Welcome to Oaxaca—a vibrant, soul-stirring destination where ancient history, indigenous traditions, jaw-dropping nature, and mouthwatering food come together in a way that few places on Earth can match. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Oaxaca has something magical for you.
🏛 Top Destinations in Oaxaca
1️⃣ Oaxaca City (Centro Histórico)
🕍 Why Visit? The heart of Oaxaca, this UNESCO-listed city is full of cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, lively markets, and some of the best food in Mexico.
✨ Must-See: Santo Domingo Church, Mercado Benito Juárez, Zócalo (main plaza), and the many mezcalerías (mezcal bars).
2️⃣ Monte Albán (Zapotec Ruins)
🏺 Why Visit? This ancient city, built by the Zapotecs over 2,500 years ago, sits atop a hill with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley.
✨ Must-See: The ball court, pyramids, and intricate carvings on tombs.
3️⃣ Hierve el Agua (Petrified Waterfalls)
💦 Why Visit? This natural wonder looks like a frozen waterfall but is actually mineral deposits from natural springs. Plus, you can swim in the stunning infinity pools overlooking the mountains!
✨ Must-See: Sunrise or sunset views from the edge of the pools.
4️⃣ Mitla (Sacred Zapotec Site)
🏛 Why Visit? Unlike Monte Albán, Mitla was a religious center known for its intricate geometric stone carvings—some of the finest in Mesoamerica.
✨ Must-See: The Columns of Life and Death—legend says if you wrap your arms around one, it can predict your future!
5️⃣ Puerto Escondido (Surf & Beach Town)
🏄♂️ Why Visit? One of Mexico’s best surf towns, famous for its bohemian vibes, wild beaches, and epic waves.
✨ Must-See: Zicatela Beach for surfing, Playa Carrizalillo for chill vibes, and Bioluminescent Lagoon for a magical night swim.
6️⃣ Mazunte & Zipolite (Laid-back Beach Escape)
🏝 Why Visit? If you want a chill, off-the-grid beach town, this is it. Mazunte is known for its Turtle Conservation Center, while Zipolite is Mexico’s only official nudist beach.
✨ Must-See: Punta Cometa for the best sunset views in Oaxaca.
🌿 Best Natural Wonders in Oaxaca
🌄 1. Hierve el Agua – Petrified waterfalls & infinity pools
🏔 2. Sierra Norte Mountains – Hiking & eco-tourism with indigenous villages
🏜 3. Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere – Cactus-filled desert & rare wildlife
🏝 4. Laguna de Manialtepec – Bioluminescent waters that glow at night
🦋 5. Benito Juárez National Park – Lush forests just outside Oaxaca City
🍽 Must-Try Oaxacan Dishes
🌮 1️⃣ Tlayudas – The “Oaxacan pizza” with a giant crunchy tortilla, beans, meat, cheese, and avocado.
🍫 2️⃣ Mole Oaxaqueño – Rich, complex sauce with over 20 ingredients, including chocolate!
🐛 3️⃣ Chapulines – Crunchy, seasoned grasshoppers. Try them on a taco or with mezcal!
🌽 4️⃣ Memelas – Thick corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and salsa.
🫔 5️⃣ Tamales Oaxaqueños – Wrapped in banana leaves and filled with mole or other savory ingredients.
🥃 6️⃣ Mezcal – Oaxaca’s signature smoky spirit, best enjoyed with orange slices and sal de gusano (worm salt).
🛵 How to Travel in Oaxaca
🚶♂️ Oaxaca City: Walkable! Everything in the Centro Histórico is easy to explore on foot.
🚕 Taxis: Safe, but they don’t use meters—agree on a price beforehand.
🚌 Public Buses & Collectivos: Super cheap and great for getting to Mitla, Monte Albán, and nearby towns.
🚗 Car Rental: Best for beaches and remote nature spots, but driving in the city can be tricky.
✈️ Flights: Oaxaca has an international airport (OAX), and you can fly to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco for beach trips.
🌤 Best Time to Visit Oaxaca
✔️ Best Months: October – April (cooler, drier, and perfect for festivals!)
🎉 Best Time for Culture Lovers:
- July – Guelaguetza Festival (Oaxaca’s biggest indigenous celebration)
- November 1-2 – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- December 23 – Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes—yes, an entire festival for radish carvings!)
🌞 For Beaches: November – May (less rain, better surf)
🏺 Oaxaca Culture & Etiquette
✅ DO:
- Greet people with a handshake or a nod (or a hug if they’re friendly!).
- Try to speak a little Spanish—locals appreciate it!
- Bargain politely in markets, but don’t overdo it.
- Always say “Provecho” (enjoy your meal) when someone is eating.
🚫 DON’T:
- Expect everyone to speak English—learn basic Spanish phrases.
- Take photos of indigenous people without permission.
- Call mezcal “tequila” (Oaxacans take their mezcal VERY seriously!).
🎉 Final Oaxaca Travel Tips
- Bring cash—many places don’t accept cards, especially in smaller towns.
- Try street food—it’s delicious and cheap!
- Book a mezcal tasting tour—you’ll learn the difference between good and bad mezcal.
- Stay a week if you can—Oaxaca has too much to offer in just a few days!
Are You Ready for Oaxaca? 😍
With its ancient ruins, mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, and rich traditions, Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most magical places. Whether you’re here to eat, explore, or just soak up the vibes, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
✈️ So, when are you booking your trip? 😃
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