Things to Do in Oaxaca. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

Discover the adventurous side of Oaxaca, from mountain treks to cycling through valleys.

Hiking & Trekking

Sierra Norte

The Sierra Norte mountains are a premier destination. They offer eco-tourism, guided hiking, mountain biking, and cabin stays. Trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. Book through community tourism organizations, like Expediciones Sierra Norte, for a guided experience.

Monte Albán

While mainly an archaeological site, the large area allows significant walking and some gentle inclines, suitable for a comfortable stroll.

Hierve el Agua

If accessible, walking around the petrified waterfalls and descending to the lower pools has light hiking opportunities.

Other Outdoor Pursuits

Water Sports and Activities: Not available in Oaxaca City, as it is an inland location. Activities like surfing, snorkeling, and diving are concentrated on the Oaxaca coast.
Adventure Sports and Adrenaline Experiences: Mountain biking is available in the Sierra Norte through specialized tours, providing a thrilling way to explore mountain trails. Rock climbing and rappelling are more limited niche activities, mainly found in specific areas outside the city.
Wildlife Encounters and Safaris: Limited directly near the city. Birdwatching opportunities exist in rural areas or near water bodies outside the urban core.
Cycling Routes and Mountain Biking: Flat routes in the Central Valleys are good for leisurely rides to nearby villages. Bicycle rentals are available in Oaxaca City. Organized tours operate in the Sierra Norte for more rigorous mountain biking experiences.

Mezcal Palenque Tours

Visit traditional distilleries.
Learn about the agave process.
Taste various mezcal expressions.
Understand local production methods.

Guided Hikes

Explore diverse terrains.
Discover local flora and fauna.
Experience stunning views.
Options for various skill levels.

Cycling Expeditions

Bike through picturesque valleys.
Discover charming villages.
Combine with cultural stops.
Rentals available in the city.

Important Access Note for Hierve el Agua

Direct independent access can be inconsistent due to local community disputes. As of late 2023 / early 2024, direct independent access is often restricted. Many tours operate through alternative entry points or with community permits. Inquire about current access before planning your visit.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Oaxacan culture through hands-on experiences and performances.

Workshops and Classes

Cooking Classes: Highly recommended for culinary immersion. Learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes.
Textile Weaving Workshops: In Teotitlán del Valle, learn about natural dyes and traditional Zapotec weaving techniques directly from artisans.
Black Pottery Workshops: In San Bartolo Coyotepec, observe artisans crafting unique black pottery and learn about their methods.
Alebrije Carving Workshops: In San Martín Tilcajete, learn about the creation of fantastical wooden creatures, from carving to painting.
Spanish Language Schools: Numerous schools offer intensive or casual Spanish classes, providing a great way to connect with locals. (Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, Academia Vinigulasa).
Dance/Music Classes: Some cultural centers or private instructors offer traditional Oaxacan dance, like Danza de la Pluma, or music lessons.

Cultural Performances & Festivals

Guelaguetza

Held in late July, this is the most significant cultural festival. It showcases traditional dances, music, and costumes from various regions of Oaxaca state. Tickets sell out months in advance.

Día de Muertos Day of the Dead

Late October to early November brings parades, altars, vigils in cemeteries, and a festive atmosphere. This is a profound cultural experience.

Other Festivals

Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23rd, Semana Santa (Holy Week) leading up to Easter, and various smaller patron saint festivals occur throughout the year.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism initiatives, especially in the Sierra Norte, provide authentic cultural exchange and promote sustainable tourism practices that directly benefit the local population.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation in Oaxaca City.

Spa and Therapy Options

Several upscale hotels offer spa services. Independent spas provide massages and traditional wellness therapies. No significant hot springs are directly in Oaxaca City. Natural therapy options are limited to local spas and wellness centers.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Oaxaca's nightlife provides a mix of live music, cultural performances, and charming bars.

Live Music and Performances

Live Music Venues: Many mezcal bars feature live music, often traditional Oaxacan genres or Latin American styles, creating a lively atmosphere. Some restaurants, like Los Danzantes, host live music on certain evenings.
Teatro and Performance Spaces: Teatro Macedonio Alcalá hosts a variety of performances, including classical music, contemporary dance, and theatrical productions. Foro Cultural Oaxaca is a smaller venue known for alternative performances and cultural events.
Street Performers: Street musicians often perform in the main plazas (Zócalo/Alameda) in the evenings, providing free entertainment.
Event Information: Check local listings or tourist information centers for specific performance schedules.

Bars and Nightlife

Nightclubs and Dancing

Oaxaca City's nightlife focuses more on bars and mezcalerías than on large nightclubs. Some venues feature dedicated salsa or cumbia nights for dancing, providing a chance to enjoy Latin rhythms.

Bar Districts

The area around the Zócalo and Macedonio Alcalá has many bars and mezcalerías, perfect for an evening out. Popular spots include Mezcalerían In Situ (vast mezcal selection), Sabina Sabe (craft cocktails, lively ambiance), and Txalaparta (often live music).

Late-Night Options

Many bars and mezcalerías stay open until midnight or later, especially on weekends. Street food vendors around the Zócalo also operate late, providing snacks after a night out.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Mercado Benito Juárez (most central and diverse), Mercado 20 de Noviembre (food market, "Pasillo de Humo"), Mercado de Artesanías (dedicated craft market), Central de Abastos (largest, best with guide), Mercado de la Merced (smaller, intimate).

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Textiles (Teotitlán del Valle), Alebrijes (San Martín Tilcajete, Arrazola), Barro Negro (San Bartolo Coyotepec), Traditional Clothing, Pre-Hispanic Reproductions.

Souvenir Recommendations

Mezcal, Oaxacan Chocolate, Coffee, Textiles, Alebrijes, Barro Negro Pottery, Chapulines.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Shop responsibly and plan for transporting your treasures home.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Buy Directly from Artisans: Whenever possible, buy directly from the artisan workshops in the villages or from smaller, independent vendors in markets. This helps ensure more of the profit goes directly to the producers.
Fair Trade: Look for "Comercio Justo" (Fair Trade) labels or cooperatives. These organizations ensure artisans receive fair compensation for their work.
Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets, and prices can be slightly negotiable, especially for larger purchases. Do so respectfully and with a smile. Do not heavily haggle for small items or food, as prices are usually already very fair. Do not bargain in fixed-price stores.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

Upscale Boutiques

Several boutique shops in the Centro Histórico feature high-quality crafts, designer clothing, and unique items.

Los Amantes Artesanías

A good place for high-end artisan goods.

La Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca ARIPO

A government-run store that supports artisans from across the state, ensuring fair prices and authentic products.

Shipping Services

Some larger artisan shops or galleries may offer international shipping services. Local postal services (Correos de México) are available but can be slow and unreliable for international shipping. Private couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are more reliable but expensive.

Customs Information

Be aware of your home country's import regulations for food items, alcohol (mezcal), and agricultural products, like specific wood used for alebrijes. Declare all purchases upon return.

Activity Booking

Book experiences like cooking classes or artisan workshops in advance.
Use platforms like GetYourGuide for convenient booking of various activities.
Check for bundle deals or package tours that combine multiple experiences.

Relaxation and Wellness Activities

Spa and Wellness Centers

Several upscale hotels, like Hotel Escondido Oaxaca and Quinta Real Oaxaca, offer spa services with a range of treatments.
Independent spas also operate in the city, providing massages and traditional wellness therapies.
No significant hot springs are directly in Oaxaca City. Natural therapy options are limited to local spas and wellness centers.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Some yoga studios exist in Oaxaca City, offering drop-in classes for visitors.
Longer retreats focusing on yoga and meditation are more common in quieter areas outside the city.
Traditional healers, known as curanderos, may offer services, usually by word-of-mouth. Access to these practices is limited and requires local connections.

Helpful Tip for Shopping

When shopping for textiles in Teotitlán del Valle, ask artisans about their natural dyeing process. This provides insight into their craft and aids you in appreciating the quality of their work.

Things to Do in Oaxaca