25 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

There are so many things to do in Oaxaca and trust me — this colorful dreamland should be high on your list of places to explore in Mexico. 

Oaxaca is the birthplace of smoky Mezcal and flavorful dishes like mole and tlayuda. Come here to admire unique and colorful architecture and street art. Or visit to experience one of the country’s best Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. 

Oaxaca is one of my all-time favorite places in Mexico, so let’s dive into exactly what you can do there! And be sure to bookmark my guide on where to stay in Oaxaca. 

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25 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

Hierve El Agua

Take a plunge into natural cliffside pools in a thick Oaxacan forest.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 502 1200 | Hours: 7 am-6:30 pm daily | Entrance: 50 Pesos/ $2.50 | 👉 Browse Hierve El Agua Tours on Viator

Hierve El Agua is a site of majestic petrified waterfalls in natural rock formations. It’s located in the heart of a thick forest just outside the city of Oaxaca and is one of the most epic things to do in Mexico.

The waterfalls are at the end of a 1.6-mile hike. Keep in mind that Hierve El Agua is a very popular spot. In fact, because this site is so breathtaking, it’s nearly impossible to get a chance to swim in an empty pool.

There are dozens of Hierve El Agua tours to choose from, especially if you don’t want the trouble of getting there yourself. However, if you want to try to experience this spot before the crowds roll in either get to the site as early as possible or stay at cabanas for about 200 Pesos.

🚗 How to Get There: I strongly recommend taking a tour to see El Hierve or renting a car to get there. However, you can also take a bus from Oaxaca City to Mitla for 20 Pesos, about a one-hour ride. From Mitla, you will buy a seat in a collectivo to take you to the site along a bumpy mountain road for 75 Pesos each way. You will arrive in about 45 minutes.

Try a Tlayuda

Bite into a piece of Oaxacan culture with this meat and cheese delight.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price: $3-$6 average Tlayuda price

Tlayuda is a traditional Oaxacan meal that’s best described as a hybrid of pizza and a calzone. It’s like a twist on flatbread and dates back to ancient Mexico.

Odds are you’ve never heard of a Tlayuda if you’ve never been to Oaxaca. Luckily, this traditional meal can be found pretty much everywhere in this state and never fails to hit the spot.

The best way to try this dish is to buy one from a street vendor and eat it on a curb on the side of the road. This experience somehow enhances the flavors of smokey cheese, seasoned meat, salsa picante, and fresh veggies!

Mitla

Take a day trip to a town with ancient ruins and the widest tree in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am-4:30 pm daily | Entrance: 75 Pesos | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Mitla is a Zapotec/Mixtec archaeological site and one of the coolest day trips from Oaxaca. Formally known as San Pablo de Mitla, this site boasts the small Pueblo Magico town of Mitla, which has a heavy influence on Oaxacan textile and Mezcal production.

Another main draw of Mitla is its Tule Tree. California sequoias take a backseat to this enormous tree that takes the cake for the widest tree in the world. Roughly the size of a tiny house, El Tule is a Mitla landmark you don’t want to miss.

Mezcal Tasting

Drink the most famous drink in Oaxaca and discover a surprise Annelida at the bottom.

👉 Book a Mezcal Journey Tour on Viator

Mezcal comes from the Aztec word Mexcalli, meaning oven-cooked agave, which is exactly what this smokey alcohol is. This ancestral drink predates tequila, with the first written record of the sacred alcohol dating back a few centuries.

Oaxaca is the birthplace of Mezcal, so there is no shortage of tasting tours you can take while visiting. That said, I’m a huge fan of this Mezcal Journey tour. you get to visit an agave field (and take tons of great photos) before touring a mezcal distillery. You’ll taste plenty of mezcal varieties and end the day with a traditional Oaxacan meal too.

You can find Mezcal almost anywhere in Oaxaca, from the city center to the beach towns and the thick forest-y pueblos. Most people visit Mezcalogia in the city to sample their first Mezcal but anywhere you try the smokey elixir in Oaxaca is guaranteed to be delicious.

Monte Alban Ancient Ruins

Marvel at the most impressive archaeological site in Oaxaca, complete with ancient temples and a Zapotec ballgame court.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 516 7077 | Website | Hours: 9 am-3:30 pm daily | Entrance: 100 Pesos | 👉 Browse Monte Alban Tours on Viator

Monte Alban is one of the major archaeological sites in Mexico and dates back to the sixth century B.C. This Zapotec metropolis extends over 4 miles with ancient temples, a ball court, an observatory, and canals

As an archaeology student, I’ve visited this grand site multiple times and cannot recommend it enough. Unlike other major ruins in Mexico, you can still climb the Monte Alban pyramids. In my opinion, this is one of the best reasons to visit the site.

Unless you really know your Mesoamerican history, I recommend visiting Monte Alban with a guide. That way, you won’t miss out on important information and cool facts only an expert would know.

Oaxaca City Center

Explore Oaxaca’s main plaza, shops, eateries, and special events like live music and dancing.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours

The Oaxaca city center, also known as the “Zocalo,” is a top destination for tourists. Oaxaca’s downtown area is filled with local handicrafts, traditional clothing shopkeepers, and wide-eyed tourists.

Oaxaca’s main square is laid out as a large plaza with shops and restaurants lining its perimeter. The colonial-style architecture alone is worth the visit, but the hustle and bustle also make it a prime people-watching spot.

The Oaxaca Zocalo is the perfect place to taste some local treats, listen to a mariachi band, or take a walking tour. Planning to bring some souvenirs back home? This is the place to shop for them. I also recommend checking this area out after sundown, when the streets come to life with live music and dancing.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Iguana Hostel is my favorite choice for where to stay in Oaxaca. It’s close to the city center and is a great way to meet fellow travelers and backpackers. The open rooftop also offers a killer view of the sunset over the city.

Enjoy a Local Market

Be a part of the chaos of a small but jam-packed local market and try fresh meat, cheese, produce, and sweets.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Typically 6 am-6 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Local Food Tours on Viator

There’s no better way to experience Oaxaca’s culture than visiting a local market. Come hungry — the enticing aromas hit the moment you walk through the entrance.

There’s a lot to see, smell, and taste. From freshly slaughtered poultry to herbs and spices, pan dulce and fresh-made tortas, Oaxaca markets always satisfy the taste buds. This is also a great place to try fresh produce and Mexican fruits like papaya, guava, sapote, chirimoya, and naranjilla. 

You’ll probably want to book a food tour if you’re serious about seeing (and tasting) only the best stuff.

San Jose del Pacifico

Retreat to the mountains of Oaxaca to participate in a local ceremony or enjoy the solitude and fresh air.

📍 Google Maps

San Jose del Pacifico is a mountain oasis with a particular reputation. It’s known as the birthplace of hongos, or magic mushrooms. This high-elevation mountain town was once home to Maria Sabina, a curandera, or medicine woman, who revolutionized magic mushrooms.

San Jose del Pacifico has become a tourist town since the globalization of knowledge about the special fungi, but it’s still less visited than other tourist towns. It’s not exclusive to only those seeking psilocybin, however. The mountain cabanas surrounded by dense pines and the soft coo of mountain chickadees are other major draws to the remote town.

Most visitors to San Jose are either on a spiritual journey or in need of an off-grid mountain retreat. I recommend hiking to San Mateo Rio Hondo or indulging in an indigenous Temazcal Ceremony to maximize your time in San Jose del Pacifico.

Museo de las Culturas

Learn about past and present Oaxacan cultures, traditions, and belief systems.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 516 2991 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: 100 Pesos

The Museo de las Culturas, or Museum of Cultures, showcases the unique cultures and traditions of this decorative state.

Located in an old monastery building near the Templo de Santo Domingo, the museum emphasizes both past and present Oaxacan cultures and the Hispanic influences on the region’s food, medicine, and art.

Admire illustrative displays of silver, turquoise, gold, jade, and other local precious stones as well as ancient bones and relics from the nearby Monte Alban site.

The museum also houses an on-site library with over 30,000 titles in multiple languages. The serene environment makes this the perfect place to spend an afternoon. And it gives the best museums in Mexico City a run for their money.

Street Art Tour

Photograph contemporary art, cultural murals, and political pieces on the walls around town.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Street Art & Cocoa Tasting Tour

Looking for interesting murals and street art around the city is the best way to discover hidden gems and brick-and-mortar panaderías during your search. Some of my favorite pieces can be found on Calle Jose Lopez Alavez but art is all throughout Oaxaca city centro. 

The papel picado (colorful paper flags) strung between low-rise houses and above cobblestone streets of residential neighborhoods give the city a colorful exuberance. The vibrant street art around the city contributes to its character.

Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) Celebrations

Witness one of the largest celebrations in Latin America with city-wide parades and cemetery altars honoring the dead.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Seasonal, end of October-beginning of November

Día de Los Muertos, meaning Day of the Dead, is the most celebrated Mexican holiday. The holiday can be traced back to Aztec origins, and the celebration honors those who have passed on.

Day of the Dead celebrations take place throughout October until the beginning of November although the traditional celebrations are from October 31-November 2 (with some variations from family to family). 

Oaxaca sees most tourists at this time and for good reason. The cemeteries are drowned in marigolds, candles, commemorative altars, and food offerings for deceased loved ones. There are even traditionally dressed skull dancer parades throughout the city during the festive celebrations.

This is the best time to visit Mexico for travelers interested in photography or who enjoy cultural celebrations.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

Take a relaxing stroll through a cactus garden in the heart of town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 516 5325 | Website | Guided Tour Required | Entrance: 50 Pesos

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is a botanical garden adjacent to the Templo de Santo Domingo and is the best way to escape busy tourist crowds. This small slice of nature is a contrast against the surrounding metropolitan space of Oaxaca City and represents the ancient concept of duality.

Once a monastery overrun by the military, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is a symbol of Mexico’s challenging history. The garden was designed by local artists, inspired by pre-Hispanic art and architecture. The endemic display of flora gives visitors a lesson in the natural history of the unique desert state.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca can only be accessed on guided tours, which are limited. English tours are available at 11 am each day from Monday to Saturday.

Templo de Santo Domingo

Enjoy the Baroque-style architecture of an old convent and photograph the vibrant interior.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 516 3720 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat (closed between 1 pm and 4:30 pm) | Entrance: Free

Templo de Santo Domingo is a church and major landmark. It welcomes church-goers and tourists alike. It was historically used as a convent and has an inviting plaza with agave plants.

Admire the Baroque-style facade of Templo de Santo Domingo along with the gold-plated reliefs and statues in the interior. They’re illuminated by the sunset during evening masses.

This establishment also houses the cultural museum and botanical gardens. A visit to the church grounds is likely to take up an entire afternoon, so be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before exploring this holy sanctuary.

Sierra Norte Hiking

Hike along a lesser-known path through the hills of the Oaxacan backcountry.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 514 8271 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Hiking in the Sierra Norte Mountain range is a must for outdoor lovers. You are almost always guaranteed to be free from other tourists while exploring the rolling hills above the agave farms. Most smaller day hikes in the Sierra Norte range are doable as a solo adventure. 

One of the most popular hiking routes in Oaxaca is the Pueblos Mancomunados hike, which is a tour of 6-8 small indigenous villages throughout the Oaxacan countryside. This overnight adventure is best done with a tour guide to stay safe and avoid getting lost.

Ice Cream 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a refreshing cone of traditional Oaxacan ice cream.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Average ice cream: 30-40 Pesos

Oaxacan food doesn’t stop at savory. Try some Oaxacan ice cream while visiting! Known by the local community as nieves, the sweet treats are similar to a snow cone or sherbert.

My favorite Oaxacan ice is the tuna flavor. Don’t worry – no fish is involved! In this case, tuna is the pink fruit on top of prickly pear cacti. You can find these unique desserts everywhere in Oaxaca. You don’t want to leave the state without sampling this sugary staple.

Puerto Escondido

Swim in the cool Pacific Ocean with a trip to the coast.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Puerto Escondido is a beach town located in the state of Oaxaca but it’s nearly 7 hours away from Oaxaca City. Plan an overnight trip here to experience killer beach views and enjoy a popular nightlife scene. You can drink a beer and play pool right on the sandy beach.

This is one of the top destinations in Mexico among backpackers, so you are likely to make many friends if you stay at a hostel in Puerto Escondido. The most scenic beach in this area is Playa Carrizalillo (pictured above). 

Mazunte

Experience Oaxaca’s hippie town along the coast.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Mazunte is another one of my favorite spots in Oaxaca. A bit under the radar, Mazunte has been rising in popularity over the last few years but still retains some of its local mystique. 

Known among locals as a “hippie beach town,” Mazunte embodies a free spirit and attracts individuals with that same mentality. You will find yoga centers, smoothie bowls, and surfers in the small town.

Make sure to hike to Punta Cometa, a rock viewpoint, for the sunset. This short but steep climb takes visitors to a high point in town on a cliff towering over the water. During full moons, you may stumble upon a drum circle at the top of the lookout, so bring your maracas if you have them!

👉 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for an esquites vendor on the far right side of town by the bridge during dusk. This is one of the most delicious treats in Mexico, similar to street corn on the cob but in a cup.

Temazcal Ceremony

Get to know Oaxacan customs and the indigenous culture with this unique ceremony.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Ceremonies vary between 400-1,000 Pesos

Temazcal ceremonies are not easy to come by. Traditionally an indigenous practice, Temazcales are native to the Americas and are practiced as a healing medicine. Everyone is welcome to participate in Temazcal ceremonies, which are frequently held throughout the state of Oaxaca.

The ceremony is similar to a sweat lodge but with traditional instruments and songs. The ceremony uses hot coals from the fire to create smoke in the lodge to promote a trance-like state among the participants.

This traditional practice is a great way to get to know the indigenous Oaxacan culture but should be regarded as a ceremony, not an attraction.

Teotitlán del Valle

Buy high-quality wool handicrafts from this small pueblo, the most popular artisanal goods in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Welcome to the land of local textiles. No region in Oaxaca creates such beautifully crafted wool textiles as Teotitlán del Valle, located in the Oaxaca Valley less than an hour outside of town.

If you can, wait to buy handicrafts until you get to this unique pueblo. The quality of the bags, scarves, wallets, and tapestries is unmatched anywhere in the country.

Besides meeting warm locals and shopping for one-of-a-kind artisanal pieces, there are also hiking trails accessible from the small town. Teotitlán del Valle is the perfect way to spend a day just outside of the city.

Mercado Benito Juárez

Fill up on fresh food or have a delicious meal at this massive and popular Oaxaca market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone:+52 951 516 2352 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri | Entrance: Free

The Benito Juarez Market is one of the biggest and most well-stocked markets in Oaxaca. Inside, you’ll find fresh ingredients for the week’s meals along with restaurants with delicious food at insanely affordable prices.

The market is between Las Casas and Aldama streets and is within walking distance of downtown Oaxaca. The street food stalls in this market have Tlayudas, tamales, tejate (a delicious chocolate corn drink), mezcal, and a famous Oaxacan treat, chapulines– dried crickets.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Here are some of the top hotels near the Mercado Benito Juarez. You will get a better night’s rest in this zone since it’s just outside of the city center.

Auditorio Guelaguetza

See Oaxaca from one of the town’s high points.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free vista point

Making the trek up to the Auditorio Guelaguetza viewpoint is a great way to get a unique perspective of the major city. I’ve never been to an event inside of the auditorium, but always walk to this viewpoint each time I visit Oaxaca.

The huge white canopy at the edge of town can’t be missed. Its enticing grandeur invites many tourists to climb the steep Oaxacan hills to get to the vista point. Keep your eyes out for cool street art along the way and stop in the shade or at a local mercado for a cold drink on a hot summer day.

Textile Museum

A free Oaxaca museum that showcases the history of Mexican culture through textiles.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 951 501 1617 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

Oaxacan textiles are distinguishable around the country. This free museum highlights the culture of the Mexican state through its textiles throughout the years. This museum is small, but it’s a good place to learn more about the Oaxacan people.

This small museum has impressive, hand-crafted textiles and informs museum-goers about the process of crafting such intricate designs. Differences between rural and urban artist styles are apparent but parallels can be drawn between Oaxacan textiles and the craft among other native Mexican cultures.

Txalaparta for Dancing

Dance well into the wee morning hours at this energetic nightclub in Oaxaca city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 202 555 1212 | Hours: 1 pm – 3 am Mon-Sat, 1 pm – 2:30 am Sun | Entrance: Free

Travelers who don’t like dancing often find themselves busting a move in Oaxaca. I always have a fun time dancing in Txalaparta, one of the best establishments for dancing in the city that stays open late.

Txalaparta is a great gathering place for a guaranteed fun time. It’s a great spot to meet locals and fellow travelers and get to know top Latin songs. Plus, it’s only 6 minutes from Zocalo.

Cooking Classes

Try your hand at making a traditional Oaxacan dish at a local cooking class.

👉 Browse Cooking Classes on Viator

A cooking class is the perfect activity if you’ve sampled the delicious food in Oaxaca and are inspired to make your own. Learn what flavors create famous Oaxacan dishes from a culinary expert during a traditional Oaxacan cooking class.

Some cooking classes will even take you to the food market to buy fresh ingredients first-hand before you start the cooking process. All classes guarantee you get to eat some seriously delicious meals.

Hot Chocolate

Sample hot chocolate made from Oaxacan cacao.

📍 Various Locations

Did you know that chocolate comes from Latin America? If you’ve never tried Latin cacao, you’re in for a delicious treat. Oaxacan hot chocolate is some of the best I’ve ever tried.

You can find this delicious drink in the local markets or made fresh from a street food vendor anywhere in town. You won’t be able to drink any other hot chocolate once you’ve tried the thick, rich taste of Oaxaca chocolate.

I recommend trying the tejate drink- a corn and chocolate beverage that can be served either hot or cold. Champurrado is another yummy oat and chocolate drink that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you up. 

📅 Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit Oaxaca?

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Now that you’re up-to-date with the best things to do in Oaxaca, you’re ready to pack your suitcase and start exploring! Check out our helpful guide on Mexico travel insurance before you travel.