👋🏼 Hola! My title is Trisha and I reside in Mexico! I additionally go to Oaxaca yearly so right here’s a printable Oaxaca itinerary that features the must-do on this marvelous metropolis!
Nestled within the southern a part of Mexico, Oaxaca is a charming vacation spot famend for its wealthy tradition, vibrant arts scene, and delectable delicacies.
The town, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, effortlessly blends historic historical past with modern attract, with its colonial structure, bustling markets, and artisan workshops.
When planning a journey to Oaxaca, an itinerary that balances the town’s highlights and the encompassing cities are the very best components to think about.
As you craft your Oaxaca itinerary, contemplate the town’s historical past, tradition, gastronomy, and pure wonders as key points to discover.
Additionally don’t overlook to discover the Oaxacan delicacies because it is among the highlights of visiting Oaxaca. This metropolis may be very well-known for its world-class gastronomy!
Don’t overlook to incorporate excursions to the encompassing areas for a broader perspective of Oaxaca’s area. Right here’s my Oaxaca itinerary that I enhance yearly.
There actually is a lot to find and I don’t get sick of this metropolis! If you happen to plan to go to in October, be at liberty to hitch my day of the lifeless tour!
✈️ OAXACA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
🗺️ Obtain my Oaxaca map the place I share over 100 locations, sights, eating places, picture spots, hikes, and extra!
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What’s lined on this Oaxaca Itinerary Journey Information:
Arrival in Oaxaca Itinerary
Be aware that each one flights to Oaxaca Metropolis cease in Mexico Metropolis. The flights are fairly frequent with arrivals from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The flight period from Mexico Metropolis is 1 hour and 13 minutes.
Alternatively, you too can take a bus from Mexico Metropolis which is extra inexpensive however takes 6 hours. ADO is the Mexican bus firm that operates this route and has journeys each hour.
Test-in time in Oaxaca is 3:00 PM so if you happen to arrive earlier than this, you may all the time depart your suitcase at your resort for storage. You might also request for an early check-in but it surely comes with an extra charge.
🚕 Oaxaca Metropolis Worldwide Airport (OAX) is about 20-Half-hour away from the middle. Uber will not be allowed within the airport so it is advisable e book a taxi service prematurely. [Book Oaxaca Airport Transfer]
Tip: Whereas ready for check-in, you may go for lunch at Vaca Marina, a restaurant that has a view of the Santo Domingo Church. This offers you an ideal welcome and intro concerning the metropolis of Oaxaca.
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👉🏼 Learn Subsequent: The Final Solo Feminine Journey Information to Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca Itinerary Day 1: Metropolis Highlights
Andador Turistico
The Andador Turístico is a vibrant pedestrian-only avenue in Oaxaca Metropolis, Mexico, identified for its energetic ambiance. This well-liked boulevard, stretching from Santo Domingo Church to the Zócalo, is lined with outlets, galleries, eating places, and bars.
The Andador Turístico is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, providing glimpses of Oaxaca’s historical past, arts, crafts, and gastronomy, making it a must-visit vacation spot on this UNESCO World Heritage metropolis.
🍲 Alternatively, you may have lunch at Los Danzantes, a must-visit high-end restaurant in Oaxaca Metropolis. It’s within the Andador Turistico.
Oaxaca’s Zocalo
Oaxaca’s Zócalo, the town’s central sq., is a vibrant social hub steeped in historical past. Surrounded by colonial buildings, together with the enduring Oaxaca Cathedral, the sq. pulses with life, internet hosting avenue distributors, musicians, and conventional dancers.
Shaded by massive bushes, you may strive native meals from close by cafes and simply people-watch. The Zócalo repeatedly hosts occasions, markets, and political gatherings.
☕ Del Jardín Cafeteria has tables and chairs exterior with front-row seats to the Zocalo’s view. This can be a nice Mexican breakfast place (beneath $10 USD).
Santo Domingo Church
The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church is a landmark of Oaxaca Metropolis, showcasing beautiful Spanish Baroque structure. Its ornate inside is adorned with intricate gold leaf work and spiritual iconography.
Constructed over a span of 200 years, the church tells a wealthy historic story. Adjoining to the church is the previous monastery, now housing the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, exhibiting regional historical past and artwork.
The church’s plaza is a social gathering level, internet hosting markets and performances. Its botanical backyard options vegetation endemic to Oaxaca.
Ethnobotanical Backyard
Oaxaca’s Ethnobotanical Backyard is a testomony to Mexico’s various flora and the indigenous peoples’ deep connection to nature.
Positioned throughout the Santo Domingo Cultural Heart, the backyard showcases the distinctive vegetation of Oaxaca’s different ecosystems, starting from arid cacti to lush tropical species.
🎟️ Tickets and hours: Open from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Tickets at 100 pesos ($6 USD). The tour will be booked for various languages (English, French, Spanish, German, and so forth.). They don’t seem to be accepting reservations so it is advisable fall in line early. This can be a guided tour and may’t be achieved by yourself.
Tip: To ensure you get within the backyard, fall in line round 8:00 AM. There are a lot of cafes and bakeries on the road the place the backyard the place you may get breakfast.
Museums of Oaxaca Metropolis
Oaxaca Metropolis’s museums are treasure troves of tradition and historical past. The Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed within the former Santo Domingo monastery, showcases regional artifacts.
The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Artwork displays a various assortment of indigenous artwork. The Up to date Artwork Museum (MACO) highlights fashionable items.
The Textile Museum showcases Oaxaca’s wealthy weaving traditions. These museums collectively narrate Oaxaca’s charming story.
🎟️ Tickets and hours: Most museums in Oaxaca are FREE and don’t require a reservation. They often shut by 4:00 PM.
Jalatlaco
Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are two of Oaxaca Metropolis’s most picturesque neighborhoods, every with a novel perspective of the town’s wealthy historical past and vibrant tradition.
Jalatlaco is among the oldest districts in Oaxaca Metropolis. Its cobblestone streets, colourful colonial-era homes, and relaxed ambiance make it really feel like a village throughout the metropolis.
As soon as a stagecoach cease, Jalatlaco retains a captivating old-world ambiance, internet hosting small boutiques, cafes, and native artisan studios. At its coronary heart, the Jalatlaco Church boasts a wonderful painted wooden ceiling, making it a quiet sanctuary value visiting.
Tip: Jalatlaco is a superb space to go to for each day and night time. This neighborhood is so energetic at night time with avenue events and music so if you happen to preferred it through the day, you’ll adore it at night time, too!
Xochimilco
Simply north of the town heart, Xochimilco is called after the well-known floating gardens of Mexico Metropolis on account of its canals within the pre-Hispanic period.
As we speak, it’s an artsy neighborhood identified for its restored colonial mansions and tranquil pedestrian avenue, lined with eclectic outlets, galleries, and eating places.
The neighborhood comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays with the Natural Market, the place you may discover a variety of native produce, crafts, and culinary delights.
Tip: Eat at Ancestral in Xochimilco, a restaurant that’s specializing in ancient-style Oaxacan cooking. It’s a small place so it might be tough to get a reservation however that is extremely really helpful to those that are considering meals adventures.
👉🏼 Really useful: The Most Native Issues To Do in Oaxaca
Oaxaca Itinerary Day 2: Hierve El Agua
The go to to Hierve El Agua is already 8-12 hours so this can cowl most of your day 3 Oaxaca itinerary. Hierve el Agua is about 3 hours away from Oaxaca Metropolis and MUST be in your record.
Fashioned by mineral-rich water trickling down the cliffside over hundreds of years, these cascades supply beautiful views over the encompassing valleys.
The title ‘Hierve el Agua’ means ‘boiling water’ in Spanish, a reference to the effervescent springs that feed the falls.
There are additionally pure swimming pools atop the cliffs, the place you may swim so ensure you deliver swimming garments, towels, and alter of clothes.
Amidst breathtaking surroundings, you may discover strolling trails, native flora, and close by conventional craft markets. This geological marvel is a must-see when visiting Oaxaca.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: It’s difficult to get to Hierve El Agua by yourself so reserving a non-public tour is really helpful (from $140 USD). [Book Hierve El Agua Tour]
Tip: You might also mix your go to to Hierve El Agua to close by websites like Mitla and the Tule Tree. Total, the go to to all three websites will take 12 hours.
Use this map to search out the very best lodging in Oaxaca’s most secure areas, for as little as $75 per day! The situation is about in Oaxaca Zocalo however you may select the world on the map to search out the very best offers!
👉🏼 Should-Learn: Areas To Keep away from In Oaxaca Metropolis
Oaxaca Itinerary Day 3: Mezcal Tasting In A Palenque
Mezcal is from Oaxaca so it might be unusual to not have this in your Oaxaca itinerary. On day 3, go on a mezcal tour to get into the normal processes behind this revered spirit. You may go to native palenques (distilleries) to witness artisans crafting mezcal from harvesting agave to ultimate distillation.
These mezcal excursions are set in agave farms, simply an hour away from Oaxaca Metropolis so this isn’t your typical tasting in a bar or restaurant.
These palenques are family-run and are small producers so that you’ll be supporting the local people of mezcaleros if you happen to go for this type of tasting.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: You must e book a tour to get to a palenque. I like to recommend this native household who may also prepare dinner you lunch of their house in between the tour! The tour begins at $129 USD. [Book Mezcal Tour]
Tip: Need mezcal bottles to take house? Palenques promote them cheaper! Simply be sure that to deliver money as bank cards aren’t accepted in these areas.
Each nice journey begins with a plan—be sure that TRAVEL INSURANCE is a part of yours!
Oaxaca Itinerary Day 4: Monte Alban and Oaxaca’s Small Cities
Monte Alban Archaeological Web site
Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site is certainly one of Mesoamerica’s oldest and most vital archaeological websites. Established by the Zapotec civilization round 500 BC, it thrived as a political and financial heart for over a thousand years.
You may discover its grand plazas, intricate tombs, and monumental constructions, together with the spectacular Ball Court docket and Observatory. The location’s hilltop location gives panoramic views of the encompassing valleys.
Monte Albán’s on-site museum enriches the expertise with artifacts and context. The go to to Monte Alban solely takes 4 hours max so you may nonetheless mix it with different actions.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: A tour to Monte Alban solely takes half-day and the excursions are round $85 USD per individual. [Book Monte Alban Tour]
Alebrijes Workshop
Alebrijes are fantastical, vibrantly painted picket creatures, a people artwork custom originating from Oaxaca.
Underneath the steering of native artisans, you may study the intricate processes of carving and portray your individual alebrijes. Carvers exhibit how they rework copal wooden into whimsical figures, whereas painters reveal strategies for his or her elaborate designs.
The artistic setting is a superb genuine cultural trade with the local people and a deeper appreciation for Oaxacan craftsmanship. Additionally, you will get to take house the alebrije that you simply painted!
🧭 Excursions and getting there: That is additionally a brief exercise (2-3 hours) and begins at $85 USD per individual. This may be simply mixed with the Monte Alban tour for a bundle value. [Book Alebrijes Workshop]
Black pottery in Coyotopec
San Bartolo Coyotepec in Oaxaca is globally acknowledged for its black pottery, or barro negro, a centuries-old Zapotec custom. This pottery is exclusive for its shade, sheen, and complex designs.
The method includes native clay, which naturally turns black throughout firing in a sealed kiln. Artisans form items by hand or on foot-powered wheels, typically etching intricate patterns earlier than firing.
You may take part in a workshop or discover native studios gives a wealthy perception into this elegant Oaxacan craft.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: That is additionally a brief exercise and will be mixed with a go to to Tule and Mitla. [Book Pottery and Town Visit]
Oaxaca Itinerary Day 5: Oaxacan Textile
Teotitlán del Valle is famend for its vibrant, handwoven textiles, a Zapotec custom spanning centuries. These textiles, sometimes rugs or tapestries, characteristic intricate designs woven on conventional pedal looms.
Artisans use pure dyes derived from vegetation, bugs, and minerals to create a spectrum of wealthy colours. Patterns typically depict native flora, fauna, and Zapotec motifs, every carrying symbolic meanings.
You may go to a family-run workshops, do the weaving course of firsthand, and check out the loom! The native households may also serve lunch at their houses.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: This exercise takes 4-6 hours and begins at $125 USD. It’s good to e book a tour to go to the households. [Book Textile Tour]
Final day: Oaxacan markets and purchasing
Oaxaca Metropolis’s markets are bustling hubs of commerce and tradition. Mercado Benito Juárez gives quite a lot of items, from meals and clothes to handicrafts. Right here, you may pattern native delicacies, like tlayudas and chapulines.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre, identified for its meals stalls, is a gastronomic delight, the place you may take pleasure in a sizzling chocolate or a custom-made mole sauce.
Mercado de Artesanías is a craft lover’s paradise, brimming with textiles, pottery, and alebrijes. These vibrant markets not solely present a feast for the senses but additionally supply a wealthy perception into Oaxaca’s traditions, regional merchandise, and every day life.
FAQ: Oaxaca Itinerary Planning
What number of days ought to I spend in Oaxaca?
At least 4 days if you’d like a strong mixture of tradition, meals, and day journeys. 7+ days if you happen to actually wish to soak all of it in. The town itself deserves at the least 2 full days, plus one for Monte Albán and one other for Hierve el Agua.
Is Oaxaca secure for vacationers?
Sure, Oaxaca is certainly one of Mexico’s safer locations. The standard precautions apply—watch your belongings, keep conscious at night time, and respect native customs. If you happen to’re solo, Jalatlaco is a superb space to remain because it’s peaceable and walkable.
👉🏼 Learn Subsequent: Is Oaxaca Secure For Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Do I want a automobile to discover Oaxaca?
Not for the town—it’s tremendous walkable. However for locations like Hierve el Agua, Mitla, mezcal distilleries, or the Sunday Tlacolula Market, having a rental automobile or becoming a member of a tour makes issues manner simpler. Collectivos and buses work too, however they require extra persistence.
When is the very best time to go to Oaxaca?
The perfect time to go to Oaxaca is October to April, when the climate is right for exploring. For a really particular expertise, go to late October to early November throughout Día de Muertos, when the town transforms with vibrant celebrations. July can also be a good time, as Oaxaca hosts the Guelaguetza, an enormous cultural pageant. Keep away from Might-June if you happen to don’t like excessive warmth, and September, which brings heavy rains.
The place ought to I keep in Oaxaca?
If you wish to be proper within the coronary heart of Oaxaca, Centro Histórico is your best option—every part is walkable, and also you’ll be near markets, museums, and prime eating places. For a quieter, artsy vibe, Jalatlaco is ideal, with its colourful streets and comfy cafes. If you happen to want a extra native ambiance with avenue artwork and hidden gem eateries, Xochimilco is a superb possibility. And if you’d like one thing actually peaceable, La Noria is an effective alternative, although it’s a bit farther from the principle points of interest.
What are the very best day journeys from Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is surrounded by unbelievable day journeys which are completely value your time. Hierve el Agua is a should for its mineral swimming pools and breathtaking petrified waterfalls. Mitla gives fascinating Zapotec ruins, and if you happen to go to on a Sunday, you may cease by Tlacolula Market, the most effective conventional markets within the area. For a style of native craftsmanship, Teotitlán del Valle is legendary for its handwoven textiles and family-run workshops. And, in fact, Oaxaca is mezcal nation—visiting small distilleries in Santa Catarina Minas or Santiago Matatlán is a tremendous solution to study concerning the conventional manufacturing course of whereas tasting unbelievable mezcal straight from the supply.
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