Abastos Market (Central de Abastos) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Abastos Market (Central de Abastos). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez

• Oaxaca Central de Abastos Market Food Tour

While Abastos Market is free to visit, the enormous market can be intimidating to first-time visitors, so many travelers choose to visit with a guide. Food tasting tours of the market cost from US$80, while Mexican cooking classes, including a market visit, start around US$115.

Abastos Market is Oaxaca's largest and oldest market; its stalls sell food, clothing, toys, homewares, and just about anything else you can think of. The sheer size of the market is an attraction in itself, with hundreds of stalls stretching over several city blocks.

The market is situated on the outskirts of downtown Oaxaca, close to one of the city's main bus stations (Oaxaca de Juárez), with stalls that span several blocks. It's easiest and safest to take a taxi from downtown or to visit as part of a guided tour with transfers included.

While many travelers enjoy visiting Abastos Market, the market can get very crowded and is a known target for pickpockets. Stay alert and follow common sense to avoid unwanted attention: visit during daylight hours, leave valuables at home, and keep a close eye on your belongings.

You can visit Abastos Market without a guide, but the huge market can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Exploring with a guide will ensure you don't get lost, provide insight into the traditional foods and dishes on sale, and may help you feel safer navigating the busy market.