Oaxaca, Mexico, is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich culture and history. The state is home to stunning natural beauty, charming colonial cities, and some of the most delicious food in Mexico. If you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca in June 2024, here are 10 of the best places to visit:
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico that is known for its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. The state is home to a number of indigenous groups, each with their own unique traditions and languages. Oaxaca is also home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of the city of Oaxaca, the Monte Albán archaeological site, and the Hierve el Agua natural springs. June is a great time to visit Oaxaca, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the state.
Oaxaca is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The state offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including hiking, biking, swimming, and visiting historical sites. Oaxaca is also known for its delicious food, and there are a number of restaurants and markets where you can sample the local cuisine. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, Oaxaca is the perfect place to visit.
1. Oaxaca City
The capital of Oaxaca state, Oaxaca City is a beautiful and historic city with a rich culture. The city is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of the city, the Monte Albán archaeological site, and the Hierve el Agua natural springs. Oaxaca City is also a great place to sample the local cuisine, and there are a number of restaurants and markets where you can try traditional Oaxacan dishes.
Things to do in Oaxaca City:
- Visit the historic center of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Monte Albán archaeological site, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Hierve el Agua natural springs, which are a series of natural pools that are filled with warm water.
- Try the local cuisine, which is known for its use of mole, a type of sauce made from chili peppers and spices.
2. Monte Albán
Monte Albán is an ancient Zapotec city that is located about 20 miles from Oaxaca City. The city was founded around 500 BC and was once one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica. Monte Albán is home to a number of impressive ruins, including a large pyramid, a ball court, and a number of temples. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular destination for tourists.
Things to do in Monte Albán:
- Visit the ruins of the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán.
- Climb to the top of the Great Pyramid for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
- Visit the ball court, where the ancient Mesoamericans played a ritual game similar to basketball.
- Visit the Museum of Monte Albán, which houses a collection of artifacts from the site.
3. Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a series of natural pools that are filled with warm water. The pools are located about 30 miles from Oaxaca City and are a popular destination for tourists. The water in the pools is rich in minerals, and it is said to have healing properties. Hierve el Agua is also a great place to go for a swim or to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Things to do in Hierve el Agua:
- Go for a swim in the natural pools.
- Relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the nearby village of San Isidro Roaguía, which is known for its traditional Zapotec culture.
4. Mitla
Mitla is an ancient Zapotec city that is located about 30 miles from Oaxaca City. The city was founded around 900 AD and was once a major religious center. Mitla is home to a number of impressive ruins, including a large palace, a number of temples, and a ball court. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular destination for tourists.
Things to do in Mitla:
- Visit the ruins of the ancient Zapotec city of Mitla.
- Visit the Palace of the Columns, which is one of the most impressive buildings in Mitla.
- Visit the Group of the Cross, which is a group of temples that are decorated with elaborate carvings.
- Visit the Museum of Mitla, which houses a collection of artifacts from the site.
5. Tule Tree
The Tule Tree is a massive tree that is located in the town of Santa María del Tule. The tree is over 2,000 years old and has a trunk that is over 40 feet in diameter. The Tule Tree is one of the largest trees in the world and is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can walk around the tree and take pictures, or they can climb to the top of the tree for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Things to do at the Tule Tree:
- Walk around the tree and take pictures.
- Climb to the top of the tree for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Visit the nearby church of Santa María del Tule, which is a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
6. Teotitlán del Valle
Teotitlán del Valle is a town that is located about 30 miles from Oaxaca City. The town is known for its traditional Zapotec weaving. Visitors to Teotitlán del Valle can watch weavers create beautiful rugs, blankets, and other textiles. The town is also home to a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional Zapotec crafts.
Things to do in Teotitlán del Valle:
- Watch weavers create beautiful rugs, blankets, and other textiles.
- Purchase traditional Zapotec crafts.
- Visit the nearby ruins of Yagul, which is an ancient Zapotec city.
7. Capulálpam de Méndez
Capulálpam de Méndez is a town that is located about 50 miles from Oaxaca City. The town is known for its traditional textile crafts. Visitors to Capulálpam de Méndez can watch weavers create beautiful rugs, blankets, and other textiles. The town is also home to a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional textile crafts.
Things to do in Capulálpam de Méndez:
- Watch weavers create beautiful rugs, blankets, and other textiles.
- Purchase traditional textile crafts.
- Visit the nearby ruins of Zaachila, which is an ancient Zapotec city.
8. San Bartolo Coyotepec
San Bartolo Coyotepec is a town that is located about 10 miles from Oaxaca City. The town is known for its traditional black pottery. Visitors to San Bartolo Coyotepec can watch potters create beautiful black pottery pieces. The town is also home to a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional black pottery.
Things to do in San Bartolo Coyotepec:
- Watch potters create beautiful black pottery pieces.
- Purchase traditional black pottery.
- Visit the nearby ruins of Atzompa, which is an ancient Zapotec city.
9. Santa María Atzompa
Santa María Atzompa is a town that is located about 10 miles from Oaxaca City. The town is known for its traditional green pottery. Visitors to Santa María Atzompa can watch potters create beautiful green pottery pieces. The town is also home to a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional green pottery.
Things to do in Santa María Atzompa:
- Watch potters create beautiful green pottery pieces.
- Purchase traditional green pottery.
- Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Albán, which is an ancient Zapotec city.
10. Ocotlán de Morelos
Ocotlán de Morelos is a town that is located about 20 miles from Oaxaca City. The town is known for its traditional wood carvings. Visitors to Ocotlán de Morelos can watch wood carvers create beautiful wood carvings. The town is also home to a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional wood carvings.
Things to do in Ocotlán de Morelos:
- Watch wood carvers create beautiful wood carvings.
- Purchase traditional wood carvings.
