52 Incredible Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico

Start with a sunrise walk in the central square, then join a guided food walk that will show Oaxaca’s aromas, including hierba and roasted chiles, while you thank the hosts for warm hospitality. This approach sets the tone for a trip where colorful facades and lively markets blend with tranquil streets.

For a compact itinerary, head to Monte Alban for a massive view, then wander the bright facades of the centro, including a hilltop cafe that serves perfect coffee. In the alban district, taste hierba tea and chihuahua chocolate, and see how different ingredients come together. A stop by the bernal overlook offers another angle, while a mural walk reveals Oaxaca’s evolving vibe. If you crave the sea, plan an afternoon trip to the coast to ride waves and sleep in a hammock before the next day’s adventures.

Choose a plan that fits your pace–private guides or small groups–with flexible start times and a 24/7 support line to help you adjust plans on the go. Each stop includes practical tips, like the best markets to visit after dawn, where you can come away with unique souvenirs and fresh ingredients to cook back home. Our team helps you maximize time, delivering a very practical mix of culture, flavor, and color that stays with you after you leave Oaxaca.

The Six Official Oaxaca Pueblos Magicos: 52 Must-Do Experiences

Begin your Oaxaca visit in Capulálpam de Méndez, where a well-maintained square greets you at the historico center and smoky views rise from the hillside. Meet neighbors weaving and selling quesillos, then follow a hiking path to tiny waterfalls tucked among pine forests. Capulálpam boasts century-old stone walls and a healing, unhurried pace; choose a small hotel with a pool to unwind after a day’s exploration, and savor local coffee that keeps the day lively because this town values craft and connection.

Teotitlán del Valle sits along terraced slopes, where notable families keep century-old looms humming and natural dye baths reveal cobalt, ochre, and negro threads. The market pulses with intricate textiles, rugs, and wall hangings; watch a weaver at work and learn the symbols that travelers carry as healing memories. Walk the dusty lanes, then hike toward mesa viewpoints for vistas that reward the search for color and light; end the day in a boutique hotel with a small pool and welcoming neighbors, making this trip rich in texture and texture-filled moments.

In teposcolula, a quiet corridor of history unfolds along a historico post road, where a tiny colonial church sits near a square bordered by adobe walls. The town centers on a 16th-century plaza with locals selling crafts and tamales; the surrounding hills host hiking routes that lead to springs and waterfalls, and a local guide can explain the century-old stones that hold the region’s memory. Stay at a local hotel that blends with nature and enjoy a pool after sunset, then browse a mercado where the scent of coffee and cacao lingers, a perfect stop on this trip.

Mitla offers a dramatic contrast between the ancient and the living: the archeological site presents an intricate mosaic of stones that locals call the “zapotec tombs,” a holy space that continues to inspire modern artisans. Notable ruins are set in a valley that invites a calm hike, and the town provides easy access to boutique hotels and pools where you can cool off after a day of exploring. Bring a lightweight backpack for a post-tour stroll through a market where textiles, pottery, and mezcal bottles line the stalls, and let the serenity of this not-to-be-missed stop enhance your overall Oaxaca experience.

Tlacolula de Matamoros centers on a lively Sunday market and a welcoming square where neighbors chat under shade trees and wildlife from nearby orchards occasionally pass through. Its church bells ring as you stroll the streets to see murals and a church with centuries of historia; try a local tortilla shop and a traditional stew that tastes like home. From the market, easy day trips lead to nearby trails and a short, scenic hike with views of agricultural fields; you can cap the afternoon with a dip in a hotel pool and a quiet dinner at a casa comedor, turning a simple visit into a memorable trip.

Santo Tomás Jalieza shines for its hand-woven belts and other textiles, with artisans greeting you along a narrow, intricate road. The town’s tiny studios demonstrate backstrap loom techniques, and many offer a quick workshop so visitors leave with a keepsake, not just a souvenir. After a light hike in nearby hills, relax in a local hotel that features pools and a shaded plaza where children play and neighbors trade stories. The whole area reflects a unique, earthly palette–negro threads mixing with earthy browns and emerald greens–perfect for a trip that expands your Oaxaca experience and leaves you eager for 52 must-do moments in this region.

5-Day Itinerary Across the Pueblos Magicos

Start your five-day plan in Oaxaca City with Monte Albán at dawn for crisp views, then stroll the historico centro to sample nixtamal and street foods. Getting the timing right lets you join a municipal parade beside the cathedral in the evening; festive shows light the air with candles along juarez street, a snapshot of the status of local life.

Day 2 heads to Capulálpam de Méndez, a magical oaxacas village tucked in pine forests. Beside the main square, artisans sell weaving textiles and candles; you can watch a making demonstration and ask about easter festival traditions.

Day 3 centers on Mitla, a historico site, plus a quick trek to Hierve el Agua if the rainy weather holds. The packed trails wake early, and what you gain is a peek at Zapotec motifs carved in stone and the conquest era carvings.

Day 4 explores Teotitlán del Valle, a magical weaving town. Using natural dyes from indigo and cochineal, artisans demonstrate looms and selling tips; the community runs a mancomunados forest walk with holy significance during local celebrations. They also show how a family preserves the craft while elevating its status.

Day 5 finishes in another pueblo magico with a sunset over a fort ruins and a final market of regional foods. Pack light, and reflect on the powers of Oaxaca’s heritage. It’s just a compact trip that leaves you home with new memories.

Markets, Crafts, and Local Art Highlights

Start your visit at Mercado 20 de Noviembre to savor tlayudas hot from the comal and watch vendors roll mole and cacao into sauces. Cobblestone lanes lead to stalls where chili powders, dried herbs, and handwoven textiles sit beside fresh fruta, creating a vivid first impression of Oaxaca’s markets you’ll want to revisit during travel.

In Allende and the southern Mixteca region, you’ll find weaving, pottery, and woodwork that carry signatures of the craft. In teposcolula, potters shape bowls from red clay, basket makers display creels and palm-fiber trays, and textiles dyed with cochineal and indigo reveal subtle, lasting color. These pieces invite you to touch and compare techniques, from warp-and-weft to coil-building.

While you explore, bring a couple of reusable bags and cash in small bills; vendors appreciate quick transactions, and left turns from the plaza lead to intimate studios where artisans share a quick demo of loom work, clay forming, or beadwork, giving you a sense of how techniques travel across generations.

Find notable pieces in Allende’s pottery stalls, creel baskets from regional families, and mixteca designs in textiles, with each item carrying a story of local artisans. Keep an eye out for holy imagery used in daily life, from santos to symbols tied to family lore, and talk with makers to understand the context behind each design. Adventures await as you compare textures and patterns across stalls.

Before you end your trip, check the event calendars: seasonal markets, craft fairs, and workshops that welcome visitors for hands-on learning. An instance of a quick workshop in teposcolula or Allende can anchor your trip, turning a simple visit into lasting memories of regional design and color.

Foodie Guide: Signature Dishes and Best Eateries

Start with a plate of tlayudas at a sunlit market stall; the crackly tortilla, melted quesillo, and a smear of asiento create a crisp, savory bite. Spend a morning at Mercado 20 de Noviembre sampling mole negro, memelas, and chiles; this infinity of textures and aromas defines Oaxaca’s culinary core. Beloved street bites sit beside slow-simmered stews, so you can compare moles and decide which profile you prefer with a cold michelada or agua fresca.

Signature dishes to chase include mole negro, tlayudas, chapulines with lime, and pescado a la talla from the coast; Oaxaca cheese (quesillo) blankets tamales and memelas, while pan de muertos appears during Dia de Muertos celebrations. Each bite reveals a layered history–chile, cacao, corn, and regional herbs coming together in bright, irresistible combos.

Best eateries cluster around the Centro Histórico and the Santo Domingo area, where family kitchens and modern studios alike turn simple ingredients into memorable plates. Some mentors trained in Querétaro bring a modern touch to mole and grilled corn. For a focused experience, book a private, guided tasting with a local jose who leads a compact route along markets, a mole-maker’s bench, and a candlelit comedor. You’ll credit the cooks as you move from one counter to the next and sample several moles, salsas, and corn preparations in quick succession.

Dia de Muertos ceremonies color the streets with calaveritas and pan de muertos, and you’ll notice seasonal sweets and savory stews offered by vendors who set up along the plazas. Easter and Semana Santa bring light-as-air tamales and seafood dishes that celebrate the coast; conversations with locals reveal how these traditions continue to influence daily menus around town. Surrounded by spices, herbs, and yams, Oaxaca feels small yet massive in flavor.

If you spent an afternoon along the pacific coast, agustinillo offers fresh ceviche, grilled dorado, and pescado a la talla with lime and chipotle. The route, guided by a local driver, winds through cliffs, lagoons, and a blue lake view where birds skim the water; you’ll pause to admire the scenery and sample tiny plates at a cliffside shack. On the return, a stop at a turtle-conservation beach reminds you to respect the landscape that supports this cuisine.

Credit goes to the market vendors, the cooks, and the farmers who nurture Oaxaca’s ingredients year after year. The major takeaway: an afternoon of tasting can stretch into a full evening of discovery, and a well-planned private outing with a knowledgeable guide jose will reveal how the city’s flavors evolve as seasons turn. spent time along the lanes, ask questions, and let the aromas guide you toward a beloved set of eateries that feel both timeless and new. This would be a memorable culinary introduction.

Nature, Mezcal, and Outdoor Adventures

Book a dawn hike in the Sierra Norte with a local guide, then savor a smoky mezcal flight on your way back to Oaxaca City. Start in Ixtlán de Juárez, where cloud forests rise above mossy trails and a calm presence settles over the ridge. This main route gives you a taste of green canopies, crisp air, and the charm of untouched slopes.

For a coastal counterpoint, Mazunte and Ventanilla offer turtle watching along protected sites. The unfamiliar scenery blends sea breeze with forest scent, inviting wandering travelers to slow down. In the evenings, velas light the sand, adding warmth and guiding conversations about local life.

In Santiago Matatlán, the main mezcal hub just about 30–40 minutes from downtown in central Oaxaca, you’ll meet artisans who still use wooden presses and copper stills. Ask about certain notes, the status of each batch, and how climate shapes flavor. If you love stories as much as spirits, you’ll appreciate how these families pour care into every bottle.

Into Hidalgo’s rolling hills, guided walks reveal natural ecosystems with an easy pace and plenty of shade. The guide gave clear tips on safety and best routes, and the overview highlights endemic plants, birds, and the way agave fields cradle local life. These tips help you plan your day, and a route labeled safest by your operator–perfect for families and first-time hikers alike–offers lots of quiet viewpoints.

Ethnic crafts and market stalls add cultural texture; spend time with makers who carry lots of stories, and get hands-on with simple demonstrations. The presence of such artisans adds credibility to your visit and gives you a clear sense of place. If you’re staying longer, combine a nature reserve with a workshop to deepen your understanding of agave, wood, and copper.

Overview: Oaxaca’s landscapes, mezcal heritage, and outdoor options blend into a dynamic itinerary for curious travelers. By pairing forest days with coastal evenings, you’ll experience the region’s smoky aroma, the charm behind the bottles, and the joy of wandering amid new sites and familiar smiles.

Practical Travel Planning: Getting There, Lodging, and Safety

Fly into Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) and book a prearranged transfer; the city center takes about 25–40 minutes, keeping you connected to the moment from the moment you land.

• Getting there: Use the airport-to-city system – licensed taxis or a hotel pickup are the least stressful options. If you arrive during peak hours, expect light delays near the ring roads, but the route remains straightforward. For late arrivals, a guided transfer avoids wandering in search of a ride.
• From Creel or distant starts: If you would be coming from Creel, most travelers connect through Mexico City; the overall journey would take nearly a day door-to-door. Consider an overnight layover in CDMX to preserve your energy for Oaxaca’s daytime vibe.
• What to bring: Bring a copy of your passport, a small USB battery, and a light jacket for coastal marine winds that shift quickly after sunset. Have at least one reusable bottle and sunscreen for day trips along the coastline.

The lodging scene centers in Centro Histórico and hillside pockets like Jalatlaco and San Felipe. Choose a base with colorful facades and easy access to late-night eateries; a calle such as Calle Miguel often hosts boutique stays with strong Wi‑Fi and friendly staff.

• Where to stay: Centro Histórico offers proximity to mercados and museums; Jalatlaco provides quiet mornings and cooler evenings; Capulalpam options are ideal for guided day trips into cloud forests and local communities.
• Must-try stays: Look for boutique hotels that showcase local craft, with wooden beams, talavera tiles, and a delicious breakfast spread featuring regional coffee and mole. Some properties offer a rooftop terrace with a sunset view over the city skyline.
• Booking tips: Reserve at least two weeks ahead during peak tourist seasons; ask for a room facing the street to catch the morning sun and a calmer interior courtyard if you’re sensitive to noise.

Getting around keeps the pace friendly and efficient. Taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and reliable if you stick to listed stands or hotel-arranged rides. For longer day trips, a guided tour guarantees high-value experiences and helps deter confusion on unfamiliar routes.

• Getting around: Use taxis or prebooked transfers to avoid street-hailing at night; walking is pleasant in daylight, especially near plazas with vibrant street life.
• What to explore by foot: The central vibe centers on Mercado 20 de Noviembre, the Santo Domingo precinct, and the cathedral-facing Calle de alladas; you’ll notice facades that tell stories of centuries past.
• Nearby day trips: Book a guided excursion to Capulalpam de Madero for a forested hike and a peek at indigenous crafts; tule reed baskets and small markets are must-see for visitors seeking authentic souvenirs.

Safety and practicality go hand in hand with travel comfort. Stick to daylight hours when sightseeing, as most streets feel tranquil after dark, and always choose official taxis or rideshares. Hotels provide 24/7 desk support and can arrange reliable transfers if you’re arriving late.

• Safety basics: Lock valuables in a hotel safe; carry a minimal wallet; avoid displaying electronics on quiet streets late at night.
• Hours to know: Museums typically run 9:00–17:00, and markets peak by late morning through early afternoon; check each venue’s hours on arrival to maximize your day.
• Packing and arrival mindset: Bring a light rain shell, good walking shoes, and a small bag for day trips; a guide miguel will often share local tips when you meet him at the lobby or street corner near Calle Miguel.

For food and culture, you’ll encounter delicious regional dishes during quick lunches between sights; a must-try is a plate of tlayudas with queso oaxacaño, and a cup of strong coffee at a corner café near the coast route if you’re planning a coastal excursion. If you’re surprised by how easy it is to mix city life with nearby forests and coastlines, that’s the Oaxaca balance: a calm, connected city with moments of vibrant, creel-based craft markets and a welcoming, family-friendly pace.