In the heart of Mexico lies a destination that truly captivates the senses: Oaxaca. With its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, Oaxaca offers a remarkable travel experience. This Oaxaca Travel Guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of this enchanting city. From exploring the charming streets adorned with colonial architecture to savoring the tantalizing flavors of traditional cuisine, this travel guide will help you discover the best sights, hidden gems, and cultural delights that Oaxaca has to offer.
When to visit Oaxaca
The best time to visit Oaxaca City is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city. However, if you want to experience the city’s vibrant festivals, like Dia de los Muertos or Guelaguetza, plan your visit accordingly.
Is Oaxaca safe?
Safety is usually a main concern when visiting Mexico. Oaxaca is generally a safe destination for travelers, but as with any destination, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Read my 8 tips to travel solo to ensure that your visit to Oaxaca is a safe and enjoyable one.
How to move around Oaxaca
You will probably reach Oaxaca City by plane from Mexico City or other major cities in Mexico. Here is how you can move around:
From the airport: There are several ways to get from the airport to the city center.
Taxi: The journey takes around 20-30 min, depending on traffic, and the fare is around 200-300 Mexican pesos.
Shared Shuttle: This is a cheaper option than a taxi; the fare is around 80-100 Mexican pesos.
Bus: There’s a bus that runs from the airport to the city center operated by ADO. The fare is around 80-100 Mexican pesos and the journey takes around 30-40 min.
Car Rental: You can also drive yourself to the city center. This is a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Oaxaca.
Around the city: The best way to explore Oaxaca City is on foot. The city center is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance. If you need to travel further, taxis are readily available and affordable. You can also rent a car or take a bus to explore the surrounding areas. However, be aware that driving in Oaxaca City can be challenging due to narrow streets and heavy traffic.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
There are many great neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Oaxaca, each offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions.
City Center: This is the heart of Oaxaca City, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s top attractions. Staying here will give you easy access to sights, as well as to many great restaurants and bars. Some good options are Hotel Los Amantes, Boulenc Bed and Bread and Selina Oaxaca.
Jalatlaco: This is a charming, quiet neighborhood located just east of the the city center. It’s known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and beautiful colonial architecture. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Check City Centro Oaxaca and Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.
Xochimilco: This is a neighborhood located to the west of the city center, known for its beautiful gardens and colonial architecture. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful, residential neighborhood with easy access to the city’s top attractions. Here you can stay in Casa de Arte and El Callejón Hotel Boutique.
Where to eat in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is famous for its culinary scene, with a wide variety of options for all tastes and budgets. Here are some restaurants you have to try and don’t forget to order some of their popular dishes like mole, tlayudas, chapulines and mezcal.
Casa Oaxaca This restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes with a unique twist. The restaurant also offers a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Boulenc Pan A bakery and cafe in Oaxaca known for its artisanal bread and pastries. It’s perfect for breakfast and the bread is to die for.
Criollo A fine dining restaurant that offers a contemporary interpretation of Oaxacan cuisine in a beautiful colonial building in the city center.
Los Danzantes Los Danzantes serves up delicious traditional Oaxacan cuisine and a wide selection of mezcal in a beautiful courtyard.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre This market is home to dozens of food stalls serving up traditional Oaxacan dishes. It’s a great place to try local cuisine and experience the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Mexican market.
What to do in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a city full of history and culture. Here are some things to do during your stay:
Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church: This stunning church, located in the heart of Oaxaca, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Its baroque architecture and elaborate decoration make it one of the most impressive churches in Mexico. However, it’s really hard to visit. It’s only open during mass, but every time we try to go during mass it was closed. We were able to sneak into a quinceañera saying we were one of the guests, took a picture, and leave before they closed the door.
Zocalo: The central square in Oaxaca and a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. Here you can find street performers, vendors selling traditional crafts and food, and plenty of people-watching opportunities. This place is full of life in the evening, with music and people dancing.
Mitla: An ancient Zapotec archaeological site located an hour outside of Oaxaca. It’s known for its intricate geometric patterns and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. The entrance fee is 75 Mexican pesos and I would recommend to get a guide there to learn more abut its history.
Monte Albán: a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside the city. It offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and is home to many impressive structures, including a ball court and several temples. Opening hours are from 8am-5pm and the entrance fee is 70 Mexican pesos. Bring sunscreen, comfortables shoes and water, and allow 2 hrs to visit this place.
Tule Tree: This massive tree is the widest tree in the world and is located in the town of Santa Maria del Tule, just outside of Oaxaca. Most tours include this stop but if you go by your own the entrance fee is 10 Mexican pesos. If I’m being honest, you can see the tree from the outside but we decided to pay to support this little town.
Hierve el Agua: This natural wonder features natural pools and rock formations that have been created by mineral-rich water. It is a beautiful place to go for a swim, take in the stunning views, and relax in the natural beauty of the region. This is located 2 hours outside Oaxaca City but it’s totally worth it. Check my Hierve el Agua travel blog for more information.
Ethnobotanical Garden: This unique garden showcases the diverse plant life of Oaxaca, including the agave plant, which is used to make mezcal, a local distilled spirit.
Markets: Oaxaca is home to some of the most vibrant markets in Mexico. Don’t miss the Mercado de Benito Juarez and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can sample local delicacies and buy handmade crafts.
I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this captivating destination, allowing you to create cherished memories and discover the true essence of Oaxaca.
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