I took a walk around the city today to see how the decorations are coming along, and there’s already plenty to see. From colourful street decorations and giant skeletons to the details appearing around the historic centre, the city is getting ready for one of its biggest celebrations of the year.

These photos were taken on October 21, around ten days before the main Día de Muertos celebrations. It’s a look at Oaxaca City as it prepares for the festivities, before the biggest crowds arrive and more events get underway.

👉 Day of the Dead Oaxaca City: Full Schedule of Events and Parades 2026

If you’re visiting Oaxaca for Day of the Dead in 2026, these photos will give you an idea of what the city looks like in the lead-up to the celebrations.

Things will continue to change over the coming days, with more decorations, events and activity expected around the city.

I’ll let the photos do most of the talking. Here’s a look at Oaxaca City getting ready for Día de Muertos 2026.

👉 Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: Dates, Cemeteries & Parades 2026

I’ll keep adding photos as I get out and about and spot some new things. Enjoy Oaxaca if you’re coming for the day of the dead ✌️

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

The post Oaxaca City Gets Ready for Día de Muertos 2026: Photo Gallery appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

This guide covers the official events in Oaxaca City’s Centro Histórico: the parades, free concerts, sand tapestries and the big Zócalo nights.

Looking for the cemetery vigils? I’ve covered those separately 👉 Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: Dates, Cemeteries & Parades 2026

Quick note: I’ll keep this page updated as new events are announced. You can check the official Oaxaca tourism board Facebook page on the day. The Que Pasa Oaxaca Facebook page will also list each day’s events including art, culture and music.

Day of the Dead Oaxaca 2026: The Highlights at a Glance

• Gran Comparsa (the main parade): Saturday 31 October, 18:00
• Verbena Popular “Xandú” (free tamales, chocolate and pan de muerto): Friday 30 October, 19:30, Zócalo
• Catrina contest awards: Saturday 31 October, 20:00, Alameda de León (Zocalo)
• “La Catrina” show: Saturday 31 October, 21:00, Zócalo
• Monumental sand tapestry: opens Thursday 29 October, 19:00, Palacio de Gobierno
• Recorrido al Mictlán night run: Friday 30 October, 22:00

Day of the Dead Oaxaca 2026 Schedule: Day by Day

Monday 26 October: The Festival Begins

• 13:00 – Opening of the Day of the Dead sand tapestry at the Barrio Mágico de San Matías Jalatlaco. The giant tapete de arena is made by three artists and stays on display through 3 November.
• 15:30 – Façade Contest Awards 2026 in the Centro Histórico. Oaxaca’s historic center competes for the best Day of the Dead decorations on its building fronts. The prizes are big, so the streets are worth a wander all week.
• 17:30 – Circuito “Flores que guían el alma” (Flowers That Guide the Soul). This route takes you to the marigold (cempasúchil) fields of San Jacinto Amilpas, San Antonio Arrazola, San Martín Tilcajete, Santo Tomás Jalieza, Teotitlán del Valle, Unión Zapata and Mitla. Free BinniBus routes are planned from Parque Juárez “El Llano”.

Wednesday 28 October

• 10:00 – Opening of Casa Hecho en Oaxaca: “Ofrenda y Herencia” at the Real Alhóndiga de Antequera. This craft showcase runs until 4 November, open 10:00 to 20:00, with around 90 artisans. It’s a great place to buy handmade pieces.

Thursday 29 October

• 18:00 – Ceramics exhibition inside the Palacio de Gobierno, Zocalo.
• 19:00 – Opening of the monumental Day of the Dead tapestry in the corridor of the Palacio de Gobierno, Zocalo.

Friday 30 October

• 16:00 – Divertimuertos 2026 – Varios workshops for kids and a costume contest in El Llano Park and then a Parade at 18:30 to the Alameda de León (Zocalo). This family-friendly event is a good way to ease into the festivities.
• 19:30 – Verbena Popular “Xandú,” in the Zócalo. This is one of the best free events of the week, a big street party with free tamales, bread, chocolate and coffee.
• 22:00 – Third “Recorrido al Mictlán” night run at the Ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. It’s a 9 km night run through the city, starting and finishing in front of the Santo Domingo church. You can register in advance if you want to take part, or just cheer from the sidelines.

Saturday 31 October: The Biggest Day

• 08:00 – Children’s 3 km run “Divertimuertos: Llenos de Vida” from the Ex Convento de Santo Domingo to Parque Primavera Oaxaqueña Cho Ndobá.
• 16:00 – Opening of the altar exhibition in the Zócalo. Expect monumental altars representing Oaxaca’s Indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexican communities.
• 18:00 – Gran Comparsa del Día de Muertos (the main parade). The parade runs from the Fuente de las Ocho Regiones on Calzada Porfirio Díaz to the Iglesia de La Merced. It includes cultural delegations, floats and giant mojigangas (huge dancing puppets). Get there early. The best spots along the route fill up fast.
• 20:00 – Catrina and contingents contest awards at the Alameda de León (Zocalo).
• 21:00 – “La Catrina” show in the Zócalo. This is a good way to end the night.

Concerts are also planned for the evening of the 31st in the city.

Sunday 1 November

• 18:00 – “Lenguas Vivas” concert at the Palacio de Gobierno, celebrating Oaxaca’s living languages.
• The monumental altars in the Zócalo are on display. According to local reports, around 30 altars represent the state’s 16 Indigenous peoples and the Afro-Mexican community.

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November

The main program winds down, but the exhibitions, the Casa Hecho en Oaxaca craft showcase and the sand tapestries stay open. The altars in the Zócalo also remain on display.

Daily Events Running All Week (26 October to 3 November)

These aren’t tied to a single time, so you can fit them in whenever suits you:

• Sand tapestry at Jalatlaco: a 250 m² artwork in the atrium of the Jalatlaco church.
• Façade contest: Centro Histórico, open all day.
• Workshops and exhibitions: at the Palacio de Gobierno and the Museo Erving Frissel, with pan de muerto making, sugar skulls and ceramics.
• Interactive five-room exhibit: Parque Primavera Oaxaqueña.
• Welcome arch: made of marigolds at San Jacinto Amilpas.
• Monumental sculptures: in Mitla and Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán.
• Atole Fair: Santa Cruz Amilpas.
• Alebrije expo-sale: San Martín Tilcajete, from 23 October.
• Cresta de Gallo flower festival: San Antonino Castillo Velasco, from 24 October to 1 November.

👉 Oaxaca City Gets Ready for Día de Muertos 2026: Photo Gallery

Tips for Visiting Oaxaca City During Day of the Dead

Getting around: from 31 October to 2 November the Centro Histórico usually has traffic restrictions in the afternoons and evenings due to parades. Road closures may mean taxis have to drop you a few blocks away, and journeys may take longer than usual.

Stay safe: crowds are big. Keep an eye on your bag and phone, especially on the 31st.

Walk as much as you can. Some of the best moments are the unplanned ones: a comparsa turning a corner, a street altar, a band that appears out of nowhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Day of the Dead in Oaxaca 2026?
The official festival, “La Fiesta Más Viva de Todas,” runs from 26 October to 3 November 2026. The traditional days are 31 October to 2 November.

When is the Day of the Dead parade in Oaxaca 2026?
The Gran Comparsa, the main parade, is on Saturday 31 October at 18:00, running from the Fuente de las Ocho Regiones to the Iglesia de La Merced.

Are the Day of the Dead events in Oaxaca free?
Most of the official events are free, including the Zócalo events, the parade and the Verbena Xandú, where tamales, chocolate and coffee are given out.

What’s happening in the Zócalo during Day of the Dead?
The Verbena Xandú on 30 October, the altar exhibition from 31 October and the “La Catrina” show on 31 October at 21:00.

Is it safe to visit Oaxaca during Day of the Dead?
Oaxaca is generally busy with visitors during Day of the Dead. Take normal precautions in crowds, and arrange transport in advance for cemetery visits at night.

👉 Is Oaxaca City Safe? 10 Years Living Here — 2026 Guide

Final Thoughts

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca isn’t just a calendar of events. It’s a week when the whole city comes out: music in the streets, orange flowers everywhere. Use this schedule as your backbone, and leave room to wander.

Heading to the cemeteries too? Read my Day of the Dead cemeteries guide.

👉 Día de Muertos in Mitla: The 2-Week Schedule of Events

The post Day of the Dead Oaxaca City: Full Schedule of Events and Parades 2026 appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

But there’s one thing many visitors will be interested in: Monday, October 12, is the day you can get up close and hug the Árbol del Tule! It’s a rare opportunity to touch this incredible tree, so arrive early to enjoy the festivities.

Here’s the full schedule of events so you can plan your visit.

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

What Is the Árbol del Tule?

The Árbol del Tule is one of Oaxaca’s most famous natural landmarks. This enormous Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete or sabino) is estimated to be around 2,000 years old and has a trunk measuring approximately 14 metres (46 feet) in diameter.

It’s famous for having one of the widest tree trunks in the world. Look closely and you’ll spot shapes in the trunk that locals say resemble animals and other figures.

The tree is an important symbol of Oaxaca and was declared Mexico’s National Tree in 1921. Every October, the local community celebrates its history and cultural significance with the Día del Árbol del Tule festivities.

Full Día del Árbol del Tule 2026 Schedule

The celebrations take place around the tree and the church atrium in the centre of Santa María del Tule. The programme includes traditional music, dancing, religious ceremonies and a local food fair.

Saturday, October 10 — Food and Live Music

• 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Live music by Banda Herencia Milenaria.
• 12:00 pm: Opening of the Empanada and Barbacoa Food Fair.
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Saxophone performance by Ismael Pérez.

Saturday is a good day to visit if you want to enjoy local food and music while exploring the town.

Sunday, October 11 — Traditional Oaxacan Dancing

• 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Guelaguetza performance by the Physical Education Folkloric Dance Workshop.
• 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Live music by Trío Mensajeros del Amor.

The Guelaguetza is a highlight for anyone interested in Oaxacan culture, with traditional dances and colourful regional costumes representing the state’s cultural diversity.

Monday, October 12 — The Main Celebration

Monday is the biggest day, with activities starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening.

• 6:00 am: Traditional morning serenade (Mañanitas) with a chirimía ensemble.
• 6:10 am – 7:00 am: Pre-Hispanic ritual.
• 7:00 am – 8:00 am: Morning serenade with Mariachi Cantares.
• 8:00 am – 8:30 am: Performance by Vicente Guerrero Primary School.
• 8:30 am – 9:00 am: Participation by Vicente Guerrero Kindergarten.
• 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Procession with the Virgin of the Rosary around the tree.
• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Solemn Mass celebrating the ancient Árbol del Tule.
• 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Blessing of religious relics and a historical account of the tree.
• 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Performance by Banda Renacimiento from San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya.
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Performance by the band of the 28th Military Zone.
• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Performance by Banda Prominente.
• 7:30 pm onwards: Traditional dance with Banda Fregona and Grupo Kalimba.

Can You Hug the Árbol del Tule?

Yes! Monday, October 12, is the day to visit if you want to hug the Árbol del Tule.

The barrier surrounding the tree will be opened, allowing visitors to get close to its enormous trunk and give it a hug. It’s a special opportunity that only comes around on a limited number of days each year.

I’d recommend arriving early. The festivities begin at 6:00 am, with traditional music and a pre-Hispanic ritual, followed by performances and celebrations throughout the day.

Remember to follow the organisers’ instructions and respect the tree so this tradition can continue for future generations.

Is the Día del Árbol del Tule Worth Visiting?

If you’ve never seen the Árbol del Tule, the annual celebration is a great time to visit. You’ll get to see one of Oaxaca’s most extraordinary natural landmarks while experiencing local traditions, music, food and community festivities.

👉 El Tule, Oaxaca: The Biggest Tree Trunk In The World

👉 5 actividades que no te puedes perder el Día del Árbol del Tule 2026 en Oaxaca: Programa completo

The post Día del Árbol del Tule 2026: Full Schedule of Events in Oaxaca appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla, the famous Pueblo Mágico in the Central Valleys, has a full program of Día de Muertos activities running from October 15 to November 2, 2026.

There are illuminated paths, Catrina displays, traditional altars, a calavera comparsa, visits to local cemeteries, pan de muerto activities, music, dancing and more.

I haven’t made it to Mitla for Día de Muertos myself yet, but I’m planning to get there this year. It looks like a great option if you arrive in Oaxaca early, with celebrations starting in mid October before the bigger celebrations begin in Centro on October 31.

Here’s what’s happening.

👉 Day of the Dead Oaxaca City: Full Schedule of Events and Parades 2026

Día de Muertos in Mitla 2026

September 28 to October 10

Camino de la Memoria

A palm market (tianguis de palma) takes place in the center of Mitla.

October 15 to November 2

Guardianes del Mictlán

An exhibition of Catrinas in the center of town.

October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31

Camino al Mictlán

Illumination of the Grupo del Arroyo and El Calvario areas.

October 20 to 31

4th Edition of the Feria de la Flor

Head to the municipal agency of Unión Zapata for illuminated paths decorated with cempasúchil and cresta de gallo flowers.

October 24 to November 1

Ofrenda Viva

A traditional Día de Muertos market (tianguis de muertos) in the center of Mitla.

October 24

Saberes que Perduran

A presentation by the Casa de Día club.

Calaveritas Mágicas

Presentations from workshops at the Casa de la Cultura.

October 24 to 30

Entre Panes y Colores, Vive Mitla

Visit local bakeries and take part in painting pan de muerto.

October 25

2nd Edition of the Ruta del Mictlán

An athletic race starting in the center of Mitla.

October 28

Cinema Intercultural

A screening of the Mexican classic Macario in the Grupo del Arroyo.

October 29

Comparsa Calavera

A Día de Muertos parade with bands, music and costumes. It starts at the municipal cemetery.

October 30

Música para el Alma

A concert of funeral music performed by Banda “La Guadalupana” from Cuilápam de Guerrero, at the municipal esplanade.

October 31 to November 1

Choganuu Togool

Visits to traditional altars.

November 1

Visit to the Community Cemeteries

A chance to see how local families honor and remember their deceased loved ones.

November 2

Children’s Comparsa and Costume Contest

A children’s costume parade and contest.

Ritmos de Cempasúchil

A large public dance to finish off the celebrations.

Why visit Mitla for Día de Muertos?

Mitla already has a pretty special atmosphere at any time of year.

Its name comes from the Nahuatl Mictlán, meaning “Valley of the Dead,” so Día de Muertos feels particularly appropriate here.

During the celebrations, the town comes alive with traditional altars, decorations, music, parades and visits to the cemeteries. The illuminated paths and events spread over several days also give you plenty of opportunities to visit rather than having to squeeze everything into one night.

And if you’ve already spent plenty of time around the Día de Muertos celebrations in Oaxaca City, getting out to Mitla gives you a chance to see how the celebrations are experienced in another Oaxacan community.

How to get to Mitla from Oaxaca City

Mitla is approximately 40 kilometres from Oaxaca City, making it an easy trip if you’re staying in the city.

You don’t need a car either.

You can take a second-class bus or colectivo from either the Central de Abastos or Boulevard José Vasconcelos infront of the Volkswagen dealership near the baseball stadium.

Look for vehicles displaying “Mitla”.

They generally leave every 15 to 30 minutes, with the journey taking around 40 to 60 minutes.

The fare is approximately $20–$50 pesos, depending on the service.

So if you’re in Oaxaca during Día de Muertos and want to see something outside the city, Mitla could be a very good option.

I’ll hopefully be checking it out myself this year.

👉 10 Traditional Oaxacan Foods You Must Try

Source El Heraldo de Mexico Oaxaca

The post Día de Muertos in Mitla: The 2-Week Schedule of Events appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

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.