Take 01
2018
Roma
Tuxtepec, Oaxaca coast — beach sequence (partial filming in state)
17.0732°N, 96.7266°W
Oaxaca
Mexico's most authentic cultural destination — UNESCO colonial city, Zapotec ruins, indigenous traditions, and dramatic landscapes from petrified waterfalls to Pacific beaches.
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Scene 01 — Filmed Here
Notable Productions in Oaxaca
Take 02
2001
Y Tu Mama Tambien
Oaxaca coast — Boca del Cielo, Huatulco beaches
Take 03
2007
Cochochi
Indigenous Sierra Madre communities, traditional villages
Take 04
2017
Coco
Cultural research — Day of the Dead traditions, indigenous folk art
Scene 02 — Locations
Filming Locations in Oaxaca
From landmark monuments to hidden quarters — every district scouted and permit-mapped.
landmark
Santo Domingo Church & Cultural Center
Ornate baroque Dominican church with a famously gilded interior dripping in gold leaf, plus the adjoining ex-convent (now Museo de las Culturas) and Ethnobotanical Garden.
Monte Alban
Ancient Zapotec capital perched on a leveled mountain plateau 400m above the valley. Pyramids, ball courts, and 360-degree panoramic views — among Mexico's most cinematic ruins.
Complex
Hierve el Agua
Mineral-rich petrified waterfalls cascading off cliff edges with infinity pools at the top — one of Mexico's most surreal landscapes. 1.5 hours from Centro.
Moderate
Centro Historico Streets
UNESCO-protected colonial streets with cantera stone facades, vibrant Indigenous murals, mercados full of mezcal and mole, and the iconic Zocalo plaza.
Easy
Jalatlaco Neighborhood
Bohemian quarter with cobblestone streets, vivid street art murals, independent galleries, and the picturesque San Matias Jalatlaco church. Instagram-famous.
Easy
Mitla & Tlacolula Valley
Zapotec ruins with intricate geometric stone mosaics — distinct from Monte Alban architecture. The Tlacolula valley road also leads to mezcal palenques and the Tule tree.
Moderate
Oaxaca Coast (Huatulco/Mazunte)
Pacific coast with bohemian beach towns, dramatic coves, sea turtle sanctuaries, and the protected Huatulco bays. 7 hours by road or 1 hour by air.
Moderate
Centro Historico
UNESCO World Heritage colonial center with the Santo Domingo Church, Zocalo plaza, colorful streets, and vibrant markets.
Jalatlaco
Bohemian neighborhood with colorful painted walls, independent cafes, and an artistic atmosphere perfect for lifestyle content.
Xochimilco (Oaxaca)
Traditional residential neighborhood with authentic local life, markets, and mezcal distilleries.
Scene 03 — The Case for Oaxaca
Why Film in Oaxaca
- ✓ UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and archaeological sites
- ✓ Vibrant indigenous culture with 16 distinct ethnic groups and traditions like Guelaguetza
- ✓ Diverse landscapes from mountain valleys to Pacific coast beaches
- ✓ Authentic Mexican atmosphere with minimal modern intrusions
- ✓ Eficine state filming incentives plus competitive local production costs
Scene 04 — Logistics
Transport & Logistics
Airports OAX (7km / 15 min south of city center) · HUX (260km south / 1hr flight — serves Pacific coast) ▼
Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) — 7km / 15 min south of city center
Authorized airport taxi (~$10 USD)Colectivo vanPrivate transfer
Bahias de Huatulco International (HUX) — 260km south / 1hr flight — serves Pacific coast
Private transferRental carAuthorized taxi
Local Transit bus · taxi ▼
bus
Local urbanos and colectivo vans cover Centro and outer neighborhoods. ADO buses connect to Mexico City and other states.
Crew tip: Colectivos efficient for light crew travel. Use private transport for equipment and remote sites.
taxi
Sitio (registered) taxis from designated stands are reliable. DiDi operates with limited coverage.
Crew tip: Pre-book SUVs and vans for Monte Alban, Hierve el Agua, and Mitla day trips. Negotiate rates upfront.
Production Parking moderate · Permits required
▼
Street parking limited in Centro Historico. Pedestrian-only zones around Zocalo and Santo Domingo. Designated lots ($1-2 USD/hour).
Local cultural affairs office coordinates production vehicle permits. Centro shoots typically use private courtyard staging.
Getting Between Locations ▼
Compact Centro — most city locations within 10-15 min walk or short drive. Monte Alban: 30 min. Mitla: 45 min. Hierve el Agua: 1.5 hours via mountain road. Pacific coast: 7 hours by road via twisting Sierra route, or 1 hour by domestic flight to HUX.
Ready?
Plan Your Oaxaca Shoot
From permits and crew to equipment and logistics — we handle everything on the ground so you can focus on capturing Mexico's most authentic cultural heartland.