20 Amazing Day Trips From Oaxaca Mexico in 2024

Wondering where to go in oaxaca on a day trip?

You’ve come to the right place because the best day trips from Oaxaca City are all featured here.

From unusual things to do in Oaxaca, like seeing the widest tree trunk in the world, to the beautiful pools at Hierve el Agua, there’s a perfect Oaxaca day trip for everyone.

For history and culture buffs, don’t miss all the ancient ruins near Oaxaca. Located just outside Oaxaca City, the Monte Alban Ruins make for a popular day trip from Oaxaca, but there are other Oaxaca archeological sites to see as well.

The best way to maximize the number of sites you see in a single day is by renting a car in Oaxaca to drive to the day trip(s) of your choice.

If you don’t want to drive, there are great tours in Oaxaca as well, as you’re about to see on this list of the best day trips from Oaxaca.

Best Day Trips From Oaxaca City

Renting a Car in Oaxaca City

Renting a car in Oaxaca gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path and go on day trips from Oaxaca at your own pace.

With many tours, you only have a limited amount of time to explore, but with your own rental car, you set the schedule.

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca City

1. Hierve el Agua

Located about 45 miles from Oaxaca City, is perhaps Oaxaca’s most famous natural wonder — Hierve el Agua, which means boiling water.

While the natural mineral pools are the most photographed places here, you should also check out the amazing “cascadas” (waterfalls).

“Cascadas” is in quotes because there are two cliff faces at Hierve el Agua that look like waterfalls.

They are covered in calcified mineral deposits, which just so happen to look like falling water. You can see this from afar at the pools, or you can hike down for a closer look.

⭐️ best HIERVE EL AGUA TOURS in Oaxaca

The easiest way to experience Hierve el Agua? On a tour of Hierve el Agua (or even this private tour of Hierve el Agua).

Check out the great, and varied, tours of Hierve el Agua below, ranging from half- and full-day trips to one of the best Oaxaca places to visit.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

2. Monte Alban Ruins

Located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center, Monte Albán archaeological site is the most-visited of all ancient ruins in Oaxaca Mexico.

It is among the best pyramids and ruins in Mexico, and a Oaxaca must see for all visitors.

You can visit on your own, but tours of Monte Alban means having a tour guide explain all the ways this site is so important — and there are many.

If you’re visiting on your own, arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday sun; Monte Albán opens at 8am.

When visiting, remember to wear a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

Don’t forget to bring your Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and keeps you hydrated ▶︎ Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your order.

⭐️ Best Monte alban tours in Oaxaca

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

3. Mitla Oaxaca Pueblo Magico

After Monte Alban, Oaxaca’s second most important archeological site is in Mitla.

It is a Oaxaca Mexico UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul. As Mitla is easy to access, and the caves are not, most tours and visitors will only go to Mitla, Oaxaca.

Unlike most Mexico ruins sites, there aren’t large pyramids and temples at Mitla.

Rather, this holy Zapotec site has smaller buildings with intricately-carved geometric patterns and designs. For this reason, it’s one of the most visually unique archeological sites in Oaxaca.

🌎 Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oaxaca — Historic Downtown Oaxaca City, Monte Alban Ruins, and the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla.

In case you were wondering, all three belong on your What to do in Oaxaca City list.

⭐️ Best Mitla Oaxaca tours

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

4. El Tule Tree (World’s Widest Tree Trunk)

A must see Oaxaca vacation site!

El Arbol de Tule (The tree of enlightenment) is a giant Montezuma cypress tree on the grounds of the gorgeous Templo Santa María de la Asunción church in the pueblo (small town) of Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca Mexico.

It has the world’s biggest tree trunk at 46-feet (14 m), which takes at least 30 people with clasped hands to wrap around.

Scientists date this tree at about 2,000-years-old. However, the Zapotec people of Oaxaca say the Wind God Ehécatl planted it about 1,400 years ago.

The Tule Tree is located just minutes from Downtown Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City). It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oaxaca City because it’s such an easy day trip.

You can go via taxi or one of the Oaxaca to Tule bike rides.

⭐️ Best el tule Oaxaca tours

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

5. Teotitlán Del Valle Zapotec Village

Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca is a quiet, picturesque pueblo (small town), located about 18 miles (30 km) from Downtown Oaxaca in the Sierra Norte Mountains.

The town is known for its history, culture, tradition, and the colorful rugs made here by local weavers.

Besides a great place to buy Oaxaca carpets (the prices are often cheapest here because it’s not very touristy), there’s other things to do in Teotitlan del Valle.

Don’t miss the beautiful hike to Cerro Picacho Mountain and the Iglesia Preciosa Sangre de Cristo church and ruins.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

7. Visit Oaxaca Mezcal Country

🥃 Mezcal Distilleries in Santiago Matatlán

Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca has about 140 mezcal distilleries. It is by far the most famous of all Oaxaca mezcal towns, and it produces the most mezcal in the state of Oaxaca.

Want to see the mezcal-making process without leaving Oaxaca City? Head to Los Amantes Hotel, which has a small distillery and mezcal tasting room.

There are an overwhelming amount of distilleries to choose from, but here some of the standouts:

🥃 Palenque Gracias a Dios

Gracias a Dios is a very hip Oaxacan mezcal distillery, with cool art everywhere and unique mezcals to try (like their mango mezcal).

It is run by Óscar Hernández Santiago, a fourth generation mezcal maestro, so they definitely have traditional mezcal offerings as well.

🥃 el Sabino (Mezcal Macurichos)

There are about 20 different types of agave growing at El Sabino, the distillery behind Mezcal Macurichos.

It has been around for about 60 years, and they use two different distillation processes for their mezcals, the ancestral process and artisanal process.

🥃 Mezcal Distilleries in Santa Catarina Minas

Santa Catarina Minas Oaxaca is in the Ocotlán District, about one hour from Santiago Matatlan.

It is home to Solo Uno, a union of 15 master mezcaleros (mezcal producers) who are keeping the traditional mezcal-making process alive at places like Lalocura and Los Amantes.

🥃 Rambha Mezcal Oaxaca

Opened in 2021, Rambhá is one of the newest mezcal distilleries in Santa Catarina Minas.

It is female-owned and run by Rosario Ángeles, a master mezcalera (mezcal maker). She takes guests through the distillation process, even letting you try macerating the agave plant.

🥃 Real Minero

The Real Minero distillery and tasting room is one of the more posh mezcal farms in Oaxaca.

It is a bright, modern facility with a vast array of wild agaves growing. They use the ancient clay-pot distillation process, which is unique to the Santa Catarina Minas area.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

8. Yagul Ruins (Oaxaca UNESCO Site)

Yagul Archeological Site is a must see if you’re someone fascinated by the ancient ruins in Mexico.

While not as famous as some other sites, like Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan Ruins, Yagul is worth checking out, and it’s only about 10 minutes by car from Mitla Ruins.

Yagul Ruins are known locally as the pueblo viejo, meaning old town. What you’ll see at these ruins are a series of buildings that look like an ancient home. They were built from about AD 750 to AD 950 by the Zapotec of Oaxaca.

🔎 Things to see at Yagul Archeological Site

If you want to see Zapotec Ruins without the crowds (like you’ll definitely have at Monte Alban), then head to Yagul.

When you arrive, don’t miss the main buildings and structures: Patio 4, the Underground Tombs, and the Palacio de los Seis Patios (Palace of the Six Patios).

There’s also the Juego de Pelota (Ball Court), which is the second largest ball court ever discovered in Mesoamerica; the largest is at Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins in Yucatan.

For the best views of the Yagul site, climb up to the top of the Fortaleza (Fortress).

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

9. Tlacolula Sunday Market

There are quite a few Oaxaca mercados (markets) within the city, like Benito Juarez Market and November 20 Market.

However, the largest market in the area is the Sunday Market in Tlacolula de Matamoros, located about 45 minutes from Oaxaca City, near Yagul Ruins.

🗺 Wondering how to get to Tlacolula Market from Oaxaca? You can use this map for driving directions if you’re renting a car in Oaxaca. If not, the easiest way is by taxi cab.

Tlacolula Market is the oldest continuous local market in Oaxaca and all Latin America — as it has been around for several centuries.

Nowadays, you can buy everything from fresh produce to delicious food that’s already prepared, and locally-made mezcal to handicrafts.

Every Sunday, thousands of vendors, tourists and locals from neighboring cities and villages head to the Tianguis de Domingo Tlacolula (Sunday Tlacolula Flea Market).

It can be chaotic, but in the best way, as you’re enveloped in the colors and sounds of local life in Oaxaca.

🍽️ What to eat at Tlacolula Sunday Market

Besides shopping for Oaxaca rugs, pottery, textiles, clothes, dolls and more, don’t pass up the chance to eat in the market as well.

In cities throughout Mexico, many enjoy barbacoa (barbecue) on weekends, and there’s an entire aisle in the market for barbacoa.

If you don’t eat meat, go for the tamales oaxaqueños (Oaxacan tamales), pan de cazuela (bread made in a casserole dish) and nieves (sorbet).

There’s also tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay), a pre-hispanic chocolate and corn drink that’s popular in Oaxaca.

🛍 Want to visit all the best markets in Oaxaca? Check out the Etla Market every Wednesday in the Villa de Etla, the Zaachila Market every Thursday in the Villa de Zaachila, and Ocotlan Market every Friday in Ocotlán de Morelos, Oaxaca.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

10. San Martin Tilcajete: Oaxaca Alebrije Town

Alebrijes (pronounced al-lay-bree-hays) are iconic and colorful Mexican folk art creations, made from paper maché or carved from wood.

On first glance, they look like animal figures — but when you look closer, you’ll see each one combines a few animals into one figure.

👩‍🎨 For a unique Oaxaca experience, join this Learn to Paint Your Own Alebrije class.

First made with paper mache by artist Pedro Linares in Mexico City, Manuel Jiménez Ramírez is the artist credited with making the wooden Oaxacan alebrijes that are so popular today.

Nowadays, many visitors head to the pueblo (small town) of San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico to buy their own unique alebrije figure. As these are handmade, no two alebrijes are alike.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

12. San Bartolo Coyotepec: Black Pottery Town

In the Oaxacan black pottery town of San Bartolo Coyotepec you get to see where the famous barro negro (black clay) comes from, and the artisans who make it.

This pottery was first made by Doña Rosa hundreds of years ago, and is still the town’s main source of income today.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

14. Santo Tomás Jalieza: Oaxaca Rug Town

In Santo Tomás Jalieza Oaxaca, you’ll see the entire textile-making process — from hand-dying the yarn with natural materials, to how the famous Oaxacan rugs are made on a loom.

There’s a large selection of rugs for sale, with shipping available.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

15. Sierra Norte Cloud Forest (La Cumbre Ixtepeji)

Join Luis Fernando, a Oaxaca local and naturalist guide, on this Hike in the Oaxacan Cloud Forest.

Wondering, What is a cloud forest? It’s a forest that’s generally quite foggy, so it looks like there’s big fluffy clouds at your eye level as you walk around.

The cloud forest is located in La Cumbre Ixtepeji EcoPark, in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca mountains.

This is a rugged area, with a medium difficulty hike that’s about 9.5-miles-long (15 km), so you don’t want to attempt it on your own; book this tour instead.

Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll be at one of the highest elevation points in Oaxaca — about 10,500 feet above sea level (3,200 m).

You’ll get some time to relax up here and take in the views before heading back to enjoy a traditional Oaxaca food meal.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

16. Oaxaca Pueblos Mancomunados

The Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca are eight self-governing, indigenous Zapotec villages. They are located a few hours from Oaxaca City, and provide immersive Mexico ecotourism experiences.

The phrase pueblos mancomunados means “commonwealth of villages,” as these operate autonomously of the Mexican government.

The eight Pueblos Mancomunados are: Amatlán, Benito Juárez, Cuajimoloyas, La Nevería, Lachatao, Latuvi, Llano Grande and Yavesía. 

The nature trails on their land are a network of rural footpaths, country roads and mountain bike trails that span more than 62 miles (100 km).

It is a virtually-untouched natural area, so if you want to see the best Oaxaca nature sites, head to the Pueblos Mancomunados.

🔎 How to visit the Pueblos Mancomunados

Since it’s very easy to get lost, you’ll need to visit with a local guide who knows the trails.

You can book this Guided Hiking in Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte, and your guide will safely show you around these Oaxaca pueblos.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

17. Ex Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero

Located just outside Oaxaca City, Cuilápam Convent is a 16th century church and temple space in the city of Cuilápan de Guerrero (sometimes spelled Cuilápam de Guerrero; though both refer to the same place in Oaxaca).

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

18. Santiago Apoala Waterfall

Though Hierve el Agua is known as the famous Oaxaca waterfall, it’s not really a waterfall at all (well, it’s technically a petrified waterfall, but there’s no water falling from it).

If you want to see a real waterfall in Oaxaca, head to the small town of Santiago Apoala, Oaxaca.

Located about 2.5 hours north of Oaxaca City by car, the Cascadas de Santiago Apoala (Santiago Apoala Waterfalls) will really wow you.

This off the beaten path natural area is perfect for hiking, relaxing, and swimming in the waterfall pools.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

19. Tlalixtac Oaxaca Natural Reserve

If the Santiago Apoala Waterfalls are too far, you can see some smaller waterfalls and natural pools in the Tlalixtac Oaxaca Natural Reserve.

This natural area is only about 20-30 minutes from the Oaxaca City town center.

The hike to the waterfalls is about five miles (8 km) each way, and of moderate difficulty.

However, for those who are up for it, you’ll pass by lakes and sweeping vistas, and see lots of native flora and fauna along the way.

Note: This one day tour includes a traditional lunch at the end, so your physical efforts will be rewarded! In all seriousness, this Oaxaca tour is best for those who of a moderate fitness level, as the hike can get challenging.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

20. Dominican Route: Oaxaca Churches and Convents

Though there are some beautiful churches in Oaxaca City (like Templo de Santo Domingo), you can also check out the ones on the Dominican Route.

These 16th Century churches were in the baroque aesthetic, the most popular Oaxaca architecture style at the time.

A must see for architecture and design lovers, there are three churches on the route, and you’ll need a rental car to visit them because it’s really not possible via public transportation.

The Oaxaca Dominican Route churches and religious centers are:

• Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol (Saint Peter the Apostle Church) in the Village of Etla, Oaxaca — pictured above
• Ex Convento de Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán (Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán)
• Ex Convento y Templo de San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula (Ex-Convent and Temple of San Pedro and San Pablo Teposcolula)
• Iglesia Santa María de la Asunción (Church of Our Lady of the Assumption) in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca
• Ex Convento de San Juan Bautista (Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista) in Coixtlahuaca, Oaxaca

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

Oaxaca Taco Tours

If you go to Mexico and don’t eat way too many tacos, did you even go to Mexico?!

As the undisputed king of Mexican food, you’ll likely want to eat all the best tacos in Oaxaca City — but how do you know which ones to choose? You ask an expert.

Join Gerardo, a Oaxaca local, on this Tacos and Secret Bars of the City.

On it, he will take you to three taco spots in Oaxaca where only locals go. You’ll also visit one of the coolest and best bars in Oaxaca to try some local beer.

Oaxaca Chocolate Tour

Not everyone knows this, but the first cacao plants were cultivated by the Mayan people of southern Mexico (near Oaxaca).

This crop has been part of traditional Oaxaca food and drink for thousands of years, so there’s a lot more to learn about this tasty treat.

Join Oaxaca locals, Juan and Martín, from the Etnofood Oaxaca Food Lab on this Oaxacan Chocolate Class & Tasting experience.

During the class, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the scarred cacao tree, and taste some locally-made Oaxaca chocolate.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

Oaxaca Temazcal Experience

For some self care, you’ll want to put a temazcal ceremony on your list of things to do in Oaxaca City.

Temazcal is a pre-hispanic cleansing and purification ritual, similar to a Native American sweat lodge — so expect to sweat a lot.

The Ceviarem Temazcal Oaxaca is just outside the Oaxaca city centre, but for a more authentic experience, head about 45 minutes out of the city to Ex Hacienda San Antonio Hotel & Spa.

Their RenaSiendo en Oaxaca Temazcal Ceremony is an authentic temazcal ceremony. Alternatively, you can also experience Temazcal Ceremoney with a Oaxacan Local.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

Free Walking Tour of Oaxaca City

Looking for free things to do in Oaxaca City? The Oaxaca Free Walking Tour is among the top things to do in Oaxaca City, and makes a great first item on your Oaxaca itinerary. 🤑

Note: Though free, it is customary to tip your guide at least $100 pesos ($5 USD) per person.

The tour is led by local guides, and a great way to see the city’s highlights, off the beaten tracks sites and best Oaxaca neighborhoods. You’ll also learn some history and fun facts about Oaxaca along the way.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca Map

For your convenience, all the best Oaxaca City day trips mentioned in this article have been pinned to the map above.

I hope it makes planning your trip to Oaxaca Mexico a little easier, so all you have to do is enjoy!

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ

🗺️ Oaxaca Map

The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, you can book direct flights.

What’s the best way to get to Oaxaca?

Flights to Oaxaca

Wondering, Is there an airport in Oaxaca City? Yes, there’s Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), located about 20-30 minutes from downtown.

You might see this airport called Xoxocotlán International Airport, but it’s still OAX Airport, which is the only airport in Oaxaca City. ▶︎ Book your Oaxaca flights here!

Best Oaxaca Airport transportation

Mexico City to Oaxaca

If you’re flying to Oaxaca, you’ll likely have to get a connecting flight in Mexico City, as there are very few international direct flights to Oaxaca Airport.

However, you also have other options when traveling to Oaxaca from Mexico City.

• Driving to Oaxaca: The Mexico City to Oaxaca drive takes about six hours in normal traffic. You can easily rent a car in Mexico City with the tips in this Mexico Car Rental Guide.
• Bus to Oaxaca: There’s also the ADO bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca. ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company, with a fleet of luxury class buses. The bus ride takes about eight hours, and there are overnight buses available.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.

Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.

Oaxaca weather

Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.

If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May.

Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.

⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic and a Oaxaca safety guide, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.

However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?

Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico? That’s understandable because there really are a lot of great options at all price points.

Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City.

⭐️ Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City

For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) near the Zocalo very convenient, as it’s super walkable.

There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca — all three are great options.

🏩 Best HotelS in Oaxaca

• Quinta Real Oaxaca City ($$$$, Centro)
• Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
• Hotel Escondido Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
• City Centro Hotel Oaxaca ($$$, Jalatlaco)
• NaNa Vida Hotel ($$$, Centro)
• Casa de Arte ($$, Xochimilco)

Best HostelS in Oaxaca

• Hostal Central Oaxaca
• Azul Cielo Hostel
• Selina Oaxaca Hostel

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?

No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

• Download DiDi Rider for iPhone
• Download DiDi Rider for Android

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OAXACA Mexico

For Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or small group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.

I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.

In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants while on your Oaxaca vacation.

There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Oaxaca Mexico

While there might seem to be an endless number of Oaxaca City things to do, there’s even more to see just outside of town.

Many of the best day trips from Oaxaca City Mexico are located about an hour away, so they’re easy to access on your own or with a group tour.

The best way to go on Oaxaca day trips is via rental car. While the tours are convenient, you have to follow their schedule, which isn’t always the schedule you want.

Still, no matter which way you choose, don’t miss out on all the amazing day trips from Oaxaca City.