The Best Time To Visit Oaxaca As A Digital Nomad

Oaxaca is also known as the Cultural Mecca of Mexico! This special place has the grit of the big city and charm of a small, artistic village. Plus, its love for huge celebrations makes this a must-visit destination for travelers. This colorful oasis is bursting with local flavor, just waiting to be discovered.

Oaxaca is beautiful to visit all year round, but if you want to experience truly authentic Oaxacan culture, make sure you plan your trip during July for La Guelaguetza festival, one of the most iconic cultural events in Mexico.

La Guelaguetza

La Guelaguetza, also known as Los Lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill), has been celebrated for hundreds of years on the last two Mondays of July. 

The festival celebrates traditional food, music and dance and brings together various indigenous communities to the capital. They gather on a hill with a beautiful view of the city adorned in different colors to represent their specific region.

Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec language and translates to "reciprocal exchanges of gifts and services." After each performance, dancers throw gifts into the crowd which represents the cultural significance of sharing and community. 

Are you yet to experience this incredible event? Don't worry - Noma has your back (and your bucket list!). As part of our 2025 calendar, we’re bringing you a very special trip to Oaxaca from July 20th to August 16th so you can experience the magic of La Guelaguetza first-hand.

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Your Guide To Oaxaca

Eat

• Los Danzantes: With more than 20 years of history to its name, this beautiful restaurant set in an open-air courtyard is a local favorite for a reason.

• Boulenc: One of the best breakfast spots in Oaxaca. Artisan bread, pastries & brunch dishes at an airy cafe-bakery with tables in a covered courtyard.

• Labo Fermento: Incredible Michelin restaurant that serves up delicious Asian flavors including homemade kimchi, shoyu, miso and more.

• Hierba Dulce: A completely plant-based restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients to make delicious, fresh and creative dishes.

• Tacos del Carmen: A legendary taco spot that lives up to its reputation, serving up a selection of tasty tacos at a great price.

See

• Monte Albán: Don’t miss this ancient Zapotec city, perched on a hilltop with stunning archaeological ruins, temples and plazas that date back to 500 BC.

• Santo Domingo Church: Visit this beautiful baroque church with its ornate interior, impressive altar and adjacent Botanical Garden which offers a peaceful retreat.

• Market Hopping: Explore the bustling markets, especially Mercado 20 de Noviembre, for local crafts, textiles, and mouthwatering street food.

• El Árbol del Tule: Estimated between 1,400 and 3,000 years of age and with a circumference of 145 feet, this majestic giant is one of the oldest living trees in the world and is considered to have the widest trunk in the world!

• El Llano Park: This peaceful and beautiful shaded park is the perfect spot for relaxing, catching some rays or working outdoors.

Work

• Gubixi Cowork: A minimalistic and comfortable shared workspace with fast internet that is perfect for creative entrepreneurs, cultural initiatives & freelancers. 

• Casa Bestia: A homely collaborative space that combines comfort, inspiration and functionality. A great spot for creatives looking for a place to work, learn, and connect.

• Muss Cafe: A cozy and quaint cafe where you can enjoy your coffee in the beautiful courtyard whilst ticking off your to-do list.

• La Ttertulia Café: A friendly local cafe who specializes in traditional Sierra Sur (Southern Sierra) coffee and locally sourced food offerings.

• Marito & Moglie: A small roastery and cafe in the heart of Oaxaca that serves delicious locally sourced coffee in a relaxing atmosphere

Play

• Zócalo: The perfect spot to experience the very best of Oaxaca. Dance along to the marimba ensembles and brass bands or watch from the sidewalk cafes.

• Bar Iligal: With a rustic decor and live music this is one of the best local bars for cocktails, mezcal and dancing. 

• La Mezcalerita: A must-visit for mezcal enthusiasts! Make sure you grab a mezcal tasting flight to explore different varieties and flavors.

• Bar Superior: A great dive bar where you can grab a casual cocktail or cerveza and soak up the vibrant local atmosphere 

• Sabina Sabe: Named after the mythical Mazatec medicine woman María Sabina, this bar is a love letter to mezcal.

Visiting Oaxaca during La Guelaguetza in July means experiencing an authentic and deeper connection to Oaxacan culture, and it is definitely not to be missed.

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