Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán is a municipality in the state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. It sits in the Central Valleys region, close to the state capital, Oaxaca de Juárez, so it is easy to reach for a visitor already based in the city.
What to expect
Xoxocotlán is best approached as a place to spend time at a slower pace than the historic centre of Oaxaca de Juárez. The municipality is a community in its own right, with its own streets, local life and rhythms, and a visit here gives a sense of how people live in the valley beyond the tourist routes.
- Its location in the Central Valleys puts it within easy reach of the capital and of the wider landscape around it.
- It works well as a half-day or day trip for anyone interested in the everyday life of the region.
- Visitors who enjoy walking and observing local communities will find it a pleasant change of pace.
Getting there
Because Xoxocotlán lies just beyond the edge of Oaxaca de Juárez, travellers usually arrive from the capital, whether by local transport or on foot from the nearer neighbourhoods. Staying in the city and making the short journey out is a practical way to plan the visit.
Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán suits travellers who want to see more of the Oaxacan valleys than the capital alone, and who are happy to take a quieter, more local look at the area around it.
