tourism in oaxaca

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Oaxaca

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 25, 2023

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.

Oaxaca Cathedral

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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.

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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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• Destinations

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico

Here's our ultimate travel guide to Oaxaca de Juárez, one of Mexico's most underrated cities.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do.

• Best Places to Shop
• Best Restaurants
• Best Times to Visit

How to Get There

How to get around.

Stephanie Pollak / Travel + Leisure

Boasting an endless supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca de Juárez is undoubtedly one of the best food and drink destinations on the planet. So much so, that it was named the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards . (The city is commonly referred to as Oaxaca, but shouldn't be confused with the eponymous state it's in.) 

This dynamic city in southwestern Mexico is where you'll find vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and some of the country's most iconic architecture. "The most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of this pre-Colombian culture in all aspects of contemporary life — the mingling and mixing of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican influences are unique and unforgettable," says Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico , a luxury travel agency that specializes in trips to Mexico.

You could spend several weeks here and not even scratch the surface — if you weren't planning correctly, that is. "Oaxaca is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains," Rabinor says. "It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site city center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles."

To that end, here's our ultimate travel guide to Oaxaca, with the best things to do, see, and sip while exploring this exciting city.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Modern luxury meets 16th-century charm at Quinta Real Oaxaca, a former convent that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a boutique hotel.
• Sample Oaxaca’s famed agave spirit and learn more about the distilling process during a mezcal experience.
• Visit the artisan communities just outside Oaxaca’s downtown to find locally made pottery, textiles, and other specialty works of art.
• Sip craft cocktails that perfectly blend Mexican spirits and local ingredients at Selva.
• Leave room for an after-hours bite at El Lechoncito de Oro, the best place in the city to find mouthwatering, freshly made tacos.

Courtesy of Casa Silencio

Oaxaca offers all manner of lodging options, from unassuming bed-and-breakfasts and historic converted convents to opulent and palatial accommodations that embody modern luxury.

Casa Santo Origen

If you're not afraid to dole out a few hundred dollars per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Casa Santo Origen . Just 15 minutes from the city center, each of the eight suites in this small hotel is named after a unique region of the state of Oaxaca — and decorated with local art.

Quinta Real Oaxaca

If you're seeking something a little more old-fashioned, check into Quinta Real Oaxaca , a former 16th-century convent and UNESCO World Heritage Site that retains a strong sense of antique charm without sacrificing modern amenities. The property boasts views of the courtyards and streets of Oaxaca and has an idyllic garden pool for guests to enjoy.

Casa Silencio

If you'd prefer to stay in the heart of mezcal country, book your stay at the stunning Casa Silencio , pictured above and located about an hour outside Oaxaca. This upscale shrine to agave features multilevel guest rooms and Michelin-caliber cuisine — and, oh yes, a working distillery pumping out the native liquid.

Downtown Oaxaca

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor says taking a day to leisurely explore the city center is the way to go. "Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try  pan de yema con chocolate ," says Rabinor. "Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it's not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community."

The city is also home to two popular museums. Learn about the area's Indigenous heritage at The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca , which was founded in 1831. Here, you'll find 14 permanent exhibits covering everything from ancient arrowheads dating back thousands of years to what life is like for today's local communities. Nearby, the Oaxaca Textile Museum is housed in a restored 18th-century mansion and features a variety of colorful displays that are worth a look.

Hierve el Agua

Susmita Baral / Travel + Leisure

When it's time for sightseeing beyond the city, one of the best natural wonders to explore nearby is Hierve el Agua . These calcareous rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. Established hiking paths bring you right up to the cascade's edge. If you're looking to take a dip in the human-made pools, aim to get there early to avoid the crowds.

Monte Albán

Perched atop a 1,300-foot tall plateau, Monte Albán is the second-largest ceremonial site in Central America, home to a well-preserved terraced pyramid and other pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Much of what you'll see here was built by the Zapotecs, an Indigenous community thought to have settled in the region as early as 500 B.C.E. "Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region," Rabinor says.

Mezcal Experiences

The distilled agave spirit, mezcal, is traditional to the Oaxacan region and has been made here for centuries using techniques that have largely resisted the prying hands of modern machination. Whether or not you choose to drink it, a mezcal experience is enriching. Rabinor notes that these types of activities support local communities that rely on the industry, help people "understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and let travelers 'learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'" Listing out the many palenques, or farm distilleries, where it is made and the enchanting sipping parlors where it is served would require an entirely separate article. But assuming you're starting your liquid journey in the city of Oaxaca, there are a few tasting opportunities you should not skip: Mezcalería In Situ for its broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education; El Distilado to see how well mezcal pairs with the local cuisine; and Selva to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails (more on that below). For a sip with a view, take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro , a hip watering hole founded by native agave impresario Asis Cortes, the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe .

Oaxacan Beaches

The state of Oaxaca is home to more than 300 road-trip-worthy miles of coastline , so there are plenty of beaches to explore on a weekend getaway. Puerto Escondido , for example, is especially popular among beachgoers — and a flight from Oaxaca (OAX) to Puerto Escondido (PXM) is only about 45 minutes.

There's also Mazunte, with its cerulean surf crashing into the jagged shore. Check out the Mexican Turtle Center in town, dedicated to the preservation of everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile. Or, if you want to speed things up a bit, head several miles east to the surf town of Zipolite . Relax along the water, watch the surfers do their thing, snorkel in the protected coral reefs of neighboring Huatulco National Park , or enjoy the sunset over the surrounding cliffs — you really can't go wrong.

Best Shopping

Oaxaca is filled with small boutique shops selling handmade goods (think sandals, bags, homeware, and other trinkets) for every budget. Rabinor recommends not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlán del Valle. "[This is] where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles," he says.

For food, consider stopping by Mercado de Abastos. You can book a tour of the market with Omar Alonso , a well-known local guide. "This is where locals go to buy everything," Alonso tells T+L. "During holidays, it's particularly packed as we gather the ingredients we'll need to offer to our guests that come during the festivities."

Bar La Giralda

"Every time I'm [in Oaxaca], I must stop into Bar La Giralda for my favorite michelada on the planet," says the co-author of "Oaxaca: Home Cooking From The Heart Of Mexico," Javier Cabral. "They use pasilla chiles in the base. The more you drink, the more  botanas  [snacks] arrive."

Selva is the place to go to appreciate the satisfying blend of Mexican spirits and seasonal, local ingredients. The overall theme here is exploration, with cocktails inspired by the adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt, who marveled at the interconnectedness of the world as he traveled around Mexico and South America in the late 18th century.

Sabina Sabe

End a long day of sightseeing with some spicy, sweet, or sour craft cocktails at Sabina Sabe . Drinks are made with mezcal, or in some cases, tequila or charanda, another popular Mexican spirit. Named after a legendary Mazatec healer, the bar is walk-in only, and worth checking out on any trip to Oaxaca.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Mercado 20 de noviembre.

Cesar Rodriguez / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Oaxaca's bustling market scene is a great place to absorb a bit of everything. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire street of roasted proteins, El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas. Here, you can order trays of meat that get cooked freshly in front of you. For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, try the Mercado Organico La Cosecha (La Cosecha Organic Market).

Casa Oaxaca

If you're craving more of a sit-down experience, make a reservation at Casa Oaxaca , from chef Alejandro Ruiz. Order the tableside guacamole and explore Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro , and coloradito .

One of the top-rated restaurants in the city is Origen , helmed by 2016  Top Chef  winner Rodolfo Castellanos. For a real treat, try the grilled octopus and chicharrones.

El Lechoncito de Oro

Be sure to save room for El Lechoncito de Oro , open nightly from 8 p.m. until …whenever. This unassuming tented stall is an after-hours institution specializing in mouthwatering seared pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Best Time to Visit

Gabriel Perez / Getty Images

Oaxaca is a big state — a little larger than the state of Indiana — occupying several tropical and subtropical climates. As a result, the temperature can vary wildly depending on where you're visiting and when. "The best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your preferences for weather, cultural events, and crowd levels," Rabinor says.

The good news is it's almost always pleasantly warm and abundantly sunny — except during the rainy season, which happens from May to September. Rabinor says that while this time of year "brings occasional showers and higher humidity" it also "offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors." For instance, he says July is a popular month to visit Oaxaca and can be crowded since it overlaps with the Indigenous cultural festival of Guelaguetza , also called Lunes del Cerro or "Mondays on the Hill."

Early November is also a perennially popular time to visit. The weather is dependably inviting, as it's the start of the dry season, which extends through April. You'll also be able to experience Día de los Muertos celebrations , bringing mirth, marigold, and mesmerizing pageantry into the streets of cities and villages throughout the country.

Oaxaca is most easily reached by flying into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), or, as it's officially known, Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán. Nonstop service from the United States is available from Los Angeles (LAX) on Volaris, Dallas (DFW) on American Airlines, and Houston (IAH) on United Airlines. You could also fly into Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX) from other U.S. cities, and then connect to OAX via a domestic carrier such as Aeroméxico or Viva Aerobus.

While having access to a vehicle would be handy for visiting sites outside the city, Oaxaca is pretty walkable and you can always hire a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Cabs are readily available for securing transportation within the downtown area, while the city's bus system is efficient and affordable. To travel to and from the airport, you can take a taxi or bus if you're not renting a car.

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (Mexico)

A World Heritage city in southern Mexico, Oaxaca has a special identity that comes from indigenous cultures like the Mixtecs and Zapotecs.

They built settlements close by and still have significant minorities across the state.

Minutes from Oaxaca is Monte Albán, a lofty Zapotec city atop a ridge, and after losing a few hours in awe of its pyramids and views back to the city, you can marvel at the treasures discovered in one of its tombs at Oaxaca’s Museo de las Culturas.

Oaxaca’s historic centre is jammed with colonial-era architecture, constructed from unmistakeable grey-green cantera stone.

The food is delicious, and Oaxaca has seven different mole sauces, while grasshoppers, nutritious but daunting, are part of the local diet.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Oaxaca :

1. Monte Albán

This awe-inspiring archaeological site is 10 kilometres southwest of Oaxaca, resting on a ridge 1,900 metres in height and 400 metres over the valley below.

The top of the ridge was levelled off to form an acropolis in an almost unconquerable position.

The settlement here goes back to about 500 BC and was at the peak of its powers in the middle of the 1st millennium AD. Then, for reasons unknown, Monte Albán was abandoned in the 9th century and later, in the 13th century, was used by the Mixtec culture as a place to bury their rulers.

Some of the many indispensible sights are the North Platform, crowned with what are most likely temples; Los Danzantes, stones with Olmec reliefs of people in motion; the Southern Platform, another spectacular pyramid, and Platform J, which was a possible astronomical observatory.

Suggested tour : Oaxaca Half-Day Monte Alban Zapotec Ruins Tour

2. Museo de las Culturas

Established in 1575, the former Monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán was active from 1608 to 1857. Some of the buildings were used by the military during the War of Independence in the 1810s and for the second half of the 19th century the whole monastery was a barracks.

Since 1972 the monastery has housed a first-rate museum that presents a timeline of human history in Oaxaca across 14 rooms.

You’ll start with hunter-gatherers 10,000 years ago and journey through the Zapotecs, the abandonment of the great cities of Mesoamerica like Monte Albán, the arrival of the Spanish, the emergence of a new nation in the 19th century and the lives of Oaxaca’s indigenous communities today.

Every room gallery is worthwhile, but if you only have time to skim through, be sure to see the gold jewellery, mask and the crystal vessel from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán.

3. Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Joined to the museum in the cloister, the monastery’s church was completed in 1731 and restored in 1993. It boasts extremely rich stuccowork that could be compared to the Capilla del Rosario in Puebla.

In the vaulted entrance you can make out a Tree of Jesse, delineating the Christ’s ancestry.

The intertwining patterns fill every surface of the interior and are traced with gold, up the flutes of columns, around the coffers in the ceiling and around the many pieces of polychrome sculpture.

The statistics behind this monument are mind-bending: More than 60,000 sheets of 23.5-karat gold went into its decoration.

4. Museo Rufino Tamayo

Oaxaca’s Museo Rufino Tamayo was founded by its prominent namesake artist and is housed in a fine 18th-century mansion from the Viceroy period.

The museum is devoted entirely to pre-Hispanic art, which Tamayo drew on for inspiration and collected across Mexico.

In one sense you could say that the museum embodies three time periods: Pre-Hispanic for its art, Colonial for its venue and modern as Tamayo curated the exhibition and decided its colour palette.

There are more than 700 pieces in five rooms, comprising stone figurines and sculptures (check out the lifelike dogs), ceramic vessels and reliefs.

Between the Cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno is the Zócalo, shaded by Montezuma cypresses and centred on an Art Nouveau bandstand installed in 1901. There are occasional musical performances by the Marimba del Estado de Oaxaca at this charming spot.

Those are some of many events to take place on the square, like the Grito de Dolores on the evening of 15 September.

On this night the mayor recounts a speech first given by the martyr of the War of Independence, Miguel Hidalgo.

Each line is greeted with enthusiastic shouts of “Viva!”. On 23 December there’s a more esoteric event, La Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) when radishes are carved into weird and wondeful displays before wilting a matter of hours later.

6. Árbol del Tule

Under ten kilometres to the east is the town of Santa María del Tule at the centre of which is 40-metre-high Montezuma cypress tree.

This is of unknown age, but ranges anywhere between 1,200 and 3,000 years old.

The tree is entwined in Zapotec legends and was planted in a site with spiritual meaning, supposedly by an Aztec priest to the wind god Ehecatl.

Also noteworthy is the breadth of the trunk.

Without taking the buttresses into account, this was 9.39 metres in diameter at the last measurement, which makes the Árbol del Tule the stoutest tree in the world.

Five hundred people are able to stand in the shade of its branches!

7. Plaza de la Danza

Near the base of the Cerro del Fortín hill a few blocks west of the Zócalo is a grand series of staggered plazas with a fine view of Monte Albán from its uppermost point by the Ex-Convento de San José.

The whole square was laid out in 1959 with the local cantera volcanic stone, as a place for art exhibitions, political rallies and music performances.

In the week of the Día de Muertos around 2 November enormous sand tapestries are laid on the plaza opposite La Soledad church.

On the south side of the Plaza de la Danza you can get your hands on a traditional nieve de Oaxaca sorbet, made from red prickly pear (tuna roja).

8. Museo Textil

Founded in 2006, this museum is all about the world of textiles, with an accent on traditional Oaxacan weaving, dyeing , embroidery and beadwork.

The permanent exhibits, amounting to 5,000 pieces donated by private collectors, are all imaginatively displayed an combined with temporary shows on all aspects of clothing and textiles, from modern fashion to ancient techniques from around Mexico, Guatemala and Ecuador.

The building itself is also delightful, on the corner of a row of 18th-century mansions and with a sequestered little courtyard.

Viewing these bright quilts and clothes up close you’ll be aware of the high level of craftsmanship, using techniques handed down from the Zapotecs.

9. Oaxaca Cathedral

Built from the same green-ish volcanic stone as Oaxaca’s other historic monuments, the cathedral was begun in 1535. Over the next 200 years earthquakes would require several rebuilds and the monument that greets you today was consecrated in 1733. The towers flanking the rounded pediment are even newer and date from a reconstruction after yet another earthquake in 1931. The interior decoration is all Neoclassical from the 19th century, and the centrepiece is the altar with a bronze image of Our Lady of the Assumption crafted in Italy in the days of the Porfirian regime.

10. Jardín Etnobotánico

In the 1990s this former shooting range was in danger of being turned into luxury hotel and car park before the painter and sculptor Francisco Toledo came up with the idea of planting a botanical garden.

Over 2.3 hectares there are hundreds of plant species, all of which are native: These come from arid and humid climates, temperate regions and cold mountainous zones, presenting the full diversity of botanical life.

Most exciting is the section dedicated to the Guilá Naquitz cave near the Zapotec settlement of Mitla.

The corn and pumpkin seeds found in the cave date back 7,000 years and are the oldest signs of agriculture in the Americas.

Also track down the Echinocactus Platyacanthus biznaga cactus, which could be as old as 1,000 years and weighs five tons.

Forty kilometres to the southeast is a World Heritage archaeological site at the religious centre of the Zapotec culture.

This settlement on the upper end of the Tlacolula Valley was inhabited as early as 900 BC and its apogee came between the 9th and 16th centuries.

Highly sophisticated, the Zapotecs had their own writing system and produced highly intricate geometric patterns on friezes, tombs, panels and also whole walls.

Lying low in the valley, Mitla doesn’t have the majesty of Monte Albán, but across its five cardinally aligned groups of buildings are sensational examples of frescoes and mosaic fretwork.

The northernmost Church Group is so called for the Church of San Pablo, built right on top of a pre-Hispanic platform.

12. Mercado Benito Juárez

One block from the Zócalo, the Mercado Benito Juárez is in what used to be Plaza del Marqués.

This was covered with a canopy and permanent stalls touting typical Oaxacan handicrafts and food.

The kaleidoscope of colours is dazzling, but there are a few things to keep on your radar.

For a souvenir, alebrijes are the multicoloured papier-mâché sculptures of bizarre monsters, first dreamed up by the artist Pedro Linares and now at the heart of Oaxacan and Mexican folk celebrations.

For refreshment, there’s a wide choice of stands selling juice and rich hot chocolate.

Daring souls can try worms or spiced grasshoppers (chapulines) and brag to their friends.

There are seven different types of mole paste to take home, if you have room.

If you want to dine on the spot you can pick from empanadas, quesadillas and tamales with all manner of fillings.

We recommend a squash blossom quesadilla.

13. Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol

Some ten kilometres south of Oaxaca this partly completed monastery complex is raised on a hill just off the road to Villa de Zaachila.

Constructed from that green-ish cantera stone the monastery was consecrated in 1570 and has a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Plateresque architecture.

The purpose of the monastery was for evangelism.

And the interaction between the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec populations and the Spanish caused a thrilling cross-pollination that is most visible in church’s murals: These have indigenous styles and motifs on a Christian framework.

The complex includes a basilica that was never finished, while the cloister has a museum for liturgical artefacts from the 1500s.

Suggested tour : From Oaxaca: Zaachila and Cuilapan Full-Day Tour

14. Hierve el Agua

Not far after Mitla is a natural phenomenon that you could see on the same trip.

From a distance the Hierve el Agua looks like a pair of waterfalls bubbling down a cliff face.

But when you get closer you realise that they are solid rock.

The strange concretions are created by millions of years of calcium carbonate deposits from a spring that trickles over the rock.

Hierve el Agua is one of only two examples of this phenomenon on the planet.

You can visit the site on a looped trail that guides you to the pools at the top.

People come to bathe in the water, which is claimed to have healing qualities.

On the way you’ll see some outlandish natural rock formations and canals hewn from the rock by the as long as Zapotecs 2,500 years ago.

15. Cuisine

As we hinted, Oaxaca is known as the “land of the seven moles”, all with their own colours and blend of chilli and herbs.

The most famous is mole negro, which gets its dark shade and richness from chocolate and is flavoured with an aromatic herb known as hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf). Typically this will come with rice and grilled chicken leg, but can also be used in tamales and tacos.

And while you might grimace at the thought of chapulines (grasshoppers), they’re an abundant “superfood” for their high vitamin and protein content.

Oaxaca cheese was invented by the Dominican monks in the 16th century, using the same techniques as mozzarella, but with cow’s milk instead of buffalo.

The result is close to Monterey jack, and goes into empanadas, quesadillas and tlayudas, which are a local preparation with cabbage, grilled beef and a salsa molcajete (a tomato and chilli sauce).

15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (Mexico):

• Monte Albán
• Museo de las Culturas
• Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
• Museo Rufino Tamayo
• Árbol del Tule
• Plaza de la Danza
• Museo Textil
• Oaxaca Cathedral
• Jardín Etnobotánico
• Mercado Benito Juárez
• Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol
• Hierve el Agua

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 (or in Spanish, Oaxaca de Juarez ) and places in the broader region 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, read more about visiting mexico + beyond.

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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 stop when visiting 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 harvested remains of fresh agave plants all the way through to the finished product.

The tour finished with a tasty 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.

It’s a perfect area for relaxing, and a must-see when visiting Oaxaca!

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.

However, t he 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, and is on our personal bucket list to this day (one of these years, the time will finally be right).

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!

Local markets are a staple of visiting any city in Mexico, whether they’re served with a side of tourism or not–and Mercado 20 de Noviembre is no exception.

Sip hot chocolate.

Oaxacan hot chocolate is spiced with cinnamon and is famous for a reason. It is absolutely delicious!

Fair warning, though: it may not have much in common with the hot chocolate you get at home.

Made with cocoa, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and occasionally almonds, it’s downright interesting to sip.

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.

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 colorful 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 is 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.

Shop travel insurance for your trip to Oaxaca today!

Planning a trip to Mexico… or perhaps even a full backpacking trip through multiple Latin American countries?

We’d love to help with your planning!

You can browse all of our Mexico blog posts here , see what other destinations we’ve visited here , or check out these guides:

• How to Visit Becan, A Delightfully Offbeat Mayan City
• Mexico Travel Budget: What Does a Trip to Mexico Cost?
• The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Guatemala Itinerary
• 17 Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico’s Laid-Back Island Paradise
• 19 Bucket List Worthy Things to Do in Belize

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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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.

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The Ultimate Guide to Oaxaca, Mexico (Things to Do 2023)

Ready to explore Mexico’s enchanting city of Oaxaca? This is your guide to planning the best things to do while visiting Oaxaca.

Oaxaca has long been on my list of places to visit in Mexico. And with this year dedicated to exploring all that Mexico has to offer, like this remote surfing town , the jewel box town of San Miguel de Allende , and this Yucatan treasure , I was more than eager to get to Oaxaca.

I had the chance to explore Oaxaca with El Camino Travel, a curated group trip company. I led a 6-day tour with 12 women, all with the help of El Camino Travel. Their ability to find the best local things to do, connect with artisans, and give an incredible travel experience made our trip to Oaxaca amazing ( and completely unrepeatable ). So I can’t say better things than to book that El Camino Travel group trip — check out my IG highlights on Oaxaca for more.

I came in a night early into Oaxaca before the group trip and took two days to explore the city on my own. Throughout the El Camino trip, we also had ample free time to explore, so my guide is for all of the wonderful things I discovered while there.

Read on to find the best things to do while visiting Oaxaca — from the arts, and coffee shops, to memorable dining, Oaxaca has it all.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Oaxaca:

• Pug Seal ,  for the best design hotel
• Grana B&B ,  for the best design for dollar hotel
• Hotel Escondido ,  for the best luxury hotel
• Casa Antoineta , for the best romantic stay

Things to Do

• Visit the petrified pools of Hierve el Agua

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

For all international trips, I recommend having reliable travel insurance. I like to use World Nomads .

The Ultimate Guide to Oaxaca, Mexico

What to know about visiting oaxaca, mexico.

How to Get to Oaxaca, Yucatan?

You can get to Oaxaca, Mexico, by flying into Oaxaca’s Xoxocotlán International Airport (IATA: OAX) from major Mexican cities like Mexico City, Cancún, or Guadalajara. There are direct flights from the US from airports like Dallas Ft. Worth and Los Angeles.

Once you arrive in Oaxaca, it’s best to take a taxi or pre-book a private transfer into the city center (around 25 minutes.). On arrival, once you clear customs, there is a taxi stand inside the airport where you prepay. There are two options: collectivo and private. Collectivo means a group transfer. It’s cheaper but you will have multiple stops (around 140 pesos).

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Oaxaca?

The best time to visit Oaxaca, Mexico, is generally during the dry season, which spans from late October to early May. This period offers pleasant weather with warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding attractions. However, be aware that Oaxaca can get crowded during major festivals like Dia de los Muertos (late October to early November) and Semana Santa (Holy Week, typically in March or April), so plan your trip accordingly if you want to experience these cultural events.

How Do I Get Around Oaxaca?

Oaxaca’s city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other.

For longer distances, taxis are a convenient way to get around Oaxaca, especially for reaching destinations outside the city center. You can find taxis at designated stands or hail them on the street. It’s a good idea to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey or make sure they use the meter. You will need cash for almost all taxis.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Oaxaca?

For visiting the city of Oaxaca itself, you do not need a rental car. If you plan to do a day trip to nearby sights without a hired guide/transfer, this is where a rental car may be handy. You could allot a few days of your trip with a rental car if you wanted to.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for my rental cars in Mexico, choose full coverage insurance as required my Mexico, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mexico is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here .

Is Oaxaca Safe?

In general, Oaxaca is considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico. I had several afternoons and evenings out solo and felt comfortable. Should you practice common sense when traveling? Absolutely. Consider where you go, when, and whether or not it’s best to be solo or with a group when traveling anywhere in the world.

Currency, Language, and Health

The local currency is Mexican pesos, which you could pull out prior to arrival or on arrival at a local ATM. You will need cash for smaller stores, food stalls, and markets. Credit cards are widely accepted at large institutions.

The local language is Spanish, and I always recommend having a handful of useful, everyday phrases to refer to if need be.

Is it Safe to Drink the Tap Water in Oaxaca?

It is not safe to drink tap water in Oaxaca. Stick only to bottled water and reliable sources.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca has a vibrant selection of boutique hotels, design-worthy vacation rentals, and haciendas. Check out  the full list of my favorite hotels in Oaxaca  for more!

Where I Stayed: Grana B&B

While there are many incredible hotels to choose from, I went with Grana B&B for my one solo night in Oaxaca before joining the group trip. Its central location, chic design, and included breakfast were a few reasons I had chosen this hotel. The rates are some of the best in comparison to other design hotels in Oaxaca, making it a reasonable place to stay in terms of price. The central courtyard and even complimentary rooftop yoga classes are a wonderful addition to the stay. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels in Oaxaca to Consider

Though I only had time for one hotel stay, I always have a few favorites on my radar:

Where to Eat in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is home to incredible food. It’s truly one of the best “culinary” destinations in Mexico with a strong cultural presence in their ingredients and cuisine. I’d recommend a mix of experiences — street food and fine dining. It’s a beautiful blend of many types of food in Oaxaca. Do know that in high season, reservations are highly recommended.

Levadura de Olla Restaurante

Levadura de Olla was one of my favorite meals in town, I came in solo for lunch. Have to try their tomato salad and any of their entrees are wonderful. One other unique drink to try here is the “tepache” or fermented pineapple beer.

Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante

One of the better fine dining experiences in town. Casa Oaxaca has stunning views of the church and if you can reserve a rooftop, try to! Loved all of the food, the bean soup was a personal favorite.

Chef Enrique Olvera, known for his Michelin-star cuisine, opened up Criollo . On the World’s 50 Best Restuarant lists, this prix-fixe menu pays homage to Oaxacan cuisine. The setting is stunning, do reserve in advance.

Los Danzantes

I’m 50/50 on what I ate here but want to include it nonetheless as many love Los Danzantes . I liked most of my meal, it’s more elevated dining, and the setting is tucked away off the street. I walked in without a reservation, I think having one would have changed the experience for me.

Sabina Sabe

Sabina Sabe is such a gem, it’s a mezcal bar with tons of small plates. Also listed on North America’s Best Bars, I came in for a late lunch. The pork tacos here are a must!

Amá Terraza

Set above Casa Antoineta , Amá Terraza is a lovely rooftop bar for small plates and natural wine. You could likely just walk in, and lunch is also popular here.

Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar

On North America’s 50 Best Bars list, I’d recommend popping into Selva at least once for a cocktail. Their innovative menu is so fun and the server will help you choose the best one for you. I did the house cocktail, which was more savory than sweet!

Tacos de Comal Plaza Del Carmen

A total classic street food cart in town, definitely come by Tacos Del Carmen for late breakfast or lunch.

Pan Con Madre

There are many pastry shops in Oaxaca, but Pan Con Madre was my favorite for both pastries and coffee. I ended up taking some for takeaway as I couldn’t decide.

One of the more popular bakeries and restaurants in town, I popped into Boulenc twice while in Oaxaca for a bite. On my final morning, I had a sit-down breakfast, the food was delicious.

Other Restaurants on My List

While I can’t eat everywhere, I always have an ongoing list of places. Those included:

• La Cocina de Humo
• Lechoncito de Oro

My Favorite Coffee Shops in Oaxaca

• Muss Cafe at Casa Antoineta
• LIA Café at Hotel Principal
• Cafe Blasón
• Cafe “El Volador”
• Onnno Loncheria
• Masea Trigo y Maiz

Things to Do in Oaxaca

Explore the downtown.

On arrival, one of the best things to do in Oaxaca is to walk downtown. Many small plazas and the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) are bustling with city life. You really can’t go wrong with a leisurely stroll starting from the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán down into Centro.

Visit the Many Museums

Oaxaca is packed with culture and history, with several different museums on offer. My favorite one was the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo (open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday), housing archaeological artifacts, an ancient library, and cloisters. I’d block out 2 hours to see this one as there is a lot to take in.

Another favorite was the free Museo Textil de Oaxaca (open daily from 10 or 11 a.m. until 6 or 8 p.m.), which houses textiles from the region.

Museo De La Filatelia is another must-visit museum that houses surrealist art and a beautiful patio (open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

Try Ancestral Hot Chocolate at Rito Chocolatería

Oaxaca is known for its artisanal hot chocolate that comes from hundreds of generations ago. Often referred to as ancestral hot chocolate, Rito Chocolatería is the spot to go in and try it. You can also pop in and buy chocolates to bring home.

Taste Mezcal

You’re in the mezcal capital of Mexico, so what better place to try mezcal? While you can certainly visit a mezcal distillery, one way to enjoy it is by stopping at one of the many mezcal bars in Oaxaca. My three choices are Selva , Sabina Sabe , and Mezcalería In Situ . For those looking to do a sit-down tasting, La Mezcaloteca was recommended (reservations required).

There is no end in sight when it comes to shopping. I went to over a dozen stores during my time exploring Oaxaca. I found some of the “mercados” to feel not super authentic, so I ended up returning to a few stores to purchase more. My favorite find of the trip was LIA Café , a coffee shop and curated store. I went in 4 separate times because each time new items kept arriving in the store.

Another favorite for ceramics was Cooperativa 1050º , so many goodies here and don’t forget the second floor. For custom hats, do stop into Sombreros Alberly Premium , these hats are amazing. Another store is Marchanta , a great collection of Mexican designers, but quite expensive in price.

Peruse and Eat in the Markets

Oaxaca City has several markets to peruse through, many housing small restaurants and food carts. Mercado Benito Juárez is the biggest, and well worth a visit. Afterward, you’re right next to Mercado 20 de Noviembre , another fresh food market with stalls of local street food.

Visit Hierve el Agua

Taking a day trip to Hierve el Agua is a must when visiting Oaxaca. About 1.5 hours away, you can either rent your own car or join a tour that takes you out there. I’d highly suggest getting out as early as possible as once it reaches a maximum capacity of 200 people, it closes off. The scenic petrified waterfalls and cool spring pools are set high in the mountains.

You can also dip in the springs and go hiking in that area. A few recommended guided Hierve el Agua tours from Oaxaca are this full-day tour or this full-day tour.

Looking to Explore More of Mexico?

See  why Sayulita is a fun-filled adventure Explore  Mexico’s most beautiful city: San Miguel de Allende Dive deep into  Mexico City’s design and food scene

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Oaxaca Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 16, 2024

From the moment I arrived, I knew Oaxaca was a special place. The city’s energy and mine just synched. We were a pair. My eyes constantly shifted to every shade of color, every movement, as if I had an insatiable hunger to take in everything.

That love has only grown deeper with each subsequent visit (and there have been many).

Oaxaca is a city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and picturesque parks. It’s also one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and a hub for making mezcal in the country.

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico , Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. Today, Oaxaca is a center for heritage tourism, owing to the many historical attractions (including Monte Albán, a UNESCO Heritage Site; and Mitla, a Zapotec archeological site) in the city and surrounding area.

With mouth-watering food, the best mezcal in the world, and tons of history, it’s no surprise I fell in love with Oaxaca. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it. All the hype you hear about it is true.

This travel guide to Oaxaca will help you see all the sites, save money, and fall in love with it too.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oaxaca

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in oaxaca.

1. Wander the historic downtown

The entire downtown of Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. There are over 1,200 historic buildings here, most of which are hundreds of years old. Historical downtown Oaxaca is the perfect place to explore iconic landmarks like the Zocalo courtyard (the courtyard in front of the National Palace), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Santa Domingo Cultural Center. Spend some time wandering to take in their vibrant colors and historic architecture, and stop in for a Mezcal cocktail at any of the lively downtown bars.

2. Explore Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This covered market is home to all kinds of delicious street food as well as fresh, local produce. Construction on the market began in 1862 but wasn’t finalized until 1882, and was later named after the start date of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. It has remained one of Oaxaca’s culinary and cultural hubs for over a hundred years. Be sure to try some of the amazing grilled meats as they are a local favorite! Definitely eat here at least once. It’s open daily from 7am-9pm.

3. See Monte Albán

This pre-Columbian archeological site is located just 15 minutes outside the city. Founded in the 6th century BCE, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ancient Zapotec pyramids, terraces, and canals that span several miles. Admission is 70 MXN while full-day tours (that include other stops) are 724 MXN.

4. Explore Mitla

This pre-Columbian UNESCO site was built in 850 CE and was mostly destroyed by the Spanish when they arrived in the mid-16th century. However, some buildings were left intact, which you can get up close and explore (some of which date as far back as 400 CE). Mitla was one of the main religious and spiritual hubs for the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec people, and was used as a sacred burial site. Admission is 75 MXN while skip-the-line tickets are 160 MXN.

5. Try a street-stall hamberguesa

The hamberguesa is a delicious but unhealthy must-eat meal. It’s a burger topped with a hot dog, sliced cheese, Oaxaca cheese, ham, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeño. It’s all the unhealthy foods you could ever want for just 50 MXN. Cangreburguer sells one of the best.

Other Things to See and Do in Oaxaca

1. learn about mezcal.

I love mezcal (which is one of the reasons why I love Oaxaca). This is the birthplace of mezcal, a spirit distilled from agave. Unlike tequila, which is also made from agave, when making mezcal, the heart of the plant is cooked in a pit in the ground before it is crushed. Then water is added, and it’s allowed to ferment. Since the plant is cooked, mezcal has a much smokier flavor than tequila.

If you want to learn more about this popular (and delicious) spirit, Rambling Spirits runs the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca. Go with them if you want to learn more. Their guides have incredible knowledge and can take you to places the bigger tours can’t. I learned a ton on this tour and highly recommend it! Most tours leave after lunch so it’s a perfect way to spend the remainder of your day.

2. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I visit a new city is take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights, get introduced to the city and culture, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers free daily tours that show you the hidden gems of the city and what life is like for the locals who live here. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

3. See the Templo de Santo Domingo

This Baroque Roman Catholic church was started in 1572, though it wasn’t completed until 1731. It was originally used as a Dominican church and monastery. During Mexico’s revolutionary war (1910-1920), the church was annexed and used as a barracks and military building. It was transformed into a museum in the 1970s and is now home to all kinds of religious and pre-Columbian artifacts. The interior is incredibly ornate, with intricate carvings on the walls. Admission is free. Be sure to dress respectfully.

4. Wander the Botanical Garden

These gardens span over two acres and are located near the Church of Santo Domingo. The gardens feature different plants from across the state (Oaxaca is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country). In addition to the flowers, trees, and cacti that dot the garden, there are also sculptures and works of art too. Self-guided tours are not allowed so you’ll need to go with a guide. One-hour tours are offered Monday through Saturday. There is only one English tour available per day, however. Admission (including the tour) is 50 MXN for Spanish tours and 100 MXN for tours in English.

5. Visit Puerto Escondido

Located on the Pacific Coast 6 hours away by car, Puerto Escondido is famous for its stunning beaches and rambunctious nightlife. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Oaxaca, head here to lounge away the days and party all night. Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito are the best beaches for swimming and lounging while Playa Zicatela is great for surfing. Avoid staying in the middle of Zicatela as it’s boring. If you’re backpacking, stay at the very south where all the hostels are. It’s a lively area.

6. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, one of the best ways to get a sense of the local food scene is to take a guided food tour. I highly recommend doing one here since Oaxaca is such a center for gastronomy. Oaxaca has some of the most diverse selections of dishes in Mexico. Oaxaca Eats runs several tours, most of which last around 4 hours. You’ll get to sample 20+ dishes. Tour prices vary but expect to spend 2,000 MXN.

7. Wander the Sunday market

Mercado Tlacolula is one of the most popular markets in the region. It’s essentially been in operation for centuries and is a good place to buy local crafts, produce, food, and everything in between. It’s located 45-minutes outside the city so you’ll need to drive there or take the bus, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. There are thousands of people here and tons of amazing food to try. Don’t miss barbacoa (stewed meat) and chicharrón (fried pork rinds).

8. Try a cooking class

If you want to learn how to make some of the amazing dishes you’ve eaten here, take a cooking class . Most classes take you to the market so you can buy fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Classes last around 5 hours and are hands-on and fully immersive. Usually, you’ll make one appetizer, some salsa, a main mole dish (mole is a specific sauce and one of the region’s specialties), and a dessert. Expect to spend around 1,900 MXN for a class.

9. Go hiking in Sierra Norte

Sierra Norte offers visitors over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of hiking trails spanning over 40 different trails. Located just two hours by car from Oaxaca, you’ll also see a handful of Zapotec villages (Pueblos Mancomunados) along the way that offer village-to-village treks and homestays. At Sierra Nore, keep in mind that trails are not well-marked so you’ll need to hire a guide (going solo is possible but not recommended). Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can point out wildlife (there are pumas, bobcats, armadillos, and more here), identify plants, and ensure you don’t get lost (plus, hiring a guide helps support the local economy). Multi-day tours (which trek from village to village) cost around 3,600 MXN per person for a 3-day tour.

10. Experience a Temazcal

Temazcal (meaning “house of heat”) is a traditional Zapotec sweat lodge. You’ll sit in a small domed hut that becomes increasingly warmer. You’ll rub everything from clay to fresh fruit juices and peels on your skin as you heat up, cooling down by dunking yourself in cold water. It’s a very meditative, spiritual experience with numerous health benefits. Visits usually last an hour and cost around 600 MXN.

11. Celebrate Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) is one of the biggest celebrations/festivals in all of Mexico. It occurs between October 31st and November 2nd and is a time meant for remembering loved ones who have passed. Locals paint their faces, visit cemeteries, and give offerings. There are all kinds of celebrations and parades too. Oaxaca hosts one of the biggest festivals in all of Mexico. It’s one of the best (and busiest) times to visit Oaxaca. Be sure to book your accommodation early as hotels and hostels sell out months in advance. If you want a local guide during the Day of the Dead , expect to pay around 1,250 MXN.

For more information on specific cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancún Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is generally one of the safest cities in Mexico. You don’t find the kind of drug or tourist-related violence and thefts you find elsewhere. That being said, it is still always best to practice personal safety and never stop being aware of your surroundings.

Be sure to take a taxi home after a night out just to be safe. Also, don’t carry all your valuables with you everywhere you go (unless it’s to or from the airport). Leave your passport at your accommodation and only take enough money with you for what you feel you need to do.

When possible, it’s always best to walk with a friend or a small group. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and waving around lots of money or high-end electronics (both during the day and at night). There’s been a rise in late-night petty theft since COVID so it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are coming around major festivals.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, even walking alone. However, the standard precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs about the city.

If you rent a vehicle, never leave any valuables in it overnight.

If an emergency occurs, dial 911. If that doesn’t work (since 911 isn’t available everywhere), dial 066. Overall, dangerous crimes against tourists are very uncommon here. The people who do tend to be involved in incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid all of that and you’ll greatly reduce your risks here. I never feel unsafe here and neither do my friends that live here, even the women.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has plenty of affordable hostels. Here are some suggested places to stay if you’re on a budget:

• Hostel Central
• El Cielo Oaxaca
• Iguana Hostel Oaxaca
• Azul Cielo Oaxaca

For more suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Oaxaca .

Oaxaca Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel dorms – 250-450 MXN per night 
• Hostel private rooms – 600-1,500 MXN per night
• Budget hotels – 700 MXN per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 200-950 MXN per night
• Airbnb apartments – 400-800 MXN per night
• Campsite – 200 MXN per night
• Street food – 10-45 MXN
• Sit-down restaurants – 80-200 MXN
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 110 MXN
• Beer – 30 MXN
• Mezcal – 80-240 MXN
• Cappuccino/latte – 45 MXN
• Bottled water – 10 MXN
• Groceries for a week – 500-575 MXN

Some of my favorite restaurants are Boulenc, Los Danzantes, La Mezcaloteca, Tlayudas El Negro, Cactus Loncheria, Lechoncito de Oro, Santo Sabor Restaurante, Tastavins, Casa Taviche, Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante, and Praga Coffee Bar.

Oaxaca Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 800 mxn per day.

If you’re backpacking, this budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few cheap attractions, such as a visit to Monte Albán and a free walking tour. If you plan on eating out more or drinking lots of mezcal, add another 60-150 MXN per day.

Midrange – 1,750 MXN Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb room. You’ll be able to eat at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like cooking classes or museum visits.

Upscale – 3,400 MXN Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, have plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided food or mezcal tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though.

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Like the rest of Mexico, Oaxaca is super affordable. However, with so many tempting eateries and mezcalerias, it’s easy to go overboard and spend too much (that’s what happened to me and my entire group of friends). Lucky, there’s plenty of ways to cut your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Oaxaca:

Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Shop at the markets for food – Oaxaca’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Binge on fresh fruit, tacos, and grilled meat — it’s all super cheap!

Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the city — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats. Most meals won’t be more than 30 MXN.

Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers daily tours that give you a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals and find free accommodation. If you send your request in advance, you can likely find a host who can share their insider tips and knowledge with you.

Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.

Skip the taxis – Oaxaca is easy to explore on foot and the bus goes pretty much everywhere you need it. Skip the taxis!

How to Get Around in Oaxaca

On foot – Oaxaca is super pedestrian-friendly. Unless you’re heading out to the nearby ruins, you can just walk everywhere in the downtown area.

Bus – Collectivos (shared taxis that drive set routes) are available around the city and usually cost around 15 MXN.

Taxi – Taxis start at 55 MXN and go up by region traveled. For example, anywhere in the historic center costs 55 MXN, even if you only travel 1 block or 10. If you want to go to the neighboring region of La Reforma from the historic center, it costs 70 MXN, and so on. A taxi to the airport should be about 150-200 MXN, depending on which region you’re staying in (and what time of day/night it is, with nighttime being a bit higher). While affordable, they add up quickly so skip the taxis if you can.

Though Uber is not in Oaxaca, you can use a similar app called Didi. International credit cards don’t seem to work with the app, so make sure you have close to the right amount of change as the suggested fare cost (taxi drivers don’t usually have a lot of change). Rides with this app exclusively use taxis.

Bicycle – Bike rentals can be found for around 100 MXN for a half-day rental. For a guided mountain bike trip, expect to spend around 1,300 MXN for a half-day excursion.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 650 MXN per day. Unless you’re going to do some day trips (or multi-day trips) outside the city (such as a trip to Puerto Escondido) then you likely don’t need a car. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years.

Some companies require renters to be over 25. Deposits on car rentals can also be quite steep, with some companies asking for $1,000 USD as a deposit.

When to Go to Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s elevation offers a relatively pleasant climate year-round. The most popular time to visit is December-January when many Canadian and American tourists flock south to avoid the winter. This is when the city is busiest and prices are highest. Daily highs are comfortable and not too hot, hovering around 25°C (77°F).

Expect crowds around the Day of the Dead (late October/early November). If you’re visiting then, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

The summer sees more rain, though the weather is still warm and sunny. Expect daily averages around 26°C (79°F).

Oaxaca Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Oaxaca travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

Is Mexico Safe to Visit?

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

The 6 Best Hostels in Oaxaca

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Discover the World

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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Justin Foulkes

Oaxaca City

A cultural colossus fit to rival anywhere in Latin America for history, gastronomy and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture, Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a Unesco World Heritage badge. Lovers of culture come here to indulge in the Mexico of Zapotec and colonial legend. Flowing through handsome yet tranquil streets, life pulsates with an unadulterated regional flavor. See it in the color palate of historic boutique hotels, a meet-the-producer artisan store or an intentionally grungy mezcalería (plying locally manufactured alcoholic beverages). But what makes Oaxaca especially interesting are its undercurrents. While largely safe and attractive by Mexican standards, snippets of political protest in recent years have lent the city a grittier edge. It bubbles up in satirical street art, bohemian bars and been-around-forever street markets. Trust us: there’s far more to this city than just pretty churches.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

Got two hours? You'll need it for the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed in the beautiful monastery buildings adjoining the Templo de Santo Domingo. This…

Templo de Santo Domingo

Gorgeous Santo Domingo is the most splendid of Oaxaca’s churches, with a finely carved baroque facade and nearly every square centimeter inside decorated…

Traffic-free, shaded by tall trees and surrounded by elegant portales (arcades), the Zócalo is the perfect place to start soaking up the Oaxaca atmosphere…

Museo Rufino Tamayo

A top-class museum, even by Oaxaca's high standards, showing off a wondrous collection of pre-Hispanic art donated by the city's most famous artist,…

Andador Turístico

Historic, romantic, dignified and safe, wonderful Calle Alcalá (traffic-free since the 1980s) is what Oaxaca is all about. It runs north from the…

Espacio Zapata

In a city of provocative graphic art, this workshop and gallery is a key agitator. Founded by the art collective Asaro (Asamblea de Artistas…

At the center of this gallery's workshop is an exceedingly rare 8-ton J Voirin lithography press, which prints both acrylics and woodcuts. Works on…

Jardín Etnobotánico

In former monastic grounds behind the Templo de Santo Domingo, this garden features plants from around Oaxaca state, including a staggering variety of…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Oaxaca is one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico. Here's what you should know before you go.

Best Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods of Oaxaca make this city one of Mexico’s most alluring destinations. Here’s our guide to the best areas in town.

With these day trips from Oaxaca City, you can discover hikes through cloud forests, traditional artisans at work, mezcal distilleries and much more.

Money and Costs

Tips for saving dinero on your next trip.

Transportation

Here's the lowdown on how to get around in fast-growing Oaxaca.

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Experience the real Mexico

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Oaxaca   Travel Guide

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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

(756 reviews)

from $ 50.00

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

(412 reviews)

from $ 28.27

The Mezcal Journey

(141 reviews)

from $ 91.49

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. 

Explore More of Oaxaca

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Oaxaca, Mexico Travel Guide

Last updated on May 18, 2024 by Shannon

One of the most culturally rich places in Mexico, Oaxaca state is among my favorite places in the country. This region, and the city in particular, is widely known for it’s mezcal, chocolate, and mole; as well as the diverse indigenous groups still calling the Oaxaca Valley home after hundreds of years.

While I love traveling the Yucatán Peninsula for its intriguing Maya ruins and uniquely beautiful cenotes , Oaxaca provides a blend of food, culture, and history unique to this part of Mexico—what you can find here is impossible to enjoy the same way when visiting anywhere else.

And while tourists descend on Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HAH-kah) for the two most notable festivals, Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead, it’s vibrant and interesting year-round. The city has beautifully restored colonial buildings—many of which are now hotels, museums, and restaurants.

In the past decade, international travel magazines have featured Oaxacan chefs for their intriguing twists on classic dishes that have long shaped the history of Mexico’s food scene. Couple that with it being the birthplace of mezcal—a smoky, fiery liquor that has quickly risen as the drink of choice in hipster havens from San Francisco to London—and you will never lack for things to do when you visit Oaxaca .

Jump to the part of this travel guide, or start from the top and work your way through the information and recommendations for visiting Oaxaca, Mexico .

Table of Contents

Is Oaxaca safe to visit?

Although a few regions of Mexico have cartel violence and safety concerns, Oaxaca State is mostly free from these threats.

You may, however, encounter issues with the local protests—Oaxaca is famous for the amount of protests and these protesters are usually nonviolent, but they do close down the roads for entire days. The protests ramp up every year around May. Many times, these take place outside of the tourist areas, but occasionally the protest focuses on the city-center’s zòcolo.

By and large, tourists shouldn’t fear the protesting activity as it is most often teachers protesting wages, villages protesting new laws, and things of that sort. Again, it’s not targeted toward tourists and the tour companies and people of Oaxaca will be grateful to see you no matter what types of local protests are occurring at the time. But, you should double-check local information before traveling there in spring/summer.

In terms of personal safety walking around town, you should have no issues walking the city center after dark, it’s lively and active until midnight; and later on the weekends. Cabs are always nearby too, if you need a quick lift home.

No matter what time of day, be cautious of petty theft and opportunistic crimes like bag and phone snatching by a motorbike zooming past—it’s not common, but nor is it unheard of. There have been problems with muggings for solitary hikers near the Cerro del Fortin auditorium.

Check the U.S. government’s travel warnings to keep abreast of that situation, but mostly don’t be up there after sunset, or alone with expensive gear.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Fast Facts About Oaxaca, Mexico Travel

Mexican peso (MXN) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No, the water is not safe to drink in Oaxaca. Expats and travelers should drink bottled, or consider the merits of a  SteriPen  or  LifeStraw  for your trip.

I used the tap water to brush my teeth, but other expats do not. If you’re a new traveler, or you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water even for teeth brushing.

Local SIM Cards

This is a cinch and highly recommended for GPS and navigating. Telcel is likely your best option, although Movistar is popular in this region of Mexico (but not other regions).

For most travelers to Oaxaca, and especially those traveling to other areas of Mexico, opt for Telcel. If you have a U.S. T-Mobile account, it will do the trick, too.

There’s a full SIM guide here —note that you must show your passport to buy one at some locations (it’s hit or miss which places will ask to see it before selling you a SIM).

Festivals of Note

• Day of the Dead is the signature festival in this region of Mexico and Oaxaca is an ideal place to celebrate. Day of the Dead occurs around Halloween, specifically in the first days of November.
• Guelaguetza is huge and celebrates the 16 indigenous cultures of the Oaxaca Valley (July).
• On an offbeat note, The Fiesta de Rábanos , the Festival of the Radishes is lively and takes place in the zócalo around the Christmas holidays with fireworks and crafts (23 December).

Oaxaca’s Primary Airports

• Xoxocotlán in Oaxaca City (OAX)
• Bahías de Huatulco in Huatulco (HUX)

How’s the wifi in Oaxaca?

Wifi is rampant and available at guesthouses and cafes. The data plans are also solid inside of cities and tourist areas so you can tether to your phone if you buy a data plan.

Possible Issues

Not many. If you’re prone to nosebleeds, then the extremely dry winters might exacerbate the issue (it did for me).

And since Oaxaca is at altitude, those coming from sea-level may experience a few days of headaches and tiredness that can come from altitude sickness if you’re not acclimated. Stay well hydrated and get a good night’s sleep.

What’s the weather like in Oaxaca?

The winters in Oaxaca are mild, cool, and exceedingly dry. You won’t see snow in the city, but night-time temperatures can drop drastically, even on what was a seemingly mild winter day.

By mid summer, it’s scorching hot and unrelentingly sunny—bring a hat and sunscreen. Stay well-hydrated year round.

How much does it cost to travel Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is a favored destination for North American retirees because it’s so easy on the wallet. Extended-stay accommodation for the winter months books up early, but you can find affordable hostels and guesthouses year round.

A budget backpacker can get by with $30/day on the frugal side, and mid-range travelers will have plenty of tasty food and cute guesthouses to enjoy on a budget closer to $55/day per person.

Long-term, it costs well under $800 a month to live in Oaxaca City .

Accommodation

Accommodation is a cinch. I used the Moon Guide Oaxaca when moving around the state. If you’re basing yourself out of one of the major cities, consider using one of the booking engines. 

While the city guides below go to my favored hotel booking site, Booking.com , many great deals are also found on VRBO  if you are member—vacation rentals can actually save you money since you often have a full kitchen, particularly if you’re a family or traveling with more than three people.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

These websites have very established presences in this region of Mexico because of the number of North American snowbirds visiting each winter— vacation rentals are among the easiest ways to book nice spots in a good area of town. Backpackers can find dorms on Hostelworld , but most travelers, including budget travelers, can find great deals at Booking.com .

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. The months of December through February are very busy in Oaxaca City—if you plan any sort of extended stay, book ahead or you will not find affordable apartments and accommodations for rent.

If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

How to Get Around Oaxaca

The major roads are well maintained and connect most any place you’ll need to go, but this is a mountainous region of Mexico and there is no way to avoid the winding roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, the long bus rides will tax your ability to stay well.

For shorter rides, colectivos , shared taxis, are an easy way to visit any of the rural towns. These taxis congregate at Abastos market (also called “central” when you/drivers are returning to the city), and a few other spots around town.

The northeastern colectivo launching point that I reference in the recommended daytrips is  pinpointed here —it’s easy to find because of the nearby McDonald’s. Go to this spot, then find a shared taxi with the name of your destination painted on the side. The colectivos usually cost 10-25 pesos max to any towns out in the Valley, and they add people to the car as you drive in the direction of your destination.

Of note, the local buses are considerably safer than colectivos , but less convenient. If you have Spanish and time on your side, these buses ply the main highways out of town. You will have to know your stop by sight or beg help from locals. You can catch a bus to the day-trip spots from the same spot where you catch a colectivo .

In Oaxaca City, the taxis are a flat fee; they are convenient if you find yourself out late and not prepared to navigate the cobbled streets on the way home. That said, most of Oaxaca City is walkable and you can explore everything in the city on foot.

Getting to or from Oaxaca

Use Bookaway to find the best route to or from Oaxaca, which includes public transport, flight prices, and the price of private or shared shuttle transfers. A lot of travelers arrive from Mexico City or Puebla , and those routes have quite a few options .

Note that the Ado bus network is extensive and ideal for those on a budget. These buses are large, comfortable, and affordable. Rental cars are easy to come by, although expensive to rent—they tack on huge fees and taxes to the offered price (read this thorough piece on navigating rental insurance in Mexico ).

Food & Drink Considerations

Food standards are good in this region of Mexico, and Oaxaca is famous for its culinary traditions and history. This is the “Land of the Seven Moles,” and they take their food (and pork in particular) seriously.

The water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to find. Street food is scattered around, but the markets hold most of the street eats, so check the guides below to known where you can find the affordable and tasty street eats.

Outside of the markets, you can most often find steamed corn ( elotes and esquites ), burgers, and sometimes a taco stand. If you decide to stick to budget and street food options, follow these food safety principles .

If you’re vegetarian, Oaxaca is a hard place to eat. Because of that, I wrote a dedicated post outlining how to eat vegetarian in Oaxaca, Mexico , specifically.

Mezcal is the drink of choice in Oaxaca and you don’t have to go far to try it. It’s a very strong and smoky liquor, like tequila with a very distinct flavor. I don’t care for mezcal in any fashion (and there are many types and flavors to try), but I was in the minority, by far. In my group of friends, I alone didn’t enjoy the drink.

That said, I did enjoy learning about the history of the drink and understanding the importance of the agave plants to the local populations. I recommend mezcal tours in the city guides below; I highly recommended that you sign up for one.

History to Know Before Traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico

During the pre-colonial period, Oaxaca was home to roughly 16 different cultures; each one had its own language, customs, and traditions. The Zapotecs and Mixtecas were the largest and most sophisticated of these, and this ratio holds true today as descendants are widely spread throughout the valley in small villages and farms.

Between 1500-500 B.C., San José Magote, a Zapotec city, was a significant settlement in Oaxaca, notable for its early use of pottery, a craft still evident in the region. Oaxaca, rich in cultural diversity, was home to about 16 different cultures, including the prominent Zapotecs and Mixtecs, whose descendants still populate the valley.

In the 15th century, the Aztecs conquered Oaxaca, but their control was brief. Hernán Cortés arrived in 1519, marking the beginning of Spanish influence. The Spanish colonization reshaped Oaxaca, evident in its colonial architecture and the haciendas that now dot the valley, many turned into mezcal plantations.

Oaxaca’s layout, with its central zócalo, reflects its colonial past. Despite Spanish rule, which lasted 300 years, the region saw significant changes, including the battle of Huajuapan in 1811, where Valerio Trujano’s forces claimed Oaxaca for the revolutionaries. Later, during the Mexican Revolution, Emiliano Zapata’s ideology that land belonged to the workers gained traction here.

Today, Oaxaca, with its blend of indigenous and colonial history, remains a culturally rich but economically challenged region. The city and state of Oaxaca continue to be a tapestry of historical layers, each adding to its unique character.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Mexico

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Mexico

• La Casa de los Secretos : Only available in Spanish, it’s also the only novel I could find set in Oaxaca and sharing the culture and history unique to this area. You should definitely read it before visiting if you can read Spanish.
• Mexico: Biography of Power : For the history buff, it doesn’t get much better than this comprehensive look at how the centralization of power throughout Mexico’s history has shaped not only the country, but all of Latin America.
• The Death Of Artemio Cruz : Hailed as a masterpiece and a “haunting voyage into the soul of modern Mexico,” this novel uses the narrator’s flashbacks to process how the country’s past continues to affect the present.
• Sliced Iguana: Travels in Mexico : On my list for a while now and recommended by readers as an easy read that gives a light touch to all the history and culture she talks about while retelling her journey.
• The People’s Guide to Mexico : Even veteran Mexico travelers will enjoy this book. It’s like a guidebook, but even more. It’s hands-down the best guidebook you should use to understand the various regions, the cultural quirks, and all the reasons Mexico is a fantastic place to travel and live. Unlike the Lonely Planet recommended above, this one is a cultural guide to the country. It comes highly recommended by me, and by heaps of Amazon reviewers too.
• Frida at Home : A beautiful and well-researched book on Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s well known artists and a national icon. From her early life to her painting and marriage to Diego Rivera, give one a peek into how Mexican culture and landscapes shaped this magnificent woman.

Podcasts and Online Reads About Mexico

• The Rise of Mezcal: Great for Cocktails, Better for Oaxaca : Mezcal is the favored drink in Oaxaca State, and it’s making waves all over the world too. This is a great read on the history of mezcal and a necessary reading before signing up for your own mezcal tour to a nearby  palenque .
• Mexico: History and Resistance : A solid podcast that makes listening to the country’s history easy. Download this and prep for your Mexico trip by taking a trip through time.
• Mexico with kids : Good niche read with a lot of facts and information you might be wondering about family specific travel.

Read all my Mexico travel stories  and find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads .

Recommended Guidebook

The Moon Guide Oaxaca is your best option. I always carry a paper guidebook so that I can easily read the history of each site while I am there. I also have a travel guide to the Yucatan Peninsula  and Guatemala for those heading that way.

Socially Responsible Travel in Oaxaca, Mexico

Socially responsible travel in Mexico is easier than in some parts of the world. The dark side of animal tourism haunts many travelers in Southeast Asia . But in Mexico, responsible tourism focuses more on people than animals (excluding the diving done along the coast!).

Oaxaca is the heart of indigenous Mexico and Oaxaca State has a large concentration of the indigenous cultures—16 different groups with unique customs and languages date back hundreds of years. There are general tactics for responsible travel  anywhere in the world, and those linked tips allow you to lessen your impact on the places you visit.

For Oaxaca specifically, let’s look at the regional activities and treks, as well as how to find responsible volunteering opportunities.

Trekking & Cabañas

Oaxaca State is a mountainous region encompassed within the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca. This unique location makes it the ideal place to plan nature hikes and remote homestays within the indigenous communities.

In fact, community-based tourism (CBT) is the number one way to responsibly visit the mountains outside of Oaxaca, as well as the local indigenous cultures. Many of the cabañas are well-appointed too. Some are rustic, but others offer many creature comforts you wouldn’t expect to find in such rural areas.

These communities have invested a lot of money and resources in making their cabañas and towns hospitable to tourism. That said, there is painfully little advice on how to arrange a trek or a weekend at one of the cabañas.

For formal trekking tours, where you go on a proper adventure with guides, Expediciones Sierra Norte  is the best company. Not only are their tours great, but they have sound responsible tourism practices. They have offices in Oaxaca Centro if you want a face-to-face before booking something.

For indie travelers with a bit of Spanish and a sense of adventure, you can book directly with the cabañas located in towns all over the region. Oaxaca Mio offers the best information on each site, what they offer, and contact information. That fantastic yellow map is from its website, and it’s the only one like it that I’ve ever found.

Oaxaca Mio provides information on programs in all the tiny towns, like San Miguel del Valle , which is an uber traditional town where I spent many of my volunteers hours . You can also find information on the nearby  Pueblos Magicos , which are cultural heritage towns singled out by the government as special. The green area on the map, Pueblos Mancomunados , is particularly popular with birders and nature lovers.

Volunteering in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has a range of opportunities for travelers keen to volunteer in the region. Most of the volunteer opportunities require at least a few weeks commitment from volunteers to ensure greatest impact. That said, there are opportunities for short-term projects if you have specialized skills such as any sort of medical or healthcare background, or a background in construction and building-type work.

The indigenous communities outside of Oaxaca often lack access to strong healthcare. For that reason, doctors in any field (medical, dental, ophthalmology, physical therapy, etc) are particularly useful, even in short clinics. If you’re a medical volunteer heading to Oaxaca, you can certainly find an outlet for your skills and knowledge.

There are many large NGOs offering paid programs, but you can easily find indie opportunities that only require you to cover your own room and board for this type of travel. Consider this list of vetted independent volunteer opportunities in Mexico —there are extensive options in Oaxaca State.

Supporting Responsible Businesses

Consider using and visiting these  Mexican social enterprises on your trip . Supporting social enterprises is one of the easiest ways to create a trip with positive impact. This means picking businesses that are using funds to support local communities and to offer training, support, or to protect natural resources.

You can do everything from shop for souvenirs to learning how to make pure chocolate to picking a trekking guide to finding a homestay—all with companies committed to social impact and respect.

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca State is a popular tourist region in Mexico. My list of the Best Things to Do in Oaxaca has the detailed transportation information you’d need to actually visit these places, and covers everything to do in Oaxaca City, and as day or weekend trips into the surrounding mountains and ecotourism hotspots.

If you head to the coast, use this thorough Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido .

My Favorite Oaxaca Travel Experiences:

• Volunteering with En Vía and learning more about the region’s indigenous cultures and how microfinance is helping them better their lives.
• Visiting the Zapotec cities and villages east of Oaxaca, like Teotitlán and others.
• Hanging out with friends in  Oaxaca City’s zócalo in the evenings and soaking in the music, laughter, and happiness.
• Visiting the stunning frozen waterfalls at Hierve el Agua outside of Oaxaca.
• Taking photo walks during the golden hour before sunset to capture the gorgeous churches and lively   street scenes and colorful graffiti around the city.

Things to Do in Oaxaca City Center

In the heart of Mexico, Oaxaca stands as a beacon of cultural richness and diversity, offering a myriad of experiences that blend history, art, and nature into a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

In addition to the traditional things to do, use Que Pasa Oaxaca ‘s event’s guide to see the upcoming shows, lectures, arts performances, and more.

Here’s a curated list of the best things to do :

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

Housed in the beautiful Santo Domingo complex, this museum is a treasure trove of Oaxacan history and culture. Explore exhibits that tell the story of the region from pre-Hispanic times to the present.

Then go book a chocolate workshop run by CACAO Cooperative is a very  small social enterprise still growing its business. It’s a hands-on way to learn every step of the process from a wonderful business.

Templo de Santo Domingo

A marvel of Baroque architecture, the Santo Domingo Temple dazzles with its intricate gold-leaf interior. It’s a testament to the artistic and religious fervor that has shaped Oaxaca.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

Adjacent to Santo Domingo, this ethnobotanical garden is a living encyclopedia of Oaxaca’s diverse plant life. It’s a serene escape that highlights the importance of flora in Oaxacan culture.

Mercado Benito Juárez & Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Dive into the heart of Oaxacan life at these bustling markets. They’re a sensory feast of colors, smells, and sounds, offering everything from handicrafts to local delicacies.

Mezcal Tasting

Immerse yourself in the world of mezcal, Oaxaca’s iconic spirit. Visit local distilleries to learn about its production and savor the smoky flavor that captures the essence of the region.

Learning Spanish

Embrace the local language to deepen your connection with Oaxaca. Engaging in Spanish lessons enhances your ability to interact with locals, understand the culture, and navigate the city with greater ease.

Consider ICO  or Oaxaca International . This page also provides a full list of Spanish schools in the city .

Hanging Out in the Zócalo

The Zócalo, Oaxaca’s main square, is the city’s beating heart. Spend time here to soak in the lively atmosphere, observe the daily life of Oaxacans, and perhaps catch impromptu musical performances or local gatherings.

Taking an En Vía Tour

Participate in an En Vía tour to experience responsible tourism. These social enterprise tours offer insights into local communities, supporting women’s empowerment and sustainable development through microfinance across the Oaxaca Valley . These tours are the single best way to learn about the indigenous cultures in this region of Mexico.

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Doing a Mezcal Tour in the Valley

Embark on a mezcal tour in the surrounding valleys. These tours not only allow you to taste various mezcals but also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional methods of mezcal production, deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture.

If you can get a spot, opt for a tour with Omar Alonso , a local Oaxacan running food and mezcal tours in the city .

Shopping for Local Handmade Goods

Oaxaca is a haven for handcrafted goods, especially tapetes (handwoven rugs). Visiting local markets and workshops gives you the chance to purchase these unique items directly from the artisans, supporting their craft and taking home a piece of Oaxacan heritage.

Taking a Cooking Class

Engage in a cooking class to delve into Oaxaca’s renowned culinary scene. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients, an experience that offers both a taste of the region’s flavors and an understanding of its culinary traditions.

El Sabor Zapotec is a cooking class run by Reyna Mendoza, one of the women in the En Vía microfinance program, and it’s well done.

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca

Venturing beyond the colorful streets of Oaxaca City reveals a landscape rich with natural wonders and ancient sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s soul.

Use my detailed list of things to do for transportation information on any of the day trips mentioned or highlighted in this Oaxaca Travel Guide. These day trips will enrich your journey with unforgettable experiences—I loved each one of these for its ability to lead me through the tapestry of Oaxaca’s diverse cultures and topography.

Hierve el Agua

Venture to these natural rock formations resembling cascades of water. The mineral-rich springs here create a surreal landscape, perfect for a refreshing dip and awe-inspiring photos.

Explore this archaeological site known for its intricate geometric mosaics. Mitla was a religious center for the Zapotecs and later the Mixtecs, and its unique artistry is a marvel.

Witness the grandeur of the ancient Tule Tree, one of the world’s largest living beings. Its immense girth and age make it a natural wonder and a symbol of endurance.

Teotitlán del Valle

This village is famed for its handwoven textiles. Meet artisans who use traditional techniques to create vibrant rugs and tapestries, each a piece of living heritage.

San Bartolo Coyotepec

Known for its black pottery, this village offers a glimpse into an ancient craft. Discover the skill and artistry behind each piece, shaped and fired using age-old methods.

Monte Albán

Perched atop a mountain, Monte Albán’s ancient ruins offer a window into the lives of the Zapotecs. Wander among the pyramids and tombs, feeling the echoes of a civilization that thrived centuries ago.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Midrange : La Betulia , a charming B&B connected to the En Vía social enterprise , offers a beautifully renovated space in a central location, while El Diablo y La Sandía stands out for its unique touches and warm, family-run hospitality.

Budget : Casa Angel Hostel is the top choice for budget travelers, boasting clean, spacious, and modern private rooms, a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a lively backpacker atmosphere.

Upscale : For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel La Casona de Tita , known for its tranquil ambiance and homemade breakfasts, or Casa de las Bugambilias , acclaimed for its small charms and exquisite bedrooms.

Where to Eat and Drink

I recommend Los Danzantes or Catedral  as the most vegetarian-friendly upscale restaurants. Casa Oaxaca is not a good bet for vegetarians, but is great for others. And I did not eat at Pitiona, another top fusion restaurant in town so I can’t weigh in there but it should be on your radar.

Grab coffee . For a quick coffee, stop at a Café Brújulas—I miss those the berry muffins. My favorite tiny spot is Alma de Cafe  ( Margarita Maza de Juárez 211-A )—it also offers salads, fresh-baked muffins, and cookies.

Drink Mezcal . Mezcalarita is one good option ( Macedonio Alcalá 706 ).  Mezcalogía is perennially popular ( García Vigil 509 ). And if you’re really into the drink, this list is better than many I’ve seen online.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Tourism in Oaxaca 

Tourism in Oaxaca is big business. But why is this industry so important and how should it best be managed? Read on to find out…

The geography of Oaxaca

Tourism in oaxaca , statistics about tourism in oaxaca, the most popular tourist attractions in oaxaca, the most popular types of tourism in oaxaca, the economic impacts of tourism in oaxaca, the social impacts of tourism in oaxaca, the environmental impacts of tourism in oaxaca , faqs about tourism in oaxaca, to conclude: tourism in oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a state located in the southern part of Mexico, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south, the state of Guerrero to the west, the state of Puebla to the north, and the state of Chiapas to the east. 

The state of Oaxaca covers an area of approximately 95,364 square kilometres (36,820 square miles) and is characterised by its diverse geography . It has a rugged coastline, with steep cliffs, coves, and beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Inland, the landscape varies from mountainous regions to valleys, plateaus, and highlands. The Sierra Madre mountain range runs through the state, with peaks reaching heights of over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above sea level.

One of the most notable geological features in Oaxaca is the Valley of Oaxaca, a large valley surrounded by mountains and hills. The valley is home to the state capital, Oaxaca City, as well as many smaller towns and villages.

Oaxaca is also known for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and deserts. The state has several rivers, including the Papaloapan River, which is one of the largest in Mexico, and the Atoyac River, which flows through the Valley of Oaxaca.

Due to its varied geography, Oaxaca has a rich biodiversity and is home to many unique plant and animal species. The state is known for its vibrant culture, with a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences that can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and art.

The tourism industry is an important part of Oaxaca’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. Oaxaca is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

One of the main attractions in Oaxaca is the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and traditional cuisine, including famous dishes such as mole and tlayudas. Other popular attractions in the city include the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church, the Oaxaca Regional Museum, and the Ethnobotanical Garden.

Oaxaca is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban, which dates back to 500 BC. The ruins of the Zapotec city of Mitla are another popular attraction, known for their intricate stonework and decorative motifs.

The state is also famous for its traditional crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and wood carvings. Visitors can learn about traditional artisan techniques and purchase locally made handicrafts at markets and workshops throughout the state.

Oaxaca’s diverse landscapes also offer a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Sierra Norte mountains, surfing along the coast, and birdwatching in the wetlands of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Despite its popularity, the tourism industry in Oaxaca faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing for tourism development, and concerns about the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment. However, efforts are being made to address these challenges and promote sustainable tourism in the state.

Now, lets demonstrate how significant tourism in Oaxaca is but highlighting some of the key statistics:

In 2019, Oaxaca welcomed over 2.3 million visitors, with 1.9 million domestic tourists and 428,000 international tourists.

Tourism is a significant source of revenue for the state, contributing over $1.6 billion USD to the local economy in 2019.

The majority of visitors to Oaxaca come from other parts of Mexico, with the largest number of international visitors coming from the United States, followed by Canada, Europe, and South America.

Oaxaca is the second most visited state in Mexico after Quintana Roo, home to popular destinations such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

The tourism industry in Oaxaca employs over 170,000 people, representing approximately 10% of the state’s workforce.

The average length of stay for international tourists in Oaxaca is around six days, while domestic tourists tend to stay for shorter periods.

The majority of tourists to Oaxaca come for leisure purposes, including cultural, historic, and nature-based tourism.

Oaxaca’s top five visitor attractions are the Monte Alban archaeological site, the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, the Mitla archaeological site, the Hierve el Agua natural springs, and the Tule Tree, one of the largest trees in the world.

In recent years, Oaxaca has seen growth in adventure tourism, including activities such as zip-lining, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Tourism in Oaxaca is largely popular due to its range of tourist attractions. Here are the major examples:

Monte Alban: This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and the former capital of the Zapotec civilization. Monte Alban is located on a mountaintop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley and features impressive stone structures, plazas, and a ball court.

Hierve el Agua: These natural springs are located in the Sierra Norte mountains and are known for their mineral-rich water and petrified waterfalls. Visitors can swim in the pools, hike the trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez: This colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic architecture, colourful markets, and vibrant cultural scene. Highlights include the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church, the Oaxaca Regional Museum, and the bustling Benito Juarez Market.

Mitla: This ancient Zapotec site is located near the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla and is known for its intricate stonework and decorative motifs. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the site’s history and significance.

The Tule Tree: This massive tree is located in the town of Santa Maria del Tule and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. The tree measures over 40 metres in circumference and is considered one of the largest trees in the world.

The Guelaguetza Festival: This annual cultural festival is held in July and celebrates Oaxaca’s indigenous communities through music, dance, food, and art. The festival is a highlight of Oaxaca’s cultural calendar and attracts visitors from around the world.

The Benito Juarez National Park: This natural park is located just outside of the city of Oaxaca and features hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna and enjoy a picnic in the lush surroundings.

The Oaxaca Coast: Oaxaca’s coastline stretches for over 500 kilometres and features pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages, and opportunities for surfing, fishing, and swimming.

The Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden: This garden is located next to the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church in the city of Oaxaca and showcases the region’s rich biodiversity and traditional plant uses.

The Museum of Oaxacan Painters: This museum is located in the city of Oaxaca and features works by famous Oaxacan artists, including Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, and Rodolfo Morales. The museum is a must-visit for art lovers and showcases the region’s vibrant artistic heritage.

There are many types of tourism in Oaxaca, here are the most common:

Cultural tourism: Oaxaca is known for its rich cultural heritage, and cultural tourism is a popular activity in the region. Visitors can explore colonial cities like Oaxaca de Juarez, traditional indigenous communities, and ancient archaeological sites.

Adventure tourism: Oaxaca’s rugged landscape and diverse natural features make it a popular destination for adventure tourism. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lining, and other outdoor activities.

Gastronomic tourism: Oaxaca is famous for its traditional cuisine, which features complex flavours and unique ingredients. Visitors can sample local dishes at restaurants and markets, take cooking classes, and learn about traditional food production methods.

Ecotourism: Oaxaca is home to diverse ecosystems, including mountains, forests, beaches, and wetlands. Ecotourism is a popular activity in the region, and visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Beach tourism: Oaxaca’s coastline stretches for over 500 kilometres and features pristine beaches that are popular with tourists. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and other beach activities.

Religious tourism: Oaxaca is home to many important religious sites, including churches, cathedrals, and shrines. Religious tourism is a popular activity in the region, and visitors can learn about the history and significance of these sites.

Art tourism: Oaxaca has a rich artistic heritage, and art tourism is a popular activity in the region. Visitors can explore galleries and museums, attend art festivals and events, and purchase locally made art and crafts.

Wellness tourism: Oaxaca’s natural beauty and traditional healing practices make it a popular destination for wellness tourism. Visitors can enjoy yoga, meditation, massage, and other wellness activities, as well as learn about traditional healing practices like temazcal and herbal medicine.

The impacts of tourism in Oaxaca need to be managed effectively, Lets take a look at what these impacts are:

Job creation: Tourism creates jobs in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail. This provides employment opportunities for local residents and contributes to the region’s economic development.

Increased revenue: Tourism generates revenue for businesses and the local government through sales taxes, hotel taxes, and other fees. This revenue can be used to fund public services and infrastructure improvements.

Economic diversification: Tourism helps to diversify the local economy, which can reduce dependence on a single industry or commodity. This makes the region more resilient to economic shocks and fluctuations.

Increased investment: A thriving tourism industry can attract investment in the region, including new hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. This can create even more jobs and contribute to further economic growth.

Cultural preservation: Tourism can provide incentives for the preservation of cultural heritage sites and traditions, which can contribute to the region’s identity and attract even more tourists.

Spillover effects: Tourism can have spillover effects on other sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and transportation. For example, restaurants and hotels may source their ingredients and supplies locally, which can benefit local farmers and producers.

Overall, tourism plays an important role in the economic development of Oaxaca, and it has the potential to contribute even more to the region’s prosperity in the future.

The social impacts of tourism in Oaxaca need to be managed effectively too:

Positive impacts:

Cultural exchange: Tourism can facilitate cultural exchange and foster greater understanding between tourists and local communities. This can promote tolerance and respect for different cultures and ways of life.

Income generation: Tourism can provide income opportunities for local residents, which can help to reduce poverty and improve standards of living. This is particularly important in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited.

Infrastructure development: The tourism industry can help to drive infrastructure development in the region, including improvements to roads, public transportation, and public facilities. This can benefit local residents by making it easier to access services and travel to different parts of the region.

Preservation of cultural heritage: Tourism can provide economic incentives for the preservation of cultural heritage sites and traditions. This can help to ensure that local cultures are passed down to future generations and contribute to the region’s identity.

Negative impacts:

Disruption of traditional ways of life: Tourism can sometimes disrupt traditional ways of life in local communities, particularly if it leads to a greater demand for resources like land, water, and food.

Exploitation of local resources: Tourism can sometimes lead to the exploitation of local resources, including natural resources and cultural heritage sites. This can result in environmental degradation and the erosion of cultural traditions.

Inequality and social tensions: Tourism can sometimes exacerbate existing social tensions and inequalities in a region, particularly if the benefits of tourism are not distributed evenly. This can lead to resentment and conflict between different groups in a community.

Commercialization of culture: Tourism can sometimes lead to the commercialization of local culture, which can result in the loss of authenticity and the homogenization of cultural practices.

Overall, the social impacts of tourism in Oaxaca are complex and depend on a variety of factors, including the type of tourism, the scale of tourism development, and the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.

Lastly, the environmental impacts of tourism in Oaxaca need to be considered too:

Tourism can have both positive and negative environmental impacts on a destination, and Oaxaca is no exception. While tourism can contribute to economic growth and cultural exchange, it can also pose challenges to the environment. Here are some of the environmental impacts associated with tourism in Oaxaca:

Deforestation: Increased tourism often leads to the development of hotels, resorts, and infrastructure, which may require clearing land, leading to deforestation. Deforestation can result in the loss of valuable ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity.

Habitat destruction: Tourism development can encroach upon fragile ecosystems, including coastal areas, forests, and wetlands, leading to habitat destruction. This can disrupt wildlife patterns, endangering plant and animal species.

Water consumption and pollution: Tourism in Oaxaca places additional demands on water resources, both for the needs of visitors and for hotels and other infrastructure. Increased water consumption can deplete local water sources, especially in arid regions like Oaxaca. Moreover, improper waste management and inadequate sewage systems can lead to water pollution, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and local communities.

Waste generation: The influx of tourists generates significant amounts of waste, including packaging, food waste, and other disposable items. Inadequate waste management systems can strain local infrastructure and result in pollution of land and water resources.

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: Tourism in Oaxaca facilities such as hotels, resorts, and transportation services require substantial energy consumption, often sourced from fossil fuels. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and air pollution.

Natural resource depletion: Tourists often engage in activities such as snorkelling, diving, and souvenir collecting, which can put pressure on delicate marine ecosystems and contribute to the depletion of natural resources, such as coral reefs, shells, and endangered species.

Cultural heritage degradation: Increased tourism in Oaxaca can lead to the commodification and commercialization of cultural heritage, potentially eroding local traditions, languages, and practices. This can contribute to the loss of cultural identity and impact the social fabric of local communities.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, sustainable tourism practices should be promoted. This includes responsible tourism planning, environmentally-friendly infrastructure, waste management systems, conservation initiatives, and raising awareness among tourists about the importance of respecting and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Oaxaca. Additionally, collaboration between government, local communities, and tourism stakeholders is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the region.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Oaxaca, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

Q: Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

A: Yes, Oaxaca is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always important to take precautions and stay informed about any potential risks.

Q: What is the best time to visit Oaxaca?

A: The best time to visit Oaxaca is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. The weather is pleasant, and it coincides with cultural festivals like Day of the Dead and Guelaguetza.

Q: How do I get to Oaxaca?

A: Oaxaca has an international airport (Xoxocotlán Airport) with direct flights from major cities in Mexico and some international destinations. Alternatively, you can reach Oaxaca by bus or car from other parts of Mexico.

Q: What are the must-visit attractions in Oaxaca?

A: Some popular attractions in Oaxaca include the historic city centre of Oaxaca City, Monte Albán archaeological site, Hierve el Agua natural rock formations, the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, and the indigenous villages of Mitla and Teotitlán del Valle.

Q: What is the local cuisine like in Oaxaca?

A: Oaxacan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and traditional dishes. It includes specialties like mole, tlayudas (large tortillas topped with various ingredients), mezcal, and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers).

Q: Can I visit indigenous communities in Oaxaca?

A: Yes, Oaxaca is home to numerous indigenous communities. Many of them welcome visitors and offer opportunities to learn about their culture, crafts, and traditions. It’s important to be respectful and seek permission before entering their communities.

Q: Are there any ecotourism opportunities in Oaxaca?

A: Yes, Oaxaca offers various ecotourism opportunities. You can explore nature reserves, take hikes in the Sierra Norte mountains, visit eco-lodges, or participate in community-based tourism initiatives.

Q: What festivals and events take place in Oaxaca?

A: Oaxaca hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Some notable ones include Guelaguetza, Day of the Dead celebrations, Radish Night (Noche de Rábanos), and the Night of the Shining Women (Noche de las Rabaneras).

Q: Can I take part in cooking classes or mezcal tastings in Oaxaca?

A: Yes, Oaxaca offers cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes. Mezcal tastings and tours are also popular, allowing you to learn about the production process and sample different varieties of mezcal.

Q: Can I buy traditional crafts and souvenirs in Oaxaca?

A: Yes, Oaxaca is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. You can find traditional textiles, pottery, alebrijes (colourful wooden figurines), and other handcrafted items in markets, shops, and artisanal villages.

As you can see, tourism in Oaxaca is a very important industry that brings many benefits to the local area and community. However, in order to ensure that tourism is sustainable, it must be carefully managed.

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Mexican Routes

• Colonial / Oaxaca / Towns & Cities

by admin · Published June 6, 2017 · Updated September 27, 2023

Oaxaca de Juárez, or simply Oaxaca, is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name.

Oaxaca is located in the Centro District in the Central Valleys region of the state, on the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the base of the Cerro del Fortín extending to the banks of the Atoyac River.

Oaxaca City was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. The Oaxaca city center was included in a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO, in recognition of its treasure of historic buildings and monuments.

Oaxaca relies heavily on tourism, which is based on its large number of colonial-era structures as well as the native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archeological sites.

Many of the tourists who come during Holy Week and for New Year come from other parts of Mexico including native Oaxacans returning to visit from their places of work. Most international visitors come during the summer.

Climate & Weather

Oaxaca has a tropical savanna climate, closely bordering on a humid subtropical climate, due to its high altitude.

During the dry season, temperatures during the day remain warm with an average high of 27°C in the coolest month, December, and an average high of 33°C in April, just before the beginning of the wet season.

Although daytime temperatures are warm, nighttime temperatures are cool with an average low of 9°C in January.

Precipitation is concentrated in the summer months with June being the wettest with an average precipitation of 171 mm.

Origin of the name

The word Oaxaca is derived from the Nahuatl word Huaxyacac (“among the huaje trees”). This word was later Hispanicized to Guajaca and later spelled as Oaxaca.

The suffix of “de Juárez” was added in 1872, in honor of Benito Juárez.

The city of Oaxaca is nicknamed “la Verde Antequera” (“the green Antequera”) due to its prior name “Nueva Antequera” (“New Antequera”) and the variety of structures built from a native green stone.

History & Timeline

There had been Zapotec and Mixtec settlements in the valley of Oaxaca for thousands of years, especially in connection with the important ancient centers of Monte Albán and Mitla, which are close to modern Oaxaca city.

The Aztecs entered the valley in 1440 and named it “Huaxyacac” (“among the huaje trees”).

A strategic military position was created here, at what is now called the Cerro (large hill) del Fortín to keep an eye on the Zapotec capital of Zaachila and secure the trade route between the Valley of Mexico, Tehuantepec and what is now Central America.

When the Spanish arrived in 1521, the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs were involved in one of their many wars. Spanish conquest would end this fighting.

The first Spanish expedition here arrived late in 1521, headed by Captain Francisco de Orozco, and accompanied by 400 Aztecs. Hernán Cortés sent Francisco de Orozco to Oaxaca because Moctezuma II said that the Aztec’s gold came from there.

The first mass was said here by Chaplain Juan Díaz on the bank of the Atoyac River under a large huaje tree, where the Church of San Juan de Dios would be constructed later.

This same chaplain added saints’ names to the surrounding villages in addition to keeping their Nahuatl names: Santa María Oaxaca, San Martín Mexicapan, San Juan Chapultepec, Santo Tomas Xochimilco, San Matías Jalatlaco, Santiago Tepeaca, etc.

This group of Spaniards chose their first mayor, Gutierres de Badajoc, their first town council, and began construction of the cathedral of Oaxaca in 1522. Their name for the settlement was Guajaca, a Hispanization of the Nahuatl name (which would later be respelled as Oaxaca).

The establishment of the relatively independent village did not suit Hernán Cortes, who wanted power over the entire region for himself. Cortés sent Pedro de Alvarado, who proceeded to drive out most of the village’s population.

Once again, the original founders appealed to Spanish royal authority, this time to the viceroy in Mexico City, Nuño de Guzmán. This viceroy also sided with the original founders, and the town was refounded in 1529 as Antequera, in honor of Nuño de Guzmán’s hometown. Francisco de Herrera convened the new, Crown-approved town council, and the first layout of the settlement was mapped out by Juan Peláez de Berrio.

In the meantime, Cortés was able to obtain from the crown the title of the Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, which contains the disputed village. This permitted him to tax the area heavily, and to have control of the territory that surrounded the village.

The village was then in a position of having to survive surrounded by villages which answered Cortés. These villages not only did not take orders from Antequera, but they were hostile to it, mostly likely encouraged by Cortés.

To counter this, the village petitioned the Crown to be elevated to the status of a city, which would give it certain rights, privileges, and exceptions. It would also ensure that the settlement would remain under the direct control of the king, rather than of Cortés. This petition was granted in 1532 by Charles V of Spain.

Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

Oaxaca is a vital center for Mexican rich culture and heritage, and the Historic Center is the heart of Oaxaca City. It’s a picturesque area with well-preserved colonial buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and markets.

The Plaza de la Constitución

Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) was planned in 1529 by Juan Peláez de Berrio. During the entire colonial period, this plaza was never paved, nor had sidewalks, only a marble fountain that was placed here in 1739.

The fountain was removed in 1857 to put in the kiosk and trees. In 1881, the square was rearranged again and in 1885, a statue of Benito Juárez was added. It was remodeled again in 1901 and a new kiosk was installed.

Government Palace

The State Government Palace is located on the main square of Oaxaca City.

This site used to be the Portal de la Alhóndiga (warehouse) and in front of the palace is the Benito Juárez Market. The original palace was inaugurated in 1728, on the wedding day of the prince and princess of Spain and Portugal.

The architectural style was Gothic.

The building currently on this site was begun in 1832, inaugurated in 1870 but was not completed until 1887. The inside contains murals reflecting Oaxaca’s history from the pre-Hispanic era, the colonial era, and post-independence.

Most of these were painted by Arturo Garcia Bustos in the 1980s.

Federal Palace

The Federal Palace is located across from the Cathedral and used to be the site of the old Archbishops’ Palace until 1902.

Its architecture is “neo-Mixtec” reflecting the nationalism of the early 20th century and the reverence in which the Mixtec-Zapotec culture has been held in more recent times.

The architectural elements copy a number of those from Mitla and Monte Albán.

Alameda de León

Northwest of the Zócalo is the Alameda de León, a garden area that is essentially an annex of the main square. In 1576, viceroy Martín Enréquez de Almanza set aside two city blocks on which to build the city government offices, but they were never built there.

One of the blocks was sold and the other became a market.

Antonio de León, governor of the state of Oaxaca, lived in front of this market and decided to turn it into a park in the 1840s, making it a small replica of the Alameda Central in Mexico City. In 1885, a statue of León was added.

Andador Macedonio Alcalá

The Macedonio Alcalá Tourist Corridor is a street paved with green Cantera that was closed to traffic in 1985 and is now only open to pedestrian traffic.

Along the street are notable places such as the original building to house the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez.

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) or MACO is located here as is the Plazuela (small plaza) Labastida and the Parroquia de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo (Parish of the Precious Blood of Christ).

Catedral de Oaxaca

The Catedral de Oaxaca, also referred to as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is the third to be built as the first two were destroyed by large earthquakes in the 16th and 18th centuries.

Construction of this third church began in 1702 and it was consecrated in 1733.

Its facade is made of the green Cantera stone commonly found in Oaxaca’s buildings, and the interior is in Neoclassical style.

The altar features a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nuestra Señora de al Asunción) which was made in Italy during the Porfirio era and is represented by a bronze sculpture brought from Europe and made by Tadoini.

Former Monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán

The church and former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is located 4 blocks north of the Cathedral of Oaxaca.

It was constructed between 1555 and 1666.

It is divided into two parts: the church and the former living (working) areas of the monks. The front of the church is Renaissance-style, in the central relief, Saint Dominic and Hippolytus of Rome are holding up the church.

After La Reforma around 1860, the church was converted into a stable, which caused serious deterioration of the building. It was returned to devotional use at the end of the 19th century.

The living and working areas were converted into barracks and officers´ quarters.

In 1994, work began to convert this area into the Centro Cultural Santo Domingo.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is located four blocks west of the Cathedral on Avenida Independencia. It was built between 1682 and 1697 by Father Fernando Méndez on a site where supposedly an image of the Virgin Mary appeared inside a box.

It is of Baroque style and finished in 1690. Its front is made of a reddish stone sculpted to look like a folding screen.

In the back of the church is the Museo de la Basilica de Nuestra Señora de La Soledad which exhibits the Virgin’s dresses, offerings, and small paintings done in her honor.

The statue of the Virgin of Solitude, crowned with a 2 kg solid gold crown studded with diamonds – was the subject of a theft recently.

Many years later, the cloister was converted into a correctional facility, a teacher’s college, and a district attorney’s office. Now it serves as the Municipal Palace.

The building conserves a number of valuable items such as paintings, sculptures religious vestments, and a pipe organ dated 1686.

Former Monastery of Del Carmen Alto

The Church and ex-monastery of Del Carmen Alto belonged to the Carmelites who established themselves here in 1696.

The complex began as a hermitage built over the teocalli of Huaxyacac, although in the late 17th century, much of this space was occupied by a jail and barracks.

The project was financed by Manuel Fernandez Fiallo.

Former Monastery of San Juan de Dios

The Church and former monastery of St John of God (Templo y Exconvento de San Juan de Dios), Oaxaca’s oldest church still standing, was completed in 1703.

This is where the first mass in Oaxaca was held in 1521.

Church of San Felipe Neri

The Church of San Felipe Neri is considered a classic example of Baroque with estipite (inverted truncated pyramid) columns from the end of the 18th century and has a large gilded main altarpiece.

While the church overall is Baroque, the portal contains other decorative elements as well.

Benito Juárez married Margarita Maza here in 1841.

Former Monastery of San Catalina

Ex monastery of San Catalina was built in the second half of the 16th century by Dominican monk Hernando de Carvarcos, who also was responsible for the Santo Domingo de Guzmán monastery.

In 1862, the monastery became a jail and at the end of the 19th century, the southern part became the Municipal Palace.

Since 1976, it has been a hotel, called Hotel Camino Real.

Church of the Company of Jesus

Church of the Company of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús), located to the southwest of the Zócalo, was built by the Jesuits in 1579 and consecrated to Francis Xavier and the Immaculate Conception.

The towers were destroyed by a series of earthquakes and never rebuilt.

Inside the chapel is a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe with a prayer written in Spanish, English, Náhuatl as well as 12 other languages native to the state of Oaxaca, including 4 dialects of Zapotec.

Cultural Centers, Museums & Theatres

Oaxaca City’s cultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry of tradition and innovation, where museums, theaters, and cultural centers come together to celebrate the rich heritage and creative spirit of the region.

These cultural institutions offer visitors a deeper understanding of Oaxaca’s regional history, art, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for the arts.

Here’s a list of Cultural Centers, Museums, and Theatres in Oaxaca City.

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Museum of Oaxacan Cultures)

This renowned museum is housed in the former monastery of Santo Domingo. It showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including Zapotec and Mixtec treasures. The museum’s architecture alone is a testament to the city’s rich history.

Centro Cultural San Pablo (San Pablo Cultural Center)

San Pablo Cultural Center is a hub for contemporary art and cultural events. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances that celebrate both Oaxacan and international arts. The historic building adds to its charm.

Teatro Macedonio Alcalá (Macedonio Alcalá Theater)

Oaxaca’s main theater, Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, is a beautiful neoclassical building that hosts a wide range of performances, from ballet and opera to concerts and theater productions. It’s a cultural landmark in the heart of the city.

Museo Textil de Oaxaca (Textile Museum of Oaxaca)

This museum is a treasure trove of Oaxacan textile artistry. Visitors can explore the rich traditions of weaving and textiles in Oaxaca, including intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Casa de la Cultura Oaxaqueña (House of Oaxacan Culture)

A cultural institution that offers workshops, exhibitions, and performances, Casa de la Cultura is a place where local artists and artisans come together to showcase their talents and traditions.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca (Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca)

More than just a garden, this living museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich plant diversity of the region and its importance in Oaxacan culture. It’s a tranquil oasis in the city.

Teatro Juárez (Juárez Theater)

Teatro Juárez is an iconic architectural gem in Oaxaca City. This 19th-century theater hosts various cultural events, from classical music concerts to contemporary dance performances.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca (Museum of Contemporary Art)

This museum is a hub for contemporary art enthusiasts. It features a rotating collection of modern and contemporary works by local and international artists, making it a dynamic cultural center.

Centro Fotográfico Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Manuel Álvarez Bravo Photographic Center)

Dedicated to photography, this center honors the legacy of the famous Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo. It showcases both contemporary and historical photographic works.

Teatro Principal (Principal Theater)

Teatro Principal is a historic theater in the heart of Oaxaca City. It hosts a variety of cultural events, including theatrical performances and musical concerts, making it a focal point for the city’s artistic scene.

Parks & Gardens

The city contains a number of parks, gardens, and plazas, many of which were former monastery lands, for example, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, surrounding the former monastery of Santo Domingo.

Even better known is the Plaza de la Danza y Jardín Sócrates complex on Morelos Street at the foot of the Cerro del Fortín.

It is part of the area bounded by the Basilica de la Soledad and the Church of San José.

The Plaza de la Danza was constructed in 1959 by Eduardo Vasconcelos to hold the annual Bani-Stui-Gulal (representation of antiquity) dance, held one day before the festival of the Guelaguetza.

The Plaza also hosts other cultural events including art shows, concerts, and political rallies The Socrates Garden is the old atrium of the Basilica de la Soledad converted into a public park in 1881, conserved the bronze chalice which was also made in 1881.

In 1981, the Garden was remodeled adding a new layer of stone to the floor.

The Cerro de Fortín next to it bears in stone letters Benito Juárez’s slogan, “El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz” (“Respect for others’ rights is peace”).

The Antonia Labastida Garden is named after a woman who fought with Porfirio Díaz during the French Intervention. This park has become a place for artists and artisans to display their wares.

Nearby Archaeological Sites

Monte Albán

Monte Albán is a pre-Hispanic city that was an ancient capital of the Zapotecs. It reached its peak between 500 BCE and 800 CE. Monte Albán is known for its architecture, its carved stones, and the ceramic urns.

In 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Site, along with the city of Oaxaca.

Read more about Monte Alban

Gastronomy & Cuisine

The city of Oaxaca has long been considered “Mexico’s culinary capital.”

The most notable aspect of Oaxacan cuisine is its variety of moles, a type of complex sauce.

Their origins go back to the melding of Spanish and Arabic food in Spain. After the Conquest, New World ingredients such as chile mulato, ‘miltomate’ (a small whitish wild tomato), tomatoes, peanuts, avocado leaves, and chocolate were incorporated.

While moles can be found in many parts of Mexico, Oaxaca has the greatest variety including negro (black), Colorado (red), coloradito (faint red), chichilo, verde (green), amarillo (yellow), and manchamanteles.

They are sold in markets all over the city as a paste which is combined with water and simmered with a variety of meats.

Other notable foods sold in markets include bars of chocolate (primarily used for making hot chocolate), traditional breads, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers with chile). Street foods include tlayudas, which are large, slightly crispy corn tortillas piled high with ingredients such as grilled beef (called tasajo), cheese, tomatoes, avocados, onions etc.

Local drinks include those made with water, sugar and a flavoring such as aguamiel (honey water), trocitos de melón (melon), horchata (rice), tuna batida (cactus fruit shake), and nuez (nuts) as well as local fruits such as chilacayota and guanábana.

In nearby Tlacolula and Ejutla an indigenous drink called ‘tejate’ is still prepared and sold in the local market.

Known here as the drink of the gods, it is prepared with corn, cacao, cacao flower, and the seed of the mamey fruit. As for alcoholic beverages, this area prefers mezcal, which, like tequila is made from a species of agave but the flavor is very different.

As in other areas in Mexico, chocolate has had special importance here since long before the Conquest. Aside from being a foodstuff, it was also used as medicine, and cacao seeds were used as money.

The chocolate prepared in this city is well-known within Mexico, as it is distinguished by being flavored with cinnamon, almonds, and sugar and is usually prepared with hot water or milk. It is usually served in large coffee cups with a local sweet roll.

The best-known producer of this type of chocolate is Chocolate El Mayordomo, which recently has opened outlets in various parts of Mexico, especially in Mexico City. In their main store in Oaxaca City, you can see them prepare the various types of chocolates they prepare including chocolate pasta.

Traditions & Festivals

The legend of donaji.

Oaxaca is the home of the month-long cultural festival called the “Guelaguetza”, which features Oaxacan dance from the seven regions, music, and a beauty pageant for indigenous women Donají.

The story of Donají is that of a princess from pre-Hispanic Mitla.

When she was born, a seer predicted that she would die for her country. When she grew up, her people, the Zapotecs, were involved in one of their many wars with the Mixtecs. One day, Zapotec warriors brought a prisoner, a Mixtec prince named Nucano, to Mitla.

Taking pity on him, she took care of his wounds. When he healed, he asked her to let him go, which she did. The war continued with the Zapotec king and Donaji forced to abandon their capital of Zaachila.

Peace negotiations were attempted but the Mixtecs did not trust the Zapotec king, taking Donají captive as insurance. This occurred during the Conquest when the evangelization of the country had begun.

Donají asked for baptism and was renamed Doña Juana de Cortés.

As feared, the Zapotecs broke the peace treaty, attacking Monte Albán as the Mixtecs slept. Donají was found in the Atoyac River, decapitated. Time passed. One day a Shepherd came to the place where Donaji was buried by the river.

There was a fragrant lily flower growing. Fifteen days later, he returned to find the same flower, still fresh and fragrant in the same place as if a mysterious force was preserving it. Her severed head serves as part of the coat of arms of the city of Oaxaca and her story is reenacted every year at the Guelaguetza festival.

Guelaguetza

The Guelaguetza, also known as the Fiestas de los Lunes del Cerro (Festivals of Mondays at the Hill) is the major cultural event in the city with origins in pre-Hispanic times. The “Hill” is the Cerro del Fortín, which was the scene of the annual rites to the goddess Centeótl, or goddess of the corn. The hill had a teocalli, or sacred plaza, built by the Aztecs.

Noche de Rábanos

The “Noche de Rábano” or Night of the Radishes is a traditional Oaxaca city tradition.

Artisans show off designs done on large radishes, often decorated with other plant materials. The event only lasts a few hours but draws most of the city’s population to the main square to look at the creations. It occurs each year on 23 December.

Oaxaca Film Fest

Every year in the fall, Oaxaca hosts the Oaxaca Film Fest.

Transportation

Oaxaca-Xoxocotlan Airport is approximately 7 km south of the city center. Most flights are to Mexico City for onward connection, but there are also flights to Huatulco, Cancún, Tuxtla Gutierrez, and Tijuana.

United Airlines has flights between Oaxaca and Houston.

The city has separate first-class and second-class bus stations, offering services to most places within the state of Oaxaca, including the coastal resorts of Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Ángel, and Pinotepa Nacional, and also long-distance services to Puebla and Mexico City and other Mexican locations such as Veracruz.

There are several bus lines that run in Oaxaca. The largest is TUSUG, a type of “cooperative” company. All of the drivers own their own buses and are aided by other drivers in purchasing new buses.

Oaxaca City on Google Maps

Oaxaca State of Oaxaca

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Oaxaca State is located in the South-eastern region of Mexico; it borders on the North with Veracruz and Puebla, Chiapas on the East, Guerrero on the West and the Pacific Ocean on the South.

The pleasant sub-tropical climate and the serenity of distant places attract most travellers to the Oaxaca Valley.

It has peaks almost 10,000 feet (more than 3,000 metres) high, caverns among the deepest in the world, virgin beaches, hidden jungles, and luminous valleys that house populations where, as a crucible, cultures of all people who once lived in its midst come together.

Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and the fourteen other ethnic groups still present in its culture and customs; even the Spaniards.

Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico.

Oaxaca, the cultural epicenter of Mexico

Oaxaca de juarez, experience the mexican ancient cultures like a local.

Mexico is known as one of the most diverse country of Latin America. All the civilizations that have lived generation after generation since ancient times, resulted in a country where the culture, tradition and gastronomy reach an incredible variety of different angles. The different kind of landscapes around its territory, where you can find from white sand beaches in the Caribbean, incredible cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula or spectacular waterfalls in the tropical jungle of Chiapas, to host the Paricutin volcano, which is the youngest existing volcano in the whole planet. All that mixture results in such a spectacular and a wonderfully exotic country.

Oaxaca is a state in the southern area of Mexico with coast facing the beautiful and wild Pacific Ocean which is inhabited since 11.000 BC and throughout the history, it has become one of the most culturally diverse areas of the whole country. Interestingly enough, it is the birthplace for corn and squash and home for the Mezcal, the famous Mexican spirit, not to talk about hosting Monte Alban, the most well preserved pre-hispanic archaeological site, whose temples where not destroyed by the Spaniards back in the days. And it is widely known in the whole country for handicrafts like the Alebrijes, burnished black clay pottery or handwoven wool rugs which are just a few examples of the unique artisanal culture and heritage.

On top of that, this UnTours happen in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital of the state of Oaxaca and the absolute cultural, historical, arty and gastronomical epicenter in the country. In this UnTours, you will be able to experience like the locals do their daily lively atmosphere, some of the most well known local dishes from the Oaxacan cuisine and share the local’s passion for the most colorful festivities and celebrations throughout the year. And so you don’t forget that you are in Mexico, you will have the chance to see some exceptional places in the nature of absolute beauty, like Hierve el Agua, one of the only two petrified waterfalls in the world, or Monte Alban, a pre-hispanic archaeological site known for being the best preserved one in the whole Meso American territory.

Stay a week or multiple weeks in an apartment in Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital city of the state built in colonial style and UNESCO World Heritage with all the UnTours inclusions!

Day trips: Monte Alban, Hierve el Agua, Teotitlan del Valle, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Lake area of Huayapam, Mitla and more.

What's included

Arrival at the airport in oaxaca and private drive to your apartment.

¡Bienvenido/a a Oaxaca, Mexico! Welcome to the authentic cultural and foodie epicenter of the whole country of Mexico. You made to one of those special places in the world, where the ancient civilizations have left an undoubtable mark and nowadays, it is probably one of the most culturally diverse areas of the whole world. Are you ready?

Upon your arrival, a private driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will give you a drive to your apartment. Not a bad moment to start sharing your first impressions with a local! It is a very short drive, as in less than half an hour you will be reaching your new home for the following week/s. This is starting!

Visit a local market as local do

Well, do you think you have seen enough local markets in your life? That is because you haven’t experienced local markets like 20 de Noviembre or Benito Juarez! All your senses will be indulged in a never ending amount of exotic colors and the nicest aromas and where you will find the Oaxacans doing their daily shopping. You will be able to discover fruits that never saw before, vegetables of all kinds, the most local spices,… you name it! But not only that! You will be able to try some of the most delicious and local dishes from the Oaxacan cuisine in their food courts.

The corridor known as the smoke street in the 20 de Noviembre Market is the kind of place where you will have so many delicious looking choices that it might be difficult to make your choice! Your UnGuide will help you out letting you know about some of the must try-s like the famous Tlayuda, commonly known as the Oaxacan pizza. Walking around the local markets is already a highlight by itself!

Monte Alban pre-hispanic archaeological site

Maya people where some of the ancient civilizations that left a bigger sign in the whole Meso America and it is not different in Oaxaca! You will be able to visit one of the mot preserved archaeological sites of the whole Maya cities, as in this case the Spaniards back in the days didn’t reach it out, which means that it remained intact.

Monte Alban is in conjunction to the historical centre of Oaxaca de Juarez, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your UnGuide will help you out so you can get to visit this absolute historical wonder so you can make the best usage of your time! The secrets of the Maya civilization are only a 30 minute drive away from the city center. You will be astonished with what such an ancient civilization was able to achieve so many centuries ago!

Alebrijes, the fantastic creatures art workshop

Actually, what are Alebrijes about? If you get to watch Coco, the Walt Disney movie, you will definitely know about them, and if not, you arrived to the appropriate place. These colorful handicrafts were created by Pedro Linares, a Oaxacan artist, and they represent several fantastic creatures that once appeared in one of his dreams. The one and only Frida Kalho and Diego de Rivera got to know about them and they felt in love with them which made that slowly slowly, they gained popularity to a point that Pedro, the artist, was awarded with the National Price for Arts and Science for them, which is the highest decoration to artisans in the whole country of Mexico.

Your UnGuide, will take you to a Alebrije workshop, where you will be able to learn everything about them and get hands on as a local Oaxacan artisan. Maybe you get to discover a new passion here!

Optional Activity: Hierve el Agua. The petrified waterfalls

The nature in the whole country of Mexico is definitely one of the highlights. As an optional activity, around an hour and a half from the historical center and passing by the precious San Pedro de Mitla, there is one of the only two petrified waterfalls in the entire world! It will be hard to believe what you’ll have in front of your eyes.

Get your swimming suit along with you and don’t doubt to have a gentle swim in the turquoise colored waters while you get to see the mountain ranges around and all the green tropical forest until the horizon. Not a bad place ah! Ask your program director for more information.

Gather for a memorable farewell dinner

Every journey has its end, and today marks the final chapter of your Oaxacan UnTour. While the day is yours to explore at your own pace, your UnGuide will provide a curated list of recommendations to help you make the most of your last moments in this captivating region.

As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a special location. Savor one final taste of Oaxaca’s exquisite cuisine while reminiscing about the memorable experiences of the past seven days. It’s the perfect way to conclude your culinary adventure.

Departure day

It will be the departure day, and your UnGuide will assist with anything that you need for the check out and the return of the rental car for you to have a smooth return to your next destination!

Hasta pronto amigos y amigas! See you soon, and safe travels!

Available Accommodations

The comfortable, well-appointed accommodations for this culinary adventure are a great place to unpack, relax and get to know your destination and the people who call it home.

Charming 1-bedroom apartment near the Oaxaca Historical Center

Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca - Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is the capital city of the Oaxaca state whose historical center is fully UNESCO World Heritage since 1987 in conjunction with Monte Alban archaeological site. It has an international airport less than 30 minutes drive away from the historical center and it is considered and absolute epicenter of culture, history and gastronomy! Its lively atmosphere, the colorful buildings and the innumerable amount of festivities and celebrations throughout the year make it a great get away to get immersed in the Mexican local culture. In addition to that, it is perfectly located for doing daily excursions to several natural wonders like Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls or small charming towns like Teotitlan del Valle, San Bartolo Coyotepec. The options are endless! Get to know more about it and ask us for more information about this wonderful UnTours!

Danny is a very accommodating host. He's happy to share tips about the town of La Fortuna area. He is easy to reach for urgent needs, as well.

Property details

Here's some important details about this property.

This property sleeps - people

4 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 with king size bed, bedroom 2 with a queen size bed, bedroom 3 with a matrimonial bed and bedroom 4 with a matrimonial bed and a bunk bed

3 bathrooms

Well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, microwave, coffeemaker, rice cooker, blender, and toaster

Washer and dryer

Only one level

Accessibility

Transportation.

15-minute drive from La Fortuna

Special Features

Here's what our guests have to say

Our trip was spectacular!

We had an amazing time in Oaxaca. It was our first time in Mexico and we felt as at home at every time. Ivan, our UnGuide made sure that we were comfortable at all times and gave us such great recommendations. Now we want to be back for experiencing the Day of the Death one day!

Our staff have inspected this property and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the owner has made changes to the property without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our properties, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.

Also in Oaxaca

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The money we pay for your accommodation will benefit the local economy where you will be staying.

Oaxaca UnGuide - Mexico

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I want to share all the adventures and experiences I’ve had in life with people that have the same passion.

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 6, 2024, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with updates for Chiapas, and Durango.

Country Summary:  Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as noted in the Chihuahua section. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime .
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime .
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and X/Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

U.S. government employees may not travel to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and to the following restricted areas in the southeastern region. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted. East-Northeast Boundary: the eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl. Northern Boundary: from Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo. Western Boundary: from Ocosingo in a straight-line south to El Ocote, from El Ocote in a straight-line west to San Francisco Pujiltic, from San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec. South-Southwest Boundary: Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.

 U.S. government employees may travel to Tapachula within the city limits and on Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state. Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , Taxco , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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John as a tropical storm hits Mexico’s Pacific coast a 2nd time

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Tropical Storm John made its second landfall along Mexico’s Pacific coast Friday, while in its wake authorities in the resort city of Acapulco called for help from anyone with a boat to deal with the flooding.

John came ashore near Tizupan in Michoacan state Friday with sustained winds of 45 mph after making its initial landfall further east on the coast on Monday as a Category 3 hurricane.

It blew tin roofs off houses, triggered mudslides and toppled scores of trees. After weakening inland, it reemerged over the ocean, re-forming as a tropical storm Wednesday and eventually regaining hurricane strength.

At least eight people have died as a result of the storm. A year’s worth of rain in a matter of days has pounded the coastal mountains, setting off landslides and severe flooding in Acapulco and elsewhere.

The flooding is so bad in Acapulco — which still hasn’t recovered from Hurricane Otis last October — that the head of the municipal civil defense agency said authorities were starting to use boats inside the city to rescue people from low-lying neighborhoods. Residents posted videos and photos of cars floating away and people rescued from raging waters using life lines.

The city government called for anyone with a boat or personal watercraft to contribute them to rescue efforts in flooded neighborhoods. Gov. Evelyn Salgado said on X that tourism companies were starting to use personal watercraft and other small boats to rescue people in Acapulco.

Officials have confirmed one boy was swept away by floodwaters in Acapulco and four others were killed in other parts of its coastal state of Guerrero. In the neighboring state of Oaxaca three people had died as a result of floods or mudslides, officials said.

John was churning along the coast of Michoacan state early Friday about 55 miles west of the port Lazaro Cardenas, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. It was moving north-northwest at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

More to Read

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Tropical Storm Ileana makes landfall on Mexico’s Sinaloa coast after pounding Los Cabos

Sept. 14, 2024

Tropical Storm Ileana heads toward Los Cabos resorts bringing heavy rains

Sept. 13, 2024

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