Oaxaca a week

Housed in a former convent, this museum showcases Oaxaca's rich history and art, from pre-Hispanic artifacts to contemporary pieces. The building itself, with its stunning baroque architecture and cloistered gardens, is a major attraction.

• Allow time to wander through the adjacent botanical garden.
• Check for temporary exhibitions.

Adjacent to the Cultural Center, this magnificent 16th-century church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its gilded interior is breathtaking, adorned with intricate carvings and religious art.

• Dress respectfully as it is an active place of worship.
• Look up to admire the stunning ceiling artwork.

The vibrant heart of Oaxaca City, the Zócalo is a lively plaza surrounded by colonial buildings, arcades, and the Oaxaca Cathedral. It's a perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying street performers, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

• Enjoy a coffee or ice cream at one of the many cafes lining the square.
• Be aware of vendors; polite but firm 'no, gracias' is usually sufficient.

A renowned Oaxacan restaurant offering refined traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist. Their tasting menus are an excellent way to experience the depth of local flavors, presented beautifully in an elegant setting.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
• Try their signature mole dishes.

A bustling public market filled with vibrant stalls selling everything from fresh produce and local cheeses to artisanal crafts and traditional Oaxacan ingredients. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible.

• Sample chapulines (grasshoppers) if you're feeling adventurous.
• Look for local coffee beans and artisanal chocolate.

Located next to Mercado Benito Juárez, this market is famous for its food stalls, especially the 'pasillo de humo' (smoke alley) where vendors grill various meats. It's an essential stop for experiencing authentic Oaxacan street food.

• Order 'tlayudas' and 'memelas' from different vendors.
• The smoky aroma is intense, but part of the experience.

This museum, located within the former monastery of Santo Domingo, is dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca. It houses artifacts from archaeological sites like Monte Albán and Mitla, offering deep insights into the region's history.

• Focus on the Monte Albán treasures, including the tomb artifacts.
• The museum is part of the larger Santo Domingo complex.

A pedestrian street that connects the Santo Domingo church to the Zócalo, lined with art galleries, artisan shops, cafes, and historic buildings. It's ideal for a leisurely stroll and discovering local crafts.

• Look for workshops selling alebrijes, textiles, and pottery.
• Stop for a coffee and people-watch.

Chef Enrique Olvera's Oaxacan outpost, offering a creative tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques in a beautiful garden setting. It's a fine-dining experience focused on sensory exploration.

• Book well in advance, as reservations are essential.
• Consider the beverage pairing to complement the meal.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Monte Albán was one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica and the ancient Zapotec capital. Explore the Great Plaza, the Ball Court, and observatory platforms with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley.

• Go early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Hire a guide at the entrance for deeper historical context.

Visit a traditional mezcal distillery in the nearby village of Matatlán. Learn about the artisanal process of making mezcal from agave, from roasting to distillation, and enjoy a guided tasting of various types.

• Arrange transportation in advance, as it's outside the city.
• Don't feel pressured to buy; enjoy the educational experience.
• Hydrate well between tastings.

A contemporary Oaxacan restaurant offering a creative tasting menu that changes seasonally. Chef Rodolfo Castellanos focuses on local ingredients and innovative presentations, providing a refined dining experience.

• Reservations are essential, book weeks in advance.
• The tasting menu is the best way to experience their culinary philosophy.

Famous for its 'barro negro' (black pottery), this village is home to many artisan workshops. Visit a family-run studio to see the unique techniques of creating shiny black pottery without glaze.

• Purchase directly from artisans for the best prices.
• Look for the distinctive polished finish.

This village is a center for the creation of alebrijes, brightly colored folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. Visit workshops to see artists hand-carving and painting these intricate wooden figures.

• Ask to see the carving and painting process.
• Be prepared for a wide range of sizes and prices.

A stunning natural wonder featuring 'petrified waterfalls' formed by mineral deposits over thousands of years. You can swim in the mineral pools with spectacular views of the valley below.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for the pools.

A cozy restaurant focusing on Oaxacan cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes. It offers a more intimate and relaxed dining experience than some of the larger establishments.

• The mole sampler is a great way to try different varieties.
• Enjoy their selection of artisanal mezcals.

Immerse yourself in Oaxacan gastronomy with a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare classic dishes like moles, tamales, and salsas using fresh market ingredients, often culminating in enjoying your creations for lunch.

• Book in advance, as classes fill up.
• Many classes include a market tour.

A Zapotec village renowned for its handwoven wool rugs and textiles, dyed with natural pigments. Visit workshops to witness traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.

• Look for the intricate patterns and natural dyes.
• You can often see demonstrations of wool spinning and dyeing.

Chef Xavier Salas offers an avant-garde take on Oaxacan ingredients, presented through a creative tasting menu. The dishes are visually stunning and explore bold flavor combinations in an intimate setting.

• Reservations are essential.
• It's a more adventurous dining experience, so be open to new flavors.

This museum showcases the rich textile traditions of Oaxaca and Mexico, featuring a diverse collection of indigenous clothing, contemporary art, and historical pieces. It provides context for the weaving traditions seen in villages.

• Check for temporary exhibitions on specific weaving techniques or regions.
• It's a great way to appreciate the artistry before visiting villages.

A dedicated market for handicrafts, offering a wide selection of Oaxacan crafts including pottery, textiles, alebrijes, and black pottery. It's a convenient place to find souvenirs and gifts.

• Compare prices before buying.
• Look for items made with natural materials.

This hill offers panoramic views of Oaxaca City and the surrounding valley, especially beautiful at sunset. It's also home to the Monumento a la Independencia and often hosts cultural events.

• Best visited in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and good light.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up.

For a more casual and authentic dining experience, try this popular spot known for its delicious tlayudas – large, thin corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. It's a true Oaxacan street food staple.

• Order a variety of toppings to share.
• It's a popular spot, so expect a lively atmosphere.

Oaxaca's largest public market, a sprawling and authentic hub where locals shop for everything. It's a fantastic place to experience the raw energy of the city and find unique local products, from produce to crafts.

• Be prepared for crowds and a more local, less tourist-oriented experience.
• Try some of the fresh juices or local snacks.

A casual and highly-regarded spot for traditional Oaxacan cuisine, offering excellent moles, tlayudas, and other regional specialties. It's a great place for a final authentic meal before departing.

• Their mole coloradito is a must-try.
• A good place to try Oaxacan hot chocolate.

The main airport serving Oaxaca City and the surrounding region. Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures before your departure.