Choose from 31 Fun Things to Do in Oaxaca
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Casa Crespo
Travelers seeking a true Oaxacan culinary experience will find it at Casa Crespo, a popular restaurant and cooking school that serves up traditional regional cuisine that highlights age-old flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Visitors can settle in for an el fresco cocktail on Casa Crespo’s rooftop, where scenic views of the Church of Santo Domingo and the Oaxaca countryside offer a perfect backdrop.
It’s best to arrive ready to relax with the expectation that this traditional dinner will be served at a leisurely pace that’s perfect for enjoying company and cocktails. Caldo de piedra, a seafood stew that’s cooked over hot stones tableside, offers up a bit of dinner drama that’s worth every savory bite.
Practical Info
Casa Crespo is located at Allende 107 in Centro Historico. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Address: Allende 107, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.
From $ 116
Huatulco National Park
In 1998 this national park, which spans tens of thousands of acres of Oaxaca countryside, was declared a protected area and later designated as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. As a result, Huatulco National Park has become a destination for travelers looking to get back to nature and spot rare species of animals and birds that exist nowhere else in the world.
Exhaustive conservation efforts have preserved the ecosystems of the tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs and wetlands that make up this park. Visitors agree the park’s untouched beauty makes it worth a trip and easy access from nearby Cruz Huatulco means it a breeze to get to. Despite easy access this crystal blue bay manages to remain untouched. So whether it’s charting a boat to snorkel, dive, or fish in the pristine surrounding waters, or lounging on one of the deserted beaches, Huatulco National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the country as it used to be.
Practical Info
Huatulco National Park is located in the municipality of Santa Maria Huatulco, just west of Cruz Huatulco. It is most easily accessible by boat.
Address: Parque Nacional Huatulco, Santa Maria Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 34
Maguey Bay
Maguey Bay is an easily accessible bay with a popular beach of the same name. A handful of busy seafood shacks line the beach, and visitors can sip cold beers on patio chairs, or splash around in the bay’s calm, clear waters. You’ll find lots of amenities here, too, as Maguey tends to be one of Huatulco’s busier bays.
The Basics
Maguey Bay is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Rent some gear and head into the ocean, where a wide variety of colorful tropical fish exist just off the shores, or head to the rockier edge of the bay for some wave jumping. Visit the bay independently or as part of a Huatulco sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit several different bays with a stop at Maguey for snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maguey Bay is easy to reach, and offers restaurants, water sports facilities, public restrooms, and showers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
How to Get There
Maguey Bay sits just south of Santa Cruz Bay and is accessible by rough road or hired boats. There’s a taxi stand at the entrance to the bay, so you’ll rarely have to wait for a ride back into town. The road to Maguey can be difficult to navigate during rainy season.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, Maguey Bay can be visited year-round. The beach begins to fill up with visitors around midday when the boat tours start to arrive. Mornings are less crowded and offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Organo Bay
Just a stone’s throw away, Organo Bay is a quiet bay that’s perfect for travelers who just want to get away from it all. It receives fewer visitors than Maguey Bay, mainly because of its inaccessibility—to visit by vehicle, it’s a 20-minute walk from the main road. There are no amenities here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day.
Address: Maguey Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
National Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
In September 1991, in response to the dwindling numbers and near extinction of many turtle species, the Mexican government banned the trade of sea turtles and created the National Mexican Turtle Center, or Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga.
The 10-acre center, located in the town of Mazunte near Zipolite, is home to various varieties of sea turtles, fresh water turtles and even some land turtles. Some of the species of sea turtle you can find at the center include green turtles, hawksbill, leatherbacks and olive ridley turtles.
The center is located nearby to what used to be the Mazunte region’s turtle slaughterhouse, making reuse of the area in a constructive manner. The main exhibition contains 13 aquariums showcasing sea turtles through various stages of their development, and other aquariums feature the six freshwater species and two land-based species.
There is also a botanical garden on site featuring local cacti. The garden is dedicated to Dra. Helia Bravo Hollis, in honor of her 62 years of researching the cacti. The center also has a multi-purpose room and a cafeteria and gift shop.
Practical Info
The National Mexican Turtle Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission costs 280 pesos, and you must be accompanied by a guide when you visit the center. Guides are available in English, German, Italian, Spanish and Zapoteco.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Admission: 280 pesos
From $ 44
Copalita Ruins
Still relatively unknown to tourists, the Copalita Ruins sit on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Huatulco resort area. Remnants of pyramids, temples, a ball court, and a pre-Hispanic lighthouse dot the lush landscape of the archaeological park, which also includes a massive stone believed to have once been used in sacrifices.
The Basics
Travelers to the Oaxaca coast shouldn’t miss a visit to the Copalito Ruins, an archaeological park near the Copalita River with wooded trails, a museum, and ruins that date back more than 2,000 years. Home to some 60 different species of animals and a wide variety of indigenous birds, this spot is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Visit the park independently or on a hassle-free day trip from Puerto Escondido with round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the Copalita Ruins independently or on a day trip from Puerto Escondido.
- The archaeological park is open daily, and offers a site museum, restrooms, and parking.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces
- Bring bug repellent, sunblock, a hat or sunglasses, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The Copalita Ruins are located on Boulevard Tangolunda-Copalita, just minutes from La Crucecita. Most visitors arrive by taxi or as part of a guided tour. For those looking to save money, collectivo taxis are available to shuttle passengers to and from the park.
When to Get There
The archaeological park is open daily from 8am to 5pm, and there really isn’t a bad time to visit. It receives just a fraction of the visitors of some of the larger archaeological sites in Oaxaca, so you can visit just about any time without having to worry about crowds.
La Crucecita
Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, La Crucecita has the feel of a small Mexican town. It’s located just minutes from the Copalita Ruins and serves as a jumping off point for exploring Huatulco’s nine different bays. Here, visitors can sample Oaxacan cuisine and shop for artisan crafts at the traditional La Probadita market.
Address: Boulevard Tangolunda-Copalita, tramo 15, Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca 70989, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Llano Grande Waterfall
Nestled in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, the Llano Grande Waterfall is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and rappelling. Its shallow pools and multiple cascading waterfalls give ample opportunity for all kinds of water activities: Climb a tree, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope into the pristine waters below.
The Basics
The waterfall is part of the Copalitilla, a tributary of the Copalita River. It’s an easy 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) hike along a scenic river trail to the waterfall, so be prepared for the walk. Llano Grande is difficult to find on your own and most visitors arrive as part of a day trip or ATV tour from Huatulco that includes round-trip transport. Tours typically also include visits to the Finca La Gloria coffee plantation and a butterfly sanctuary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Llano Grande Waterfall is a must-see for adventurous nature lovers.
- Choose a tour that includes round-trip transport from Huatulco, as the waterfall is difficult to find on your own.
- Wear waterproof shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Bring a dry change of clothes and other necessities like a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
How to Get There
The Llano Grande Waterfall is located in the municipality of San Miguel del Puerto, about a 90-minute drive from Huatulco. It’s a drive over rough, unpaved roads with little to no signage, so having an experienced guide to get you there can be helpful.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, the Llano Grande Waterfall can be visited year-round. This area receives fewer tourists than other Mexican resort destinations, and it’s rarely crowded. Wet weather is likely from June to October, which can make getting to the waterfall more difficult.
Finca La Gloria
While at Llano Grande, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit the nearby La Gloria coffee plantation. Tour the family-owned farm, learn about the coffee-production process, and sample a freshly brewed cup of aromatic mountain-grown coffee. The waterfall and coffee farm are included on most guided tours of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
From $ 61
Benito Juarez Market
Benito Juarez Market takes up two blocks in central Oaxaca, Mexico, and is located a short walk from Zocalo, Oaxaca’s main plaza. The market offers a variety of food and handicrafts.
You’ll encounter many different types of food when walking through Benito Juarez Market. Dine on the Oaxaca delicacy, Chapulines while you’re at the market…a fancy way of saying you’ll be eating grasshoppers. There is also fresh seafood and hanging cuts of meat you can purchase to prepare back at your accommodations if you have a kitchen or grill. Get some fresh tortillas from the market as well and turn your dinner into tacos.
In addition to heaping baskets of grasshoppers and produce, you can also find artisan products ranging from weaved purses to clothing to ceramics. You may find similar products at each stall, so don’t be afraid to browse first and then barter.
Practical Info
Benito Juarez Market is located in the city center of Oaxaca at the cross streets of Flores Magon and Las Casas, less than two blocks south of Zocalo, with a brick arched entrance off of Las Casas. The market is covered and has lots of different lanes making it a fun place to lose track of time in and just browse and converse with the vendors and other locals.
Address: Flores Magon and Las Casas, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 22
Arbol de Tule
A tree so fat it seems to strain against the confines of the surrounding square, the Árbol del Tule is at least 2000 years old, which makes it one of the world’s oldest living entities. El Tule is a Montezuma bald cypress (Taxodium mucrunatum), a tree the Aztecs cultivated as an ornamental and a source of medicine. Hoary yet flourishing, the giant has a mesmerizing quality: The bark is so thick and gnarled that various growths have nicknames, including “the pineapple,” “the elephant,” and “Carlos Salinas’s ears” (a reference to former president Carlos Salinas de Gortari).
El Tule is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, 13 km east of the capital. The square surrounding the tree features souvenir shops, snack stands, and the usual army of roving vendors.
El Tule is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, 13 km east of the capital. The square surrounding the tree features souvenir shops, snack stands, and the usual army of roving vendors.
Practical Info:
To get there, drive east on Highway 190, or catch a bus at the second class bus station (Central Camionera de Segunda Clase in Colonia Mercado de Abastos). Buses to El Tule depart every 30 minutes.
Address: Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: 30 pesos for a close-up view; you can see the tree from afar for free.
From $ 35
Abastos Market
Abastos Market is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, and is one of the largest markets in the country and by far the largest --and oldest -- in the city of Oaxaca. Its official name is Central de Abastos, meaning the central place of supplies and that name holds true as you can find just about everything at this massive outdoor marketplace in Oaxaca.
A popular souvenir to get while at Abastos is the green and black pottery Oaxaca is known for. You can also find luxury brand knock-offs, homeware, rugs, jewelry, auto parts, produce and food...so much food. The list goes on and on. Basically, if it's grown or produced in Mexico, chances are you'll be able to find it at Abastos Market.
At the stalls you'll encounter hanging pieces of meat, strings of garlic, local candy, bugs, exotic fruit, spices and much more. One top food product to find at the market is chili ranging from whole to paste and mild to spicy. If you want some authentic mole, which the region is famous for, you're in luck – on any given day you should be able to find every variety of mole being sold at Abastos Market.
Practical Info
Abastos Market is open daily, with its busiest day on Saturday. Abastos Market is located 1 km west of Zocalo, the main plaza of Oaxaca and is a fairly easy walk from there or a cheap taxi ride. Bartering is expected and fine to do at Abastos Market.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 84
Finca La Gloria
Get a first-hand look at the process of turning fresh coffee berries into a cup of aromatic brew at Finca La Gloria. This family-owned coffee plantation in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca is known for its fertile green farms and butterfly sanctuary. Here you can tour the working coffee farm and sample high-quality organic blends straight from the roaster.
The Basics
La Gloria was opened by German expats who escaped to Mexico after World War II; today, its owners still employ traditional coffee-making techniques. During harvest season, visitors can observe the complete coffee-production process from crop to cup. The easiest way to visit the coffee farm is on a day trip from Huatulco, and travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car in Mexico can opt for a tour that includes round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Finca La Gloria is a must-see for nature lovers and coffee aficionados.
- Opt for a day trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and bring a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
How to Get There
The coffee farm is located in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, about a 90-minute drive over rough, unpaved roads from Huatulco. It can be difficult to find on your own, and most visitors arrive as part of a tour that includes round-trip transport. If you’re driving, take Highway 200.
When to Get There
Finca La Gloria can be visited year-round, and it’s rarely crowded. Plan to arrive early so you have enough time to hike to the nearby Llano Grande Waterfall. Wet weather during rainy season (June to October) can make the drive to the farm more difficult.
Llano Grande Waterfall
After a visit to La Gloria, follow a scenic river trail to the Llano Grande Waterfall. Splash around at the base of the cascading waterfalls, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope suspended over a 20-foot (6-meter) platform into the shallow pools below. Tours from Huatulco typically include round-trip transport and visit the coffee farm, butterfly sanctuary, and waterfall.
Address: Carretera Federal 200, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Oaxaca Culture Museum
This beautifully restored monastery is connected to the Templo de Santo Domingo and houses one of the nation’s most impressive museums. Well-curated exhibits transport travelers through the history of Oaxaca, from ancient times to modern day. Visitors will learn not only about New World influences, but about pre-Hispanic traditions through halls lined with handmade crafts, herbal medicines and local costumes.
Perhaps the most impressive item in the Oaxaca Culture Museum is the Mixtec hoard from Tomb 7, which dates back to the 14th century. A rare collection of silver, jade and gold, which was discovered by Alfonso Caso in the early 1930s, showcases the ancient tradition of burying royalty among riches.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Alcala, southwest of El Llano Park. It is open from 10 a.m. until 6:15 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. All placards are in Spanish only, but travelers can rent an English audio guide for M$50.
Address: Calle Macedonio Alcalá S/N Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Open Tuesday trough Saturday 10 am - 6:15 pm
Admission: M$51
From $ 6
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
If you love meat then exploring Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a must. This market is centrally located in downtown Oaxaca and puts a strong focus on meat plus has a variety of other products for sale.
Of the meat offerings at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, its claim to fame is the section of the market dedicated to Carnes Asadas, which means grilled meat. You can buy cuts of meat raw to grill it up yourself if you're staying somewhere that has such capabilities, or you can take the easy route and purchase the sizzling slices of meat grilled right in front of you at the market and enjoy it at one of the stall-side tables. To really make your Carnes Asadas experience fun, pick up some chiles or veggies at one of the produce stalls by the lane of Carnes Asadas stands and ask your meat vendor to grill them up with your Carnes Asadas.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is also home to a variety of stalls filled with buckets and containers holding spices, fruits, mole (a Mexican sauce that Oaxaca is known for) and much more. You can also find local arts and crafts, though the focus at Mercado 20 de Noviembre is largely on the food.
Practical Info
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is located at Calle del 20 de Noviembre (hence its name) in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.
Address: Calle del 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca 68000, Mexico
From $ 46
Constitution Garden
Designed by Juan Pelaez de Berrio, this popular town center has been attracting locals and travelers since it first opened back in 1529. The lively town square, known as Constitution Garden, has become a gathering space for those looking to find respite from the hustle of Oaxaca’s streets. Cobblestone sidewalks and a pristine marble fountain lend a touch of old world charm to this urban green space, and easy access to several museums, galleries and shops make it the perfect place to circle up before exploring city streets.
Travelers in search a slice of local life will find it at Constitution Gardens, where street vendors gather to sell fresh local fare, and a central bandstand framed with laurel trees proves the ideal stage for live music, including the state’s own marimba band.
Practical Info
Several traditional festivals take place here throughout the year, including Mexican Independence day on September 15; Christmas Eve and December 23, known as the Night of the Radish. It is located between Hidalgo, Trujano, Flores Magon and Bustamante Streets.
Address: Reforma s/n esq. Constitución, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 46
Monte Albán
A Zapotec ceremonial center, Monte Albán crouches on a leveled mountain top. For a thousand years, the rulers of the city extracted wealth from the plains below. Today, the ruins offer panoramic views of the modern city of Oaxaca sprawling across the giant Oaxaca valley.
Monte Albán is the oldest city in the Americas. In addition to being unusually ancient (dating back to 500 BC), the site is unusually extensive. In its heyday, the city covered 25 square miles. Expanses of Monte Albán aren’t yet excavated, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore all the restored tombs and temples in one afternoon; the ruins encompass enormous plazas, a ball court, a mysterious monument known as the observatory, a network of underground tunnels, and a profusion of dank tombs, which were once decorated with bright frescoes and filled with treasures of gold and jade.
Monte Albán is the oldest city in the Americas. In addition to being unusually ancient (dating back to 500 BC), the site is unusually extensive. In its heyday, the city covered 25 square miles. Expanses of Monte Albán aren’t yet excavated, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore all the restored tombs and temples in one afternoon; the ruins encompass enormous plazas, a ball court, a mysterious monument known as the observatory, a network of underground tunnels, and a profusion of dank tombs, which were once decorated with bright frescoes and filled with treasures of gold and jade.
Practical Info:
Admission: 57 pesos. Expect an additional charge to bring a video camera. Admission price includes entrance to the onsite museum.
Monte Albán is located 9km (5 miles) southwest of the city of Oaxaca. Buses to the ruins leave Oaxaca from Hotel Rivera de Angel (Mina 518), six blocks southwest of the zócalo. Rides leave on the hour from 8:30am-3:30pm and cost about 40 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.
Aside from a few spindly jacaranda trees, Monte Albán has minimal shade. The expanses between temples can feel vast and scorching. For this expedition, you’ll want sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Monte Albán is located 9km (5 miles) southwest of the city of Oaxaca. Buses to the ruins leave Oaxaca from Hotel Rivera de Angel (Mina 518), six blocks southwest of the zócalo. Rides leave on the hour from 8:30am-3:30pm and cost about 40 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.
Aside from a few spindly jacaranda trees, Monte Albán has minimal shade. The expanses between temples can feel vast and scorching. For this expedition, you’ll want sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: 57 pesos
From $ 6
Hierve el Agua
If you head east on winding highway 179 past Mitla, you’ll notice how suddenly Oaxacan landscapes can change - in this case, from arid valley to steep mountains wooded with oak. The thermal springs of Hierve el Agua are located on one such mountain, and a swim in the soothing water affords spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including the “petrified waterfalls” - sparkling stalactite cliffs created from mineral content in the springs - the area is famous for. If you hike southeast from the camping/parking area, you’ll find trails that lead past an ancient Zapotec irrigation system and down to the bubbling source of the spring. Standing at the edge of this buttress of stalactites affords a dramatic view of the pools and valleys below.
Hierve el Agua is not a hot spring---the water hovers at swimming pool temperature, perfect for a long soak in the heat of the afternoon. Local lore ascribes the pools with healing powers and the site attracts all walks of life, from local families to hippie backpackers.
Hierve el Agua is not a hot spring---the water hovers at swimming pool temperature, perfect for a long soak in the heat of the afternoon. Local lore ascribes the pools with healing powers and the site attracts all walks of life, from local families to hippie backpackers.
Practical Info:
Hierve el Agua is located about 70 km east of Oaxaca City. If you don’t have wheels, consider commissioning a taxi for the day, or catch a colectivo (group taxi, often a truck) from the outskirts of Oaxaca, across the street from the baseball stadium, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos (Niños Heroes de Chapultepec and Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos). Take the colectivo toward the ruins of Mitla. Once there, you can catch another colectivo to Hierve el Agua. If you drive, you’ll come to a gate just before the spring where you’ll pay a nominal “road upkeep fee” to the local government. This is in addition to the actual cost of admission. Rudimentary camp areas and cabins are available, and small restaurants and food carts serve reasonably priced meals and snacks.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
Admission: 20 pesos; Camping: extra 30 pesos per person
From $ 33
La Crucecita
La Crucecita sits just inland from Santa Cruz Bay on the coast of Oaxaca. Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, today La Crucecita has an authentic atmosphere draws that visitors from the beaches to its lively streets. Highlights include a traditional market, a historic church, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The Basics
La Crucecita’s La Probadita market is an ideal spot to shop for artisan crafts and taste Oaxacan specialties, such as chocolate, mezcal, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). Visitors can also step inside the white stucco Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe to see a 65-foot (20-meter) mural of the religious icon painted on its dome. In the evenings, crowds gather in the zocalo (main square) to listen to live music and peruse the stands of numerous street vendors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Crucecita is ideal for those who want to have a meal or do some shopping.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing tour with round-trip transport included.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach La Crucecita, located about half a mile (one kilometer) inland from Santa Cruz Bay. Most visitors arrive in Huatulco by air or cruise ship. Driving from Oaxaca City takes about 5 or 6 hours. Taxis are plentiful throughout the resort area.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, La Crucecita is lovely year-round. This destination receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, even during high season (December to April). Wet weather is likely from June to October.
Huatulco Bays
Huatulco is a Mexican resort destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. It spans 22 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline in the state of Oaxaca. Its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity make it popular with nature and wildlife lovers. Huatulco offers a variety of beach experiences, and a boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the bays.
Address: La Crucecita, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 35
Mitla
A relatively small Mixtec/Zapotec ruin, Mitla is notable for the detailed and well-preserved geometric stonework that decorates the buildings. The setting is pretty, with a cactus garden and shaded benches. From the ruins you can see the domed Church of San Pablo, built in the 16th century when the Spanish pillaged stones from Mitla. At the gates to the ruins, a small artesanía (folk art) market is home to aggressively competitive vendors, a situation that can yield great deals. Outside the gates, a clean and efficient comedor (diner) serves authentic Oaxacan specialties.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
Practical Info:
Mitla is located just off Highway 190, 45 km southeast of the Oaxacan capitol. Colectivos (group taxis) to Mitla can be found across the street from the Oaxaca baseball stadium, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos (Niños Heroes de Chapultepec and Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos).
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
Admission: 50 pesos
From $ 35
Cacaluta Bay
Cacaluta Bay is the largest and least accessible of the Huatulco bays. This heart-shaped Oaxacan inlet, which served as a stunning backdrop to the blockbuster Mexican film Y Tu Mamá También, has good snorkeling just a short swim from shore. Its serene setting offers a nice alternative to the noise and excitement of Santa Cruz Bay.
The Basics
Two distinctly different beaches make up this scenic bay in Huatulco. Cacaluta Beach is the larger of the two, with soft white sand and blue-green water that stretches around a secluded cove. The bay’s smaller, pebbly Arroyo Beach is just as pretty, but with gentler waves. Visit Cacaluta Bay independently or on a Huatulco Bays sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit five or seven of the nine bays and include stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Huatulco’s Cacaluta Bay is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are no amenities here.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Cacaluta Bay is by boat. You can also hike for about 20 minutes along a well-marked trail that leads from the main road to the beach. Taxis can drop you at the entrance to Cacaluta, but you’ll need to walk to the taxi stand at Maguey Beach, about half a mile (1 kilometer) away, to get a ride back into town.
When to Get There
Cacaluta Bay is lovely year-round; mornings offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling. The rough, unpaved road that connects Cacaluta Bay with Huatulco’s other bays can be difficult to navigate during rainy season (May to October).
Cacaluta Bay Wildlife
Cacaluta Bay is home to an impressive array of wildlife and lots of indigenous birds, including several different kinds of sea birds. Many of the birds and other small animals make their home in the jungle surrounding the bay. In addition to bird-watching, the bay’s clear waters and ease of snorkeling from shore make it one of the best spots to see tropical fish and rays.
Address: Cacaluta Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
Copalita River
Copalita River, or Río Copalita, is a river in Huatulco that is popular with surfers and river rafters. During Huatulco’s rainy season from May to October, the Copalita River swells, becoming an ideal spot for river rafting excursions. Río Copalita empties into the ocean several miles northeast of Tangolunda. On the beach, you are likely to find local surfers and boogie boarders hanging out. The surfing is so popular here that there is an annual Huatulco surfing and boogie board championship that dates back to 2003. Rafting along the Copalita River takes rafters through a series of adrenaline-pumping rapids – everything from Class I to Class IV rapids. Class I rapids are considered easy with fast moving water, but few obstructions and small waves. Class IV rapids are advanced, with intense turbulent water and a risk of unavoidable obstacles and waves. Tours that include river rafting typically require rafters to travel between 5 to 7 miles (8 to 11 km) on the Copalita River.
Guides will start with a required safety briefing and then a provide examples on how to properly use the paddle. Each raft will have a guide who will provide navigational instructions as you hit each class of rapids.
The scenery you will experience on a Copalita River rafting trip is unsurpassed. During the slower Class I rapids, you can observe natural habitats of animals and birds, which live amongst the riverbank’s pristine landscape. Stunning rock formations and waterfalls round out the epic adventure in Huatulco.
Practical Info
River rafting experience is not necessarily required as instruction is provided, but participants should be in good shape and prepared for a high-level of activity. Bring a dry change of clothes and other necessities like bug spray and biodegradable sunblock. If you plan on river rafting, wear footwear that will stay on your feet.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 58
Cuilapam Convent
Tucked away into the hillside of Culipam, this former Dominican convent offers travelers a bit of Mixtec, Spanish and Zapotec history, as well as some spectacular views. Once home to praying monks, today this tranquil destination draws travelers in search of a quiet respite from the hustle of city life. It showcases black and white mural paintings, as well as artifacts from the Anthropology and History National Institute, which is housed on the convent’s second floor. The nearby open-air chapel, which was built without a ceiling due to ancient fears of closed spaces, is another convent site worth checking out.
Practical Info
The convent is dedicated to Santiago Apostle and a celebration takes place every year on July 25.
Address: Cuilapam de Guerrero, Mexico
From $ 51