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Bucketlist Bri

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25 Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 ¡ Mexico, Oaxaca

Oaxaca City is one destination in Mexico you won’t soon forget. It seems to find its way inside travelers’ tender hearts, who simply can’t help but fall in love with all that Oaxaca has to offer.

There are myriad things to do and see in Oaxaca’s charming city center and beyond in the surrounding Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Whether you’re sipping a shot of artisanally distilled agave inside a cozy mezcal bar (mezcaleria) or wafting away at the smoke from the meat aisle in the local market, there’s a memorable travel moment to be discovered when you visit Oaxaca.

Female traveler standing in plaza in the heart of Oaxaca City, Mexico, looking at street lined with colorful buildings.
The heart of Oaxaca City, Mexico

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!

I stayed in Oaxaca City as a digital nomad for two months and came across many such moments.

In this guide, I am sharing all the best things to do in Oaxaca, including unmissable off-the-beaten-path activities in addition to the popular Oaxacan staples.

Read more below and feel free to add your suggestions to this responsible Oaxaca bucket list in the comments!

Table of Contents show
The Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City
1. Eat Typical Oaxacan Food @ Mercado Noviembre 23
2. Visit Artisanal Mezcal Distilleries in Mezcal Country
3. Explore the Zapotec Ruins of MontĂŠ AlbĂĄn
4. Tour the Beautiful JardĂ­n EtnobotĂĄnico of Oaxaca City
5. Celebrate Oaxaca’s Festival of Indigenous Dance & Culture (La Guelaguetza)
6. Shop Artsy Clothes & Jewelry at the Designer’s Market
7. Try Tejate the Ancient Aztec Drink of Cacao & Corn
8. Experience DĂ­a de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Oaxaca
9. Wander Oaxaca’s Oldest Neighborhood of Jalatlaco
10. Find Organic & Local Goods at the Outdoor Mercado La Cosecha
11. Step Inside Oaxaca’s Local Art Galleries
12. Go on a Day Trip to Mitla, Hierve El Agua, & Tlacolula
13. Bike to the Widest Tree in the World (El Tule Tree)
14. Peek Inside the Ornate Templo de Guzman Cathedral
15. Stroll Oaxaca’s Historic City Center (“Free” Walking Tour)
More Tours in Oaxaca City:
16. Admire the Beautiful Museo Textile de Oaxaca
17. Watch a Guerrero’s Baseball Game at Eduardo Vasconcelos Stadium
18. Grab Dinner & Drinks on a Rooftop Overlooking the Historic Center
19. Hang Out on the ZĂłcalo (Main Square)
20. Visit the Political Square of Plaza de la Danza
21. Sip on a Traditional Oaxacan Hot Chocolate (or Cold!)
22. Learn About Local Oaxacan Artists at Museo De Los Pintores
23. Shop Fairtrade Souvenirs at La Casa de las ArtesanĂ­as de Oaxaca
24. Get Great Coffee & Food at Muss Cafe
25. Treat Yourself to a Massage at Xü’ukx Natural Spa
Enjoy These Amazing Activities in Oaxaca City!

The Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City

1. Eat Typical Oaxacan Food @ Mercado Noviembre 23

Oaxaca is teeming with markets, so what better place to debut your Oaxacan adventures than in the hustle and bustle of one?

While there are many markets in Oaxaca to discover (which I’ll talk about later), the Mercado Noviembre 23 is great for first-timers to Oaxaca City.

Not only can you get a feel for local life here, but you also get to try traditional Oaxacan food staples like tlayudas (sometimes dubbed as “the Mexican pizza”), mole, and tamales.

The November 23 Market features a food hall, which has become famous for its smoke-filled meat aisle. Vegetarians/vegans and folks with respiratory complications beware — this isn’t your ordinary food market.

Entrance of the Benito Juarez Market in Oaxaca
Market street in Oaxaca City, Mexico
Tlayuda and michelada - Oaxacan food and drink at market in Oaxaca
Eating tlayudaas at the Mercado Noviembre 23 in Oaxaca City

Here, raw meat hangs in the air waiting to be selected by a hungry visitor. Your selection is then sizzled to street-food-style perfection and served with a heaping portion of sides (lettuce, tomato, marinated onion) and, most importantly, quesillo (Oaxaca cheese).

If you’re not a fan of smoke (or meat), you can eat elsewhere. We popped a squat at the crowded Comedor Tipico La Abuelita, underneath all the colorful papel picado flags, and feasted on a tlayuda the size of our heads (with an extra portion of quesillo on the side for good, cheesy measure). I ordered my favorite drink, a spicy michelada, and it was one of the best I’ve had in Mexico.

Prices here are about the same as you’ll find anywhere in the Noviembre 23 food hall, so find a seat that feels right and order away.

After your meal, get lost in the market’s maze and visit the nearby Mercado Benito Juárez; you’ll find stalls upon stalls of mezcal, produce, artisanal and commercial products, and even fried grasshoppers — Oaxaqueños’ favorite snack!

2. Visit Artisanal Mezcal Distilleries in Mezcal Country

On our full-day mezcal tour outside of Oaxaca City

Oaxacan culture and mezcal are inseparable which is why learning and tasting mezcal on a mezcal distillery tour is an absolute must-do activity while in Oaxaca.

Even if you don’t enjoy mezcal, it’s such an important part of the culture and so vital for the Zapotec indigenous communities and their livelihoods.

I recommend several mezcal tours to do this experience with — check out the guide to see what a day tour visiting mezcal distilleries near Oaxaca City is like.

3. Explore the Zapotec Ruins of MontĂŠ AlbĂĄn

Monte Albán is a must-visit in Oaxaca, as it’s one of the state’s and country’s most important archaeological sites. The indigenous Zapotecs once ruled here, atop what’s called the “White Mountain” overlooking the city and the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Woman standing overlooking the Zapotec archaeological ruins of Monte AlbĂĄn near Oaxaca Mexico.

Visiting Monte Albán is a popular thing to do in Oaxaca City because it’s an easy and affordable activity for the whole family. Doors open at 10 am and admission costs $85 MXN pesos.

You can tour the ruins on your own or with a guide during the cooler hours of the morning (2–3 hours) and be back in the historic center in time for lunch at Boulenc (a top place to eat in town).

Read my guide to Monte AlbĂĄn for more tips!

4. Tour the Beautiful JardĂ­n EtnobotĂĄnico of Oaxaca City

The Ethnobotanical Garden in the heart of Oaxaca City is a gorgeous, cactus-filled garden. This beautiful green space in the middle of Oaxaca’s historic center is not to miss.

Blending in with the cacti inside El JardĂ­n EtnobotĂĄnico

Visitation is only by tour (you can’t walk around on your own), but, thankfully, they offer daily tours in both English and Spanish.

The Spanish tour is slightly shorter, and not to mention cheaper, so if you want to practice your Spanish skills and shave off a few bucks, you could do that (which is what we did!).

  • $50 pesos for Spanish tours, $100 for English tours
  • Guided visits take around one hour (Spanish) and two hours (English)
  • English tours depart Mon–Sat at 11 am
  • Spanish tours depart Mon–Sat at 10 am, 11 am, or 12 pm
  • Straw hats are provided if you need one
  • Please respect the flora and take only photographs
  • Check times and learn more here

The location of Oaxaca’s botanical garden is right behind the Templo de Guzmán Cathedral in the historic center.

5. Celebrate Oaxaca’s Festival of Indigenous Dance & Culture (La Guelaguetza)

Indigenous dancer of Oaxaca, Mexico decorating bowl with flags
Indigenous group of Oaxaca arranging a painted gourd during a dance
Oaxacan women wearing blue apron serving "Agua de miel" on the street.
OaxaqueĂąa woman selling agua de miel at the festival in Tlacolula, Oaxaca

La Guelaguetza is one of Oaxaca’s most traditional and beautiful festivals!

This annual festival celebrates the indigenous cultures of Oaxaca in a multi-day celebration filled with lively dancing, storytelling, music, regional costumes and food, and more.

You can experience the fiesta yourself atop Cerro del FortĂ­n, another fun (and free) thing to do in Oaxaca City.

If you’re in Oaxaca City around mid-June, then don’t miss out on this festival!

Want to learn more? You can read more about the significance and history of La Guelaguetza here.

6. Shop Artsy Clothes & Jewelry at the Designer’s Market

Jewelry stands and fashion inside the Atemporal mercado in Oaxaca City
Artisanal ice cream with mezcal, lime, and blackberry.

If you love good vibes, all things design, trendy fashion, local music, and artisanal jewelry, then you’ll fall head over heels for the Atemporal design market hidden in Oaxaca’s city center.

It took me weeks living in Oaxaca to finally stumble past this adorable market.

At this market, you can shop for handmade clothes and jewelry from regional and international artists, indulge in artisanal ice cream, or just hang out with a beer in the back dining room!

7. Try Tejate the Ancient Aztec Drink of Cacao & Corn

Tejate drink in a jĂ­cara bowl sitting on wooden bench with ladel

Yes, visually, it doesn’t look very appetizing but I assure you that tejate — an ancient Aztec drink of cacao and corn — is actually very delicious.

You will find tejate in Oaxaca at several stands around town. My favorite place in Oaxaca for drinking tejate is located inside the La Cosecha organic market.

8. Experience DĂ­a de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Oaxaca

The first time I experienced the Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico is an experience I’ll never forget.

But Oaxaca? Oaxaca’s celebration of Día de Muertos is off the charts. Most major cities in Mexico will celebrate the Day of the Dead with an elaborate multi-day festival filled with candle-lit altars, organized dances and music, and parades to the local cemetery to honor the dead.

If your visit falls between October 31 and November 3, you will get to experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City — it’s not to miss!

DĂ­a de Muertos mural in Jalatlaco

9. Wander Oaxaca’s Oldest Neighborhood of Jalatlaco

Jalatlaco is Oaxaca’s up-and-coming neighborhood, despite being one of its oldest.

Its atmosphere is very different from that of downtown Oaxaca, in that it feels much more like a village than a city.

Colorful homes and buildings line the quiet streets of this neighborhood.

Inside them, you’ll find converted cafés, art studios and galleries, and coworking spaces that will both surprise and delight you!

Oaxaca City’s cute and historic neighborhood of Jalatlaco
Wandering around Jalatlaco is a fun thing to do in Oaxaca!

One of our favorite stops here for lunch is at Santa Hierba. The space is so cute and, most importantly, their food, service, and vibes were amazing!

If you need to get some work done while in town, the coworking space Céntrico is a good spot for fast Wi-Fi. Around the corner from here is our friend Jaime’s beautiful art studio, Once in Oaxaca. Make sure to go and say hi!

Lunch at Santa Hierba

10. Find Organic & Local Goods at the Outdoor Mercado La Cosecha

La Cosecha is one of my favorite markets in Oaxaca! Not only can you shop for fresh, organic produce and goods here, but you can also enjoy high-quality Mexican street food.

Speckled around this intimate and hidden outdoor courtyard are stalls serving fresh juice, coffee, tejate, pastries, and more.

La Cosecha organic market

Tip: La Cosecha is a featured stop on the walking tour of Oaxaca. In other words, tourists will descend onto the market sometime around 11 AM. Maybe plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the market without the crowds.

11. Step Inside Oaxaca’s Local Art Galleries

Inside the Once in Oaxaca art gallery in Oaxaca City

Art galleries in Oaxaca are anything but far and few between — stepping inside one (or many!) is one of the best things to do on a trip to Oaxaca City. Without the art galleries, Oaxaca simply wouldn’t be the same.

12. Go on a Day Trip to Mitla, Hierve El Agua, & Tlacolula

While there is already so much to do in and around Oaxaca’s city center, going on a day trip allows you to explore more of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Oaxacan man wearing hat looking into crowd at a festival in Tlacolula, Oaxaca
At the festival of Ice Cream & Mezcal in Tlacolula

Mitla is one of Mexico’s most important Zapotec archaeological ruins, after Monté Alban, which makes it a popular day trip from Oaxaca.

Hierve El Agua almost needs no introduction, as it’s one of the top activities to do in Oaxaca state! Oaxaca has become famous abroad thanks to these petrified waterfalls. However, there’s a lot of conflict between the communities that govern the site and the land on which Hierve El Agua sits. Make sure to check the local situation before setting out on your trip.

Tlacolula is famous for its Sunday market, which is one of the largest markets in Oaxaca. If you get to go on a festival day, like the Féria de la Nieve y el Mezcal that we got to experience, then it’ll be even bigger and better!

13. Bike to the Widest Tree in the World (El Tule Tree)

The Tule Tree is the world’s widest tree (in width) and it’s located in the indigenous Zapoteca town of Santa María del Tule, just a short taxi or bike ride outside of Oaxaca City.

A taxi/Uber is the fastest way to get there, but biking to the town via a deserted and converted train track path from the city is an eco-friendly and fun way to explore.

The widest part of the El Arbol del Tule's tree trunk
El Tule is so huge!

For more details on how to get there, read my guide to visiting the Tule Tree in Oaxaca.

14. Peek Inside the Ornate Templo de Guzman Cathedral

If you’re lucky during your time in Oaxaca, you’ll get to see inside the spectacular Templo de Guzmán Cathedral in the heart of the city.

Why lucky, you ask? The hours for visitation are a little ad-hoc. Doors might open after 4 pm, but not always at the top of the hour.

I know, it’s terrible advice to just say, “Go and check it out and see if you get lucky,” but that’s really what we had to do during the weeks we were in Oaxaca.

After two months there, we finally got to peer inside on a random afternoon when the doors were open for a wedding party.

And if you can, don’t miss out on seeing the treasures of Tomb 7 inside the Santo Domingo Cultural Center/Museum.

15. Stroll Oaxaca’s Historic City Center (“Free” Walking Tour)

Oaxaca has a “free” walking tour, and I put free in quotation marks because donations are requested (well, expected) at the end of the tour, just like all the free walking tours in the world that are run by volunteers.

These tours do offer local insight which, in my opinion, is always worth it!

While the Oaxaca walking tour isn’t as great as some others I’ve done in Mexico (like the one in San Cristóbal de las Casas), it’s still one of the best cheap things to do in Oaxaca City.

Oaxacan street food
Oaxacan street food

More Tours in Oaxaca City:

  • Oaxacan Street Food Tour 🌮
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Oaxaca 🌽
  • Oaxaca City Street Art Biking Tour 🚲

16. Admire the Beautiful Museo Textile de Oaxaca

The Textile Museum of Oaxaca is a hidden gem and a wonderful free thing to do in the city.

The building has an incredible history, from its beginnings as the orchard grounds of a 16th-century Dominican convent to the historic Casa Antelo to a charitable hospital, and now the textile museum.

Today, it serves to inspire and educate about design, contemporary art, and the rich textiles that Oaxaca is known for worldwide.

17. Watch a Guerrero’s Baseball Game at Eduardo Vasconcelos Stadium

A baseball game in Oaxaca? That’s right!

Unbeknownst to most tourists, there is a baseball stadium in Oaxaca City home to the professional baseball team of Oaxaca — the Guerreros de Oaxaca.

The season starts in March each year, so if you’re visiting Oaxaca City in the spring or summer, you might consider catching a classic baseball game! Enjoy all the classic food and drinks served at any American baseball game, but for half the price.

You can check the roster, schedule, and purchase tickets online here.

18. Grab Dinner & Drinks on a Rooftop Overlooking the Historic Center

Oaxaca City Centro

In the historic heart of Oaxaca, there are several rooftops where you can enjoy a nice meal, craft cocktail, or simply catch a panoramic view.

  • Terraza Istmo
  • Mezquite
  • Los Amantes
  • Brio CafĂŠ
  • La Mezcalerita
  • Asador La Azotea

As you’ll see, Oaxaca City is gorgeous and lively at night, with warm lamps illuminating the cobble streets and music escaping from open doorways on every corner — the perfect atmosphere to take in from the rooftops!

Oaxaca City is teeming with street food carts

19. Hang Out on the ZĂłcalo (Main Square)

The ZĂłcalo in Oaxaca is the best place to sit on a shaded bench and watch the world go by.

Not only are there a handful of cafĂŠs and restaurants from which you can sit and enjoy live music with decent food or a drink in hand, but there are also boutique shops, weekly events, and an artisanal market spread out the park.

One night, we joined a group of dancers for salsa night in the park. On another day, we enjoyed live choir music on the steps of the cathedral.

There’s a lot you can learn from and about Oaxaca City’s local life if you just sit still long enough to take it all in. The Zócalo is the ideal place to do just that.

20. Visit the Political Square of Plaza de la Danza

La Plaza de la Danza is considered the political heart of the city. As such, it is host to many festivals and events throughout the year.

Festivals you might see celebrated in this forum are:

  • Festival of Temal y Tejate
  • La Guelaguetza
  • Artisanal markets
  • DĂ­a de Muertos

But even if there’s nothing going on while you’re in town, a quick jaunt to visit the church and courtyard with its fountain and vendors is a must-do.

21. Sip on a Traditional Oaxacan Hot Chocolate (or Cold!)

bowl of Oaxacan cold chocolate with ice beside menu

The reputation of Oaxaca’s chocolate proceeds itself. It’s delicious, homemade, and a staple in Oaxacan culture and cuisine.

Oaxacan hot or cold chocolate has a unique blend of cacao beans, cinnamon, sugar, and even almonds or chile for spice. That said, it’s not your silky kind of chocolate. It’s more complex and granulated in texture, even as a drink.

Nonetheless, it’s delicious! One of my favorite places for drinking hot/cold Oaxacan chocolate is the chocolate bar located inside the Paseo V mall (to the left of McCarthy’s Irish Pub).

22. Learn About Local Oaxacan Artists at Museo De Los Pintores

For a deeper look into Oaxaca’s art scene and history, a visit to the Museo de Los Pintores Oaxaqueños (MUPO) is a must-do activity.

Inside this restored colonial mansion are many interesting paintings including a few exhibits and galleries showcasing local Oaxacan art.

Entry into the museum is donation-based, so this is a budget-friendly thing to do in Oaxaca City. The visit itself is self-paced and takes about 30 minutes.

23. Shop Fairtrade Souvenirs at La Casa de las ArtesanĂ­as de Oaxaca

If you’re not sure where to shop in Oaxaca, then start at La Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca.

Here, you can find every item needed to dress from head to toe — handmade hats, bags, shoes, shawls, pants, blouses, jewelry, and more.

They also feature handmade items for the home, including table runners, blankets, hammocks, and artisanal ornaments and decor.

The prices are fair, the selection is large, and you can walk away knowing your purchase goes back to the hands that made your clothing.

24. Get Great Coffee & Food at Muss Cafe

There are several cafes in Oaxaca to sip on coffee or work on Wi-Fi, but none will charm you as much as Muss Cafe.

We loved coming here each week to enjoy food and drinks (and work a little on our laptops) atop their beautiful rooftop!

Outdoor rooftop cafe and coffee shop in Oaxaca with inspiring plant decor.
Muss CafĂŠ

25. Treat Yourself to a Massage at Xü’ukx Natural Spa

Finally, getting a massage is a fun and relaxing thing to do in Oaxaca City before you head back home from your vacation.

We found the Xü’ukx Natural Spa to be a great choice. The ambiance is quiet and relaxing, and the masseuses who worked on Paul and me (we did a couple’s massage) were accommodating and friendly!

They were able to fit us in last minute and the process was seamless. We were offered water (and even a shot of mezcal) after our session. The cost for a deep tissue massage was around 600 MXN pesos, but if you pay in cash you can get a $100 pesos discount.

Enjoy These Amazing Activities in Oaxaca City!

From elaborate festivals to market food and mezcal distilleries to timeless museums, there is so much to see and do in Oaxaca.

Blonde female traveler posing for photo in front of pink wall with a sign that reads, "Oaxaca Te Amo"
Blonde female traveler walking across street with blue VW bus in Oaxaca City Mexico.
Yellow mural with street art in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Red wall with green cacti plants.

I hope you have the most wonderful time visiting this beautiful city!

🌿 As always, please remember to visit responsibly; shop local and barter ethically, dispose of your trash properly, leave natural spaces and historic monuments unmarked, and always consider your impact on the community and environment.

If you have any questions about the above activities in Oaxaca, or what to do beyond the city, feel free to leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

More Oaxaca travel inspiration:

  • An Insider’s Guide to Oaxaca City’s Best Markets
  • Where to Drink Tejate in Oaxaca
  • Unmissable Tours & Day Trips From Oaxaca
  • 8 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes (With Wifi) in Oaxaca City
  • Best Mezcal Tours in Oaxaca City
  • How to Visit Monte AlbĂĄn Near Oaxaca City (Zapotec Ruins)
  • 13 Best Places to Live in Mexico as a Nomad

📌 PIN THIS OAXACA CITY BUCKET LIST

By: Bri ¡ In: Mexico, Oaxaca

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Comments

  1. Gary says

    October 13, 2022 at 12:04 am

    whats months were you there? I booked 5 weeks for nid October until late November. Love your Blog. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 13, 2022 at 1:32 pm

      Hey Gary! We were there in March and April of this year. Sounds like you’re going to be there for DĂ­a de Muertos — I’m envious!! I’ll be in La Paz in BCS. Hope you have a wonderful time!

      Reply
  2. Steve Bennett says

    September 16, 2022 at 9:53 pm

    Thanks for the lovely ideas. I really like your style. Best wishes.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      September 20, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks so much, Steve!

      Reply

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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 #espĂ­ritusanto #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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