Arte de Oaxaca is the first gallery ever founded in Oaxaca. Come here for rotating exhibitions and a survey of local, up-and-coming artists.

Indagare can arrange privately guided half-day and full-day tours to explore some of the pueblos villages surrounding Oaxaca City that are best known for their artisanal crafts and folk art specialties, like Cuilapan, Zaachila, Ocotlan, Jalieza and Coyotepec. Here, you'll meet the master artisans keeping these ancient traditions alive—from the famous Oaxacan black pottery to textiles-weaving and knife-making—and even get to visit them in their homes and studios. (Plus, don't miss a visit to the alebrije workshop of Jacob and Maria Angeles, whose colorful, fantastical wooden creatures helped inspire Pixar’s CoCo.) Along the way, stop to see local markets and historic sites like monasteries and churches.

Indagare can arrange a guided to drive you an hour and a half into the mountains located just north of Oaxaca City, to the Cuajimoloyas, one of the ‘Pueblos mancomunados’. Once there, explore the village before a delicious breakfast served with local ingredients (mushrooms are the speciality). Take in the breathtaking landscapes of mountains, clouds, pine trees and the picturesque towns of the Sierra Norte. After exploring the town, its history, and its culture, you will make your way into the magnificent forest that embraces the community. Adventure onto the stunning trail full of flowers, magueys, corn, pines, oaks and beautiful mountainscapes. Take in the peace and quiet. During this adventure you will have time for a picnic, meditation and other activities. This hike will bring you to the top of the mountain where you will find a hanging bridge to cross with stunning views. Make your way back down the mountain and be back in the city in time to enjoy your evening at leisure.

A day trip to visit Oaxaca's famous palenques, or mezcal spirit distilleries, is an absolute must. Indagare can arrange guided tours that will bring you to some of our favorite spots, including well-known establishments and off-the-beaten-path treasures.

If you're exploring on your own, and perhaps sticking closer to Oaxaca City, a few tasting rooms we recommend include: Mezcaleriá In Situ, Mezcalería Cuish and Mezcaloteca.

Says Indagare's Elise Bronzo: "Mezcal is having a moment, and craft cocktail aficionados might not know that mezcal is an "umbrella term" for all agave-derived spirits. Mezcal is associated with the smokiest varietal; however, tequila is in fact a mezcal (made from blue agave only)—as are lesser-known spirits like Pulque or Pechuga. While in Oaxaca, where many "palenques" (agave farms and distilleries) are located, we recommend trying various agaves, like Madrecuish, Tobalá and Tepeztate, which each have their own flavor profile (like tasting wine in Napa Valley). If you’re feeling adventurous, order your mezcal neat (sip with Tajín salt and an orange slice, don’t shoot!) and skip the Espadín—you can get that in New York. Pro tip: You are allowed to bring up to four bottles of mezcal home in your checked luggage.”

Take an approximately two-hour drive from Oaxaca City to the town of San Isidro Roaguía (Hierve el Agua) to explore the area of Hierve. Spend time in the area's famous natural spring pools, where you will have a chance to relax in the healing thermal (but not hot) waters. Here you can swim, meditate or just take in the beautiful view of the valley below. From here, you can embark on a seven-kilometer hike down the valley to reach another hidden Oaxacan oasis—a natural waterfall unknown to most travelers, hidden inside a canyon. Take a dip in these waters at the end of your hike to refresh yourself after the long walk.

Contact info@indagare.com to learn more about booking this experience with a guide—with the option to add on a tasting visit to a family-owned mezcal distillery on the way back to your hotel.

Located on the site of an old monastery in downtown Oaxaca, this garden presents an interesting walk and opportunity to learn about the incredible biodiversity of plants in the state of Oaxaca—and their important role in Oaxacan culture, from art and spirituality to cuisine and cocktails. The cactus area is also wonderful for photos!

Please note: This garden can only be visited on a guided tour with timed entry (you cannot walk in on your own). Currently, the hour-long guided tour costs 50 pesos per person (children under 12 enter free) and can be reserved by emailing etnobotanico@infinitummail.com. The garden is closed on Sundays. Contact info@indagare.com to learn more about booking.

Says Indagare's Elise Bronzo: "In Situ is a great mezcal tasting room. They purposefully do not export to the U.S., and we felt a little bit out of place as tourists—but we learned so much tasting all of their amazing spirits."

Elise's insider tip: "Mezcal is having a moment, and craft cocktail aficionados might not know that mezcal is an "umbrella term" for all agave-derived spirits. Mezcal is associated with the smokiest varietal; however, tequila is in fact a mezcal (made from blue agave only)—as are lesser-known spirits like Pulque or Pechuga. While in Oaxaca, where many "palenques" (agave farms and distilleries) are located, we recommend trying various agaves, like Madrecuish, Tobalá and Tepeztate, which each have their own flavor profile (like tasting wine in Napa Valley). If you’re feeling adventurous, order your mezcal neat (sip with Tajín salt and an orange slice, don’t shoot!) and skip the Espadín—you can get that in New York. Pro tip: You are allowed to bring up to four bottles of mezcal home in your checked luggage.”

Arrive by car or hike a beautiful trail to the Monte Albán esplanade, where you will reach the well-preserved former capital city of the pre-Columbian Zapotec people, the most impressive archaeological site in all of Oaxaca. An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, approximately 20 minutes south of Oaxaca's city center, the urban fabric of this place is still grand and powerful after centuries, thanks to its marvelous temples, the imposing ball court and tombs and chapels that characterized this once booming metropolis. After, you can visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, which is recognized for its crafts in barro negro—the famous Oaxacan black pottery that has been produced in this region since pre-Hispanic times. Take time to appreciate the artisans’ talents in calado-style fretwork and what’s known as bruñido, the captivating burnishing that adds an extra luxe to every piece they make.

This small museum, which has free admission, covers Oaxaca's rich textile heritage and history, with rotating exhibitions and hands-on workshops. The collection is located in Oaxaca's historic city center, within a restored 18th-century mansion.

The Pasaporte Gráfico, or Graphic Passport, is a route through Oaxaca City showcasing 12 independent printmakers and graphic arts studios, celebrating Mexico's rich political art heritage. With or without a guide, travelers can collect a passport to get stamped at each of the studios. Begin at Estampa Galería and continue on to highlights like Taller-Galleria Siqueiros, Espacio Zapata and Burro Press.

Visit the Plazuela del Carmen Alto to explore the tianguis, or roaming street markets, for local jewelry, crafts, souvenirs and trinkets, as well as food.

The town of San Martín Tilcajete, a fifty-minute drive south of central Oaxaca City, is the exclusive home to Mexico’s utterly charming, carved-wood figurines known as alebrijes. The hybrid fantasy creatures they depict, in high end copal wood or slightly less expensive papier-mâché, were inspired by demons known as nahuales and other ghouls from Mexican legend. Nowadays, these figures tend to combine various animal body parts into one unfamiliar but irresistible monster; all are elegantly hand-painted and are a must-bring-home souvenir!

Visit the Plaza Santo Domingo to explore the tianguis, or roaming street markets, for local jewelry, crafts, souvenirs and trinkets, as well as food.

Wandering around the historic center of Oaxaca is undoubtedly one of the must-do things for any visitor. Start at the Zócalo, the city's main square, and go from there! Here, you will find lots of restaurants, crafts vendors and historic architecture, as well as the State Palace. The Mercado Benito Juárez is also a few minutes' walk away.