Oaxaca a week

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

• Pre-book airport transfers for a smoother arrival.
• Taxis are available but agree on the fare before starting your journey.

A stylish boutique hotel in the historic center, known for its beautiful courtyard and rooftop pool. It offers a tranquil escape within the vibrant city.

• Enjoy a refreshing drink by the rooftop pool.
• The hotel often hosts local art exhibitions.

The heart of Oaxaca City, a lively square surrounded by colonial architecture, cafes, and street vendors. It's a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere and people-watch.

• Try some local marquesitas from a street vendor.
• Listen to the marimba bands that often play in the evenings.

A renowned restaurant offering elevated Oaxacan cuisine with a focus on traditional ingredients and modern techniques. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Sample their tasting menu for a comprehensive culinary experience.
• Don't miss the chance to try their signature mole.

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

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

A bustling market famous for its 'pasillo de humo' (smoke alley), where you can grill your own tasajo or cecina. It's a quintessential Oaxacan food experience.

• Be adventurous and try various grilled meats.
• Pair your meal with a refreshing agua fresca.

Located behind the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, this garden showcases the rich biodiversity of Oaxaca and its traditional uses. Guided tours are highly recommended.

• Check the schedule for English guided tours.
• The garden offers stunning views of the city.

A popular spot for authentic and delicious tlayudas, large crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and various meats. It's a casual and local favorite.

• Try a 'tlayuda de tasajo' for a classic experience.
• Order a 'vaso de tepache' to drink.

Housed in the former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, this museum displays artifacts from Oaxaca's rich history, including treasures from Monte Albán. The building itself is a masterpiece.

• Don't miss the Hall of Gold, featuring Zapotec funerary offerings.
• Combine your visit with the adjacent Ethnobotanical Garden.

A renowned workshop and gallery showcasing the intricate black pottery (barro negro) of San Bartolo Coyotepec, a technique perfected by the Guajardo family. Visitors can often see artisans at work.

• Purchase directly from the artist for authentic pieces.
• Learn about the unique smoke-firing process.

A popular mezcal bar offering an extensive selection of artisanal mezcals from various regions of Oaxaca. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through the diverse flavors.

• Try a flight of different mezcals to compare.
• Ask about the agave varieties and production methods.

A vibrant restaurant and bar known for its lively atmosphere, live music (often salsa and cumbia), and delicious Oaxacan dishes. It's a great place to experience the local nightlife.

• Check their schedule for live music performances.
• Their mole sampler is a good way to try different varieties.

A Zapotec weaving village famous for its hand-dyed wool rugs and textiles. You can visit workshops, learn about natural dyeing processes, and purchase directly from artisans.

• Visit a natural dye workshop to see the process firsthand.
• Be prepared to haggle respectfully for purchases.

A well-regarded workshop and shop in Teotitlán del Valle offering high-quality, traditionally woven rugs and textiles. They often provide demonstrations of weaving techniques.

• Inquire about custom orders if you have specific design needs.
• Look for pieces made with cochineal and indigo dyes.

Natural rock formations resembling waterfalls, with mineral pools where you can swim. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

• Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
• The site can get crowded, especially on weekends.

A fine-dining establishment offering innovative Oaxacan cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. It's an excellent choice for a special evening meal.

• The tasting menu is highly recommended for a full experience.
• Reservations are essential.

A village renowned for its vibrant and imaginative alebrijes, fantastical carved and painted wooden creatures. Many workshops welcome visitors to see the artisans at work.

• Look for workshops that demonstrate the entire process, from carving to painting.
• Consider commissioning a custom piece.

Oaxaca's largest and most traditional market, offering a vast array of local produce, crafts, clothing, and street food. It's a sensory overload and a true glimpse into daily Oaxacan life.

• Be prepared for crowds and navigate with awareness.
• Try some local snacks like chapulines (grasshoppers) or esquites.

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca showcases works by Oaxacan and Mexican artists, reflecting the region's vibrant and evolving art scene. It's housed in a beautiful colonial building.

• Check for temporary exhibitions, which often feature exciting new artists.
• The museum shop is a good place to find unique art prints.

Owned by renowned chef Enrique Olvera, Criollo offers a refined dining experience with a tasting menu that highlights Oaxacan ingredients and flavors in a beautiful courtyard setting. Reservations are essential.

• Opt for the wine pairing to complement your meal.
• The ambiance is particularly magical in the evening.

A historic chocolate producer in Oaxaca where you can learn about the traditional process of making Oaxacan chocolate, from grinding cacao beans to adding spices like cinnamon and almonds. You can sample and purchase their products.

• Try the Oaxacan hot chocolate, often prepared with water.
• Purchase freshly ground chocolate to take home.

Join a guided culinary tour that takes you through local markets, street food stalls, and perhaps a cooking class. This is an immersive way to understand Oaxacan gastronomy.

• Choose a tour that focuses on specific interests like street food or traditional cooking.
• Come hungry and ready to try a variety of local specialties.

A magnificent Baroque church and former monastery, renowned for its opulent interior adorned with gold leaf. It's a stunning example of religious architecture in the region.

• Admire the intricate carvings and the famous Tree of Life altarpiece.
• Dress modestly out of respect.

Experience authentic, time-honored Oaxacan recipes prepared with traditional methods. This restaurant offers a deep dive into the roots of the region's culinary heritage.

• Inquire about their daily specials, which often feature unique regional dishes.
• The focus here is on slow cooking and ancestral flavors.

A vibrant market offering a wide selection of Oaxacan handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, alebrijes, and jewelry. It's a great place for last-minute souvenir shopping.

• Compare prices from different vendors before buying.
• Look for unique items beyond the typical tourist fare.

A charming cafe located in the historic center, perfect for a final Oaxacan coffee and a light bite. It offers a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on your trip.

• Try their Oaxacan coffee, often served with piloncillo.
• It's a good spot for a final pastry or light lunch.

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

• Allow ample time for check-in and security.
• Consider pre-booking your transport to the airport.