Choose from 31 Fun Things to Do in Oaxaca
ShowingFilter 21-31 of 31 listings.
Yagul
High on a cactus-studded plateau, the ruins of Yagul offer a view of Oaxaca’s Tlacolula valley. Yagul dates back to at least 500 AD, but most of the existing structures were built several hundred years later, after the decline of the nearby city of Monte Albán . When the Spanish arrived in Oaxaca, Yagul still had a population of 6000.
Due to the easy-to-defend location and fortifications, archeologists believe Yagul was a military center. Like the other major ruins in the area, the site was occupied at various times by both the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruins include the second largest ancient ball court in Mesoamérica, several typically creepy tombs, and a labyrinthine stone palace with six small stone courtyards.
Due to the easy-to-defend location and fortifications, archeologists believe Yagul was a military center. Like the other major ruins in the area, the site was occupied at various times by both the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruins include the second largest ancient ball court in Mesoamérica, several typically creepy tombs, and a labyrinthine stone palace with six small stone courtyards.
Practical Info:
Yagul is located 38 km southeast of the capital on Highway 190. Drive, take a taxi, or go to Oaxaca’s second class bus station (Central Camionera de Segunda Clase in Colonia Mercado de Abastos) and catch a bus to Mitla. Ask the driver to drop you off at Yagul. You’ll have to walk about a kilometer to the site.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Tues-Sun 8am-6pm
Admission: 37 pesos; Free on Sundays
From $ 80
Ventanilla
Ventanilla, or La Ventanilla, is an estuary of the Tonameca River, and is an important ecological area on the Oaxacan coast. A small village is also located here, surrounded by mangroves and the birds and animals that call them home. La Ventanilla gets its name “the window” from a large rock formation on the beach. The huge rock juts out on the coast, featuring a small “window” that looks out to the sea.
Back in the 1990s La Ventanilla was just a stretch of undeveloped beach with a coconut plantation. Three families lived in the area, despite no electricity until nearly 2000. Today, there are approximately 25 Zapotec families that have settled in the area. These inhabitants have established crocodile farms, where they monitor and raise them, setting them free once the reptiles are able to survive on their own. The villagers also work on reforesting the mangroves, with over 30,000 mangroves already replanted.
Visitors to Ventanilla typically journey on a canoe through the mangroves, looking for crocodiles in their natural habitat, along with birds and other reptiles that call Ventanilla home. In addition to exploring Ventanilla via canoe, horseback rides along the beach are also popular. Depending on the time of year, look for sea turtles and dolphins that frequent the area to feed on crustaceans and microorganisms. They are more abundant during a rainy season phenomenon known as “broken bars,” when the sea meets the lagoon.
Practical Info
Ventanilla is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bahías de Huatulco, two miles west of Mazunte. If you are interested in seeing the turtles, they are usually spawning between July and December.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Teotitlán del Valle
The state of Oaxaca is famous for the rugs and blankets of Teotitlán del Valle, a small town 24 km southeast of the capital. Weaving is chiefly a cottage industry in Teotitlán del Valle; you can buy rugs and blankets from street vendors, from hole-in-the-wall shops, or even from private homes.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the artists in action. Although the modern weavers of Teotitlán del Valle work on a style of treadle loom introduced to the area in the 1500s by Dominican friars, Zapotec weaving traditions date back to at least 500 BC. If you visit the Zapotec ruins of nearby Mitla and Monte Albán , you’ll spot consistencies between the geometric wall frescos and the rug patterns of Teotitlán del Valle. Traditional motifs include fleches (arrows), a zig-zag pattern called relampago (lightening) and a floral shape known as the sol Zapoteca (Zapotec sun). Traditionally, these designs are woven from handspun wool colored with natural dyes made from cactus fruits, walnut husks, pecan bark, indigo, and the larvae of cochineal, an insect that lives in the nopal cactus.
If you want to continue your weaving education, check out the interesting little community museum across from Teotitlán del Valle’s mercado de artesanias (craft market).
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the artists in action. Although the modern weavers of Teotitlán del Valle work on a style of treadle loom introduced to the area in the 1500s by Dominican friars, Zapotec weaving traditions date back to at least 500 BC. If you visit the Zapotec ruins of nearby Mitla and Monte Albán , you’ll spot consistencies between the geometric wall frescos and the rug patterns of Teotitlán del Valle. Traditional motifs include fleches (arrows), a zig-zag pattern called relampago (lightening) and a floral shape known as the sol Zapoteca (Zapotec sun). Traditionally, these designs are woven from handspun wool colored with natural dyes made from cactus fruits, walnut husks, pecan bark, indigo, and the larvae of cochineal, an insect that lives in the nopal cactus.
If you want to continue your weaving education, check out the interesting little community museum across from Teotitlán del Valle’s mercado de artesanias (craft market).
Practical Info:
To get from the capital to Teotitlán del Valle drive south on Highway 190, or catch a colectivo (group taxi) across the street from the baseball stadium (Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos) on Niños Heroes de Chapultepec and Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos. Alternatively, the city’s second class bus station offers hourly departures starting at 9am on every day except Sunday. Go to gate #29 and look for the Valle del Norte bus line. Once in Teotitlán del Valle, you can regularly catch a return bus to Oaxaca from the market. These buses stop running at 7pm.
Address: Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: The community museum is open Tues-Sun 10am-2pm
From $ 36
Órgano Bay
Organo Bay is an isolated stretch of beach just south of Santa Cruz in Mexico. Recommended for travelers who want to get away from it all, it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving with calm, clear blue-green water and several interesting rock formations. Organo Bay is very near Maguey Bay, but not as popular or easy to access.
The Basics
One of the best ways to visit Organo Bay is on a full-day boat tour of Huatulco National Park that includes some snorkeling time. Another option is to book a snorkel or dive trip. Independent travelers can hire a boat in Santa Cruz to visit Organo Bay. There are no restaurants or services available here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day. During high season, you’re likely to find some vendors selling food and drinks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Organo Bay is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are no amenities here.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
How to Get There
Organo Bay is best visited by boat from Santa Cruz, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. To get there by vehicle, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the main road. For a real adventure, consider renting a motorbike or ATV to traverse the rough terrain.
When to Get There
Organo Bay is lovely year-round and receives a lot fewer visitors than many beaches in the area. Winter in Huatulco is typically dry and sunny, while wet weather is likely from May to October and can pose challenges for divers or those trying to access the bay by vehicle.
Scuba Diving at Organo Bay
If you’re interested in scuba diving in Huatulco, Organo Bay is a great place to learn. Beginner divers will appreciate its shallow slope, while more experienced divers can explore a shipwreck, underwater ridges, and volcanic rock. The bay’s unique rock formations are often referred to as “the faces in the rocks.”
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
From $ 55
Zipolite
Zipolite, or Playa Zipolite, is a beach community that is often referred to as Mexico’s hippie haven. This 1.5-kilometer stretch of beach seems lost in time with its slow pace of life. The beach is divided into several areas—the eastern end is called Colonia Playa del Amor, the central part is Centro and the western end is Colonia Roca Blanca. There is really only one main street in Zipolite: Avenida Roca Blanca, or El Adoquín. It was once the only paved road in Zipolite, but three residential area streets are now paved as well.
Don’t expect the party zone like you find in other parts of Mexico like Cancun, but visitors can take part in the surfing, a major draw to Zipolite. You won’t find high-rise hotels or large fancy restaurants with huge fishbowl-style drinks, but instead, look for the main street for a carnival atmosphere in the evenings, with artists, musicians and street vendors making an appearance.
Colonia Roca Blanca is really the central neighborhood in Zipolite and was named after the large, white rock just offshore. The area has grown but still attracts crowds of yoga gurus, surfers and musicians that pass through town. During high season, the area’s small bars and nightclubs see more activity.
Zipolite’s beach is pristine with clear water and golden sands. You may recognize it from the Mexican blockbuster film “Y tu mamá también.” While swimming is allowed, it is not always recommended due to strong waves and undertow.
Practical Info
Zipolite has garnered a lot of fame due to its reputation as Mexico’s only nude beach. Total nudity is really only common on the western end of the beach, or at the small eastern cove of Playa del Amor.
Address: Zipolite, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Tangolunda Bay
Luxurious all-inclusive resorts and private beachfront villas line the rocky cliffs of Tangolunda Bay in Huatulco. Some of the big names that you’ll find here include Dreams, Barcelo, and Las Brisas. It’s a top choice for those wanting to stay right on the bay, and the endless stretches of sandy shores are perfect for early morning walks.
The Basics
Tangolunda’s resorts offer gorgeous beachside pools, romantic ocean views, and unlimited access to quaint (if touristy) shopping and pricey seafood fare. Families with kids will also find plenty to do here. Take a sightseeing cruise of the bay, soar above the jungle canopy on a zipline, or snorkel in the calm waters near Las Brisas. If you want who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car in Mexico, opt for a tour that includes transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tangolunda Bay is where you’ll find almost all of Huatulco’s luxury resorts.
- Remember to bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as the beaches offers little shade.
- There is no public access for wheelchairs along the beach.
How to Get There
If you’re vacationing in Tangolunda Bay, chances are your resort will offer transportation options; if not, you can book a shuttle from the airport. Tangolunda’s beaches are best accessed via the private resorts, and taxis are plentiful throughout the Huatulco resort area.
When to Get There
Tangolunda Bay is lovely year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest. Overcrowding is rarely a problem, however, as this destination receives far fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas.
Tangolunda’s Beaches
Tangolunda is Huatulco’s most exclusive bay and the majority of its beaches are accessible only to resort guests. Independent travelers can spend a day at Playa Arrocito or Playa Rincon Sabroso; the former has gentle waves and some shade, and is easily accessible by car. A section of Playa Tangolunda is also open to the public and offers water sports facilities.
Address: Tangolunda Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 45
San Antonio Arrazola
Massive Indian Laurel trees line the winding roads that lead to this picturesque town at the foothills of Monte Alban. Known for its famous painted wooden animals called alebrijes, some 80 families craft these popular souvenirs by hand using local copal, Sierra Sur and Mixteca trees. Travelers can explore the markets, museum and galleries of San Antonio Arrazola, where these one-of-a-kind pieces are on display and learn more about the age-old tradition passed down through generations. Those in the know say it’s best to have artisans pack up figures to keep them safe to travel and that once visitors arrive home the alebrijes should be popped in the freezer temporarily to kill off any termites.
Practical Info
San Antonio Arrazola is located about 8 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca. Travelers can take the second-class bus or group taxi from the central de Abastos. It’s best to travel to San Antonio Arrazola in the early afternoon, as most shops open during the later hours of the morning.
Address: San Antonio Arrazola, Mexico
From $ 30
San Bartolo Coyotepec
Visitors looking for the perfect Oaxaca souvenir can find a unique reminder in the municipality of San Bartolo Coyotepec, located about 15 kilometers south of Oaxaca. Known for its black clay pottery, its quiet streets are lined with shops, galleries and studios selling this regional pottery that has been a part of Oaxacan tradition for hundreds of years.
Visitors can check out the work of local artisans, which ranges from old school matte finish pottery to shiny and black, then head to Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca, where a large collection of this state treasure is on display. Afterwards, stop by the newly opened Baseball Academy, where a massive mural of barro negro (black pottery) is painted.
Practical Info
Travelers can find the widest variety of handmade pottery at the Mercado Artesanal. The most traditional pots are large jar meant for holding liquid and a container in the shape of a monkey used to hold the strong local liquor known as mazcal.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 51
Santa Cruz Bay
Gome to Huatulco’s harbor, Santa Cruz Bay is located just minutes from La Crucecita and offers shops, restaurants, hotels, and easily accessible beaches. It’s the jumping-off point for boat tours of Huatulco’s bays, or for hiring small fishing boats to visit some of the more remote beaches.
The Basics
Santa Cruz is the perfect place to shop for artisan crafts, enjoy authentic Oaxacan cuisine, and experience the beauty of the coast. Beach-goers can rent kayaks and jet skies to tour the bay, or swim and snorkel from shore. Those looking for a more scenic escape can hop aboard one of the sightseeing cruises, which depart from the main dock. These excursions carry travelers across the bay, with stops at a number of popular beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
- Most boat tours of the Huatulco Bays leave from the harbor in Santa Cruz.
- The bay has restaurants, shops, and water-sports facilities.
- Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as the beaches offer little shade.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
The Huatulco Bays stretch for 22 miles (35 kilometers) along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. Most visitors arrive by air or cruise ship. Getting there from Oaxaca City by car takes about five or six hours. Santa Cruz Bay is located on the same seaside boulevard as La Crucecita.
When to Get There
Santa Cruz Bay is lovely year-round. The Huatulco resort area as a whole receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, though Santa Cruz tends to get crowded on days when cruise ships dock here.
Boat Tours of the Huatulco Bays
A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Huatulco. Sightseeing cruises typically depart from Santa Cruz and include stops at a number of popular beaches, such as Yerbabuena, La India, and Cacaluta. Small fishing boats called lanchas wait in Santa Cruz to take visitors to the untouched shores of bays like Chachacual, which is only accessible by boat.
Address: Santa Cruz Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 50
Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman
This famous religious structure in the heart of Oaxaca attracts tourists and travelers to its quiet courtyards, holy cloisters and peaceful altars. Founded in the late 1500s by the Dominican Order, Santo Domingo de Guzman is now home to the Cultural Center of Oaxaca.
Visitors can wander through halls lined with pre-Columbian artifacts like ancient tombs and handmade crafts. Well-kept gardens and impeccable interiors offer visitors a taste of religious life of the past. Be sure to check out the ornate ceilings inside the chapel, as well as the brilliant white open-air cloister hallways with stunning arches.
Practical Info
Travelers can enter the church and the museum across the street from the main plaza, about a half a kilometer north of Alameda.
Address: Calle Constitución #101 Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 46
San Agustin Bay
Home to fewer than 100 people—mostly fishermen—San Agustin Bay has no electricity or running water. The bay itself is known for its prime snorkeling opportunities. Visitors head into the ocean straight from the shore and are immediately surrounded by schools of tropical fish, coral plates, crabs, snails, bivalves, and sea urchins.
The Basics
Located in the far west Bay of Huatulco, the quaint village of San Agustin Bay is so far off the beaten path that many travelers miss it completely. With shaded palm palapas (shelters) and rustic beachside restaurants, the village attracts determined scuba divers, snorkelers, and beach enthusiasts. All-terrain vehicle adventure rides around Huatulco usually stop in San Agustin Bay for a swim and seafood lunch. Remember to ask for the catch of the day.
Travelers can also take a short hike to the nearby hillside where a shrine honors the town’s namesake, St. Augustine. Hikers are also rewarded with expansive views of rolling hills, thick forests, and crashing waves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- San Agustin Bay is one of the Huatulco Bays (Las Bahias de Huatulco), which comprise nine bays and 36 beaches.
- When snorkeling, be careful not to touch or disturb the coral, and remember it is illegal to remove coral from the sea.
- Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to snap photos underwater.
How to Get There
San Agustin Bay is accessible by road or boat. Travelers can rent a private boat or purchase a ticket on one of the local catamarans. Micro buses and taxis also travel the banana tree-lined road to San Augustin. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that you’ll need to travel down about 10 miles of rocky dirt road; the bay is about 25 minutes from the Santa Maria intersection.
When to Get There
Mornings at San Agustin Bay can be busy because that’s when tourists arrive via catamaran or other boats to snorkel. Plan to visit in the late morning, if you can, to avoid the crowds. Like most tourist destinations, the area draws more visitors during the high seasons around Christmas and Easter, and more locals on weekends.
Maguey Bay
Another of the Huatulco Bays, Maguey Bay also boasts a white sandy beach and calm waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, because the area is protected by rock formations. As in San Agustin Bay, there are also plenty of seafood restaurants, and it’s more accessible than San Agustin.
Address: San Agustin Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 78