Is Oaxaca, Mexico, Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons You Should Go

If you’ve heard the buzz around Oaxaca, Mexico, then you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, let me tell you – this vibrant city is a true gem that shouldn’t be missed. From its affluent indigenous roots to its mouthwatering cuisine, Oaxaca offers an experience that’ll captivate your senses and leave you craving more. So, if you’re ready to discover why this place is drawing in travelers from around the world, keep reading to explore the top reasons why Oaxaca is worth a visit.

Key Points

• Oaxaca’s rich indigenous history and vibrant cultural traditions, including ancient Zapotec ruins and renowned textile arts, offer a unique travel experience.
• Oaxaca’s distinctive culinary scene, featuring iconic moles, tlayudas, and chapulines, makes it a premier gastronomic destination in Mexico.
• The state’s thriving tourism industry, with growing infrastructure and economic impact, provides visitors with a wide range of accommodation and activities.
• Oaxaca’s natural wonders, such as the Tule Tree and Hierve El Agua, offer diverse ecosystems and adventure opportunities for travelers.
• While recent security challenges have been noted, Oaxaca is ranked as the fifth-lowest state in Mexico for crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating a focus on enhancing visitor safety.

Immerse Yourself in Rich Indigenous History

If you’re looking to learn about Oaxaca’s plentiful indigenous history, you’ll find a truly enchanting experience.

The Zapotec and Mixtec are the region’s two largest indigenous groups, with deep roots dating back to pre-Columbian times. Oaxaca is home to sixteen distinct ethnic groups, and today, over 69% of Oaxaca’s population claims indigenous ancestry, and their cultural contributions are essential to the state’s identity.

Explore ancient Mesoamerican practices, from traditional agriculture to vibrant festivals. Witness the preservation of indigenous languages, sample traditional cuisine, and admire the region’s renowned textile arts.

Immerse in Oaxaca’s indigenous practices, from traditional agriculture to vibrant festivals. Witness language preservation, sample cuisine, and admire renowned textile arts.

Many travelers consider Oaxaca worth visiting specifically for its authentic cultural experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in Mexico.

Oaxaca’s affluent indigenous heritage is a reflection of the resilience and enduring spirit of its first inhabitants.

Explore Ancient Zapotec Ruins

Why not explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán? Situated atop a mountainous range near Oaxaca, this archaeological gem offers a strategic and panoramic setting.

You can discover:

1. Impressive architectural features like great plazas, pyramids, temples, and an ancient ball court.
2. A lavish blend of Zapotec and Mixtec cultural elements, evident in the site’s later phases.
3. Numerous underground passageways and over 170 elaborate tombs, making it a significant archaeological find.

With the ruins just 9 km from Oaxaca city, it’s an easily accessible destination that showcases Mesoamerica’s enthralling history and cultural exchanges. Much like Oaxaca, Morelia’s rich history makes it another compelling Mexican destination for those who appreciate cultural heritage sites.

Admire Vibrant Traditional Textiles and Clothing

Oaxaca’s vibrant traditional textiles and clothing offer an enchanting glimpse into the region’s prosperous cultural heritage. Crafted with natural materials passed down through generations, these textiles reflect the distinct identities and social statuses of indigenous communities. Textiles serve as a means of communication for identity and pride. Symbolic patterns convey deep meanings, while ancient weaving techniques like backstrap looms showcase the remarkable artistry. Across Oaxaca, visitors can enjoy this living tradition, exploring bustling textile markets, attending weaving workshops, and discovering how these timeless crafts continue to shape local economies and community bonds. From the Zapotec, Nahua, and Mixtec influences to the vibrant natural dyes, Oaxaca’s textiles captivate the senses and preserve a thriving cultural legacy.

Indulge in Oaxacan Gastronomic Delights

Tantalizing aromas of sizzling meats, fragrant spices, and freshly baked pastries beckon you to savor Oaxaca’s gastronomic delights. From the region’s renowned moles and tlayudas to the unique flavors of local ingredients like Oaxaca cheese and black beans, the culinary scene is a true feast for the senses.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors by:

1. Sampling the seven distinct moles, each with its own enchanting personality.
2. Indulging in the large, crispy tlayudas topped with an array of savory toppings.
3. Discovering the delightful crunch of chapulines, the beloved toasted grasshoppers.
4. Exploring the centuries-old culinary traditions of Oaxacan cuisine that have been passed down through generations.

Oaxaca’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of indigenous traditions and Spanish influences, showcasing the region’s affluent cultural heritage through every bite.

Experience Vibrant Cultural Festivals and Celebrations

Beyond the tempting aromas and flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, the region comes alive with a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals and celebrations.

From the grand La Guelaguetza, showcasing folkloric dances and traditional attire, to the lively Los Lunes del Cerro performances, these events celebrate Oaxaca’s diverse heritage. Over a dozen communities participate, sharing their unique music, dance, and pride. The Guelaguetza celebrations feature the Legend of Donaji, depicting her life and tragic death with fireworks and special effects.

Festivals preserve cultural traditions, strengthen community bonds, and attract travelers, boosting the local economy. Expect colorful parades, traditional clothing, and joyful festivities that immerse you in Oaxaca’s cultural abundance year-round.

Festivals preserve traditions, strengthen community, and attract travelers, boosting the local economy. Enjoy Oaxaca’s cultural abundance.

Whether observing or joining in, these celebrations offer an unforgettable window into the heart of Oaxacan identity.

Discover Breathtaking Pacific Coastline and Mountainous Landscapes

Though Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural festivities and culinary delights captivate many visitors, the state’s breathtaking Pacific coastline and mountainous landscapes are equally worth exploring.

You’ll find:

1. Diverse beaches, including long golden stretches, that attract wildlife enthusiasts to the major sea-turtle nesting grounds.
2. Renowned surfing spots, like Puerto Escondido, offering some of North America’s best waves, plus diving, snorkeling, and sportfishing.
3. Extensive mountain ranges, including peaks over 3,000 meters, that harbor varied ecosystems and geological wonders, from pine-oak forests to volcanic features.

While Mazatlan is famous for its consistent surf breaks throughout the year, Oaxaca offers a different but equally impressive surfing experience along its Pacific coast.

Whether you crave coastal relaxation or rugged adventure, Oaxaca’s natural splendor provides an unforgettable experience.

Witness the Majestic Tule Tree and Hierve El Agua

Enjoy Oaxaca’s extraordinary natural wonders, beginning with the majestic Tule Tree and the mesmerizing Hierve El Agua.

The Tule Tree’s record-breaking dimensions – over 130 feet tall with a 145-foot circumference trunk – are truly awe-inspiring. Its unique bark formations, resembling elephants, jaguars, and lions, draw in pareidolia enthusiasts. This sacred Montezuma cypress, estimated to be 1,500-3,000 years old, holds the Guinness record as the world’s widest tree.

The Tule Tree’s record-breaking dimensions, with its unique bark formations, make it a marvel of Oaxaca’s natural wonders.

At Hierve El Agua, marvel at the petrified waterfall illusion created by mineral-rich springs. Explore the natural infinity pools offering panoramic valley views, and hike the trails showcasing the “frozen waterfalls” and surrounding landscapes.

Oaxaca’s natural marvels aren’t to be missed.

Enjoy Surfing and Beach Activities

Why not explore Oaxaca’s dynamic surf culture and coastal adventures?

From the world-renowned waves of Puerto Escondido to the less crowded but equally thrilling point breaks in East Oaxaca, this region offers diverse surfing experiences.

Consider these highlights:

1. Catch the powerful, barreling beachbreaks that make Oaxaca a surfer’s paradise during the prime summer season.
2. Venture off the beaten path to discover uncrowded spots with a mix of wave types, from short to long, and reef to sand bottoms.
3. Complement your surf sessions with other coastal activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying the local culture and cuisine.

Mexico’s Pacific coast provides the perfect combination of sun and waves for both beginners and experienced surfers year-round.

Explore Oaxaca’s Growing Tourism and Investment Opportunities

Certainly, Oaxaca’s tourism and investment landscape is flourishing.

Tourism revenue exceeded 12.7 billion pesos in 2024, and summer 2023 saw 1.816 billion pesos generated across the coastal areas. Over 50,000 jobs are linked to tourism in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido alone. Oaxaca hosted Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards in November 2021, further cementing its status as a cultural destination.

Oaxaca’s tourism generated over 12.7 billion pesos in 2024, with coastal areas yielding 1.816 billion pesos and 50,000 jobs in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

New hotels and rising prices signal growing hospitality infrastructure in Oaxaca City. Huatulco is emerging as a real estate hotspot, while Puerto Escondido’s growth mirrors rising international visitor numbers. Many expat communities are thriving across these Mexican cities, attracted by the unique cultural experiences and investment potential.

Despite recent security challenges, the state ranks fifth-lowest in crimes per 100,000, and tourism remains resilient.

The opportunity-risk balance is clear – economic dependency on tourism necessitates stability, driving authorities to improve security infrastructure.

Final Words

You simply can’t miss Oaxaca! It’s an absolute must-visit destination that will blow your mind. From the jaw-dropping historical ruins to the mind-bending culinary delights, you’ll be left awestruck at every turn. And don’t even get me started on the breathtaking natural wonders – they’ll have you questioning if you’ve stepped into a dream. Trust me, Oaxaca is worth every second and then some. You’d be crazy not to go!