Oaxaca City
A city of green stone surrounded by ancient ruins, artisan villages and mezcal distilleries, with one of Mexico's richest food cultures.
Plan your Oaxaca trip
Find low fares and travel to your ideal destination.
Hotels in Oaxaca City
Live rates for 3 nights and 2 adults in the Centro, Jalatlaco and nearby.
Oaxaca and its valleys: the essentials
From Santo Domingo church to the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, a tour of essential Oaxaca.
- 1987Historic center and Monte Albán join UNESCO list
- ≈1,550 mElevation above sea level
- JulyGuelaguetza festival month
- ≈1 hFlight from Mexico City
Oaxaca in pictures
Carved stone, gilded baroque and the corners that make Oaxaca a city for slow walks.
- Santo Domingo under Oaxaca's sky · LBM1948 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Murals in a former convent · Ovedc (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Gilded baroque interior · Ovedc (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Monte Albán's Great Plaza · Dacuauhtli (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The petrified waterfalls · LBM1948 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Agaves before Santo Domingo · Huauzontle23 (CC0)
Oaxaca FAQs
Weather, festivals, day trips and what to eat in Oaxaca's capital.
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
October to April brings dry, sunny days with cool mornings and evenings thanks to the altitude. May is usually the hottest month. From June to September it rains most afternoons, but the countryside turns green and the Guelaguetza takes place in July. Day of the Dead, Holy Week and July are the busiest times, so book early.
When is the Guelaguetza?
It's held in July: the main shows, called Lunes del Cerro, fall on the two Mondays after July 16 at the Guelaguetza Auditorium on Cerro del Fortín, with dances from every region of Oaxaca. Parades fill downtown on the Sundays before. Tickets and hotels sell out early.
Which airport do I fly into, and how do I get downtown?
Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), about 20–30 minutes from the historic center by taxi or authorized shuttle. Flights from Mexico City take around an hour. By road, the highway from Mexico City takes about 6 hours.
Where should I stay in Oaxaca?
The Centro, near the Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian street and Santo Domingo, puts everything within walking distance. Jalatlaco is a cobblestoned neighborhood of colorful houses, quieter and a short walk away. Xochimilco, just north of the center, is traditional and residential, with small hotels.
How many days do I need in Oaxaca?
At least four: one for downtown and the markets, one for Monte Albán, one for the Tule–Teotitlán del Valle–Mitla–Hierve el Agua route, and one for craft villages like San Bartolo Coyotepec or San Martín Tilcajete. With a week you can add the mountains or the coast.
Which dishes shouldn't I miss?
Black and coloradito mole, tlayudas, tasajo and chile-rubbed cecina from the smoke-filled grill aisle of the 20 de Noviembre Market, quesillo cheese, chapulines (toasted grasshoppers), tejate, hot chocolate and, of course, mezcal. The Benito Juárez Market next door is another classic.
How do I visit Hierve el Agua?
It's about 70 km from the city, 1.5 to 2 hours away, and is usually combined with the Tree of Tule and Mitla on a day tour. The site is run by local communities and has occasionally closed without notice, so confirm it's open a few days ahead and bring cash for the entrance fee.
Where can I buy local crafts?
Teotitlán del Valle for naturally dyed wool rugs, San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery, and San Martín Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola for alebrijes. In the city, you'll find good shops and cooperatives around Santo Domingo.
What should I pack for Oaxaca?
The city sits at about 1,550 meters: days are warm and nights cool off, especially in winter, so bring light layers and a jacket. In the rainy season, add an umbrella. For Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua, pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Keep your Oaxaca flights, hotel and tours on your phone and explore the valleys paper-free.
