Things To Do
in Santa Cruz Amilpas

Santa Cruz Amilpas is a small municipality just outside Oaxaca City, blending rural charm with easy access to urban culture. Its tree-lined streets, warm hospitality, and colorful markets invite relaxed exploration. The surrounding valleys offer scenic viewpoints, traditional crafts, and regional cuisines rooted in Indigenous and Mestizo traditions.

Visitors typically use a base in Oaxaca City to enjoy day trips while savoring authentic Oaxacan flavors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Santa Cruz Amilpas
morning
:

Start your journey with a visit to the local market, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas bring the community to life. Engage with local vendors, taste traditional Oaxacan quesillo, and immerse yourself in the town's daily rhythms. Don't forget to capture pictures of the beautiful handicrafts that adorn the stalls.

afternoon
:

Embark on a walking tour of the town, taking in the charming architecture and discovering hidden gems like the Parish of San Juan Bautista. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring authentic Oaxacan dishes like mole and tlayudas. Afterward, visit local artisan workshops to view the craft of weaving and pottery making.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant and indulge in a culinary experience featuring regional delicacies. Join the community in the town square where music and dance often fill the air at night. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll, taking in the starry skies above the tranquil town.

day 2
Chasing the Local Culture
morning
:

Begin the day with a traditional breakfast of huevos rancheros at a local eatery. After breakfast, visit a nearby artisanal mezcal distillery to learn about the production process and taste some of the finest regional spirits. This insight into local culture will deepen your appreciation for the community's heritage.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon visiting the ruins at Monte Albán, just a short drive from Santa Cruz Amilpas, to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the ancient architecture and take in breathtaking views of the valleys below. Return to Santa Cruz Amilpas in the late afternoon for a refreshing drink at a café with outdoor seating.

evening
:

As the evening sets in, find a local spot to enjoy a dance performance showcasing traditional Oaxacan music and folklore. The rhythm of the marimba will enchant you as dancers adorned in colorful costumes tell stories of their heritage. After the performance, savor dessert at a nearby bakery, perhaps trying local specialties like tres leches cake.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-25
🧃Bottle of water (1.5 L)$1-2
🚕Short taxi ride$3-6
🏨Budget hotel per night$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich local culture and cuisine
  • Close to Monte Albán and Oaxaca City
  • Relaxed pace and friendly communities
  • Limited nightlife within Santa Cruz Amilpas
  • Some services require travel to Oaxaca City
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish

Places to Visit in Santa Cruz Amilpas

Visit one of these nice places.

Monte Albán foothills and panorama

Sweeping views over the Oaxaca valley with the archaeological site in the foreground—best at sunrise or golden hour.

Paseo Juárez El Llano

Tree-lined promenade near central Oaxaca City, ideal for street photography, architecture, and portrait shots.

Iglesia de Santa Cruz Amilpas

Historic church with simple colonial architecture and a quaint plaza perfect for candid photography.

Oaxaca City Zócalo at night

Lively central square with illuminated churches, markets, and performers—great for night photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Santa Cruz Amilpas

Oaxacan cuisine is celebrated for moles, corn-based dishes, fresh produce, and mezcal. Expect vibrant flavors, handmade tortillas, and seasonal ingredients sourced from hillside communities.

Santa Cruz Amilpas Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tlayudas

Crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and salsa; a quintessential Oaxaca street-food staple.

Must-Try!

Mole Negro

Rich dark sauce made from chiles, chocolate, nuts, and spices; typically served with chicken or pork and rice.

Memelas

Thick corn masa cakes topped with salsa, beans, queso fresco, and herbs; a common breakfast or snack item.

Chapulines

Toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime and salt; often eaten as a crunchy snack or topping.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Bustling market in Oaxaca City with stalls offering tamales, tlayudas, moles, and fresh produce—great for a tasting tour.

Mercado de Abastos

Large wholesale and retail market where you can sample a wide range of street foods and regional ingredients.

Street food stalls on Avenida 5 de Mayo

Vibrant line-up of vendors offering quesadillas, memelas, and refreshing aguas frescas.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a mild, highland climate with a warm dry season and a pronounced rainy season from May to October. Daytime highs typically range from the 70s to 80s F (20s to 30 C), with cooler nights, especially in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and etiquette

A warm hello with 'Buenos días/tardes' goes a long way; use a gentle handshake and maintain polite conversation in public spaces.

Mezcal culture

Respect tasting rituals; ask before photographing people or private tables, and avoid overpowering conversations near sacred spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and on public transit, use reputable taxis, carry copies of important documents, and hydrate in hot weather. Avoid isolated areas after dark and follow local guidance during heavy rain or storms.

Tipping in Santa Cruz Amilpas

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 10-15% is customary if service is not included; tip guides and drivers 10-15% if you’re satisfied with the service.

Payment Methods

Cash (MXN) is widely accepted; many venues in Oaxaca City accept cards; ATMs are common in towns and cities.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Rainy afternoons are common; bring a light rain jacket; expect warm days with lush green landscapes.

Autumn

Mild days with comfortable conditions for outdoor markets and day trips; humidity remains moderate.

Winter

Cool to mild mornings; evenings can be chilly; great time for museum visits and architectural trips.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and dry conditions; excellent for outdoor activities and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Santa Cruz Amilpas at Night

The nightlife in Santa Cruz Amilpas is low-key; nearby Oaxaca City offers lively mezcalerías, live music venues, and traditional dances. Expect evening markets, casual bars, and small, intimate performance spaces rather than loud club scenes in the town itself.

Hiking in Santa Cruz Amilpas

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Monte Albán foothill trails

Gentle to moderate trails offering archaeological viewpoints and sweeping valley panoramas.

Cerro Fortín overlook

A hillside overlook near Oaxaca City providing sunset views and photo opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Santa Cruz Amilpas by plane.

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)

Located near Oaxaca City; offers connections to major Mexican cities and a few international flights; typically 20-40 minutes from Santa Cruz Amilpas by car depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Santa Cruz Amilpas is a small, walkable town with pleasant pedestrian-friendly streets. Within-town distances are easily explored on foot, and many viewpoints are reachable by a short stroll or bike ride. For larger sights or day trips, a quick taxi or rental car is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo with Indigenous influences

A diverse mix of Mestizo populations with strong Mixtec and Zapotec heritage in surrounding communities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local parks host casual matches and smaller community leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Santa Cruz Amilpas is light; Oaxaca City can experience typical urban congestion during rush hours. Public buses and colectivos connect towns; taxis and rideshares are convenient for cross-town trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz Amilpas.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Rely on beans, corn, squash, and fresh vegetables; request cheese substitutes if needed and confirm no lard in preparations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Oaxaca City, with private clinics and public hospitals offering a range of services. Many residents and visitors rely on private facilities for faster service; travel insurance is advisable for broader coverage.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide