Oaxaca 10 days

Housed in a former convent, this center offers a glimpse into Oaxaca's rich history and art. Explore its courtyards and exhibitions showcasing regional heritage.

• Check for temporary exhibits.
• Great place to get oriented with the city's history.

The vibrant heart of Oaxaca City, this central plaza is perfect for people-watching, enjoying street performers, and soaking in the atmosphere. Surrounded by colonial buildings, it's a lively hub day and night.

• Try a 'nieve' (ice cream) from a street vendor.
• Watch out for balloon sellers; they can be persistent.

A renowned restaurant offering exquisite Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy their tasting menus and extensive mezcal selection in a beautiful courtyard setting.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.

An ancient Zapotec capital perched on a flattened mountaintop, offering breathtaking views and impressive archaeological ruins. Explore the pyramids, ball court, and observatory.

• Go early to avoid crowds and the midday sun.
• Hire a local guide at the entrance for deeper insights.

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

• Look for the 'Centro de Artesanías' for a good selection.
• Bargaining is sometimes possible, but fair prices are appreciated.

Known for its vibrant alebrijes, whimsical carved and painted wooden creatures. Meet local artisans and learn about the intricate process of creating these colorful folk art pieces.

• Many workshops offer custom orders.
• The more intricate the alebrije, the higher the price.

Enjoy a delicious Oaxacan meal in a cozy setting. This restaurant offers a range of traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

A bustling market filled with Oaxacan products, from fresh produce and spices to local crafts and textiles. It's a sensory overload and a great place to sample local snacks.

• Try 'chapulines' (grasshoppers) if you're adventurous.
• Look for handmade textiles and local chocolate.

Adjacent to Benito Juárez, this market is famous for its food stalls, particularly the 'pasillo de humo' (smoke alley) where you can select your meat and have it grilled on the spot.

• Order 'tlayudas' and 'mole negro'.
• Sit at a communal table for a true local experience.

Immerse yourself in Oaxacan gastronomy with a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like moles, tamales, and salsas using local ingredients.

• Many classes include a market visit.
• Choose a class that focuses on your favorite Oaxacan dishes.

A charming restaurant serving authentic Oaxacan dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy their regional specialties and a good selection of mezcal.

Oaxaca's 'petrified waterfalls,' these mineral formations are unique geological wonders. You can swim in the mineral pools and enjoy the stunning natural landscape.

• Wear sturdy shoes for exploring.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.

Known for its intricate geometric patterns and mosaics, Mitla is a unique Zapotec and Mixtec site. It's smaller than Monte Albán but equally fascinating for its artistry.

• Admire the detailed fretwork on the walls.
• Often visited in conjunction with Hierve el Agua.

Learn about the traditional production of mezcal, Oaxaca's famed agave spirit. Visit a palenque (distillery) to see the process from agave harvesting to distillation and enjoy tastings.

• Sample different types of mezcal (e.g., Espadín, Tobalá).
• Pace yourself during the tasting!

A casual and popular spot for Oaxacan fare. Enjoy classic dishes and a lively atmosphere, a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.

A village renowned for its Zapotec weaving traditions. Visit workshops to see natural dyeing techniques and handwoven rugs and textiles.

• Ask about demonstrations of wool spinning and dyeing.
• Many artisans offer custom designs.

Learn about the history and cultural significance of chocolate in Oaxaca. See exhibits on cocoa cultivation and traditional preparation methods, and enjoy a tasting.

• Try the Oaxacan hot chocolate.
• Purchase some artisanal chocolate to take home.

A popular Oaxacan chocolate producer with a factory and shop. Experience the aroma of grinding cacao beans and purchase freshly made chocolate for drinking or eating.

• They offer different roasts and preparations of cacao.
• Great place to buy souvenirs.

Savor authentic Oaxacan dishes prepared using ancestral cooking methods. This restaurant provides a refined dining experience focusing on traditional flavors.

Located in the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, this museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, including treasures from Monte Albán's Tomb 7.

• Don't miss the gold artifacts from Tomb 7.
• The building itself is a historical monument.

A magnificent Baroque church with an opulent interior, featuring gilded altars and intricate carvings. It's a breathtaking example of colonial religious architecture.

• Admire the detailed facade and interior.
• Dress respectfully when visiting.

A pedestrian street lined with art galleries, craft shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to discover local artists.

• Look for contemporary Oaxacan art.
• Stop for coffee and enjoy the street performers.

Experience innovative Oaxacan cuisine at this acclaimed restaurant. Chef José Luis Chávez offers creative dishes that blend tradition with modern culinary techniques.

• Reservations are essential.
• Try their tasting menu for a comprehensive experience.

One of the oldest and largest indigenous markets in Oaxaca, held every Sunday. It's a vibrant spectacle of local life, offering everything from produce and livestock to textiles and crafts.

• Go early to experience the market at its busiest.
• Try local specialties like 'pan de yema' and 'barbacoa'.

A significant Zapotec archaeological site known for its impressive ball court and tomb. It offers a less crowded experience than Monte Albán and stunning views of the valley.

• Explore the cave formations nearby, which have evidence of early human settlement.
• Great for photography.

Discover the burgeoning wine scene in the Oaxaca Valley, known for its unique 'vinos de mesa' (table wines). Visit a local vineyard for a tour and tasting.

• Inquire about vineyard tours and wine tasting experiences.
• The valley is also known for its artisanal cheese production.

Enjoy a delightful meal at this restaurant that focuses on contemporary Mexican cuisine with Oaxacan influences. A perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

A charming and historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a quieter side of Oaxaca, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.

• Look for small artisan workshops hidden in its alleys.
• Visit the local church, Parroquia de San Juan Bautista.

Showcases a vast collection of Oaxacan folk art, including pottery, textiles, masks, and more. It's an excellent place to appreciate the diversity of local crafts.

• See examples of 'alebrijes' and 'barro negro'.
• Helps you identify authentic crafts.

Dedicated to the art of Oaxacan carpet weaving, this museum displays traditional techniques and intricate designs from Teotitlán del Valle. Learn about natural dyes and wool processing.

• Focuses on the history and evolution of carpet making.
• A good complement to a visit to Teotitlán del Valle.

A contemporary restaurant offering a refined Oaxacan dining experience. Chef Rodolfo Castellanos presents creative dishes with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.

• Reservations are essential.
• Excellent wine and mezcal list.

Visit the famous Árbol del Tule, one of the widest trees in the world, with a trunk circumference of about 52 meters. This ancient Montezuma cypress is a natural wonder.

• It's located in the town of Santa María del Tule.
• Local guides can tell you stories about the tree.

Another prominent village for alebrije carving. Here, the carvings are often more detailed and elaborate, showcasing the skill of the artisans.

• Look for workshops known for their intricate details.
• Ask about the symbolism behind certain figures.

Located within the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, this garden showcases Oaxaca's incredible plant diversity and its importance in local culture, cuisine, and medicine. Guided tours are highly recommended.

• Tours are usually in Spanish, but guides can often accommodate English speakers.
• Learn about medicinal plants and their uses.

A popular restaurant in the historic center offering creative Oaxacan cuisine and a wide selection of mezcals. Enjoy their refined dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Oaxaca's contemporary art museum, featuring works by local and national artists. It's a great place to see modern interpretations of Oaxacan culture and themes.

• Check for any temporary exhibitions.
• See how contemporary artists engage with Oaxacan traditions.

A charming cafe perfect for a last Oaxacan coffee and pastry. It's a relaxed spot to reflect on your trip before heading to the airport.

• Try their artisanal coffee blends.
• Good for a light lunch or snack.

A final opportunity to stock up on Oaxacan chocolate and artisanal chocolate products. Find unique flavors and beautifully packaged gifts.

• Great place for edible souvenirs.
• Sample different cacao percentages.