Things To Do
in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz is a small town in Oaxaca known for its lush river valleys and indigenous heritage. Nestled near the Papaloapan basin, it blends agricultural life with mountain scenery and warm Oaxacan hospitality. Visitors enjoy easy access to local markets, river viewpoints, and traditional cuisine while staying connected to the region's Zapotec and Mixtec roots.

The town serves as a gateway to nearby forests, waterfalls, and cultural events throughout the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz
morning
:

Arrive in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz and settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to enjoy the local scenery, including the stunning mountains that surround the town. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Mexican pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the town square and explore the colorful market stalls selling local crafts, textiles, and produce. Engage with local artisans and learn about their craft while picking up unique souvenirs. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, trying regional dishes like tlayudas or mole.

evening
:

As the sun sets, stroll through the village and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather. Dinner at a quaint restaurant will provide a taste of the area's culinary delights, with options for all palates. End your evening by indulging in a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop.

day 2
Exploring Natural Wonders
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the Sierra Juárez mountains. The trails offer breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife unique to the region. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

afternoon
:

After the hike, revisit the town for a refreshing lunch featuring local flavors. Spend the afternoon visiting nearby waterfalls, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax in nature. Consider joining a guided tour that provides insight into local flora and fauna.

evening
:

Return to town and enjoy a casual dinner at an outdoor restaurant, soaking in the cool evening air. Engage with your fellow travelers or locals, sharing stories and recommendations. Wind down your evening with a leisurely walk, admiring the night sky away from city lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🧃Bottle of water$0.75-1.5
🚗Taxi ride within town$2-5
🏨One-night budget hotel$25-40
Coffee$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and authentic experiences
  • Budget-friendly travel and proximity to nature
  • Limited public transport and rural infrastructure
  • Language barriers in remote areas
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

Visit one of these nice places.

Río Papaloapan Overlook

Panoramic views of the river valley at sunset, with golden light on the water and lush banks.

Centro Historico Colorful Callejones

Vibrant adobe walls, flowered balconies, and market life ideal for street photography.

Mercado Municipal Interiors

Colorful stalls, textiles, produce, and candid scenes of daily life.

Culinary Guide

Food in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

Oaxacan cuisine in this region centers on maize, beans, chilies, fresh vegetables, and river fish; expect bold flavors with locally grown herbs and handmade tortillas.

San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tlayuda with tasajo

A large toasted tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and slices of cured meat; available in most eateries.

Must-Try!

Tamales de elote

Sweet corn tamales made with fresh corn, typically served with panela or crema.

Caldo de pescado

Warm fish soup made with river fish, tomatoes, chilies, and herbs.

Mole verde with chicken

Herbaceous green mole sauce served over chicken with rice and tortillas.

Chiles rellenos

Stuffed peppers often filled with cheese or meat and served with tomato sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

Bustling market with fresh produce, tortillas, salsas, and snack stands.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is warm year-round with a pronounced wet season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). Expect hot afternoons and cooler evenings, especially in the hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a simple 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' and a friendly smile; ask about well-being in conversations.

Respect for elders

Courtesy and deference to elders in social settings are valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should practice standard safety: stay aware of surroundings in crowded markets, safeguard valuables, travel with a companion after dark in isolated areas, and use reputable transport options.

Tipping in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated for good service; small tips for cafe staff are common.

Payment Methods

Cash MXN is widely accepted; some cafes and larger shops take credit cards or mobile wallets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season

Cool mornings and warm afternoons; ideal for outdoor exploration and city strolls.

Rainy Season

Lush green landscapes with frequent showers; carry a lightweight rain shell and waterproof footwear.

Nightlife Guide

San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz at Night

The nightlife is relaxed and neighborhood-centered, with family-friendly evenings around the town square. Some bars and cafes offer live regional music on weekends; late-night options are modest but welcoming.

Hiking in San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sendero de las Cascadas

Forest trails leading to several accessible waterfalls near the town.

Mirador de la Sierra Mixteca

Hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valley.

Airports

How to reach San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz by plane.

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)

Major airport serving Oaxaca state with national and limited international connections.

Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM)

Coastal airport with domestic routes; longer drive to the town but useful for onward trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with many attractions near the main square; some streets are steep, requiring short climbs or a local ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Indigenous communities

Presence of Zapotec and Mixtec heritage in the region, with bilingual speakers in Spanish and indigenous languages.

Mestizo and migrant workers

A mix of local families and agricultural workers in the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

The most popular sport; informal games and local leagues occur in fields around town.

Baseball

Played by youth and adults in community spaces; sometimes featured in regional events.

Transportation

Traffic

Rural roads can be winding and slower but traffic within town is light; taxis and informal ride services are common; allow extra time for travel to surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting San Felipe Jalapa de Díaz.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be made vegetarian by requesting no meat broths; prioritize beans, corn, vegetables, and arroz.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics are available in town; for more serious issues, regional hospitals in Oaxaca or nearby towns offer more comprehensive care. Bring any essential medications and travel insurance.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide