Escaleras al Cerro Del Fortín to Observatorio Astronómico Municipal
Oaxaca de Juárez is one of my favorite cities to visit — vibrant, historic, delicious. But as a runner, it can be a challenge. The city’s layout makes continuous running tricky: narrow sidewalks, unpredictable intersections, and plenty of stop-and-go traffic. Add in a noticeable layer of smog around the centro, and it’s not exactly an ideal spot for getting your vacation miles in.
But there’s one place that does deliver — and it’s a gem:
Escaleras al Cerro Del Fortín to Observatorio Astronómico Municipal
Just find the amphitheater (Auditorio Guelaguetza) — it’s visible from almost anywhere in town. Tucked right below it is a beautiful, wide stone staircase leading up to the Fortín hill, which is a perfect spot for:
- VO2 max intervals
- Threshold hill repeats
- Or just a sweaty grind with a view
Staircase Quick Stats: (From the first step at the bottom to the last step at the top)
- Distance = 0.15 miles (.24 km)
- Elevation gain = 146 ft (44m)
- Surface = Concrete stairs (good condition)
The stairs are long, shaded in parts, and wide enough to allow for serious running without weaving through pedestrians. Yes, there’s the occasional dog poop landmine, but honestly that just sharpens your reflexes.
Push Past the Amphitheater
Once you hit the top of the staircase, don’t stop — the real fun is the hill climb past the amphitheater and up toward the observatory (Observatorio Astronómico Municipal). Run through the small, artistic tunnel that goes under the highway and hang a left when you’re out on the otherside. Keep running and you’ll quickly start your ascent while wrapping around the ampitheater. You’ll likely meet a few friendly local runners along the way. The views open up fast: the entire valley and cityscape unfolds behind you, and with the altitude, you’re quite literally above the smog line.
At the summit, you’ll find an observatory and a cool breeze. It’s quiet. Clean. Surprisingly peaceful. If you’re craving a hard effort in Oaxaca, this is the spot.
Quick facts: (From the top of the staircase to the observatory)
- Surface = Road (good condition)
- Distance = 0.5 miles (.8 km)
- Elevation = 247 ft (75m)
A few important notes for solo travelers:
- Although the staircase has a decent amount of regular, public foot traffic and still wide enough for your workout. The hill climb past the amphiteather, especially towards the observatory, becomes isolated. Although I felt completely safe, and other runners were there getting their miles in, too, it might be wise to run with a buddy up there.
How to Find It:
Just look up. Spot the amphitheater. The staircase to El Fortín begins just beneath it and leads you on a direct, no-nonsense ascent into clean air, hard effort, and a better view of Oaxaca than any rooftop mezcal bar could offer.
If you’re still just getting acquainted in this wonderful city, the staircase is (directions here)
VacationMiles.RUN 
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