Things To Do
in Zacualpan de Amilpas
Zacualpan de Amilpas is a small highland town in Oaxaca set among green hills and coffee farms. Its streets are lined with pastel houses, a centuries-old church, and a lively local market that draws residents from surrounding valleys. The town serves as a quiet base for exploring the Sierra Madre foothills and learning about Zapotec and mestizo traditions, crafts, and cuisine.
The climate is mild year-round, with cooler evenings and a welcoming, slow-paced atmosphere for visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arriving in Zacualpan de Amilpas, soak in the charming ambiance of this small town surrounded by lush mountains. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant local market where you can sample fresh produce and artisan goods. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional dishes like chilaquiles or huevos rancheros.
Afterward, visit the nearby ancient ruins of the pre-Hispanic site of Cuauhnahuac, where you can explore the rich history and breathtaking views of the valley. Enjoy a quaint lunch at a family-run restaurant, tasting local specialties made with fresh ingredients. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the scenic trails in the surrounding hills, absorbing the natural beauty of the area.
As dusk approaches, return to Zacualpan town for dinner at a cozy eatery known for its warm hospitality. Sample authentic Mexican cuisine while chatting with locals, who are always eager to share stories about their community. End the day by enjoying the peaceful night sky, perhaps even catching a glimpse of the Milky Way overhead.
Begin your day with a visit to the local church, Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, marveling at its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere. Attend a morning mass if you're inclined, and take a moment to reflect in the tranquility of the sacred space. Afterward, engage with artisans who live nearby, learning about traditional crafts like pottery and weaving.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in mezcal-based dishes, paired with homemade tortillas. Spend your afternoon visiting a local art gallery to appreciate the works of talented artists inspired by the beauty of Zacualpan. Don't forget to explore the narrow cobblestone streets, taking in the colorful houses and vibrant murals.
As the sun sets, head to a local venue for a lively performance featuring traditional Mexican music and dance. Enjoy the rhythm and spirit of the cultural showcase, joining in if you're up for it! Wind down the evening with a nightcap at a local bar, sampling different varieties of mezcal or tequila.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at a mid-range spot | $12-20 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
| 🚶♂️Local transportation (short ride) | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or breakfast | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Oaxaca experience with friendly locals
- Accessible day trips to surrounding valleys and coffee farms
- Affordable food, markets, and accommodations
- Rich cultural heritage and crafts in a tranquil setting
- Limited nightlife and fewer English-speaking services
- Some facilities and markets can be cash-only or have variable hours
- Rural roads can be winding and slower to navigate
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Me gustaría…" - I would like…
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The check, please.
- "Salud" - Cheers
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "¿Puede recomendar…?" - Can you recommend…?
Places to Visit in Zacualpan de Amilpas
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial-era square with a delicate clock tower, arcaded walkways, and lively market activity—great for golden-hour portraits and street photography.
Narrow, cobblestone alleyways painted in vibrant hues, perfect for architectural detail shots and moody street scenes.
Hilltop viewpoints overlooking the valley and surrounding coffee farms, ideal for panoramic landscape shots at sunrise.
Food in Zacualpan de Amilpas
Zacualpan de Amilpas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, complex sauce made with chocolate and chiles, typically served over poultry or pork.
Must-Try!
A large toasted corn tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat; a staple at mercados and small eateries.
Thinly sliced marinated beef, often served on a tlayuda or with tortillas and beans.
Toasted Oaxaca grasshoppers seasoned with lime and salt, commonly enjoyed as a crunchy snack or topping.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Everyday market where locals buy produce, tortillas, sopes, and prepared foods; an excellent spot to sample day-to-day Oaxaca flavors.
A traditional regional market known for moles, chapulines, fresh produce, and a wide array of prepared foods; great for a broader Oaxaca culinary experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say buenas días/tardes al entrar a tiendas and mercados; a elders/host families, a handshake or gentle kiss on the cheek is common in social settings.
Ask before photographing people, especially in villages or private spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural communities.
Respect religious practices and avoid loud behavior near cemeteries or temples.
Safety
Tipping in Zacualpan de Amilpas
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included. For hotel staff, a small daily tip is appreciated. Guides and mezcal tastings often expect 10-20% of the service shown.
Cash is widely used in rural towns; many places in Oaxaca accept cards in larger establishments, especially in the city or tourist-focused venues. ATMs are common in Oaxaca City and larger towns; carry pesos for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool mornings. Flowers in bloom; carry a light jacket for cool evenings and a hat for sunny afternoons.
Hot days with occasional afternoon showers. Lush landscapes; bring a lightweight rain layer and waterproof footwear.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies, great for outdoor activities and photography; pack layers for cooler nights.
Cool to chilly mornings and evenings with dry days; layering is key, and sun can feel strong at mid-day.
Zacualpan de Amilpas at Night
Hiking in Zacualpan de Amilpas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes through coffee groves and pine-covered slopes with valley views.
Higher elevation viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the valley and distant ridges; best at sunrise.
Airports
How to reach Zacualpan de Amilpas by plane.
Main regional gateway offering domestic and some international flights; typically the easiest route to reach Zacualpan by road.
Coastal option a few hours away by road; useful for combining a highland visit with a beach leg.
Another coastal gateway within a few hours’ drive; good for travelers extending to the Oaxaca coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly mixed Indigenous and European ancestry common in many Oaxaca towns; Spanish is the primary language.
Influences are visible in crafts, dress, and some local customs; some residents maintain traditional practices and language in surrounding areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide, widely played in towns and schools, with informal matches and community leagues.
Common in schools and recreation centers, particularly among youth and families.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zacualpan de Amilpas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
You can find vegetarian options like chiles rellenos de queso, mushroom dishes, and quesadillas with queso asadas; ask for lard-free preparations and for beans, rice, and vegetables as bases. Many mercados offer plant-based options, and cooks are usually happy to adapt dishes.