We’ve compiled a exciting list of Unmissable Day Trips From Oaxaca, Mexico

You’ve come to the right place to find the best day trips from Oaxaca City. The world’s most extended tree trunk and the beautiful waters at Hierve el Agua make Oaxaca an excellent place for tourists of all ages. It would help if you didn’t miss the historical sites and cultural landmarks in and around Oaxaca. The Monte Alban Ruins, on the edge of the city, are one of the most-visited archaeological sites in Oaxaca.

Are you trying to see as much as you can in one day? You can rent a car in Oaxaca and drive on any day trip.

If you want to avoid renting a car and exploring Oaxaca on your own, there are a lot of great day trips from Oaxaca that tour companies offer, as you can see from our list of the best day trips from Oaxaca.

Here are the Top-Rated Day Trips From Oaxaca, Mexico in 2023:

1) Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua

Approximately 47 miles from Oaxaca City, you’ll see the phenomenon known as Hierve el Agua, which translates to “boiling water.” Stunning cascades are to be noticed, even though the natural mineral pools are the most photographed attractions here (waterfalls). Hierve el Agua features two cliffs that seem like waterfalls. Hence the word “cascades” is in quotation marks. Their surfaces are coated with calcified mineral formations that, by coincidence, look like cascading water. At the pools, you can get a glimpse of this or trek down to get a better look.

2) Monte Alban Ruins

Monte Alban Ruins

It only takes approximately half an hour to go from the heart of Oaxaca, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, to the archaeological site of Monte Albán, the most visited of all the state’s ancient ruins. It is a must-see for everyone traveling to Oaxaca since it is widely considered among Mexico’s most impressive pyramids and ruins. You are welcome to go on your explorations of the area. Still, a guided tour of Monte Alban will provide an excellent introduction to the many fascinating aspects of this fascinating spot. If you want to see Monte Albán on your own, the best time to go is first thing in the morning, just when it opens at 8:00, before the park is too crowded and hot. When you come to see us, ensure you have something to cover your head, shield your eyes from the sun, environmentally friendly sunscreen, and shoes that will allow you to move about quickly.

3) Mitla Oaxaca Pueblo Magico

Mitla Oaxaca Pueblo Magico

Although Monte Alban is often regarded as Oaxaca’s most important archaeological site, Mitla is frequently ranked higher. Also located in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Yagul Prehistoric Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mitla, in the state of Oaxaca, is where most tours and people travel to see the caverns because of how difficult it is to get there. Mitla is distinct from most other Mexican remains in its lack of monumental pyramids or temples. Holy to the Zapotecs, the site consists of a collection of smaller structures decorated with beautiful geometric carvings. This makes it one of the most aesthetically pleasing ancient Oaxaca ancient ruins.

4) El Tule Tree (World’s Widest Tree Trunk)

El Tule Tree (World's Widest Tree Trunk)

One of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. The beautiful Templo Santa Mara de la Asunción church in Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico, is home to a vast Montezuma cypress tree called “The Tree of Enlightenment.” It stands on the grounds of the church. Its trunk is 14 meters (46 feet) wide, making it the widest in the world. It would take the hands of at least 30 people to wrap around it. Some people think that this tree is almost 2,000 years old. On the other hand, the Zapotecs of Oaxaca believe that the Wind God Ehécatl put it there 1,400 years ago. The Tule Tree may be only a short drive away from the busy city of Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City). It is a popular tourist spot in Oaxaca City because it can be seen daily. You can take a taxi from Oaxaca to Tule or join one of the bike tours.

5) Teotitlán Del Valle Zapotec Village

Teotitlán Del Valle Zapotec Village

A city in Mexico named Teotitlan del Valle. Distance from the city center of Oaxaca to the little hamlet of Oaxaca in the Sierra Norte Mountains is around 30 kilometers (18 miles). The area is well-known for the peace and beauty that it offers. The town is famous not just for its vibrant carpets but also for its long history, rich culture, and complex traditions. In addition to being a fantastic site to purchase authentic Oaxacan carpets, Teotitlan del Valle also provides a variety of entertaining diversions (because of the low number of tourists in the area, the rates here are often the lowest). Take the time to climb Cerro Picacho and see the Iglesia Preciosa Sangre de Cristo church and nearby ruins.

6) Yagul Ruins (UNESCO Site)

Yagul Ruins (UNESCO Site)

Yagul Archeological Site is a must-see if the prospect of discovering ancient remains in Mexico piques your interest. Although Yagul is less well-known than other sites like Chichen Itza or the Teotihuacan Ruins, it is nonetheless well worth a visit. Getting there from the Mitla Ruins takes around 10 minutes by car. In Spanish, the name for the Yagul Ruins is pueblo Viejo, which means “old town.” This collection of abandoned structures looks like the grounds and outbuildings of a grand old estate. They were constructed by the Zapotec people who lived in Oaxaca between 750 and 950 AD.

7) Tlacolula Sunday Market

Tlacolula Sunday Market

There are various mercados in Oaxaca City. Significant marketplaces include Benito Juarez and November 20 market. The biggest Sunday market is Tlacolula de Matamoros. It’s 45 minutes from Oaxaca City and close to the Yagul Ruins. Want to go from Oaxaca to Tlacolula Market? This map can assist Oaxacan automobile rental customers. A taxi is the most fantastic option in this case. Tlacolula Market is Oaxaca’s and maybe Latin America’s oldest market. Today, you may get fresh fruit, prepared meals, locally crafted mezcal, and artisan goods. Tens of thousands of visitors, residents, and travelers visit Tianguis de Domingo Tlacolula every Sunday (Sunday Tlacolula Flea Market). The sights and sounds of Oaxaca may seem overwhelming, but they are all beautiful.

8) San Martin Tilcajete: Oaxaca Alebrije Town

San Martin Tilcajete - Oaxaca Alebrije Town

Alebrijes are vibrant works of Mexican folk art. Al-lay-bree-hays. These sculptures are made of wood or paper maché. At first glance, they look like animal images, but closer investigation shows they are made up of numerous different species. Manuel Jiménez Ramérez is said to have invented the famed Oaxacan Alebrijes. The first paper mache Alebrijes were constructed by Pedro Linares. In San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca, people buy Alebrije figures. Alebrijes produced by hand are one-of-a-kind.

9) San Bartolo Coyotepec: Black Pottery Town

San Bartolo Coyotepec- Black Pottery Town

San Bartolo Coyotepec is a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its black pottery. Here, you may learn about the history of Barro negro (black clay) and meet the artists who work with it. The production of this pottery, which is the community’s primary source of income to this day, is often attributed to Doa Rosa.

10) Santo Tomás Jalieza: Oaxaca Rug Town

Santo Tomás Jalieza- Oaxaca Rug Town

When you visit Santo Tomás Jalieza Oaxaca, you’ll see how textiles are made from start to finish. The yarn is then hand-dyed using natural agents and woven into the renowned Oaxacan carpets. The carpet variety is comprehensive, and shipping is offered.

11) Sierra Norte Cloud Forest (La Cumbre Ixtepeji)

Sierra Norte Cloud Forest (La Cumbre Ixtepeji)

As you make your way through the forest, you’ll likely notice that the fog gives the impression that huge, fluffy clouds are looming over your head. You’ll find a cloud forest at the heights of Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte in a place called La Cumbre Ixtepeji EcoPark. Please only go into this area with help since it is an unsafe zone with a hike of around 15 kilometers in length and a medium degree of difficulty. When you reach the mountain peak, you’ll be around 10,500 feet above sea level, making you one of the highest points in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (3200 m). Take some time to unwind and take in the sights before heading back for a typical Oaxacan feast.

12) Oaxaca Pueblos Mancomunados

Oaxaca Pueblos Mancomunados

Eight separate Zapotec communities make up the Pueblos Mancomunados in Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte. There is a strong sense of autonomy and native culture in these communities. About an hour’s drive from Oaxaca City, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking for an in-depth ecotourism experience in Mexico. Literally, “commonwealth of villages” translates from the Spanish term “pueblos mancomunados,” which indicates that these municipalities are free from the federal government’s control in Mexico. There are eight Pueblos Mancomunados, and they are as follows: Amatlán, Benito Juárez, Cuajimoloyas, La Nevera, Lachatao, Latuvi, Llano Grande, and Yavesa. More than 62 miles (almost 100 kilometers) of country roads, walking trails, and mountain biking paths may be found across their land (100 km). When you want to experience some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Oaxaca, go to Pueblos Mancomunados since it is a natural environment that has been left practically unspoiled.

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