Things to do in Oaxaca

19 activities, venues and outings in Oaxaca, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Arbol del Tule
This tree has the largest base of any tree in the world. Legend has it that it is over 1400 years old. It is just outside of a church with a lovely garden around it.
M$20 entrance fee; colectivo transport M$25 one way
Do
Benito Juarez National Park
Large natural park with hiking trails, zip lines, and great opportunities for bird watchers.
M$20
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Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos
Estadio del Beisbol
Oaxaca has a popular and successful baseball team, the Guerreros, who play from late March through late August in a modern, well maintained stadium. Good concessions at reasonable prices.
Tickets start at M$10
Do
Fundacion En Via
A non-profit microfinance organization that runs tours to Teotitlan del Valle every Thursday and Saturday. They are working to fight poverty around Oaxaca and to educate travelers about the power of micro-finance. In Teotitlan, participants get to meet two groups of three women who are applying for their micro-loans. Participants hear about their lives and projects, which could be anything from weaving the beautiful rugs for which the town is famous, to making tortillas, raising chickens, making pinatas, or selling flowers in the market. At the end of the day 100% of the tour fee is given as an interest-free micro-loan to one of the two groups of women. Trips run every Thursday 13:00-19:00 and every Saturday 09:00-16:00.
M$655 or US$50
Do
Hierve el Agua
The Water Boils
Natural mineral springs that flow into several open pools located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. Despite the name, the water is not actually boiling; it's actually a comfortable temperature. Nearby is a massive "petrified waterfall", which is not actually petrified; it is the result of mineral deposits from dripping mineral spring water over many, many years. From the plateau, you have a breathtaking view over the mountain ranges. Bring a swim suit. Changing areas and restrooms are available. Also bring a few coins to buy a cup of fresh, sliced fruit, the tastiest you will find! Allow an hour.
$50 plus $20 for the road fee
Do
Llano Grande
One of eight mountain villages in the Sierra Norte. Besides a small wood industry, they provide so-called ecotourism. Tours to phantastic scenic points are bookable at the Zócalo and range from M$400-1000 for a one day tour depending on the number of guests. Trips over several days are available, providing accommodation at the village (elevation: approx. 3,000 m). The altitude makes hiking exhausting but not impossible even for unpracticed participants. Hints: Speak Spanish and try to tramp back down instead of waiting several hours for the bus.
Do
Mitla
An important Zapotec city and religious center, built between 1 AD and 200 AD, famous for its Mesoamerican buildings intermingled with the modern town. The Zapotecs called it Lyobaam, "Place of the Dead". Inside Tomb 1 there is the famous "Column of Life" that you can embrace to find out how many years you have left to live. Spanish is helpful here as the ruins officials can explain how to use the column correctly.
Do
San Agustín Etla
The site of the Centro de las Artes - San Agustín (CASA), a former factory that has been transformed to an arts center. To arrive, one can take a shared taxi from the Central bus station in Oaxaca. The cost is M$13.50 and it drops you off two blocks from CASA.
Do
Santiago Matatlán
The self-proclaimed "World Capital of Mezcal". Many fábricas de mezcal you can visit. Especially recommended if you like mezcal, have also visited Tequila, Jalisco, and have access to a vehicle. The best known producer here is Rancho Zapata, which also has a restaurant. It is owned by a man that goes only by the name of Tío (uncle) Pablo, who won first prize for his mezcal in Chicago in 2003.
Do
Teotitlan del Valle
A village famous for its weaving. You can book a longer stay here at the Casa Sagrada. Be sure to check out the Vida Nueva women's cooperative in Teotitlan (one block east of the main square) that is striving to use and instill organic methods in its dyes.
Do
Tlacolula Market
A large Sunday market, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, where people from around the region gather to sell their wares. Offers a wide selection of local cuisine.
Active on Sundays until 16:00
Do
Yagul
Although frequently overlooked in favor of more extensive ruins at Mitla and Monte Albán, the ruins at Yagul are more pastoral (and therefore more similar to its original setting) and much less overrun with tourists.
M$90
Do Not mapped
Día de Muertos
Day of the Dead
A Mexican holiday that traditionally takes place in candle-lit city cemeteries, but today takes place in front of almost every church in the historic city center. Involves a lot of partying, festivities, facial make-up, costumes, lights, and possibly a few fireworks. An incredible experience to behold.
31 October - 2 November
Do Not mapped
Guelaguetza festival
The Guelaguetza highlights the traditional practices of the various indigeneous cultures from the state of Oaxaca. The main days are the Mondays following July 16 (Feast Day of Saint Carmen). The term Guelaguetza, the most important custom of the Oaxacan people, derives from the Zapotec term "guendalezaa" which means "offering, present, fulfillment" because, during colonial times, the wealthy Spanish elite had the legal right to receive the first and best of the harvest collected by the indigenous people.
July
Do Not mapped
Hoofing It In Oaxaca
Organizes regular hikes, both day and the occasional overnight, to various locations around Oaxaca and also into the Sierra Norte.
Do Not mapped
MOC Adventures
Provides small week-long tours during Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca. The tours introduce people to the history of Oaxaca and the Day of the Dead by engaging them in its unique celebrations such as visiting the Panteóns (cemeteries), comprasas and other important events that take place during Dia de los Muertos.
Do Not mapped
Noche de Rábanos
Night of the Radishes
If you happen to be in Oaxaca on December 23, you won't want to miss this unusual festival. Competitors create scenes using carved radishes. It's a long-standing tradition in Oaxaca, and was started as a formal competition in 1897.
23 December
Do Not mapped
The cenote at San Sebastian de las Grutas
A beautiful cenote hidden inside a cave. The entrance is impossible to find without a local guide; ask around in the town of.
Do Not mapped
Tlacolula

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Oaxaca (CC BY-SA 4.0).