Oaxaca de Juarez (and surroundings)
Oaxaca de Juarez is the capital city of the state of Oaxaca and is located in the southern part of Mexico.
[👉🏼 If you are looking for a seaside destination in Oaxaca check out my blog on Puerto Escondido]
Oaxaca is a lovely and lively city full of cultural heritage. You will find many places selling Mole, Mescal and Chocolate. The architecture is also pretty beautiful, mostly restored colonial buildings which are nowadays mainly used as tourist infrastructures.
Is Oaxaca safe? Yes, and yes again. You cannot avoid danger if it jumps in front of you, but I can honestly say that Oaxaca (city) is one of the safest place I’ve travelled to in Mexico
How to get to Oaxaca
As for anywhere else in Mexico, Oaxaca is very well served by buses if you wish to save money on the ride. A good bus company you can check is ADO 🚍, they serve major metropolitan areas. There is also an airport (Xoxocotlan airport ✈️) with flights coming and leaving to/from all around Mexico.
Different areas of Oaxaca and what to do in them:
Centro Historico
If you came for the cultural heritage of Oaxaca then the Centro Historico is probably the best place for you to stay in, close to many attractions such as the Temple of Santo Domingo (Probably Oaxaca’s most beautiful church), El Zocalo (Oaxaca’s main square - very lively and full of street-food, souvenir & antique shops, the Cathedral, … ), the Museo de las Culturas (Culture museum), Benito Juarez market (offering everything from traditional clothing to handmade crafts, typical spices and ingredients,..), El jardin etnobotanico, Food markets!
Top 5 places to eat 🍴 in the Centro Historico of Oaxaca:
Dassani: You’ll probably going to kill me for putting AN ITALIAN restaurant as head of list but this place is so, so special. I don’t know if it’s because I really needed some good mediterranean food after 7 months of travelling around South America, or simply pleasantly surprised by the place, their modesty despite dishes of a quality, in my opinion, quite exceptional.
Street food: I place street food as the second winner, because it has to be. Of course you need to call on your intuition, some are better than others. There were two places (one tortas place and one tacos place) right next to the templo de San Agustin, really nice.
La Flor de Oaxaca: A cheap and local place that offers a set menu on the lunch time. It is flavorsome and you feel a bit less like a tourist when eating there, blending into the culture.
La Cosecha organic food market: A cute little organic market selling food that you can consume on the spot.
Casa Taviche: (I have not been there), but I would have loved to. The food looks really good. Website here
N.B.: There are A LOT of places, I think you should also wonder around in the streets and let your intuition guide you
Top coffee ☕️ hot chocolate 🫗and pastries 🧁 in the Centro Historico of Oaxaca:
Oaxaca en una taza: I recommend this place for its hot chocolate. It is OUTSTANDING. Probably the rest is really good too. It is located right next to the Jardin Botanicó, so it’s a nice pre and or post stop.
Pan con madre: This place is cozy, serves really good coffee and pastries. It is not smack into the city center, but located more in the North West where streets are calmer and a nice walk is appreciated.
Campesino panaderia artesanal: (I did not go there) but I’m pretty picky with that kind of product and I feel like that place had a lot to offer.
Jalatlaco
This neigborhood is for those who favor a more local and peaceful vibe. It is 10 minutes walking distance from the city center. The neighborhood is made out of cobblestone streets, welcoming coffee shops, and an abundance of color everywhere you look. For me this is the nicest neighborhood you could find.
Top coffee ☕️ hot chocolate 🫗and pastries 🧁 in Jalatlaco:
Pan de Olla panaderia evolutiva: Simple welcoming bakery offering good products. Here time seems to stand still.
Café Blasón: A nice corner coffee shop selling hot drink and pastries. It is located smack into the center of Jalatlaco but still manages to keep a calm atmosphere.
In Jalatlaco you really need to take your time. It feels like what you could imagine of how it was back in the days, with a little refreshment. The neighborhood is small, but I would give it an hour to really take in what it has to give.
La reforma
La reforma is further away. You need to cross the big road that surrounds the city center. It is definitely a more residential area. You will find malls, bigger supermarkets, residential houses, and a lot more Oaxacans living their everyday life. I really liked it there because you feel like you are part of the place.
Top 3 places to eat 🍴 in la Reforma:
Cantina el otro mundo: What a surprise!! A lovely place that is not super visible from the outside. You’ll need to push two saloon doors to discover the lively bar and indoor area it has to offer. The staff is charming and they have a nice open area at the back. Each time you order a drink you get a quality tapas. I really recommend.
Costa bonita: It’s a bit of a hike but once you’ll be happy once you arrive there. This place resembles a family gathering. The food is good and not too expensive, the people are nice, what do you need else?
La cevicheria Oaxaca: (I have not been), but again, it seems to be a quality place if you like seafood.
where to stay in Oaxaca de Juarez
Airbnb: Turquoise room (20€/night - Centro) / Chambre chez Damien (16€/night - Reforma)
Other airbnb that look pretty nice are: Loft (59€/night) / Bedroom (41€/night)
Hostels: Azul Cielo hostel (1 bunk bed between 16 & 20 €/night) / Viajero Oaxaca Hostel (1 bunk bed between 16 & 22€/night). Check the entire list on HostelWorld
what to do around oaxaca
Hierve el Agua: Hierve el Agua is a perfect example of the beauty and wonder of natural geological processes. It is a natural site located about 70 km away from Oaxaca city and offers stunning panoramic views, hikes, and rock formations as well as natural pools.
[Everything you need to know before going and how to arrive there 👉🏼 DIY: Hierve el agua]
Otherwise you can book at tour, you will find many vendors in the city.
El arból de Tule: El Árbol del Tule or commonly known as “tree of life”, located in the small town of Santa María del Tule is known as one of the oldest, largest and widest trees in the world. El Árbol del Tule holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the local Zapotec people. It is considered a sacred tree. I have to say that it was quite impressive, it is definitely the largest tree i’ve seen in my life.
The town itself is charming, with a welcoming atmosphere and various amenities, including restaurants and shops offering local crafts and products.
How to get there: Santa María del Tule is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Oaxaca City, making it easily accessible. I’d recommend you’d go in a shared taxi.
Visit a Palenque on a Mezcal tour: I have not done that but it is apparently something to do, especially if you are interested in how Mezcal is made and if you like Mezcal tasting. There are many offices all around Oaxaca city from which you can buy a tour. I highly recommend you’d keep a little time to wander around and check those out.
