Oaxaca & Southern Highlands
Colorful crafts, ancient ruins, and culinary magic 🎨🌮
Oaxaca is widely considered the culinary and artistic soul of Mexico. For families, it offers an incredibly rich cultural experience that is both educational and fun. The colonial capital, Oaxaca City, is walkable and safe, filled with brightly colored buildings and bustling markets where you can taste local chocolate and traditional mole sauces. A short drive away lies Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec capital sitting on a flattened mountaintop. The site is vast and open, giving children plenty of space to explore the pyramids and ball courts while enjoying panoramic views of the valley.
The region is famous for its folk art, particularly alebrijes—brightly painted, fantastical wooden animal carvings that inspired the movie "Coco." Families can visit artisan villages like Arrazola to watch carvers at work and even try painting their own figures. Another natural wonder is Hierve el Agua, a set of petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools where you can swim while looking out over the rugged sierra. The visual and hands-on nature of these attractions makes them perfect for keeping kids engaged.
On the coast, Oaxaca offers a different vibe. Huatulco is a planned resort area with nine bays and over 30 beaches, many of which are protected and calm, making them ideal for swimming with younger children. Puerto Escondido is more famous for its surfing pipeline, but also offers boat tours to see dolphins, turtles, and bioluminescent lagoons. Whether in the mountains or at the beach, Oaxaca's deep traditions and welcoming people create a warm, unforgettable atmosphere for family travel.
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Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Oaxaca City is a global culinary and artistic benchmark, featuring UNESCO-listed architecture and a sophisticated, authentic urban atmosphere. Optimal conditions occur during the dry months when pleasant temperatures favor outdoor market exploration and plaza life, while the heavy summer rains significantly impact the experience.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The region provides profound educational depth through the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and highly specialized artisan workshops in nearby villages. Clear, dry weather from November to April is ideal for exploring archaeological sites, whereas the peak rainy season limits accessibility and comfort for outdoor historical education.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Oaxaca hosts world-renowned events like the Guelaguetza (July) and the deeply authentic Day of the Dead (late Oct/Nov). These peak periods offer unparalleled cultural immersion for families, whereas the high-rainfall months of June, August, and September lack major international-scale celebrations.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The Sierra Norte's unique 'Pueblos Mancomunados' offer authentic ecotourism and world-class hiking through diverse cloud forests. The cooler dry season (Nov-Mar) ensures stable trail conditions and excellent birdwatching, whereas the intense monsoon rains (Jun-Sep) can make mountain paths hazardous.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Huatulco's pristine bays and Puerto Escondido's world-famous surf offer high-quality coastal experiences for active families. Peak dry months (Nov-Apr) provide optimal water visibility and calm conditions, while the heavy summer rains from June to September lead to rougher seas and reduced suitability.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Unique Temazcal healing rituals and luxury boutique retreats in the highlands offer a sophisticated wellness experience rooted in local tradition. Low humidity and mild temperatures during the dry season are perfect for relaxation, while the extreme humidity and heavy rainfall of summer months can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The Pacific coast is an international hub for surfing, while the highlands offer excellent terrain for mountain biking. The dry season provides the most consistent weather for these active pursuits, whereas the heavy summer precipitation creates difficult conditions for both land and water-based sports.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic routes like the 'Mezcal Trail' and the dramatic drive across the Southern Highlands offer breathtaking vistas of rugged terrain. Peak months offer high visibility and safe road conditions; however, the rainy season often brings mudslides and poor visibility on winding mountain passes.
Attractions (56 total)
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Centro Ecoturístico Benito Juárez
Benito Juárez
A premier high-altitude adventure center featuring one of Mexico's longest ziplines and a dramatic suspension bridge over the Sierra Norte mountains.
Visit website →Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita
Huatulco
A unique combination of ancient ruins and nature trails that wind through coastal wetlands to spectacular ocean viewpoints.
Rancho Tangolunda
Huatulco
An outdoor activity hub offering river rafting, horseback riding, and ziplining tours along the scenic Copalita River.
Ecoturixtlán
Ixtlán de Juárez
An expansive ecological park offering thrilling ziplines, mountain biking, and tours of the impressive Grutas del Arco caves.
Visit website →Hagia Sofia Botanical Garden & Adventure Park
Santa María Huatulco
A sustainable agro-ecological park where families can enjoy canopy ziplining over fruit orchards and hiking to seasonal waterfalls.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga
Mazunte
This national conservation center features an extensive aquarium with various species of sea turtles and land tortoises, providing an educational wildlife experience for families.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Hierve el Agua
San Lorenzo Albarradas
A spectacular site featuring petrified mineral waterfalls and natural infinity pools perched on a cliffside with panoramic valley views.
Huatulco National Park
Santa María Huatulco
A protected maritime and terrestrial reserve encompassing nine pristine bays, coral reefs, and rare tropical dry forest landscapes.
Visit website →Cascadas de Copalitilla
San Miguel del Puerto
A scenic series of more than thirty waterfalls and natural swimming holes set within a lush, tropical jungle environment.
Laguna de Manialtepec
San Pedro Mixtepec
A lush coastal lagoon surrounded by mangroves, famous for its incredible birdwatching and seasonal nocturnal bioluminescence.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juárez
A world-renowned garden within a former monastery featuring hundreds of plant species native to the state of Oaxaca in stunning artistic arrangements.
Visit website →Jardín Botánico Regional de la Costa de Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido
A conservation-focused garden showcasing the diverse flora of the Pacific coast, including dry forest species and medicinal plants.
Hagia Sofía Agro-Ecological Park
Huatulco
An expansive ecological attraction featuring a botanical trail with over 300 species of tropical flowers and exotic fruit trees alongside a scenic waterfall.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Mexican Turtle Center
Mazunte
A renowned conservation center where families can see multiple species of sea, land, and freshwater turtles in a coastal research setting.
Visit website →Finca El Pacifico Coffee Farm
Pluma Hidalgo
A historic high-altitude coffee plantation offering educational tours of the cultivation, harvest, and artisanal processing of gourmet beans.
San Pedro Cajonos Silk Sanctuary
San Pedro Cajonos
A unique rural facility where visitors witness the entire lifecycle of silkworms and the traditional Zapotec methods of hand-spinning silk.
Hagía Sofía Agro-Ecological Park
Santa María Huatulco
A sprawling ecological farm where visitors can explore exotic fruit orchards, organic gardens, and waterfalls in the lush Sierra Madre foothills.
Visit website →Yeé Lo Beé Butterfly Park
Santa María Huatulco
One of the largest butterfly farms in North America, offering immersive walks through massive screen-enclosed gardens filled with native species.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Mitla Archaeological Site
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
A unique archaeological zone famous for its incredibly well-preserved and intricate geometric stone fretwork.
Visit website →Monte Albán Archaeological Site
Oaxaca de Juárez
The former Zapotec capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring majestic stone pyramids and panoramic mountain views.
Visit website →Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Oaxaca de Juárez
A stunning 16th-century former convent and baroque church featuring an incredibly ornate gold-leaf interior.
Visit website →Bocana del Río Copalita Archaeological Zone
Santa María Huatulco
A coastal archaeological park featuring the ruins of a pre-Hispanic city set within a lush ecological preserve.
Visit website →Teatro Macedonio Alcalá
Oaxaca de Juárez
A lavish Porfirian-era palace of performing arts featuring opulent French-influenced architecture and a marble staircase.
Ex-Convento de Cuilápam de Guerrero
Cuilápam de Guerrero
A massive, roofless 16th-century Renaissance monastery known for its striking open-air chapel and unfinished arches.
Yagul Archaeological Site
Tlacolula de Matamoros
An ancient hilltop fortress and palace complex featuring a large ball court and spectacular views of the Tlacolula Valley.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juárez
Housed in a stunning 16th-century monastery, this museum displays the state's history and the dazzling treasures of Monte Albán's Tomb 7.
Visit website →Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art
Oaxaca de Juárez
A vibrant collection of ancient artifacts chosen specifically for their aesthetic beauty by the famous Oaxacan painter Rufino Tamayo.
Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO)
Oaxaca de Juárez
This museum showcases the works of the state's most famous artists and hosts rotating exhibitions of vibrant local contemporary art.
Visit website →Museum of Philately (MUFI)
Oaxaca de Juárez
A surprisingly engaging and family-friendly museum that combines art, history, and stamps in a beautifully designed modern-colonial space.
Visit website →Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CASA)
San Agustín Etla
An eco-friendly arts center located in a spectacular former textile factory featuring rotating contemporary art exhibitions and mountain views.
Visit website →Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca (IAGO)
Oaxaca de Juárez
Founded by Francisco Toledo, this cultural hub offers a world-class collection of prints and graphic art in a peaceful, library-filled colonial house.
Oaxaca Textile Museum
Oaxaca de Juárez
Families can explore the rich heritage of Oaxacan weaving through beautifully displayed traditional garments and contemporary textile art.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Oaxaca de Juárez Historic Centre
Oaxaca de Juárez
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and the stunning Santo Domingo church.
Visit website →Árbol del Tule
Santa María del Tule
A massive Montezuma cypress tree, over 2,000 years old, considered to have the stoutest trunk in the world.
Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park
Huatulco
Ancient ruins of a Zapotec and Mazatec trade center located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →San Bartolo Coyotepec
San Bartolo Coyotepec
A cultural hub famous for 'Barro Negro' pottery, where visitors can watch artisans craft shimmering black ceramic art.
San Martín Tilcajete
San Martín Tilcajete
A colorful village known for the creation of Alebrijes, which are hand-carved and brightly painted wooden spirit animals.
Teotitlán del Valle
Teotitlán del Valle
A traditional Zapotec village renowned for its hand-woven wool rugs dyed with natural materials like indigo and cochineal.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Playa Carrizalillo
Puerto Escondido
A stunning, sheltered turquoise bay reached by a stone staircase, perfect for family swimming and beginner surfing.
Playa La Entrega
Huatulco
A very popular and calm beach known for its shallow waters and accessible coral reefs perfect for family snorkeling.
Playa Zicatela
Puerto Escondido
World-famous for its massive 'Mexican Pipeline' surf break, this expansive beach is a must-see for watching professional surfers.
Bahía Maguey
Huatulco
A beautiful bay with very calm, emerald waters and several beachfront restaurants serving fresh local seafood.
Playa Bacocho
Puerto Escondido
An expansive beach famous for its daily sea turtle release programs which are a highlight for visiting families.
Bahía de San Agustín
Huatulco
A tranquil and remote bay featuring extensive coral reefs and gentle waves, ideal for a quiet day of exploration.
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Chacahua
A vast protected area of lagoons and mangroves that meets the ocean, offering unique boat tours and wildlife spotting.
Visit website →Punta Cometa
Mazunte
The southernmost point of Oaxaca offering a dramatic cliffside lookout with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Oaxaca de Juárez
An exquisite 16th-century former monastery and church featuring stunning baroque architecture and a gold-leaf interior.
Visit website →Bocana del Río Copalita Archaeological Park
Huatulco
An archaeological site near the coast featuring pre-Hispanic ruins, ceremonial platforms, and a ball court overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
Oaxaca de Juárez
A significant religious site dedicated to the patron saint of Oaxaca, famous for its richly carved baroque facade and religious significance.
Oaxaca Cathedral
Oaxaca de Juárez
The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antequera, this cathedral features a distinct neoclassical facade carved from green volcanic stone.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Benito Juárez National Park
Oaxaca de Juárez
A high-altitude pine forest park north of the city capital, popular for mountain biking and nature hiking.
Visit website →Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary
Mazunte
A vital conservation area and beach sanctuary where thousands of sea turtles arrive to nest throughout the year.
Manialtepec Lagoon
Puerto Escondido
A lush coastal lagoon famous for its magical seasonal bioluminescence and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Yagul Natural Monument and Prehistoric Caves
Tlacolula de Matamoros
A UNESCO-listed site combining ancient Zapotec ruins with prehistoric caves set in a protected semi-arid landscape.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla
San Miguel del Puerto
A beautiful series of jungle waterfalls with natural swimming holes and rock slides, perfect for a refreshing family day trip from the coast.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Santuario de Cocodrilos Lagarto Real
Santa María Tonameca
A community-run ecotourism sanctuary offering guided boat tours through mangroves to observe crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat.
