👋🏼 Hola! My identify is Trisha and I dwell 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.
Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, effortlessly blends historical historical past with modern attract, with its colonial structure, bustling markets, and artisan workshops.
When planning a journey to Oaxaca, an itinerary that balances town’s highlights and the encompassing cities are the perfect elements to think about.
As you craft your Oaxaca itinerary, take into account town’s historical past, tradition, gastronomy, and pure wonders as key facets to discover.
Additionally don’t neglect to discover the Oaxacan delicacies because it is among the highlights of visiting Oaxaca. This metropolis could be very well-known for its world-class gastronomy!
Don’t neglect 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! In the event you plan to go to in October, be happy to hitch my day of the useless tour!
🇲🇽 OAXACA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
🗺️ Obtain my Oaxaca map the place I share over 100 locations, sights, eating places, photograph spots, hikes, and extra!
📋 Oaxaca Journey Planning: I go to Oaxaca yearly and I may help you propose your journey by a 1-1 chat. You could ebook a name with me right here.
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What’s lined on this Oaxaca Itinerary Journey Information:
Arrival in Oaxaca Itinerary
Notice that every 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 may also take a bus from Mexico Metropolis which is extra reasonably priced 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 in case you arrive earlier than this, you possibly can all the time go away your suitcase at your resort for storage. You might also request for an early check-in however it comes with a further price.
🚕 Oaxaca Metropolis Worldwide Airport (OAX) is about 20-Half-hour away from the middle. Uber is just not allowed within the airport so you have to ebook a taxi service upfront. [Book Oaxaca Airport Transfer]
Tip: Whereas ready for check-in, you possibly can go for lunch at Vaca Marina, a restaurant that has a view of the Santo Domingo Church. This offers you an incredible 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 vigorous ambiance. This standard 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 possibly can 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, 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 possibly can attempt native meals from close by cafes and simply people-watch. The Zócalo frequently hosts occasions, markets, and political gatherings.
☕ Del Jardín Cafeteria has tables and chairs exterior with front-row seats to the Zocalo’s view. It is 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 non secular 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 numerous flora and the indigenous peoples’ deep connection to nature.
Situated inside the Santo Domingo Cultural Middle, the backyard showcases the distinctive vegetation of Oaxaca’s assorted 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 on.). They aren’t accepting reservations so you have to fall in line early. It is a guided tour and might’t be completed by yourself.
Tip: To be sure to 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 will 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 Modern Artwork Museum (MACO) highlights trendy 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 singular perspective of 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 inside the metropolis.
As soon as a stagecoach cease, Jalatlaco retains an enthralling old-world ambiance, internet hosting small boutiques, cafes, and native artisan studios. At its coronary heart, the Jalatlaco Church boasts an attractive painted wooden ceiling, making it a quiet sanctuary value visiting.
Tip: Jalatlaco is a good space to go to for each day and night time. This neighborhood is so vigorous at night time with avenue events and music so in case you favored it throughout the day, you’ll like it at night time, too!
Xochimilco
Simply north of town heart, Xochimilco is known as after the well-known floating gardens of Mexico Metropolis resulting from its canals within the pre-Hispanic period.
At the moment, 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 possibly can discover a spread 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 beneficial to those that are all in favour of 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 checklist.
Shaped by mineral-rich water trickling down the cliffside over 1000’s of years, these cascades supply gorgeous views over the encompassing valleys.
The identify ‘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 possibly can swim so be sure to convey swimming garments, towels, and alter of clothes.
Amidst breathtaking surroundings, you possibly can discover strolling trails, native flora, and close by conventional craft markets. This geological surprise 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 personal tour is beneficial (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. General, the go to to all three websites will take 12 hours.
Use this map to search out the perfect lodging in Oaxaca’s most secure areas, for as little as $75 per day! The situation is ready in Oaxaca Zocalo however you possibly can select the world on the map to search out the perfect 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 will 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 possibly can go to native palenques (distilleries) to witness artisans crafting mezcal from harvesting agave to last distillation.
These mezcal excursions are set in agave farms, simply an hour away from Oaxaca Metropolis so this isn’t your regular 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 in case you go for this type of tasting.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: You need to ebook a tour to get to a palenque. I like to recommend this native household who will even cook dinner you lunch of their dwelling in between the tour! The tour begins at $129 USD. [Book Mezcal Tour]
Tip: Need mezcal bottles to take dwelling? Palenques promote them cheaper! Simply be sure to convey money as bank cards are usually not accepted in these areas.
Each nice journey begins with a plan—be sure 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 one in every 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 possibly can discover its grand plazas, intricate tombs, and monumental constructions, together with the spectacular Ball Courtroom and Observatory. The positioning’s hilltop location affords 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 possibly can 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 folks artwork custom originating from Oaxaca.
Beneath the steerage of native artisans, you possibly can be taught the intricate processes of carving and portray your personal alebrijes. Carvers exhibit how they remodel copal wooden into whimsical figures, whereas painters reveal strategies for his or her elaborate designs.
The artistic setting is a good genuine cultural change with the local people and a deeper appreciation for Oaxacan craftsmanship. Additionally, you will get to take dwelling 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 entails 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 possibly can take part in a workshop or discover native studios affords 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, usually rugs or tapestries, function 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 possibly can go to a family-run workshops, do the weaving course of firsthand, and check out the loom! The native households will even serve lunch at their houses.
🧭 Excursions and getting there: This exercise takes 4-6 hours and begins at $125 USD. You have to ebook 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 affords quite a lot of items, from meals and clothes to handicrafts. Right here, you possibly can pattern native delicacies, like tlayudas and chapulines.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre, identified for its meals stalls, is a gastronomic delight, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a scorching 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 in addition 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 in order for you a stable mixture of tradition, meals, and day journeys. 7+ days in case you actually wish to soak all of it in. Town itself deserves at the least 2 full days, plus one for Monte Albán and one other for Hierve el Agua.
Is Oaxaca protected for vacationers?
Sure, Oaxaca is one in every of Mexico’s safer locations. The same old precautions apply—watch your belongings, keep conscious at night time, and respect native customs. In the event you’re solo, Jalatlaco is a good space to remain because it’s peaceable and walkable.
👉🏼 Learn Subsequent: Is Oaxaca Protected For Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Do I would like a automotive to discover Oaxaca?
Not for town—it’s tremendous walkable. However for locations like Hierve el Agua, Mitla, mezcal distilleries, or the Sunday Tlacolula Market, having a rental automotive or becoming a member of a tour makes issues method simpler. Collectivos and buses work too, however they require extra persistence.
When is the perfect time to go to Oaxaca?
The very best 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 town transforms with vibrant celebrations. July can be a good time, as Oaxaca hosts the Guelaguetza, an enormous cultural competition. Keep away from Could-June in case you 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 the only option—all the pieces 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 comfortable cafes. In the event you choose a extra native ambiance with avenue artwork and hidden gem eateries, Xochimilco is a good possibility. And in order for you one thing actually peaceable, La Noria is an efficient alternative, although it’s a bit farther from the principle sights.
What are the perfect day journeys from Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is surrounded by unimaginable day journeys which can be completely value your time. Hierve el Agua is a should for its mineral swimming pools and breathtaking petrified waterfalls. Mitla affords fascinating Zapotec ruins, and in case you go to on a Sunday, you possibly can 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 be taught concerning the conventional manufacturing course of whereas tasting unimaginable mezcal straight from the supply.
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