ancient ruins
Monte Alban
A pre-Columbian hilltop archaeological site overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization with a grand ceremonial plaza.
5 km · about 10 min drive
Oaxaca, Mexico · North America
Oaxaca is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, 10km from Árbol del Tule.
Oaxaca is a city located in Oaxaca, Mexico. With a population of 255,029, it is an important destination in North America.
On a road trip, Oaxaca sits in Mexico, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Mexico City time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Oaxaca to your route.
Oaxaca de Juárez (Spanish pronunciation: [waˈxaka ðe ˈxwaɾes]), or simply Oaxaca (Valley Zapotec: Ndua), is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality of Oaxaca, the most populous municipality in Oaxaca, and the fourth most denselyRead more
populated municipality in Oaxaca, only being less densely populated than San Jacinto Amilpas, Santa Lucía del Camino, and Santa Cruz Amilpas. It is in the Centro District in the Central Valleys region of the state, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the base of the Cerro del Fortín, extending to the banks of the Atoyac River.
Heritage tourism is an important part of the city's economy, and it includes numerous colonial-era structures, significant archeological sites, and elements of the continuing native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. The city, together with the nearby archeological site of Monte Albán, was designated in 1987 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the site of the month-long cultural festival called the "Guelaguetza", which features Oaxacan dance from the seven regions, music, and a beauty pageant for indigenous women.
The city is also known as la Verde Antequera (the green Antequera) due to its prior Spanish name (Nueva Antequera) and the variety of structures built from a native green stone. The name Oaxaca is derived from the Nahuatl name for the place, Huaxyacac, which was Hispanicized to Guajaca, later spelled Oaxaca. In 1872, "de Juárez" was added in honor of Benito Juárez, a native of this state who became president, serving from 1852 to 1872, and leading the country through challenges, including an invasion by France. The Zapotec name of the city, Ndua, is still used in the Zapotec language (Tlacolula Zapotec). The coat of arms for the municipality bears the image of Donají, a Zapotec woman hostage killed and beheaded by the Mixtec in conflict immediately after the Conquest.
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Oaxaca offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Oaxaca is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, North America. The coordinates are 17.0602 latitude, -96.7254 longitude.
Oaxaca has a population of approximately 255,029 people, making it a city in Mexico.
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Essential numbers in Mexico
Green Angels (free tourist roadside assistance on federal highways): 078.
Full driving guide for Mexico6 notable places within an hour's drive.
ancient ruins
A pre-Columbian hilltop archaeological site overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization with a grand ceremonial plaza.
5 km · about 10 min drive
natural wonder
A Montezuma cypress in Santa María del Tule with the world's widest trunk, in a churchyard directly beside Highway 190.
10 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Traditional palenques in the valleys surrounding Oaxaca where artisan mezcaleros produce Mexico's iconic smoky agave spirit using ancient methods.
20 km · about 25 min drive
ancient ruins
A Zapotec hilltop city in the Tlacolula valley with the largest ballcourt in Oaxaca and the labyrinthine Palace of the Six Patios, plus a fortress ridge with sweeping valley views. Usually you have it to yourself.
31 km · about 35 min drive
ancient ruins
A Zapotec archaeological site famous for its intricate geometric mosaic fretwork carved into stone, considered the most important Mesoamerican site after Monte Albán.
41 km · about 50 min drive
natural wonder
Stunning petrified waterfall formations and natural infinity pools perched on a cliff overlooking the Oaxacan valley.
53 km · about 60 min drive
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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