Oaxaca Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Oaxaca

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Departamento Reforma

3 Cerrada De Emilio Carranza 109-a | Oaxaca, OA 68050, MX

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Luuna de Jade

Calle De José María Pino Suárez 307 | Oaxaca, OA 68000, MX

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HOLT's Casa De Mi Independencia

Avenida De La Independencia | Oaxaca, OA 68000, MX

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Azul Terraza Diseno Ubicacion Confort and AC

Cosijopí 205 | Oaxaca, OA 68000, MX

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21 Wonderful apartment location design balcony

Jacobo Dalevuelta 117 | Oaxaca, OA 68000, MX

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Suites Oros

Ramón López Velarde 108 Eduardo | Oaxaca, OA 68115, MX

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Oros Jalatlaco

El Calvario 212 | Oaxaca, OA 68080, MX

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Margarita

510 Calle De Manuel Bravo | Oaxaca, OA 68000, MX

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

Spanish and Zapotec

Local currency

MXN (MXN)

Local time

18:08 (GMT-6)

Ideal trip length

4–7 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Centro Histórico

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

10-15% expected for service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 65 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Mole Tlayudas Chapulines Mezcal

When to visit Oaxaca

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: November, December Busiest: Oct-Dec, Mar-Apr

Jan

90

Dry, mild
Feb

90

Dry, warm
Mar

90

Dry, warm
Apr

85

Dry, hot
May

75

Hot, some rain
Jun

70

Warm, rainy
Jul

80

Warm, rainy
Aug

70

Warm, rainy
Sept

70

Warm, rainy
Oct

85

Mild, less rain
Nov

95

Dry, pleasant
Dec

95

Dry, cool

90

Jan Dry, mild

90

Feb Dry, warm

90

Mar Dry, warm

85

Apr Dry, hot

75

May Hot, some rain

70

Jun Warm, rainy

80

Jul Warm, rainy

70

Aug Warm, rainy

70

Sept Warm, rainy

85

Oct Mild, less rain

95

Nov Dry, pleasant

95

Dec Dry, cool

Things to do in Oaxaca

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Explore Santo Domingo Temple

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Marvel at the grandeur of this iconic Baroque church and former monastery.

Indoors Good for children

Visit Monte Albán

Outskirts 4 hrs

Discover the ancient Zapotec ruins atop a flattened mountain, offering panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Take a Oaxacan Cooking Class

Centro Histórico 5 hrs

Learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole with local ingredients.

Indoors

Stroll the Ethnobotanical Garden

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Explore a beautiful garden showcasing the diverse plant life of Oaxaca and its cultural uses.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Wander Mercado Benito Juárez

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Immerse yourself in the bustling local market, finding crafts, food, and local life.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Mezcal Tasting Experience

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Sample various artisanal mezcals and learn about their production process.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Day Trip to Hierve el Agua

Outskirts 6 hrs

Witness the petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools with stunning mountain views.

Outdoors Good for children

Oaxaca itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Oaxaca — First-Timer Highlights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, ancient history, and unparalleled flavors of Oaxaca.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential highlights of Oaxaca, Mexico. Explore ancient ruins, vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and savor the city's world-renowned culinary scene. It's designed for travelers who want a rich cultural immersion without feeling rushed.

3 Days 13 Stops

See the full plan