Oaxaca: travel notes and recommendations

Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Mexico, full of attractive places to visit, dishes to enjoy and traditions to experience. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colonial jewel offers an endless number of unique experiences for visitors to discover the true essence of Mexico. To help you organize your next adventure to Oaxaca, Hertz Mexico has put together a guide with the places you should visit and some recommendations for you to keep in mind.

Tour the historic center

The historic center of Oaxaca will immerse you in the rich history and culture of this charming city. We recommend starting your tour at the Zócalo, Oaxaca's main square, surrounded by elegant colonial buildings and colorful markets. Then visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman, a 16th century architectural jewel with an impressive baroque façade. A few steps from the cathedral, you will find the Ethnobotanical Garden where you can take a walk of about 1 hour where you will learn about the history of the place and its great variety of plants, all native to Oaxaca and its surroundings. Then, immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle and energy of the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, to try some of the delicious Oaxacan dishes such as mole, tamales and tacos de chapulines (grasshopper tacos). Continue your stroll along the pedestrian Macedonio Alcalá Street, where you will see craft stores, art galleries and cafes. At the end of the street, you will find the impressive Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a magnificent example of baroque architecture that houses an impressive collection of sacred art. End your tour at the Plaza de la Constitución, where you will find the imposing Palacio de Gobierno, a neoclassical building that houses impressive murals by the famous Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo.

Visit Hierve el Agua

Before arriving at Hierve el Agua, about 15 minutes from Oaxaca, we recommend that you pass through Santa Maria del Tule and visit the world's largest tree trunk, El Tule. Don't hesitate to take a few minutes detour and visit this unique natural wonder. When you arrive at Hierve el Agua, after driving for about 1 hour, you will have to pay the entrance fee and leave your car in the parking lot. The place is incredible. It is a set of impressive petrified waterfalls that were formed thousands of years ago by the passage of mineral-rich waters. At Hierve el Agua you can walk along trails that wind through the petrified waterfalls, observe the breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools that form at the base of the waterfalls. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes to walk along the trails and visit the lower part of the waterfalls.

Discover Monte Albán and Mitla

These are two must-see archaeological sites on your visit to Oaxaca. Monte Albán is located 30 minutes from the city and is reached by a road that climbs through the hills located in the center of the Valley of Oaxaca and ends in one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Monte Alban is the capital of the Zapotec culture and the most important political and economic center of the region in pre-Hispanic times. You can explore the majestic pyramids, ceremonial courtyards, tombs and astronomical observatories of Monte Alban, which show the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Zapotecs. In addition, from there you can see an incredible panoramic view of the city of Oaxaca. Meanwhile, about 40 km away is the archaeological site of Mitla, known for its impressive carved stone mosaics, which adorn the walls of the palaces and temples of the site. In addition to the mosaics, Mitla features a number of ceremonial structures, courtyards and tombs that offer a fascinating glimpse into life and religion in ancient Mesoamerica.

Enjoy Oaxacan gastronomy

Thanks to its cultural and geographic diversity, Oaxaca has a great culinary richness. Some of the Oaxacan dishes you have to try are:

Mole: Oaxaca is famous for its seven varieties of mole, a thick and flavorful sauce made from chiles, spices, fruits and other ingredients. Mole negro, mole rojo and mole coloradito are some of the most popular, and are served with chicken, pork or tamales.

Tlayudas: Also known as "pizza oaxaqueña", tlayudas are large, thin tortillas that are covered with beans, cheese, meat, avocado, tomato and salsa. They are baked or toasted on a comal and served as a complete dish or as an appetizer.

Tamales are a traditional dish throughout Mexico, but in Oaxaca they are prepared in a unique way. Oaxacan tamales are usually large and wrapped in banana leaves. They are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, pork, mole, rajas, among others.

Chapulines: Considered a local delicacy, chapulines are fried grasshoppers seasoned with salt and lemon. They are a popular appetizer in Oaxaca and can be found in the markets and in many local restaurants.

Mezcal: Although not a dish, mezcal is an emblematic drink of Oaxaca and is an integral part of its gastronomy. This spirit is made from agave and is served on many special occasions and festivities.

What is the best way to tour Oaxaca?

Without a doubt, car rental is the best way to tour Oaxaca, as it gives you the freedom to explore its spectacular landscapes, nearby towns and archaeological sites at your own pace. With a rental car you can drive along the winding roads through the mountains and stop in the villages to enjoy the local cuisine and discover unique handicrafts. In addition, driving allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and access remote corners that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Take a new adventure through the wonderful city of Oaxaca with Hertz Mexico.