Street markets are everywhere in Mexico, but if you want to experience the most authentic market in Oaxaca City, then go to Zaachila.
Every Thursday the small town of Zaachila becomes the icon of a traditional Zapotec market. Lot’s of people from the surrounding “colonies” come and sell their products.
The Zapotec civilization was an indigenous pre-hispanic civilization that lived in the Oaxacan valley and Zaachila was the last Zapotec capital. After Monte Álban fell under the control of the Mixtecs, it became a focal point for commerce within the Oaxacan valley. Nowadays Zaachila is just a small town close by Oaxaca city.
THE MOST AUTHENTIC MARKET IN OAXACA CITY
Zaachila is located about 25 minutes by car from Oaxaca’s Zocalo. Another option (our favorite) is to take a taxi colectivo. It leaves from several blocks from the center and will cost you around MXN $15. The taxi will drop you on the main road, just follow the people and you will easily get to the market.
Once in the center of the market, you will be overwhelmed by colors, smells, and people. We consider Zaachila market the most authentic market in Oaxaca mostly because is of the main touristic circuit, and this keeps its originality and uniqueness. Zaachila market is completely open air (except from one area), but vendors are everywhere. Some of them set up their own booth just placing their merchandise on the floor.
The market itself is pretty big, you can spend two hours wandering around. Here you can find everything you need, from flowers to clothes, pottery, fruit, and vegetables… You can even try traditional liquors like Pulque, Mezcal and Agua Miel, served directly into a coconut shell.
If you are looking for food here there are so many options to choose from. From the more traditional comedores located next to the cemetery to amazing street food vendors spread all around the market.
At Zaachila there is even a thriving livestock market. This fantastic market is worth a visit to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Zapotec market.
There is nothing really like this, Zaachila market is unique and absolutely the most authentic market in Oaxaca City.
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