Oaxaca City Tour: Explore the Best of Oaxaca in One Day

2. Benito Juárez Market + Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Oaxaca’s markets are famous for their food, crafts, and chaotic charm.

You’ll explore both major markets *before* they get crowded.

You’ll experience:

• Fresh tortillas and bread
• The “pasillo de humo” (the corridor of grilled meats)
• Chocolate grinding demonstrations
• Mezcal selection at a massive mezcal shop
• Handmade crafts & textiles
• Traditional snacks (including optional chapulines!)

Your guide gives tips on:

• What to eat
• Where to buy souvenirs
• How to avoid overpaying
• How to find your way through the maze-like corridors

This stop alone saves travelers days of trial and error.

3. Chocolate Tasting & Demonstration

Chocolate is deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture.

You’ll see:

• How cacao is stone-ground
• Traditional preparation techniques
• Taste fresh hot chocolate or chocolate paste

It’s a delicious cultural deep dive.

4. Ethnobotanical Garden – A Peaceful Oasis

The Ethnobotanical Garden is “Oaxaca’s jewel,” showcasing hundreds of cactus, agave, and rare plants native to the region.

You’ll enjoy:

• Beautiful photo spots
• Fascinating plant stories
• A calm break from the busy markets
• A guided walk through one of the city’s top attractions

Many travelers say this is the moment they fall in love with Oaxaca.

5. Lunch at La Cosecha Organic Market

This outdoor market is clean, calm, and full of regional food options.

You choose dishes from different parts of Oaxaca, such as:

• Tlayudas
• Tamales
• Memelas
• Aguas frescas
• Regional specialties from the mountains and valleys

Lunch is included and vegetarian-friendly.

6. Santo Domingo Church – Oaxaca’s Icon

One of Mexico’s most beautiful churches, Santo Domingo is a masterpiece of:

• Gold interiors
• Detailed carvings
• Stunning architecture
• Centuries of history

You’ll learn the stories many visitors miss—like the hidden tunnels and the monastery’s role in Oaxacan history.

7. Textile Museum – Oaxaca’s Most Underrated Gem

Inside a restored colonial mansion, this museum showcases:

• Handmade textiles
• Backstrap loom techniques
• Designs from Oaxacan communities
• The history and symbolism of patterns

Oaxaca is known worldwide for textiles—this stop explains why.

7-Hour Tour Highlights

• Historic Zócalo & Cathedral
• Benito Juárez Market
• Mercado 20 de Noviembre
• Chocolate tasting
• Mezcal superstore visit
• Ethnobotanical Garden
• Lunch at La Cosecha Market
• Santo Domingo Church
• Textile Museum
• Expert guide
• All fees included

⏳ Short Oaxaca City Tour (2 Hours)

Start times: 9:00 AM or 5:00 PM

Perfect for: travelers short on time

What’s Included:

• Zócalo
• Chocolate shop
• Both major markets
• Santo Domingo
• Textile Museum
• Insider restaurant & shopping tips

A fast, fun overview of the city.

💬 Tips for Travelers

1. Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll walk through cobblestone streets and big markets.

2. Bring cash – Avoid credit card fees (up to 7% in Oaxaca).

3. Markets get busy – The tour saves you from getting lost or overwhelmed.

4. Great for first-time visitors – You’ll learn all the basics to enjoy the rest of your stay.

5. Photography friendly – Especially in the Garden & Santo Domingo.

📝 Important Information

Minimum: 4 people

If a tour doesn’t reach the minimum, the team will offer an alternative or refund.

Cancellation Policy:

• More than 24 hours: Full refund
• 12–24 hours: Deposit is kept
• Less than 12 hours / no show: Full charge

Payments:

* USD prices

* Exchange rate updated monthly

* Email confirmation sent after booking

Why This Oaxaca City Tour Is Better Than Others

Most tours focus on only one thing—food, history, or markets. This one combines all three, giving travelers a complete introduction in a single experience.

Travelers love it because:

• You get food, culture, markets, architecture, history, workshops, and museums in one day
• The pacing is comfortable
• You visit the markets before they get crowded
• Your guide gives real insider tips (not touristy places)
• It’s perfect for planning the rest of your Oaxaca trip

📍 Final Thoughts

If you want a fun, educational, delicious, and cultural introduction to Oaxaca, this City Walking Tour is the best choice. Whether you choose the full 7-hour version or the shorter 2-hour tour, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Oaxaca’s food, people, and traditions. This is the tour that helps you feel at home in the city.