Guide to Oaxaca

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS

Things to do in Oaxaca and its surroundings

Find recommendations on what to do in Oaxaca, the main tourist attractions, historical sites, traditional markets, culinary experiences, and must-see places for your itinerary. Plan your trip with Casa Bonita's guide and discover everything this extraordinary destination has to offer.

  • Historic stone cathedral with twin bell towers and red doors, framed by desert plants under a clear blue sky

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Oaxaca Cathedral

The Oaxaca Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic monuments. Its Baroque architecture and historical significance make it a must-see.


  • Gourmet salad in a stone bowl, topped with greens and red garnish on a wooden table.

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Oaxacan Gastronomy

Discover the flavors of Oaxaca through its moles, tlayudas, quesillo, and mezcal. A traditional cuisine that captivates with its authenticity and cultural richness.

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Santo Domingo Cultural Center

The Santo Domingo Cultural Center is one of the most emblematic spaces in Oaxaca, where history, art and culture meet in a unique environment.


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Ethnobotanical Garden

The Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden safeguards the richness of the regional flora. An ideal place to discover the biodiversity and natural heritage of the state.


  • Cobblestone street with colorful colonial buildings and a church under a blue sky at sunset

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Tourist Walkway

The Tourist Walkway is the pedestrian heart of Oaxaca, lined with galleries, artisan shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. A must-see for discovering the city.

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Museums

Oaxaca offers an extraordinary cultural richness with museums, temples, and historical sites showcasing its art, traditions, and heritage. A visit is essential to understanding the essence of the city.

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The Tule Tree

Just minutes from Oaxaca, admire one of the widest trees in the world: an ancient Montezuma cypress whose trunk exceeds 14 meters in diameter. A living testament to nature and Zapotec history that will leave you speechless.


  • Historic white church with red domes and towers beside a large green lawn under a blue sky

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San Bartolo Coyotepec

The birthplace of Oaxaca's iconic black clay pottery, this magical town invites you to discover family workshops where artisans mold and polish unique pieces using techniques passed down through generations. A must-see for lovers of art and tradition.

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Santa María Atzompa

Renowned for its glazed pottery in shades of green, this pottery-making town blends pre-Hispanic history with contemporary creativity. Visit the State Museum of Popular Art and tour the workshops where each piece is born.

  • Old white stone church with ornate facade, cypress trees, and a blue sky overhead

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San Martín Tilcajete

Home to the famous alebrijes, fantastical creatures carved from copal wood and painted in vibrant colors. A stroll through its workshops is an explosion of color, imagination, and Oaxacan artisanal talent.


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Teotitlán del Valle

The textile heart of Oaxaca, where wool rugs dyed with natural dyes like cochineal tell ancestral stories in every thread. Meet the Zapotec weavers and learn about their art, passed down through generations.

  • Plaza with large colorful “MITLA” letters, dancers in red and white, and colonial buildings in the background

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Mitla

A unique archaeological zone renowned for its intricate geometric stone mosaics, considered among the most elaborate in Mesoamerica. A sacred Zapotec site that reveals the sophistication of this ancient civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

  • What tourist attractions can I visit near Casa Bonita?

    Our location in San Felipe del Agua allows you to enjoy the tranquility of a residential area while being just minutes from Oaxaca's main attractions. Historic Center and Zócalo – 10 min Santo Domingo de Guzmán Temple – 10 min Tourist Walkway – 10 min Monte Albán – 25 min Santa María Atzompa – 25 min Tule Tree – 45 min Hierve el Agua – full-day excursion. Experience the culture, gastronomy, history, and nature of Oaxaca and return to Casa Bonita to relax in a peaceful and comfortable environment.

  • How many days are recommended to visit Oaxaca?

    Ideally, you should stay between three and five days to explore the city center and visit nearby destinations such as Monte Albán, Mitla, Hierve el Agua and the artisan villages.

  • What is the best time to visit Oaxaca?

    Oaxaca can be enjoyed year-round. However, celebrations like the Guelaguetza, Day of the Dead, and the Christmas season offer very special cultural experiences.

  • What typical dishes should I try in Oaxaca?

    Some of the most representative dishes are mole, tlayudas, quesillo, Oaxacan tamales, traditional chocolate, and artisanal mezcal.

  • Which traditional markets can I visit?

    Among the most popular are the Benito Juárez Market, the November 20th Market and the Handicrafts Market, ideal for getting to know the local gastronomy and artisan work.

  • What magical towns are near Oaxaca?

    Oaxaca invites you to discover towns brimming with history, culture, and nature. From Casa Bonita, you can explore San Pablo Villa de Mitla, renowned for its Zapotec heritage; Capulálpam de Méndez, in the Sierra Norte, ideal for connecting with nature; and San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula, with its rich history and traditional architecture. You can also venture to destinations like Huautla de Jiménez, Santa Catarina Juquila, and Mazunte, each offering unique experiences that complement your stay in Oaxaca.

  • Where to buy authentic handicrafts in Oaxaca?

    You can find textiles, black clay, alebrijes, wool rugs and other handicrafts in traditional markets and specialized communities of the Central Valleys.

  • Is it safe to walk around the Historic Center of Oaxaca?


    The Historic Center is one of the most visited areas by both domestic and international tourists. As with any destination, it is recommended to follow standard safety precautions and keep an eye on your belongings.
  • How can I plan my trip to Oaxaca?

    You can start in the Historic Center, visit Monte Albán, explore the traditional markets and complement your trip with excursions to Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule and nearby artisan communities.

  • What family activities are there in Oaxaca?

    Oaxaca offers museums, archaeological sites, artisan workshops, gastronomic tours, gardens, markets, and cultural activities for visitors of all ages.