Central de Abastos: How to Safely Navigate Oaxaca’s Largest Market

Central de Abastos Oaxaca is the largest and most bustling marketplace in the region, functioning like a small city within itself.

Whether you’re here to sample traditional Oaxacan food, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Central de Abastos Market in Oaxaca is an unforgettable experience.

With thousands of vendors and a dizzying array of goods—from fresh produce to handmade crafts—the Abastos Market offers an authentic glimpse into Oaxacan culture. Although its sheer size can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get lost among the winding aisles.

I grew up in Oaxaca and have visited Abastos Market numerous times. Before you go, here’s everything you need to know: from navigating its chaotic layout to tips for staying safe while exploring.

A woman walks through Abastos Market in Oaxaca with a stack of tlayuda tortillas wrapped in a plastic bag on top of her head. The back view shows a long black braid down her back with a checker print apron and a green skirt.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link on our blog and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For full information, please see our disclosure.

Navigating the Largest Market in Oaxaca

Walking into Central de Abastos Market is like stepping into a maze of colors, scents, and sounds. Spanning over 3600 stalls, this vast marketplace offers everything from fresh meats and spices to textiles and electronics.

I recommend entering from the south side, which is busier but safer, while the north end has a rougher reputation and is best approached with caution.

Once inside, expect to get turned around—this market wasn’t built for easy navigation! But that’s part of the fun. Follow the scent of tlayudas or the sound of vendors calling out their daily specials, and let your curiosity guide you!

A woman wearing an orange apron arranges the display at a meat stall inside Abastos Market in Oaxaca. On the counter are stacks of various meat cuts. Above her head hangs tasajo and other thin cuts to dry.

While it’s impossible to detail the largest market in Oaxaca, here are a few starting points to help you navigate:

Fresh Produce + Spices – Near the main entrance in the center of the market, where farmers bring in their goods daily.
Meat + Seafood – Deeper inside the market, towards the north end with butchers selling everything from chorizo to fresh fish.
Handicrafts + Textiles – Scattered throughout but easier to find toward the market’s southern side.
Food Stalls – Tucked into the market’s corners (more in the south), serving some of the best local dishes.

Tip – Keep your valuables to a minimum when you visit Abastos Market in Oaxaca. As the largest market, it’s crowded and pickpocketing does happen. (More safety tips later!)

Red sacks at Central de Abastos Oaxaca are filled to the brim with dried beans, chiles, and other items for sale.

Want to explore more markets?
– My guide to the best markets in Oaxaca
– Sunday Tlacolula Market
– Friday market in Ocotlán

What to Eat at Abastos Market

Abastos Market Oaxaca is a great place to try Oaxacan cuisine without breaking the bank. Some dishes to look out for:

Tlayudas – These crispy tortillas are topped with beans, cheese, and meats. They are often sold folded in half and grilled with various toppings such as tomato, avocado and lettuce. If you want a vegetarian one-make sure to ask for it sin asiento- the base of lard and aromatics used to keep the tortilla from getting soggy
3 Peso Tacos! – This may be the cheapest of all the places to eat tacos in Oaxaca (and maybe anywhere?) these tacos are only 3 pesos each! There are two stands both in the north of Central de Abastos. One that sells tasajo and another (map) that sells tasajo and pastor. I recommend the pastor!

A plate of three memelas, a typical food of Oaxaca, They are topped with a thin bean paste, fresh crumbled cheese and chorizo.

Memelas – Thick, pillowy corn tortillas topped with beans, salsa, and cheese. Try memelas Doña Vale (map) for her famous salsa morita: a smoky, earthy red salsa.
Barbacoa – Slow-cooked meat (typically beef, lamb, or goat). One of the only places to find lamb barbacoa in Oaxaca during the week (map). Order a couple of tacos and a side of rich, flavorful broth called consome.
Empanadas de amarillo – Corn dough filled with a delicious yellow mole sauce and chicken.
Tejate – One of several traditional Oaxacan drinks with pre-Hispanic origins. It’s made from maize and cacao, perfect for cooling down.

For the best experience, grab a seat at one of the small food stalls inside the market. Some of the best food in Oaxaca can be found in these no-frills spots!

Did you know? Central de Abastos literally translates to “supply center,” so many of the food items are sold in bulk. The largest markets in many Mexican cities go by the same name and are a place where restaurants and other vendors buy in bulk.

Dried meat hangs at one of the stalls at the Abastos Market, one of the things to see in Oaxaca. On the floor in front, are 6 large bags of charcoal sticks.

What to Buy at Central de Abastos Market

If you’re looking for authentic Oaxacan products, this is the place to shop. Some of the most popular items include:

Chorizo & other meats – You can find specialty chorizos at the Abastos Market, like chorizo verde (green chorizo) which has a very unique, bright and zesty flavor. You can also purchase chorizo negro, black chorizo flavored with mole
Cheese – I’m a big cheese lover, and Central de Abastos offers a lot of variety. While others might steer you to queso fresco and quesillo, my personal opinion is that queso istmeño is the BEST Oaxacan cheese. Think of it as somewhere between Parmesan and feta: salty, crumbly, and sharp.
Oaxacan Chocolate – Rich and aromatic, perfect for making traditional hot chocolate. You’ll find most of the chocolate mills in the north end near the Periferico.
Mole Paste – Choose from a variety of moles, including the famous mole negro and mole coloradito.
Handwoven Textiles – From colorful rugs to embroidered blouses, showcasing Oaxaca’s artisanal traditions.
Mezcal – While some of the best mezcal is found outside the city, you can find a vast selection here, including small bottles to take home as gifts.
Chapulines (grasshoppers) – A local delicacy.
Embroidered napkins and tortilleros – large cloth napkins are often woven or embroidered and sold to wrap tortillas in, then placed inside a tortillero (a woven basket meant to store tortillas during a meal).

At the Central de Abastos Market in Oaxaca, a mural depicting a blue house with red roof, a red car, a Jesus figure holding a long knife and wearing a crown, an eye, and a four leaf clover with a heart in the center. The random mural is surrounded by bags of dried herbs. — Look around! There are tons of unique things to see at Central de Abastos, including this random mural.

Is Abastos Market Safe?

If you’re wondering if Abastos Market is safe, the answer is yes and no. Abastos market is generally safe for visitors with some precautions. However, like any massive market, it has its risks. The north end is known for being a little rougher, and petty theft is common throughout the market.

The vendors are some of the nicest in Oaxaca, and if you’re feeling unsafe, there’s nothing wrong with stepping into a store and waiting or asking advice from one of the older female vendors if you find yourself lost. I find the doñitas to be the kindest and most helpful.

Tip – Oaxacans simply refer to this market as Central. If you see a bus or taxi with Central across the windshield, they’re going to Central de Abastos Market, not the city center.

Safety Tips for Visiting Central de Abastos

Keep valuables secure and to a minimum. Pickpocketing is common, so carry a crossbody bag or money belt. Thieves are also known to cut bags with a knife.
Step into a shop if you need to look at your phone. Alternatively, purchase a cheap phone with a chip from Telcel and leave your expensive cellphone at home.
Never carry more money than you’re comfortable losing. Things happen no matter how careful you are.
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. It can attract unwanted attention. I don’t suggest wearing any jewelry. Wedding bands, watches, smartwatches and earrings are better off left at home.
Visit in the morning. The market is livelier and safer earlier in the day.
Go with a guide if you’re unsure. Locals know the best routes and safest areas.

Prefer to navigate Central de Abastos with a local? You should book this Abastos Market tour with a local guide. They know where to go and will show you all their favorite spots to eat. Spoiler alert: Memelas Dona Valle is included on this tour!

Woven baskets of herb blends for sale at the Abastos Market in Oaxaca with signs listing the name and benefits of each. On a shelf above, various herbal blends are sold in boxes.

Questions About Central de Abastos Oaxaca

How big is Abastos Market Oaxaca?

Central de Abastos is the largest market in Oaxaca and one of the biggest in Mexico, sprawling over several blocks along the southwestern edge of the city. It includes about 3600 stalls, but with 14,000 official vendors and 4,500 unofficial ones, the number of people working here daily can reach 20,000.

Is it safe to visit Abastos Market in Oaxaca?

Yes, it is safe to visit Abastos Market in Oaxaca if you take basic precautions. My advice is to only visit during the daytime, keep your belongings secure and to a minimum. Avoid the north end of Abastos Market if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Final Thoughts About Visiting Abastos Market in Oaxaca

Exploring Central de Abastos Market Oaxaca is an adventure—chaotic, colorful, and full of surprises.

From savoring a fresh tlayuda to picking up artisanal souvenirs, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the heart of Oaxaca.

Just be mindful of your surroundings, embrace the market’s unpredictability, and enjoy getting a little lost in one of Mexico’s most vibrant marketplaces.