Oaxaca stands out from so many other excellent destinations in Mexico thanks to its celebration of indigenous culture, vibrant arts scene, and incredible food (and drink). From incredible outdoor destinations to wonderful museums to mezcal tastings, you’ll discover so many remarkable things to do in Oaxaca! I honestly feel like Oaxaca is the heart of Mexico, culturally and cuisine wise. It’s also the home to Mole, so let’s look at what do in Oaxaca and you know I’m going to recommend a Mole tasting!
20 Awesome Things to Do in Oaxaca
Here’s a list of some of my favorite activities, must-see destinations, and things to do in Oaxaca. You just might need to extend your visit to fit it all in!
Visit Hierve el Agua
This “frozen” waterfall is a spectacular sight and tops the list of things to do in Oaxaca. The waterfall is not actually frozen water, but a formation created by deposited minerals which formed like stalactites. It’s only one of two formations like this in the world, so it is uniquely special and well worth a visit.
Note: Many tours run to Hierve el Agua, or you can hire a car to get there on your own schedule.
Splash in the Apoala Waterfall
For a waterfall that’s actually running, head to Santiago Apoala. While the village is a bit of a drive (about 2.5 hours) from the city of Oaxaca, it’s so worth it to hike along the river, see the stunning waterfalls, and swim in the pools.
Note: You must visit the ecotourism office in town to register and pay a small fee to access the trail to Apoala.
Explore Monte Alban
The Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban include pyramids and temples on top of a mountain that stands around 1,300 feet above the valley below. Located just west of the city of Oaxaca, the UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views amid the ruins, and visiting Monte Alban is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca.
See the Templo de Santo Domingo
Right in the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez you’ll find the Templo de Santo Domingo, the most stunning (and popular) of Oaxaca’s churches. The baroque design and extravagant decoration – be sure to look up at the ceiling – will take your breath away.
Discover Mitla
While not as well-visited as Monte Alban, the ruins of Mitla are a special place just a little southeast of Oaxaca City. The former Zapotec religious center features geometric architecture that you can see in the Grupo de las Columnas and the Patio de Mosaicos.
Marvel at El Árbol del Tule
On the way to Mitla, make a stop in the town of Santa Maria del Tule to see the impressive Árbol del Tule, the widest tree in the world. The trunk of Árbol del Tule is about 45 feet in diameter, and this 2,000 year old tree is still growing.
Spend Some Time in the Zócalo
The main square of Oaxaca is full of activity, day or night, and it’s the perfect place to spend some time to soak up the energy of the city. Have coffee or a cocktail at one of the cafes that surround the Zocalo and watch the crowds walk by.
Sample the Mole
If there is one thing that Oaxaca is known for, it is mole. You can find many varieties of the traditional Mexican dish here, and tasting your way through the moles – from mole negro to mole poblano to mole amarillo – is one of the signature things to do in Oaxaca. Sample all 7 of Oaxaca’s moles at the famous Los Pacos or try a few different local restaurants to find your favorite.
Explore Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
This gorgeous garden situated behind the Templo de Santo Domingo is home to hundreds of species of native plants from around the state of Oaxaca. The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca was created to demonstrate how the vegetation and the cultures of Oaxaca are intertwined, and you can see this through the variety of medicinal plants, food crops, cacti, and more.
Note: Access to the garden is by guided tour only, and most tours are available in Spanish.
Shop at El Mercado de Benito Juárez
Stroll through the stalls at the oldest market in Oaxaca and search for handmade goods like clothing, jewelry, textiles, and piñatas. El Mercado de Benito Juárez also has plenty of food vendors to tempt your tastebuds, offering fresh produce, cheese, mole, meats, and more. Try the chapulines (grasshoppers) for a local specialty!
Do a Mezcal Tasting
Mezcal is made from agave, and the dozens of types of the plant that grow in Oaxaca lead to a staggering variety of mezcal produced here. Tasting many of these outstanding mezcals is one of the things to do in Oaxaca that you shouldn’t skip. You can stop by one of the many mezcal spots as you explore the city, or make a reservation for a tasting at La Mezcaloteca to really dive deep into your education of this spirit.
Study History at Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
At the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, you’ll learn all about the history of Oaxaca from 10,000 years ago to now. Discover more about food, art, medicine, and language throughout history, and don’t miss the Tomb 7 exhibit. The treasure from this tomb found at Monte Alban contains incredible jewelry, carved bone, and precious stones.
Stroll Around the Street Art
The streets of Oaxaca are filled with murals and contemporary street art that represent the culture of the city as well as its political struggles. The pieces by the Lapiztola collective in particular highlight the challenges that face the city and prompt change. Wander around for a while to take in these vibrant expressions of what is happening in Oaxaca.
Indulge at Mercado 20 de Noviembre
If you need a snack, Mercado 20 de Noviembre has tons of food stalls to satisfy your craving, especially if you’re a carnivore. You can smell El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas (the grilled meats aisle) before you even step into it to choose the meat you want grilled to order so you can eat it right there.
Appreciate the Art at Museo Rufino Tamayo
The most well-known artist from Oaxaca, Rufino Tamayo, donated his extensive collection of pre-Hispanic art to create this museum. While the figurines and other pieces have archaeological value, in this space, they are displayed as art rather than history.
Savor the Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a traditional beverage in Oaxaca, usually made with water (though you can get it with milk) and cinnamon. At Mayordomo chocolate shop, which has several locations in Oaxaca, you can see the process for making the chocolate before you sip a cup.
Celebrate La Noche de Rábanos
If your visit to Oaxaca is in December, you can check out one of the most unique things to do in Oaxaca – the Night of the Radishes! On December 23rd, artists create elaborate sculptures out of radishes in the main square, and you can watch them work during the day before the judging of the competition at night.
Tour the Museo Textil de Oaxaca
This small museum showcases the huge tradition in textile making in Oaxaca with a well-curated collection of pieces. Rotating temporary exhibits also bring in textiles from around the world.
Witness Woodcarving at the Jacobo & María Ángeles Workshop
Visit the Jacobo & María Ángeles Workshop to meet the craftswomen and craftsmen who carve colorful Zapotec tonas and nahuales out of copal wood. You can take a tour to understand the process and then paint your own nahual under the instruction of a master painter.
Take a Traditional Cooking Class
Several local chefs offer cooking classes if you want to try your hand at making traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Seasons of the Heart takes you on a market tour to get local ingredients before you head into the kitchen to prepare the menu.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is filled with wonderful accommodation options at relatively cheap rates, so you can find your perfect haven here no matter how much you want to spend.
Budget: Hotel Posada San Rafael
Enjoy colorful rooms and a convenient location with a stay at Hotel Posada San Rafael right in the center of Oaxaca City.
Mid-Range: City Centro
You won’t miss this funky hotel which stands out thanks to its bright pink decor and outdoor swimming pool in an excellent location.
Luxury: Los Pilares
A boutique hotel in a 17th century colonial house, Los Pilares is gorgeously appointed with lush greenery and lots of amenities.
