Why Oaxaca is Pure Magic — and One of Mexico’s Safest Destinations  (We aren't giving it all away.  There's WAY more than this!)

Oaxaca is one of the most captivating places in Mexico—vibrant, spiritual, deeply rooted in Indigenous culture, and full of heart. It stands apart from other regions with its strong traditions, thriving artisan communities, and soulful connection to the land. But what truly makes Oaxaca unique is how safe and welcoming it feels. Unlike some areas of Mexico where travel can come with concerns, Oaxaca maintains a strong sense of community, local pride, and cultural preservation that contributes to its safety. The people here value their traditions and their guests, and it shows. Small towns look out for one another, and tourism is embraced as a respectful partnership, not just an industry.

You’ll find locals warm, helpful, and eager to share their culture. Whether walking the cobblestone streets of the city at night or driving through mountain villages by day, Oaxaca consistently feels secure, authentic, and alive. And while Oaxaca City offers a magical blend of food, art, and architecture, the real adventure begins just outside its borders—with natural wonders, sacred ruins, and timeless pueblos waiting to be explored.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE 300 MILES OF BEACHES

 
1. Hierve el Agua – Nature’s Infinity Pools

About 1.5 to 2 hours from Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is a surreal natural wonder. You'll find petrified waterfalls formed by mineral-rich springs, cascading down cliff faces like frozen waterfalls. Relax in turquoise pools perched on the edge of the mountains with jaw-dropping views of the valley below. It’s perfect for hiking, swimming, and soaking in the scenery.
 
2. Mitla – Ancient Spiritual Architecture

Just 45 minutes away, Mitla is a sacred archaeological site once used as a Zapotec burial center. Its intricate mosaic stonework and geometric patterns are unlike anything else in Mesoamerica. Walk among the ruins, explore underground tombs, and feel the deep spiritual energy still alive in these ancient stones.
 
3. Tlacolula Sunday Market – A Cultural Explosion

Roughly 40 minutes from the city, the Tlacolula market is one of the oldest and most vibrant in Mexico. Every Sunday, it bursts to life with vendors selling everything from handmade textiles and pottery to traditional foods, spices, and mezcal. It’s not just shopping—it’s a full cultural immersion into Oaxacan life.
 
4. El Tule Tree – A Living Legend

Only 20 minutes from Oaxaca, in the small town of Santa María del Tule, stands the Árbol del Tule—officially the widest tree in the world. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, this Montezuma cypress is awe-inspiring in size and sacred to the local people. The peaceful town plaza and cafes nearby make for a great pit stop.
 
5. Teotitlán del Valle – The Art of Weaving

About 30 minutes from the city, this Zapotec village is world-famous for its handwoven wool rugs and use of natural dyes. You can visit local workshops, see how cochineal insects and plants create vibrant colors, and take home a piece of living tradition. It's a beautiful blend of craftsmanship, history, and sustainability.
 
6. Mezcal Tours in Santiago Matatlán – Spirit of the Agave

Just under an hour away lies the town of Santiago Matatlán, known as the "world capital of mezcal." Here you can tour family-run distilleries (palenques), see the traditional agave roasting and distillation process, and taste the many complex, smoky varieties of Oaxaca’s most famous spirit.
 
7. Monte Albán – Ancient Capital in the Sky

Only 20–30 minutes from downtown, Monte Albán is a must-see. This vast Zapotec city once held political and ceremonial power over the region. Explore pyramids, plazas, and temples perched high on a ridge with sweeping views of the Oaxaca valley. It’s both awe-inspiring and accessible.
 
8. San Agustín Etla & CaSa – Art in the Mountains

About 45 minutes north of the city lies San Agustín Etla, a lush mountain town home to CaSa (Centro de las Artes de San Agustín). Founded by the late artist Francisco Toledo, this stunning arts center sits inside a converted textile factory and hosts contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and peaceful nature walks.
 
9. Sierra Norte Villages – Eco-Adventure in the Clouds

Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away, the Sierra Norte mountains are home to the Pueblos Mancomunados—a network of Indigenous villages offering world-class ecotourism. You can hike, mountain bike, zipline through the forest, or stay in cozy cabins. It’s a refreshing escape with clean air, quiet nights, and epic views.
 
10. Yagul Ruins & Prehistoric Caves – Hidden History

Less than an hour from the city, Yagul is a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site with ancient fortresses, tombs, and ceremonial plazas. Nearby caves feature prehistoric rock art and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for evidence of some of the earliest human settlements in the Americas.