Oaxaca is my favorite Mexican region so far! It offers the best of Mexico! Are you ready to discover how to visit the waterfalls and Mayan ruins in Oaxaca? I went there in 2017 with the university I studied at. The trip was executed by Ruta Huasteca. All the trips I have gone on with them were unforgettable. In 2021 I travelled through Mexico alone for 2,5 months. I couldn’t help but passing through Oaxaca again and stayed at my favorite hostel EVER! Ticuchi Hostel was brand new, had a pool, bar and a great location.
Oaxaca City
The city Oaxaca is very beautiful and did not become Unesco World Heritage for nothing. Take a look inside the beautifully decorated Templo de Santo Domingo and stroll through a street market filled with artisanal products.The city is cosy and although lively, not too crowded or busy. It’s the place to be to discover the colorful indigenous culture and amazing food. By night the Zócalo or central market square comes to life with lots of ambiance.
I went to the big local markets called Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez. Here you can find lots of regional products, like mezcal. Apparently if you around asking for tasters, you can make your own free mezcal tour. But also lots of food, like chocolate, sweets, the base for mole, bread and even grasshoppers. It’s also the place to be for a local lunch. I enjoyed the tlayuda with quesillo and cecina, a drink called tejate, tamales with Mole negro and even tried grasshoppers/chapulines! Oaxaca is paradise for whoever loves to try local Mexican food. Some say Oaxaca offers the best of Mexico! Try an Authentic Oaxaca Street Food Tour by locals or go a Mezcal Tour to a distillery.
Artisan Tour around Oaxaca City
I went on a tour to the artisans around the city. I was alone and had a personal driver and guide. There was a roadblock, so we made a detour. Our first stop was the Galeria De Barro Negro of Miguel Fabian. Barro negro is black clay that was used already in the prehispanic period for religious objects. Miguel showed me the entire process from clay to piece of art. It was very interesting, and I wish I could have bought a piece.
The next stop was the ex-convent of Cuilapam de Guerrero for a short explanation and then we arrived at the alebrije gallery in Arrazola. Aside from the beautiful Alebrijes in any size you can think of, you can find hats and shoes that are decorated by hand.
The last stop was another pottery store, with a different kind of pottery. And then we drove back to the city past a viewpoint and they took me around the Jalatlaco neighborhood. This is a favorite neighborhood of locals, with a lot of great restaurants and beautifully painted houses. The Oaxaca Artisan Towns Half-Day Tour was operated by Turismo el Convento de Oaxaca.
Monte Alban
The Mayan ruins of Monte Alban form a big complex that is definitely worth a visit. Not only are the buildings impressive, also the location is breathtaking. The site lays on top of a green hill with a view over the city beneath and the mountains surrounding the city.
Hierve el Agua
We went to the incredible Hierve el Agua waterfall with 14 people in the back of a truck. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. There is a natural source at the to of the waterfall an you can do a short walk to the the botom to get a better sence of the size and beauty of the cliff. Then there are a couple of natural pools that you can swim with an unreal view over the surrounding mountains.
Tuk-tuk race!
Next up we went on a treasure hunt in a tuk-tuk with a live chicken! To this day it’s one of the coolest activities I have done on a trip. We had to visit one shop to get cacao, anotherfor sugar, another to ground the cacao and sugar and so much more. Each time we had take a picture when an assignment was completed WITH the chicken! It was a great way to learn about the Oaxacan culture. An amazing adventure!
Guelaguetza
Eventhough I have now been to Oaxaca twice, I need to go back! My time there was not enough by far! Next time I go, I want to time it around the Guelaguetza. This is a cultural festival during which cultural groups from all regions of the state gather. They bring their traditional clothing, food and dance, which means it’s the perfect time to get emersed in the Oaxacan culture! There are more traditional communities around the city that I could love to visit and I would love to visit the markets in Mitla.
Puerto Escondido
The state Oaxaca has so much to offer. It is even known for its amazing beaches in Puerto Escondido and Mazunte. It is a famous destination for digital nomads and backpackers. I will soon spend time here and will create a travel guide. Until then, make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss my trip through Mexico.
I hope you liked this article about waterfalls and Mayan ruins in Oaxaca. In THIS VIDEO you can catch a glimpse of my unforgettable adventures in Oaxaca.
I wrote the following articles about my time of Mexico:
- Trips North of Mexico City – Trips from Querétaro
- Studying in Mexico – Going local in Querétaro
- Celebrate Día de Muertos in Mexico
- Mexico City and Mayan Pyramids
- Mexican Independence Day in Guanajuato
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