Visit Afro-Mexican Towns

Black travelers who visit Chacahua will fall in love with this densely Afro-Mexican town, and its super chill, super Black vibe.

It’s nice to have reggae music blaring without it feeling performative or misplaced, or to find Afro-Mexican’s offering to braid hair on the beaches while you relax, unbothered by the usual hyper-tourist vibes.

The Costa Chica which runs from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel is widely enjoyed by Black travelers who are met with warmth and safe curiosity that leads to gorgeous cultural exchanges with Mexicans aware of their Afromestizo which runs through the land.

Travel Noire tip: Chacahua’s lagoon is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, check out the mangroves and slowly take in the charm of this small town by boat.

Experience Oaxacan Culture Through Food

Oxaca is known for its mezcal and world-class cuisine. The city’s bustling market scene is a great place to get a taste of all the flavors. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire aisle of roasted proteins: “El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas.” For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, explore Mercado Organico La Cosecha.

For a more sit-down experience, book a reservation at either Criollo or Origen— two of the top-rated restaurants in town. If you want something experiential, but just as delicious, take a seat at Convivio, where flawless cocktails are paired alongside Asian-infused Oaxacan dishes.

Speaking of cocktails, Oaxaca is home to a distilled agave spirit called Mezcal that has been made here for centuries.

Taste Native Mezcals

In the city of Oaxaca, there are three tasting opportunities you should visit when in the city of Oaxaca.

Mezcalería In Situ for a broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education
El Distilado to enjoy how mezcal pairs with the local cuisine
Selva Oaxaca to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails

No matter what, make sure to save room for Lechoncito de Oro. Open nightly from 8 p.m. until…whenever. They specialize in pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Related: A Foodie’s Paradise: 7 Of The Best Restaurants In Oaxaca, Mexico

Spend Time In Nature

For seeing Oaxaca’s natural beauty, Hierve el Agua is said to be a must. These rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. There you can find hiking trails that bring you right up to the cascade’s edge.

Monte Albán is another world wonder, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved terraced pyramids here were built by the indigenous Zapotecs. It is the second largest ceremonial site in all of Central America.