Things To Do
in Oaxaca
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine. The city boasts beautifully preserved colonial architecture, traditional markets selling colorful textiles and crafts, and ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into its indigenous history. Oaxaca is also celebrated for its mezcal production and its beautiful landscapes, including stunning mountains and pristine beaches.
Visitors to Oaxaca often find themselves enchanted by its warm hospitality, unique traditions, and fascinating mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can enjoy a traditional Oaxacan breakfast. Don't miss the famous tlayudas and fresh juices.
Explore the stunning Santo Domingo Cathedral and the adjacent museum to learn about the region's history and culture. Take your time to admire the intricate details of the architecture.
Dine at a local restaurant and savor authentic mole sauce with chicken. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll around the zócalo.
Join a guided tour to Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec site with panoramic views. Spend the morning exploring its impressive ruins and learning about its history.
Visit the artisanal village of Teotitlán del Valle, known for its stunning textiles. Engage with local weavers and see the colorful rugs being crafted.
Experience a traditional Oaxacan dinner at a family-run eatery. Enjoy the warm atmosphere and perhaps join a cooking class to learn more about local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including indigenous traditions and vibrant festivals.
- Diverse cuisine known for its unique flavors and use of local ingredients.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and valleys.
- Warm and welcoming locals, known for their hospitality.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other regions.
- Limited access to certain modern amenities and services in rural areas.
- Safety concerns in certain parts, especially related to crime.
- Public transportation can be inadequate or unreliable.
- Infrastructure challenges, such as poorly maintained roads.
- Language barrier for those not familiar with Spanish.
Best Activities in Oaxaca
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful landscape and rich biodiversity of Sierra Norte through various hiking trails.
Witness the stunning petrified waterfalls and natural mineral springs at Hierve el Agua.
Discover the ancient ruins and fascinating history of Monte Alban, an important Zapotec archaeological site.
Enjoy scenic mountain biking routes in Valle de Tlacolula, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and local villages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Oaxaca with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Oaxaca
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient Zapotec city with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley
Natural rock formations creating stunning cascading 'petrified waterfalls' and scenic landscapes
Home to the stoutest tree in the world, providing a picturesque backdrop
Food in Oaxaca
Oaxaca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, dark sauce made from chilies, chocolate, and a blend of spices, typically served over chicken or turkey. It is a complex and savory dish often enjoyed during special occasions.
Must-Try!
A large, crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, and various meats or vegetables. This dish is a beloved street food and is perfect for sharing.
These are fried grasshoppers seasoned with garlic, lime, and salt. They are a popular snack throughout Oaxaca and are often enjoyed with a cold beer or mezcal.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Oaxaca better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a food enthusiast's paradise, offering an array of local Oaxacan ingredients, spices, and prepared foods. It is an excellent spot to sample authentic street food such as tlayudas, tamales, and chapulines.
Known for its vibrant food stalls, this market is the perfect place to experience the lively atmosphere of Oaxacan street food culture. Here, you can savor traditional dishes like tasajo (sliced beef), tlayudas, and molotes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Oaxacan culture, it is important to show respect for elders through courteous behavior and addressing them with proper titles.
Greeting people with a handshake or a slight bow is customary in Oaxaca. It is also polite to use a person's title (Senor, Senora, or Don/Dona) when addressing them.
When visiting indigenous communities in Oaxaca, it is important to respect their traditional dress and customs. This includes avoiding taking photos without permission and being mindful of local customs and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Oaxaca with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Oaxaca
Ensure a smooth experience
In Oaxaca, it is customary to tip around 10-15% at restaurants if a service charge is not included. Hotel staff also appreciates tips for good service.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Oaxaca, especially in smaller establishments and markets. Credit cards are accepted in some larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it's always good to have cash on hand.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Oaxaca.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for comfortable temperatures and to enjoy the various festivals and cultural events, such as the Guelaguetza festival in July.
Expect warm temperatures and occasional rain, but a great time to explore the beaches and coastal areas.
Mild temperatures and lower tourist traffic, making it a good time for sightseeing and food festivals.
Cooler temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, and it's the season for traditional celebrations like Day of the Dead.
Oaxaca at Night
Hiking in Oaxaca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An ancient Zapotec city set on a mountaintop with trails offering stunning views of the Oaxaca Valley.
A beautiful mountainous region with various trails ranging from easy to challenging, ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
A popular local spot providing trails with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Known for its natural mineral springs and rock formations, it also offers trails along the cliffs with breathtaking views.
A great hiking destination with diverse ecosystems and trails that lead to stunning vistas and unique wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Oaxaca through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Oaxaca by plane.
The primary airport serving Oaxaca, Mexico, with domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Puebla, approximately 200 kilometers from Oaxaca, serving both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Mexico City, about 460 kilometers from Oaxaca, this is the busiest airport in Latin America, with numerous international connections.
Located in the Quintana Roo region, approximately 1,300 kilometers from Oaxaca, serving as a major international resort destination with many flights.
Located in Guadalajara, about 600 kilometers from Oaxaca, this airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Oaxaca, consisting of people of mixed indigenous and Spanish ancestry.
One of the major indigenous groups in Oaxaca, known for their rich cultural heritage and language.
Another significant indigenous group in Oaxaca, with their own distinct languages and customs.
An indigenous group known for their unique language and traditional lifestyle.
A smaller indigenous group in Oaxaca recognized for their cultural practices and language.
An indigenous people known for their traditional medicine and practices, particularly in the Sierra Mazateca region.
Including but not limited to the Cuicatecs, Mixe, and Ixcatecs, representing diverse languages and cultures.
Includes people from other parts of Mexico and various international communities living in Oaxaca.
The Soul of Oaxaca
Discover the essence of Oaxaca through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Oaxaca, with many local clubs and a strong community support for the teams.
Baseball has a significant following in Oaxaca, with both amateur leagues and professional teams competing in regional championships.
Basketball enjoys popularity among younger generations, with various local tournaments held throughout the year.
Although not a traditional sport, Lucha Libre (professional wrestling) has a strong cultural significance and attracts many spectators.
Volleyball is commonly played on beaches and in schools, making it a popular recreational activity in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oaxaca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Oaxacan cuisine prominently features meat, many restaurants and cafes offer delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look for establishments that serve dishes like enfrijoladas (tortillas dipped in bean sauce), tamales filled with vegetables, and cactus-based salads.
Oaxacan cuisine relies heavily on corn as a staple ingredient, making it reasonably accommodating for those avoiding gluten. Dishes like tlayudas, tamales, and corn-based tortillas are typically safe options for individuals with gluten intolerances.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Oaxaca with these cultural adventures.
