Sadhya Oaxaca, a land steeped in culture, history, and natural allure, beckons explorers to uncover its vivid tapestry. This comprehensive guide uncovers the top 15 experiences that epitomize the essence of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca is a city in southern Mexico known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. This guide will take you on a journey through the top 15 must-see attractions in Oaxaca, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Getting to Oaxaca
Oaxaca is easily accessible via Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) or by car from Mexico City. If you’re driving, you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes and countryside charm along the way.
Optimal Timing for Your Visit
The best time to visit Oaxaca is between October and April when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. This enables a more intimate experience of Oaxaca’s attractions.
Travel Tips for Oaxaca
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip to Oaxaca:
- Wear comfortable footwear to navigate the cobbled streets.
- Savor the local favourites like mole and tlayudas.
- Shield yourself from the sun with sunscreen and hats.
- Start early morning to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Choose lodging near the city center for convenience.
- With limited time, prioritize Oaxaca’s must-see attractions ahead of time.
The Ethnobotanical Garden
Located in the historic center, on the site of the former Santo Domingo convent, this garden spans 2 hectares featuring native plants from Oaxaca. The guided tour, lasting an hour, offers insights into the plants’ traditional use by locals.
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman
A significant Dominican convent with a complex history dating back to 1551. Over time, it served various purposes, including as a university and a military occupation site. Restored post-1902, this baroque masterpiece stands as a symbol of the city.
- Church Timings: 9 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 6 pm.
- Location: Pedestrian street Andador Turístico (Macedonio Alcalá street).
The Museum of the Cultures
Nestled next to the Santo Domingo church, this museum hosts over 14,000 artifacts, including the famed Monte Albán’s Tomb 7 treasure. It offers a glimpse into Oaxaca’s history, from the colonial era to modern times, with a stunning view of the Jardín Etnobotánico.
- Entrance Fee: 90 pesos.
Exploring the Markets of Oaxaca
- Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, located next to each other, offer a wide range of local products, including food, clothes, souvenirs, and flowers. Notable food spots include Pasillo de Humo and Comedor Bety.
Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Alley)
A renowned spot in Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Pasillo de Humo, is a smoky hallway known for grilling meats. At Lety’s, you can order tasajo, chorizo, and cecina for 150 pesos, an ample portion for two. Please note that the servings are quite sizable.
At this dining spot when you order your food, choose from chorizo (sausage), tasajo (beef), or cecina (pork) as your meats, then they will direct you to a common table. You can select extras like handmade tortillas and grilled vegetables to go with your meal. Enjoy a local beer or ‘agua de horchata (rice water drink)’ Overall, it’s hailed as Oaxaca’s finest dining due to its delicious food, reasonable prices, and lively local atmosphere.
The Zocalo
The Zócalo in Oaxaca is a vibrant area filled with terraces ideal for dining, sipping coffee, and enjoying live music. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and is a central hub connecting many key attractions in the city.
Taste the Traditional Drinks
- Tejate: A pre-Hispanic drink comprising roasted corn, cocoa, mamey bone, and Cacahuaxóchil flower. Known for its unique texture and creamy consistency.
- Having a Good Hot Chocolate
- La Chocolatería Mayordomo in the Zócalo offers various kinds of chocolate drinks, starting from 35 pesos. A must-try is the hot chocolate made with 100% cocoa milk and no sugar, complemented by traditional Tlacolula breads like pan de cazuela (18 pesos).
Discover the Colorful Streets of the City
Oaxaca boasts vibrant streets adorned with colorful facades, papel picado, and impressive street art, making it a prominent destination for art enthusiasts in Mexico.
The Artistic Neighborhood Jalatlaco
- A captivating neighborhood celebrated for its captivating street art depicting local stories. Instagram-worthy murals by artists like Lapiztola and Yescka adorn the walls. The area exudes a cozy vibe with cobbled streets, cafes, and traditional eateries like Once in Oaxaca, offering unique souvenirs.
Monte Albán
Monte Albán, founded around 500 BC, served as the capital of the Zapotec civilization. It stands as one of Mesoamerica’s earliest and most influential cities. Now a World Heritage Site, Monte Albán features tombs, plazas, stelae, the Palace, and the Great Plaza. The site museum exhibits fascinating artifacts.
- Address: Carretera A Monte Albán Km 6, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Open Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 (last entry at 15:30)
- Entrance Fee: 80 pesos
- How to Get There:
- By car: 20 minutes on the highway to Monte Albán
- By bus: Take the bus from Hotel Rivera del Angel; departures every 30 minutes from 8 am to 3:30 pm
- With a guided tour: Several options are available with hotel pick-up.
- We recommend getting an early start and arriving at the opening time to enjoy this majestic site in relative peace. It is better to get there as early as possible since it will be cooler than later in the day.
Artisan Villages
- With a guided tour: Several options are available with hotel pick-up.
- San Martin Tilcajete:
- Famed for its alebrijes—vibrant figures depicting fantastical creatures in Mexican folk art. Notable workshops like Taller de Jacobo and Maria Angeles are located here. Accessible by a 45-minute car ride or public transportation from Central de Abastos. Tours offer an in-depth immersion into the world of alebrijes.
- With a guided tour: Several options are available with hotel pick-up
- Address: San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico
- How to Get There:
- By car: 45 minutes via Highway 175
- Public transportation: Bus from Central de Abastos towards Ocotlán de Morelos
Artisan Crafts
Santo Tomás Jalieza: Renowned for leather belts and weaving, offering a craft market with an array of items like bags, scarves, and cases. Accessible by car in 50 minutes, with tours available to explore traditional communities and their crafts.
- Craftsmanship
- San Bartolo Coyotepec: Famous for its black clay pottery featuring a metallic shine. The town hosts a folk art museum exhibiting black clay pieces and artifacts from various regions of Oaxaca. Accessible by car in 30 minutes, public transportation, or via tours that include Monte Alban, San Antonio Arrazola, and Cuilapam de Guerrero.
- Address: San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, Mexico
- How to Get There:
- By car: 30 minutes via Highway 175
- Public transportation: Bus from Central de Abastos
- Textile Art
- Teotitlán del Valle: Known for its exquisite rugs available in diverse sizes and qualities. The Balaa Xtee Guech Gulal Museum supports the local community and showcases artifacts, spinning techniques, and traditional customs. Accessible by car in 40 minutes or by bus, with organized tours available that include visits to Mitla, Hierve el Agua, and a mezcal distillery.
- Address: Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico
- How to Get There:
- By car: 40 minutes via Highway 190
- By bus: Direct bus from Central de Abastos
- Teotitlán del Valle: Known for its exquisite rugs available in diverse sizes and qualities. The Balaa Xtee Guech Gulal Museum supports the local community and showcases artifacts, spinning techniques, and traditional customs. Accessible by car in 40 minutes or by bus, with organized tours available that include visits to Mitla, Hierve el Agua, and a mezcal distillery.
- San Bartolo Coyotepec: Famous for its black clay pottery featuring a metallic shine. The town hosts a folk art museum exhibiting black clay pieces and artifacts from various regions of Oaxaca. Accessible by car in 30 minutes, public transportation, or via tours that include Monte Alban, San Antonio Arrazola, and Cuilapam de Guerrero.
- Address: Santo Tomás Jalieza, Oaxaca, Mexico
- How to Get There:
- By car: 50 minutes via Highway 175
Mezcal Experiences
- Mezcal Palenque Tours:
- Guided tours to mezcal palenques, providing insights into production processes.
- Mezcal Tasting Venues
- Mezcalerias: Sabina Sabe and Mezcalogia offer a wide range of mezcals. Sabina Sabe is known for its food, while Mezcalogia provides a lively atmosphere with live music.
- Locations: Sabina Sabe and Mezcalogia, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Mezcal Tasting Experiences:
- Deep dive into the history, production methods, and flavors of wild mezcals, supporting local producers.
- Various Locations: Oaxaca, Mexico
- Mezcalerias: Sabina Sabe and Mezcalogia offer a wide range of mezcals. Sabina Sabe is known for its food, while Mezcalogia provides a lively atmosphere with live music.
The archaeological site of Mitla
Mitla, the second most important archaeological site in Oaxaca after Monte Albán, became the political and religious center of the Zapotecs post the decline of Monte Albán. Flourishing from the 9th century until the Spanish arrival in 1521, Mitla comprises five architectural groups, with the Group of the Columns being the most significant.
- Address: Carretera 190 Km 46, Mitla, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Open Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (closed Sundays at 2 pm)
- Entrance Fee: 90 pesos
- How to Get There:
- By car: 1 hour on Highway 190
- By bus: Take the bus from the baseball stadium Eduardo Vasconcelos (1 hour)
- 4. Natural Landmarks
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder featuring 200-meter high mineral deposit waterfalls and clear pools overlooking the valley. Visitors can swim in the pools, hike the trails, and capture stunning photographs. It’s recommended to visit early morning or after 4 pm to avoid crowds.
- Address: Hierve el Agua, San Isidro Roaguía, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Open Hours: 7 am to 6 pm daily
- Entrance Fee: 50 pesos
- How to Get There:
- By car: 1 hour on Highway 179, then 30 minutes on Emiliano Zapata and Reforma to Hierve el Agua
- Public transport: Bus to Mitla from Eduardo Vasconcelos stadium, then take a combi to Hierve el Agua
Exploring the coast of Oaxaca
Embark on a road trip to Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, and drive from Oaxaca de Juarez, to discover stunning beaches with a distinct vibe from the Caribbean. Experience the charm of Playa Zicatela, Zipolite, Playa Salchi, Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, Mazunte, Punta Cometa, and the beaches of Bahías de Huatulco.
- Addresses Vary: Each beach has its specific location in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- How to Get There:
- By car: Highway 131 or 175 from Oaxaca de Juarez
- By plane: Flights are available to Puerto Escondido International Airport or Huatulco International Airport
Tour Schedule: 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm.
- Admission Fee: 50 pesos.
- Note: Access to this garden is solely through guided tours only. Limited to 15 people per group, no reservations, advisable to arrive early due to limited shade.
