If you're planning a trip to Mexico, make sure to add Oaxaca to your itinerary. Situated in the southern region of the country, Oaxaca is celebrated for its vibrant indigenous culture and renowned culinary traditions.
The capital city, also named Oaxaca (Oaxaca de Juárez), is a top destination for travelers, offering a blend of history, culture, and cuisine that is truly unique.
Getting to Oaxaca
Many travelers explore Mexico City before making their way to Oaxaca, spending a few days in each city. This was our approach as well—we spent five nights in Mexico City and then two nights in Oaxaca.
For those considering how to get to Oaxaca, here are a few options:
Option 1: Driving
Driving from Mexico City to Oaxaca takes about 5-6 hours. You can easily rent a car from the airport or downtown Mexico City if you book in advance. Be prepared to pay for tolls, gas, and insurance along the way. Some travelers opt for an overnight stop in a smaller town, with Puebla being a popular choice for its charming atmosphere and historic sites.
Option 2: Bus
Taking a bus is likely the most budget-friendly way to travel between Mexico City and Oaxaca. Buses depart from the Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente (TAPO) in Mexico City and arrive at the Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca in the city center. For added comfort, private transfer options are also available.
Option 3: Flying
Flying is the quickest way to reach Oaxaca, with the airport codes being OAX (IATA) and MMOX (ICAO). Currently, LAX (Los Angeles, CA) is the only U.S. airport offering direct flights to Oaxaca.
We chose to fly from Mexico City, as our schedule only allowed for two days in Oaxaca. The flight was brief, but be aware that the OAX airport is small, with limited flights that can sometimes be canceled. There is a lounge, though it's modest. We encountered some tense moments on our return trip due to a delayed flight, so it's wise to plan accordingly if you have connecting flights.
Once you land in Oaxaca, you'll need to arrange transportation to your hotel. Keep in mind that there's no Uber available.
Two simple options include:
Taxi: Purchase a pre-paid ticket at the taxi counter for a direct ride to your destination.
Shared Transfer: A more economical choice where you share a van with other passengers, stopping at multiple locations along the way.
We opted for the shared transfer, which was perfectly safe and convenient, dropping us off at our hotel, the stunning Quinta Real Oaxaca—a 16th-century convent turned luxurious property.
Things to Do in Oaxaca
Here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss during your visit:
Watch the Guelaguetza Show at Quinta Real
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture is by attending the Guelaguetza folk dance dinner show at the Quinta Real hotel. This colorful performance showcases the diversity of the state's 16 ethnic groups from eight different regions.
OY -Look out for the Mojiganga!
These larger-than-life puppets are more than just entertainment—they are a significant part of Mexican culture and history. Often seen during weddings or festivals, these giant paper-mâché figures are usually accompanied by musicians and dancers.
We were lucky enough to witness a wedding procession featuring Mojigangas during our visit. See our Instagram reel that showcases this so perfectly. Never a dull moment in Oaxaca!
Take a Cooking Class + Visit the Market
A typical cooking class in Oaxaca includes a visit to a local farmer's market, followed by a hands-on session where you’ll prepare and enjoy dishes like mole, salsa, and tortillas, paired with mezcal.
We took a class at Casa Crespo with Chef Oscar Carrizosa and had an incredible experience.
Here are some Instagram reel moments:
Even if you don't take a cooking class, be sure to visit a market like Mercado Benito Juarez. Sample tejate, a non-alcoholic maize and cacao beverage, and explore the vast array of chilies, fruits, vegetables, and salsas available from local vendors.
Visit Jalatlaco
Jalatlaco is a picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and quaint shops. Just a 15-minute walk from the historic center, this area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. We enjoyed ice cream and coffee, explored the local galleries and restaurants, and spent a peaceful evening soaking in the atmosphere.
Explore the Food and Drinks Scene
Oaxaca is a paradise for food lovers, including vegetarians. Dive into the local cuisine beyond just salsa and guacamole, and discover authentic dishes and drinks. While most restaurants offer seven varieties of mole, not all are vegetarian—so be sure to ask.
And if you drink alcohol, a shot of mezcal is a must!
Two restaurants I highly recommend, both with vegetarian options, are:
Tierra del Sol Cocina Mixteca: This rooftop restaurant offers fresh salsa made at your table, a variety of moles (try the Mole Blanco with oyster mushrooms and tortilla!), and unique dishes like Ensalada, a salad with herbs and greens, and the Tostada salad sans sausage. The Jicama de frijoles, featuring eight types of beans, is also a must-try. Please this 'delicious' reel that showcases our experience - and spot the white mole.
Los Danzates: Their beet salad, roasted cauliflower with vegan pipian, wild mushroom lasagna, and quelites soup are all exceptional choices for vegetarians. See our Instagram reel on the experience.
Enjoy the Local Festivities
On our first evening in Oaxaca, we stumbled upon the "Festival Oaxaca en tu Corazon," an event organized by the city government. We joined in, and it was a magical experience. The streets were alive with music and dancing, with couples swaying to the rhythm everywhere we looked.
Capture the City with Your Camera
Oaxaca is a city bursting with color, making it a photographer’s dream. Key spots to visit include the Temple de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Zocalo, and Oaxaca Cathedral.
Walking tours are also popular, allowing you to delve into the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the arts, crafts, and textiles displayed in workshops and galleries throughout the city.
Have More Time?
If you have extra time, consider taking a guided tour to explore more of Oaxaca’s surrounding attractions:
Monte Albán: Just outside Oaxaca City, the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán offer a fascinating glimpse into pre-Columbian cultures. A full-day tour with a certified guide in an air-conditioned vehicle is recommended. Check this Viator Experience.
Hierve el Agua: Marvel at the "petrified waterfalls" of Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder formed by mineral-rich springs.
Combo Tour: If you have about 10 hours, combine a visit to Hierve el Agua with nearby attractions like the ancient ruins of Mitla, the archaeological site of Yagul, and the town of Santa María del Tule, home to an ancient tree. Check this Viator Experience.
+ Mezcal tasting
Explore the Paths of Mezcal on a tour that combines archaeology, nature, and the living culture of Oaxaca. Visit Mitla’s ancestral architecture, meet Zapotec weavers, and learn about artisanal mezcal production.
Visit Indigenous Communities: Experience the rich culture of the Zapotec communities in the Oaxacan countryside, such as Teotitlán del Valle and San Bartolo Coyotepec. Consider booking a travel experience with Zapotec Travel Experiences by Lily, an indigenous woman-owned sustainable travel company. You can read about her in Travel & Leisure.
Ethnobotanical Garden: Explore the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, where the region’s diverse plant life, including species used in traditional medicine and cooking, is on display. Guided tours are available year-round, with English tours on specific days.