Oaxaca Recommendations
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Oaxaca!
Explore the Historic Center of Oaxaca City
Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 68000, Mexico
Wander through Oaxaca's vibrant historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the stunning Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, located in a former convent.
Estimated Time: Flexible (1-3 hours)
Estimated Cost: Free (except for museum entry)
Visit Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre
S/N Las Casas, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 68000, Mexico
Dive into Oaxaca’s bustling markets for local crafts, fresh produce, and traditional foods like tlayudas, mole, and chapulines. Mercado 20 de Noviembre’s pasillo de humo (smoke aisle) is famous for grilled meats.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Estimated Cost: Free to visit, $ for food or purchases
Monte Albán Archaeological Site
Monte Albán, Oax., Mexico
Explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, a Zapotec city dating back over 1,500 years. The mountaintop site offers breathtaking views and impressive structures that bring Oaxaca’s history to life.
Estimated Time: Half-day trip (3-4 hours)
Estimated Cost: $ (entry fee required, about $5 USD)
Enjoy a Traditional Oaxacan Meal
600 Calzada de la República, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 68000, Mexico
Taste the bold flavors of Oaxacan cuisine at restaurants like Biche Pobre or Casa Oaxaca. Don’t miss mole, tlayudas, memelas, chapulines, and tejate!
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $-$$$
Mayordomo Chocolate
S/n Avenida de la Independencia, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 68000, Mexico
Experience the art of chocolate making at Mayordomo. Watch cacao beans being ground into fresh chocolate using traditional mills and sample Oaxaca’s famous chocolate.
Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
Estimated Cost: Free to visit, $ for purchases
Take a Mezcal Tour
s/n los Mixes, San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oax. 70430, Mexico
Visit mezcal distilleries along the ruta de mezcal. We recommend Sentir Mezcal Artesanal, but there are many to choose from. Mezcaloteca and Mezcalería Los Amantes are popular tasting spots in Oaxaca City.
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Estimated Cost: $$ (tours and tastings)
Explore Local Artesanal Crafts
Mitla, Oax., Mexico
Oaxaca is renowned for its rich artisanal traditions, including alebrijes, black pottery, woven textiles, and huipiles. Mitla is an excellent place to find these treasures.
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Estimated Cost: $$ (depends on purchases)
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 70477, Mexico
Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua, known for its petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools with spectacular valley views. Perfect for a dip or a relaxing picnic.
Estimated Time: Full-day trip
Estimated Cost: $ (entry fee required, about $3 USD)
Teotitlán del Valle
Teotitlán del Valle, Oax. 70420, Mexico
Visit this Zapotec village known for its traditional textile weaving. Watch artisans create colorful rugs using natural dyes and intricate designs passed down through generations.
Estimated Time: Half-day trip (3-4 hours)
Estimated Cost: $$-$$$ (depends on purchases)