Oaxaca Travel Guide: Best Attractions, Mezcal & Markets

Welcome to Oaxaca, a mesmerizing destination in southern Mexico that embodies the spirit of indigenous heritage, colonial charm, and culinary brilliance. Whether you're here for ancient ruins, colorful markets, mezcal tasting, or vibrant festivals like Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca offers a rich and authentic experience that resonates with all who visit.
 

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca City is a cultural capital surrounded by mountains, archaeological wonders, and indigenous villages that have preserved traditions for centuries. Let’s explore why Oaxaca should be at the top of your Mexico travel itinerary.

📌 Quick Facts About Oaxaca

🌟 Why Visit Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most culturally diverse and visually stunning regions. Here’s why it’s a must-visit destination:

🏺 Deep-rooted Indigenous Cultures & Languages

🌽 World-Class Gastronomy & Local Markets

🎉 Incredible Festivals like Día de los Muertos & Guelaguetza

🏞️ Breathtaking Landscapes & Artisan Villages

🍶 Mezcal Tasting in the Land Where It's Made

🏛️ Archaeological Sites Like Monte Albán

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Oaxaca

1. 🏛️ Explore the Historic Center of Oaxaca City

The Centro Histórico of Oaxaca City is filled with cobbled streets, colonial churches, and colorful buildings.

Zócalo (Main Square): A lively hub with street musicians, food vendors, and outdoor cafes.

Templo de Santo Domingo: An iconic baroque church with an attached former monastery.

Ethnobotanical Garden: Home to native plant species, many used in traditional medicine.

📝 Tip: Visit the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca to learn about the region’s diverse indigenous history.

2. 🏺 Monte Albán: Ancient Zapotec Capital

Perched on a mountaintop, Monte Albán is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico.

Founded around 500 BCE by the Zapotecs.

Offers sweeping views of the Oaxaca Valley.

Discover tombs, ball courts, pyramids, and carved stones.

🎟️ Entry: Around 95 MXN (includes museum access)
⏰ Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

3. 🍽️ Dive Into Oaxaca’s Famous Cuisine

Oaxaca is often called “the culinary capital of Mexico.”

Must-Try Dishes:

Mole Negro: Rich, dark mole made with over 30 ingredients.

Tlayudas: Large, crispy tortillas with beans, cheese, avocado, and meat.

Tamales Oaxaqueños: Wrapped in banana leaves, filled with mole or chicharrón.

Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers—crunchy and full of protein!

🍴 Where to Eat:

Casa Oaxaca (fine dining)

La Biznaga (contemporary Mexican)

Mercado 20 de Noviembre (street food heaven)

4. 🍶 Mezcal Tours in the Oaxaca Valley

Mezcal is Oaxaca’s signature spirit, and there’s no better place to learn about (and taste) it.

Top Mezcal Experiences:

Mezcaloteca (Oaxaca City): Educational tastings in an intimate setting.

Palenques in Santiago Matatlán: Visit traditional distilleries in the “World Capital of Mezcal.”

Real Minero or Gracias a Dios: Artisan producers known for sustainable practices.

🥃 Tip: Always sip mezcal slowly, like a fine whiskey.

5. 🎭 Experience Oaxaca’s Legendary Festivals

Oaxaca is home to some of Mexico’s most colorful and important cultural festivals.

Highlights:

Día de los Muertos (Oct 31 – Nov 2): The city transforms into a canvas of marigolds, altars, and skeleton parades.

Guelaguetza (July): A spectacular celebration of indigenous music, dance, and clothing from across the state.

Noche de Rábanos (Dec 23): A quirky and delightful night of radish-carving competitions.

📅 Plan your visit around these dates to witness Oaxaca at its most vibrant.

6. 🛍️ Shop for Handicrafts in Artisan Villages

Oaxaca is a haven for handcrafted goods from generations of indigenous artisans.

Teotitlán del Valle: Famous for wool rugs dyed with natural pigments.

San Bartolo Coyotepec: Known for black clay (barro negro) pottery.

San Martín Tilcajete: Home of brightly colored alebrijes (wooden folk art sculptures).

🧵 Many workshops offer hands-on experiences. Great for souvenirs with a story!

7. 🌿 Take a Day Trip to Hierve el Agua

One of the most surreal landscapes in Mexico, Hierve el Agua features petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools.

Formed by calcium carbonate deposits over thousands of years.

Take a dip in the pools with views over the mountains.

Great hiking opportunities around the site.

🎒 Tip: Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen.

🏨 Where to Stay in Oaxaca

✨ Luxury

Hotel Quinta Real Oaxaca: A former convent turned elegant boutique hotel.

Casa Oaxaca: Consistently ranked among Mexico’s best hotels.

🛏️ Mid-Range

Hotel Casa Vertiz: Stylish with colonial charm and a central location.

Hotel Parador San Agustin: Comfort and value steps from the Zócalo.

💸 Budget

Selina Oaxaca: Popular with digital nomads and solo travelers.

Hostel Don Nino: Clean, social, and well-located.

🧳 Oaxaca Travel Tips

Safety: Oaxaca is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. Exercise caution at night and in remote areas.

Language: Spanish is widely spoken. Learn a few Zapotec or Mixtec words to connect with locals!

Cash is King: Many artisan markets and mezcal producers prefer cash.

Weather: Warm and dry from Nov–April; rainy but green from May–Oct.

Transport: The city is walkable. Taxis and colectivos (shared vans) are common for villages.

🗓️ Suggested 4-Day Itinerary for Oaxaca

🗓️ Day 1: City Sights

Visit Santo Domingo, Zócalo, and Museo de las Culturas

Dinner and live music at a rooftop restaurant

🗓️ Day 2: Monte Albán & Mezcal

Morning at Monte Albán

Afternoon mezcal tasting tour

🗓️ Day 3: Artisan Villages

Visit Teotitlán del Valle and San Martín Tilcajete

Shop for crafts and enjoy a village meal

🗓️ Day 4: Hierve el Agua & Tule Tree

Early visit to Hierve el Agua

Stop at El Tule (world’s widest tree)

Farewell dinner with mole tasting