Isthmus Route, Three-Day Itinerary
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec Route is a fascinating journey through one of Oaxaca’s most vibrant and culturally rich regions, where culture, the sea, and ancestral traditions come together to offer a unique tourist experience. Located in the southeastern part of the state, this route stands out for its proudly Zapotec communities, colorful traditional attire, and a strong cultural heritage expressed through music, dance, and gastronomy.
Duration: 3 days
Departure: City of Oaxaca
Suggested transportation: Tourist vehicle or guided tour with a local tour operator
Type of experience: Cultural, gastronomic, artisanal, and natural
10:00 h – Jalapa del Marqués
Distance: 219 km – 4 h travel time
Activity:
•Scenic stop at the Benito Juárez Dam Reservoir: viewpoints, optional boat ride, and lake views. Depending on the season, it may be possible to disembark at the former Dominican building submerged in the reservoir.
•Traditional Isthmus breakfast by the lakeshore: fried mojarra, shrimp tamales, coffee brewed in a clay pot, and regional bread.
Services: Rustic restaurants, restrooms, parking, boat rentals, souvenir sales.
Suggested duration: 1 h 30 min
Distance: 79 km – 1 h 15 min
Activity:
•Visit to the Ojo de Agua of Magdalena Tlacotepec: natural swimming area with crystal-clear waters and resting areas under palapas.
•Interpretive walk with a local guide focusing on the site’s flora and fauna.
Services: Local guides, restrooms, rest areas, souvenir shops.
Suggested duration: 2 h
Recommended restaurant: Comedor Doña Cata (Tlacotepec) or local fondas.
Suggested dishes: Isthmus-style garnachas, shrimp mole, fried plantains with cheese.
Suggested duration: 1 h 15 min
Distance: 15.2 km – 25 min
Activity:
•Walking tour through the historic center, Miguel Hidalgo Park, Parish of San Jerónimo, and Municipal Palace.
•Visit to Isthmus embroidery workshops and regional costume shops.
•Early dinner at El Marqués Restaurant: Isthmus-style tlayudas, garnachas, tasajo, pozol.
Services: ATMs, souvenir shops, parking, guides.
Suggested duration: 2 h 30 min
Distance: 20 km – 25 min
Suggested accommodation: Hotel Calli, Hotel Santa Cruz, or Hotel Central Inn.
Free activity: Evening stroll through the Central Park, live music, local snacks.
Suggested dishes: corn tamales, Isthmus-style coffee, shrimp or mole empanadas.
Activity:
•Guided tour of the 5 de Septiembre Market: observe Zapotec attire, exotic fruits, festival bread, and local mezcals.
•Visit to the Municipal Palace and the House of Culture.
Suggested duration: 2 h 30 min
Distance: 28.8 km – 35 min
Activity:
•Tour of the Jesús Carranza Market to admire textiles, handicrafts, and Zapotec jewelry.
•Walk through the Dominican Convent and along the Tehuantepec River.
•Traditional lunch at Zandunga Tehuana Restaurant or Comedor María Isabel: shrimp mole, dishes prepared with plantain, and Isthmus totopos.
Services: ATMs, restrooms, parking, guides, souvenir shops.
Suggested duration: 3 h
•Demonstration workshop on the preparation of totopos or Tehuana huipiles, coordinated with local Zapotec women.
Suggested duration: 1 h 30 min
Suggested accommodation: Hotel Donají or Hotel Calli (Tehuantepec).
Dinner: at the hotel restaurant or a stroll along the Tehuantepec boardwalk.
Regional breakfast: eggs with dried shrimp, fried plantains, coffee, and yema bread.
Distance: 14.9 km – 25 min
Activity:
•Tour of the Salina Cruz Boardwalk, viewpoints, and a walk through the old railway station.
•Visit to Punta Conejo and Playa Azul beaches, with free time to enjoy the sea.
Services: Restaurants, souvenir shops, restrooms, parking, guides.
Suggested duration: 4 h
Recommended restaurant: El Delfín Azul Seafood Restaurant or La Ola Istmeña.
Suggested dishes: shrimp cocktail, snook fillet in garlic sauce, seafood-stuffed pineapple, coconut horchata.
Suggested duration: 1 h 30 min
Distance: 263 km – 4 h 50 min
Approximate arrival: 21:30 h – End of the tour.
-(1)-(1).png)
_gmxdot_jpg)
