Oaxaca 10 days

The main airport serving Oaxaca City, located about 20 minutes south of the city center. It handles domestic and some international flights.

• Pre-book a taxi or arrange a shuttle to your accommodation for a smoother arrival.

A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center, offering a blend of modern comfort and Oaxacan charm. It's a great base for exploring the city on foot.

A prominent landmark in the Zócalo, this grand cathedral features impressive Baroque architecture and a rich history. It's a central meeting point and a beautiful sight, especially when lit up at night.

The vibrant heart of Oaxaca City, filled with vendors, musicians, and locals. It's perfect for people-watching and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy a street-side esquite (corn snack) or a refreshing nieves (ice cream).

A renowned restaurant offering elevated Oaxacan cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional flavors. It's a great introduction to the city's culinary scene.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.

A bustling market offering a sensory overload of local produce, crafts, textiles, and street food. It's a fantastic place to find Oaxacan specialties and souvenirs.

• Try chapulines (grasshoppers) if you're feeling adventurous!
• Bargain respectfully for textiles and crafts.

Adjacent to Mercado Benito Juárez, this market is famous for its food stalls, particularly the 'pasillo de humo' (smoke alley) where you can get freshly grilled meats.

• Order your meat and then find a table where they will cook it for you.
• Enjoy with fresh tortillas and salsas.

Housed in the former convent of Santo Domingo, this museum showcases the rich history and pre-Hispanic treasures of Oaxaca, including the famous Monte Albán treasures.

• Allow ample time to explore the extensive exhibits.

An architectural masterpiece with a stunningly ornate Baroque interior. The adjacent Cultural Museum is integrated into the former convent.

A sophisticated tasting room offering guided mezcal experiences. Learn about the different types of agave and the artisanal production process.

• Book your tasting in advance as spots are limited.
• Go with an empty stomach to fully appreciate the flavors.

A popular spot known for its delicious tacos, especially the cochinita pibil and chicharrón en salsa verde. It also offers a good selection of mezcal and refreshing aguas frescas.

• Can get busy, so be prepared for a potential wait.

An ancient Zapotec capital perched on a flattened mountaintop, offering breathtaking views and impressive archaeological structures. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds and the midday sun.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Located near Monte Albán, this restaurant offers traditional Oaxacan dishes in a pleasant setting, often with views of the surrounding landscape. It's a convenient stop after visiting the ruins.

Famous for its distinctive black pottery (barro negro). Visit workshops to see artisans at work and purchase unique pieces directly.

• Look for workshops demonstrating the polishing technique that gives the pottery its shine.

A village renowned for its brightly colored wooden 'alebrijes' (folk art sculptures). You can visit workshops and see the intricate carving and painting process.

• Ask artisans about the symbolism behind different animal figures.

A high-end dining experience from renowned chef Enrique Olvera, set in a beautiful courtyard. Offers a tasting menu that showcases Oaxacan ingredients with innovative techniques.

• This is a splurge, book well in advance.
• The tasting menu is the primary offering.

Participate in a hands-on cooking class focusing on traditional Oaxacan dishes, including various moles. Learn about local ingredients and techniques from expert chefs.

• Many classes include a market visit.
• Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a little messy.

Enjoy the delicious meal you prepared during your cooking class, featuring authentic Oaxacan flavors.

Experience the traditional Oaxacan chocolate-making process. Purchase freshly ground chocolate, spiced hot chocolate, and other cocoa products.

• Try the 'agua de chocolate' (chocolate water) for a refreshing treat.
• Buy some chocolate to take home as a delicious souvenir.

Located in a beautiful colonial building, this museum is dedicated to stamp collecting and graphic arts, often featuring interesting exhibitions.

A celebrated restaurant offering a creative and artistic approach to Oaxacan ingredients. Expect unique flavor combinations and beautiful presentations.

• Reservations are essential.
• Be open to experimental and surprising dishes.

Natural rock formations resembling petrified waterfalls, with mineral pools where visitors can swim. The views of the surrounding valley are spectacular.

• Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
• The site can get crowded; consider an early visit.

Enjoy a simple, local meal at one of the eateries near the Hierve el Agua site, offering regional specialties.

A Zapotec village famous for its handwoven rugs and textiles made from wool and natural dyes. Visit workshops to see the traditional weaving process.

• Ask about the meaning of different patterns and symbols.
• Learn about the natural dyeing process using cochineal, indigo, and other local materials.

A cozy vegetarian restaurant in Oaxaca City offering delicious and healthy plant-based Oaxacan dishes. A great option for a lighter meal.

A large market offering a wide variety of Oaxacan handicrafts from different regions, including textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry.

• Good place to compare prices and styles from various artisan communities.

While the famous La Ciudadela is in Mexico City, Oaxaca has its own artisan markets. This one offers a curated selection of high-quality crafts.

• Look for unique pieces and talk to the vendors about their craft.

Showcases the rich history and artistry of Oaxacan textiles, featuring traditional and contemporary pieces. It's a great place to understand the cultural significance of weaving.

A popular shop and distributor of Oaxacan food products. Sample and purchase moles, salsas, chocolate, coffee, and mezcal.

• Great place to buy edible souvenirs.
• Staff can offer recommendations and explanations.

A well-regarded restaurant in the historic center offering a refined take on Oaxacan cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative presentation. Features a lovely courtyard.

• Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
• Try their signature dishes and explore their extensive mezcal list.

Oaxaca's contemporary art museum, housed in a beautiful colonial building. Features rotating exhibitions of national and international artists, with a focus on Oaxacan talent.

A charming cafe with a rooftop terrace offering views of the city. Known for its good coffee, light meals, and relaxed atmosphere.

A picturesque and revitalized neighborhood with colorful colonial streets, artisan workshops, and small galleries. It offers a more tranquil experience than the main historic center.

• Wander through its cobblestone streets and discover hidden courtyards.
• Look for local artists' studios.

A beautifully curated shop selling high-quality Oaxacan crafts, design objects, and gourmet food items. It's a great place for unique gifts.

A popular restaurant known for its creative Oaxacan dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the charming Jalatlaco neighborhood.

• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Known for its intricate geometric stonework mosaics, Mitla is a unique Zapotec and Mixtec site. It's considered the second most important archaeological site in Oaxaca.

• Admire the detailed fretwork on the walls.
• Note the different architectural styles within the complex.

Enjoy traditional Oaxacan food at a local restaurant in the town of Mitla, known for its tlayudas and regional dishes.

Visit the ancient Árbol del Tule, a massive Montezuma cypress tree in Santa María del Tule, famous for having the stoutest trunk in the world.

• A local guide can share fascinating stories and details about the tree's history and legends.

Dine at a restaurant near the Tule tree, offering local Oaxacan cuisine and a chance to relax after sightseeing.

Enjoy locally brewed craft beers in a relaxed setting. A good spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

Oaxaca's largest and most vibrant market, offering an authentic glimpse into local life. Find everything from produce and spices to clothing and household goods.

• Be prepared for a busy and somewhat chaotic environment.
• This is where locals shop, so it's a great place for authentic interactions.

Sample a variety of Oaxacan street foods directly from vendors within the market, such as memelas, tlayudas, and empanadas.

• Choose vendors with high turnover for freshness.
• Try the local 'tejate' drink.

Located behind the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, this garden showcases the diverse plant life of Oaxaca and its cultural significance. Guided tours are highly recommended.

• Check the schedule for guided tours, which are often in English and provide invaluable context.
• The garden offers stunning views of the city.

A popular mezcal bar and restaurant offering an extensive selection of artisanal mezcals. It's a great place to learn more about Oaxaca's signature spirit.

• Ask the bartender for recommendations based on your preferences.
• Consider a tasting flight to sample different varieties.

A classic Oaxacan restaurant known for its traditional dishes and authentic flavors. A reliable choice for experiencing local culinary staples.

Enjoy a final Oaxacan breakfast at this popular bakery and cafe, known for its delicious pastries, breads, and coffee.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or mementos from shops in the historic center.

Depart from Oaxaca City.