Recommendations
There’s no short of fun, amazing things to do in Oaxaca. Below is a list of lots of recommendations for options. Some things require booking in advance (food tours, cooking classes, temezcal, etc). If you find something you want to do, share it on our email list to see if others want to join!
Events in Oaxaca
There are a couple of annual events that are happening during La Guelaguetza
Oaxaca Mezcal Fair
Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center
Likely will be July 17-28 from 11am-10pm. The city provides a free shuttle bus—catch it at El Llano Park. 🎟️ Tickets: 75 pesos, can purchase upon arrival
Arte de Mi Pueblo - Artisan Fair
Annual artisan fair that’s part of La Guelaguetza celebration.
Food!
Oaxaca has one of the most celebrated food cultures in Mexico. Here are some recs — from market tlayudas to Michelin-starred tasting menus.
Cheap eats
Tacos Del Carmen – street corner taco stand at Jesus Carranza & Garcia Vigil
Tlayudas Doña Flavia
Mercado La Merced – amazing for breakfast
20th de Noviembre – an experience of grilled meat
Bodæga – bakery
Other delicious things
La Atoleria – wonderful place on the ground floor of Tierra del Sol that serves a wide range of atoles (warm, nourishing masa drinks)
Nieves – Oaxaca’s ice cream. Go to Basilica de Soledad and get your nieves from Nieva Malena, the place to the far left of the plaza when entering from Independencia up the stairs.
Food tours
Here’s a list of food tours that look great!
Oaxacking Food Tours: $150 + tip; 9:30AM - 2:30PM
Secret Food Tours: Oaxaca: $71+tip; Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Mercado Juarez & Zocalo
Oaxaca Street Food Essentials by Club Tengo Hambre: $90+tip; Five street food stands, and three traditional markets.
Oaxaca Food Tours | Authentic Culinary Experiences: ~$80+tip; 7 people max; 3 hours
Mezcal & Bars
We'll be drinking a lot of mezcal. These are the spots worth your time.
Mezcal tastings
In Situ – we’ll plan to gather here on Thursday night
La Mezcaloteca – requires reservations
Bars
Liquen Oaxaca – we’ll plan to go here on Friday
Bony’s – old school cantina
Cantina Salón de La Fama – old school cantina
Copal – large bar with great cocktails (we’ll go here on Wednesday)
Natural Wonders
Visit some of the beautiful, ancient places around Oaxaca.
Monte Albán
Monte Albán is one of the most important archaeological zones in Mesoamerica. An ancient Zapotec metropolis, the site was founded in the sixth century BCE overlooking the city of Oaxaca and functioned as their capital between 500 BCE and 800 CE. Its impressive architectural remains—including terraces, pyramids, and canals—extend over some four square miles.
Monte Albán is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Last entry is around 4:00 PM. The entrance fee is 210 mxn for adults and includes access to the site and the museum. Children under 13 enter free.
It’s about 30 min from Oaxaca City. You can get there by taxi, public bus, or tourist bus. See transportation options here.
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is an unique geological feature that is formed by a series of natural rocks, and it is located in San Lorenzo Albarradas, in the central part Oaxaca.
At the top of this impressive geological creation, there are two mineral pools at the edge of the cliff that visitors can swim in.
It’s best to go early in the day before it gets too crowded. There are changing rooms not far from the parking to change into a swimsuit.
It’s about 90 min from Oaxaca City. The best way to get there is via a private driver or a tour. We can help arrange that if you’re interested in visiting.
Museums & Galleries
Oaxaca is bursting with amazing art, printmaking, sculpture, photography and more.
Galleries
Pasaporte de Grafico — visit 12 independent galleries/workshops scattered around the Centro; physical maps are available in each gallery.
Taller Burro Press — my favorite printmaking gallery
Maria’s Arte y Diseño — great selection of affordable art, candles, ceramics and clothing
Tingladography — art gallery
Subterraneos — printmaking gallery and workshop
Voces de Copal — high quality Mexican crafts
Cooking Classes
Oaxacan cooking is passed down through generations of women in home kitchens, over wood fires, with clay pots and ancestral recipes. Check out these classes for a taste of that magic.
Que Rico Es Oaxaca
~$95 · 4.5 hours · Up to 12 people
Meet at the city center for a market visit, then head to Alfonso's family home on the slopes of Fortín Hill — about 20 minutes outside the city. You'll make salsas, guacamole, a mole dish, and dessert with mezcal included. Vegetarian and vegan adaptable.
Minerva Lopez
~$120 · 6 hours · Up to 10 people
Meet at the Zócalo, then head to Abastos market before driving to Minerva's home in Santa María Atzompa, about 20 minutes from the city center. Minerva is a first-place winner at the Meeting of Traditional Cooks of Oaxaca with 40+ years of pre-Hispanic cooking experience.
Cooking with Sonia
~$100 · 4.5 hours · Up to 20 people
Sonia's home is a short drive from the city center. Guests are picked up near the Zócalo and transported to her property. She learned to cook from her mother using clay pots and charcoal, and her son leads a mezcal tasting alongside the class. (Airbnb Experience)
Alma de Mi Tierra
$90 · 4–5 hours · Up to 9 people
Classes are held in Oaxaca City Tue/Thu/Sat, starting with a short walk to a local market before heading to the kitchen. Polished and intimate, ending with a multi-course meal at a beautifully set table. Mezcal tasting included.
Temazcal Ceremonies
A temazcal is one of Oaxaca's oldest ceremonies — a pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ritual rooted in Zapotec tradition, used for physical purification, spiritual cleansing, and communal connection. Hot volcanic rocks are doused with herb-infused water, and a temazcalera guides the ceremony through song, intention, and the four elements.
Nabani SPAcio Holístico
Led by Raquel and Julio on a lush property 15 minutes from the city, the experience begins with a card reading and herb-gathering before the ceremony itself, and ends with a shared meal. Saturdays by appointment. ~800 MXN per person (~$40 USD). Contact via WhatsApp +52 951 204 8304.
Ceviarem Temazcal
Located in in Tlalixtac de Cabrera, it can accommodate up to 16 people and operates 365 days a year, making it the most flexible option for larger groups. Transportation available. ~1,700 MXN for two (~$85 USD). Contact via WhatsApp +52 951 544 9096.
Temazcal Oaxaca
Located in Santa María Coyotepec, it’s a great option for first-timers — private sessions led by a local curandera in an English and tourist-friendly, setting. ~$75 USD per person including transportation. Book at temazcaloaxaca.com.