Top things to do in the culturally rich Oaxaca City

Few regions in Mexico conjure up as many superlatives as Oaxaca.

The state and capital city of the same name are home to arguably the country’s best regional cuisine, an unparalleled arts-and-crafts scene, the finest mezcal in the land and (dare we say) some of the nation’s most exciting cultural events and community-tourism ventures. While understanding no list could do such a rich place justice, here are our picks for the top things to do in Oaxaca.

Gaze at Monte Albán’s ruins with a view

Rising 1300ft from the valley floor and affording eye-popping views over the city and beyond, the ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán have deservedly landed them on just about any Oaxaca must-do list. You’ll understand why when you behold the mysterious architecture set against the vista-rich backdrop.

Sure, Oaxaca’s most popular archaeological site feels busy at times, especially on weekends – but an early-morning visit allows you to contemplate its striking temples and ceremonial platforms in all their glory, and without the tour-bus crowds.

Hike amid the Pueblos Mancomunados’ mesmerizing mountain landscapes

The Pueblos Mancomunados (Commonwealth of Villages), a cluster of eight remote communities scattered among a biodiverse cloud forest, are linked by some 60 miles of trails that lead to canyons, caves and cascading waterfalls.

In addition to the absorbing wilderness experiences, a day trip or multi-day hike here provides an up-close look at Zapotec life. In hospitable mountain communities, you can look forward to cabin rentals and roadside diners whipping up hearty Oaxacan comfort food such as memelas (handmade corn tortilla snacks) topped with wild mushrooms.

Tap into the underground art scene

The city’s provocative street art has long been instrumental in shaping ideas around some of the most important social and political issues facing Oaxaca, and the counterculture movement remains very much alive and kicking.

As you wander downtown amid the stunning colonial architecture you’ll come across a slew of satirical graffiti, surreal murals and indie art collectives that make stencils, graphic t-shirts and cutting-edge crafts. Graphic-arts gallery Espacio Zapata is a great place to get dialed in on the latest exhibitions, workshops and concerts. Explore the scene on your own or hook up with a street-art tour.

Embrace Day of the Dead

With its deeply rooted pre-Hispanic traditions, Oaxaca makes for one of the most colorful Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) experiences in Mexico. Come November 1 and 2, markets throughout the city sell fresh-baked pan de muerto (a seasonal pan dulce). Vivid orange-and-purple altars pop up on public squares. Soulful parades roll through downtown’s cobbled streets.

For a more classic take on Day of the Dead, the colorful celebration in nearby San Agustín Etla (11 miles northwest of the city) exudes a laid-back small-town vibe. Or visit the famed candlelit cemeteries in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán (3 miles south of Oaxaca) and – at a respectful distance – watch families leave offerings to their deceased loved ones.

Escape to remote Mixtec village Santiago Apoala

Leave the hectic city behind and unwind in the majestic mountains of Santiago Apoala, a remote Mixtec village several hours north of the city. Community tour operator Ecoturismo Comunal Yutsa To’on rents rustic riverside cabins and runs guided hikes to a glorious 200-foot waterfall amid deep canyons dotted with ancient rock carvings.

The bumpy dirt road from Asunción Nochixtlán allows you to get off the beaten path as it winds past tiny mountain towns with panoramas of the rugged Mixtec region.

Sip artisanal mezcal

Even if you’re not much of a drinker, it's always intoxicating to take a deep dive into the wonderful world of mezcal (a distilled alcoholic agave drink). A road trip to mezcal country in nearby Santiago Matatlán lets you see the production process at family-run distilleries, then sample the final product. Keep in mind that since mezcal is potent stuff, we recommend leaving the driving to someone else – perhaps arranged by a tour company such as Experience Agave.

In the city, mezcalerías and tasting rooms such as Mezcaloteca provide more details about the production techniques and various agave plants used to make Oaxaca’s signature spirit. In fact, much of Oaxaca’s nightlife centers around these intimate, character-filled mezcal joints.

Hit the highway toward Mitla

For a classic Oaxacan road trip, Hwy 190 heading east takes you to the world’s fattest tree in El Tule, the famous weaving town of Teotitlán del Valle, the sophisticated Zapotec ruins of Mitla and mezcal region Santiago Matatlán.

The route along a traffic-free, two-lane highway cuts through scenic valley lands. If you have time, take a 14-mile detour to Hierve el Agua for a dip in spectacular cliffside mineral springs at Hierve el Agua – but be forewarned that the sight often closes due to administrative conflicts.

Brush up on history at Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

If you only have time to visit one museum while in Oaxaca, make it this gem. Granted, you’ll need at least a couple of hours to explore the 14 halls housed in the museum’s sprawling campus – a former monastery – but the impressive architecture is worth the price of admission alone.

Displays in the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca are devoted to regional history and culture, from the pre-Hispanic era to present day. In Room III, don't miss the intriguing treasure trove of 14th-century Mixtec artifacts discovered at Monte Albán in 1932, which includes an ancient skull encrusted with a turquoise mosaic.

Whoop it up at Guelaguetza fest

An annual indigenous cultural event meaning “offering” in Zapotec, Guelaguetza is one of Oaxaca’s most important annual fiestas. The epic July shindig, held at the scenic open-air Auditorio Guelaguetza, showcases Oaxaca’s proud tradition of folkloric dance and music. The celebration also features art exhibits, a mezcal fair and lively downtown concerts and parades.

Smaller versions of Guelaguetza take place throughout Oaxaca, including festivals in the outlying towns of Tlacolula and Atzompa.

Eat like a local in the mercados

Grasshoppers, anyone? Look for these crunchy little buggers (known in Spanish as chapulines) at the iconic Mercado 20 de Noviembre. The busy market is also revered for its pasillo de humo, a smoky passage where tasajo (beef) and cecina enchilada (chili-coated pork) are grilled for your taco-eating pleasure.

For breakfast, greet the new day at Fonda Florecita in the less-visited Mercado de la Merced and try the zesty salsa de queso (cheese in spicy tomato sauce) along with a chocolate atole (a sweet corn-based drink). Both markets are easy on the wallet and quintessentially Oaxaqueño.

Cycle through history

With some 1200 historic monuments, Oaxaca’s Centro Histórico richly deserves its Unesco World Heritage badge. The plethora of landmarks includes splendid baroque churches and palatial colonial buildings that can all be visited on foot. But you’ll cover much more ground and a real scope for all the history on two wheels. Mundo Ceiba rents bikes and also organizes the Paseo Nocturno, a communal nighttime ride along the cobbled streets of downtown.

To pedal around in the countryside, book a tour with Mexican Olympic cyclist Pedro Martínez, who leads groups to a lovely cave and swimmable river in the heart of mezcal territory.

Shop for traditional crafts

Oaxaca produces some of the highest-quality folk art in the nation, and even the world. Stores and galleries, many along Calle Alcalá, sell everything from polished barro negro (black pottery) and alebrijes (brightly painted animal sculptures) to hand-woven rugs and crafty palm-leaf baskets.

Whenever possible, it’s always best to go straight to the source. Purchases in weaving village Teotitlán del Valle, ceramics town San Bartolo Coyotepec and alebrije capital San Martín Tilcajete guarantee that the money goes straight to the artisans. Plus, it’s always fascinating watching them work their magic.

Delight in savory moles

Nothing says Oaxaca quite like its multicolored moles (rich nut-, chili- and spice-based sauces), and the depth and variety of the iconic dish here is downright impressive. Dig into a complex black or red mole entrée at Casa Oaxaca or enjoy simple yet delectable mole tamales at a popular downtown street stall.

To learn how to make mole yourself, take a cooking class with the culinary mavens at El Sabor Zapateco in nearby Teotitlán del Valle.

Day-trip to San Agustín Etla

Sitting pretty about 11 miles northwest of Oaxaca, this small town at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains provides a welcome respite from the bustling city. Most people go for the first-rate art exhibits and concerts held at the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín, a textile factory-turned-ecological arts center that was spearheaded by renowned Oaxacan painter Francisco Toledo. Others visit for the gorgeous hiking along an old aqueduct trail that rises up into the mountains, or for a low-key Day of the Dead celebration (as mentioned above).

Soak up the coffee culture

The highlands of Oaxaca produce some of the richest beans in the world, so it should come as no surprise that cafes in the capital take their coffee seriously. Standouts such as Cafébre and Cafe Nuevo Mundo have made a name for themselves with their superior brews, while bohemian bakery and cafe Boulenc encourages patrons to linger over an almond croissant and artfully prepared cappuccino.

If you’re heading toward the Pacific coast, make it a point to stop in the sublime mountain town of Pluma Hidalgo for the ultimate coffee lover’s getaway.

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