Do you want to know more about Oaxaca’s main tourist sites? To make your research easier, here are Oaxaca’s eight best places to visit. Let’s get started!
Tourist sites in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is an excellent destination to visit year-round. The state is full of natural and architectural wonders, and is well-known for its indigenous cultures. You can find treasures from every historic period in Oaxaca’s streets and buildings, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to understand Mexican culture, a visit to Oaxaca is mandatory. Its main tourist sites are bursting with beauty, history, and tradition. We have selected eight places to visit in Oaxaca.
Hierve el Agua
Only a few miles away from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua is both a natural spa and a lookout to the area’s central valleys.
Hierve el Agua is a true paradise, offering visitors the chance to freshen up in its clear waters and admire its stunning waterfalls that seem to have frozen in time.
Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls will catch your eye with their great size and white hues. These natural masterpieces date from millions of years ago and are the result of carbonated water emanating from the springs on top of the canyon.
Make the most of this magnificent place and relax in its warm waters. Remember to snap unforgettable photos next to its natural wells with views of the central valleys.
Mitla
Located 24 miles from Oaxaca City, you will find the beautiful town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, known for its skilled artisans and its stunning prehispanic archaeological site.
Interestingly, archaeologists have found remains of prehispanic houses under the homes of people currently living in this area. The town is home to Mitla, one of Oaxaca’s main tourist attractions.
This archaeological site stands out because of its harmoniously designed buildings and large patios featuring intricate carvings.
If you visit Mitla, remember to walk by the Column of Life, which will predict how many years you have left to live, according to legend.
Monte Albán
Monte Albán is one of Oaxaca’s most popular sites and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This ancient city was the Zapotecs’ ceremonial and military capital and is one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites.
As you explore Monte Albán, you can admire its ceremonial sites, tombs, patios, and ball game courts. Observe its architecture, pottery, and murals and find the influence of the Mixtec and Teotihuacan cultures.
Walk along Dancers Plaza, featuring monuments with calendars and anthropomorphic glyphs. Look closely at the Conquest Tombstone, where you can learn all about the battles and triumphs of Monte Albán against other local peoples.
Historic Center of Oaxaca City
Oaxaca’s Historic Center boasts incredible cultural and culinary riches and offers countless activities. These are some of our favorites:
- Ethnobotanical Garden: This space is home to various endemic plants, ranging from dry-weather species to those from humid climates. This garden was created in 1998 in what was once the Santo Domingo Ex-Convent’s orchard, now its cultural center. Walk around this venue, and explore its library, herb garden, and cave holding 10,000-year-old pumpkin seeds. The Ethnobotanical Garden is definitely one of Oaxaca’s top places to visit.
- Textile Museum: This museum is housed inside an 18th-century house that was remodeled in 2007. It offers an ample vision of the techniques and creative processes behind textile-making. Don’t miss this inspiring museum, where you’ll always find interesting temporary exhibitions. It’s a good option if you are traveling to Oaxaca with kids.
- Church of Santo Domingo: Located just six blocks from the city’s main square, this magnificent church hails from the late 16th century. The temple’s religious activities were temporarily suspended because of an army occupation but were resumed later. Inside, you will find 10 chapels decorated with 24 paintings. If you visit during a religious celebration, you can admire the church’s indoor decor, which is as stunning as its facade. Santo Domingo is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oaxaca.
Benito Juárez Yaat Ecotourism Center
The Benito Juárez Yaat Ecotourism Center is located in Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte. This is one of Mexico’s best-preserved natural areas, and one of the country’s three most biodiverse regions.
This area is also home to a large concentration of members of the Zapotec community. Here, you can admire Oaxaca’s flora and fauna, ride a mountain bike, or go on a hike.
Make sure you visit the popular Los Pinovetes forest, home to 300-year-old, 98-foot-tall pine trees. This is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Oaxaca.
Teotitlán del Valle
Teotitlán del Valle belongs to the Tlacolula district and is a 30-minute drive from Oaxaca City.
Its original name was Teocatitlán, which means “land of gods” in Náhuatl. Its Zapotec name is Xagigue, which means “on the foothills.”
This magical town was founded in 1465 and is considered the first town ever founded by the Zapotecs. It is known for its rich archaeological site, with buildings in the middle of town and mounts called Giebets, or “zapote stones.”
This town is known for the quality and beauty of its wool textiles and is one of Oaxaca’s top places to visit.
San Agustín Arts Center
The San Agustín Arts Center is located in San Agustín Etla, 10 miles from Oaxaca City.
This beautiful arts center is housed inside the old Vista Hermosa textile factory and is Latin America’s first eco-friendly arts center. It’s a space for promoting, creating, and experimenting with art.
Here, you can participate in classes and workshops, learning about drawing, textile design, stage design, non-polluting photography, and many other topics. If you’re looking for Oaxaca’s top cultural spots, this is definitely one of them.
Tlacolula
Last but not least, Tlacolula de Matamoros is one of Oaxaca’s best tourist attractions. Its name honors Mariano Matamoros, a relevant figure in Mexican independence.
Tlacolula offers several tourist attractions, many of which are architectural sites. Its history, customs, and traditions also make it a fascinating place to visit.
If you have the chance to visit, we recommend stopping by the market, where you can travel in time and immerse yourself in a sea of colors, flavors, and textures.
Visit the Santo Cristo Church and Chapel, built in the sixteenth century. It is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. These architectural treasures are great examples of baroque style.
Visit Oaxaca City!
Now that you’ve read all about Oaxaca’s tourist attractions and places to see, we suggest buying your tickets right away. Enjoy Mexico’s newest fleet and affordable fares.
Remember to bring a camera and snap pictures of everything to see in Oaxaca!