#photovsrealitytravel One of the most unusual places near Oaxaca is Hierve el Agua. The name translates as "boiling water," but there's no boiling water here. The water temperature in the natural pools is approximately 22-25 degrees Celsius. 🏔️ The main attraction is two enormous petrified waterfall formations. They were formed by mineralized water from the springs: gradually, mineral deposits formed stone cascades, which today look as if the waterfall has frozen in the mountains. 💦 Is it possible to swim? Yes. The upper platform contains natural pools where you can swim and admire the mountains and valley at the same time. Just keep in mind: the water is cool, especially if there's a wind. 🥾 What to see besides the pools: · two petrified "cascades"; · observation platforms over the gorge; · an ancient system of irrigation canals; · the lower levels of the springs; · a hiking trail around the mountain formations. ☀️ When to visit? It's best to arrive in the morning: there are fewer people and it's not as hot. The site is in the mountains, and there's little shade, so sun protection, a hat, and water are essential. 🎒 What to bring: · swimsuit and towel; · comfortable walking shoes; · water; · sunscreen and sunglasses; · a light jacket—the weather in the mountains can change quickly. 🚗 How to get there: Hierve el Agua is located approximately 70 km from Oaxaca de Juárez. Many people come on organized tours, but you can also get there independently by car.

📍 Place: Oaxaca City ✨ What it felt like: The city had a relaxed energy during the day and became lively in the evenings without feeling overwhelming. I spent hours walking through colorful streets, small plazas, and local markets while music and food smells drifted through the air. 👀 What stood out: The architecture and street colors made almost every corner feel photogenic, especially near the historic center. I also loved how local food culture was part of everyday life here — from fresh tortillas to late-night street snacks. The cafés felt comfortable for slow mornings, and many streets were easy to explore on foot without needing transport all the time. 💡 Exclusive tip: Try walking a few streets away from the busiest plazas when looking for food. Some of the smaller local spots had better prices, shorter waits, and a more relaxed atmosphere. ❤️ Personal feeling: Oaxaca felt like the kind of city where it’s easy to slow down and notice small things — painted walls, local conversations, music in the distance, and long evening walks that turn into favorite memories. #Oaxaca #Mexico #OaxacaCity #StreetPhotography #FoodCulture #SlowTravel #TravelMoments #travel2026#travel#staycation#citydaytours

📍 Place: Oaxaca, Mexico ✨ What it felt like: Walking through the historic streets, colorful buildings, and lively plazas, I noticed that Oaxaca offers a very local and relaxed travel experience. Whether grabbing tacos from a market stall or sitting in a café overlooking the city, it felt easy to enjoy the atmosphere without constantly checking my wallet. 👀 What stood out: Street food was one of the biggest highlights. Simple local meals can be surprisingly affordable, while Oaxaca’s famous mole and café culture make it easy to upgrade the experience when I felt like treating myself. I also liked how many enjoyable activities involve simply exploring on foot, visiting public squares, and taking in city viewpoints. The colorful streets and colonial architecture made even a casual walk feel rewarding. 💡 Exclusive tip: If you're trying to keep costs low, plan your sightseeing around free public spaces and local markets. I found that walking between attractions not only saved money but also revealed some of the city's most photogenic corners. ❤️ Personal feeling: Oaxaca felt like the kind of destination where I could slow down, enjoy small moments, and spend according to my own pace. It’s a city that rewards curiosity more than spending. #Oaxaca #MexicoTravel #budgettravel #midrangetravel #luxurytravel #travel2026#travel#couplestrip#thingstodo

📍 Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico ⭐️ Highly Recommended ・ The Santo Domingo Church is a must-visit for its gorgeous interior (📷 1st photo) ・ On weekends, a local artists' art market takes place in the plaza near the Santo Domingo Church (📷 2nd photo) ・ Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca This art center, which also features a library, is perfect for those looking to relax and take their time (📷 3rd-4th photos) ・ Just taking a stroll is fun, with plenty of vibrant buildings and colorful murals to admire (📷 5th-7th photos) 📝 Tips & Advice ・ February days are warm, but mornings and evenings are still quite chilly, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea ・ Uber isn't available in Oaxaca, so you'll need to use local buses or regular taxis ・ Credit cards are rarely accepted at the markets, so be sure to carry Mexican pesos ・ It's also smart to keep around 10 pesos handy for public restrooms

📍Oaxaca Graphic Arts Institute This is one of my favorite places that I visited multiple times during my stay in Oaxaca. Established in November 1988 by painter Francisco Toledo, this was the first cultural facility in Oaxaca City, and the building itself is stunning. You can enjoy art for free and read from a collection of 50,000 books gathered by artists 📕. It's quiet, and the courtyard is very charming, making it a great spot for those who want to relax✨. When I visited, there was a lecture by a graphic artist from LA. Additionally, near the entrance, artist merchandise like T-shirts and postcards are sold, making it a nice place to shop for souvenirs. ☝️Important Notes: · If you want to use the library, you need to store your backpack or belongings in the lockers at the entrance. · There are no restrooms available.