place where you can discover indigenous Mexican culture by touring ancient ruins and visiting some of the best natural landmarks in Mexico.

Oaxaca is also one of Mexico’s safest cities, making it an excellent destination for first-timers in the country. Especially because it features so many fun and interesting things to do that you’ll never want to leave. Read more: Is Mexico City Safe To Visit? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

And if it’s not the Zapotec ruins or the local art museums that make you fall in love with the city, it will be the food . From the best local markets to popular Mezcal distilleries, here are all the best things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Best of Oaxaca Quick Guide

• Must See: Monte Alban, Zocalo, Hierve el Agua, The Church and Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Oaxaca markets, Museo Rufino Tamayo, Yagul
• Where To Stay : Las Mariposas Hotel & Studios , Hotel Parador de Alcalá, Hotel Siglo XVII Art Gallery
• Fun To Do: Cooking class, Mezcal tastings, Day of the Dead festival, Benito Juarez National Park
• Day Trips : Mitla, Puerto Escondido, Artisanal towns
• Must Try Foods: Mole, Chocolate, Tlayudas, Memelas, Tamales Oaxaqueños – Check out our guide to The Best Mexican Dishes

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In Oaxaca

The streets of Oaxaca are teeming with history and culture, and it feels like there’s something new to discover at every corner. Whether it’s local craft shops or relics from a different era, the city never fails to impress. Below are some of my favorite attractions in this historic gem.  

1. Oaxaca City Center Walking Tour

Kick off your stay in this Mexican city with a classic walking tour of all the landmarks in the heart of Oaxaca. It’s the best way of getting acquainted with the city’s top sights, and a must if this is your first time here. 

Walking tours of Oaxaca usually take 2-3 hours, depending on which one you book. Some of the places that are included in all tours of Oaxaca are the main city square of Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the Benito Juarez monument at Parque Juarez El Llano, and a few others. 

A stroll down Macedonio Alcala is the highlight of any walking tour of Oaxaca. The historic cobblestone street is lined with art galleries and restaurants and boasts colorful buildings, vibrant street art, and several craft markets. 

Practical Information: Walking tours of central Oaxaca normally last for 2-3 hours and cost $25-40.  

2. Marvel at The Gilded Interior of Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is one of Oaxaca’s most famous landmarks. The monumental church is located in the heart of the city, and it is included in most walking tours of Oaxaca. 

It’s an interesting-looking building, but it doesn’t appear that special on the outside. That is until you pass through the gates and glimpse the lavish interior. The walls and ceiling are adorned with beautiful paintings, and much of the temple interior is gilded. The altar is almost entirely covered with gold, and it looks absolutely magnificent. 

Practical Information: Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Entrance to the church is free of charge. 

3. Attend a Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class

Mexico is an excellent destination for culinary tours and experiences. I’m a little biased because I love Mexican food, but Oaxacan cuisine is some of the country’s best. It’s known for Mole, the traditional Oaxacan sauce made with chiles. But there are seven classic versions of Mole, and each is served with a different dish.

Book a cooking class in Oaxaca, and you’ll learn how to make Mole, empanadas, arroz con leche, and other Mexican dishes using traditional methods. Tortillas,and fried plantain are some of the foods you can learn how to make, but you can choose your favorites. 

After you’ve gotten your hands dirty and learned how to prepare some of the best Oaxacan foods, you’ll get to devour the fruits of your labor. I won’t lie, that’s my favorite part of any cooking class. 

Practical Information: Cooking classes in Oaxaca usually last 4-6 hours and cost $100-150. 

4. Check Out The Exhibit at  The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca

The majestic Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca is one of the city’s most important museums for old Zapotec artifacts. It’s located on former monastery grounds, adjacent to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. 

With two floors of exhibits, the museum offers a lot to explore. Head upstairs to see the exhibit of treasures discovered at Monte Alban, as it’s a highlight of the collection. The artifacts displayed include wooden figurines, traditional Zapotec jewelry, handmade weapon holsters, and much more. 

Even the architecture of the museum building is a work of art and warrants paying attention to the walls and ceilings as you explore the different areas of the building. You can even glimpse the Ethnobotanical Garden from some of the museum rooms. 

Practical Information: The Museum of Cultures Oaxaca is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The entrance fee is 90 pesos. 

5. See The Tule Tree

I know, driving to a nearby town just to look at a tree sounds weird, but bear with me for a moment. The Tree of Tule is a Montezuma cypress tree over 1,400 years old. It’s also the widest tree in the world with an estimated circumference of approximately 42 meters. 

The Tule Tree is so big that it was once considered multiple trees. But it was DNA tested (I know!), and the tests confirmed that it’s just one massive tree. Because of its broad crown, its height is almost impossible to measure accurately. Laser measurements from 2005 estimate the tree’s height to 35.4 meters. 

When you’re done admiring this magnificent natural landmark, take the time to explore Santa María del Tule. It might not have many tourist attractions, but it is home to some excellent Mexican restaurants. I recommend Casa Embajador de Oaxaca for its delicious food and extravagant decorations.  This tour is a great way to see the Tule Tree and other highlights of the area.

Practical Information: Santa María del Tule is a 20-minute drive from the city center of Oaxaca. The town is on the way if you’re traveling to Mitla. 

6. Oaxaca Textile Museum

The Oaxaca Textile Museum is a charming little museum you can easily visit during a walking tour of the city center. It’s only a couple of minutes from the historic Zocalo square, and it’s free to enter. 

Pop inside to see Oaxacan textiles, traditional clothing, and whatever temporary exhibit is displayed at the moment. The museum has a small collection and it shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes to tour the place. 

Practical Information : The Oaxaca Textile Museum has a free admission. It’s open from 10 AM to 8 PM. 

7. Ancient History at Monte Alban

Monte Alban is the most important archeological site in Oaxaca. If you have time for just one historic landmark in Mexico, make it this one. It’s just a 20-minute drive from central Oaxaca and is interesting enough to keep you busy for the better part of the day. 

I highly recommend visiting the area with a local guide t o better understand the site’s significance. Monte Alban served as the Zapotec capital from 500 BCE to 800 CE and would later become an important center for the Mixtec as well. 

This historic site has survived the rise and fall of multiple Mesoamerican civilizations and offers invaluable insight into their history and heritages. Also, the views from the complex are excellent; you can see almost all of Oaxaca from here, which puts into perspective just how big the city is. 

Practical Information: Monte Alban is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission fee is 95 pesos. 

8. Tour Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca is located behind the Santo Domingo de Guzmán church. With a curated collection of plants native to Oaxaca, it’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the city streets for a little while. 

Step inside the garden and you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into a jungle, what with all the lush trees and cacti. Visitors can explore the garden only on guided tours, which take place four times a day. It’s important to note that tours in English take place only at 11 PM and are double the cost of tours in Spanish. 

Practical Information : The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca is open for visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tours in Spanish are 50 pesos but tours in English are 100 pesos per participant. 

9. Discover Local Artists at The Museum of Oaxacan Painters

The Museum of Oaxacan Painters is probably the best free museum in the city. It boasts a collection of works from local graphic artists, and it’s one of the best places to visit if you want to discover authentic Oaxacan art.  

Amazing paintings are exhibited at the museum, but also colorful figurines and sculptures. The exhibit often changes, so there’s merit in returning to this museum even if you’ve visited it previously. 

Practical Information: The Museum of Oaxacan Painters is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entrance to the museum is free of charge, and cash donations are encouraged. 

10. Souvenir Shopping at The Local Markets

The markets in Oaxaca are primarily known for food and spices, but also great for trinkets and souvenirs. Featuring countless food stalls, fresh groceries, spices, and all sorts of local handicrafts, they’re by far the best place if you want to mingle with locals and spend your money on unique Mexican items. 

Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre are the two main local markets in Oaxaca. The markets are across the street from one another, so you can easily tour both in a single afternoon. I recommend coming here hungry and exploring the wide selection of local Oaxacan food. 

Insider Tip: Vendors at the local markets usually try to upcharge their items for tourists. Learn some Spanish so you can get better deals when shopping in Oaxaca. 

Practical Information: Mercado Benito Juárez is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on work days. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is open every day from 7 AM to 7 PM. Entrance to both markets is free of charge. 

11. Try (To Make) Oaxacan Hot Chocolate

Chocolate has a very long tradition in Oaxaca. Cacao beans have been grown in this state for centuries, and Oaxaca is one of the country’s largest chocolate producers. 

Exploring the connection between cacao and Oaxaca is one of the best things about the trip to the state. Joining a chocolate-making experience is a great way of understanding more about the local traditions while also learning a new skill. And at the end of the class, you can eat the chocolates you’ve created, which is the best part. 

You don’t have to get your hands dirty if you don’t want to. Just order a delicious hot chocolate at a classic Oaxacan restaurant, and while you’re at it try mole with cacao. It’s the state’s most famous dish. 

Practical Information: Hot chocolate is served in all Oaxacan restaurants and cafes. Chocolate-making classes usually last for 2-3 hours. 

12. Discover The Immense Beauty of Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is one of the best natural landmarks you can discover in Mexico. The geological site is famous for rock formations that look just like waterfalls. It’s an impressive site that might just be the highlight of your trip to Oaxaca. 

In addition to the petrified waterfalls, the nature preserve also features springs and pools. You can swim in the pools, just keep in mind that the water is quite cold. The views of the surrounding landscapes are wonderful and a big reason why so many people visit the place. 

Insider Tip: Hierve el Agua can get very crowded during the day when the tourist buses arrive. Visit the place later in the afternoon (4-5 PM), for smaller crowds, ideally after you’ve toured Mitla. 

Practical Information: The entrance fee for Hierve el Agua is 50 pesost. The nature preserve is roughly 15 kilometers from Mitla and 65 kilometers from Oaxaca.  You can also take this guided tour to see the waterfalls and other popular destinations near Oaxaca.

13. Visit an Artisinal Town 

Oaxaca State is home to many small artisanal towns and villages. All those colorful items you see at the city’s markets are made in those towns, and you can go straight to the source for an even better selection of vibrant local handicrafts. Many artists also hold workshops where you can learn about their craft and see if you’d be any good at it. 

Teotitlán del Valle and Santo Tomás Jalieza are best known for handmade rugs and textiles, while San Antonino Castillo Velasco artisans create gorgeous embroidered pieces. San Bartolo Coyotepec and Santa María Atzompa are famous for handmade black and green pottery, respectively. And San Martín Tilcajete is renowned for alebrijes, the colorful wooden figurines. 

Practical Information: Santa María Atzompa is the closest artisanal town to Oaxaca (20-minute drive or 1-hour bus ride). 

14. Stop By A Mezcal Distillery 

Mezcal has been produced in Oaxaca for centuries. The state is the largest producer of the drink, and more than 90% of Mezcal sold in the world comes from here. I really don’t think it counts if you visited Oaxaca if you didn’t at least try it once! 

The best way to learn about Mezcal in Oaxaca is to tour a distillery. They’re abundant in the small towns and villages just outside the city and are often included in tours of Mitla, Hierve el Agua, and other famous landmarks near Oaxaca. The distilleries in Santiago Matatlan are the leading in the state, and they’re only a short detour from Mitla. 

Some of the best Mezcal tours in Oaxaca start in agave fields and end with delicious tastings. Learn about every step of Mezcal production while trying all the different iterations of the local drink. Just don’t do it on an empty stomach!

Practical Information: Santiago Matatlan is 10 minutes from Mitla and 55 minutes from Oaxaca City. 

15. Hiking at Benito Juarez National Park

Benito Juarez National Park is a 10-minute taxi drive from downtown Oaxaca. It’s the best destination near the city for hiking, mountain biking, and endless panoramic views. If you want to escape the crowded streets of Oaxaca and spend some time in nature, this is one of the best destinations close to the city. 

The park also offers the opportunity to spot some native Oaxacan flora and fauna. The hiking trails are marked and perfectly safe, and will take you to some fabulous viewpoints. There’s also a playground for children here, and several interesting sculptures are scattered throughout the national park. 

Practical Information: Benito Juarez National Park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is 20 pesos. 

16. Zapotec Ruins at Yagul

Yagul is another excellent archeological site in Oaxaca. The place is not to be missed if you’re on a mission to uncover all the best historic landmarks of this Mexican state. Also, Yagul is on the way when driving from Oaxaca towards Mitla or Hierve el Agua, so you can easily visit on the same day as one of the other attractions. 

This archaeological site is less famous than Monte Alban and Mitla, so it usually features much smaller crowds. Come here to discover the remnants of a former Zapotec city-state; if you’re lucky, you might have the entire place to yourself. 

Practical Information: The Yagul archaeological site is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee is 95 pesos. 

17. Mitla Archeological Ruins

The archeological site of Mitla is one of the best historic attractions near Oaxaca de Juarez. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from the city center, and you can combine this day trip with visits to other popular landmarks in the area as you’ll pass close to several notable sights. 

Mitla is a top destination in Mexico for Zapotec and Mixtec ruins, second in importance only to Monte Alban. The name “Mitla” is Nahuatl language and it roughly translates to “Place of the Dead”, indicating the site’s function as a sacred burial ground. Although it was first established by the Zapotec, the influence of Mixtec culture is evident in the area.  

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for ancient tombs and geometric mosaics that adorn most of the complex. The blend of Zapoted and Mixtec architectural styles is a wonderful sight and makes this area one of the best for understanding the culture of ancient Oaxaca. I recommend doing a guided tour of the complex so you can learn a lot about Mitla’s history and significance. 

Practical Information: Mitla is approximately an hour’s drive from central Oaxaca. The admission fee to the site is 80 pesos. 

18. Day Trip to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a beach town in southern Mexico and a very popular destination for a seaside vacation. If you have a car in Oaxaca, you can drive to this charming town in about three hours and enjoy a day on the beach. 

The town is known for fabulous resort hotels, vast sandy beaches, and a buzzing nightlife. And because it’s pretty much a resort town, it’s a very safe destination in Mexico. Come here for swimming and sunbathing during the day, and dancing and cocktails at night. 

Practical Information: This beach town is roughly a three-hour drive from Oaxaca. Buses take 9-10 hours to travel between the two towns on average. Local flights are also available. 

19. Partake in Day Of The Dead Festivities

The Day of The Dead festival is one of the most important in Mexican culture. It’s a big event in every city in Mexico , and Oaxaca is no exception. The locals build altars, visit cemeteries, and pay respects to the deceased, whose spirits are believed to return home to spend time with their families. 

Day of the Dead is celebrated with parades, street performances, and music shows. Locals don colorful costumes as they take to the streets, and celebrations last well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Because the festival lasts for only two days, you’ll have to plan your trip around it if you really want to attend. Remember that Oaxaca is jam-packed during Dia de Los Muertos and hotels are booked out months before the festival. 

Practical Information: The Day of The Dead Festival begins on the eve of October 31st and lasts until the 2nd of November. 

20. Sensory Overload at Tlacolula Sunday Market

Every Sunday, vendors from all over the state flock to Tlacolula for the weekly farmer’s market. It’s about 45 minutes outside Oaxaca city and a great place for souvenir shopping. 

Oaxaca state is known for its many artisanal towns that produce unique handicrafts. The artisans bring all their latest and greatest creations to the Sunday market, which is one of the biggest in the state.  

If you’re not able to visit the individual towns and villages, this is the next best thing. Shop for rugs, pottery, and alebrije, but also for fresh spices and cured meats. Street food vendors are also at the Sunday market, offering all the best Oaxacan local dishes. For food, shopping, and a fun time with the locals, this is one of the best things to do near Oaxaca. 

Practical Information: Taxis, buses, and colectivo (shared cars) can take you from Oaxaca to Tlacolula. Expect to spend 30-45 pesos for a ride in a bus or colectivo, but up to 300 pesos for a private taxi transfer, depending on your haggling skills. 

21. Snorkeling at Parque Nacional Huatulco

Parque Nacional Huatulco is a wildlife preserve on the southern coast of Mexico. If you’re staying in Oaxaca for a while, consider coming here for two or three days. It’s an excellent destination for a beach getaway, with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and coral reefs. But it’s also four and a half hours from Oaxaca City, so not the easiest place to visit if you have limited time in Mexico. 

Lounge on the pristine beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters. Most beaches are in secluded bays and the waters are pretty calm. Snorkeling is also very popular in the park thanks to the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life. Private and shared snorkeling tours are available and the latter is a great way to save money and meet other travelers with similar interests. 

Practical Information: Parque Nacional Huatulco is roughly four and a half hours from Oaxaca. Admission to the park is free of charge. 

22. More Ancient Ruins at Atzompa Archeological Site

If you can’t get enough Zapotec ruins in Oaxaca, the Aztompa archaeological site is another historic place to add to your itinerary. Located on a hill just a 20-minute drive from central Oaxaca, it’s a place you can easily visit on quick day tours. Santa María Atzompa is at the foothill of Aztompa, and you can tour both destinations in a few hours. 

The ruins at this site are similar to those at Mount Alban, but with one major difference – Aztompa is much smaller and attracts fewer crowds. This place is practically deserted compared to Mount Alban, and it’s a great destination for travelers who want to discover Zapotec ruins but without the crowds that are common in the more famous areas. 

Practical Information: Atzompa Archeological Site is roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Oaxaca. Admission to the site is free of charge. 

23. Museo de Sitio Casa Juárez

Museo de Sitio Casa Juárez will be interesting for some, and utterly boring for others. If you’re generally interested in history and politics, try to squeeze a tour of the museum into your itinerary. But if that’s not something that interests you very much, feel free to skip this museum. 

It’s dedicated to Benito Juarez, the first and only indigenous Zapotec president of Mexico. The museum is located in his former house, and it features period furnishings and interesting artworks. Visitors can also tour the small but charming garden and gain some insight into what life was like in Oaxaca more than 150 years ago. 

Practical Information: Museo de Sitio Casa Juárez is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday. The admission fee is 70 pesos. 

25. Visit Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude) is another grand church in Oaxaca city. Dating back to the late 17th century, the basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Oaxaca. The church is off the beaten path and not too popular with tourists, so you shouldn’t encounter large crowds during the visit. 

It features opulent interior decorations, the best of which is a Baroque pipe organ. The walls are adorned with dazzling artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows. 

Practical Information: The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is 10 minutes from the main city square and entrance is free of charge. 

26. The Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol

Located just half an hour south of Oaxaca, the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol is an architectural marvel worth visiting. It boasts a blend of Renaissance, Plateresque, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles, which work incredibly well together at this mesmerizing place. 

The complex features multiple monastery buildings, an unfinished basilica, a spacious courtyard, and a church. Roam around the grounds and pay attention to the details of Mudéjar decorations. Don’t forget to examine the lovely murals, which seamlessly blend indigenous Mexican mythology with Roman Catholic iconography. 

Practical Information : The Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is 75 pesos. 

24. Discover Pre-Hispanic Art at Museo Rufino Tamayo

The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art is a popular attraction among art lovers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of local culture. It’s located in the heart of Oaxaca, just five minutes from Zocalo. 

The museum houses the personal collection of Olga and Rufino Tamayo. One of the main reasons why they wanted to open a museum was to prevent the illegal sale of these artifacts on the black market. 

Each of the pieces exhibited here offers insight into the culture of the indigenous people in Mexico. The museum’s five rooms house more than 1,000 artifacts, and the entire place can be toured in under an hour. 

Practical Information: The Rufino Tamayo Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Monday. The entrance is free of charge.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many days do you need in Oaxaca?

You need at least four days to explore Oaxaca and its surroundings thoroughly. 2-3 days are enough for the top sights in the city limits but allow for 1-2 days for day trips for important landmarks west and south of the city. 

What’s the best time to go to Oaxaca?

The best time to go to Oaxaca is between April and November because this is the dry season in Oaxaca. The city is especially popular at the beginning of November when the Día De Los Muertos festival takes place. It is also one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Mexico.

What food is Oaxaca known for?

Oaxaca is famous for it delicious food but the most famous ones are mole, chocolate, and tlayudas. Mezcal and hot chocolate are Oaxaca’s best drinks. 

Is it safe to travel to Oaxaca right now?

Yes, it’s safe to travel to Oaxaca if you take all the standard precautions. Oaxaca is one of the safest places in Mexico and generally one of the best tourist destinations. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Oaxaca

Best Time To Visit 

The best time to visit Oaxaca de Juarez is in late spring or early fall. The city is most popular from April to November, and many tourists make it a point to come to the Mexican city for the Day of the Dead festival, which takes place at the start of November. This is the most popular time to be in Oaxaca, which also translates to large crowds. 

If you want to go when there aren’t as many tourists around, consider traveling between April and June. It’s the start of the rainy season in the city, and the crowds are generally much smaller. 

Getting There

If you can, try to fly to Oaxaca International Airport. It’s the closest airport to Oaxaca City, just a 20-minute drive from the center. It’s serviced only by airlines from North America and Latin America, with direct flights from the Mexico City airport. 

Taxis are available at the airport and can transport you into town for approximately 395 pesos ($25). You can haggle with the taxi drivers and it’s generally best to agree on a price before the ride. 

Getting Around

Walking is the best way of getting around central Oaxaca. You can visit most tourist attractions in the heart of the city on foot, but you’ll need to rely on a different mode of public transport to visit the landmarks that lie outside of Oaxaca City. Buses run to popular tourist destinations but they’re not reliable. Also, a 20-minute drive equates to a 2-hour bus drive, so I don’t recommend relying on the bus if you’re trying to be efficient. 

Consider getting a rental car if you’ve traveled to Mexico previously and you know what to expect on the road. Otherwise, it might be more hassle than it’s worth. The roads are not in the best condition and the traffic can be a nightmare, especially in the central parts of the city. Having a car is great for driving to places like Mitla, but keep in mind that you can just as easily book tours and let someone else figure out the transportation. 

How Much Time Do You Need

You need at least four days in Oaxaca for a proper tour of the city. There’s a lot to do and see in the city and it takes at least 2-3 days to visit all the notable buildings and landmarks in the Oaxaca city center. The rest of the trip can be spent touring historic landmarks and archaeological sites throughout the state. 

If you can plan for an even longer trip, you could include a short stay on the coast. Spend a night or two in the Huatulco National Park to end your trip to Mexico with a relaxed beach vacation. 

Safety in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca is one of the safest cities in Mexico, and it’s generally a great destination for tourists. The most common crimes are petty theft and pickpocketing, which could be said for virtually any other major city in the world. If you take all the standard precautions, you shouldn’t have any negative experiences while you’re in Oaxaca. 

And what do I mean by standard precautions? Don’t wear flashy jewelry and designer clothes and always keep an eye on your valuables. Wear a money bag under your t-shirt or a crossbody bag that you’ll always keep one hand on. Be extra careful in crowded areas, and never flash wads of cash. Also, whatever you do don’t go to the observatory. It’s a hotspot for muggings at knifepoint, and tourists should stay far away. 

Where To Stay In Oaxaca

Centro is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors in the city. All the popular tourist attractions will be a short walk from the hotel, as well as the city’s best bars and restaurants. Staying in Centro is particularly great for trips during the Day of the Dead festival when the streets of Oaxaca are particularly crowded, and the traffic becomes a nightmare. Here are some of the best hotels in Oaxaca for all budgets: 

• Las Mariposas Hotel & Studios is an affordable hotel just five minutes from the heart of Oaxaca. 
• Hotel Parador de Alcalá is a four-star hotel in the city center with a nice outdoor pool. 
• Hotel Siglo XVII Art Gallery is a premium five-star hotel just minutes from Zocalo Square. 

So now that you know all of the incredible attractions, outdoor adventures and about the Oaxacan Culture make sure to add Oaxaca to your Mexico itinerary, you will find it is worth going a little off the beaten path for lot of reward.

Read more to help plan your trip to Oaxaca and Mexico

• 4 Days in Oaxaca Itinerary
• 27 Best Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
• 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
• 26 Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

From booking ahead to what to pack, plan your trip to Oaxaca with this know-before-you-go info Monica Rodriguez / Getty Images

Cultural capital Oaxaca 's combo of authentic regional flavor and big-city grit makes it one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico .

So whether you're hanging in atmospheric mezcal bars or embracing soulful Day of the Dead festivities, these top tips should serve you well.

Here are 10 things you should know when planning your trip to Oaxaca City.

1. Book ahead for Día de Muertos and Guelaguetza

Reserve accommodations months in advance if you plan on visiting in November for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) or in July for the Guelaguetza Festival (a renowned cultural event showcasing Oaxaca's folkloric dance and music).

Sure, room rates are pricier this time of year, but the city’s impressive array of lodging options caters to all budgets, from affordable hostels and guesthouses in spacious old homes to brilliant B&Bs and non-franchise boutique hotels in the heart of the historic center.

2. Safety: don't let the headlines spook you

Despite the much-publicized news about Mexico's drug-related violence, Oaxaca remains a relatively safe place to visit.

Of course it's wise to take common-sense safety precautions, as you would anywhere else, but in general, tourists in Mexico rarely get caught up in disputes between rival drug gangs and that's especially true for Oaxaca, a state that has been mostly spared from the violence. 

The US State Department currently has no travel restrictions in place for Oaxaca City, and surrounding areas such as weaving village Teotitlán del Valle , the remote mountain towns of the Sierra Norte and most of the coastal region are considered safe for travelers. 

3. Don't drive in Oaxaca's historic center

Driving in Oaxaca City requires patience, particularly in the hectic historic center, where traffic snarls and a lack of street parking can make life miserable.

You'll be much better off on foot when exploring the Centro's noteworthy sights such as the world-class Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca .

Many downtown streets do not have stop signs or traffic lights but most drivers abide by uno por uno  etiquette, meaning the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection has the right of way.

Beyond city limits, traffic is usually light but expect a fair share of poorly maintained roads with a slew of potholes and unmarked speed bumps.

Also, be aware that protesters regularly stage blockades in Oaxaca. If you come across a roadblock, seek an alternative route or you may find yourself stuck for hours.

When renting a vehicle, always take out liability insurance, known in Spanish as daños a terceros . Walk-in car rentals in Oaxaca start at about M$800 per day with liability coverage included, but you can often find better deals online. Most major credit cards provide free collision coverage for auto rentals.

4. Sip, don't shoot mezcal

When bellying up to a mezcal bar, keep in mind that the distilled agave drink packs quite a punch (usually 45% to 50% alcohol content) and it's best sipped slowly to fully appreciate its distinctive aromatic taste.

Duck into a classic mezcalería such as In Situ to savor the flavor of artisanal mezcals. 

For day trips out to mezcal country in nearby Santiago Matatlán, consider booking a tour with the experts at Experience Agave . Alternatively, if you foresee a boozy DIY romp, you can always leave the driving to a taxi for about M$500 each way. Salud!

5. Take day trips to explore beyond Oaxaca City

With all its museums, art galleries, uniquely savory cuisine and intoxicating nightlife, you may never want to leave the city, but trust us when we say day trips enrich the overall experience.

For a taste of traditional Oaxaca, venture out to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán or head south to visit artisan workshops for an up-close look at how iconic crafts are made, such as alebrijes (surreal wood sculptures based on mythological animals).

6. What to pack: keep it casual and comfy

Even though you'll see fewer people wearing shorts and tank tops in non-beach towns such as Oaxaca City, casual dress is the norm. Don't forget to pack a long-sleeve shirt and long pants for protection against mosquitoes and the sun.

A light jacket is always useful for cool evenings and air-conditioned buses. If you're heading for Oaxaca's sublime tropical coast , take a swimsuit, flip-flops, loose-fitting clothes and insect repellent. For ecotourism outings in the nearby Sierra Norte mountains, bring a heavy jacket.

7. Take your essentials and always carry cash

You'll need a passport for international travel, a driver's license if you're renting a car and credit or debit cards (but always carry cash as some businesses do not accept plastic).

ATMs dispense Mexican pesos and there's usually a 3% international transaction fee tacked on.

You can exchange foreign currency at Oaxaca's international airport or at money exchange offices clustered around the Zócalo , the main square. Most international flights connect through Mexico City.

8. Etiquette: slow down and do the right thing

Oaxacans typically are not sticklers about etiquette but there are several things to be mindful of when interacting with locals. First, remember that life moves at a leisurely pace in this corner of Mexico, so try not to get upset if someone shows up late or if service is slow in a restaurant.

Also, whenever possible, tip generously in restaurants and hotels as gratuities are crucial to the livelihood of workers in Oaxaca, one of the poorest states in Mexico.

Tip 10–15% in restaurants, 5–10% of room costs in a hotel and M$5–10 for parking lot and gas station attendants. Taxi drivers usually do not expect tips, but always welcome them.

When shopping in Oaxaca , prices are fixed in most stores. It's okay to do some friendly haggling with market vendors, but keep a sense of perspective about the amounts you're bargaining over as most folks are just trying to make a living.

9. Don't drink the water, but do eat the street food

Do not drink water from the tap. Instead, purchase bottled water in supermarkets or convenience stores. Most restaurants and hotels serve purified water.

When it comes to street food, it would be a missed opportunity not to take a few risks in a culinary hot spot like Oaxaca. Look no further than the delectable mole tamales at Tamales de San Agustín Yatareni , or the tender pork tacos at the wildly popular Lechoncito de Oro .

You can lessen the chances of getting sick by carrying hand sanitizer and choosing a place to eat that appears to have good hygiene practices.

If you do get a stomach bug,  Hospital Reforma is a decent option with 24-hour medical attention. Call 911 for emergencies.

10. Stay calm: there are frequent earthquakes in Oaxaca 

Oaxaca is located in one of Mexico's most seismically active regions and is prone to frequent (and occasionally strong) earthquakes, but rest assured that most come and go doing little harm.

If you hear the seismic alert system sound, remain calm and move to an open space away from buildings and power lines.

Should a quake hit while you're on the coast, head inland to reach higher ground. 

This article was first published Mar 12, 2022 and updated Jan 24, 2024.

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The best things to do in oaxaca city (by a resident).

If you’re searching for things to do in Oaxaca city, look no further! This is my full Oaxaca travel guide that I put together when living there for 6 months.

You know when you travel somewhere new and just think ‘ woah  this place is somewhere special?’.

That’s what I’ve been feeling like over the last few months in Oaxaca.

I’m no stranger to Mexico or Latin America – my dad actually lived in Mexico City for 4 years when I was younger (it was where my real love for travel was born 🙂 ) but when I returned, I wanted to see somewhere new. And that place was Oaxaca City. 

And what a place it is.

The best things to do in Oaxaca range from wandering around the colourful streets, learning about its cultural heritage in the museums, sipping horrendously strong mezcal (and feeling grotesquely hungover the next morning) and touring the markets.

It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, absolutely bursting with colour, music and happiness.

It’s known by many as one of the best places to live in Mexico , and it’s definitely proved itself true during my time here. 

Oaxaca City FAQs

There have been a few things that I have been asked about Oaxaca, so I’ll cover the top FAQs here.

How the heck do you say it?

Oaxaca comes from an Indigenous word “Huayacac” which means “place of the seed”. Therefore it is pronounced in the Indigenous way, meaning ‘O’ sounds like a ‘W’ and ‘X’ resembles ‘H’. Phonetically, Oaxaca is WA-HA-CA.

How do you get there?

Oaxaca is nestled in the mountains of South Western Mexico.

It sounds like it might be a little out of the way, but in reality, it is just a 6-7 hour bus ride from Mexico City.

If you want to break the journey up, the city of Puebla is well worth a visit  too.

Most Mexican itineraries take travellers to Oaxaca from CDMX (Mexico City) and then through Chiapas state, eventually venturing east to the Caribbean coast.

It is also feasible to cross into Guatemala from Chiapas.

Is Oaxaca safe?

I  probably  feel safer in Oaxaca than I do in London. 

Oaxaca state is one of the safest in Mexico  and the capital definitely reflects this.

I’ve been here 4 months and have never felt my safety compromised, and in fact, have encountered the kindest people time and time again.

Of course, I do take precautions; I don’t walk around on my own at night, I don’t flash my valuables around too much (not that I have any lol) and when I do have my phone or camera out I make sure I put it back into a zipped compartment.

But that’s just common sense.

How Long to Spend in Oaxaca

How long is a piece of string? I spent 6 months there and still haven’t seen it all – although I was  working a lot too.

Most travellers stay in the city for three nights, but I don’t think that’s quite enough to see all of the Oaxaca highlights.

Really, I’d recommend at least five full days . A sample itinerary for five days in Oaxaca could be as follows: 

• Day One:  Walking tour of the city, visit to one of the museums in the afternoon and return to any other places of interest, dinner at La Popular and drinks at La Mezcalaria. 
• Day Two: Oaxacan cooking class in Reforma (this takes all day), dinner at Calabacitas Tiernas, drinks and kareoke at Cucaracha bar. 
• Day Three:  Trip to Monte Alban in the morning, spend some more time wandering around the colourful streets and bustling markets in the afternoon. Make sure you take in Parque el Llano and the Zocalo, as well as all of the connecting streets. Enjoy a more European dinner at Boulenc bakery (the pizzas are unreal!) or grab some street food for dinner. 
• Day Four:  At 10am, do a street art cycle tour around the city with Coyote Aventuras and learn about the politics of the city and the country as a whole, the day of the dead traditions and local flora and fauna through the artwork. Grab some lunch by Santo Domingo and head to another museum in the afternoon. At night head to the baseball stadium for a night of buckets of beer, delicious overpriced curly fries, trying to avoid getting mocked by the cameramen and a bit of actually watching the baseball game. 
• Day Five:  Day trip out west, first to Tule which is home to the widest tree in the world, then to the pueblo of Mitla and its ruins, and finally up the mountain to Hierve al Agua. Return to the city in the evening and enjoy dinner at Tlyaduas el Negro, close to the zocalo.

And I haven’t even started on the surrounding mountains, which are well worth a few days, or the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca yet!

You could spend a month exploring this state and not run out of things to do. 

So what are the best things to do in Oaxaca? I’ll give you a bit of a run down!

Best things to do in Oaxaca

Walk through the colourful streets.

The streets of Oaxaca are an absolute dream.

With houses from all colours of the rainbow spectrum, cobbled streets, palm trees and mountains in the background, it’s hard to imagine a more scenic city.

Add this to some of the old-style cars parked along the streets, and sometimes you’ll feel like you’ve gone back 50 years in time.

On a sunny day, I could spend hours just wandering around the streets of the centre, stopping occasionally for a torta or a taco!

They’re so photogenic, any keen photographer will be in their element here.

Doing a walking tour of the city is a great way to get to know it and its history. It’s a city known for its cultural diversity and there’s many a tale to know about the place!

I would recommend doing a walking tour of the city at first to get to know it some more.

If you are a backpacker, stay in Casa Angel and do their free tour (tips encouraged), or if not, check out the variety of walking tours here.

Ps. the above photo isn’t a depiction of an alien (and human) invasion in Oaxaca, it’s the beginnings of a parade.

I’ll cover these later in the post!

Head to the Zocalo to people watch

If you’re a fan of people watching, the Zocalo is the place for you.

It’s the shady (as in, there are lots of trees not that it’s dodgy) centre of Oaxaca, with markets, balloon sellers, restaurants, a bandstand and a church.

There are often exciting things happening here – the atmosphere when  Mexico beat Germany in the world cup  was insane.

The restaurants are pricier than most other places in the city, but it’s a great experience to see the Zocalo.

I haven’t dined at any myself (yet!), so I can’t comment on the vegan options here.

Visit one of the many museums in the city

You can’t get much more cultural than Oaxaca.

It’s the home of many indigenous groups, making the city centre a melting pot of different types of Mexicans, and the inner city is just bursting with music, art and history.

You can get an essence of its Indigenous culture by just wandering around the city centre, but a way to really absorb the culture of Oaxaca is by viewing its museums .

Some of the best include:

• Arquetopia – a nonprofit foundation focusing on arts and music through galleries and photography centres.
• Museo de las Culturas
• Museo Casa de Juarez
• Museo Textil de Oaxaca
• Museum of Contemporary Art

Head up to the Guelagetza stadium for a 10/10 view

It’s a short but strenuous hike up one of Oaxaca’s many hills (I always seem to settle in places with hills – looking at you, Bristol and  Bath ) to reach the Guelagetza stadium.

Used in late July for the festival celebrations – which celebrates all of the different native tribes of Oaxaca state – the stadium is a great lookout point for the rest of the year.

You can gaze over the city and to the mountains on the other side – you’ll get a good idea how Oaxaca is literally surrounded by mountains.

Wander through the markets

Oaxaca is famed for its many mercados (markets). Wandering through these will give you a great essence of the city.

They sell everything from fresh fruit and veg, to mezcal, to souvenirs, to clothes.

Some focus on delicious food, with stands serving up different dishes and some are better for retail.

I shopped at Mercado de la Merced  every week which focuses on fresh produce and has some dining options.

Other popular ones are:

• Benito Juarez (sells chocolate, mole powder, flowers and juices amongst others)
• 20 de Noviembre (which has more artisan products)
• Teotitlán del Valle (only open on Mondays from 8am to 11am and selling indigenous artisan products sold by women living in communities in the mountains)
• Zaachila (which is a pottery market). There are also markets which specialise in dining. El Pochote is an organic market that is great to eat in. There are a few vegan options here and delicious fresh juices.

Do a bicycle tour of the city’s street art

This tour takes you around the city on two wheels (which if you’ve only just learnt to properly ride a bike like me, is terrifying) and stops at some of the most notable works of street art.

You’ll learn about Mexican politics and history through Oaxaca’s outdoor art gallery, including some of the heartbreaking reasons why there are so many political protests.

There is also a lot of street art about Dia de Los Muertos  (day of the dead) and Mexican flora and fauna – including the spiritual hallucinogenics that are found in the mountains (more about that in a while!).

The tour takes 3-4 hours and is great to see another side of this fascinating city.

Check out  Coyote Aventuras  to book – both English and Spanish speaking tours are available.

See the churches

Like many destinations in Mexico, there are lots of beautiful churches in Oaxaca.   Santo Domingo sits in the city centre. Surrounded by agave plants, it’s a beautiful place inside and out.   There are plenty of other churches all over the city too, so keep an eye out! 

Practice your Spanish

Oaxaca is a fantastic place to learn Spanish.

There’s a range of schools throughout the city – I personally used Spanish Magic. 

They can provide you with homestays or you can just book group or private classes.

Alternatively, you can also attend some of the language exchanges.

The Intercambio at the Oaxaca Lending Library takes place every Saturday at 10am, and Tarde de Lenguas is at a different café each Saturday at 5pm.

Both are free to attend. It’s a great way to make some new friends as well as practice your language skills!

Stroll through Parque El Llano

I spent far too much time in Parque El Llano.

It’s a park towards the north of the centre of the city, and it’s where Convivio coworking space was located.

The park is really nice for a chill and just to observe Mexican life.

You can grab Oaxacan food here and watch the world go by.

It’s also the location for a lot of fiestas, like the Feria de Mezcal (yes that’s a Mezcal fair – and it goes on for 2 weeks!).

There are also music events throughout the year.

See Los Guerreros de Oaxaca play at the baseball stadium

Watching a sport has never been so fun.

Oaxaca is actually a  pretty good  baseball team, but before I went I never realised that the games go on for hours.

So what does one do? Drink buckets of beer and eat their own weight in curly fries, of course!

Beer and food get delivered to your seat and the cameramen scoot around, looking for people they can post on the big screen.

They also randomly start playing extracts from different songs and have a great chant involving the word ‘ Oaxacaaaaaaaaa !’. Everyone gets very enthusiastic about this (especially after 3 buckets of beer).

Games start at around 7:30 pm and finish at 11 – 11:30 pm.

Food and Drink in Oaxaca

Mexican cuisine is world-famous (although it’s really nothing like Taco Bell or the equivalent) and Oaxaca is famous within Mexico for having possibly the best food.

There’s even a British restaurant chain named after Oaxacan cuisine (although it’s pronounced more phonetically).

Because of the range of native cultures in Oaxaca, there is a lot to try throughout the city.

If you’re vegan, some of the options are limited – although you won’t feel like you’re missing out on too much because of it.

I haven’t eaten meat for over 8 years now and didn’t miss it in the slightest when I was in Oaxaca. 

But there is a lot of cheese – the stringy Quesillo that Oaxaca is famous for.

That being said, in the right places, vegan options can be found. 

Here are some examples of delicious cuisine that you should try in Oaxaca – and you can often find vegan options!

• Mole (pronounced mol-ay) – often this sauce made with pig fat, but several locations including a stand in Pascaus Market serve a version made with vegetable stock. It’s a sauce made of… kind of  everything.  Just some ingredients include chocolate, plantain, oregano, salt, tomato, bread… there are a few different theories as to how it was invented, but it is really delicious! 
• Tamales – this is basically dough in a corn husk or banana leaf, served with frijoles (beans) or mole. It is generally not vegan because it is made with pig fat, but vegan options are available.
• Memelas (or Memelitas)  – these are thicker tortillas served typically with beans and cheese. I generally get mine with some vegetables and different salsas.
• Tacos  – you thought I was going to forget, didn’t you? 😉 Tacos are served all over Mexico, and of course in Oaxaca. It’s normally possible to substitute the meat for mushrooms or other vegetables – and some places even sell Seitan as a meat replacement.
• Tlayudas  – lovingly known as a ‘Oaxacan pizza’, these traditionally come with meat and cheese, but vegan versions can be made with refried beans (just check that there’s no animal fat) and vegetables – generally avocado and tomato, although some places offer other options as well. These are best enjoyed at 3am after a night of Mezcal at Txlaparta.
• Sauces – I have a dream about being placed in a room full of guacamole and having to eat my way out. Fresh Guac from Mexico is absolutely divine (and I’m proud to say I can make it now!) and is an absolute must-eat for any visitors to Oaxaca. Plus there’s salsa verde picante  (green spicy salsa) and  salsa roja  (red sauce – kind of spicy but nowhere near as much as the green).
• Refried beans ( frijoles ) often act as a sauce as well – if you don’t eat meat, be careful because it quite often has fat in. Ask whether it contains  grasa  or  manteca   de las animales.  And of course there’s mole… wonderful mole.
• Chocolate Caliente – on a cooler Oaxaca night, chocolate Caliente is an absolute must-drink. It is made with Oaxacan chocolate which is a blend of cocoa, cinnamon and sugar, and is generally made with water although it can be with milk as well. I’ve drunk far too many of these during my time here… #noregrets.

Dine at the Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Restaurants are literally everywhere in Oaxaca. Here’s the best of the best, including both Mexican joints and places to grab a European or American meal if it takes your fancy.

• La Popular  – they mean it when they say it’s popular. Especially on Friday and Saturday nights, this spot is packed out (mainly with foreigners). But they serve up the best guacomole, tlayudas, tacos, tostadas and agua del dia (which is kind of like flavoured water with a stronger flavour) and of course, Mexican beer.
•   Las Quince Letras  – serving up homely Mexican food, Las Quince Letras is a great spot for a family atmosphere and some incredible food. It is well known for its variety of moles and other authentic dishes.
• Okasa  – close to Parque el Llano, this is a great spot for lunch; they serve up a set menu and have good vegan options including soup, fried veggies, rice and beans.
• La Casa de Tio Guero  – this joint has another good set menu (ask for the Comida Corrida) or an a la carte service. It offers vegetarian mole, so it is quite easy to put a meal together with veggies and rice.
• Casa Taviche – I haven’t actually eaten here yet, but they have an 81% excellent rating on TripAdvisor and seriously well-presented food, so they look like a good option! They offer more typical fare including mole and fresh tortillas at a reasonable price.
• Calabacitas Tiernas  – I really enjoy this place. The restaurant is set in what resembles a garden (but it’s under cover!) and they serve vegan, vegetarian and paleo food. I’ve tried pretty much everything on the vegan menu (which has a whole five options!), and while this  might  sound surprising, I really recommend their Thai Green Curry. Plus they do vegan banana bread for puds which is just awesome.
• Cafe Cuiles  – ok, the only thing I’ve tried here is the veggie burger – but sometimes you do just need a good veggie burger, right? Cafe Cuiles hits the spot for this, and rumour has it that the other dishes are pretty tasty as well.
• Boulenc  – a backpacker favourite, if you want to feel like you’re in Italy or Vietnam, head to Boulenc for some delicious pizza or bahn mi. The pizza is  seriously  good. It’s also a bar and event space, so it’s a fun place to rock up to of an evening and then see where the night takes you!

Do a cooking class

On the subject of food, I highly recommend that you take a cooking class in Oaxaca .

I did one with  Cooking Classes Oaxaca  which was an entire day’s worth of eating, drinking and cooking.

We made all the sauces I raved about, memelitas, quesadillas (although I’m not sure what you actually call a quesadilla with no cheese…) and just when we were completely full… it was time to make the main course including mole from scratch.

You get the recipes to take home and there’s an open bar for five hours, top quality banter from Agustin, the owner of the cooking class and a dog to play with. Both Agustin and Esperanza, the chef, speak good English.

I can’t speak for other cooking classes in Oaxaca but this one is well worth the time and money. It costs 1200 pesos per person but it is well worth it.

You might be thinking that you’re going to be getting constantly merry on tequila when you go to Mexico. I’ll let you in on a secret (well it’s not really a secret, that was just for dramatic effect): I’ve been here for four months and I’ve only had tequila once.

And I ended up throwing up until 8 pm the next day.

In Oaxaca, they have a different spirit… mezcal.

You’ll hear about mezcal pretty quickly after you arrive in Oaxaca. I think it was the first thing I was told about the city.

Made from the agave plant, mezcal is produced in the rural regions around the city. Many people claim that one of the best things to do in Oaxaca is to drink mezcal – although depending on how much I drink I sometimes think the opposite!

Mezcal is served in a shot glass, but don’t shot it unless you want your mouth to feel like it’s been engulfed in flames and you want every Mexican to shake their head at you in a bemused fashion.

Mezcal should be sipped and savoured – good quality mezcal doesn’t really taste alcohol but just leaves a smoky sensation in your mouth.

There are plenty of mezcal bars, but you can also purchase the spirit at nearly every restaurant in the city or alcohol or food stores.

If that’s not quite enough mezcal for you, consider a mezcal tour. It will take you to the plantations and mezcal distilleries, and you’ll get to try lots of different types – including some flavoured ones.

You’ll learn all about the history of mezcal and how it became such an instrumental drink in Oaxaca today. Plus, you can of course do some mezcal tasting! 

Oh also, apparently mezcal can’t give you a hangover. I don’t think I agree with this, but that’s what they say…

If mezcal isn’t your thing, beer is also plentiful and cheap in Oaxaca.

The most popular brands are corona and victoria, and dos equis are also plentiful. W

ine is rare in some bars, but is sold in many stores and in more high-end places.

I’m yet to see any vodka or west country cider in Oaxaca, but I’m not exactly an alcohol connoisseur, so they might be hiding somewhere….

Day Trips from Oaxaca

Some of the best parts of Oaxaca lay in its surroundings. I’m going to do a proper day/ weekend trips from Oaxaca post that will go into detail about all of these places, but some of the best spots include:

Hierve el Agua

A favourite day trip from Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua or the ‘petrified waterfalls’ is located up in the mountains.

Resembling a frozen waterfall, the spot is a great photo opportunity and there are semi-natural pools nearby to swim in while enjoying the beautiful view.

There are also a few short hiking trails around the area.

Monte Alban

It takes a couple of hours to explore and can be reached in about 40 minutes from the center of town.

My favourite bit about Monte Alban is the sweeping views – you can really imagine being a Zapotec king looking out over the land.

The Giant Tree at Tule

Ahh, the giant tree.

It’s the widest tree in the world, so you’ve kind of got to check it out, but it is what it is… a big tree.

Still, given that it’s only 15-20 minutes from Oaxaca centre, it’s worth the trip.

Tule is a pleasant town to walk around in for half an hour too – there is a church on the same sight of the tree and a spacious park.

Mitla Ruins

The Mitla Ruins are smaller than Monte Alban, but you can walk through them, which is pretty cool.

There is lots of information about the history of the ruins but it is all in Spanish.

Still, the ruins are cool to check out, and Mitla is a more traditional, quiet town which is a contrast to bustling Oaxaca. 

It is recommended to combine Tule, Mitla and Hierve al Agua in one day trip. You’ll have to leave early to fit them all in, but you pretty much go through Tule and have to change at Mitla to reach Hierve al Agua, so it makes sense!

The Sierra Norte

Aah, the Sierra Norte.

This beautiful part of the state is the mountains to the north of Oaxaca, filled with laid back towns and hiking paths.

It’s an interesting cultural place to visit too – the Zapotec indigenous people live here, and you can see their unique culture everywhere. 

It is possible to visit Ixtlan or Capulapam just for the day and go on a hike, but if you have the time it’s also a great idea to stay the night in one of the Cabanas.

Tour operators in town also organise hikes in the area.

What to do in Oaxaca at night

When the sun goes down, Oaxaca stays fun. Things to do in Oaxaca at night include drinking mezcal, salsa dancing, drinking corona, eating street food, listening to music, and drinking more mezcal.

Go to a Gig or Event

One of the reasons why I love living in Oaxaca is because there are  so  many gigs and events here throughout the year.

The main ones are, of course, Guelaguetza, Semana Santa and Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead), but there’s thousands of other, smaller events and gigs all the time.

Convivio (the coworking space that I am a part of) has gigs most weeks, as do many other venues throughout the city.

They have bands from Mexico and the US and occasionally, further afield.

Entry is cheap or sometimes free and beer and mezcal is aplenty.

They also do some other events including markets, exhibtions, comedy and more! Check ’em out on Facebook to see what’s on when you’re here.

Enjoy the nightlife

There aren’t  that  many bars and clubs in Oaxaca, but enough to have a good night. Here are my recommendations:

• Txlaparta – the biggest and probably the most popular bar in Oaxaca, this bar has a fun rooftop terrace as well as a large downstairs area. It’s packed out on Friday and Saturday nights and serves up the usual fare of Mexican beer and Mezcal. They also do a mezcal mojito which I heartily recommend. Side note – if you’re in Oaxaca when the world cup is on, Txlaparta is a great spot to watch a game.
• Archivo  – this is the best dancing spot in Oaxaca, in my humble opinion. They play mainly Latin Pop, which can get a bit repetitive after 4 months but it’s still fun nonetheless. They also serve food (even at 3 am, which makes life very handy) and have a quieter upstairs area. The tiny bar upstairs sometimes plays deep house music and overfills its capacity by about 200%. That’s always fun.
• Cucaracha – generally the place that everywhere goes at the end of the night (I’ve only made it once because my normal bedtime is 11 pm sharp), Cucaracha has a bar, a small dancefloor and… a karaoke room. Which of course, at 5 am, is filled with people thinking they are the next Beyonce.
• Tiki Bar  – I don’t know if this is its actual name, but everyone just knows it as ‘the tiki bar’. It used to be a speakeasy (so it was called ‘the tikisy’) but now has its licence. Despite owning a tiki shirt, I’ve never actually been there, but I’ve been advised that it is a good time.

Festivals in Oaxaca

Oaxaca  looooooves  a fiesta.

While sometimes I’ve found myself grumpily stuffing in my earplugs and putting my head under my pillow at 3am because fireworks have started  again , the cheerful musical culture is somewhat endearing.

There are parades throughout the year, for different reasons, but some festivals which are very famous. These include:

Semana Santa

Underneath the million shots of mezcal and the latin pop, Mexico is quite a traditional, religious country, so Holy Week (Semana Santa) is celebrated quite widely.

There are many church processions depicting the death of Jesus and how he rose again.

The most impressive is possibly the ‘Procession of Silence’ which is a time of reflection while figures carry objects and symbols.

Guelaguetza

Occurring every July, Guelaguetza is a celebration of the different native groups of Oaxaca state.

The main festival takes place in the Guelaguetza stadium (the spot with the nice view that I mentioned before!), but lots happens in the town throughout the couple of Guelaguetza weeks as well.

These include the Feria de Mezcal which is a 2 week long festival dedicated to mezcal in Parque el Llano (I told you Oaxacans love the stuff), various parades, pop up street food stalls and artisan markets, workshops and a reggae festival, satisfyingly called ‘reggaeleguetza’.

Dia de Los Muertos

This is a nationwide festival, but it  celebrating Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca  should be on every Mexico travellers’ bucket list.

The festival celebrates the lives of those who have passed – and legend has it that they come to the houses of their loved ones during the festival.

It is tradition to make a shrine to late friends or relatives and to go to the graveyards to honour them.

If you’re just passing through Mexico, you can go to a graveyard and adopt a grave that doesn’t have any visitors.

There are also lots of parades and events in town.

Noche de los Rabanos

I heard about this festival on my first day in Oaxaca and it made me fall in love with the place.

On the 23rd December, they have the world’s largest radish carving festival.

I’ll just repeat that.

On the 23rd December, Oaxaca has the world’s largest radish carving festival. 

Sorry what?   

So yeah, they carve radishes into all sorts of funky shapes – generally nativity scenes – and display them for the city to see.

I’m pretty devestated that I won’t be there then, not going to lie.

If you’re not going to be in Oaxaca City for these dates, there may well still be parades – they have them for occasions like the national day of corn, and sometimes seemingly for no reason.

They’re well worth checking out, so if you hear of one while you’re in town be sure to check it out! 

How to get around Oaxaca City

You can walk to most places in the centre, but if your feet are sleepy, there are plenty of buses – and in fact, I would highly recommend you take one while there.

They cost a mere 8 pesos and while some are uneventful, others will be garishly decorated (almost like chicken buses in Guatemala) and play a variety of music – once I listened to deep house, while in the worst rainstorm I experienced in the city.

There are signs on the front windows of the bus saying where they go (generally it will be a street name or a local attraction). Ask at your accommodation where to look for buses to.

Taxis are plentiful in Oaxaca and unlike in Mexico City, they are safe to hail on the street.

A taxi anywhere in the centre will cost 50 pesos.

If you’re going to a suburb that’s a little further out, expect to pay more. Collectivos drive around the edge of Oaxaca City and pick up passengers for just 10-15 pesos.

You can get to different entrance points of the city this way, and to surrounding towns and villages. It does take a little while to get the gist of the collectivos though!

Where to go from Oaxaca City

From Oaxaca, people tend to go to one of four places.

• To  Mexico City , located a 6-7 hour ADO bus away.
• To the  Pacific Coast  – you can either take a 6-7 hour shuttle bus through the mountains (which many people recommend against, but I’m actually not opposed to it) straight to Puerto Escondido or to Pochulta, where you can catch a camioneta to Zipotle or Mazunte, or a 12 hour ADO bus to either destination, which takes the highway and is a lot less travel sick-inducing. Check out my guide to beaches in Oaxaca (coming soon!) to suss out which is the best option for you.
• To  San Jose del Pacifico  – this is about 3 and a half hours into the Sierra Madre del Oaxaca. You can’t avoid the mountains for this one – it sits at 2400 metres high. It’s a spiritual place where magic mushrooms are readily available – there are some great hikes in the area too. Most people visit San Jose, then take a van to Pochulta and onto the beach from there.
• To  San Cristobal de las Casas  – I haven’t actually been here and I’ve heard  very  mixed things. Some people loved it, some said it was way too touristy. That being said, it’s a good stopover if you’re going east towards the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a good jumping point for other places in Chiapas state. It’s a long old bus ride from Oaxaca though – about 10 hours.

I hope this list of things to do in Oaxaca has helped to inspire you to visit this wonderful Mexican city! If you have any questions, please leave me a comment on here or Facebook !

6 thoughts on “ The Best Things to do in Oaxaca City (by a resident) ”

thanks for the info seems like you had a good time out there ill be going for about 12 days to check out the city maybe find indigenous villages as im working my way into the coast.. see what happens

I had the best time! Enjoy!

Is “Archivo” – Archivo Maguey?

Hi Claire, my girlfriend and I are looking to spend some time in Oaxaca – are the buses from CDMX relatively safe? Looking for a cheaper alternative to flying and we don’t mind a few hours on a but as long as it’s secure!

Yes, the ADO buses are reasonably safe 🙂

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30 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico [2024 Update]

Wondering, What is there to do in Oaxaca?

You’ve come to the right place, because this article will highlight the 30 best things to do in Oaxaca City, Mexico. It also includes information about the best Oaxaca day trips, and a few places located just outside the city.

Oaxaca City itself is walkable, so you won’t need a rental car in Oaxaca for the city. If you’re venturing outside downtown to the things to do near Oaxaca City, you’ll want a car, or if you prefer not to drive, you can book a tour .

With all the things to do in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, listed below, you’ll see recommended tours if the place is located outside of the city.

If you have the time and space on your Oaxaca itinerary, make sure to venture outside the city, where some of the top sites are located.

Ready to get to this list of the 30 best things to do in Oaxaca City? Let’s dive in!

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico

1. hierve el agua oaxaca.

Located about 45 miles from Oaxaca City, is perhaps Oaxaca’s most famous natural wonder —  Hierve el Agua , which means boiling water.

While the natural mineral pools are the most photographed places here, you should also check out the amazing “cascadas” (waterfalls).

“Cascadas” is in quotes because there are two cliff faces at Hierve el Agua that look like waterfalls.

They are covered in calcified mineral deposits, which just so happen to look like falling water. You can see this from afar at the pools, or you can hike down for a closer look.

🏆 best HIERVE EL AGUA TOURS in Oaxaca

The easiest way to experience Hierve el Agua? On a tour of Hierve el Agua, of course!

Check out these great and varied tours of Hierve el Agua , ranging from half- and full-day trips to one of the best Oaxaca places to visit.

Is Hierve el Agua open?

Yes — Hierve el Agua reopened to the public in October 2021 after being closed for about 1.5 years. Head to Hierve el Agua Oaxaca Mexico: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for more info.

2. Monte Alban Oaxaca Ruins

Located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center, Monte Alban is the most-visited of all archeological sites and ancient ruins in Oaxaca Mexico.

It is among the best pyramids and ruins in Mexico , and a Oaxaca must see for all visitors.

You can visit on your own, but tours of Monte Alban means having a guide explain all the ways this site is so important — and there are many.

If you’re visiting on your own, arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday sun; Monte Albán opens at 8am.

When visiting, remember to wear a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen , sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

Don’t forget to bring your Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and keeps you hydrated ▶︎ Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your order.

🏆 Best Monte alban tours in Oaxaca

3. oaxaca centro historico and zocalo.

While it may just look like a beautiful colonial city now, Oaxaca City and Centro de Oaxaca (Downtown Oaxaca), dates back to 1529 when it was originally occupied by the native Oaxaca Zapotec people .

Today, it is a mix of old and new. Out of the hundreds of sites listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, very few entire cities have made the cut, but Oaxaca City does.

You can get to know it on the Oaxaca Free Walking Tour . Note: Though free, tips are customary. Consider tipping at least $100 MX pesos per person ($5 USD).

🏆 Best Oaxaca tours in the city

4. take a oaxaca cooking class.

If there’s one thing Oaxaca is known for — it’s food!

However, Oaxacan cuisine isn’t what most people know as traditional Mexican food , because things like tacos, burritos and nachos aren’t the traditional foods of Oaxaca .

👩‍🍳 This Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Sonia Silvia is one of the highest rated tours in Oaxaca City.

Instead, you’ll find traditional dishes and local food options like tlayudas, mole , tamales oaxaqueños, memelas , tetelas, chapulines, enmoladas, tejate, cafe de olla and nieves (a type of sorbet ice cream hybrid).

Have no idea what any of that is?! You can learn about it, cook it, and of course, eat it, in these best cooking classes in Oaxaca City .

👩‍🍳 Best Oaxaca Cooking Classes

5. mitla oaxaca pueblo magico.

After Monte Alban, Oaxaca’s second most important archeological site is in Mitla . It is a Oaxaca Mexico UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Prehistoric Caves of Yagul .

As Mitla is easy to access, and the caves are not, most tours and visitors will only go to Mitla, Oaxaca.

🇲🇽 Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oaxaca — Historic Downtown Oaxaca City, Monte Alban Ruins, and the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla — and all three belong on your What to do in Oaxaca City Mexico list.

🏆 Best Mitla Oaxaca tours

6. el tule tree (world’s widest tree trunk).

A must see Oaxaca vacation site!

El Tule (The tree of enlightenment) is a giant Montezuma cypress tree on the grounds of the gorgeous Templo Santa María de la Asunción church in the pueblo (small town) of Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca Mexico.

It has the world’s biggest tree trunk at 46-feet (14 m), which takes at least 30 people with clasped hands to wrap around. Scientists date this tree at about 2,000-years-old.

However, the Zapotec people of Oaxaca say the Wind God Ehécatl planted it about 1,400 years ago. Regardless of age, its so impressive in person, and one of the best things to see in Oaxaca City.

🌳 el tule Oaxaca tours

7. oaxaca botanical gardens.

To see more of the native Oaxaca plants, head to  Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca  (Oaxaca City Botanical Garden), located in downtown next to Templo de Santo Domingo .

This 2.5-acre garden showcases the immense biodiversity in Oaxaca with hundreds of local plants and cacti. Due to the fragility of the garden’s ecosystem, you can only enter with a guided tour.

🌵 Oaxaca Travel Tip: Oaxaca Botanical Garden Tours

English tours take place Monday to Saturday at 11am, and last two hours. Oaxaca Botanical Garden tours cost $100 pesos ($5 USD) per person. If you have the time, this is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca Centro.

8. Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 Noviembre Market

Located inside the November 20 Market , you’ll find Pasillo de Humo, which means Smoke Hall or Smoke Alley.

Here, there are rows of vendors selling meats and veggies a la carte that you can buy and have them cooked al carbon (over charcoal) for a delicious smoky flavor.

If this will be your first visit to the Oaxaca Pasillo de Humo, it can be intimidating — especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

For this reason, I recommend going on the Eating with a Local at the Markets tour, or checking out this YouTube video about the market. The markets offer one of the best ways to experience local life, but they’re also hectic.

9. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman

Only have 2 or 3 days in Oaxaca? Then don’t miss the Santo Domingo Temple,  Museo de las Culturas and Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca , all located next to one another.

The temple architecture is beautiful, and the museum has 14 rooms with permanent exhibitions about the history of Oaxaca.

10. Oaxaca Photoshoot with a Pro

Looking for unique things to do in Oaxaca Mexico? Join Kabir and Hugo, professional photographers Oaxaca locals, on a photoshoot in picturesque Oaxaca City.

You’ll go to all the top places to visit in Oaxaca , like Santo Domingo Church and Macedonio Alcalá Theater, and some Oaxaca off the beaten path hidden gems.

11. Try Doña Vale Memelas: As Seen on Netflix

Head to Mercado Central de Abastos , the largest market in Oaxaca City, to sample the famous memelas from Doña Vale .

She’s been well known for her memelas and salsa morita for years, but became a local celeb after appearing in an episode of Netflix: Street Food Latin America .

12. Street Art Bike Tour of Oaxaca

Join Carlos Alberto, a Oaxaca City local, on a Oaxaca bike tour through three of the city’s best neighborhoods.

You’ll pass by colorful houses, buildings with unique architecture, all the top Oaxaca City sites, the coolest Oaxaca street art, and more.

13. Museo Textil de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Textile Museum)

The architecture of the Oaxaca Textile Museum  is just as impressive as the colorful textiles inside.

If you happen to be visiting during Oaxaca Day of the Dead , you’ll find it covered in thousands of marigold flowers, for a beautiful smell and look 🌼

This is by no means a huge museum, but head inside to see the traditional Oaxacan textiles and beautifully-displayed Oaxaca handicrafts. (For a more immersive experience, head to these Oaxaca artisan towns .)

The museum gift shop also sells artisan textiles by locals in the areas surrounding Oaxaca City. Admission to the Oaxaca Textile Museum is FREE .

14. Visit the Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars

Mezcal is a distilled spirit that can be made from more than 30 varieties of the maguey (agave plants).

It is meant to be sipped and savored, because mezcal has an intense flavor that’s quite complex. If mezcal sounds like tequila to you — it kind of is.

Much like how champagne is essentially a sparkling wine from the city of Champagne, France, tequila is a kind of mezcal from the city of Tequila, Mexico that’s made only with blue agave.

If Tequila is the land of tequila, Oaxaca is the land of mezcal.

To show how much Oaxacans love their mezcal, there’s this common saying: Para todo mal, mezcal. Para todo bien, también. This means, “For everything good, mezcal. For everything bad, mezcal.”

🥃 When visiting, make sure to check out these best mezcalerias in Oaxaca City :

1. La Mezcaloteca Mezcal Tasting Room

La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca is part mezcal school, part tasting room. After your time here, you can take your knowledge of mezcal to all other mezcalerias in Oaxaca you visit.

🥃 Note:  There’s free admission, but reservations are required if you want to do a full tasting.

2. La Casa del Mezcal

This is one of the oldest mezcal bars in Oaxaca City, founded in 1935, which offers many different varieties of mezcal.

It has a charming vintage aesthetic, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time when you walk through the doors at La Casa del Mezcal Oaxaca .

3. La Mezcalerita

La Mezcalerita Oaxaca has a casual atmosphere, with three cozy rooms downstairs and a big rooftop patio. Plus, one of the largest selections of mezcal in Oaxaca City!

There are a lot of rooftops in Oaxaca to choose from, so make sure you visit this one (or any of them) to enjoy the beautiful Oaxaca sunset and live music one evening. Along with their extensive list of Oaxaca mezcals , they also have a huge list of artisanal beers from Mexico . La Mezcalerita is also a brewery so this is both a great Oaxaca mezcaleria and one of the best Oaxaca beer bars.

15. Ancient Temazcal Ritual (Sweat Lodge)

For some self care, you’ll want to put a temazcal ceremony on your list of things to do in Oaxaca City.

Temazcal is a pre-hispanic cleansing and purification ritual, similar to a Native American sweat lodge — so expect to sweat a lot.

The Ceviarem Temazcal Oaxaca is located right outside downtown Oaxaca City, but for a more authentic experience, head about 45 minutes out of the city to Ex Hacienda San Antonio Hotel & Spa.

Their RenaSiendo en Oaxaca Temazcal Ceremony is an authentic temazcal ceremony. It’s located a bit outside of the main tourist area, but that’s only more of a good reason to had there if you want an authentic experience.

16. Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Culture Museum)

After visiting the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church and Oaxaca Botanical Garden , head next door to the Oaxaca Culture Museum.

Also called the Oaxaca Culture Center and Museum of Cultures, the museum has 14 rooms with exhibits that chronicle the history of Oaxaca State.

🎨 More of the Best Oaxaca Museums

There are quite a few more museums in Oaxaca City to choose from.

Besides the Oaxaca Cultural Center and Textile Museum already listed, there’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACO) , the Rufino Tamayo Museum and the Oaxaca Stamp Museum .

17. Learn How Mezcal is Made at El Rey de Matatlan

Oaxaca is the top agave producing state in Mexico, and where most Mexican mezcal comes from — so there’s a plethora of agave fields.

Many are not actually open to the public, but some, like El Rey de Matatlan , has distillery tours, a sampling station and store on-site.

Admittedly, El Rey de Matatlan Oaxaca is a bit touristy. If you want to visit some of the more off the beaten path Oaxaca City agave farms, join a local guide one of these highly-rated Oaxaca City mezcal tours .

18. Oaxaca Artisan Villages

There are eight regions of Oaxaca, each different from the other. One of the main distinguishing features is the art that comes from each area.

The most commonly visited towns are listed below — and if you want to buy souvenirs in Oaxaca, these art towns in Oaxaca are the places you need to go.

1. San Bartolo Coyotepec: Black Pottery Town

In the Oaxacan black pottery town of San Bartolo Coyotepec you get to see where the famous barro negro (black clay) comes from, and the artisans who make it.

This pottery was first made by Doña Rosa hundreds of years ago, and is still the town’s main source of income today.

2. Santo Tomás Jalieza: Textile and Rug Town

In Santo Tomás Jalieza Oaxaca, you’ll see the entire textile-making process — from hand-dying the yarn with natural materials, to how the famous Oaxacan rugs are made on a loom.

There’s a large selection of rugs for sale, with shipping available.

3. San Martin Tilcajete: Alebrije Town

Alebrijes  (pronounced al-lay-bree-hays) are iconic and colorful Mexican folk art creations, made from paper maché or carved from wood.

On first glance, they look like animal figures — but when you look closer, you’ll see each one combines a few animals into one figure.

👩‍🎨 For a unique Oaxaca experience, join the Learn to Paint Your Own Alebrije class.

First made with paper mache by artist Pedro Linares in Mexico City,  Manuel Jiménez Ramírez  is the artist credited with making the wooden Oaxacan alebrijes that are so popular today.

He’s one of the most famous people from Oaxaca .

Nowadays, many visitors head to the pueblo   (small town) of San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico to buy their own unique alebrije   figure. As these are handmade, no two alebrijes   are alike.

19. Eat the 7 Moles of Oaxaca

Wondering, What food is Oaxaca known for? It’s mole (pronounced moe-lay), and there are seven Oaxaca moles (listed below).

Mole is also the national dish of Mexico, and it’s also made in other states like Chiapas and Puebla , which both border the state of Oaxaca .

• Mole Negro: Black Mole, the most popular type.
• Mole Poblano: AKA Mole Rojo, or Red Mole. Mole almendrado (almond mole) is a common variation of mole poblano.
• Mole Colorado: Dark Red Mole
• Mole Verde: Green Mole
• Mole Amarillo: Yellow Mole
• Mole Manchamantel
• Mole Chichilo

🤔 What is mole?

Oaxacan mole is unique because it’s a marinade, a sauce and a full meal.

Mole is commonly served with rice and chicken or turkey, or used as a sauce, as with enmoladas . This is a Oaxacan take on enchiladas, which are usually topped with salsa, but mole is used in Oaxaca.

Mole recipes vary, but generally consist of these ingredients: chiles, red and green tomatoes, fruit, chocolate, local spices, nuts and seeds.

The ingredients are crushed and worked into a paste, then mixed with water or stock, and slow-cooked for hours (or days) until thick.

20. Mercado Benito Juárez Market Visit

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca City is just strolling the city’s mercados, or local markets.

The most well-known and best market in Oaxaca is Benito Juarez Market, perfect for everything from buying souvenirs, to sampling Oaxacan food and drinks , like aguas casildas.

Opened in 1926 by the late Casilda Flores Morales, Aguas Casilda in Mercado Benito Juárez Market is where the locals go for their aguas casildas (a local variation of aguas frescas ).

Make sure to try the chilacayote, a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations.

🛍️ Sunday Market in Tlacolula

If you’re visiting Oaxaca on a Sunday, head to the massive Mercado de Tlacolula in the nearby city of Tlacolula.

Vendors from all over the Oaxaca Valleys come here to sell everything from farm-to-table food and mezcal , to traditional clothing to artesanias (handmade crafts).

21. Oaxaca Pueblos Mancomunados

For a unique, off the beaten path Oaxaca experience, head into the Sierra Norte mountains on a trekking adventure to the  Pueblos Mancomunados .

These eight self-governing indigenous Zapotec villages , located a few hours from Oaxaca City, provide immersive Mexico ecotourism experiences.

22. Top 10 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City

For a more complete list, check out the 40 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City for Foodies . As a bonus, the article also lists the 5 Best Mezcal Bars in Oaxaca as well.

1. Casa Oaxaca:  Alejandro Ruiz’s famed Oaxacan eatery, located at the Casa Oaxaca Hotel . Order a bottle of Mexican wine, the crispy duck tacos, any of their moles   — and do not skip dessert.

🍷 Oaxaca Travel Tip: Make a reservation for a rooftop table.

2. El Destilado:  Want to splurge on an amazing meal? Do the 12-course chef’s tasting menu with drink pairing at this fine dining restaurant in Oaxaca that serves innovative and delicious food.

3. Criollo:  The seven-course tasting menu at Criollo Oaxaca changes daily, but you can expect an elevated spin on classic Oaxacan foods from chefs Enrique Olvera (of   Pujol Mexico City ) and Luis Arellano.

4. Ancestral Cocina Tradicional: You can try all seven moles here, or enjoy their Mole and Mezcal Experience .

5. La Olla Oaxaca:  The menu changes seasonally, so try the menu del dia (menu of the day) for the freshest local cuisine.

6. Tlayudas Libres:  Order a tlayuda and top it with cecina, tasajo or chorizo, if you eat meat.

7. Boulenc Oaxaca Bakery:  Order shakshuka for breakfast, a brick-oven pizza for lunch, and a pastry for dessert, at what’s known to be the best bakery in Oaxaca.

8. Itanoni Oaxaca:  Order tetelas, de ese con frijoles refritos (refried beans), tamales, memelas and wash it all down with tascalate or agua fresca (fresh fruit water).

🤔 Not sure what any of that means?! Learn to eat like a local on this tour .

9. Las Quince Letras:  Owned and run by Oaxaca culinary legend, Celia Florián. Order the trilogía de moles (trilogy of moles) to sample three types of  mole  in one meal.

10. Lechoncito de Oro:  A must try taqueria (Oaxaca taco shop)! This late-night street taco stand only serves chicharron (fried pork skin) and pierna (pork leg), so try one of each.

Beloved by locals, they serve some of the best tacos in Oaxaca City .

23. Best Shopping in Oaxaca: ARIPO Oaxaca Artisan Market

There are eight regions of Oaxaca, each different from the other.

The Instituto de Artesanias Oaxaqueños, or ARIPO , is the best place to shop for jewelry, clothing, art, textiles, homewares, crafts and artisanal products from each Oaxaca region. You can also shop ARIPO online .

🛍 Best Shopping in Oaxaca City

Want to do a bit more Oaxaca shopping? Great choice; the local art from Oaxaca is beautiful, and most places to shop in Oaxaca City are fair trade, like these:

• Don Remigio Mestas
• Colectivo 1050°
• Silvia Suarez
• MisMezcales

24. Andador de Macedonia Alcalá Pedestrian-Only Street

Calle Macedonia Alcala is a main thoroughfare in Oaxaca City, as it connects the Santo Domingo Church with the Oaxaca Zocalo (Town Square).

As you walk this lively street, you’ll pass all the best Oaxaca art galleries, shops, bars, restaurants , museums and more.

25. Sip Hot Chocolate at Mayordomo Oaxaca

Chocolate has been a staple food throughout Mexico since prehispanic times.

In Oaxaca, one of the top regions for cacao beans in Mexico, you’ll find it used more for hot chocolate than eaten straight up. It’s also one of the main ingredients in mole negro (black mole). While often prepared with milk, chocolate oaxaqueño (Oaxacan hot chocolate) is made with chocolate and water.

It is still frothy like in the United States because this chocolate beverage is hand-spun using a wooden whisk called a molinillo , which creates a foamy top.

The best place to try traditional Oaxaca hot chocolate is Mayordomo Oaxaca City .

There are several locations throughout Downtown Oaxaca City, where you can see the chocolate being made, and also enjoy free samples of their products.

☕️ Also try Tejate in Oaxaca

Tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay) is a centuries-old chocolate and corn drink. While that flavor combo may not sound appetizing, this ancient drink has stood the taste test of time.

In fact, Oaxacans love their tejate so much, they call it the bebida de los dioses (drink of the gods).

26. Colorful Jalatlaco Neighborhood

Love street art , colorful buildings and cute cafes? Then head to the hippest of all Oaxaca neighborhoods — Jalatlaco (pronounced ha-lat-lack-oh).

It is located just outside of Centro Historico and the Zocalo, and makes for a fun, leisurely place to just stroll around.

Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca City? There are some great places here, and it’s a lot less touristy than Centro Historico so you get a more authentic locals’ vibe.

Of the best hotels in Jalatlaco, you’ll fall in love with City Centro Hotel , the famous pink hotel in Oaxaca City.

27. Xochimilco Aqueduct in Oaxaca City

Xochimilco (pronounced  so-chee-mill-co ) is the oldest Oaxaca City neighborhood. It is located just north of downtown, and known for colorful buildings and history.

One of the coolest things in Xochimilco is an 18th century aqueduct that runs along Callejon Rufino Tamayo street.

28. Teotitlán Del Valle Zapotec Village

Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca is a quiet, picturesque pueblo (small town), located about 18 miles (30 km) from Downtown Oaxaca. The town is known for its history, culture, tradition, and the colorful rugs made here by local weavers.

Besides a great place to buy Oaxaca carpets (the prices are often cheapest here because it’s not very touristy), there’s other things to do in Teotitlan del Valle.

Don’t miss the beautiful hike to Cerro Picacho Mountain and the Iglesia Preciosa Sangre de Cristo church and ruins.

29. Ex Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero

Located just outside Oaxaca City, Cuilápam Convent is a 16th century church and temple space.

Photographers will love the aesthetics at this ancient site, and the temple itself is unique as it blends the pre-hispanic religions of indigenous people with Catholicism.

Note: You will see this city spelled as Cuilápan de Guerrero or Cuilápam de Guerrero, but both refer to the same place in Oaxaca.

Unless you have a rental car , you’ll want to visit on a tour. Many tours, like the Oaxaca Antigua Full-Day Tour , make a stop at Cuilápam Convent, along with other must see Oaxaca sites like Monte Alban archeological zone.

30. Free Walking Tour of Oaxaca City

Looking for free things to do in Oaxaca City? The Oaxaca Free Walking Tour is among the top things to do in Oaxaca City, and makes a great first item on your Oaxaca itinerary.

🤑 Note: Though free, it is customary to tip your guide at least $100 pesos ($5 USD) per person.

The tour is led by local guides, and a great way to see the city’s highlights, off the beaten tracks sites and best Oaxaca neighborhoods . You’ll also learn some history and fun facts about Oaxaca along the way.

🚉 Oaxaca Tram Tour

If you don’t want to walk around, there’s the Tranvía el Alebrije Oaxaca Tram Tour. The tour is only in Spanish, but even if you don’t understand the words, it’s a nice way to see the whole downtown area without walking.

The tram costs $70 MXN pesos (about $4 USD). Of course, prices can vary, so please defer to what the tram operator tells you.

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City Map

For your convenience, all the places to see in Oaxaca City mentioned in this article have been pinned to the map above.

I hope it makes planning your trip to Oaxaca Mexico a little easier, so all you have to do is enjoy!

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca Itinerary

This article covered a mix of things to do in Oaxaca City itself, and things to do in Oaxaca Mexico’s surrounding areas. If you want to take a Oaxaca road trip , keep reading.

There are plenty of Oaxaca tours you can take that combine the best Oaxaca sites, or you can go on your own in a rental car . Here are the top places to visit on a day trip from Oaxaca City:

• Hierve el Agua hot springs
• Monte Alban pyramids
• Mitla Oaxaca pueblo magico (magic town)
• The giant El Tule tree
• The agave fields at El Rey de Matatlan
• The Oaxaca artisan towns

🏝️ Beaches of Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido , Bahias de Huatulco , Mazunte , Zipolite and the rest of the best Oaxaca beaches on the Pacific Coast are far from the city.

You can not visit any beaches in Oaxaca on a day trip, but if you also want to hit the beach, check out the 21 Best Beaches in Oaxaca , and these other blogs about Oaxaca beahces:

• 30 Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
• 25 Best Things to Do in Huatulco
• 17 Best Things to Do in Mazunte
• San Agustinillo: Ultimate Travel Guide
• 15 Best Hotels in Zipolite Mexico

Best Oaxaca Festivals

1. la guelaguetza festival: mid-july.

The Guelaguetza (pronounced  geh-la-get-zah ) is Oaxaca’s most famous folk festival. In fact, it has been called the largest folkloric festival on the Americas continent, and one of the top cultural events in Oaxaca.

This annual event takes place on two Mondays in mid- to late-July; its dates vary from year to year.

The  Guelaguetza  festival brings together people from all regions of Oaxaca to share their food, textiles and culture through dances, presentations and gift exchanges.

In fact, Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec word,  guendalezaa , meaning an offering or a gift.

2. Dia de Muertos: November 1-2

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the biggest festivals, not only in Oaxaca, but in all of Mexico. I went in 2018 and 2022, and can’t recommend it enough.

Head to Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about this Oaxaca festival.

🌼💀🌼 When is Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City?

The city actually begins prepping for the holiday and decorating about 7-10 days before the actual festival. Oaxaca hosts one of the best day of the dead celebrations in Mexico , so it’s an elaborate affair.

3. Night of the Radishes: December 23

Looking for unusual things to do in Oaxaca Mexico?

Look no further than the annual Night of the Radishes. On December 23rd each year, Oaxaca City hosts the world’s largest radish carving festival. Y es, this is a real thing, and one of the city’s most special events.

If you’re traveling to Oaxaca in December for Christmas, make sure you visit the festival to see the radishes carved into nacimientos (Nativity scenes) and other designs.

For more info on the Oaxaca Night of the Radishes Festival, head here . It is one of the highlights Oaxaca has if you’re visiting Oaxaca in December, and one of the best things to do in Oaxaca in December.

4. Semana Santa (Holy Week): March or April

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a big deal in Mexico. It’s one of the most important holidays for many Oaxacan people.

This is the week leading up to Easter (also called Easter Week), and in a country that’s 80% Catholic, this week-long holiday is an interesting time to visit Mexico, especially Taxco, Mexico , which has an elaborate festival.

The Oaxaca Semana Santa festival has parades and church processions that go through downtown.

Some can be graphic, depicting the death and resurrection of Jesus, while some, like the Procession of Silence, are meditative walks meant for contemplation.

Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ

Is oaxaca a state or city.

Both — Oaxaca is one of the 32 states in Mexico. It’s capital city is called Oaxaca City (officially it’s Oaxaca de Juarez), but most people refer to Oaxaca City simply as Oaxaca.

How do you pronounce Oaxaca?

Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone! The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah .

Where is Oaxaca located?

Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by other Mexican states like Chiapas and Puebla. It is the biggest city in Oaxaca State.

🗺️ Oaxaca Map

The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City , you can book direct flights. ✈️ Book your Oaxaca flights now !

What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?

The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May , which is also the busy or high season.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead , through mid-January.

Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival .

🌡️ Oaxaca weather

Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.

If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May.

If you don’t mind some rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you will also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico . Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.

However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.

⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?

Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico? That’s understandable because there really are a lot of great options at all price points, including these best boutique hotels in Oaxaca City and also hostels.

Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City .

🏆 Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City

For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in  Oaxaca Centro  (Downtown) near the Zocalo very convenient, as it’s super walkable.

There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco , the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca — all three are great options.

🏩 Best HotelS in Oaxaca

• Quinta Real Oaxaca City ($$$$, Centro)
• Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
• Hotel Escondido Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
• City Centro Hotel Oaxaca ($$$, Jalatlaco)
• NaNa Vida Hotel ($$$, Centro)
• Casa de Arte ($$, Xochimilco)

🏨 Best HostelS in Oaxaca

• Hostal Central Oaxaca
• Azul Cielo Hostel
• Selina Oaxaca Hostel

How do you get around Oaxaca City?

Oaxaca City is very walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.

If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences .

ARE TAXIS SAFE IN OAXACA MEXICO?

For the majority of travelers, yes , Oaxaca taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.

Note: While I do hail taxis, I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app. This way, I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me — but you can also just hail a cab on the street.

Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?

No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

• Download DiDi Rider for iPhone
• Download DiDi Rider for Android

How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?

Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. However, many visitors could realistically spend a week in Oaxaca City — especially art, food and culture lovers.

For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 full days.

What is Oaxaca known for?

Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.

In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants . When it comes to my Oaxaca must do suggestions, you must eat some of the best Oaxaca street food !

Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?

Yes — Oaxaca is magical; it’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be.

If you’ve seen images of Oaxaca Mexico, you might have some idea already, but nothing beats visiting Oaxaca in person.

There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals , UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal , beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food .

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico , or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES, Oaxaca is worth visiting. It’s one of the most colorful cities in Mexico, and a must-visit for anyone who loves culture, art and food.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City

While there might seem to be an endless number of Oaxaca City things to do, once you get to town, you’ll see most things aren’t far from one another and there’s a lot within walking distance of most Oaxaca hotels in downtown.

If your time is limited, a Oaxaca rental car will really come in handy to see the sites just outside of town — like Hierve el Agua , Monte Alban Ruins and Mitla pueblo magico (magic town).

However, Oaxaca City is very walkable, and it’s easier to get around on foot if you’re just staying in Downtown Oaxaca City . There is limited public transport in town, but for day trips outside of the city, you have better options.

I hope this article, 30 Things to do in Oaxaca A Complete Oaxaca Travel Guide, helps you plan an epic trip to Oaxaca Mexico. If you need more information, here are a few other Oaxaca blogs to check out:

• 25+ Best Hotels in Oaxaca with a Pool
• Best Hierve el Agua Tours from Oaxaca
• Best Oaxaca Food Tours: Street Food & Beyond
• Best Mezcal Tours from Oaxaca City
• Monte Alban Tours From Oaxaca
• Oaxaca Nature: The Best Tours from Oaxaca City
• 40 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City
• Best Mezcalerias in Oaxaca Mexico
• Downtown Oaxaca: What You Must See in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance for oaxaca.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling to Oaxaca. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Oaxaca?

Yes — Renting a car in Oaxaca is one of the best ways to see the state. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Oaxaca companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Oaxaca?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of all Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book places to stay in Oaxaca?

For Oaxaca hotels, Booking.com is the best site . If you’re considering a Oaxaca Airbnb, also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb. For the best Oaxaca hostels, use HostelWorld .

What do I pack for Oaxaca?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Oaxaca flights?

For finding cheap Oaxaca flights, I recommend booking through Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Oaxaca?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but you can check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

The vast majority of travelers will receive a a passport stamp, or 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.