26+ Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico That You Can’t Miss (2022)

Oaxaca state in southern Mexico is among the most vibrant and numerous areas in all of Mexico. With such all kinds of experiences, settings, and issues to do in Oaxaca there’s something right here for everybody.

Indulge in Oaxaca metropolis’s wealthy culinary tradition and stylish arts scene or return to nature within the conventional mountain villages of the pueblos mancomunados. 

Sunbathe on the glistening seashores of Mexico’s browsing mecca Puerto Escondido or journey to the misty mountains of the Sierra Sur.

Be awed by unbelievable archaeological websites of historic civilizations or discover the wilder components of Oaxaca like Chacahua’s maze of crocodile-filled mangrove forests or the unspoiled coastal nationwide park of Huatulco. 

There are simply so many issues to do in Oaxaca, it may be tough to know the place to start out. We have put collectively an inventory of our absolute favourite experiences, locations, and issues to do in Oaxaca state to assist get you began.

First issues first, you’re most likely questioning the place Oaxaca is.

Where is Oaxaca?

Oaxaca (pronounced wah-haak-kah) is in southwestern Mexico close to Puebla and Veracruz. It’s additionally proper within the heart of the place the Eastern and Southern Sierra Madre mountains come collectively. It’s the capital of the Oaxaca state. 

You may hear the names Oaxaca and Oaxaca City used interchangeably. They are the identical place and each phrases are utilized by locals and vacationers. 

From Mexico City, you will get to Oaxaca by happening a 7.5 hour bus experience. Alternatively, Oaxaca additionally has an airport which makes it rather more handy for many who don’t have a whole lot of time.

Getting Around Oaxaca

When wandering round Oaxaca City heart, you don’t actually need to fret about transportation as Oaxaca is an especially walkable metropolis. From the historic heart which known as La Plaza de la Constitución, you may simply go to a whole lot of the primary hotspots.

The predominant sq. in Oaxaca’s metropolis heart known as Zócalo and is a reasonably central assembly level for excursions. When we visited Oaxaca, we discovered this to be the start line of most excursions.

If you wish to enterprise additional, there are lots of methods to get round Oaxaca. If you aren’t comfy driving, the best solution to get round is by becoming a member of group excursions, personal taxis or taking the native bus.

You may lease a automobile for a every day price. Renting a automobile is by far the most suitable choice when you plan to take  day journeys! More on this later.

We suggest trying out Discovery Cars as evaluate the value between a number of suppliers, discovering you one of the best deal.

Alternatively, the bus system between the cities is fairly dependable and cheaper than taxis or automobile leases. 

Is Oaxaca Safe?

Oaxaca is taken into account one of many most secure locations to journey to in Mexico and the remainder of Latin America. There is a decrease crime fee than in different Mexican states. Drug violence can be extraordinarily uncommon and there are not any recognized drug cartels recognized within the space. 

Just like with anyplace you journey although, all the time be attentive at evening and maintain your private belongings shut. Most hazard is definitely prevented if you’re vigilant about your environment. Check out our full article on Oaxaca Safety right here for extra journey ideas!

Oaxaca Things to Do Highlights

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico

1. Eat Your Way Through Oaxaca City

Few cities rival the culinary pedigree of Oaxaca. Oaxacan delicacies attracts on the area’s wealthy historical past with affect from the pre-Columbian civilizations that dominated right here for millennia and the Spanish who got here after.

With its lengthy culinary historical past and distinct model, you can see flavors right here which have formed Mexican meals and past. Think wealthy, darkish moles, charcoal-finished tlayudas, and easy memelas. 

From avenue meals to informal gap within the wall eating places to nice eating experiences, the vary and number of Oaxacan meals is matched solely by its high quality.

On avenue corners, count on Oaxacan-style tacos, quesadillas, and native staple the tlayuda, massive white corn tortillas lined in frijoles, meats, veggies and Oaxacan cheese and grilled over charcoal.

Some of town’s finest avenue stalls embrace Tacos del Carmen, Lechoncito de Oro, Libre Tlayudas Dona Martha or {the marketplace} 20 de Noviembre.

For informal sit-down meals, small, easy mother and pop eating places all through Oaxaca have been perfecting native specialties for generations. Find pozole, heaped plates of mole, and piping scorching tamales. 

Our favourite informal eating places are Cabuche, Chepiche Cafe, Ancestral Cocina Tradicional, and La Popular.

Beyond wandering round avenue meals stalls and informal eating, a few of Mexico’s, and certainly the world’s, most fun cooks have been drawn to Oaxaca’s thriving meals scene. 

These cooks are bringing the heritage and historical past of Oaxaca into the current day as historic custom meets trendy methods. 

Don’t miss consuming in these widespread Oaxaca resturants: Casa Oaxaca, Pitiona or Enrique Olvera’s Criollo.

Tip: If you wish to go deeper into Oaxacan delicacies, a cooking class is an superior solution to expertise its meals tradition in a hands-on means. Check out this extremely rated cooking class that features a Mezcal open bar.

2. Bar Hop the Mezcalarias of Oaxaca City

Jalisco stands out as the house of tequila, however Oaxaca is the king relating to mezcal, Mexico’s widespread agave-based spirit. 

Visit one (or all) of the various mezcalerias within the metropolis of Oaxaca to pattern native Mezcal. Passionate bartenders can information you thru the generally confronting savory and smoky flavors for which mezcal is understood.

Some of one of the best bars to pattern mezcal in Oaxaca metropolis are Bar Ilegal, Mezcalogia, and La Querencia Mezcaleria.

If you’re trying to go on a Mezcal tour with a neighborhood, we extremely suggest this expertise.

3. Fill Up on the Mercado 20 de Noviembre 

While this natural market has all types of meals, many of the distributors promote meat together with sausage, beef, and ribs. Some stalls have contemporary produce for vegetarians. The greens and meat are cooked proper in entrance of you. Grab your plate and eat at one of many tables!

4. Admire the Street Art 

Oaxaca is filled with lovely avenue artwork. You’ll discover hand-painted murals on nearly each avenue nook. Many of the work are by Lapiztola, a gaggle of native artists that target utilizing artwork to convey consciousness to social and political points. 

We love wandering round Oaxaca individuals watching whereas in search of cool murals! Some of one of the best murals and avenue artwork will be present in Jose Lopez Alavez and Aldama Street.

5. Visit a Mezcal Distillery in Santa Catarina Minas

While you may go to quite a few mezcalerias within the metropolis of Oaxaca, to realize a real appreciation of this vital native export it’s essential go to a neighborhood mezcal distillery. 

Continue your mezcal schooling in Santa Catarina Minas, a small village house to a lot of mezcal distilleries. Many of the small family-owned distilleries listed below are small-batch producers nonetheless utilizing conventional methods.

Observe the processes, and naturally pattern the well-known spirit. Tours are sometimes free or have a nominal price. Distillery Lalocura is among the small distilleries right here producing conventional mezcal and welcoming guests!

6. Cleanse Your Body During a Temazcal Ceremony 

Temazcal Ceremonies are an historic Mayan ritual the place you sweat all of the toxins out of your physique. You go inside a small stone hut that resembles an igloo. It’s an ideal place to cleanse your physique and your thoughts. 

7. See Oaxaca City on a Bike Tour

If you don’t really feel like strolling, you may tour town on a motorbike! This tour takes you all around the metropolis to see one of the best spots for avenue artwork. You’ll go to 3 totally different neighborhoods for one of the best posters and murals in addition to go to a pair artwork galleries. 

8. Travel Back in Time at Monte Alban

Just outdoors the modern-day metropolis of Oaxaca, Monte Alban needs to be on any Oaxaca itinerary. 

Set atop a inexperienced valley, Monte Alban is among the best-preserved and most spectacular archeological websites in Mexico. Without the hordes of vacationers that flood Mexico City’s Teotihuacan pyramids, it presents an exquisite alternative to soak up the unbelievable significance and historical past of this fascinating website. 

Discover the wealthy and storied historical past of this historic metropolis which was not solely one of many earliest cities in Mesoamerica but additionally functioned as the middle of the Zapotec civilization for practically one thousand years.

Tip: Want to study extra concerning the Zapotec Empire and historic ruins? This full-day tour, which features a go to to Monte Alban, will even take you to 3 different historic cities: Arrazola, Culiapan de Guerrero, and San Bartolo Coyotepec. You’ll spend the day studying about Zapotec tradition and its influence on the fashionable world. 

9. Go on a El Agua and Mezcal Tour

This is a superb two-in-one tour the place you may see the wonderful waterfalls of Hierve El Agua. Hierve el Agua is a set of pure rock formations that resemble cascades of water. It is a extremely popular attraction and rightly so!

On this Hierve el Agua tour, you get to spend three hours swimming within the water earlier than heading to top-of-the-line mezcal distilleries within the area. The mezcal tasting is free and you may attempt all of the totally different flavors. 

Hierve El Agua is a unbelievable tour from Oaxaca and is a mixture of each nature and tradition! We extremely suggest making a visit right here as it’s thought-about top-of-the-line Mexican pure wonders.

10. Take a Local Cooking Class 

Learn to make conventional dishes discovered within the state of Oaxaca with this cooking class. You’ll learn to make nopales, huitlacoche, contemporary tortillas, quesadillas, and empanadas. The expertise may be very native they usually give one of the best cooking ideas for making excellent Oaxacan meals.

We love this tour as a result of it provides you an actual perception into the native tradition as you get to go to their household farm and prepare dinner in a conventional oven. Overall, it is a tremendous genuine expertise and is among the finest issues to do whereas in Oaxaca.

11. Uncover the History of Yagul

Yagul, which implies “old tree” within the Zapotec language, is an architectural website 36 kilometers from town of Oaxaca. 

This massive, well-preserved website makes for an enchanting solution to spend a morning or afternoon. The Zapotec civilization that occupied Yagul dates again to 500 – 100 BC, nonetheless, essentially the most seen ruins solely date again to the 1200s.

With only a few vacationers, you may end up alone when visiting Yagul, a particular alternative to wander amongst historical past and ponder the rise and fall of an amazing civilization. Take the time to climb as much as the highest of the hill behind the ruins for panoramic views over the ruins and the encompassing valley.

12. Admire the World’s Widest Tree in Tule

The Tree of Tule occupies pleasure of place within the central sq. of the city of Tule. This monumental tree is positioned only a quick drive from the capital of Oaxaca. 

With a circumference of over 40 meters, the tree of Tule is listed because the world’s widest tree within the Guinness Book of World Records. The spectacular tree is estimated to be round 1,500 years previous and is steeped in native legend and historical past.

The city of Tule can be house to a reasonably central zocalo, surrounded by an ornate church and conventional meals stall market. This bike tour is an effective way to see this widespread attraction.

Need a spot to remain in Oaxaca? Check out the finest Airbnbs in Oaxaca for an superior keep!

13. Go on an Authentic Food Tour 

Love consuming avenue meals however aren’t certain the place to go? This meals tour is 4.5 hours and allows you to attempt the 20 finest native dishes. Most of the locations aren’t the place vacationers ceaselessly go, so that you’ll be capable of eat amongst locals. 

14. Get Active on a Sierra Norte Hike 

After spending a number of days consuming and consuming, get your adrenaline happening this hike by Pueblo Mancomunados. Along the hike, you’ll see an indigenous mountain village. You’ll stroll by the forest the place you’ll see plenty of native natural world as nicely.

15. Check Out Mitla 

Mitla is among the finest locations to go to when you’re within the conventional structure of Oaxaca. You’ll be capable of meet with locals and work together with Zapotec weavers. You’ll additionally journey to Teotitlán Valle, the primary place that began making mezcal. 

One of one of the best methods to see a brand new metropolis is to take a strolling tour. Many vacationer organizations supply free strolling excursions in addition to paid choices. Estacion Mexico organizes the top-rated strolling excursions in Oaxaca. You’ll see all one of the best downtown sights and check out some scrumptious meals. 

We suggest wandering round Mercado de Benito Juárez the place you may individuals watch, have a look at conventional clothes, handicrafts, and extra.

Other widespread websites are Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán or Templo de Santo and the botanical gardens.

17. Drink Hot Chocolate 

Oaxaca is extra well-known for warm chocolate than it’s for mezcal. All the native cafes serve unbelievable cups of scorching chocolate. Many of the espresso outlets downtown supply free WIFI. You can sit and work for a number of hours whereas having fun with your drink.

18. Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar 

Oaxaca has a number of rooftop bars the place you may seize a number of drinks and watch the sundown. Oaxaca City additionally has a fantastic skyline you may see from the bars. For one of the best spots, try Mezquite, Praga Coffee Bar, or Gozobi. 

We suggest this taco and secret bars meals crawl!

19. Catch a Wave at Puerto Escondido

Oaxaca’s most well-known coastal vacation spot is Puerto Escondido. 

It’s house to Playa Zicatela, one of many world’s most famous surf locations, recognized for its monster seashore break. Come and check out your hand at browsing this heavy wave, or attempt the extra forgiving level break at La Punta. 

Alternatively, if browsing just isn’t your factor, get pleasure from sheltered seashores and coves like Carrizalillo and usually take in the laid-back coastal ambiance at this widespread seashore city.

Tip: If you’re staying in PE in a single day, don’t miss this cool exercise: the bioluminescence spectacle in Manialtepec Lagoon. When evening falls, get into a ship and marvel at how thousands and thousands of microorganisms start to light up the water within the lagoon. 

From Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido is a 6-7 hour drive away so it’s best reserved for weekend journeys!

20. Go Beach Hopping in Oaxaca

The three seashores of Mazunte, San Augustinillo, and Zipolite are a few of Oaxaca’s most lovely seashores and positively Oaxaca’s most relaxed seashore cities. 

Popular for his or her laid-back and various vibe as a lot as their gorgeous jungle-covered headlands and exquisite turquoise waters, these seashores are amongst Mexico’s finest seashore locations.

Covering a 20-kilometer stretch of shoreline, these seashore cities every supply one thing barely totally different. 

Whether you like the picturesque Mazunte with its protected swimming cove and stylish cafes and bars, San Augustinillo with its calm, relaxed vibe, or Zipolite which is understood for being the one nude seashore in Mexico, you might be certain to discover a house away from house in one in all these three seashores in Oaxaca.

21. Watch Turtles Hatching at Playa del Palmarito

Some eight kilometers north of Puerto Escondido, on the in any other case abandoned Playa del Palmarito, Olive Ridley turtles return annually to put their eggs. From August to November, go to this distant seashore to observe and assist information child turtles as they make their means into the world and the huge Pacific Ocean.

There is a 6:00pm turtle launch and you may volunteer between 9:00pm and a pair of:00am.

22. Explore Lagunas de Chacahua

It’s time to get off the overwhelmed path and into wild Oaxaca. A highway journey in Oaxaca just isn’t full with out visiting Oaxaca’s Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, the Chacahua Lakes National Park.

To attain Chacahua, you have to to take a ship experience by the maze-like and crocodile-filled mangrove forests of Chacahua lagoon. Skilled pilots deftly maneuver lengthy boats by tiny openings, dashing amongst thick tangles of mangroves. The boat experience to succeed in the seashore is an journey in itself.

Once there, you’ll be rewarded with miles of abandoned seashores, an amazing surf break, and whole rest. 

Basic lodging is offered and reserving upfront is simply important if you wish to keep someplace explicit or in case your journey coincides with the Mexican vacation season. There are not any ATMs out there, however there are eating places and bars and shops promoting primary items. This is the place to come back and loosen up, learn a e-book, and catch some rays.

Watch out for the crocs.

23. Visit San Jose del Pacifico

Nestled excessive within the Sierra Sur mountains, midway between town of Oaxaca and the coast, is San Jose del Pacifico. 2,500 meters above sea stage, this mountain city sits above the clouds however on a transparent day, the view stretches all the best way to the Pacific coast, some 60 kilometers away. 

Here within the misty mountains, lush inexperienced forests supply vastly totally different vegetation from the cactus-covered Oaxaca Valley to the north or palm-tree-lined coast to the south.

The city boasts unbelievable pure magnificence, conventional temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies, and a fame as a spot of restorative energy. Also of particular significance listed below are the hongos magico, the native psilocybin mushroom, psilocybe mexicana, which develop abundantly within the mountains. 

Against this backdrop, an arts and bohemian counterculture has emerged. It is a spot to unplug, to unwind, to reconnect with nature, and to rejuvenate physique and thoughts.

24. Hike the Pueblos Mancomunados

For a really native expertise, make the journey out to the Pueblo Mancomunados which is a group of eight small villages within the Sierra Norte mountain vary. Explore this lovely a part of the world through the in depth climbing trails that join these eight pueblos.

This cooperative of conventional Zapotec villages right here has lengthy pooled assets as a part of an ongoing alliance. Today, the Pueblo Mancomunados goals to convey consciousness and tourism to the culturally important area. 

For guests, the Pueblos Mancomunados presents a glimpse into the agricultural lifetime of the communities right here on this naturally spectacular alpine area. Check out this native tour right here.

25. Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is one in all Mexico’s most iconic and thrilling cultural celebrations. And nowhere celebrates Día de Los Muertos fairly like Oaxaca. The Day of the Dead celebrations are recognized for month-long festivities, unbelievable costumes, and thrilling parades.

Celebrated primarily between November 1 and November 3, the state of Oaxaca and notably Oaxaca metropolis, is abuzz within the month main as much as the official fiesta. It is among the finest expressions of Mexican tradition and is an unbelievable expertise.

People gown up and paint their faces, parades transfer by the streets taking part in music, dancing, and setting off fireworks in large cell events, and households and buddies go to cemeteries to not mourn however to recollect and rejoice with family members which have handed on.

Getting swept up on this unbelievable celebration of life, dying and remembrance is, arms down, top-of-the-line issues to do in Oaxaca.

26. Explore Wild Huatulco

Here, 30,000 acres of gorgeous seashores and wild coastal forests have been designated a nationwide park. The park is bordered to the east by the city of La Crucita and to the west by the small seashore village of San Agustin. 

With just one highway into the park and restricted seashore entry, the most suitable choice for accessing Huatulco’s gorgeous and lonely seashores and experiencing its dramatic and rugged shoreline is by boat. 

Tours will be organized beginning in La Crucita or San Augustin. La Crucita is massive and developed, with a tourism scene and widespread resort possibility.

The tiny seashore village of San Agustin is gorgeous and surprisingly busy with a area people that runs on fishing and tourism. Fishing boats bob within the calm turquoise waters that are protected by the headlands at both finish of the seashore and the Isla de San Agustin in entrance.

Tip: For an adventurous day trip in Huatulco, try this half-day tour! You’ll get moist and wild with rafting and snorkeling on the agenda, plus an opportunity to absorb scenic views of the world. If you like to remain dry, then an ATV drive by Huatuclo’s jungle and seashore landscapes could also be up your alley!

Check out Mexico Travel Tips for extra on touring Mexico!

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca

If you’re trying to take a fast journey inside attain of Oaxaca, try among the ones beneath!

Mitla

Known for being a well-known archeological website, Mitla was round for about three centuries earlier than the Spanish arrived within the early 1500s. The structure is totally different from different websites within the space as a result of it has mixture of Mixtec and Zapotec designs. 

Along with the traditional ruins, you may also see conventional Spanish church buildings among the many Zapotec temples. Mitla is about 45 minutes from Oaxaca making it a superb alternative for a half-day journey. 

If you wish to spend the total day exploring the world, you may mix Mitla with Yagul. It’s proper subsequent to the Mitla website and has mosaics and historic temples as nicely. 

San Bartolo Coyotepec 

While there are lots of issues to see in San Bartolo Coyotepec, it’s largely really useful for vacationers which have an curiosity in pottery, ceramics, and artwork. Here, you’ll see regionally made barro negro (black clay pottery). 

An area tour information can inform you concerning the historical past of the pottery and the way it obtained began within the area. You’ll additionally study concerning the well-known Dona Rosa and the way she realized the strategy of sharpening the items and refiring them within the kin. 

Because od Dona Rosa, San Barolo Coyotepec turned well-known for its shiny black pottery. Since the Nineteen Fifties, vacationers have been flocking to the world to purchase pottery. 

Before leaving, undoubtedly purchase a chunk to take house as a memento! The costs will be costly, however most outlets have small items which can be moderately priced. 

The black pottery is for adornment, however you should buy the unpolished ones in order for you pottery that’s extra sensible and can be utilized for storage. 

Teotitlan del Valle

While researching Oaxaca, likelihood is you’ve seen many footage of the standard woven rugs that come from this space. Most are made and offered in Teotitlan del Valle. Definitely head right here for one of the best buying relating to textiles and rugs. 

All the rugs are handmade. Most individuals have small outlets proper outdoors their properties. You can meet native households and see how they make these woven rugs. You may even see how they dye the wool to make shiny and wealthy colours. 

Teotitlan del Valle continues to be a conventional Mexican village. You’ll really feel nearly such as you went again in time as quickly as you arrive. Make certain to attempt tejate when you’re right here. Although you may order it anyplace in Oaxaca, it’s higher in Teotitlan. 

San Antonio Arrazola 

Alebrijes are well-known in Oaxaca they usually come from San Antonio Arrazola. They are the colourful carved options you see across the area representing legendary creatures in Mexican historical past. The creatures can vary from a two-headed canine to a whimsical snake with toes. 

San Antonio Arrazola is one of the best place to purchase one since they’ve an enormous selection. You can wander the outlets and see tons of of cabinets of them. 

Most artists make small figurine creatures when you’re in search of a smaller merchandise you may match inside your suitcase. 

San Antonio Arrazola is simply outdoors Oaxaca City close to Monte Alban. You can simply go to each locations on the identical day!

Tlacolula Sunday Market 

Local markets are top-of-the-line methods to immerse your self within the tradition of Oaxaca. While there are markets all through the week in numerous areas, the Tlacolula Sunday Market is by far top-of-the-line ones. 

You can simply get right here on the native bus in lower than half-hour. If you need a simple half-day journey, Tlacolula is the place to go! 

Every Sunday, distributors from close by cities come to Tlacolua and host an enormous market with mezcal, pottery, baskets, and textiles. Most of the sellers come from Santiago Matatlan and San Bartolo Coyotepec. 

You may purchase contemporary greens, native fruit, and meat. Some of the distributors supply the choice to prepare dinner them for you, so you may get pleasure from a scorching lunch earlier than heading again to Oaxaca City. 

Visit the Best Mezcal Towns 

Oaxaca is the right place to go to a number of mezcal bars, however you have to to take a day journey to the countryside to see the place Mezcal is made. The hottest cities for a fast day journey are Santiago Matatlán and Santa Catarina Minas. 

Many of the distilleries are open to the general public, however reserving a tour is a greater possibility. This means you may have a information to take you thru the mezcal-making course of and share details about the native households that run the distillery. 

You may tour the agave fields and have a mezcal tasting on the finish of the tour. 

Santa Maria Atzompa 

About 20 minutes from Oaxaca City, you’ll discover Santa Maria Atzompa. This small metropolis is understood for his or her inexperienced glazed pottery. It was a conventional Zapotec village and most of the individuals nonetheless comply with the standard Zapotec lifestyle. 

You can take a pottery class and watch how the locals glaze and make it. While inexperienced pottery is their speciality, additionally they have pink clay pottery and polychrome pottery. 

Check out the handicraft markets to purchase a number of items earlier than heading again to Oaxaca! Señor del Coro and La Asunción are the 2 predominant markets. They each promote the identical issues. You’ll discover plates, glasses, pots, flowerpots, and tons of different issues!

Things to do in Oaxaca FAQ

This publish was initially written by Kelli Lovett, however has since been up to date by the Adventure in You staff.

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