10 Moments That Made Me Fall in Love with Oaxaca, Mexico

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Jada, GA

Visited: Spring

Type of Traveler: Solo

Trip Vibe: Reflective, Cultural, Soulful

Traveler Details: Food Preferences: Adventurous eater, local cuisine enthusiast, slow-food appreciator | Low-to-mid budget | Visiting for emotional reset and cultural immersion | Black American woman | Passionate about food, local art, and slow mornings

First Impressions: A City That Gently Holds You

When I booked my flight to Oaxaca, I didn’t know I was searching for peace. I just knew I needed something real. Something slower. Something that could help me feel connected again—both to the world and to myself.

Stepping into the city felt like stepping into a poem. Oaxaca’s streets were alive with color, rhythm, and soul. I wandered aimlessly—and for the first time in a long time, wandering felt safe.

Where I Stayed: Cozy, Quiet, and Full of Charm

I stayed at a family-run guesthouse tucked into the historic center, just a short walk from the Zócalo. It wasn’t fancy—but it was full of warmth, quiet, and daily breakfast that felt like it came from someone’s abuela. The room was clean, cool, and had a small balcony where I journaled each morning with a cup of coffee in hand.

Travel Tip: Choose a guesthouse or boutique hotel near the city center—you’ll be within walking distance of markets, restaurants, and museums.

What I Loved: These 10 Moments Changed Everything

1. Walking Through a City That Felt Like a Living Canvas

Oaxaca is art in motion. Murals, tiles, papel picado dancing overhead—every block pulled me in. I wandered without a map. And somehow, I found myself.

2. Tasting Mole Negro for the First Time

I’d had mole before, but never like this. Rich with smoke, chili, and deep notes of chocolate. The woman who served it smiled knowingly when I closed my eyes. It felt like being fed by an ancestor.

3. Hearing Boleros at Sunset on the Steps of Templo de Santo Domingo

The sun dipped low, painting the sky soft pink. A man began singing near the church—slow, soulful boleros that settled right into my chest. I didn’t record it. I just let myself feel.

4. Smelling the Stories Inside Mercado Benito Juárez

The scent of roasted corn, flor de calabaza, chili, smoke, and sweetness hit me all at once. A woman selling chapulines called me hermana and gave me a smile that made me feel seen.

5. Realizing No One Was Watching Me

As a Black woman traveling solo, I brace for stares. But in Oaxaca, I didn’t get them. I felt invisible—in the most liberating way. Not ignored. Just left in peace.

6. Watching Generations Weave at Teotitlán del Valle

In this village, I watched a woman dye wool with crushed insects and plants. Her hands moved with memory. It reminded me that beauty is in process—and that we come from people who created with intention.

7. Laughing with Strangers Over Mezcal

I joined a mezcal tasting with a few other travelers. We went from strangers to soul sharers in under two hours—talking about life, fear, and what brought us here.

8. Standing Above the City at Monte Albán

The ruins. The silence. The wind. Looking out over the valley, something in me settled. I’d made it—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

9. Dancing in the Zócalo Without Apology

A live band began playing. People danced freely. I joined in, unsure at first, then all in. No judgment. No stares. Just joy.

10. The Goodbye That Didn’t Feel Like One

My final morning, I walked to a quiet café, ordered pan dulce, and sat in stillness. I didn’t feel sad. I felt whole. Oaxaca had given me something I didn’t know I needed.

What I Wish I Knew Beforehand

• Spring is warm during the day but cool at night—pack a light sweater.

• Local markets can get crowded, so go early for a calmer experience.

• While Oaxaca is walkable, some day trips (like Teotitlán or Monte Albán) require transport or a guide.

• Many locals speak both Spanish and Zapotec. Learn a few phrases—it goes a long way.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely—especially if you are:

• A solo traveler seeking reconnection

• A Black traveler looking for peace and respect

• A creative soul moved by food, art, and stillness

• Someone who needs more than just a “trip”—you need a shift

Final Travel Tips

• Use an eSIM like Airalo for affordable, reliable data on the go

• Take your time. Don’t try to cram it all in—Oaxaca is best when savored

• Book at least one hands-on experience (cooking, weaving, market tour)

• Pack soft shoes—you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets often

• Let yourself be changed. This city has a quiet way of doing that