Oaxaca
Mexico
Overview
Mexico's culinary and indigenous heart captivates with seven types of mole, mezcal distilleries, Zapotec ruins, vibrant markets, and Day of the Dead celebrations.
Cost of Travel
Daily budget guide for Oaxaca — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
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Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.
Explore Oaxaca
Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Historic archaeological center, founded in 500 B.C., with a museum, restaurant & handicrafts.
Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo
This cultural center houses archaeological artifacts & ancient books in a 17th-century convent.
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca (Plaza de La Constitución)
Small, bustling public square surrounded by restaurants, vendors & historic buildings.
Hierve el Agua
Ancient geological site featuring towering, waterfall-like rock formations, pools & springs.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Curated grounds showcasing local Oaxacan plant life, plus a cultural center in a former convent.
Where to Stay
Hotel Sin Nombre
A beautifully designed boutique hotel in a restored colonial building in the heart of Oaxaca, with a stunning courtyard and mezcal bar.
Hotel Casa Oaxaca
An intimate boutique hotel in a colonial house with a pool, cooking classes, and one of Oaxaca's best restaurants.
Where to Eat
Origen
Oaxacan
Chef Rodolfo Castellanos' acclaimed restaurant celebrating Oaxacan ingredients and pre-Hispanic techniques in a candlelit colonial courtyard.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Oaxacan Market Food
The smoky Pasillo de Humo section grills tlayudas and tasajo (dried beef) over coals while vendors sell chocolate and mezcal.
Travel Tips
- Try all seven moles — each is completely different
- Visit a mezcal distillery (palenque) to understand the artisanal process
- Day of the Dead (Nov 1-2) is Oaxaca's most magical celebration — book months ahead
- The Zapotec weaving villages of Teotitlan del Valle are worth a day trip
- Take a cooking class — Oaxacan cuisine is UNESCO-recognized
- Chapulines (toasted grasshoppers with chili and lime) are delicious once you try them
Getting There & Around
Oaxaca's center is walkable and compact. Taxis are cheap. Colectivos (shared vans) go to surrounding villages. For Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua, hire a driver or join a tour. Uber operates in the city. ADO buses connect to Mexico City and Puebla.
Book & Reserve
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