Danny & Mariano
Things To Do
Los Mercados
There are two mercados right next to each other that you can’t miss. Mercado 20 de Noviembre has mainly food, and Mercado Benito Juarez has a mix of snacks, clothes, artesanías, souvenirs etc. Go to both! It’s walking distance from el Zocalo. If you’re looking for the non-goods one with nicer textiles and alebrijes, etc, just ask someone where the Mercado de artesanías is to point you in the right direction. Visit Pasillo del Humo in 20 de Noviembre for delicious freshly cooked meats. (Warning: you’ll definitely smell like smoke after, but it’s worth it!)
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca
This is a bustling square, what’s considered the downtown, surrounded by historic buildings. You’ll often find live music here. We love to have a drink and snack at one of the restaurants facing the plaza and people watch. If you want a traditional chocolate con pan, go to Mayordomo.
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
This is where we’re getting married! It’s also one of the main sights of Oaxaca due to its impressive Baroque-style architecture and ornate, gold-leaf interior. Next to the templo is a museum, Museo de las culturas de Oaxaca, that is highly recommended.
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a fascinating natural wonder located about an hour and a half from the city center. It features petrified waterfalls formed by mineral deposits, creating the illusion of frozen cascades. Visitors can swim in mineral pools atop the cliffs, enjoying stunning valley views. If you have time to spend a day touring, we recommend you opt for a half-day tour that includes this on one of the stops. Be prepared to hike a bit, but the views are worth it.
El Tule
This is the site of one of the widest tree in the world. Its in a very little cute village square with surrounding shops. There’s a ticket booth in the square you need to buy from first before approaching the tree gate. If you see a little kid with a laser pointer nearby, ask them to give you a tour. (Make sure to tip them). This isn’t too far from the city center if you want to just take a taxi here, but it’s often included in bigger day tours.
Monte Albán
Is the site of architectural ruins. It contains great plazas, truncated pyramids, a court for playing the ball game tlachtli, underground passageways, and about 170 tombs, the most elaborate yet uncovered in the Americas. You can take a taxi from the city center to get here, but if it’s later in the evening, make sure it will bring you back. (Check the hours as they close early). You can also do a bus tour from someone selling tours. You likely don’t need more than an hour and a half here if you walk on the faster side.