Travel Tips
Is Oaxaca Safe for Day of the Dead? An Honest Guide for 2026
Yes, Oaxaca is one of the safest places in Mexico to experience Day of the Dead. Here is what the real risks look like, night by night, and how to avoid them.
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Oaxaca Travel Blog
Travel guides, local tips, food and culture to plan your Oaxaca trip.
Local guides
Practical ideas for discovering Oaxaca
Explore travel advice, culture, food, archaeology, nature, and coast stories for a better-informed visit.
Food & Drinks
Oaxacan Pan de Muerto: History, Flavors, and Where to Try It
Oaxaca's pan de muerto has a hand-painted little face you won't find anywhere else in Mexico. History, flavors, where to try it, and why it matters to the ofrenda.
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Oaxaca Culture
San Bartolo Coyotepec and Black Clay: A Guide to the Shining-Pottery Village
Just 14 km from Oaxaca City, San Bartolo Coyotepec holds the secret of shining black clay. History, family workshops, and how to visit.
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Travel Tips
What to Pack for Día de Muertos in Oaxaca: A Practical Travel Guide
Clothing, footwear, cash, and logistics: everything you need to pack for Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, from cool nighttime temperatures to cemetery etiquette.
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Oaxaca Culture
Arrazola, Oaxaca's Village of the Alebrijes
At the foot of Monte Albán, Arrazola is the village where the alebrije tradition began. A complete guide to visiting its family-run wood-carving workshops.
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Travel Tips
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca vs. Mexico City: Which Should You Choose?
Torn between Oaxaca and Mexico City for Day of the Dead? We compare traditions, crowds, and cost to help you choose the right destination.
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Food & Drinks
Santiago Matatlán: The World Capital of Mezcal
Discover Santiago Matatlán, the Oaxacan town known as the World Capital of Mezcal, its family-run palenques, and how to visit.
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Travel Tips
How to Photograph Día de Muertos in Oaxaca Respectfully
Practical and ethical tips for photographing Oaxaca's cemeteries, altars, and Día de Muertos comparsas without intruding on someone else's grief.
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Adventure & Nature
San Sebastián de las Grutas: A Guide to Exploring Oaxaca's Caves
Everything you need to know to explore the caves of San Sebastián de las Grutas in Oaxaca's Sierra Sur: access, what to pack, and what to expect.
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Travel Tips
Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead: Areas and Booking Tips
Day of the Dead is Oaxaca's busiest week of the year. This guide helps you pick a neighborhood, book early, and get home easily after every night tour.
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Oaxaca Culture
Oaxaca in December: Christmas, Night of the Radishes, and New Year
December in Oaxaca brings the Night of the Radishes, posadas, and dry, cool weather — a culturally rich season with far fewer crowds than October or July.
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Oaxaca Culture
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca Itinerary: October 31 to November 2
A practical three-day itinerary for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, with markets, altars, cemetery visits, comparsas and advice for experiencing each moment respectfully.
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Oaxaca Culture
Visiting Oaxaca Cemeteries on Day of the Dead: A Respectful Guide
How to visit Oaxaca cemeteries during Day of the Dead with cultural sensitivity, including photography etiquette, transport, safety and what a vigil really means.
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Oaxaca Culture
Muerteadas in Etla, Oaxaca: Meaning, Characters and Visitor Guide
Understand Etla’s muerteadas: their community roots, music, recurring characters, differences from comparsas and practical advice before joining the celebration.
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Oaxaca Culture
Day of the Dead Altars in Oaxaca: Meaning of Every Element
A clear guide to Oaxacan Day of the Dead altars: photographs, candles, marigolds, copal, water, food, papel picado and why every family’s offering is different.
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Travel Tips
Getting Around Oaxaca: Transport, Safety & Practical Tips
How to get from the airport to the city, reach the valley and the coast, and travel smart — the practical things first-timers ask about Oaxaca.
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Travel Tips
How Many Days Do You Need in Oaxaca? Sample Itineraries
Three days? A week? Here’s how to plan your Oaxaca trip, with sample itineraries for the city, the valley, the mountains and the coast.
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Beaches & Coast
Turtle Releases on the Oaxaca Coast: A Responsible Guide
Watching baby sea turtles scramble to the sea at sunset is unforgettable — but only worth doing responsibly. Here’s how, where and when.
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Best Eco Tours in Oaxaca for Nature Lovers
Oaxaca isn’t just mezcal and tlayudas — though both are extraordinary. Hidden beyond the cobblestone streets of Oaxaca City lies one of Mexico’s most biodiverse regions: cloud forests draped in mist, ancient cave systems, thundering waterfalls, and mountain villages where indigenous traditions have shaped the land for centuries. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual…
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Beaches & Coast
Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast: Puerto Escondido, Mazunte & Huatulco
Surf breaks, turtle towns and protected bays — a first-timer’s guide to the three hubs of Oaxaca’s laid-back Pacific coast.
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Oaxaca Culture
Teotitlán del Valle: The Story Behind Zapotec Rugs
About 30 kilometers southeast of Oaxaca City, tucked between hillsides of maguey and dry mountain scrub, the village of Teotitlán del Valle has been weaving the same stories for over 2,000 years. This isn’t a craft market — it’s a living cultural institution where Zapotec families transform raw wool and plant-based dyes into breathtaking tapestries…
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Adventure & Nature
Bioluminescence in Oaxaca: Where and When to See It
On dark nights, the lagoons near Puerto Escondido glow electric blue. Here’s the science, the best season, and how to see it responsibly.
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Adventure & Nature
The Best Waterfalls Near Oaxaca and Huatulco
From petrified cliffs to jungle cascades, Oaxaca is full of waterfalls. Here are the best ones to chase — inland and on the coast.
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Adventure & Nature
Sierra Juárez Guide: Hiking Above the Clouds in Oaxaca
Most travelers come to Oaxaca for its markets, mole, and mezcal — and they leave completely changed by all three. But the ones who venture north, into the rugged folds of the Sierra Juárez, discover something even harder to describe: pine forests shrouded in mist, hanging bridges swaying above ravines, Zapotec villages where life moves…
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Adventure & Nature
Pueblos Mancomunados: Hiking the Sierra Norte
High in Oaxaca’s cloud forests, eight Zapotec villages run one of Mexico’s best community ecotourism networks, linked by 100+ km of trails.
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Food & Drinks
Oaxaca’s Markets: A Food Lover’s Guide
The city’s markets are the beating heart of Oaxacan cuisine. Here’s how to navigate the big three like a local.
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Food & Drinks
Tlayudas, Tlacoyos & Street Food You Must Try in Oaxaca
Beyond mole and mezcal, Oaxaca’s street food is a world of its own. Here are the dishes to hunt down on your next visit.
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Food & Drinks
The Seven Moles of Oaxaca: A Guide to the Famous Sauces
Oaxaca is called the “land of seven moles.” Here’s what makes each one distinct — from the dark, chocolate-tinged negro to the bright verde.
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Adventure & Nature
Caves, Forests and Cliffs: Wild Landscapes Around Oaxaca City
Most visitors come to Oaxaca for the mole, the markets, and the magnificent ruins — and rightly so. But just beyond the city’s cobblestone streets lies a world of staggering geological drama: yawning cave mouths, cathedral-like cloud forests, vertigo-inducing cliff edges, and rivers that vanish into the earth. These are the wild landscapes that Oaxacans…
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Archaeology & History
Archaeological Sites Near Oaxaca Most Tourists Miss
Everyone knows Monte Albán. But Oaxaca’s ancient world doesn’t begin and end with that hilltop citadel. Scattered across the Central Valleys and beyond lie Zapotec and Mixtec sites that see only a fraction of the visitors they deserve — windswept platforms, painted tombs, carved stone ballcourts, and hilltop fortresses where the silence feels almost sacred….
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Food & Drinks
A Beginner’s Guide to Mezcal Tasting in Oaxaca
If you’ve landed in Oaxaca and someone hands you a small clay cup filled with smoky, golden liquid — congratulations, you’re about to have your mezcal moment. Oaxaca is the heartland of mezcal, a spirit so deeply woven into local life that understanding it means understanding the culture itself. Whether you’ve never tasted mezcal or…
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Food & Drinks
Mezcal 101: How Oaxaca’s Iconic Spirit Is Made
From wild agave to smoky perfection — a beginner’s guide to mezcal, the protected, artisanal spirit at the heart of Oaxacan culture.
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Archaeology & History
A Complete Guide to Monte Albán: History, Meaning & Visiting Tips
Rising dramatically above the valleys of Oaxaca, Monte Albán is one of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in all of the Americas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the thriving capital of the Zapotec civilization — a city of temples, plazas, and celestial alignments that flourished for over 1,500 years. Whether you’re a history…
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Oaxaca Culture
Guelaguetza Festival Oaxaca: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Every July, the city of Oaxaca transforms. The streets fill with color, the air vibrates with marimba and brass bands, and communities from all eight regions of Oaxaca converge on the Cerro del Fortín hill to offer the most spectacular indigenous celebration in Mexico — the Guelaguetza. If you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca around…
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Travel Tips
Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit? What Travelers Need to Know
Oaxaca has become one of Mexico’s most celebrated destinations — and with good reason. From the ancient ruins of Monte Albán to the cascading cliffs of Hierve el Agua, from misty mountain villages to mezcal country, Oaxaca offers an unmatched cultural and natural experience. But one question comes up again and again among first-time visitors:…
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Adventure & Nature
The Glass Viewpoint in Ixtlán, Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know
Perched high in the cloud-forest mountains of the Sierra Juárez, the Glass Viewpoint (Mirador de Cristal) in Ixtlán de Juárez is one of Oaxaca’s most thrilling and photogenic new landmarks. A transparent platform jutting over a dramatic canyon, it offers a stomach-dropping, 360-degree panorama of pine-covered ridges, misty valleys, and the endless green wilderness of…
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Adventure & Nature
Best Nature Day Trips from Oaxaca City: Mountains, Waterfalls & Hidden Landscapes
Oaxaca City is magnetic — its food, markets, and colonial architecture could easily fill a week on their own. But step beyond the city limits and you’ll find another world entirely: petrified waterfalls tumbling into mineral pools, cloud forests draped in mist, ancient cave systems, soaring mountain viewpoints, and villages that feel untouched by time….
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Oaxaca Culture
Alebrijes Explained: The Meaning Behind Oaxaca’s Magical Creatures
Walk through any artisan market in Oaxaca City and you’ll come face to face with them — fantastical creatures painted in neon greens, deep reds, and electric blues, part jaguar, part eagle, part serpent. These are alebrijes, and they are far more than colorful souvenirs. They are living windows into the soul of Oaxacan culture,…
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Adventure & Nature
Santiago Apoala: Oaxaca’s Hidden Canyon and Waterfall Paradise
Tucked deep within the Mixteca Alta of Oaxaca, the village of Santiago Apoala feels like a place time forgot — and that’s exactly why it’s so extraordinary. Towering limestone cliffs, a turquoise river winding through a lush canyon, ancient caves, and waterfalls cascading into hidden pools make this one of the most breathtaking and least-visited…
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Travel Tips
Tourism in Oaxaca After El Mencho: What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
On February 22, 2026, the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera triggered a wave of violence across parts of Mexico — making international headlines and sparking concern among travelers worldwide. If you have a trip to Oaxaca planned, or you’re wondering whether to book one, here is the clear and honest picture: Oaxaca…
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Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: What Is Authentic and What Is Tourist?
Every year, as October gives way to November, Oaxaca transforms. Marigold petals line cobblestone streets, copal smoke drifts through cemeteries at midnight, and families gather around candle-lit altars to welcome back their dead. It is one of the most moving cultural events in the world — and also one of the most misunderstood. If you…
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Beaches & Coast
Can You Visit Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City? A Complete Travel Guide
Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s most iconic Pacific coast destinations — turquoise waves, sea turtles, glowing bioluminescent bays, and a laid-back energy that feels a world apart from the highlands. But here’s the question every traveler in Oaxaca City eventually asks: Can I actually get there and back in a reasonable amount of time?…
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Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca: Weather, Seasons & Crowds
Oaxaca is a destination that rewards visitors in every season — but knowing when to go can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. From the sun-drenched ruins of Monte Albán to the misty cloud forests of the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca’s landscapes shift dramatically throughout the year. This guide breaks down the climate, festivals,…
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Food & Drinks
Mezcal vs Tequila: What Makes Oaxaca Mezcal Truly Unique?
If you’ve ever sipped a smoky mezcal in a candlelit bar in Oaxaca City and wondered how it’s so different from the tequila you know, you’re not alone. Mezcal and tequila both come from agave plants and both hail from Mexico — but that’s roughly where the similarities end. Oaxaca’s mezcal is a world unto…
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Adventure & Nature
Hierve el Agua Complete Guide: When to Go, What to Expect & Essential Tips
Perched 1,800 meters above sea level in the mountains of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is one of Mexico’s most dramatic natural wonders. These petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich infinity pools offer views that stretch across the Sierra Mixe mountains, creating an experience that feels both ancient and otherworldly. This complete guide covers everything you need to…
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Archaeology & History
The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla: Where Farming Began
A UNESCO site in the Tlacolula valley holds the earliest evidence of domesticated plants in the Americas — including 10,000-year-old squash seeds.
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Monte Albán vs Mitla: Which Oaxaca Ruins Should You Visit?
Choosing between Monte Albán and Mitla is one of the most common dilemmas for travelers exploring Oaxaca’s archaeological treasures. Both sites offer profound connections to pre-Hispanic civilizations, yet they couldn’t be more different in atmosphere, architecture, and historical significance. Monte Albán dominates a mountaintop with sweeping valley views and monumental Zapotec plazas, while Mitla captivates…
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Archaeology & History
Mitla: The Place of the Dead and Its Stunning Stone Mosaics
Mitla was the great religious centre of the Zapotec world, famous for geometric mosaics made of more than 100,000 hand-cut stones fitted without mortar.
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Travel Tips
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a land of vibrant colors, rich traditions, and unforgettable flavors. From the bustling markets of the city to the serene landscapes of the valleys and mountains, planning the perfect trip to Oaxaca requires a mix of preparation, local insight, and a spirit of adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this…
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