Oaxaca Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide
Oaxaca's central valleys are home to a wealth of historical sites and artisan villages, all within a short journey from the city.
These locations offer a glimpse into the region's rich Zapotec and Mixtec heritage, as well as its craft traditions.
Choose from various ways to explore Oaxaca's surroundings, balancing convenience, cost, and flexibility.
Many operators in Oaxaca City lead full-day or half-day tours covering multiple sites. They handle all logistics.
For individual villages, colectivos (shared taxis/vans) are economical. Private taxis offer more flexibility.
Venture beyond the city to discover Oaxaca's captivating natural landscapes.
Benito Juárez National Park (Sierra Juárez) offers pine and oak forests, hiking, and ecotourism activities. Hierve el Agua features stunning petrified waterfalls.
Artisan villages throughout the Central Valleys show rural Oaxacan life. Mezcal palenques immerse you in agave fields and traditional production methods.
The Sierra Norte boasts cooler climates and cloud forests. For a different vibe, the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido / Huatulco) offers beach relaxation.
The journey through the Central Valleys, especially towards Mitla or the Sierra Norte, has beautiful agricultural vistas and impressive mountain backdrops.
Oaxaca's landscapes transform with the seasons, offering different natural beauty throughout the year.
Explore Oaxaca's rich history and cultural traditions beyond the city's immediate limits.
Explore significant historical locations that tell tales of pre-Hispanic and colonial eras.
Immerse yourself in rural Oaxacan life and traditional livelihoods through its distinct villages.
Discover places of spiritual significance, offering insights into local religious practices.
Experience the heartbeat of Oaxaca through its bustling local markets.
Maximize your cultural experience with these valuable insights.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Oaxaca's local markets like Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
Seek out artisan workshops in villages like Teotitlán del Valle to observe traditional crafts being made firsthand.
Partake in a mezcal tasting at a palenque to learn about the production process of this iconic spirit.
Consider lengthening your trip to discover other compelling regions of Mexico, readily connected from Oaxaca.
Relax on the beaches of Puerto Escondido or Huatulco. A quick flight changes the scenery entirely.
The capital has world-class museums, historical sites, and diverse culinary experiences.
Discover unique cultural and natural attractions like San Cristóbal de las Casas for a dive.
Begin in Mexico City, then journey to Puebla, on to Oaxaca City, and conclude in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Combine the culture of Oaxaca City with the serene beach relaxation of Puerto Escondido or Huatulco.
