Oaxaca

Things to see and do in Oaxaca

Oaxaca – The City That Celebrates Death Better Than Anyone Celebrates Life

Oaxaca smells like copal incense at dawn and chocolate thick enough to stand a spoon in. Jade-green buildings glow under volcanic mountains, markets burst with seven kinds of mole and chapulines toasted with lime and chili, and every November the dead come home wearing marigold crowns and skeleton smiles. Ancient Zapotec ruins bake under the same sun that dries adobe bricks for new mezcal bars, and the air vibrates with marimba, brass bands, and the quiet certainty that life is too short not to drink the good stuff. This is the soul of Mexico — proud, colourful, delicious, and just the right amount of haunted.

Top Activities and Experiences in Oaxaca

These are the moments that taste like mezcal and pure magic.

Día de Muertos in a Panteón at Midnight

Thousands of candles turn graveyards into galaxies, families picnic on tombs with pan de muerto and mezcal, and the air is thick with marigold perfume and quiet joy.

Monte Albán at Sunrise

Stand alone on a flattened mountaintop city built 500 BC while the first light ignites the Valley of Oaxaca and the ruins glow rose-gold.

Mezcal Tasting in a Palenque at Dusk

Sit under a thatched roof while a maestro mezcalero pours espadín, tobalá, and wild tepeztate from clay copitas as the sky turns the colour of smoked agave.

Hierve el Agua at Opening Hour

Walk to the edge of “boiling water” petrified waterfalls, swim in turquoise mineral pools that hang 200 m above the valley like infinity pools built by giants.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre Mole Feast

Choose your colour — negro, rojo, coloradito, verde — then watch a woman in an embroidered apron drown your plate in liquid history.

Guelaguetza Festival (July)

Watch dancers from all eight regions whirl in explosion of feathers and flowers while the stadium shakes with brass bands and pure Oaxacan pride.

Ready for Mole, Mezcal, and Marigold Magic?

Oaxaca doesn’t just feed your stomach — it feeds your soul, one shot of mezcal and one altar of candles at a time. ¡Bienvenidos — welcome to the heart of Mexico!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oaxaca

What are the absolute must-do experiences in Oaxaca?

Día de Muertos in a cemetery at midnight, Monte Albán sunrise, mezcal palenque tasting, Hierve el Agua before the crowds, mole feast at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and Guelaguetza if you’re here in July.

How many days should I spend in Oaxaca?

Five to seven days minimum — three for the city and markets, one for Monte Albán and Mitla, one for Hierve el Agua, one for mezcal country, one to recover from all the eating.

When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?

October–November for Día de Muertos madness, July for Guelaguetza, or December–April for perfect dry weather. Avoid Holy Week if you hate crowds.

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

Very safe in tourist areas. The historic centre and surrounding villages are relaxed and welcoming. Standard precautions apply (don’t flash valuables, use Uber or official taxis at night).

Where should I stay in Oaxaca City?

For atmosphere: Centro Histórico (Casa Oaxaca, Quinta Real, or El Llano neighbourhood). Luxury: Pug Seal or Escondido. Boutique: Casa de las Bugambilias or NaNa Vida.

What is the one food I cannot miss?

Mole negro at Los Danzantes or a market comedor — seven chiles, chocolate, plantain, and 30+ ingredients that took someone’s grandmother three days to make.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not strictly, but basic phrases go a long way. English is common in tourist spots, Zapotec and Mixtec in villages.

How do I get to the mezcal villages?

Day tours to Santiago Matatlán (the “World Capital of Mezcal”) are easy and recommended. Or rent a car and follow the Ruta del Mezcal signs.

Is Día de Muertos crowded and touristy?

In the city cemeteries, yes — but village celebrations (especially in the valleys) are still intimate and authentic. Go to Xoxocotlán or Atzompa for the real magic.

Best rooftop bars for sunset?

Selina, Casa Oaxaca rooftop, or Los Danzantes — all have perfect views of Santo Domingo glowing gold.

Can I do Oaxaca on a budget?

Easily — street tlayudas RM50, market meals RM80, hostels RM300/night. Even mezcal palenques often let you taste for free.

Is the altitude a problem?

Oaxaca City is at 1,550 m — most people feel nothing, but stay hydrated and go easy on the mezcal the first day.

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Places to Visit

Monte Albán

A flattened mountaintop city older than Christ — pyramids, observatories, and 360° views over the valley that make you understand why the Zapotecs thought they were gods.

Templo de Santo Domingo

Baroque explosion of gold leaf and plaster saints — the most beautiful church interior in Mexico, especially when afternoon light hits the gilded ceiling.

Hierve el Agua

Two petrified waterfalls hanging over the valley like frozen cascades, with natural infinity pools of mineral water glowing turquoise.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre & Benito Juárez Market

Smoke, colour, and the smell of seven moles — chocolate chili, grasshoppers, fresh tortillas, and mountains of quesillo cheese.

Jardín Etnobotánico

A former monastery garden turned living museum of Oaxaca’s plants — giant cacti, pre-Hispanic crops, and the most peaceful spot in the city.

Mitla

The “City of the Dead” — Zapotec-Mixtec ruins with the most intricate stone mosaics in the Americas, still used for ceremonies today.

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Accommodation choices for Oaxaca

Mision de los Angeles

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Mision de los Angeles, combines that irresistible Oaxacan sensibility in every corner, it is surrounded by beautiful and large gardens where you enjoy tranquility and leisure time. The flavor of its Oaxacan cuisine is known by the most demanding host. Those who visit Oaxaca should not hesitate to stay at Hotel Mision de los Angeles, this is the ideal place to make a pleasant and peaceful holiday, as for business meetings, conferences and conventions.

Parador Alcalá

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Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Hotel Parador de Alcalá is located in Oaxaca de Juárez, 2 minutes’ walk from Contemporary Art Museum and from Santo Domingo Church. The rooms here will provide you with a TV and air conditioning. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with towels. Extras include a safety deposit box. At Hotel Parador de Alcalá you will find a terrace and a bar. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities and a tour desk. The hotel is 300 m from Oaxaca Cathedral, 300 m from Santo Domingo Temple and 400 m from Oaxaca de Juárez historic centre. Xoxocotlán International Airport is 9 km away.

Hotel Fortin Plaza

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