So, I just got back from Oaxaca. Seriously, it was a whirlwind of food, culture, and beautiful chaos. I always thought I'd have this perfectly curated list of the best things to do in Oaxaca after my trip, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe the best stuff just happens when you're not looking for it?
Anyway, I've got my coffee in hand, and I think it's time to spill the beans about this adventure—no sugarcoating, just real talk.
This spot? Total surprise.
I remember the first day like it was yesterday. I thought I had a decent grip on what to expect, but as soon as I got to the Zócalo, I was kind of blown away. The energy was electric! There I was, standing in the heart of the city, surrounded by vibrant colors and a mix of laughter and music flooding my ears. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, and oh boy, was I wrong.
I strolled down the nearby streets, and suddenly, I found myself peeking into little artisan shops filled with textiles and hand-painted ceramics. I stopped at this quirky little café—can't remember the name, but it had the most inviting vibe, you know? Anyway, I ordered a chocolate drink, thinking it'd be a standard hot chocolate experience. Nope! This was rich and spicy, with a hint of cinnamon that just danced on my taste buds. I sat there, sipping my drink, feeling like I'd wandered into another world. Unplanned moments like these are the gems, right?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was this one afternoon that completely flipped my mood like a taco on a skillet. I had planned to visit some grand museum or, you know, something “touristy,” but instead, I got lost. I mean, like really lost. My Google Maps decided to play coy, and before I knew it, I was wandering through this neighborhood that wasn't in any guidebook.
Suddenly, I stumbled onto this community market. Honestly, it felt like a scene from a movie—colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, piles of mole, and street vendors grilling something that smelled divine. I didn't have a plan, but how could I resist? I tried some tlayudas from an older woman's stand (her smile was like sunshine) and they were everything I'd hoped for but better. The crunch of the tortilla, the creaminess of the cheese, the savory flavors of the beans—it was mouthwatering.
That moment, though, was more than just food. As I chatted with the locals, I realized how, in my search for the “best things to do in Oaxaca,” I had somehow found a little slice of life instead. It was raw, unfiltered, and so much better than any museum. Life doesn't always go as planned, and sometimes getting lost means finding yourself, you know?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Then, there's the story of the mezcal distillery I almost missed. I've got a terribly bad sense of direction—ask anyone. I was wandering around Santa María del Tule, that town famous for the gigantic tree, when I saw a sign that said “Mezcal Tasting.” The rational side of me was like, “Nah, you're not going to unplanned distillery tours,” but before I could make a logical decision, my feet had already started moving.
The place was small, rustic, and oh my goodness, the owner had the kindest face. He guided us through different types of mezcal—some smoky, some fruity, all delicious. I tried this insane one that had been aged in red wine barrels. It was like drinking a late-night conversation with old friends. We laughed, shared stories, and I felt this connection to the land, the people, and the deep-rooted traditions of Oaxaca. It was an unexpected moment that left a mark far beyond the buzz you get from a drink.
The dish that haunts my dreams
But let me tell you about a meal that will haunt my dreams forever. In the heart of Oaxaca City, there's a little eatery—Casa Oaxaca, I think? On the recommendation of a local I'd chatted with, I thought, “Why not?” Totally off the beaten path and honestly, it looked like a tiny unremarkable place from the outside. But inside, oh man. It was this delicate balance of elegance and coziness.
I ordered mole negro. Listen to me; you can't tell me you've had great mole until you've had it here. The richness of that sauce was like a deep hug on a plate. I can't describe it without drooling a little. Rogelio, the chef, explained that it takes days of preparation to get it just right. I didn't want to leave. I just wanted to sit there forever, taking spoonful after spoonful, each bite better than the last.
There's something magical about a meal that resonates with you so deeply. It's not just the taste—it's the stories, the love, the hard work. I felt part of something bigger than myself at that moment, like I was savoring generations of tradition.
Reflection in the chaos
So, as I reflect on this trip, I realize that, yes, there are definitely “best things to do in Oaxaca,” but it's the little, messy moments in between that made it unforgettable. Like getting lost but finding the heart of the city instead. Or that accidental detour that led me to savor a glass of mezcal while feeling connected to strangers, a feeling I didn't know I needed.
Sometimes traveling is about the destinations, and sometimes it's about the unexpected journeys along the way. I came back with my heart full, and honestly, I'm still piecing together every moment, one sip of coffee at a time.
So, what are you thinking? Ready to join me in getting lost in a city that feels like home?
