Oaxaca, Mexico

What to do in Oaxaca, Mexico

Archaeological Sites

Follow expert guides through Oaxaca's famous ruins and prepare to be astounded - don't forget your camera!.

Monte Albán Ruins

The most renowned archeological site in Oaxaca, Monte Albán was created as a "City of the Gods." In the middle of Oaxaca Valley, it functioned as the capital of the Zapotec empire and is one of the greatest finds unearthed in Mexico. Los Danzantes (The Dancers), human figures sculpted of stone and portrayed in a variety of interesting poses, are fine examples of Olmeca sculpture. A small temple stands here, as well as the Eastern Palace with grand regal quarters. Building "J" holds what is believed to be the first astronomical observatory in Meso-America.

Mitla Ruins

Visit ancient architectural monuments, including the Hall of Columns and Columns of Death. Five different structural groupings include areas used for ceremonies. This site is remarkable for its ornate decorations, and it includes beautiful tombstones marking the burial of Zapotec holy men and royalty. The geometric drawings and mosaic carvings are of particular interest and unique to Mitla, as is the grand complex of columns.

Yagul Ruins

This small fortress-like site rests on a hilltop surrounded by small temples and palaces.

Hierve el Agua

This was a holy place for the Zapotec Indians. Today, it is known for its freshwater thermal springs and for the remains of a 2,000 year old irrigation system that is unique in Mexico. The site also has a spectacular fossilized waterfall and is the location of one of the oldest trees in the world and the oldest town in Oaxaca Valley.

Arts and Crafts Shopping

Oaxaca is home to a profusion of gifted artists and artisans who incorporate traditional techniques, vivid imagination, and well-honed skills to create spectacular pottery, textiles, and sculpture - not to mention the painters and muralists! Market Day is different for every village, and the Saturday market in Oaxaca City is a small-scale carnival in itself with vendors and buyers packing the streets. The village of Ocotlán is renowned for its black pottery, and you'll also find woven textiles with a beauty and ingenuity to rival any in the world.

Museo de las Culturas

View the astonishing gold jewelry from Tomb 7 at Monte Albán. The thematic rooms pay tribute to Oaxacan music, language, medical arts, and relics.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca (MACO)

Set up in a Colonial dwelling, the permanent collection displays the work of Oaxaca's most famous painters, including Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, and Francisco Toledo.

Museo de Arte Prehispanico Rufino Tamayo

This assortment of pottery and sculpture is the private collection of painter Rufino Tamayo, housed in a painstakingly restored Colonial mansion.

Biking

This is a wonderful way to visit Oaxaca's outlying villages. Race down mountains and through jungles on beautiful trails approaching the Pacific coast. Beginners can ride from Oaxaca City to Teotitlan del Valle, where they hand-weave rugs, then stop at the 16th century church at Tlacochahuaya for a snapshot. Intermediate riders can challenge themselves with a 4-hour ride toward Montoya, passing through Atzompa for a glance at their crafts. .

Iglesia y Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo

You'll marvel at the grand Baroque styling of this 16th century church, regally adorned with an ornately carved façade. Botanical gardens thrive and a collection of archaic books offers a rare glimpse into the past.