Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico

Oaxaca de Juárez

Mexico · Oaxaca · 1550 m

Description

Oaxaca de Juárez, usually simply called “Oaxaca”, is the cultural and culinary capital of the state of the same name and one of Mexico’s most fascinating destinations. The city is known for its UNESCO-listed historic center, colonial architecture, and the magnificent Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, as well as the nearby ruins of Monte Albán. Oaxaca combines vibrant Indigenous traditions with colorful celebrations such as Día de los Muertos, a thriving arts scene, and exceptional regional cuisine featuring specialties such as mole and mezcal. The blend of pre-Columbian heritage, colonial history, and living Mexican traditions gives Oaxaca its distinctive character and atmosphere.

Length of stay

Recommended length of stay: 3 to 10 days (optimal 5 days)

Travel season

Best time to visit: November – March

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Highlights

  1. Historic Center of Oaxaca de Juárez
  2. Monte Albán archaeological site(Day trip)
  3. Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church & former convent
  4. Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
  5. Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca)
  6. Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca
  7. Macedonio Alcalá Tourist Walkway
  8. Oaxaca Cathedral
  9. Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad)
  10. 20 de Noviembre Market
  11. Pasillo de Humo at Mercado 20 de Noviembre
  12. Benito Juárez Market
  13. Oaxacan street food & traditional cuisine
  14. Oaxacan mole
  15. Tlayudas
  16. Mezcal culture & tastings
  17. Jalatlaco neighborhood
  18. Xochimilco neighborhood
  19. Oaxaca street art & murals
  20. Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art
  21. Oaxaca Textile Museum (Museo Textil de Oaxaca)
  22. San Pablo Cultural Center
  23. Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca (IAGO)
  24. Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO)
  25. Oaxaca Museum of Contemporary Art
  26. El Llano (Paseo Juárez)
  27. Cerro del Fortín & Guelaguetza Auditorium viewpoint
  28. Guelaguetza Festival (July)
  29. Day of the Dead celebrations (October - November)
  30. Monte Albán Great Plaza(Day trip)
  31. Los Danzantes at Monte Albán(Day trip)
  32. Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls(Day trip)
  33. Hierve el Agua mineral pools(Day trip)
  34. Mitla archaeological site(Day trip)
  35. Mitla geometric mosaics & Palace of the Columns(Day trip)
  36. Tree of Tule (Árbol del Tule)(Day trip)
  37. Teotitlán del Valle weaving workshops(Day trip)
  38. Tlacolula Sunday Market(Day trip)
  39. Mezcal distilleries of Santiago Matatlán(Day trip)
  40. San Bartolo Coyotepec black pottery(Day trip)
  41. San Martín Tilcajete alebrije workshops(Day trip)
  42. Arrazola alebrije workshops(Day trip)
  43. Atzompa archaeological site(Day trip)
  44. Atzompa green-glazed pottery(Day trip)
  45. Yagul archaeological site(Day trip)
  46. Yagul and Mitla prehistoric caves(Day trip)
  47. Dainzú archaeological site(Day trip)
  48. Lambityeco archaeological site(Day trip)
  49. Zaachila archaeological site(Day trip)
  50. Zaachila Thursday Market(Day trip)
  51. Sierra Norte & Pueblos Mancomunados(Day trip)
  52. Benito Juárez Sierra Norte hiking trails(Day trip)
  53. San Agustín Etla Arts Center (CaSa)(Day trip)

Getting there

Airports:
OAX

Map view

More travel destinations in Mexico

Mexico country pageMexico in the Explorer