Family-Friendly Adventures in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Hierve el Agua

Why Visit?

Hierve el Agara, nestled in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, offers a breathtaking day trip for families looking to explore natural wonders and ancient cultures.

Morning: Departure & Arrival

Start early from Oaxaca City, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. You can rent a car for flexibility, or join a guided tour for convenience and deeper insights into the area. Tours often include transportation and can provide a more enriching experience with expert knowledge on the local history and geography.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Hierve el Agua

Upon arrival, take your time to marvel at the petrified waterfalls, a rare natural phenomenon created by mineral-rich water dripping over the cliff edges and solidifying over thousands of years. The site also features natural spring pools where you can take a refreshing dip. The turquoise pools are shallow enough for children to enjoy safely under supervision.

Fun Fact: The name "Hierve el Agua" translates to "the water boils," but this is due to the bubbling appearance of the spring water as it surfaces, not the temperature, which is actually cool.

Lunch: Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas where you can relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Afternoon: Guided Nature Walk

Join a guided walk (often included in tours) to learn about the local flora and fauna. The paths are generally manageable for children and offer educational opportunities to learn about the ecosystem and the geological history of the petrified waterfalls.

Late Afternoon: Return to Oaxaca City

Head back to Oaxaca City by late afternoon. If time allows, stop by a local market on the way back to grab some snacks or souvenirs, giving you a taste of Oaxaca"s rich cultural offerings.

This day trip to Hierve el Agua not only showcases stunning natural beauty but also offers a chance for families to bond and learn together in an extraordinary setting.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Monte Albán

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating day trip to Monte Albán, a must-visit archaeological site located near Oaxaca City, Mexico. Ideal for a family adventure, Monte Albán offers a glimpse into the ancient Zapotec civilization.

Getting There

Monte Albán is just a short 20-minute drive from Oaxaca City. You can rent a car for flexibility, or take a taxi or a guided bus tour directly from downtown Oaxaca. These tours are convenient as they often include round-trip transportation and a guide who can provide expert commentary about the site.

Itinerary

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your visit early to avoid the heat and crowds. Once at Monte Albán, explore the Gran Plaza, a massive, open area that served as the cultural and political center of the Zapotec civilization. The kids will be in awe of the sprawling space and the impressive panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Interactive Learning

Visit the onsite museum first to grab a site map and learn about the history of Monte Albán through its artifacts and displays. This will make your exploration of the site more meaningful. Check for family-friendly educational materials or activities.

Climb the Structures

Allow your kids to burn off some energy by climbing the ancient platforms and structures. The North Platform offers a stunning view that is perfect for family photos. Teach your children about the ball court near the South Platform, where the Zapotecs played ritual games.

Picnic Lunch

Take a break and have a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees surrounding the site. Enjoy some local snacks like tlayudas or quesillo that you can bring along from Oaxaca.

Afternoon: Further Exploration and Departure

Spend the afternoon visiting lesser-explored parts of the site like the Tomb of the High Priest or the underground tunnels, which are sure to intrigue the kids.

Finish your tour by late afternoon and head back to Oaxaca City, filled with memories of a journey through history.

Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes and hats.

- Stay hydrated and carry water bottles.

- Check if the museum offers activity sheets for children.

This educational trip to Monte Albán is not only a journey into the past but also an opportunity for a fun-filled family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam)

Why Visit?

Embark on a historical adventure to Cuilapam Convent in Oaxaca, Mexico, with a perfect family-friendly itinerary to explore its enchanting remnants and learn about rich local history.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by driving or catching a bus from Oaxaca City; it"s a scenic 30-minute trip south. Arrive at Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam) by mid-morning. Built in the 16th century, this unfinished basilica boasts an open chapel, an architectural innovation designed for mass gatherings during the early missionary period. Marvel at the high ceilings and expansive murals depicting religious scenes and indigenous motifs. It"s a great opportunity to introduce children to early Mexican history and the blend of cultures.

Midday: Interactive Learning

Participate in a guided tour (available in Spanish, often with English options on request) to hear fascinating stories, like the legend of the first Black Saint of the Americas, San Benito de Palermo, who is believed to have stayed at the convent. Kids can enjoy an interactive quiz or a scavellum hunt based on the convent"s history, perfect for keeping younger minds engaged and entertained.

Afternoon: Picnic and Relaxation

Post-tour, stroll to the nearby gardens for a relaxing family picnic. The gardens are peaceful and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, a perfect spot to unwind and discuss the morning"s discoveries.

Late Afternoon: Village Exploration

Wrap up your visit with a leisurely walk through the village of Cuilapam. Visit local craft shops to observe or purchase traditional Oaxacan handicrafts, providing a tangible memory of your family"s historical journey.

This one-day itinerary to Cuilapam Convent is not just a trip but an educational journey that brings together history, culture, and family fun, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Oaxaca, a city brimming with culture and history. One of its must-visit destinations is the vibrant Benito Juarez Market. Here’s a fun, family-friendly itinerary for your visit:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to enjoy the market at its liveliest. The market is located in the heart of Oaxaca, easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from the Zocalo, Oaxaca’s main square. If you’re driving, there is parking available nearby, but getting there on foot or by taxi is usually more convenient due to traffic.

Breakfast at the Market

Upon arrival, head to one of the market’s traditional food stalls for a hearty Oaxacan breakfast. Try the local *tamales* or a *tlayuda*, a large tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and meat, topped with avocado.

Explore the Stalls

After breakfast, take your time exploring the variety of stalls. You’ll find everything from colorful handcrafted textiles and pottery to locally produced chocolate and mezcal. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about Oaxacan culture and craftsmanship. Engage with the friendly vendors, many of whom enjoy sharing stories about their goods.

Chocolate and Mezcal Tasting

Don’t miss out on tasting Oaxacan chocolate, known for its distinctive flavor. Several stalls offer chocolate made right in front of you. For the parents, a small mezcal tasting can be a delightful experience. Although remember, moderation is key!

Lunch Time

For lunch, indulge in some street food delicacies. Options like quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), chapulines (grasshoppers), and mole sauces are popular. These dishes are not only delicious but are also integral to understanding the local cuisine.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk back to the Zocalo. If the kids still have energy, visit the nearby Oaxaca Textile Museum, just a 10-minute walk from the market, where they can see traditional weaving techniques and beautifully embroidered fabrics.

Ending your day in the Zocalo, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, maybe catching a street performance, perfect for winding down after an exciting market adventure.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

20 de Noviembre Market (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for 20 de Noviembre Market

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Oaxaca City. If you’re staying in the city center, the 20 de Noviembre Market is conveniently accessible on foot. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi or bus, which are both affordable and plentiful.

Explore the Aromas and Colors

Enter the market through the bustling aisles filled with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Begin at the *Pasillo de Humo*, where rows of vendors grill an assortment of meats right in front of you. It’s a great spot for breakfast; try the local specialty, *tlayudas*, a large tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and meat. Engage the kids with a challenge to pick their type of meat - from beef to chorizo or even chapulines (grasshoppers) for the adventurous!

Cultural Touchpoints

Next, wander through the artesanía section where local artisans sell handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry. This is a perfect opportunity for a family activity: choosing gifts or souvenirs to take home. The vividly colored alebrijes (hand-painted wooden figures) are particularly fascinating for children.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

After some shopping, treat the family to some *nieves* (traditional Oaxacan ice cream) available in a variety of exotic flavors like leche quemada (burnt milk) and tuna (prickly pear).

Interactive Learning

Conclude your visit by exploring the fruit and vegetable section, where you can teach your kids about local produce like chayote, mamey, and tamarind. Many vendors are happy to share stories or let you taste a sample, making it a lively educational experience.

Departure

As the market gets busier towards midday, it’s a good time to head back to your accommodation or continue exploring the surrounding area of Oaxaca City. Nearby, you can visit the Zócalo for a relaxing walk or some coffee, rounding off a perfectly vibrant and cultural morning.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.