Curator’s statement
If you’ve never explored the southern tip of Mexico, then Oaxaca is a must-see. Only a short flight from Mexico City, it’s seeped in native traditions, and the art and food are unlike those of the northern cities. The lively streets strung with colorful papel picado banners give a festive feel to this little town. Most weekends, you can experience calendas—lively wedding parades with music, dancing, and giant puppet figures. And the food is not your typical Mexican food, so be willing to venture outside your norm, such as sampling chapulines—tasty, spicy, crunchy fried grasshoppers! Delicious!
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Things to do in Oaxaca
Wool-dying demonstration in Teotitlán
San Pablo Villa de Mitla has wonderful handcrafted embroidered textiles done in designs found only in the region, reflecting their Indigenous history in the designs.
In Teotitlan del Valle pueblo, you can watch artists grind walnut husks (browns), purul leaves (green) and flowers (reds and yellows) to dye the wool they make into beautiful rugs and tapestries. These one-of-a-kind tapestries are sold in high-end stores in New York, but get yours directly from the artist—with a story behind each one and at half the cost.
Dine on chapulines at Las Quince Letras Restaurante with renowned, award-winning chef Celia Florian. The recipes will test your adventurous eating side!
Choose an alebrije—brightly colored, fantastical creatures made of wood—that reflects your personality.
Sip a margarita at Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante’s rooftop bar. These are some of the freshest margaritas I’ve ever had, made with locally made mezcal.
Feel the spirits of the ancient Zapotec people at Monte Albán, the largest pre-Hispanic city in the region. Can you figure out what sport was played in the Mesoamerican ballcourt?
Visit the open-air market lining C/de la Constitución and C. de Gurrión streets to find local artisan treasures. You’ll find some of the best deals on folk art here.
Places to eat & drink in Oaxaca
Sur a Norte Terraza
All of these restaurants are within walking distance of the downtown area:
El Olivo Gastrobar: Share a variety of tapas while listening to live music. The dark, moody atmosphere and cushioned concrete benches are relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Restaurant Tierra del Sol: Try the handmade tortillas, each from a different colored corn: white, yellow, red, and blue. This restaurant truly depicts the colors of Oaxaca in its food.
Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante: Did you know there are at least six different types and colors of mole? Try the mole verde—an earthy and nutty green sauce—the best mole I’ve ever had!
Las Quince Letras Restaurante: The award-winning chef has been featured in the In Search of Mexico series, and her recipes are authentic to the region.
Sur a Norte Terraza: A private second-floor covered patio with beautiful views of Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman (church). The mezcal margarita with a black salt rim has an earthy, smoky flavor.
Need to know
Visiting Oaxaca can be fairly budget-friendly. I recommend using a guide who knows the area and history of this area well. They can immerse you in the culture and places you wouldn’t normally find on your own. Plus, they often offer complete packages that include the hotel, breakfasts, tours (including tickets), and transportation. Contact me for recommendations.
Travel Advisor
Cathy Vermillion
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Oaxaca page.