Benito Juarez Market

Benito Juárez Market – Oaxaca, Mexico

Overview

Benito Juárez Market is one of Oaxaca City’s most vibrant and traditional markets, located just a block south of the Zócalo. Named after Mexico’s beloved president Benito Juárez, the market is a bustling hub where locals shop daily and visitors come to experience Oaxacan culture in its purest form. Here, colorful stalls overflow with everything from fresh produce and local cheeses to handcrafted textiles, leather goods, and traditional Oaxacan delicacies like chapulines (grasshoppers). The atmosphere is a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and aromas, making Benito Juárez Market an unmissable stop for anyone exploring the heart of Oaxaca.

Why Visit

• Experience the authentic daily life of Oaxacans in a lively traditional market
• Sample regional specialties like chapulines, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), and tejate, a refreshing pre-Hispanic drink
• Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs directly from local artisans
• Enjoy the aromas of spices, coffee, and fresh produce in a bustling environment
• Discover a cultural landmark just steps away from the city’s main square

Highlights

• Chapulines: Crunchy seasoned grasshoppers, a protein-rich snack that is a true taste of Oaxaca
• Quesillo: Also known as Oaxaca cheese, this stringy, mozzarella-like cheese is sold fresh in the market
• Tejate: A frothy drink made from maize, cacao, and rosita de cacao flowers, considered “the drink of the gods”
• Artisan Goods: Handwoven textiles, embroidered clothing, huaraches (sandals), and handmade leather belts
• Spices & Chocolate: Rows of stalls selling dried chilies, mole paste, and locally ground Oaxacan chocolate

History & Cultural Significance

Established in the late 19th century and named after Benito Juárez, Mexico’s first Indigenous president, the Benito Juárez Market has long been central to Oaxacan daily life. Markets are at the heart of Mexican culture, and this one remains a living showcase of the region’s Indigenous traditions and culinary heritage. From Zapotec weavers selling textiles to vendors grinding cacao for hot chocolate, the market preserves artisanal practices that have been passed down for generations. It also reflects Oaxaca’s cultural diversity, as people from surrounding villages come to sell their goods and trade, ensuring the market stays true to its roots while serving the city’s bustling urban core.

Typical Costs & Tickets

There is no cost to enter the market—it’s open to the public. Prices vary widely depending on what you purchase. Fresh produce and snacks are very affordable, often under 20–50 MXN ($1–$3 USD). Handmade textiles or embroidered clothing range from 300–1,000 MXN ($18–$60 USD), depending on size and craftsmanship. Mezcal bottles sold here range from 250–700 MXN ($15–$40 USD). Bargaining is common but should be done respectfully.

Best Time to Visit

The market is open daily, usually from morning until early evening. The best time to visit is in the morning when the produce is freshest and the crowds are lighter. Weekends can be especially lively, as vendors from nearby villages bring in additional goods. Visiting close to lunchtime is ideal for tasting traditional snacks or meals prepared at food stalls inside the market.

Nearby Experiences

Benito Juárez Market is just steps from the Zócalo and Oaxaca Cathedral, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in the historic center. Right next door is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, famous for its Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas (Grilled Meat Hall). Art lovers will enjoy the nearby Macedonio Alcalá Theater and local artisan workshops scattered through the historic district. For those interested in food, many Oaxacan cooking classes include a stop at Benito Juárez Market to buy ingredients before preparing traditional dishes.

Travel Tips

• Bring cash in small denominations, as most vendors do not accept cards
• Try chapulines with lime and chili powder—an iconic Oaxacan snack
• Ask before taking photos of people or their stalls, as some may prefer privacy
• Carry a reusable bag if you plan to shop for snacks or handicrafts
• Visit both Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a full food-and-culture experience

Fun Facts & Local Legends

• Benito Juárez Market is named after Mexico’s first Indigenous president, who was born in Oaxaca
• Chapulines are considered a delicacy and have been eaten in Oaxaca for centuries as a protein source
• The market is one of the best places in Oaxaca to buy artisanal mezcal directly from small producers
• Tejate, sold here, is known as the “drink of the gods” because of its ancient pre-Hispanic origins