The local take
The Central Valleys are dotted with craft villages where families weave wool rugs colored with natural dyes, carve and paint alebrijes, and shape glossy black pottery, and many welcome visitors into their workshops. The same valleys hold Zapotec ruins, colonial churches and weekly Indigenous markets. Back in the Centro, the pace slows: churches of green stone with gilded Baroque interiors, museums set in former convents, collections of textiles, prints and local painting, and a main plaza made for people-watching.
A hill above the city makes a good morning walk with a view, and pine-forest villages in the mountains offer hiking and cabins. Every place here carries a note from the licensed local guide who recommends it; use the chips to see only day trips, museums or landmarks.
Day TripsTeotitlán del Valle
This village, which is famous for rug-weaving, is 30 kilometers southeast of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
Day TripsArrazola
Alebrijes are colorful, hand-painted wooden sculptures that are an important part of Oaxacan folk art and culture.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
Religious LandmarksBasilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
This church is dedicated to Oaxaca’s patron, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.
Oaxaca de Juárez, CentroRecommended by Carlos V.
Religious LandmarksCatedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca
This is Oaxaca’s main Catholic cathedral.
Oaxaca de Juárez, CentroRecommended by Carlos V.
MuseumsCentro de las Artes de San Augustín (CaSa)
This museum is in the mountains of San Augustín Etla, which is about 20 kilometers outside of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca de Juárez, San Agustín EtlaRecommended by Carlos V.
ParksViewpointsCerro del Fortín
This is one of Oaxaca’s main green spaces and is often busy with locals looking for some exercise.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
Historic LandmarkDay TripsCuilapam de Guerrero
Cuilapam de Guerrero is about 17 kilometers southwest of Oaxaca and is accessible by car or private transport.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
Seasonal Events/FestivalsGuelaguetza
Guelaguetza is the most important celebration in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca de Juárez, CentroRecommended by Carlos V.
MuseumsInstituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO)
IAGO was founded by the famous Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo.
Oaxaca de Juárez, CentroRecommended by Carlos V.
Historic LandmarkDay TripsMitla Archeological Zone
The Mitla Archaeological Zone is about 46 kilometers southeast of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
Historic LandmarkDay TripsMonte Albán
Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just 11 kilometers outside of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca de JuárezRecommended by Carlos V.
MuseumsMuseo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo (MAPRT)
This top-tier museum is in the heart of Oaxaca and features art from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic period.
Oaxaca de Juárez, CentroRecommended by Carlos V.
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