"City of endless stories and sights" Oaxaca de Juárez by leigh767

Oaxaca de Juárez Travel Guide: 350 reviews and 911 photos

Weddings

Some say that you only need two days to see Oaxaca. However in my experience, the trip could easily take up to a week if you take at least one day trip out to a nearby town or ruin and take your time to truly explore the markets museums, churches and coffee shops within the city itself.

There is an endless amount to see for Oaxaca is a city of many colors, with streets and alleys that could take you to a wedding or a cathedral or a beautiful weaver's shop. Oaxaca can be a bustling city or a quiet oasis. It can be anything that you want it to be, so long as you make the effort to explore it. Try a grasshopper fried in chili as you browse the markets south of the city center, or try the Mayan chocolate drinks if you don't think you can stomach the former.

Whatever you do and however many day trips you decide to take from here to nearby towns, be sure to sit down at one point and strike up a conversation with a local for this is the place where the hostel owner's stories from his past are as colorful as those that the artisan has to share.

Buskers

These three boys can be found busking just south of the Church of Santo Domingo, right crossed the street from the Hand of Magic. both these places are featured in my things to do page.

beautiful rugs

Oaxaca is home to some gorgeous rugs woven in the nearby towns of Tule and Teotitlan. If you haven't the time to take a day trip out to see these towns, and then finding the court directives which have set up shop within Oaxaca.

Intro Updated Jan 14, 2008
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Reviews (15)

Tipping Local Customs (1)

No, I'm not referring to tipping in restaurants but tipping if you take photographs on the streets-- if you see someone... more travel advice

Living Art Things to Do (6)

One of the most charming aspects of Oaxaca is the lovely, vibrant artwork that pops up everywhere. You can find artists,... more travel advice

Hm can you spot the odd one out? - Oaxaca de Juárez

Having a good time! Things to Do (6)

Mexicans really know how to throw a party-- if you walk the streets enough, you will inadvertently run across a big... more travel advice

Museo de las Culturas - Oaxaca de Juárez

Museo de las Culturas Things to Do (6)

this museum right next to the church of Santo Domingo has a vast collection from different periods of the country's... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Ice cream cravings?
Shopping (2)
See All buy your English books here
Off The Beaten Path (1)
Grasshoppers... do you dare?

Tourist Traps (1)
Hierve el Agua
Hotels (1)
10 for Spirit and Character
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Comments (8)

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kiwigal_1 Sep 23, 2010 at 9:03 AM

This is high on my list of places I want to go to. Your photography is stunning! I had never heard of that waterfall. Looks interesting but point taken about the journey to get there!
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jumpingnorman Aug 5, 2009 at 7:37 PM

Wonderful wedding picture you got here at Oazaca --- and the Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall looks very interesting but as you said, kinda tooo far...great tips, Norman :)
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brewjohnson Feb 19, 2009 at 5:49 PM

Excellent Oaxaca tips. That sushi place sounds great, although, I don't know if I'd have the courage to try it.
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kokoryko Jan 28, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Oaxaca, not far from the Monte Alban Zapotec ruins. . . (were you there Leigh?) Haha, I would dare grasshoppers of course! The Baroque colonial churches are a feast for the photographer and you show it wonderfully! Thanks
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angiebabe Jan 28, 2008 at 4:31 AM

As much as the photos are fantastic I wont be trying crickets - ever!- but what a good way to use them when they overpopulate and play havoc with the local vegetation!Excellent page thanks.
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Cristian_Uluru Jan 28, 2008 at 3:48 AM

Fantastic photos!!! The church and the petrified waterfall are amazing!!!
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ViajesdelMundo Jan 15, 2008 at 10:12 AM

Gorgeous photos, especially of the petrified waterfall. We are going to Oaxaca next month, so your page is well-timed for us! Thanks for all the info.
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Laura_Mexico Jan 14, 2008 at 7:47 PM

Nice tips! It's great that you got to visit one of our nicest cities. I went to Oaxaca 20+ years ago and remember it as a very nice place. I'll have to try some of your tips when I go back :)