Oaxaca Is Beautiful In Its People Architecture And Culture
Oaxaca is beautiful in its people, architecture and culture. The old city is gorgeous and very walkable with excellent and creative restaurants. It feels safe all the time and is central to great day trips to Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua . Do a little research before you go and you will have a great time.
Is Oaxaca City Worth Visiting
Oaxaca was surprisingly one of the most authentic cities weve visited in Mexico you can shop on the markets, wander aimlessly cobbled stone streets in the city center, see a large number of churches which date many centuries back, indulge in local cuisine, photograph colorful houses, or get to know the indigenous
How To Dress For Day Of The Dead
As I mentioned earlier, Day of the Dead is not Halloween, so you shouldnt show up in a Halloween-type costume. Scary, gory, or sexy costumes will look disrespectful and tone-deaf. Even a Day of the Dead costume from Party City is going to mark you as a tourist. Just say no to anything sold in a bag.
What to Wear for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Women often wear flowy flowered or black dresses, or traditional Mexican embroidered dresses you can buy at the markets in Oaxaca. Its common for people to get their faces painted for the festivities in Oaxaca City, but not for visiting cemeteries .
Performers in the comparsas usually wear Victorian dress: lacy or ruffled gowns for women, old-fashioned suits or vests with a bow tie or lace cravat for men. Women often wear a flower crown like these that you can order online, and I loved seeing men in top hats!
I saw both men and women wearing black pants or jeans with leather jackets.
One note: I wouldnt wear facepaint to a cemetery or visit to a community outside Oaxaca. This could be seen as disrespectful. Save it for walking around the city or visiting San Augustin Etla, where wild costumes are the order of the day!
If you want a fresh flower headband, look for the flower market in the street behind the Mercado Benito Juarez on Calle Aldama. I searched all over and finally found sellers making them here for less than $5 with marigolds and cockscombs.
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Things To See And Do In La Noria:
- Dine on fresh and fried seafood at Marisquería La Casa del Pirata.
- Enjoy an authentic meal in a friendly atmosphere at Los Compadres.
- Explore the grounds of the Templo de San Agustin.
- Feast on an incredible array of Mexican, Latin and Spanish food at Sabor Antiguo.
- Learn to make your favourite Oaxacan dishes and delicacies at La Cocina Oaxaquena.
- Shop, snack and sample your way through the bustling Mercado de Artesanias.
- Take a day trip to nearby Monte Alban and explore the archaeological site and the ruins of the ancient Zapotec capital.
A Mezcaleria For Every Kind Of Sipper
Héctor Audiffred remembers when you had to travel into the villages to get great mezcal. No longer: Now its easy to find rare Tepextate in the city.
The worth-sitting-next-to-tourists oneLos Amantes opened about ten years ago downtown, specifically as a tasting room. Before then, you could find mezcal in bars and cantinas and, of course, throughout the state, but the idea of sampling and explaining the different styles started there. Sidle up to the bar, where the décor is kind of retro thanks to its black-and-white tile floors and tchotchke-packed shelves.
The divey, locals-preferred oneUnión de Palenqueros de Oaxaca is the definition of a crumbling cantina. Youll know youre at the right place when you see the faded, hand-painted façade out front. This tiny spot gets quality mezcal direct from the producers in Matatlán, considered the hometown of mezcal. Its pretty tight quarters, and empty barrels line the walls, so go during the day, when its less crowded.
The leave-with-a-souvenir one Mezcaloteca has upwards of 100 different types of mezcal, many of which you can take home. The vibe here is almost more library than bar clear mezcal bottles occupy the dark wooden shelves, and green-hued bankers lamps light the long, L-shaped bar. Note: Reservations are required to attend a tasting at this intimate little place.
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Pitiona Cocina De Autor
For the past ten years, Pitiona Cocina De Autor has been pleasing the palates of national and international guests. It is a location that strives to provide an amazing experience. Pitiona Cocina De Autors rendition of Mexican cuisine satisfies both physical and spiritual hunger.
Pitiona Cocina De Autor is located at Plan de Ayala 305, FERROCARRIL, Agencia de Policia de Cinco Señores, 68145 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico.You can contact them at +52 951 514 0690
Traveling To Oaxaca City: Best Oaxaca Travel Guide For 2021
Planning to visit Oaxaca City, Mexico?
Well then, you are a wise traveler! Ive had some of my best Mexico experiences while traveling to Oaxaca, and you will too. Youve landed on the right blog and with the right blogger because I live in Mexico, and I also spent four months in Oaxaca, my hands down favorite state in Mexico.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the correct Oaxaca pronunciation is waa-haa-kah!
My four months were divided between a month in Oaxaca City during Día de Muertos , and three months on the beaches of Oaxaca. I even did a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Mazunte while traveling to the best beaches in Oaxaca, Mex!
In this article, youll learn everything you need to know about visiting Oaxaca City. If this will be your first Oaxaca trip, youre going to feel like a Mexico travel pro in no time so lets get to it!
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TRAVELING TO OAXACACity
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The Absolute Best Things To Do In Oaxaca Mexico
Looking for the best things to do in Oaxaca? Ive got you covered! Oaxaca is one of my favorite places in Mexico, and I think its one of the most special cities in Latin America.
Oaxaca ticks all the boxes its an incredibly beautiful city, its an endlessly interesting city its large enough to have tons of things to do but small enough to get around on foot and the value for money is EXCELLENT. Oh, and did I mention its a culinary nirvana?
I arrived in Oaxaca a sleep-deprived zombie, thanks to taking the 10-hour overnight bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas. The sun shone beautifully, warming my face. A strong coffee at a cafe on the Zócalo and a Oaxacan tamale, steamed in a banana leaf and filled with black mole, brought me back to life. I people-watched with a smile on my face. I was hooked on this city already.
I spent a full week in Oaxaca, exploring it top to bottom. Mexico is one of my favorite countries in the world, and I love to visit every winter when possible. Now Im considering spending a winter or two in Oaxaca, just to enjoy it for longer.
This is my Oaxaca travel guide, and I hope it helps you plan a fantastic trip.
Where Is The Safest Place To Stay In Oaxaca
Oaxaca is, by Mexican standards, a very safe city. Im not saying that incidents never happen here, but I have never felt in danger there once. There are a couple of sketchy neighbourhoods further away from the centre, but tourists dont go there and theyre not recommended as areas to stay in this post.
Petty theft is still quite common in Oaxaca, so dont walk around at night alone, cross your bag over your shoulder, dont take too many valuables out etc. You know the drill. Oaxaca is however, a lot safer for tourists than many cities in the US and Europe. Keep yer head screwed on and youll have a hassle-free time.
The safest place to stay in Oaxaca is probably Santo Domingo, just because there are the most people there of an evening. But as noted, if youre in any other neighbourhood just jump in a cab. Its not worth risking yourself for, plus the cab drivers in Oaxaca are all exceptionally friendly.
In Oaxaca, it is safe to hail cabs on the streets its not in Mexico City.
I hope youve enjoyed this post about where to stay in Oaxaca! If you did, please share it or follow me on or !
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The Basilica Of Our Lady Of Solitude
The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude , dedicated to the patron saint of Oaxaca, was constructed of green cantera, a stone unique to the area, between 1682 and 1690 and is one of the city’s finest religious sites.
In addition to its attractive atrium built from limestone blocks surrounded by a covered walkway, it’s also notable for its figure of the Virgen de la Soledad with her black robe of velvet embroidered with gold and other precious stones, including a large pearl on her forehead. Also of interest is the old Baroque organ, built in 1686 and which is still in regular use.
Other notable nearby churches include San Felipe Neri with its many elaborate altars, San Juan de Dios with an Indian depiction of the conquest, and San Agustin, notable for its façade reliefs of St. Augustine.
Address: El Calvario 107, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca, OAX
Near Monte Albn Archaeological Site
Monte Albán is an archaeological site located 6 km west of Oaxaca City Center.
Just like the Oaxacas Historic City Center, the Monte Albán Archaeological Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This important archaeological site includes the ruins of the ancient capital of the Zapotecs a powerful, highly developed pre-Columbian civilization that occupied the Central Valleys of Oaxaca since the 5th century BC. until the 10th AD.
The main buildings that can still be seen at this archaeological site include the Great Square, the Ball Court, Los Danzantes, Building J, and The Palace.
Near the Archaeological Site of Monte Albán youll find the art communities of Arrazola and San Bartolo Coyotepec, specialized in black clay pottery.
Monte Albán is connected to the center of Oaxaca City by buses. However, it is also possible to get around by car or taxi.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Oaxaca:
- Beautiful views
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Oaxaca Is A Great And Safe City To Visit
Oaxaca is a great and safe city to visitThe best gastronomical state in MexicoGreat for tourism, all tour agencies are affordable, well organized and greatThe people in Oaxaca is really nice and take care of tourismGreat attractions like the city center, el andador, Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Monte Albán You dont need to rent a car, taxis are cheap and common, the tours are better with a guide and cheap, also bilingual
Visit The Ethnobotanical Garden
Next door to the Templo Santo Domingo is Oaxacas ethnobotanical garden, containing a beautiful collection of plants from all over the state of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca is the most biodiverse state in Mexico and the plants are grouped according to ecological region. To this day, the plants are watered manually from water collected from the churchs roof!
This isnt a walk-in attraction you must book a guided tour. English language tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 PM and cost 100 pesos per person.
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Where To Stay In Oaxaca: The Best Hotels In Oaxaca City
One of my most frequently asked questions is where to stay in Oaxaca? So I put together a list of the best hotels in Oaxaca. I will only be including hotels that I have stayed at and loved or that I have very strong recommendations from trusted sources. There are hundreds of hotels in this city, but I feel confident about each and every one of these below.
Ill keep this list updated as I try some new hotels out, or when I get more trusted info. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but narrowed down to some the best hotels in Oaxaca that I trust.
Recommended Area: Centro Histrico
Oaxaca City Center is the main commercia, historical and tourist district in the city.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area stands out for its excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture, its cobbled streets, and its lively atmosphere.
In the center of this neighborhood youll find the vibrant Zócalo, a beautiful historic Spanish-style plaza surrounded by the most iconic buildings in Oaxaca City.
The impressive Oaxaca Cathedral, begun in 1535, is one of the oldest churches on the continent.
A few streets further north is the baroque Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and the adjacent Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, with an impressive showcase of native flora.
The central is a lively pedestrian promenade dotted with shops, bars and hotels.
The Historic Center of Oaxaca is the best area to stay in Oaxaca de Juárez thanks to its lively nightlife, transport connections, and its wide variety of hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Oaxaca City:
- Best area to stay for sightseeing
- Good transport connections
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Hotel La Casona De Tita
Hotel La Casona de Tita is located a few blocks from the Santo Domingo Cathedral. This 5-star Oaxaca hotel has a spacious terrace, colonial decor, and rooms decorated with pieces by local artists. Plus, the hotel has an-site restaurant and rates include breakfast.
Best Hotel In Santo Domingo: Hotel Casa Vertiz
This stylish four-star hotel is conveniently situated a short walk from Centro, while enjoying the quieter surroundings of Santo Domingo. It is close to a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as top sights and attractions. Rooms come complete with all of the essentials, including free wifi and cozy beds.
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Practice Yoga In Mazunte
Mazunte has developed as a destination for yoga retreats. But if you donât have the time or desire for a retreat, there are plenty of scheduled drop-in classes as well. Hridaya Yoga is both ayoga and meditation center with options to participate in a retreat or join their classes for a suggested donation of 50 pesos. They provide yoga mats and meditation pillows.
Casa Om has a live-in yoga experience during the off-season which includes daily yoga classes and breakfast for a modest price. As a result, a close-knit community forms within Casa Om. Their two hour drop-in yoga classes are 100 pesos, for which you can find the schedule on . They also offer other unique experiences such as a cacao ceremony.
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Things To See And Do In Centro:
- Browse an exquisite collection of contemporary art at the Museo de Los Pintores Oaxaqueños.
- Catch a performance at the Teatro Macedonio Alcala.
- Explore Oaxacas Zocalo, a small but bustling square that is the heart and centre of the city.
- Go for a stroll along the atmospheric Andador Turístico.
- See the statue of Antonio de Leon, a Mexican Brigadier and native of Oaxaca.
- Visit Casa de la Ciudad, a community centre that offers a variety of creative and artistic exhibits.
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Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours
The Mezcal Journey: Join Ricardo, a Oaxaca native to learn about mezcal in Matatlan, Oaxaca, considered the Mexican mezcal capital. Enjoy a tour of the picturesque Oaxaca agave fields and head to a distillery to see the whole process, step by step, before drinking some mezcal.
Pre-Hispanic Mezcal & Distilleries: Tour host, Antonio, is a Master Mezcalier, and will take you through a sensory journey to see, smell, touch, and finally, have a Oaxaca mezcal tasting. After, youll head to a local Zapotec community market for a traditional lunch.
MezcalotecaOaxaca: Mezcaloteca is part mezcal school, part tasting room, located in downtown Oaxaca. After your experience here, youll have a great understanding of mezcal, and can take your knowledge to all other mezcalerias in Oaxaca you visit. Note: Reservations required.
TRAVELING TO OAXACACity
El Llano Where To Stay In Oaxaca On A Budget
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The quaint El Llano neighbourhood sits north of the city centre. Based around one of the most famous parks in the city, this area is also one of the quietest in Oaxaca. Here, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air and a break from the chaos without straying too far from the centre.
El Llano is also our recommendation for where to stay in Oaxaca for one night or if youre on a budget. It has an abundance of good-value accommodation options, from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels. This lets you stretch your dollars a little bit further.
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Hierve El Agua Oaxaca
NOTE: The Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall is closed for now, and will hopefully reopen soon!
Located about 45 miles from Oaxaca City, is perhaps Oaxacas most famous natural wonder Hierve el Agua . While the natural mineral pools are the most photographed places here, you should also check out the amazing cascadas .
Now, cascadas is in quotes for a reason! There are two cliff faces at Hierve el Agua that look like waterfalls because they are covered in calcified mineral deposits, which just so happen to look like falling water. You can see this from afar at the pools, or you can hike down for a closer look.
HIERVE EL AGUA TOURS
The easiest way to experience Hierve el Agua? On a tour, of course! Check out the great, and varied, tours of Hierve el Agua below, ranging from half- and full-day trips to one of the best Oaxaca places to visit!