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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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Is Oaxaca, Mexico Worth Visiting? (YES, and Here’s Why!)

Last Updated: January 23, 2023 · Oaxaca

If you are familiar with Mexico, then you know just how many gorgeous and awesome places there are to visit. The question is, is Oaxaca one of them?

In short, (heck) yes!

But why? Why is Oaxaca worth visiting and why should you visit versus other areas in Mexico you could see?

Having lived on and off as a nomad in Mexico for 3+ years, including a couple of months as a digital nomad in Oaxaca City, I’m going to tell and show you all the many reasons why you should pay Oaxaca City (and the state of Oaxaca in general) a visit.

By the end of this post, you’re going to be hitting “Purchase” on those flight deals—promise!

Read more below to discover Oaxaca and what makes this diverse state in Mexico such a must-visit.

Table of Contents show
10 Reasons to Visit Oaxaca, Mexico
1. Oaxaca is Mexico’s most diverse state
2. The food in Oaxaca is incréible!
3. Oaxaca’s culture and history are rich and ancient
4. Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal
5. There are beautiful beaches in Oaxaca
6. Oaxaca City is teeming with textiles, handicrafts, & art
7. Oaxaca becomes alive for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
8. Nature landscapes in Oaxaca are otherworldly
9. Oaxaca has 5 Magic Towns (Pueblo Mágicos)
10. Annual festivals mean Oaxaca is always fun to visit
So, Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?

10 Reasons to Visit Oaxaca, Mexico

1. Oaxaca is Mexico’s most diverse state

Downtown Oaxaca City

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Culturally and linguistically, Oaxaca is the most diverse state in the country.

It has sixteen recognized indigenous groups, surpassing even the state of Chiapas which has ten ethnic groups.

What’s more, according to History, the many indigenous and ethnic communities in Oaxaca have subgroups into the hundreds, all with varying dialects and social norms.

If you are a lover of cultures and languages, then Oaxaca will fascinate you.

To learn more about Oaxaca’s native groups, read here.

2. The food in Oaxaca is incréible!

Oaxacan street food
small memela oaxaca food on clay plate in

Oaxaca’s gastronomy is one of the most diverse as well, but not just in the state of Mexico—in the world!

The food in Oaxaca—from the street food you’ll find in Oaxaca’s best markets to gourmet dishes in fine-dining restaurants—is simply a must-try.

Eating in Oaxaca becomes an experience, not just a past-time to fill your tummy.

For that reason, you can find lots of food tours in Oaxaca.

When a state has not just one Mexican “mole” recipe, but seven, then you know you’re in a true culinary haven.

In addition to mole, you can (and must) try these other Oaxacan foods:

  • Tlayudas (Large, crispy tortilla topped with Oaxacan meat, cheese, and more. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican pizza” — but it’s way better than that!)
  • Quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese)
  • Memelas (Thick corn tortillas topped with beans and cheese)
  • Chapulines (Grasshoppers)

With its wildly diverse flavors, richness, and history, it’s no wonder that Oaxacan gastronomy (and Mexican food as a whole) earned itself a spot on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

You can read more about Mexican gastronomy in this interview here.

3. Oaxaca’s culture and history are rich and ancient

Pyramid at Monte Alban in Oaxaca with lone shady tree
Monte Albán

While the capital of Oaxaca, Oaxaca de Júarez (Oaxaca City), was founded in 1529 and subsequently controlled by the Aztecs and ultimately invaded by the Spaniards, the Central Valleys of Oaxaca have been inhabited for thousands of years with the earliest evidence of humans in the prehistoric caves near Mitla dating back to 8,000 B.C.

You can step back in time into this very history with a visit to Monte Albán—an ancient Zapotec capital perched above present-day Oaxaca City.

Other notable archaeological sites to visit in Oaxaca are:

  • Mitla
  • Yagul
  • Zaachila
  • Casa de la Cacica
  • Yucuita
  • Huamelulpan
  • Dainzú

Even the colonial historic center of Oaxaca City is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history.

You will be mesmerized by all the cultural and historical sites there are to see in Oaxaca City and beyond.

4. Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal

Artisanal mezcal bottles

If you don’t know what mezcal is, you are in for a treat!

Mezcal is a deeply complex and nuanced spirit distilled from cooked agave hearts. And it’s an inseparable aspect of Oaxacan tradition and culture.

While many people call mezcal “tequila’s smoky cousin” that doesn’t quite do mezcal justice.

Yes, mezcal typically has a smoky smell and flavor, but as you’ll learn on a mezcal distillery/farm tour in Oaxaca, it’s much more diverse on the palette than just “smoke.”

If you aren’t familiar with mezcal, definitely check out my guide linked just above to learn more about it and how you can experience an artisanal mezcal tasting tour while visiting Oaxaca.

Mezcal is by far my favorite spirit, not just because of its flavor but in its essence—the way it’s made; the way it’s consumed; the way it’s cherished in Zapotec communities and in Oaxacan culture.

Oaxaca City in particular is chock-full of mezcal bars (mezcalerias) and restaurants serving mezcal shots (the “proper” way to consume it) and delicious mezcal cocktails.

5. There are beautiful beaches in Oaxaca

Punta Cometa, Oaxaca Coast
puerto escondido oaxaca
Puerto Escondido

If you are thinking about visiting Oaxaca beyond the capital city, then the next best place to visit is Oaxaca’s sultry coastline.

Oaxaca is famous for its beaches and backpacker beach towns as much as its archaeological ruins or historic capital city.

That said, you have probably already heard of the Mexican surfing mecca of Puerto Escondido, but there is more to the coastline than that.

For example, Mazunte, the laid-back hippie town of Oaxaca’s coast draws a crowd of eco-conscious yogis and wanderers in search of sunshine and relaxed beach vibes.

San Agustinillo, Zipolite, and Santa Maria Huatulco’s beaches, to name a few, offer even more respite from the city.

In short, if beaches are what you seek, Oaxaca has loads of them tucked away in its hidden coves, bays, and towns speckled along the Pacific Coast.

6. Oaxaca City is teeming with textiles, handicrafts, & art

Indigenous dancer of Oaxaca, Mexico decorating bowl with flags
Atemporal design market in covered outdoor courtyard
At the design market in Oaxaca

Another reason to visit Oaxaca in one word: Shopping.

Oaxaca is synonymous with textiles and crafts handmade by artisans. Their craft and skill are undeniable and widely desired.

From elaborate textiles to embroidered clothing to clay pots and alebrijes—traditional wood-carved animals that are vibrantly handpainted—you will find myriad souvenirs and custom-made art pieces by indigenous and local artisans across Oaxaca.

7. Oaxaca becomes alive for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Day of the Dead is perhaps Mexico’s most beloved tradition. And in Oaxaca, the fiesta is on full display.

That said, it’s known that Oaxaca is one of the best places in Mexico to experience Día de Muertos.

From the cemeteries to the altars to the makeup to the dances to the shows and parades, it seems every square inch becomes decorated or disguised in a colorful celebration of ancestors and deceased loved ones.

I have had the chance to experience Día de Muertos in Sayulita, a boho surfing town located in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, and it was nothing short of incredible.

I can only imagine how it must be in Oaxaca where the celebration is even more festive and animated.

8. Nature landscapes in Oaxaca are otherworldly

The Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca City

One of the main draws to Oaxaca, aside from its culture(s) and history, is its natural beauty.

And in addition to Oaxaca’s ethnic diversity, the state is known for being the most biodiverse in Mexico as well, recording the most bird and animal species in the country.

What’s more, from rugged mountains and dry deserts to flowing rivers, ravines, and coastlines, Oaxaca has a beautiful and diverse topography.

In fact, one of the top things to do in Oaxaca is to visit the petrified (“frozen”) waterfall known as Hierve El Agua located nearly an hour outside of Oaxaca City.

Hierve El Agua (Photo: Analuisa Gamboa, Unsplash)

The geological wonders don’t stop there, however.

Along the coast, you can find mangroves, lagoons, bays, and beaches home to hundreds of species of plant and animal life; cloud forests 8000m above sea level; and even sand dunes that spill out into the ocean.

You can read more about Oaxaca’s understated natural beauty here.

9. Oaxaca has 5 Magic Towns (Pueblo Mágicos)

San Pablo Villa de Mitla (Photo: Diego Fiore, Getty Images)

Mexico has over one hundred designated Pueblo Mágicos, that is, small towns that have exceptional history, culture, customs, natural gems, and charm.

A visit to Oaxaca means getting to tour at least five of these beautiful Magic Towns, including:

  • San Pablo Villa de Mitla
  • Capulálpam de Méndez
  • Teposcolula
  • Huautla de Jiménez
  • Mazunte

You can interact with the map above to learn more about the magic towns in Oaxaca.

10. Annual festivals mean Oaxaca is always fun to visit

Dancers at the Mezcal Festival in Tlacolula, Oaxaca

Seeing as Oaxaca is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse states in Mexico, it is perhaps the number one destination in terms of festivals.

Thanks to the many indigenous groups and sub-groups, Oaxaca’s event calendar always has something going on.

And I don’t mean just Día de Muertos, either.

In fact, one of the biggest festivals to take place in Oaxaca that is a must-experience is called La Guelaguetza.

During this festival—one of the most important in Oaxaca—folklore, dance, gastronomy, and more, come together in vivid harmony.

“This festival is a great ethnic and cultural mosaic that is expressed in multiple languages, dances, songs, dresses and customs of the Oaxacan people. The celebration has acquired world renown and has the participation of the eight folkloric regions of the State: La Costa, La Cañada, La Mixteca, La Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, Papaloapan, El Istmo, and Los Valles Centrales.”

Visit Mexico

Aside from La Guelaguetza which takes place in mid-July each year, Oaxaca also celebrates these holidays:

  • Night of Radishes, Noche de los Rabanos (December 23)
  • Festival of Mezcal and Ice Cream, Feria de la Nieve y el Mezcal (April)
  • Las Calendas
  • Las Velas Istmeñas
  • Holy Week, Semana Santa (Easter)

So, Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?

I hope, by now, you are able to answer that question with a resounding “Yes!”

As one of the most fascinating and diverse states in Mexico, Oaxaca—both the city and the state—is definitely a must-visit.

The only thing is, where should you start?

I may be biased, but you should debut your Oaxaca travel adventures in the state’s incredible capital.

From there, you can go on day trips from Oaxaca City to check off your bucket list or rent a car and road trip down to the coast.

Use my other guides to help plan your trip to Oaxaca!

  • The 12 Cutest Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca City
  • 25 Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico
  • Living in Oaxaca City as a Digital Nomad
  • Where to Drink Tejate in Oaxaca — The Must-Try “Drink of the Gods”
  • 8 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes (With Wifi) in Oaxaca City
  • Tree of Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico: How to Visit the Widest Tree in the World

By: Bri · In: Oaxaca

you’ll also love

Woman standing overlooking the Zapotec archaeological ruins of Monte Albán near Oaxaca Mexico.How to Visit Monte Albán Near Oaxaca City (Zapotec Ruins)
Female traveler standing in plaza in the heart of Oaxaca City, Mexico, looking at street lined with colorful buildings.The Perfect DIY Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oaxaca City
How to Spend 4–5 Days in Oaxaca City: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Comments

  1. Lita says

    January 24, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    I have always wanted to go to Oaxaca, especially for all the bomb food there is to try there! I am going to add this to the list for sure. My husband loves mezcal too, so he would love to try it there.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      January 26, 2023 at 9:37 am

      If food is your muse, you will looove Oaxaca! And the mezcal culture is amazing ✨

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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@bucketlistbri

My travel blogging journey 👇✨ I started my f My travel blogging journey 👇✨

I started my first travel blog online in 2013 when I moved to France for 14 months as part of my undergrad study abroad program. It really was just a diary-style online journal recounting my cultural and outdoor adventures. 

Then, in 2015, I started another blog inspired by my adopted cat, Yoda, who was just one year old back then and was about to move across the world to Nepal with me. It was there, while living in Kathmandu that I bought my first travel blog domain, which evolved into what you now know as Bucketlist Bri (bucketlistbri.com). Slowly, through trial and error, I learned how to navigate SEO, monetization, and beyond.

It wasn’t until late 2019 that I decided to take travel blogging seriously, as in, pursue it as my career. Up until then, to keep me afloat while getting my master’s degree abroad, I worked as a freelancer writer on Upwork.com. Meanwhile, I was starting to publish more frequently on my travel blog.

I don’t have to explain what happened in 2020 to the travel industry, but what I can tell you is that I didn’t give up on my travel blog.

Now, three years later, and TEN years after I first started publishing online, I am a fully self-funded travel blogger. 

That means I don’t need to land brand sponsorships or grow my Instagram (although, tourism boards are a lovely addition and warmly welcomed), nor do I need to write for others/publish freelance pieces, or work in an unflexible 9-5 to fund my nomadic travel lifestyle. 

I cannot understate that I did not have this vision for myself in 2013. Or 2015. Or even in 2019. It wasn’t until I started to commit myself to the work, the hustle, the dream, that I even saw the dream unfold. Still unfolding. 

I believe your life leaves you clues. Some of those won’t work out, but some will. 

And in those that do, there’s a common thread that, ultimately, weaves a beautiful tapestry (but that you might not see until much later and those that do are very fortunate). 

I know in my heart that I was always supposed to write. That’s my common thread. I just didn’t know it looked like blogging. 

(Continued in the comments!)

#travelblogging #travelbloggerlife #mystory
Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez 🦭

1. Paul finishing his last dive to complete his PADI Open Water certification!! 🥳

2. A curious sea lion pup coming to play with us! 🥹 

3. Sea lions soaking up the sun on the rocks of Los Islotes ☀️ 

4. The arch of Los Islotes, which we dove under! 🤿 

5 & 6. After our first dive, these humpback whales surfaced right by the boats! This was our first time seeing these beauties up close — just amazing! 🐋 

7. You can see Paul’s nerves and excitement all in one here as he listens to his awesome dive instructor, Gus! @thedivegurusmex 

8. Dolphins followed our boat as soon as we left the marina on day 1. On day 2 of our dives, a huge pod of dolphins put on a show for us just off Espíritu Santo Island! 🐬 
 
9. My pure joy and excitement after my first encounter with the sea lions of Los Islotes 🥲 (sound on)

10. Divers will have an idea of what Paul is doing here before he suits up 😂 💀 

Still can’t believe we got to see all of this amazing marine life in one weekend! La Paz/the Sea of Cortez was named one of the top dive destinations in the world for a reason — have you added it to your bucket list yet?! 💛 

#padi #diving #scubadivers #sealions #losislotes #islaespiritusanto #humpbackwhale #dolphins #marinelife #seaofcortez #lapazbcs #natgeowild #wildlifeplanet #paditv #bajacaliforniasur #vivamexico
The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, we were told by two tourists in our Airbnb, “Two people we know were mugged by dudes on motorbikes just a couple of months ago. Don’t walk at night!”

Our reaction went something like: “Oh, yikes, okay... Thanks for letting us know.” 😳 

That same night, Paul and I went out to grab food and were extremely anxious. I swear I jumped at every moving shadow—and I felt guilty about it!

At that point, I had lived in Mexico on and off for nearly three years. The Mexico that I know is pretty safe for tourists regardless of what the media portrays. 

But this sudden heeding of danger dug its claws into my core and made its nest in my stomach.

For the next two months, Paul and I walked back to our local apartment—a 10–15 minute jaunt outside of the historic center in a no-tourist neighborhood—multiple nights a week after getting dinner or drinks.

And I’m happy to share that we felt very safe. 

Apart from that first night, we felt safe the entire time in Oaxaca City, even at night (and, most importantly, despite the scary warnings of “true stories” from those tourists).

Of course, could we have gotten lucky during those two months and escaped danger? Yes, absolutely. 

But luck is not the whole reason, nor the point! 

Mexico is safer than most people have been told or taught, and my hope is that one day you will experience this lovely, welcoming, beautiful country for yourself! 🧡

Read the blog for more details about safety in Oaxaca + Mexico on my blog @bucketlistbri .com

#mexico #oaxacadejuarez #oaxacalotienetodo #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #nomadadigital #mexicosorprendente
Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure bucket list!! 

Literally a dream come true to be in the water with these playful pups 🦭✨🤿

Just watch your head and fingers, they like to nibble 😂 

📍 Los Islotes, Baja California Sur
🤿 w/ @thedivegurusmex 

Would you do this!?! Send to someone who would!🦭🥹

#divinglife #losislotes #lapazmexico #bajacalifornia #scubadivingmag #padi #divemexico #bajasur #seaofcortez #sealions #espíritusanto #mexicoadventures #ecotourism #ecoblogger #adventureblogger #wildlifelover
Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
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