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Oaxaca

Mexico's cultural + culinary capital — Zapotec ruins, mezcal + Day of the Dead

Oaxaca City is Mexico's cultural + culinary capital — UNESCO colonial centre, Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán, mezcal distilleries, world-class food (mole, tlayudas, chapulines) + the most spectacular Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico.

UNESCO listed
Historic centre + Monte Albán
From CDMX
1h 15m flight or 6-7h bus
Best season
October-March
Day of Dead
October 31-November 2 (book 6+ months)

Oaxaca highlights

Zócalo + Santo Domingo Cathedral

The colonial centre — pedestrianised, cafés under arches, evening marimba music.

Monte Albán ruins

Zapotec capital atop a levelled mountain — UNESCO. 20 min from centre.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre food hall

Grilled meat aisle — pick + grill your own tasajo, chorizo, cecina.

Mezcal distillery tour

Palenques in Santiago Matatlán — the birthplace of mezcal.

Hierve el Agua

Petrified mineral "waterfalls" + natural infinity pool. 1.5h drive from Oaxaca.

Teotitlán del Valle

Zapotec weaving village — natural-dye wool rugs.

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

October 31-November 2 — Mexico's most spectacular celebration. Cemetery visits + parades + altars.

Oaxacan cuisine

Mole, tlayudas, chapulines (grasshoppers), tejate. Casa Oaxaca + Origen for fine dining.

Getting there

Oaxaca Airport (OAX) has direct flights from Mexico City (1h 15m), Tijuana, Houston, Los Angeles. Overnight bus from Mexico City 6-7h.

Getting around

Walking (historic centre is compact). Uber operates. Colectivos for outside town.

Best time to visit

October-March (dry, cool). October 31-November 2 for Day of the Dead — but book 6+ months ahead.

Budget per day

$30-60 backpacker · $80-150 mid-range · $250+ luxury (Casa Oaxaca)

Airport transfer from Oaxaca International (Xoxocotlán) (OAX)

Getting out of Oaxaca (OAX)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Where to stay in Oaxaca

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Fly to Oaxaca International (Xoxocotlán) (OAX)

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Where to stay in Oaxaca

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Frequently asked about Oaxaca

How many days do I need in Oaxaca?
4-5 days — day 1 arrive + zócalo, day 2 Monte Albán + food tour, day 3 mezcal distillery + Teotitlán, day 4 Hierve el Agua, day 5 markets + Casa Oaxaca.
How do I get from Mexico City to Oaxaca?
1h 15m flight (Volaris, VivaAerobus, Aeroméxico ~$60-100). Or ADO overnight bus (6-7h, ~$40).
When should I visit for Day of the Dead?
Oct 31-Nov 2 is peak. Xoxocotlán is the biggest cemetery. Book hotel 6+ months in advance for 3-5× normal rates.
Is Oaxaca safe?
Very safe in tourist zones. One of Mexico's safest states. Watch petty pickpocketing in markets.