If you’re dreaming of a trip filled with mountains, beaches, and peaceful moments in nature, Oaxaca is the place. These are the top seven outdoor activities you don’t want to miss, ranked from the hardest adventure to the easiest, so you can pick what fits your vibe.
1. Summiting Cerro San Felipe (Hardest)
Summiting Cerro San Felipe
Cerro San Felipe is one of the highest peaks near Oaxaca City, and hiking it feels like stepping straight into a cloud. The path climbs through thick pine forests and quiet mountain air. It’s a long hike, usually six to eight hours, and the elevation can definitely make you work for it.
But the view at the top makes every step worth it. You stand above rolling green mountains that look like waves frozen in time. It’s peaceful, breathtaking, and one of those moments that stays with you.
Best for people who want a full-day challenge and love the feeling of earning a view from above.
2. Exploring the Pueblos Mancomunados
Pueblos Mancomunados
This is one of the most special nature experiences in Oaxaca. The Pueblos Mancomunados are eight mountain villages connected by hiking and biking trails. It’s quiet, it’s authentic, and it’s such a beautiful way to see rural life.
Some trails are steep and the distances can be long, so it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Many travelers spend two or three days hiking from village to village, eating homemade meals and staying in simple cabins run by the community.
You get waterfalls, wildlife, and forests that feel untouched. It’s the perfect mix of nature and culture.
3. Swimming at Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is one of the most iconic sights in Oaxaca. The natural rock formations look like huge frozen waterfalls, and right beside them are bright turquoise pools you can swim in.
Getting there takes some time, and the road can be bumpy, but once you arrive it feels magical. You can take a short hike around the cliffs or spend hours floating in the pools. Sunset here is unreal, with warm golden light shining across the mountains.
It’s a great mix of activity and relaxation.
4. Walking Through the Sierra Norte Cloud Fores
Sierra Norte Cloud Fores
The Sierra Norte mountains are known for their cool air and peaceful cloud forests. Everything feels soft, green, and quiet, like you stepped into a dream. The trails here can be a little muddy and the weather changes quickly, but it’s part of the charm.
If you love birds, plants, and slow nature walks, this spot is perfect. It’s refreshing and offers a totally different side of Oaxaca that most visitors never see.
5. Snorkeling in Huatulco National Park
Huatulco National Park
When you picture the perfect beach day, Huatulco is exactly that. The national park has calm bays, clear water, and tons of sea life. Snorkeling here is beginner-friendly, and most beaches are easy to access.
You’ll see colorful fish, coral reefs, and maybe even a sea turtle if you’re lucky. It’s warm, relaxing, and a beautiful way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Perfect for anyone who wants adventure without needing a lot of experience.
6. Visiting the Tule Tree
Tule Tree
The Tule Tree is one of the widest trees in the world, and it’s over 2,000 years old. It’s located in a small, cute town just outside Oaxaca City. The walk is short and flat, and the whole area has a peaceful feeling.
You can circle the tree, see all the shapes in the bark, and read about its history. It’s a simple activity, but it makes you slow down and appreciate something ancient and beautiful.
Great for travelers of all ages.
7. Relaxing at Playa La Entrega (Easiest)
Playa La Entrega
Playa La Entrega is one of the easiest, most laid-back nature spots in Oaxaca. The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming, floating, or easy snorkeling. The beach is flat and easy to reach, and nearby food stands make it a relaxed place to spend the day.
This is the kind of beach where time moves slower. You sit in the warm sun, swim in shallow turquoise water, and just enjoy being there.
Ideal for everyone — families, couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a stress-free day in nature.
Quick Ranking (Hardest to Easiest)
- Summiting Cerro San Felipe
- Pueblos Mancomunados
- Hierve el Agua
- Sierra Norte Cloud Forest
- Huatulco National Park
- Tule Tree
- Playa La Entrega
Why Oaxaca Is a Dream for Nature Lovers
Oaxaca has everything — mountains, forests, waterfalls, and beaches all in one place. You can challenge yourself with a long hike or spend the day floating in warm ocean water. Every experience teaches you something different, and every spot has its own kind of magic.
It’s the kind of destination that reminds you to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate how beautiful the world can be.