In Oaxaca City, you can explore its vibrant historic center, including the Zócalo (main square) and the impressive Santo Domingo Church, visit cultural sites like the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, and wander through the lively Benito Juárez Market to try local foods and crafts.

Monte Albán is a pre-Colombian archaeological site of the Zapotec people. Take the morning to enjoy Monte Albán as there is limited shade.

These are the oldest ruins in Mexico dating back to 500BC and ended during Spanish settlement of the area in AD 500-700. The ruins overlook the mountains and the city of Oaxaca, making it a beautiful site to observe.

Just outside of Oaxaca is Santa María del Tule, a small town that is home to the widest tree in Mexico. Árbol del Tule is a sacred place for the locate Zapotec people, and is said to be at least 2,000 years old.

Santa María del Tule is accessible by taxi, bike, or bus. It’s a great escape from the hustle of the city. Here there is a mercado de gastronomica as well as an artisan mercado and gorgeous gardens to walk about.

Located about 1.5 hours outside of Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua is a breathtaking natural wonder famous for its “petrified waterfalls.” These striking rock formations were created over thousands of years by mineral-rich spring water cascading down the mountainside, leaving behind white stone that looks like frozen waterfalls.

Visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, walk along the cliffs, or even swim in the natural infinity pools fed by the springs.