Oaxaca (city) Travel Guide (Oaxaca (state)/Pacific Coast/Mexico/North America)

Introduction to Oaxaca (city)
List of Places to Visit in Oaxaca (city)
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Oaxaca (city): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Oaxaca (city)
Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city): Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Oaxaca (city)
Food and Drink Scene of Oaxaca (city)
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Oaxaca (city): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Oaxaca (city): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Oaxaca (city)
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca (city)
Do’s and Don’ts of Oaxaca (city)
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Oaxaca (city)
- Health in Oaxaca (city)
Getting to Oaxaca (city): Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Oaxaca (city)
Where to Go Next from Oaxaca (city): Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Oaxaca (city)

Oaxaca (city) is the capital of Oaxaca (state), located in the Pacific Coast region of Mexico. The city is known for its rich indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and vibrant food scene. Oaxaca is also home to many museums, art galleries, and historical sites that showcase its fascinating history and contemporary social issues.

List of Places to Visit in Oaxaca (city)

If you are planning to visit Oaxaca, there are many places you should include in your itinerary. Here are some of the top attractions in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Oaxaca has many museums and historical sites that are worth visiting to learn about its diverse culture and history. The following are some of the most popular cultural attractions in the city.

Museum of Oaxacan Cultures: This museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Oaxaca through its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, textiles, and artifacts from various indigenous communities in the state.
Monte Albán Archaeological Site: This ancient city was once a thriving center of the Zapotec civilization and has impressive stone ruins, pyramids, and ball courts that offer a glimpse into its past.
Templo de Santo Domingo: This 16th-century church is one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca: This museum is housed in a former monastery and has over 23 rooms filled with artifacts from pre-Hispanic to modern times, displaying the culture and lifestyle of Oaxaca.

Natural Attractions of Oaxaca (city): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from its rich culture and history, Oaxaca is home to many beautiful natural attractions that offer a unique outdoor experience. The following are some of the top natural attractions in the city.

Hierve El Agua: Just outside Oaxaca, this natural wonder is a set of petrified waterfalls filled with natural thermal pools. The pools offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys and canyons.
Benito Juarez National Park: This park is located within the city limits and is a beautiful spot for hiking and bird watching. The park covers over 2,700 acres of forested mountains and has several hiking trails.
Tule Tree: This giant cypress tree is over 2000 years old and is one of the largest trees in the world. The tree is located in the village of Santa María del Tule, just 10 km east of Oaxaca.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oaxaca (city)

Oaxaca is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with several trails that offer stunning natural scenery and panoramic views. Here are some of the popular hiking and biking routes in the city.

Paseo Juarez El Llano: This park is a great place for a leisurely walk, run, or bike ride and offers a beautiful view of the historic center of Oaxaca.
Fortin Hill (Cerro del Fortin): This hill is located above the city and offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.
Sierra Norte: This range of mountains is located just north of Oaxaca and offers a variety of hikes and bike routes through lush forests and remote villages.

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city): Activities and Tours

Apart from its cultural and natural attractions, Oaxaca also offers many fun activities and tours that can make your trip even more exciting. Here are some of the best things to do in the city.

Cooking Classes: Oaxaca is famous for its rich culinary heritage, and taking a cooking class can be a fun and informative way to learn about its traditional cuisine.
Mezcal Tasting: Mezcal is a type of alcoholic beverage made from agave, and Oaxaca is one of the best places to taste it. Several bars and distilleries offer mezcal tastings and tours.
Day Trips: There are many interesting places to visit near Oaxaca, such as the ancient ruins of Mitla, the village of Teotitlán del Valle famous for its hand-woven carpets, and the colonial city of Puebla.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oaxaca (city)

If you have a week to spend in Oaxaca, here is a sample itinerary that can help you make the most of your time in the city.

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures and Templo de Santo Domingo
Day 2	Take a cooking class and explore the historic center of the city
Day 3	Hike to Fortin Hill and explore the local markets
Day 4	Visit Monte Albán Archaeological Site and Hierve El Agua
Day 5	Take a mezcal tasting tour and visit nearby villages
Day 6	Explore the Benito Juarez National Park and take a bike ride
Day 7	Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Mitla and Puebla

Food and Drink Scene of Oaxaca (city)

Oaxaca is famous for its vibrant food and drink scene, which is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the city.

Must-Try Dishes

Mole: This savory sauce is made from over 20 ingredients, including chiles, nuts, and spices and is usually served with chicken or pork.
Oaxacan Tamales: These tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as chicken, mole, or cheese.
Chapulines: These are fried grasshoppers and are often served as a snack or in tacos.

Local Beverages

Mezcal: This alcoholic beverage is made from agave and is the signature drink of Oaxaca. It has a smoky flavor and is usually served with orange slices and sal de gusano (a mix of salt, chile, and worm).
Chocolate: Oaxaca is famous for its chocolate, which is usually served as a hot drink with cinnamon and other spices added to it.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca (city): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oaxaca has many options for accommodation in different price ranges, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city.

Casa Oaxaca: This boutique hotel is located in the historic center of Oaxaca and offers stylish rooms and great amenities, such as a rooftop terrace and a pool.
Hostel Don Nino: This budget hostel is a popular choice among backpackers and offers clean and comfortable rooms, a communal kitchen, and a friendly atmosphere.
Casa de las Bugambilias: This cozy guesthouse is located in a quiet neighborhood and offers beautiful gardens, friendly staff, and spacious rooms.

What to Buy in Oaxaca (city): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oaxaca is known for its handmade crafts and textiles, and there are many great places to buy unique souvenirs to bring home. Here are some of the top places to shop in the city.

Mercado de Artesanías: This large market is located near the Zócalo and offers a variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs from different regions of Oaxaca.
Tianguis Cultural: This open-air market is held on Saturdays and features many artisanal products and organic food items.
Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca: This government-run store offers a wide range of authentic handicrafts and traditional Oaxacan products.

Local Culture and Customs of Oaxaca (city)

Oaxaca has a unique culture and customs that are deeply rooted in its indigenous and Spanish past. Some of the notable cultural events and customs in the city include:

The Day of the Dead: This traditional holiday, celebrated on November 1 and 2, is a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is marked by elaborate altars, colorful processions, and festive foods.
Guelaguetza Festival: This colorful celebration is held every July and features traditional dances, music, and food from different regions of Oaxaca.
Weaving and Textile Traditions: Many indigenous communities in Oaxaca have a rich textile tradition and produce intricate weavings that are sold in markets and shops around the city.

Best Time to Visit Oaxaca (city)

The best time to visit Oaxaca is during the dry season, which runs from October to March. This is also the peak tourist season, and prices for accommodation and tours tend to be higher. If you prefer to avoid crowds and don’t mind some rain, the off-season from April to September can be a good time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oaxaca (city)

Before visiting Oaxaca, it is important to be aware of some local customs and etiquette to ensure a pleasant stay. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Learn some basic Spanish phrases and greetings
Be respectful of local customs and traditions
Visit markets and shops to support local artisans and businesses

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing in public places
Touch or take photos without permission of people in indigenous communities
Buy products made from endangered species or animal parts

Safety and Health

Oaxaca is a safe travel destination, but it is important to take some precautions to ensure a safe and healthy trip.

Safety in Oaxaca (city)

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas
Use licensed taxis and avoid hailing cabs on the street
Keep valuables in a safe place and avoid displaying expensive items in public

Health in Oaxaca (city)

Drink only bottled or purified water
Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated during hot weather
Carry insect repellent and use it to avoid mosquito bites

Getting to Oaxaca (city): Transportation Options and Logistics

Oaxaca is well-connected by air, road, and rail, making it easy to get to the city from different parts of Mexico and other countries.

Airports Near Oaxaca (city)

Xoxocotlán International Airport: This airport is located just 7 km from the city center and is served by several domestic airlines, including Aeroméxico, VivaAerobus, and Volaris.

Bus Stations Near Oaxaca (city)

Central de autobuses de primera clase: This is the main bus station in Oaxaca and offers services to several destinations in Mexico and Central America.

Other Options

Train: Oaxaca is not connected to the national rail network, but there are several scenic routes that connect different parts of the state by rail.
Road: Oaxaca is well-connected to major Mexican cities by road and offers several options for private and public transport.

How to Get Around in Oaxaca (city)

Oaxaca is a small city and is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. There are also several options for public transport, such as buses and trolleys. Taxis are widely available, but it is advisable to use licensed taxis and agree on a fare before getting in.

Where to Go Next from Oaxaca (city): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oaxaca is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Mexico, as well as Central America. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions from Oaxaca.

Puerto Escondido: This beach town is located on the Pacific coast and offers great surfing, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant nightlife.
Huatulco: This resort town is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs.
Chiapas: This southern state in Mexico offers a diverse range of attractions, such as the ancient ruins of Palenque, the Zapatista rebel movement, and the Sumidero Canyon National Park.

Conclusion

Oaxaca (city) is a unique and vibrant travel destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do in the city and its surroundings, it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information and insights to help you plan your trip to Oaxaca and make it a memorable one.