Culinary capital of mole and mezcal
Oaxaca
Oaxaca · Indigenous culture, mole and mezcal
Oaxaca is Mexico's cultural and culinary heart — a colonial city of golden stone, vivid markets and living indigenous traditions. It's the home of mole, mezcal and some of the country's most exuberant festivals.
Top sightsSights
Santo Domingo church
A baroque masterpiece with a gilded interior.
Monte Alban
A hilltop Zapotec city overlooking the valley.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
A market hall of grilled meats and street snacks.
Hierve el Agua
Petrified mineral "waterfalls" with spring pools.
Teotitlan del Valle
A village famous for hand-woven wool rugs.
What to eatFood
Mole negro
A complex sauce of chilies, chocolate and spices.
Tlayuda
A giant crisp tortilla topped with beans, cheese and meat.
Mezcal
Smoky agave spirit sipped with orange and chili salt.
Good to know
- Visit mezcal palenques in the valley for tastings at the source.
- Day of the Dead (late Oct) is spectacular but book far ahead.
- Markets are best in the morning when everything is fresh.
Getting there
Oaxaca Airport (OAX) has short flights from Mexico City; buses climb over the mountains too.
Next city
Guadalajara