Adventure in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Hierve el Agua

Why Visit?

One-Day Adventure Itinerary to Hierve el Aga: A Natural Marvel

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca, a breathtaking natural site that offers not just scenic beauty but a thrilling escapade for adventure lovers. Known for its petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools, Hierve el Agua is a geological rarity that beckons the curious and the brave.

Morning Departure & Arrival

Start your day early from Oaxaco City, gearing up for a road trip that promises vistas and adventure. Rent a car or join an organized tour; the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, winding through the picturesque mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Hiking & Exploration

Upon arrival, strap on your hiking boots for an invigorating trek around the site. The trails around Hierve el Agua are steeped in pristine wilderness, leading you to the remarkable petrified waterfalls - a phenomenon caused by mineral-rich water dripping over the cliff edges and solidifying to stone-like formations.

Swimming in the Pools

After your hike, dive into one of the natural mineral pools. Perched on the cliff"s edge, these pools offer a surreal swimming experience with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys - a genuine treat for the senses and a perfect way to relax your muscles after the hike.

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch from the nearby stalls, offering traditional Oaxacan dishes such as tlayudas and memelas. Dine with an unparalleled view of the mountains and valleys, embracing the tranquility that Hierve el Agua exudes.

Return Journey

As the afternoon sun begins to dip, it’s time to pack up and head back to Oaxaca City. Reflect on the day’s adventures as you traverse back through the scenic landscapes, already planning your next visit.

Interesting Facts

Hierve el Agua is not only a natural wonder but also an archaeological site, historically used as an irrigation system by the Zapotecs, making your visit both an adventurous and culturally enriching experience.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Monte Albán

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour: Monte Albán, Oaxaca

Embark on a thrilling journey to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital perched spectacularly atop the Oaxacan valleys. Located just about 9 kilometers west of Oaxaca City, this archaeological wonder offers not just a peek into Mexico’s rich history but also breathtaking vistas and a physically engaging experience.

Getting There

Start your adventure early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. The easiest way to reach Monte Albán is to drive or take a taxi from Oaxaca City, which takes about 20 minutes. For the more adventurous, local buses leave regularly from the central station near the baseball stadium. Alternatively, hop on a tour bus, which provides round transportation and can include insightful guided tours.

Exploring Monte Albán

Begin at the site’s museum to acquaint yourself with the history and significance of the ruins you’re about to explore. As you step out, the grandeur of the Gran Plaza will immediately capture your attention. Spanning approximately 300 meters by 200 meters, this vast, open area is surrounded by ceremonial platforms and temples.

Climb up the North Platform for an exhilarating workout and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the valleys below. Don’t miss the Ball Court, where the Zapotecs played their ritual games, and imagine the vibrant ceremonies that once took place here.

Adventure lovers will particularly enjoy trekking to the lesser-visited South Platform, where fewer tourists venture. It’s a bit of a climb, but you"ll be rewarded with solitude and unique angles of the central plaza.

Interesting Fact

Monte Albán was one of the first cities in Mesoamerica and was a preeminent Zapotec socio-political and economic center for close to a thousand years.

Wrap up your tour by wandering through the System II area, where recent excavations reveal new mysteries about this ancient civilization. Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, Monte Albán promises an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam)

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey through time and culture with an adventure tour to the majestic Ex Convento de Cuilápam in Oaxaca, Mexico. Nestled just 10 kilometers south of Oaxaca City, this 16th-century Dominican convent is not only a relic of architectural grandeur but also a beacon of history awaiting the curious traveler.

Morning: Departure and Arrival

Begin your day early by catching a local bus from Oaxaca City’s bustling "Central de Abastos" market area. After a scenic 30-minute ride, arrive at the serene grounds of the Cuilapam Convent. The imposing edifice against the backdrop of the rugged mountains offers a picturesque start. Capture the moment as you gear up for an insightful exploration.

Midday: Explore Cuilapam Convent

Step into the past as you walk through the open chapel, an innovative structure designed to accommodate large congregations. Notice the intricate frescoes that hint at a once vibrant interior. The lack of a roof, a result of the building never being completed, creates a surreal ambiance that blends the historical with the heavenly.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine

Refresh with a lunch break at a nearby local eatery. Savor traditional Oaxacan dishes like tlayudas or mole, energizing you for the trek ahead.

Afternoon: Hike to the Nearby Trails

Post-lunch, take a guided hike on the trails surrounding Cuilapam. These paths offer not only a good stretch but also historical sites along the way, including ancient Zapotec ruins and natural springs, weaving through the landscape that once witnessed the region’s tumultuous past.

Evening: Reflection and Return

As the day winds down, gather at the convent’s atrium for a moment of reflection on the day’s discoveries. Relish the sunset views before catching the bus back to Oaxaca City, filled with stories and sights from a day well spent.

Interesting Fact

Cuilapam Convent was the site of the first library in the New World, emphasizing its historical significance beyond its spiritual role.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez)

Why Visit?

Embark on a vibrant adventure in the heart of Oaxaca City at the bustling Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juárez). A haven for cultural enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike, this market delivers an authentic slice of Oaxacan life.

Starting Your Day

Kick off your journey with a morning walk through downtown Oaxaca. The market is centrally located, easily accessible by foot from most parts of the city center. If staying further out, local buses and taxis are readily available. Aim to get there early, around 8 or 9 AM, to beat the crowds and observe local vendors setting up their colorful stalls.

Exploring Mercado Benito Juarez

Upon entering, you"ll be greeted by the rich aromas of Oaxacan cuisine. Make your first stop at a stall selling freshly made tamales or tlayudas, a large tortilla smothered with refried beans and various toppings—perfect fuel for your day of exploration.

As you weave through the aisles, take in the vibrant array of goods from handcrafted textiles to exotic fruits. Don’t miss the chapulines (fried grasshoppers), a local delicacy often enjoyed with a dash of lime and chili. For an immersive experience, strike up a conversation with the vendors—many will happily share stories or explain the origins of their goods.

Interactive Experiences

For adventure lovers, the market offers more than just shopping. Join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare Oaxacan specialties using ingredients picked from the market itself. These classes typically start in the late morning and need to be booked in advance.

Winding Down

Conclude your market tour with a visit to a mezcal stall, where you can sample and learn about this smoky spirit native to the region. Opt for a guided tasting to appreciate the different flavors and production nuances.

Every corner of Mercado Benito Juarez brims with culture and history, promising not just a visit, but a true Oaxacan adventure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

20 de Noviembre Market (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)

Why Visit?

Embark on a gastronomic adventure at the vibrant 20 de Noviembre Market in the heart of Oaxaca City, a sanctuary for food lovers and a treasure trove of Oaxacan culture. This market is not just a place to eat; it"s an immersive experience into the traditions of Oaxaca, making it a must-visit on your culinary itinerary.

Getting There

Located just a few blocks south of the Zócalo, Oaxaca’s main square, the market is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in downtown Oaxaca. If you"re staying further afield, local buses and taxis are readily available to take you to the bustling heart of the city. Look for buses marked "Centro" or simply hop into a cab – the market is well-known and easy to find.

Your Adventure Begins

Start your morning wandering through the maze of stalls, each bursting with local color and flavor. Be greeted by the scent of freshly ground chocolate and the sight of towering piles of chapulines (grasshoppers), a regional delicacy. Don’t miss trying a cup of tejate, a traditional maize and cacao drink that dates back to pre-Hispanic times.

The Pasillo de Humo

Venture into the ‘Pasillo de Humo’ or ‘Hall of Smoke’, where the air is thick with the aroma of meats being grilled over open flames. Here, you can pick your own cuts of meat—think tasajo, chorizo, and cecina—and watch as they’re cooked to perfection right before your eyes. Pair them with hand-made tortillas, fresh salsa, and a local mezcal for an authentic Oaxacan feast.

Engage with Locals

Engaging with the vendors is part of the fun. Many stalls have been owned by the same families for generations, and these artisans are often more than happy to share stories about their food and traditions.

Wrap up your visit

Before leaving, grab some local chocolates and Oaxacan cheese as delicious souvenirs of your culinary journey. As you step out of the market, filled with delightful tastes and tales, you’ll find that every sense has been invigorated by the vibrant life of Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.