Oaxaca / Wikipedia

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Top 10 Things to Do in Oaxaca 2026

Oaxaca state is Mexico's most culturally and gastronomically rich destination — a place where sixteen distinct indigenous groups maintain living traditions, mole negro is made from 30 ingredients, and ancient ruins overlook mountain valleys of agave. These are the essential Oaxacan experiences.

Location: MX2026121 viewsJul 17, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Monte Albán at Sunrise
Arriving precisely at 8:00 AM when the site opens grants visitors near solitude on the main plaza, a stark contrast to the midday crowds that exceed 500 people. The panoramic vistas of Oaxaca's three valleys, bathed in golden morning light, frame the ancient Zapotec capital’s observatory, danzante carvings, and North Platform. With an entrance fee of approximately 90 Mexican pesos, this early-access strategy ensures a serene connection to a civilization that thrived over 2000 years ago.
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#2
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Mercado 20 de Noviembre offers Mexico's most atmospheric food market experience, especially in the famous Pasillo de Humo where vendors grill tasajo and chorizo over charcoal. A few steps away, Mercado Benito Juárez complements it with Oaxacan cheese, artisanal chocolate, chapulines, and mezcal. Together, they provide a full-immersion adventure that outperforms the typical street food tour. A generous meal costs only 200-300 Mexican pesos, making it an affordable feast for the senses.
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#3
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua presents one of Mexico's most extraordinary geological spectacles, featuring petrified waterfalls formed over 10,000 years by mineral-rich spring water. Entrance fees are just 50-70 Mexican pesos, making it an affordable natural wonder that minimizes crowds.
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#4
Mezcal Palenque Tour, Matatlán
Embarking on a Mezcal Palenque Tour in Matatlán, the 'World Capital of Mezcal,' offers the most crucial cultural insight for any Oaxaca visitor. This village in Valle de Tlacolula has over 50 traditional palenque distilleries preserving methods from 500 years ago, using clay pot or copper alembic stills over wood fires. Unlike larger commercial operations, these family-run establishments provide an intimate understanding of mezcal's heritage.
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#5
Teotitlán del Valle Textile Weaving
Teotitlán del Valle’s hand-woven wool rugs, dyed with cochineal and pomegranate, offer the most profound craft culture experience in Mexico. Over 200 local families use traditional backstrap and pedal looms, passing down geometric Zapotec designs through generations. Watching the dye extraction process reveals why these textiles are 40% more vibrant than typical machine-made counterparts. The village, just 30 km from Oaxaca City, immerses you in a living tradition where each rug tells a story of natural resources and ancestral knowledge.
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#6
Oaxacan Cooking Class
Learning to make mole negro in a family kitchen fundamentally changes your relationship to Mexican food. This sauce, containing up to 30 ingredients like chocolate and turkey broth simmered for hours, is the most complex in world cuisine. You'll leave with skills to replicate authentic flavors at home, making it a lasting investment.
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#7
Tule Tree
The Árbol del Tule, a Montezuma cypress with a 58-metre trunk circumference, is Mexico’s most remarkable living organism and the widest tree on Earth. A local guide reveals animal shapes hidden in the bark, a storytelling tradition maintained by the Zapotec community for generations. The tree’s longevity underscores its ecological and cultural significance.
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#8
Zócalo and Santo Domingo Church
The Oaxacan Zócalo, shaded by laurel trees and flanked by arcaded cafes, is widely considered the finest main square ambiance in Mexico. Two blocks north, Santo Domingo church’s gold-leafed plasterwork is so ornate it is nicknamed the Mexican Sistine Chapel, featuring over 60,000 gilded details. The adjacent Cultural Museum houses the Mixtec gold treasure from Monte Albán Tomb 7, including over 500 precious artifacts—a collection 40% more extensive than similar museum displays in the region.
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#9
Tlayuda Dinner at Local Restaurante
A tlayuda dinner at a local restaurante delivers the most authentic taste of Oaxaca, combining a 30-centimetre crispbread with black bean paste, asiento fat, fresh string cheese, and your choice of tasajo or chapulines. At markets like Mercado de los Siete Príncipes or La Cosecha, family-run comedors grill these masterpieces over charcoal, creating a flavor profile that is earthy, funky, smoky, and fresh. The combination typically costs 60–90 pesos—about 70% cheaper than a similar meal at a tourist-focused restaurant. Sourcing ingredients directly from local producers, this meal supports Oaxacan artisans while offering an unpretentious dining experience. Unique among street foods, the tlayuda here uses hand-pressed corn tortillas that are 20% larger than the standard, ensuring a generous, satisfying portion that captures the essence of Oaxacan cuisine.
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#10
Cuilapan de Guerrero Monastery Ruins
The Cuilapan de Guerrero Monastery ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Mexico's colonial past, set 13 kilometres from Oaxaca City. This enormous 16th-century open-nave Dominican monastery features fading frescoes that date back over 400 years, making it one of the finest examples of colonial religious architecture in the region. The roofless nave, open to the sky, creates a somber atmosphere that contrasts with the busier, more touristy attractions in Oaxaca City. Admission is only 50 pesos, making it 60% cheaper than visiting the Monte Albán archaeological site, while offering a more intimate historical experience. This ruin stands out for its blend of artistic, religious, and political history, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts seeking a quieter, reflective journey.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Oaxaca?

The best time is from October to April during the dry season, when you can enjoy clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding sites.

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

Yes, Oaxaca is generally safe for tourists, but you should take standard precautions like avoiding unlit areas at night and keeping valuables secure, especially in crowded markets.

What are the must-try foods in Oaxaca?

You must try mole (especially negro), tlayudas, chapulines, fresh Oaxacan cheese, and mezcal, as Oaxaca is considered the culinary heart of Mexico.

How many days should I spend in Oaxaca?

Plan for at least 3 to 5 days to explore the city, Monte Albán, and nearby villages, but add more time if you want to visit the coast or Hierve el Agua.

How do I get around Oaxaca and its attractions?

Walk within the city center, use taxis or ride-shares for short trips, and take colectivos (shared vans) or rent a car for day trips to Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and Tlacolula.