How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico

Boasting an endless supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca de Juárez is undoubtedly one of the best food and drink destinations on the planet. So much so, that it was named the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards. (The city is commonly referred to as Oaxaca, but shouldn't be confused with the eponymous state it's in.) 

This dynamic city in southwestern Mexico is where you'll find vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and some of the country's most iconic architecture. "The most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of this pre-Colombian culture in all aspects of contemporary life — the mingling and mixing of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican influences are unique and unforgettable," says Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico, a luxury travel agency that specializes in trips to Mexico.

You could spend several weeks here and not even scratch the surface — if you weren't planning correctly, that is. "Oaxaca is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains," Rabinor says. "It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site city center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles."

To that end, here's our ultimate travel guide to Oaxaca, with the best things to do, see, and sip while exploring this exciting city.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Oaxaca offers all manner of lodging options, from unassuming bed-and-breakfasts and historic converted convents to opulent and palatial accommodations that embody modern luxury.

Casa Santo Origen

If you're not afraid to dole out a few hundred dollars per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Casa Santo Origen. Just 15 minutes from the city center, each of the eight suites in this small hotel is named after a unique region of the state of Oaxaca — and decorated with local art.

Quinta Real Oaxaca

If you're seeking something a little more old-fashioned, check into Quinta Real Oaxaca, a former 16th-century convent and UNESCO World Heritage Site that retains a strong sense of antique charm without sacrificing modern amenities. The property boasts views of the courtyards and streets of Oaxaca and has an idyllic garden pool for guests to enjoy.

Casa Silencio

If you'd prefer to stay in the heart of mezcal country, book your stay at the stunning Casa Silencio, pictured above and located about an hour outside Oaxaca. This upscale shrine to agave features multilevel guest rooms and Michelin-caliber cuisine — and, oh yes, a working distillery pumping out the native liquid.

Best Things to Do

Downtown Oaxaca

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor says taking a day to leisurely explore the city center is the way to go. "Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try pan de yema con chocolate," says Rabinor. "Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it's not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community."

The city is also home to two popular museums. Learn about the area's Indigenous heritage at The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, which was founded in 1831. Here, you'll find 14 permanent exhibits covering everything from ancient arrowheads dating back thousands of years to what life is like for today's local communities. Nearby, the Oaxaca Textile Museum is housed in a restored 18th-century mansion and features a variety of colorful displays that are worth a look.

Hierve el Agua

When it's time for sightseeing beyond the city, one of the best natural wonders to explore nearby is Hierve el Agua. These calcareous rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. Established hiking paths bring you right up to the cascade's edge. If you're looking to take a dip in the human-made pools, aim to get there early to avoid the crowds.

Monte Albán

Perched atop a 1,300-foot tall plateau, Monte Albán is the second-largest ceremonial site in Central America, home to a well-preserved terraced pyramid and other pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Much of what you'll see here was built by the Zapotecs, an Indigenous community thought to have settled in the region as early as 500 B.C.E. "Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region," Rabinor says.

Mezcal Experiences

The distilled agave spirit, mezcal, is traditional to the Oaxacan region and has been made here for centuries using techniques that have largely resisted the prying hands of modern machination. Whether or not you choose to drink it, a mezcal experience is enriching. Rabinor notes that these types of activities support local communities that rely on the industry, help people "understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and let travelers 'learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'"

Listing out the many palenques, or farm distilleries, where it is made and the enchanting sipping parlors where it is served would require an entirely separate article. But assuming you're starting your liquid journey in the city of Oaxaca, there are a few tasting opportunities you should not skip: Mezcalería In Situ for its broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education; El Distilado to see how well mezcal pairs with the local cuisine; and Selva to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails (more on that below). For a sip with a view, take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro, a hip watering hole founded by native agave impresario Asis Cortes, the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe.

Oaxacan Beaches

The state of Oaxaca is home to more than 300 road-trip-worthy miles of coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to explore on a weekend getaway. Puerto Escondido, for example, is especially popular among beachgoers — and a flight from Oaxaca (OAX) to Puerto Escondido (PXM) is only about 45 minutes.

There's also Mazunte, with its cerulean surf crashing into the jagged shore. Check out the Mexican Turtle Center in town, dedicated to the preservation of everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile. Or, if you want to speed things up a bit, head several miles east to the surf town of Zipolite. Relax along the water, watch the surfers do their thing, snorkel in the protected coral reefs of neighboring Huatulco National Park, or enjoy the sunset over the surrounding cliffs — you really can't go wrong.

Best Shopping

Oaxaca is filled with small boutique shops selling handmade goods (think sandals, bags, homeware, and other trinkets) for every budget. Rabinor recommends not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlán del Valle. "[This is] where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles," he says.

For food, consider stopping by Mercado de Abastos. You can book a tour of the market with Omar Alonso, a well-known local guide. "This is where locals go to buy everything," Alonso tells T+L. "During holidays, it's particularly packed as we gather the ingredients we'll need to offer to our guests that come during the festivities."

Nightlife

Bar La Giralda

"Every time I'm [in Oaxaca], I must stop into Bar La Giralda for my favorite michelada on the planet," says the co-author of "Oaxaca: Home Cooking From The Heart Of Mexico," Javier Cabral. "They use pasilla chiles in the base. The more you drink, the more botanas [snacks] arrive."

Selva

Selva is the place to go to appreciate the satisfying blend of Mexican spirits and seasonal, local ingredients. The overall theme here is exploration, with cocktails inspired by the adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt, who marveled at the interconnectedness of the world as he traveled around Mexico and South America in the late 18th century.

Sabina Sabe

End a long day of sightseeing with some spicy, sweet, or sour craft cocktails at Sabina Sabe. Drinks are made with mezcal, or in some cases, tequila or charanda, another popular Mexican spirit. Named after a legendary Mazatec healer, the bar is walk-in only, and worth checking out on any trip to Oaxaca.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Oaxaca's bustling market scene is a great place to absorb a bit of everything. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire street of roasted proteins, El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas. Here, you can order trays of meat that get cooked freshly in front of you. For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, try the Mercado Organico La Cosecha (La Cosecha Organic Market).

Casa Oaxaca

If you're craving more of a sit-down experience, make a reservation at Casa Oaxaca, from chef Alejandro Ruiz. Order the tableside guacamole and explore Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro, and coloradito.

Origen

One of the top-rated restaurants in the city is Origen, helmed by 2016 Top Chef winner Rodolfo Castellanos. For a real treat, try the grilled octopus and chicharrones.

El Lechoncito de Oro

Be sure to save room for El Lechoncito de Oro, open nightly from 8 p.m. until …whenever. This unassuming tented stall is an after-hours institution specializing in mouthwatering seared pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Best Time to Visit

Oaxaca is a big state — a little larger than the state of Indiana — occupying several tropical and subtropical climates. As a result, the temperature can vary wildly depending on where you're visiting and when. "The best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your preferences for weather, cultural events, and crowd levels," Rabinor says.

The good news is it's almost always pleasantly warm and abundantly sunny — except during the rainy season, which happens from May to September. Rabinor says that while this time of year "brings occasional showers and higher humidity" it also "offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors." For instance, he says July is a popular month to visit Oaxaca and can be crowded since it overlaps with the Indigenous cultural festival of Guelaguetza, also called Lunes del Cerro or "Mondays on the Hill."

Early November is also a perennially popular time to visit. The weather is dependably inviting, as it's the start of the dry season, which extends through April. You'll also be able to experience Día de los Muertos celebrations, bringing mirth, marigold, and mesmerizing pageantry into the streets of cities and villages throughout the country.

How to Get There

Oaxaca is most easily reached by flying into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), or, as it's officially known, Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán. Nonstop service from the United States is available from Los Angeles (LAX) on Volaris, Dallas (DFW) on American Airlines, and Houston (IAH) on United Airlines. You could also fly into Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX) from other U.S. cities, and then connect to OAX via a domestic carrier such as Aeroméxico or Viva Aerobus.

How to Get Around

While having access to a vehicle would be handy for visiting sites outside the city, Oaxaca is pretty walkable and you can always hire a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Cabs are readily available for securing transportation within the downtown area, while the city's bus system is efficient and affordable. To travel to and from the airport, you can take a taxi or bus if you're not renting a car.