A bustling market where you can find a variety of local produce, crafts, and traditional Oaxacan foods.

The Local Market in Oaxaca is a vibrant and bustling hub of commerce and culture. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to handmade crafts and textiles. The market is a sensory overload, with the smell of fresh food, the sound of vendors hawking their wares, and the sight of colorful stalls filled with a variety of goods. /n The market is also a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can observe the locals going about their daily lives, haggle over prices, and even try your hand at making some traditional Oaxacan crafts. The Local Market is not just a place to shop, but a place to experience the heart and soul of Oaxaca.

A bustling hub of commerce and culture, the Local Market in Oaxaca is a must-visit.

A traditional Oaxacan meal is a unique culinary experience that includes local ingredients like corn, beans, chili peppers, and Oaxacan cheese. Popular dishes include tlayudas, mole, and Oaxacan chocolate.

A traditional Oaxacan meal is a culinary journey through the rich flavors and traditions of Oaxaca. From mole, a complex sauce made with over 20 ingredients, to tlayudas, a large tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and meat, each dish is a testament to the region's culinary heritage. /n Oaxacan cuisine is known for its depth of flavor, with many dishes featuring a combination of indigenous and Spanish influences. A traditional Oaxacan meal is not just about the food, but also about the experience. It's about sitting down with friends and family, sharing stories, and enjoying the slow, leisurely pace of life in Oaxaca. A traditional Oaxacan meal is a must-try for any food lover visiting the region.

Experience the rich flavors of Oaxaca with a traditional Oaxacan meal.

Zocalo is the main square in the heart of Oaxaca City, surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings.

Zocalo, the main square in Oaxaca, is a vibrant hub of activity and a must-visit landmark for any visitor to the city. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the city's cathedral, and is filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. /n During the day, the square is a bustling marketplace, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to traditional Oaxacan textiles. In the evening, it transforms into a lively social hub, with locals and tourists alike gathering to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. Whether you're looking to experience Oaxaca's rich culture, sample its delicious cuisine, or simply soak up the city's unique atmosphere, Zocalo is the place to be.

Zocalo is Oaxaca's main square, a bustling hub of activity and a must-visit landmark.

Oaxaca is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, which feature beautiful baroque architecture. Many of these buildings now house museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Oaxaca's colonial buildings are a testament to the city's rich history and architectural beauty. These structures, which date back to the Spanish colonial period, offer a glimpse into the past and are a must-see for any visitor to the city. /n Walking through the streets of Oaxaca, you'll be transported back in time as you take in the grandeur of these buildings. From the ornate churches to the stately mansions, each building tells a story of the city's past. Many of these buildings are now home to museums, galleries, and restaurants, offering a unique blend of history and modern culture. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply a lover of history, a tour of Oaxaca's colonial buildings is a must on any visit to the city.

Oaxaca's colonial buildings are a testament to the city's rich history and architectural beauty.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a baroque-style cathedral located in the Zocalo. It's known for its impressive facade, ornate interior, and the statue of Our Lady of the Assumption.

The Cathedral of Oaxaca, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a significant religious site, architectural marvel, and landmark in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial architecture, with its intricate facades and towering spires. /n Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive, with a grand altar, beautiful stained glass windows, and a wealth of religious art. The cathedral is not just a place of worship, but also a cultural and historical symbol of Oaxaca. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion. The cathedral is located in the heart of Oaxaca, making it easily accessible for visitors. Whether you're a devout Catholic or simply a lover of beautiful architecture, the Cathedral of Oaxaca is a must-see on any trip to the city.

The Cathedral of Oaxaca, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a landmark of the city.

Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of Oaxaca, Mexico. Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its colonial architecture, archaeological wonders, and indigenous cultures. Explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, sample exquisite local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's thriving arts scene. The city's markets are a riot of color, offering a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and pottery. Don't miss the chance to witness the Guelaguetza festival, a celebration of indigenous cultures featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes. Oaxaca's surrounding landscapes are equally breathtaking, with opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the ethereal petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua. Experience the magic of Oaxaca for an unforgettable journey.

Local Market

Traditional Oaxacan Meal

Zocalo

Colonial buildings

Cathedral

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Local Market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, taste exotic fruits, and buy handmade crafts. This is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their daily life.

For lunch, enjoy a Traditional Oaxacan Meal at a local family-friendly restaurant. Oaxaca is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, so don't miss out on trying dishes like mole, tlayudas, and chapulines.

After lunch, head to the city's main square, Zocalo. Here, you can relax in the shade of the trees, watch the world go by, or explore the surrounding Colonial buildings. Don't forget to visit the nearby Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture.

For dinner, try another local restaurant that specializes in Oaxacan cuisine. This is a great opportunity to try different dishes and discover your new favorite.

End your day with a leisurely stroll through the city's charming streets. The city is beautifully lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere. This is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

A Day of Sightseeing and Culinary Delights in Oaxaca

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October; note: mexico has four time zones

UTC-6

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Oaxaca. It gives you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially in the city center, and parking can be challenging. International car rental companies are available at the airport and in the city.

Taxis are readily available throughout the city of Oaxaca. They are a convenient way to get around, especially if you're not comfortable with driving in Mexico. It's recommended to negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid any confusion.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Oaxaca. This can be a more convenient and sometimes cheaper alternative to taxis. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone, and the fare is automatically charged to your credit card.

Public buses are a cheap way to get around Oaxaca. They cover most parts of the city and some surrounding areas. However, they can be crowded, especially during peak hours, and the routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Oaxaca is a bike-friendly city with several bike rental shops. Cycling is a great way to explore the city, especially the historic center, which is relatively flat and compact. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy, and not all streets have bike lanes.

Walking is perhaps the best way to explore the historic center of Oaxaca, which is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Many of the city's main attractions, including the Santo Domingo Church and the Zocalo, are within walking distance of each other.

Colectivos are shared taxis or minibuses that run fixed routes in Oaxaca. They are a cheap and efficient way to get around, especially for short distances. However, they can be crowded, and you may need to know some Spanish to communicate with the driver and other passengers.

Several companies offer tour bus services in Oaxaca. This can be a convenient way to see the city's main attractions, especially if you're short on time. Most tour buses offer hop-on hop-off service, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

A traditional Oaxacan dish, Tlayudas are large, thin, crunchy, partially fried or toasted tortillas topped with refried beans, lettuce, avocado, meat, Oaxaca cheese, and salsa.

Tlayudas

One of the seven types of mole sauces famous in Oaxaca, Mole Negro is a rich, dark sauce made from chilies, chocolate, and a variety of spices, typically served over chicken or turkey.

Mole Negro

Chapulines are grasshoppers that have been toasted with garlic, lime juice, and salt, and are a popular snack in Oaxaca.

Chapulines

Memelas are thick tortillas topped with black beans, cheese, and a variety of salsas and meats, a common street food in Oaxaca.

Memelas

Chiles Rellenos are large chili peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried, and served with salsa, a popular dish in Oaxaca.

Chiles Rellenos

Oaxaca Cheese, also known as Quesillo, is a white, semi-hard cheese from Mexico, similar to unaged Monterey jack, but with a mozzarella-like string cheese texture.

Oaxaca Cheese

Tejate is a traditional Oaxacan drink made from corn masa, cacao beans, mamey seeds, and flor de cacao, served cold and often enjoyed in the hot Oaxacan climate.

Tejate

Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico. Oaxaca is the center of Mezcal production in Mexico.

Mezcal

Tamale Oaxaqueño is a traditional Oaxacan dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, or chilies, wrapped in a banana leaf, and steamed.

Tamale Oaxaqueño

Chorizo Oaxaqueño is a type of spicy sausage made from pork, popular in Oaxaca.

Chorizo Oaxaqueño

Nicuatole is a traditional Oaxacan dessert made from corn masa, sugar, and cinnamon, and has a jelly-like consistency.

Nicuatole

Pulque is a traditional Mexican alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant, popular in Oaxaca.

Pulque

New Year's Day

Constitution Day

Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial

Labor Day / May Day

Independence Day

Revolution Day Memorial

Christmas Day

General Election Day

Inauguration day

One of the most significant archaeological sites in Mexico, Monte Alban was once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization.

Monte Alban

A significant archaeological site in the state of Oaxaca, known for its unique geometric mosaic designs.

Mitla

A set of natural rock formations that resemble cascades of water. The site is also home to a small number of man-made pools.

Hierve el Agua

A small beach town known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful sunsets. It's also one of Mexico's few nude beaches.

Zipolite

A port town and resort on Mexico's Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. Known for its beaches, especially Zicatela Beach, which is famous for surfing.

Puerto Escondido

A small beach town known for its sea turtle conservation efforts. The Mexican Turtle Center is a must-visit.

Mazunte

A small town in the mountains of Oaxaca known for its beautiful views and magic mushrooms.

San José del Pacífico

A national park consisting of a lagoon system and several beaches. It's a great spot for bird watching.

Chacahua Lagoons National Park

Acapulco

Baja California

Cozumel

Guadalajara

Merida

Mexico City

Puerto Vallarta

San Miguel de Allende

Old city streets and colorful colonial buildings in historic city center

Mexican mezcal shot with chili pepper and orange

Santo Domingo Cathedral in historic city center

Traditional Mexican Parade Dia de los Muertos celebration

Oaxaca is located in the southeastern part of Mexico and is known for its rich indigenous culture and history.

The official language is Spanish, but many indigenous languages are also spoken.

The currency used in Oaxaca is the Mexican Peso (MXN). It is recommended to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards.

Oaxaca has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to September. The average temperature ranges from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).

Oaxaca is in the Central Time Zone (GMT-6). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Oaxaca. It is recommended to drink bottled water.

Oaxaca is known for its cuisine, particularly mole sauces and mezcal. Be sure to try local dishes.

Public transportation is available but can be crowded. Taxis and rental cars are also options for getting around.

Oaxaca is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Oaxaca's markets are a great place to buy local crafts and foods. Bargaining is common and expected in these markets.

It's customary to tip 10-15% in restaurants. In other services like taxis or hotels, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Oaxaca has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and workshops. It's a great place to buy unique, handmade souvenirs.

Oaxaca celebrates many festivals throughout the year. The most famous is the Guelaguetza, a celebration of indigenous culture and traditions.

If you're planning to visit rural areas or archaeological sites, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Oaxaca has a slower pace of life compared to other Mexican cities. Take time to relax and enjoy the local culture.

Public restrooms may charge a small fee for use. It's a good idea to keep some small change on hand.

Oaxaca has a good healthcare system, but travel insurance is recommended for any unexpected medical expenses.

The voltage in Mexico is 127V and the frequency is 60Hz. If your devices use different voltage or plug type, you'll need a converter or adapter.

Oaxaca is located at a high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness in some people. It's recommended to take it easy for the first few days to acclimate.

Respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

January in Oaxaca is mild and dry, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

February is a bit warmer but still comfortable, with little rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

March sees a slight increase in temperature, but the weather remains pleasant for exploring the city and its surroundings.

April is one of the hottest months in Oaxaca, but it's still a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat.

May continues to be hot, with occasional rain showers, making it a good time for indoor activities and museum visits.

June marks the start of the rainy season, but showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine.

July is in the middle of the rainy season, but don't let that deter you; the rain usually falls in the afternoon or evening.

August is similar to July, with warm temperatures and afternoon showers, perfect for morning sightseeing.

September is the last month of the rainy season, with temperatures starting to cool down a bit.

October is a great time to visit Oaxaca, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

November is a comfortable month to visit, with mild temperatures and little rainfall.

December is one of the coolest months, but it's still warm enough to enjoy all that Oaxaca has to offer.

Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. However, it's important to note that the weather can vary depending on the season.

The dry season, which runs from November to April, is typically the best time to visit. During this period, you can expect clear skies and warm temperatures, usually around 80°F (27°C) during the day. Nights can be cooler, dropping to around 50°F (10°C), so it's advisable to pack some light sweaters or jackets.

The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. During this time, you can expect afternoon showers, but they usually don't last long. The temperatures remain warm, typically around 70-85°F (21-29°C). It's advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella during this season.

Regardless of when you visit, it's important to remember that Oaxaca is located at a high altitude. This means the sun can be quite strong, even when the temperature isn't very high. Therefore, don't forget to pack and regularly apply a good quality sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Also, due to its geographical location, Oaxaca can occasionally experience tropical storms and hurricanes, especially during the rainy season. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and stay informed about any potential severe weather conditions during your stay.

In conclusion, Oaxaca is a beautiful destination to visit year-round. Just remember to pack according to the season and stay aware of the weather conditions during your trip. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant Mexican city!

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1-Day Family-friendly Food, Wine & Sights Tour in Oaxaca for Locals

About Oaxaca, Mexico