The new Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutiérrez flight started on October 30 and currently operates twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.

Check flights at vivaaerobus.com

Why This Is Good News for Travellers

Before this route opened, getting from Oaxaca to Chiapas usually meant a long bus journey, or a more complicated trip involving a connection. That’s not a huge problem if you have plenty of time, but it’s a pain when you’re trying to get around Mexico efficiently.

And this route is particularly useful if you’re doing the popular Oaxaca City to San Cristóbal de las Casas trip.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the capital of Chiapas, but San Cristóbal de las Casas is only around an hour away by road. So rather than spending most of a day on a bus from Oaxaca, you can now fly to Tuxtla and continue on to San Cristóbal.

For travellers following the classic Mexico gringo trail from Mexico City → Oaxaca → San Cristóbal → elsewhere in Chiapas, this gives you another much quicker option.

Viva in Oaxaca and Chiapas

Viva already has a fairly large presence in the region. It currently operates 12 routes from Oaxaca state — five from Oaxaca City, four from Puerto Escondido and three from Huatulco.

Hopefully the new Oaxaca–Tuxtla flight proves popular and sticks around. Having a direct air connection between Oaxaca and Chiapas is a useful addition, especially for travellers who want to visit both states without having to take an overnight bus.

👉 Monte Albán: How to Get There, Tours, Prices & More

The post New Flights From Oaxaca to Chiapas appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

Chocolate here isn’t a once-in-a-while treat. It’s woven into everyday life — you’ll drink it, eat it, and find it hiding in one of the state’s most famous dishes, sometimes all in the same day. So let’s go through all of it: how to drink it, how to eat it, and why it matters so much here.

How To Drink Oaxacan Chocolate

The classic way to have Oaxacan chocolate is as a drink, and you’ll get asked a simple question when you order: agua or leche?

Chocolate de agua is chocolate made with water. Yes, water — I know that sounds strange if you’re used to thick, creamy hot chocolate, but it works. The chocolate is mixed into hot water with cinnamon and sugar, then beaten with a molinillo— a wooden whisk you roll rapidly between your hands — until a thick layer of foam builds up on top. That foam on top is one of the signatures of Oaxacan chocolate. It’s lighter than what you’re probably used to, and it lets the cacao and cinnamon really come through.

Chocolate de leche is the same idea but made with milk instead of water, so it’s richer and creamier — closer to the European-style hot chocolate a lot of people grow up with. I always order it with milk if it’s available.

There’s no wrong answer here. Order whichever sounds better to you, or ask for agua one day and leche the next and see which you prefer.

Whichever you choose, order it with pan de yema on the side. You’ll see this combination all over Oaxaca, particularly in markets and traditional breakfast spots. This soft, slightly sweet Oaxacan bread is the classic partner to a cup of hot chocolate, and once you dip a piece in, you’ll get why people have been doing this for generations.

👉 Oaxaca City’s Top Markets: Eat, Shop, Vibe

Eating Oaxacan Chocolate

Chocolate in Oaxaca isn’t only something you drink. Walk through any market in Oaxaca City and you’ll find chocolate tablets, discs and balls stacked up for sale — some plain, some mixed with cinnamon, almonds or sugar, meant to be broken off and eaten as they are or melted down at home.

You’ll also come across chocolate worked into other treats: dipped into fruit, mixed into local sweets, or sold in small shops purely to snack on. It’s generally less like a modern chocolate bar and more rustic in texture, often with a slightly grainy feel from the traditional grinding process.

Where to Buy Traditional Oaxacan Chocolate

If you want to see the whole process, head to Mayordomo. It’s one of the best-known places in Oaxaca to watch chocolate being made, with roasted cacao beans ground together with cinnamon and sugar right in front of you.

That mixture is turned into the paste used to make both the chocolate tablets you take home and the drink you order.

Some traditional molinos will also let you choose the ingredients and sweetness level, so it’s worth asking questions and tasting around before deciding what to bring home.

Chocolate in Mole Negro

Chocolate also shows up somewhere you might not expect: mole negro, one of Oaxaca’s most famous dishes.

Don’t go in expecting it to taste like chocolate sauce, though. It’s not sweet, and it’s not the star. The chocolate works quietly in the background, adding depth and rounding out an incredibly complex mix of chiles, spices, nuts and seeds. It’s proof that chocolate here isn’t just a treat — it’s a genuine cooking ingredient, the same way you’d use a spice.

👉 Oaxaca City Cooking Classes: The Best Hands-On Experiences

Chocolate Roots

Chocolate has deep roots in Oaxaca and the wider Mesoamerican region, where cacao was used long before chocolate became the sweet treat most of the world knows today. Traditionally, cacao beans were roasted and ground with ingredients such as cinnamon and sugar, then made into a paste for drinks and cooking.

The basic idea is still alive today — the biggest difference is that modern molinos do the grinding instead of doing it by hand on a metate.

So, How Should You Experience It?

Honestly — all of it, if you can. A cup of chocolate de agua with foam on top and pan de yema on the side. A chocolate tablet from the market to snack on or take home. A plate of mole negro to taste chocolate doing something completely different.

And if someone hands you a warm cup of chocolate de agua with a piece of pan de yema on the side, just say yes.

👉 10 Traditional Oaxacan Foods You Must Try

The post Oaxacan Chocolate: How to Drink It, What To Eat With It, and Why It’s Everywhere appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

A tlayuda is basically a huge, thin corn tortilla, usually around 30 cm across, that gets toasted over a comal or charcoal until it’s crisp around the edges but still flexible enough to fold. It’s one of the most famous foods in Oaxaca, and you’ll find them everywhere from markets to little street grills that fire up in the evening. 

What’s on a tlayuda?

The basic starting point is asiento, a rich pork fat that’s spread over the tortilla. Then comes a layer of black refried beans, followed by quesillo — Oaxaca’s famous string cheese.

After that you’ll usually get shredded cabbage or lettuce, salsa and sometimes avocado or tomato.

Then comes the important decision: the meat.

The most common choices are tasajo, cecina or chorizo. Tasajo is thinly sliced, salted beef; cecina is thinly sliced, seasoned meat; and Oaxacan chorizo is a strongly seasoned pork sausage. They’re usually grilled over charcoal and added to the tlayuda. 

You can also find variations with other meats, chicken or even chapulines, depending on where you eat.

Open or folded?

You’ll often see tlayudas served open, looking a little like an enormous Mexican pizza.

You can absolutely eat one that way.

But I prefer mine folded.

Once everything is piled on, the tlayuda gets folded in half and put back over the heat. The cheese melts, the tortilla gets smoky and crispy, and everything stays together much better.

It also makes it considerably easier to eat.

Trying to attack a fully loaded open tlayuda with a knife and fork can turn into a bit of an operation.

A folded tlayuda, on the other hand, is basically built for eating.

And that’s what you’ll often see at the nighttime tlayuda stands around Oaxaca — a big tortilla loaded up, folded over, and cooked over a hot grill until the edges are beautifully charred.

Where will you find tlayudas in Oaxaca?

Pretty much everywhere – Markets, restaurants, roadside stalls and, particularly, street stands at night.

Some of my favorite tlayudas aren’t fancy restaurant dishes at all. They’re the ones cooked over charcoal at a little stand, with smoke in the air and someone standing over the grill turning out tlayuda after tlayuda.

That’s the experience I’d look for. A couple of my favs – Street Food Las Tlayudas de Mina y Bustamante and the restaurant Tlayudas El Negro.

And don’t worry about making the “wrong” choice. Ask what meats they have, pick one you like, and let them build it.

If you’re in Oaxaca and see a tlayuda being cooked over charcoal, stop and try one.

It’s big, filling, smoky, cheesy and very, very Oaxacan.

👉 10 Traditional Oaxacan Foods You Must Try

The post Tlayudas in Oaxaca: What They Are & Where To Get One appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

If you’re a tourist, this is where you’ll hand in your tourist card/documentation and get your passport stamped. If you’re a resident of Mexico, you’ll need to have your residency card scanned.

I’ve seen a few people asking where the Immigration office is, especially since its location has changed, so here’s the quick answer.

👉 Oaxaca Airport Transport Guide: Prices, Tips & How to Reach the City (2026)

Where is the Immigration office at Oaxaca City Airport?

The Immigration office at Oaxaca City Airport is now located AFTER security.

Oaxaca airport is tiny, so it’s easy to find.

Once you’ve gone through security, walk straight ahead for about 20 metres. The Immigration desk is right there between gate 6 and 7.

If you’re a Mexican resident, make sure your residency card is scanned when leaving Mexico. You’ll need to do the same when you return to Mexico.

What if I have a stopover in Mexico City or Guadalajara?

This is where it can get confusing.

If you’re flying from Oaxaca to Mexico City or another Mexican city first, and then connecting to an international flight, you won’t go through Immigration at Oaxaca Airport.

Your flight from Oaxaca is a domestic flight, so you’ll need to find the Immigration desk at the airport where your international flight departs.

For example:

Oaxaca → Mexico City → USA

You would fly domestically from Oaxaca to Mexico City, then go through Immigration in Mexico City before your international flight.

So, if you’re flying internationally directly from Oaxaca, Immigration is after security at Oaxaca Airport.

If you’re connecting through another Mexican city first, you’ll deal with Immigration there instead.

Happy Travels ✌️

The post Where Is Immigration When Flying Out Of Oaxaca City Airport? appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

Here are three good choices in Centro.

👉 5 Days in Oaxaca City: A Practical Itinerary

Black – Best overall

Location: Cosijoeza 205, Centro
Hours: Mon–Fri 6am–11pm – Sat 10am-8pm

Day Pass – $100 pesos (US$6)

Monthly – $449 pesos (US$26)

If you want the best-equipped conventional gym in central Oaxaca, Black is the obvious choice.

It’s large, modern and has a big selection of machines, free weights and cardio equipment. It can get busy, but there’s plenty of equipment to choose from.

Best for: Serious training and the biggest selection of equipment.

Calipso Fitness Center – Another good Centro option

Location: Ignacio Allende 211-A, Centro
Hours: Mon–Fri 6am–10pm – Sat 8am – 3pm

Day Pass – $200 pesos (US$11)

1 week – $550 pesos (US$32) / 2 weeks – $660 pesos (US$38)

Monthly – $820 pesos (US$48)

Calipso is another well-equipped gym and a convenient option if you’re staying around Centro.

You’ll find plenty of machines and free weights, along with cardio and functional-training areas. It’s a little less hardcore than Black and suits general fitness as well as regular weight training.

Best for: A good all-round gym in a central location, although a bit pricey.

Franco Gimnasio – Best budget option

Location: Carlos María Bustamante 705, Centro
Hours: Mon–Fri 6am–10pm Sat – 7am-5pm

Day Pass – $50 pesos (US$3)

Monthly – $350 pesos (US$20)

Franco is a more traditional, no-frills Oaxaca gym. The equipment isn’t as modern as Black or Calipso, but there’s plenty there for a proper workout.

It’s a good choice if you don’t care about fancy facilities and just want somewhere cheap to train.

Best for: Budget travellers and simple weight training. And if you’re staying South of the Zocalo.

Special mention: Sport City

Location: Blvd. La Salle, San Felipe

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-11pm / Sat – 7am-5pm / Sun – 8am-4pm

Day Pass – $700 pesos (US$41)

1 Week – $3,100 for a week (US$182)

Sport City is easily the best overall fitness facility in Oaxaca and easily the most expensive. With a large gym, swimming pool, classes, tennis, padel and other facilities.

The downside is location. It’s up in San Felipe, so it’s not particularly convenient if you’re staying around Centro.

If you want a full sports club rather than simply a place to lift weights, though, it’s worth considering.

Which gym should you choose?

Best gym in Centro: Black
Best central alternative: Calipso
Best cheap option: Franco
Best facilities: Sport City

For a day visit, ask for a “pase por día.” Staying a week or longer? Ask about a “pase semanal” or short-term membership.

Prices can change, and smaller gyms don’t always keep their online information updated, so it’s worth checking the current price before you go.

👉 23 Things Nobody Tells You Before Visiting Oaxaca

The post Oaxaca City Gym Day Pass: Best Gyms, Prices & Locations appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

I’ll be honest — it’s probably my favourite drink in Oaxaca. And considering how much good food and drink there is here, that’s saying something.

The funny thing is that tejate doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves.

You’ll see it being sold in markets and street corners around Oaxaca, usually served from a huge, round bowl. It’s not particularly colourful or flashy, and if you’ve never seen it before, you might have absolutely no idea what you’re looking at.

You’ll probably just walk straight past it.

👉 Top 5 Street Foods in Oaxaca You Have to Try

What is tejate?

Tejate is a traditional Oaxacan drink made from ingredients including maize, cacao, mamey seed and flor de cacao. The ingredients are ground and mixed with water, creating a thick, slightly creamy drink with a distinctive flavour.

It’s difficult to describe exactly what it tastes like. There’s a gentle sweetness (you can add more), a nuttiness from the maize and cacao, and a really interesting earthy flavour that you don’t get from most drinks.

And it’s served ice cold, which makes all the difference.

On a hot afternoon in Oaxaca, there are few things more refreshing.

Look for the giant bowl

One of the best things about tejate is seeing it being made and served.

You’ll often find women sitting at markets with enormous bowls of tejate in front of them. The preparation is done by hand, and the drink has been made in Oaxaca for generations.

The foam that forms on top is particularly distinctive. You’ll often see the vendor scoop the tejate into a cup, with that layer of creamy foam sitting on top.

It’s very simple, very traditional and very Oaxacan.

And while you can find tejate in different parts of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City’s markets are a good place to start looking.

A drink with a long history

Tejate has deep roots in Oaxaca and is believed to date back to pre-Hispanic times.

It’s traditionally associated with the indigenous communities of Oaxaca, particularly around the Central Valleys.

That history is part of what makes drinking tejate so interesting. You’re not just trying another refreshing drink — you’re trying something that has been part of Oaxacan culture for centuries.

So, should you try it?

Definitely.

If you’re walking around an Oaxaca market and see a giant bowl of what looks like a thick, pale drink with foam floating on top, stop and order a tejate.

It might not be the most obvious thing on the market and it might not be the prettiest.

But in my opinion, tejate is one of the best drinks in Oaxaca — and one of the most underrated.

And on a hot Oaxaca afternoon, sitting down with a cold tejate is pretty hard to beat.

👉 10 Traditional Oaxacan Foods You Must Try

The post Tejate: Oaxaca’s best drink doesn’t get enough love appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

I’ve lived in Oaxaca for years, and these three stand out for different reasons. Whether you want to meet people, hang around a pool, stay somewhere with a great vibe or simply get the most for your money, there’s a good option here.

👉 50 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca City (2026 Guide)

Casa Angel Hostel — Best for Meeting People

Casa Angel Hostel on Hostelworld

If you’re travelling solo and want to meet people, Casa Angel would be my first choice. It’s a very social hostel with activities happening throughout the week — walking tours, street food tours, salsa, yoga, games nights and more.

The location is excellent, around five minutes from Santo Domingo and about ten minutes from the Zócalo. There’s a rooftop terrace, daily happy hour and modern pod-style dorm beds with privacy curtains, power and USB outlets. Breakfast isn’t included.

Best for: Solo travellers, meeting people and a lively atmosphere.

Ticuchi Hostal — Best for the Pool & Vibe

Ticuchi Hostal on Hostelworld

Ticuchi is the one I’d choose if you want a social hostel without it feeling like one giant party. It’s in a beautiful old Oaxacan mansion with courtyards, gardens and terraces, but the big attraction is the large swimming pool and poolside bar.

It’s also in a great location, around five blocks from the Zócalo and close to Macedonio Alcalá. There are plenty of activities, including salsa, karaoke, games and organised trips. Dorms and private rooms are available, and breakfast isn’t included.

Best for: Pool days, socialising and a more relaxed hostel vibe.

Hostal Central — Best Value

Hostal Central on Hostelworld

Hostal Central is the one I’d look at if value for money is your priority. Hostelworld currently rates it 9.7/10, and recent reviews repeatedly praise the friendly staff, cleanliness, atmosphere and breakfast.

And yes, breakfast is included. There’s also a garden, hammocks, shared kitchen, TV room and fast Wi-Fi. It’s close to traditional markets and Central de Abastos, giving you a slightly different experience from staying right in the middle of the tourist zone.

Best for: Budget travellers, breakfast lovers and getting the most for your money.

So, Which One?

Want to meet people and have something happening? → Casa Angel

Want a pool and a social but more relaxed vibe? → Ticuchi

Want great value and breakfast included? → Hostal Central

They’re all good options, but they’re good for different types of travellers.

I’d start with the one that sounds most like you, then head over to Hostelworld and read the latest reviews before booking.

👉 10 Best Day Trips from Oaxaca City (With And Without A Tour)

The post The Only 3 Hostels In Oaxaca City I Would Stay At appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

There are just a few things you should know first…

Don’t worry, public bathrooms are generally pretty easy to find around Oaxaca. They’re usually located in busy areas, near markets, tourist attractions etc… but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you need to go.

👉 23 Things Nobody Tells You Before Visiting Oaxaca

Yes, you usually have to pay

Public bathrooms in Oaxaca aren’t normally free. Expect to pay around $5–10 pesos to use one.

That’s not exactly going to break the bank, but it does mean you should keep some small change with you. Don’t be surprised if you hand over a $100 peso note and get a look that says, “Seriously?”

Keep a few $5 and $10 peso coins in your pocket or day bag and you’ll be fine.

Some bathrooms have a turnstile

You’ll also come across public bathrooms with a turnstile at the entrance. These are becoming more common around Oaxaca, particularly in busy areas.

Usually you’ll pay around $10 pesos, then the turnstile unlocks and you’re in. They’re pretty straightforward and you’ll see a few of these around the city.

Toilet paper isn’t guaranteed

This is one of those little Oaxaca travel tips that can save you from an awkward situation.

Sometimes there will be toilet paper. Sometimes there won’t.

And sometimes there will be someone sitting at the entrance handing you a small amount of paper after you pay. Other times, you’ll need to sort yourself out.

My advice: carry a few sheets of toilet paper with you.

You don’t need to walk around Oaxaca carrying an entire roll. Just fold up a few sheets and put them in your pocket, wallet, or small bag. You’ll thank yourself later.

👉 50 Oaxaca FAQs Answered (2026) — From Someone Who Lives Here

Don’t assume there will be a toilet seat

Here’s another one.

There’s probably about a 50/50 chance that the toilet will actually have a toilet seat.

This isn’t necessarily a cleanliness issue. Sometimes the seat is simply missing or has seen better days.

So, don’t walk into a public bathroom expecting the same setup you’d find at home. You may get a perfectly normal toilet, or you may get one that requires a little more creativity.

Sometimes there’s no water to flush

Another thing you might encounter is a toilet with no water in the cistern.

Don’t assume the toilet is broken. Look around the bathroom and you’ll probably find a large bucket of water with a small plastic container floating in it.

The little container is your flushing mechanism. Scoop up some water and pour it into the toilet to flush.

It might seem a little strange the first time you see it, but it’s perfectly normal. Just remember to check for the bucket if the toilet doesn’t flush the way you’re expecting it to.

Use the bathroom when you get the chance

One of the best ways to avoid having to find a public bathroom in the first place is to use the bathroom when you’re already somewhere that has one.

If you’re having a coffee, eating at a restaurant, visiting a shopping centre, going to a museum, or spending time in a hotel, take advantage of it.

This is particularly useful when you’re heading out for a few hours of walking around Oaxaca City.

And if you do need to go while you’re out, don’t worry. Oaxaca has plenty of public bathrooms in convenient locations.

Just carry some small change, bring your own toilet paper, and keep your expectations realistic. Once you know what to expect, using a public bathroom in Oaxaca really isn’t a big deal.

👉 100 Mexican Slang Words You Need To Know (Swear Words Included)

The post Oaxaca Public Bathrooms: What To Know When You Need To Go appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

I’ve been living in Oaxaca for so long that everything just seems ‘normal’ here now. But if you’re coming here for the first time, you’re going to want to know a few of these.

The little things are often what visitors end up asking about. So here are some of the things nobody tells you before visiting Oaxaca.

1. Don’t put toilet paper down the toilet

All over Oaxaca, toilet paper goes in the bin next to the toilet, not down the toilet. Yes, I now have a bin next to my toilet at home!

The plumbing simply isn’t designed for it.

You’ll see a small bin beside the toilet. That’s where the used paper goes.

It can feel strange at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly. And yes, this applies to some nicer restaurants and hotels too.

👉 Oaxaca Public Bathrooms: What To Know When You Need To Go

2. You will have to pay to use a public toilet

Public toilets aren’t free in Oaxaca. It’ll cost you $5-10 pesos. Sometimes they’ll give you toilet paper, sometimes they won’t. Prepare accordingly!

At markets, bus stations, tourist attractions and other busy places, you may find someone collecting a few pesos at the entrance.

It’s usually only a small amount, but always keep some coins handy.

The toilets themselves can range from surprisingly clean to… considerably less impressive.

3. Cash is still king

You can use cards in plenty of Oaxaca restaurants, hotels and shops, but don’t assume you can pay for everything with a card.

Small restaurants, market stalls, street food vendors, taxis, colectivos and some smaller businesses will only accept cash.

Keep some pesos in your wallet, preferably in smaller denominations.

👉  Cash or Card in Oaxaca? What Actually Works

4. There is no Uber

If you’re used to opening Uber whenever you need to get somewhere, Oaxaca can be a little different. There is no Uber in Oaxaca.

You can try DiDi, but it can be unreliable, with frequent cancellations and limited coverage in some areas. Instead, you’ll mostly use regular taxis, colectivos and public transport.

The good news is that taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

👉  How to get around Oaxaca City: Public Transport Guide 2026

5. Oaxaca’s sidewalks can be ridiculous

Oaxaca is a very walkable city. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the walking is easy.

Sidewalks can be narrow, uneven, broken or suddenly disappear altogether.

You’ll encounter steps, potholes, parked cars, poles, shop displays, people sitting outside and the occasional obstacle that seems to have appeared specifically to test your balance.

Wear comfortable shoes and watch where you’re walking.

6. Streets are regularly blocked off

Oaxaca has festivals, parades, processions, demonstrations/protests, concerts, political events and other celebrations throughout the year.

This means that entire streets or several blocks will be closed. Expect random detours, especially if you’re driving, in a taxi or on public transport.

This is part of what makes Oaxaca, well… Oaxaca.

7. Google Maps isn’t always gospel

Google Maps is extremely useful here, but don’t assume everything you see on it is 100% current.

Opening hours can be wrong. Businesses close. Businesses move. Restaurants take days off.

If something is particularly important to your plans, check its social media or contact them directly.

This is especially true for smaller independent businesses.

8. Spanish makes life MUCH easier

You can survive in Oaxaca without speaking Spanish.

You will have a much easier time if you know some.

English is spoken in many hotels, tour businesses and restaurants around the tourist centre, but once you venture beyond the obvious tourist areas, Spanish becomes increasingly useful.

You don’t need to be fluent. Knowing basic phrases for taxis, restaurants, directions, prices and shopping will get you a long way.

And Mexicans generally appreciate the effort, even when your Spanish is terrible.

👉 How much Spanish you really need in Oaxaca (with useful phrases)

👉 100 Mexican Slang Words You Need To Know (Swear Words Included)

9. Taxis don’t have one universal price

Two taxis travelling the same route can sometimes quote different prices.

There are no meters and it’s worth knowing roughly what a taxi should cost before getting in, particularly for longer journeys.

Always ask the price first.

👉 Oaxaca City Taxi Prices : What You Should Really Pay (2026)

10. Always decline ATM conversion rate

ATMs will try to convince you to accept their own exchange rate when withdrawing money.

If an ATM offers to convert the transaction into your home currency, you’re generally better off declining the conversion and letting your own bank/card provider handle the exchange.

11. Water pressure can be… interesting

Don’t expect great water pressure everywhere.

Depending on the building and neighbourhood, water pressure can vary considerably.

Homes and hotels use gravity-fed rooftop water tanks.

If you’re staying somewhere and the shower suddenly has the pressure of a garden hose after someone stepped on it, this isn’t necessarily a plumbing emergency.

12. Water shortages happen

Oaxaca has ongoing water-supply issues, and shortages can affect both residents and visitors.

You might occasionally find that the water supply is interrupted or that your accommodation has limited water.

Hotels and AirBnB’s will generally be on top of this, buying extra potable water. But be aware and try to save water at every chance.

👉 Oaxaca Water Shortage: What Visitors Need to Know (2026 Guide)

13. The tap water isn’t for drinking

For most visitors, drinking straight from the tap isn’t recommended.

Bottled and purified water is cheap and widely available, often sold in large containers known as garrafones.

👉 You Can’t Drink the Tap Water in Oaxaca — Here’s What to Do Instead

14. Power cuts happen

Electricity outages aren’t an everyday occurrence, but they do happen.

Sometimes it’s a quick interruption. Other times you may be sitting in the dark wondering whether the entire neighbourhood has lost power or just your apartment.

And if the whole neighbourhood is dark, don’t immediately assume you’ve done something wrong.

15. Earthquakes are part of life

Oaxaca is in a seismically active part of Mexico.

Small tremors aren’t unusual, and larger earthquakes have happened here.

Know where the exits are in your accommodation, follow local instructions and don’t use elevators during an earthquake.

Tip: Download the SkyAlert app for earthquake alerts. In some cases, you may receive a warning before strong shaking reaches your location.

👉 Earthquakes are a part of life in Oaxaca: Fact!

16. Street food isn’t just “food from a street”

One of the best things about Oaxaca is eating from stalls, markets and small roadside businesses.

Look for places that are busy with locals, food that is being cooked fresh and ingredients that aren’t sitting around unnecessarily.

And if a stall has a queue of Oaxacans waiting for food, there’s probably a reason 👌

17. “Provecho” is something you’ll hear constantly

Someone walking past your table might say “¡Provecho!” while you’re eating.

It’s roughly equivalent to wishing you an enjoyable meal.

You can say “gracias” in response.

It’s one of those little pieces of Mexican culture that you’ll hear repeatedly once you start paying attention.

👉 Why Everyone Says “Provecho” in Mexico (And What It Means for Your Trip)

18. Things can be noisy

Oaxaca isn’t always quiet.

Dogs bark. Motorbikes rev. Fireworks go off. Music plays. Church bells ring. People have parties.

And sometimes fireworks are set off at what seems like an objectively unreasonable hour.

If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs.

19. Oaxaca is not always cheap

Mexico has a reputation for being cheap, but Oaxaca has changed considerably.

You can still eat an excellent meal for relatively little money and find inexpensive accommodation and transport.

But popular restaurants, boutique hotels, tours, mezcal experiences and some tourist-focused businesses can be surprisingly expensive.

Don’t arrive assuming everything will cost a fraction of what you’re used to paying at home.

👉 Cost of living in Oaxaca: A full breakdown 2026

20. Oaxaca’s altitude is noticeable to some people

Oaxaca City sits at roughly 1,550 metres (5,100 feet) above sea level.

Most visitors adapt without much trouble, but some people notice that they get out of breath a little more easily during their first day or two.

If you’re arriving from sea level, don’t plan your first afternoon around climbing every staircase in the city.

Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

21. You don’t need to tip everyone — but you will encounter tipping

Tipping is normal in Mexico, particularly in restaurants and for certain services.

But the expectations aren’t identical to those in the US.

Don’t feel that every interaction requires a huge tip.

Check out the full Oaxaca tipping guide here 👉 Tipping in Oaxaca : When and how much to tip?

22. Cars don’t always care that you’re on a pedestrian crossing

Even when you have the right of way, don’t assume every driver will stop.

Sounds silly, but look both ways before crossing, including on streets that appear quiet.

You’ll quickly notice how locals cross roads, and after a while you’ll develop your own Oaxaca traffic instincts.

They’re useful.

23. Oaxaca doesn’t always give you what you expect from a “tourist destination”

This is probably the biggest one.

Oaxaca is a major tourist destination, but it is also a real Mexican city where people live, work, shop, go to school and get on with everyday life.

Things won’t always operate like they do at home.

That’s part of the attraction.

The occasional confusing taxi, closed shop, blocked street, power outage, noisy celebration or toilet without toilet paper isn’t necessarily a problem to be solved.

Sometimes it’s simply part of being in Oaxaca.

Final thoughts

Knowing about the little quirks before you arrive means you’re less likely to be surprised when something doesn’t work exactly as you expected.

Bring some pesos. Learn a little Spanish. Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t put toilet paper down the toilet. And don’t plan your entire day around Google Maps being correct.

The rest you’ll figure out once you get here.

And that’s half the fun of Oaxaca 😊

👉 10 Best Day Trips from Oaxaca City (With And Without A Tour)

The post 23 Things Nobody Tells You Before Visiting Oaxaca appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

If you think everything takes forever to get done in Mexico, this might surprise you.

OK, so a quick google maps search for ‘fridge repair near me’. Sweet, there’s one just a few blocks away (everything always seems so close in Mexico). So I head around on my bike, and ask if they do home service repairs. Yep, they take my number and said they’ll be around in 20 minutes. Wow, cool. Ok 👌

I’d already done a bit of troubleshooting with AI to get an idea of what might be wrong. I didn’t want someone turning up, looking at the fridge and immediately telling me it just needed a re-gas.

Anyway, as soon as the guy heard the clicks of the compressor, he said it’s cooked and started talking options and prices. Both options come with re-gas and maintenance (clean filters etc). New compressor – $4,300 pesos (US$250). Used compressor $2,900 pesos. Keeping in mind that a new fridge like the one I have is about $9,000 pesos, I didn’t want to spend half the price of a new fridge on one part. So I went with the used option with a 3 month guarantee.

Anyway, the point of the post is not really the price of the repair, it’s the service you can get in Mexico. Yeah things can seem a bit backwards at times and take a long time to get done, but some things happen in a flash.

Fridge repair timeline

• 11.20am – Went to the service shop to ask if they do home service repairs
• 11.40am – Technician arrived at my house, diagnosed the problem and went for parts
• 3.30pm – Came back and started changing over the compressor and re-gassing the fridge
• 5pm – Job completed, fridge back on and working perfectly 👌

Now that’s what I call great service!

If you’re in Oaxaca and need a fridge repaired, I can recommend this place based on my experience: – REFRIGERACIÓN SIGLO XXI

👉 What Happens When Your Electricity Gets Cut Off in Mexico (And How to Get It Back On)

👉 100 Mexican Slang Words You Need To Know (Swear Words Included)

The post My Fridge Broke in Oaxaca. It Was Fixed 5 Hours Later for $2,900 Pesos. appeared first on Go Oaxaca.