Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Mexico Trek has spent 3 days of its itinerary in Oaxaca City across 1 edition (2025).

Places in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is one of Mexico’s cultural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich blend of history, art, and living traditions. Walking through its cobblestone streets, visitors encounter colorful colonial architecture, lively plazas, and landmarks like the Templo de Santo Domingo, whose baroque splendor and surrounding ethnobotanical garden are among the city’s most iconic sights. The heart of Oaxaca beats strongest in its bustling markets — from Mercado Benito Juárez to Mercado 20 de Noviembre — where the aromas of mole, tlayudas, and freshly ground chocolate mingle with the vibrant energy of local life. Beyond food, Oaxaca is a hub for creativity and craftsmanship. Indigenous artisans continue centuries-old traditions in textiles, black clay pottery, and wood-carved alebrijes, while galleries and cultural centers celebrate the city’s thriving contemporary art scene. Festivals, music, and parades frequently spill into the streets, making Oaxaca a place where culture is not just preserved but lived daily. With its unique mix of heritage, gastronomy, and hospitality, Oaxaca City offers a window into the diversity and warmth that define Mexico.

Monte Albán

Just a short drive from Oaxaca City rises Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Zapotec civilization, this ancient city flourished for over a thousand years and was later inhabited by the Mixtecs. Visitors can walk among grand plazas, ball courts, and pyramids set high on a mountaintop, with sweeping views of the Oaxaca Valley below. Beyond its monumental architecture, Monte Albán offers a glimpse into the cultural, political, and spiritual life of pre-Columbian Mexico, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the region’s deep history.

Tule Tree

Just outside Oaxaca City stands the legendary Árbol del Tule, a massive Montezuma cypress considered one of the oldest and widest trees in the world. Estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, its trunk spans over 40 meters in circumference, making it a natural wonder that has inspired myths, stories, and local pride for centuries. The tree is located in the small town of Santa María del Tule, where visitors can admire its sheer size, intricate bark formations said to resemble animals and figures, and the lively community that surrounds it. A symbol of endurance and rootedness, the Tule Tree is both a sacred site and a reminder of Oaxaca’s deep connection to nature.

Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is one of Oaxaca’s most breathtaking natural wonders — a set of petrified waterfalls formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich spring water cascading down the cliffs. Perched high in the mountains, the site offers striking views of the surrounding valleys and a surreal landscape where turquoise pools invite visitors to swim or simply relax in the warm sun. Beyond its geological beauty, Hierve el Agua has long been a place of cultural significance for local Zapotec communities, who considered the springs sacred. Today, it is both a natural marvel and a unique spot to experience the harmony between Oaxaca’s landscapes and traditions.

Ex-Convento de Santa Catalina de Siena

Ex-Convento de Santa Catalina de Siena, is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Built in the 16th century, this former Dominican convent has been meticulously preserved, with its cloisters, frescoed walls, and serene courtyards offering guests a unique stay surrounded by history. Located in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center, the building combines colonial architecture with modern comfort, making it both a cultural treasure and a welcoming home base for exploring the city. Recognized as part of Oaxaca’s UNESCO World Heritage designation, it embodies the elegance and charm that define the region.

Guelaguetza dinner-show

The Dinner-Show Guelaguetza is an evening celebration that brings together the music, dance, and gastronomy of Oaxaca’s eight regions. Over dinner, guests witness colorful performances that showcase traditional costumes, lively folk dances, and the spirit of community sharing that defines the Guelaguetza festival. It is a vibrant way to experience Oaxaca’s cultural diversity and living traditions in one evening.

Hotel Misión de los Ángeles

Hotel Misión de los Ángeles is a spacious garden-style hotel just outside the historic center, offering comfortable rooms, a large pool, and panoramic views of Oaxaca’s surrounding mountains.

Oaxaca City on the itinerary

Mexico Trek 2025

Day 6 · 21 March 2025 · Oaxaca City — Discovering mythical Oaxaca

• Explore Monte Alban ruins: The exploration continues with a visit to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec city perched on a hilltop overlooking Oaxaca Valley. As you wander through the impressive ruins, including temples, pyramids, and ball courts, you’ll gain insight into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived here
• Downtown visit: The journey leads to the historic center of Oaxaca City. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the rich culture and architecture of this vibrant city. A highlight of your visit will be the Church of Santo Domingo, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and opulent gold leaf interior.
• Cultural dinner: In the evening, the experience culminates with a special dinner at the Cultural Center San Pablo, a beautiful venue that reflects Oaxaca's rich cultural heritage. During the dinner, the Alfredo Harp Helú Foundation will give a compelling talk about their altruistic efforts to improve the region.

Day 7 · 22 March 2025 · Oaxaca City — Farewell Dinner and Guelagetza show

• Petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua: We start our day with a visit to Hierve el Agua, a stunning natural wonder in Oaxaca. Known for its impressive petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich springs, Hierve el Agua offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations. You can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools or simply enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the area
• Arbol del Tule: After exploring Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle, the day continues with a visit to the Árbol del Tule, renowned for having one of the widest trunks of any tree in the world. This ancient Montezuma cypress is a marvel of nature, and its impressive size and age make it a symbol of Oaxaca’s natural beauty.
• Guelaguetza show and farewell party: In the evening, the grand finale of your trip features a private Guelaguetza dinner and show. Held in an intimate setting, this event will offer a delicious feast of traditional Oaxacan cuisine, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the region.

Day 8 · 23 March 2025 · Oaxaca City — Saying Goodbye