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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Sweeping views over the Oaxaca valley with the archaeological site in the foreground—best at sunrise or golden hour.
Tree-lined promenade near central Oaxaca City, ideal for street photography, architecture, and portrait shots.
Historic church with simple colonial architecture and a quaint plaza perfect for candid photography.
Lively central square with illuminated churches, markets, and performers—great for night photography.
Food in Santa Cruz Amilpas
Santa Cruz Amilpas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and salsa; a quintessential Oaxaca street-food staple.
Must-Try!
Rich dark sauce made from chiles, chocolate, nuts, and spices; typically served with chicken or pork and rice.
Thick corn masa cakes topped with salsa, beans, queso fresco, and herbs; a common breakfast or snack item.
Toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime and salt; often eaten as a crunchy snack or topping.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market in Oaxaca City with stalls offering tamales, tlayudas, moles, and fresh produce—great for a tasting tour.
Large wholesale and retail market where you can sample a wide range of street foods and regional ingredients.
Vibrant line-up of vendors offering quesadillas, memelas, and refreshing aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm hello with 'Buenos días/tardes' goes a long way; use a gentle handshake and maintain polite conversation in public spaces.
Respect tasting rituals; ask before photographing people or private tables, and avoid overpowering conversations near sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Cruz Amilpas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 10-15% is customary if service is not included; tip guides and drivers 10-15% if you’re satisfied with the service.
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...
Rainy afternoons are common; bring a light rain jacket; expect warm days with lush green landscapes.
Mild days with comfortable conditions for outdoor markets and day trips; humidity remains moderate.
Cool to mild mornings; evenings can be chilly; great time for museum visits and architectural trips.
Pleasant temperatures and dry conditions; excellent for outdoor activities and photography.
Santa Cruz Amilpas at Night
Hiking in Santa Cruz Amilpas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails offering archaeological viewpoints and sweeping valley panoramas.
A hillside overlook near Oaxaca City providing sunset views and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Santa Cruz Amilpas by plane.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of Mestizo populations with strong Mixtec and Zapotec heritage in surrounding communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local parks host casual matches and smaller community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz Amilpas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on beans, corn, squash, and fresh vegetables; request cheese substitutes if needed and confirm no lard in preparations.