Oaxaca Street Art Guide & Map

OAXACA QUICK LINKS

Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld

Copy of Lonely Planet Mexico

Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator

Getting there: Flight / Rentalcars.com / Busbud

Street art cycling tour with Coyote Aventuras

I was lucky enough to be invited on Coyote Aventuras’ street art cycling tour. During this half-day tour, we explored more of Oaxaca than I’d have been able to on foot. Our guide, Shai, was really knowledgeable so I got to learn about the murals, as well as the artists who created them.

Whether you choose to explore with Coyote Aventuras or solo, I would highly recommend fitting the Oaxaca street art into your sightseeing plans. Finding it is easily one of the best things to do in Oaxaca, plus street art is always a good idea!

Where to find street art in Oaxaca

It won’t take you long to find street art in Oaxaca; it’s on every corner. There’s not so much in the historic city centre since most of the buildings are protected but outside of this, there’s tons to be found.

Oaxaca street art map

Now you know where to find street art in Oaxaca, let’s look at the locations above so you can decide which bits to see. I’ve included some history and background to the Oaxaca street art so you can learn as you go.

Memorial to the 43 missing students, Berriozabal Street

I was shocked to learn the history behind this piece of work by the Urtarte Collective on Berriozabal Street.

It tells the story of the 43 missing indigenous students who vanished en route to a peaceful protest in the state of Guerrero. They were protesting for better rights, for example the teaching of indigenous languages in schools rather than just Spanish.

Sadly, they never made it to the protest. They ran into police and were never seen again. One year later, bodily remains of six students were found in a burned out bus. The other 37 were never found.

Indigenous rights remain an issue in Mexico. Pieces of Oaxaca street art like this communicate the issues and push for better rights and representation.

Where to stay in Oaxaca?

Hostel – I stayed at Oaxaca Central Hostal. I’d recommend this colourful hostel with a leafy outdoor garden area and amazing home-cooked breakfasts that change each morning.

Budget hotel – check out Hotel Casona Oaxaca or an affordable option with period features and a sunny courtyard ($30)

Midrange hotel – Hotel NaNa Vida – this stylish hotel in a colonial blue building in the heart of Oaxaca boasts garden views, Mexican artwork and a sunny terrace ($60).

Packing list for Oaxaca

• Jeans, t-shirts, dresses – you don’t need to be too conservative
• Layers as it can get cold in the evenings
• Comfy shoes – there are lots of cobbles!
• The latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico
• A Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
• A stainless steel reusable water bottle with straw lid to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag
• A handy bum bag with secure zip
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack (men’s) (women’s)
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black

Thanks for reading my Oaxaca street art guide!

VISITING MEXICO?
These are my trusted resources:

Getting around by air – the quickest (and often cheapest) way to travel between Mexican cities is by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going.

Getting around by bus (environmental option) – buses in Mexico are comfy with free snacks and an in-journey entertainment system. I use Busbud to find the best prices.

Driving in Mexico – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Mexico (and all around the world).

For hotels and apartments, I use Booking.com. They have a wide range of accommodation for all budgets, plus the loyalty programme gives you discounts and upgrades.

For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com. Hostels in Mexico are great for meeting other travellers.

To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters, a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets.

I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique options.

EatWith – your one-stop for Mexico food tours, cooking classes and hosted meals with local chefs and foodies.

Need to top up your Spanish? Pack a Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary.

Need travel insurance? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote.

For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.

Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips from 10+ years of travel!

Note: While I was hosted by Coyote Aventuras, all opinions are my own.

Check out my other Mexico guides:

• Visiting Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca
• Oaxaca Day of the Dead guide
• Solo female travel to Mexico City
• How to spend 5 days in Mexico City
• Solo female travel in Mexico
• The ultimate Mexico bucket list
• 23 Mexico City travel tips
• The perfect 2 days in Puebla
• Things to do in Coyoacan, Mexico City
• Visiting Xochimilco, Mexico City
• Best food in Tepoztlan

See you next time for more adventures,

Rose

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