Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? Here’s Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Go
Wondering if Oaxaca is Worth Visiting? If you´re looking for a destination that combines rich culture, unforgettable culinary experiences, art, and stunning natural beauty, the answer is a big yes.
However, like any other traveling destination, although there are many attractions and attributes that make Oaxaca worth visiting, it also depends on your traveling style and what you seek from your adventures.
Let’s explore the many reasons you should visit Oaxaca and also why it might not be the ideal place for everyone.
Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?
Again, yes, Oaxaca is worth visiting. Very much so! While some people straight out prefer to head directly to a resort in the Mayan Riviera or Los Cabos (both also great ideas!), Oaxaca’s special charm and immensely rich cultural heritage makes it a unique destination for experiencing some of the best Mexico has to offer.
Oaxaca features a picturesque blend of pre hispanic traditions, colonial architecture, and modern amenities. And while it attracts many international and national visitors, it has made a great effort (and succedeed) to preserve its authenticity.
Top Reasons to Visit Oaxaca
1. Cultural Immersion
Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s cultural jewels, recognized by UNESCO for its deep-rooted traditions and rich history. The city is home to a vibrant mix of indigenous and colonial influences that are present in its buildings, art, food, art, music, and festivities.
If you enjoy immersing yourself in new cultures, Oaxaca is perfect for you. The city and nearby towns have a slew of opportunities to do so through exploring its preserved churches and downtown houses, now mostly converted to boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other businesses, as well as its traditional markets and art galleries.
If you happen to visit during the La Guelaguetza or Day of the Dead celebrations, the opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s culture is amazing, but we’ll get into that further down.
2. Delicious and Unique Cuisine
If food is an important part of your traveling experience, Oaxaca will not disappoint.
The city is famous as one of Mexico’s gastronomic hubs, with a marvelous culinary offering that goes from traditional dishes enjoyed in street and market stalls to innovative proposals in fine dining venues.
Markets and Street Food in Oaxaca
For a casual yet amazing culinary experience, your best bet is to head to the food section inside Oaxaca¿s markets.
You´ll find a vibrant and diverse food scene where you can savor the typical “Tlayudas” (giant crunchy tortillas loaded with different toppings), “chapulines” (small seasoned roasted grasshoppers), and the different types of “moles” (dishes made with spicy sauces lathered over chicken, pork, or beef).
Food markets and street vendors have something for every taste, so don´t hesitate even if you´re not too keen on gastronomic adventures. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a must for both locals and visitors, offering some of the best local ingredients and traditional dishes.
Fine Dining Venues in Oaxaca
On the other hand, if you’re aiming for fine dining experiences, Oaxaca has you covered too. The city harbors its good share of fine dining venues, including two that recently received Michelin Guide stars: Levadura de Olla and Los Danzantes Oaxaca.
These restaurants offer exquisite meals but also gastronomic journeys that showcase the diversity and deep roots of Oaxacan cuisine. Traditional dishes with contemporary flair and avant garde fusion creations are served in beautifully preserved colonial buildings and terraces for extraordinary dining experiences.
3. A Haven for Arts and Crafts Lovers
Whether you´re on the lookout for art galleries or craft shops, Oaxaca will deliver. This cultural hub is full of art in different forms that you can find inside art galleries, museums, and craft markets, as well as picturesque shops housed in colonial buildings in the historic center.
Oaxaca has bred world-renowned artists like Francisco Toledo, Jesús Cuevas, and Rufino Tamayo. You can find works by these artists in the city’s various museums.
The city is also famous for its artisanal crafts, particularly textiles, wood carvings, pottery, and “alebrijes” (figures depicting animals, people, or imaginary creatures that come in all sizes, colors, and patterns), as well as its vibrant street art.
Most crafts in Oaxaca are created using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Nearby villages like San Martín Tilcajete and Teotitlán del Valle specialize in “alebrijes” and hand-woven crafts, respectively. Visiting these Pueblos Mágicos is very much worth your while, but you can find many of their creations in the Mercado de Artesanías crafts market.
4. Monte Albán
The archaeological site of Monte Albán is located only five miles from downtown Oaxaca City and an easy day trip from the city. Perched on a mountain overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, the ancient city was founded around the year 500 B.C. and flourished as the capital of the Zapotecs until its decline in the 9th century A.C.
The ruins of Monte Albán include pyramids, plazas, and tombs, providing a window into pre-hispanic history as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This UNESCO World Heritage Sites importance lies in the fact that it is one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica, which is fascinating for history and archaeological enthusiasts. Guided tours are available in case you want to dive deep into the history of Monte Albán, but a self-guided walk is enough for a fascinating and memorable experience.
5. Stunning Architecture
Oaxaca is home to amazing architecture that is a mix of indigenous tradition and Spanish colonial influence, which makes for a visual journey back through several centuries of history.
From well-preserved colonial-era buildings made from cantera stone, to intricate Baroque churches like the famous Templo de Santo Domingo and Catedral de Oaxaca, the city is eye-candy for architecture aficionados.
Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll also find elegant courtyards, arched doorways, and balconies adorned with wrought-iron railings that reflect the city’s rich colonial past, as well as stone fountains and an impressive aqueduct built in 1720 by Dominican priests.
6. Charming Acommodations for Everyone
Oaxaca offers a wide range of lodging options to suit all visitors’ styles and preferences. Whether you´re a budget traveler looking for affordable accommodations or a luxury fan seeking world-class service, Oaxaca has charming lodging options for everyone.
Budget-Friendly Hostels and Guesthouses
Oaxaca has a variety of hotels and guesthouses that offer comfortable affordable stays, many of which are centrally located. These hostels offer clean sleeping accommodations, shared kitchens, and communal spaces, as well as organized tours, so they´re great choices for solo travelers looking to meet other adventurers.
Yabanhi Hostel and Hostal Central Oaxaca are popular budget-friendly options.
Boutique Hotels and Mid-Range Stays
If you’re after a more personalized experience, Oaxaca is home to a number of enchanting boutique hotels and relatively small mid-range luxury options that blend traditional charm with modern amenities.
These properties are often housed in striking colonial homes featuring local art, hand-painted tiles, and relaxing courtyards or pools. Hotel Azul de Oaxaca, Nana Vida Hotel Oaxaca, and City Centro by Marriot Oaxaca are great choices.
10 Charming Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca for an Incredible Stay
Hotels in Oaxaca with Michelin Keys
If you wish to go further and beyond, you might want to know that Oaxaca City boasts three hotels that earned Michelin Keys for outstanding accommodations in the first edition in Mexico of the famous guide’s incursion into the hospitality realm.
Pug Seal Oaxaca, Grana B&B, and Hotel Casa santo Origen are the proud hotels with Michelin Keys in Oaxaca.
7. Nearby Natural Beauty
Oaxaca isn’t just about art and food, although they are enough to make Oaxaca worth visiting. The natural beauty that surrounds the capital city of the state of Oaxaca is equally captivating, featuring different landscapes for nature enthusiasts.
Hierve el Agua
One of the most popular natural attractions near Oaxaca City is Hierve el Agua, a set of natural “infinity pools” formed by petrified waterfalls perched on a mountainside.
You can hike to the top of the falls and swim in the natural mineral pools while you take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.. If you´re big on hiking, photography, or simply enjoying nature, Hierve el Agua is a must when visiting Oaxaca.
Sierra Norte
If you prefer off-the-beaten-path natural adventures, the Sierra Norte mountain range offers ecotourism opportunities that include hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching in a forest setting.
If you want to blend culture and nature, you can arrange a tour to the Sierra Norte from Oaxaca City that includes stops at one or more indigenous villages in the area.
8. One-of-a-Kind Traditional Celebrations
Mexico is a country that embraces its traditions even as it advances to modernity, and the state of Oaxaca is probably the most representative of that. Although its history, culture, and traditions are evident wherever you look, there is no better time to experience the full depth of the tradition than during cultural festivities.
La Guelaguetza
Held annually in the month of July, La Guelaguetza is one of the largest indigenous festivals in Mexico and Latin America. it is a vivid and colorful event that brings people from Oaxaca’s diverse indigenous communities together to share their music, dance, and traditions.
La Guelaguetza is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s rich heritage through a series of parades and performances showcasing their rituals, costumes, music, dances, food, and.crafts.
Day of the Dead
Another huge celebration in Oaxaca is Día de Muertos, which is celebrated from October 31 to November 2nd. While the festivities take place throughout Mexico, Oaxaca’s observance is very special due to its profound cultural and spiritual significance.
During Día de Muertos, families in Oaxaca honor their departed loved ones by building colorful“ofrendas” or altars in their homes and decorating them with marigolds, candles, colored paper, photos, and the favorite dishes and drinks of those who have passed on.
You can also see many of these altars in public spaces, while streets come alive with colorful sand tapestries, elaborate face painting, and parades like the Comparsas—processions with music, costumes, and joyful celebration of life and death.
The city becomes an artistic and cultural hub during this time, with a blend of ancient indigenous traditions and contemporary Mexican customs, while cemeteries are transformed into lively spaces filled with music, flowers, candles, and offerings.
9. Coffee, Chocolate, and Mezcal
The Mexican state of Oaxaca is a great producer of coffee, chocolate, and mezcal, so it is no wonder that its capital city offers a myriad of opportunities to take a close look (and taste!) their delicious produce.
The city of Oaxaca has an incredible offer of quaint coffee shops where you can savor their coffee grains and chocolate beverages in different forms and flavors, which you can pair with exquisite sweet bread and pastries made with organic “masa madre”. The most famous is probably Casa Blasón, but there are tons of them, all with their own traditional charm.
As for mezcal, you can enjoy some of the best in many restaurants and bars. You can also arrange to take a Mezcal tour that will take you to majestic agave field to learn about the whole process of elaborating this iconic Oaxacan spirit.
What Can Make Oaxaca Not Worth Visiting?
While a getaway to Oaxaca is a lovely and enriching experience, it does have a couple of drawbacks that might prevent it from being the ideal destination for you at any given time, so it’s only fair to explore them.
1. Oaxaca City Has No Beach
If your idea of a perfect vacation in Mexico is framed by tropical cocktails on a lovely beach, Oaxaca might not be a good idea. Sure, you’ll likely have sunny weather and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a Piña Colada in a quaint bar or poolside, but no sand or waves.
Truth be told, however, the new highway that shortens driving time to Huatulco from 6 to 2-3 hours makes it easy to to craft an exciting itinerary that seamlessly blends vibrant culture and beach goodness.
2. Crowds and Noise
Oaxaca has become so popular during the last few years, that it does get a good share of both national and international visitors, especially during special festivities.
If you’re not too fond of crowds and noise, or are in need of a relaxing and restful vacation, you might want to skip it for now, especially when it comes to staying in the Centro Histórico area, where something is always going on.
Conclusion: Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?
Oaxaca is an amazing destination with a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, food, and memorable experiences that are hard to find to find anywhere else.
As you can see, the balance of whether you should or should not visit leans heavily to the positive side, but it really depends on your personality and traveling style.
So, if you´re wondering if Oaxaca is worth visiting, the answer is yes, definitely, if culture and unique experiences are what you´re aiming for. With a perfect blend of Mexican tradition and contemporary comfort, you´re guaranteed a memorable getaway in one of Mexico’s most authentic destinations.
