Open Travel Guide
History of Oaxaca

Oaxaca History & Heritage Guide 2026

The history of Oaxaca told through its places: sites worth the detour and the context they need.

Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most culturally rich states, home to 16 recognized indigenous groups, the archaeological capitals of Monte Albán and Mitla, and a coastline stretching from the surf town of Puerto Escondido to the calm resort bays of Huatulco. Oaxaca de Juárez, the colonial capital, is celebrated for mole, mezcal, and some of the finest regional cooking in the country.

Historical sites

Places where Oaxaca's past comes alive.

Historic

Monte Albán

Where: Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 210 MXN (~$12 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Mitla

Where: San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 210 MXN (~$12 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Yagul

Where: Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 80 MXN (~$5 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Where: Centro Histórico, Oaxaca de Juárez

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Basílica de la Soledad

Where: Centro Histórico, Oaxaca de Juárez

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo

Where: Centro Histórico, Oaxaca de Juárez

Admission: Adult: 90 MXN (~$5 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Casa de Benito Juárez

Where: Centro Histórico, Oaxaca de Juárez

Admission: Adult: 70 MXN (~$4 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Zaachila Archaeological Site

Where: Villa de Zaachila, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 55 MXN (~$3 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Dainzú

Where: San Bartolomé Quialana, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 70 MXN (~$4 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)

Historic

Palacio de Gobierno del Estado (Zócalo)

Where: Centro Histórico, Oaxaca de Juárez

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Teotitlán del Valle (Museo Comunitario Balaa Xtee Guech Gulal)

Where: Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 20 MXN (~$1 USD) | Child: 10 MXN (~$1 USD)

Historic

Ex-Convento de Santiago Apóstol, Cuilapam de Guerrero

Where: Cuilapam de Guerrero, Oaxaca

Admission: Adult: 65 MXN (~$4 USD) | Child: Free (under 13)