Oaxaca 3 Day Itinerary

July 19, 2024

Oaxaca 3-Day Itinerary

Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Brújula, try their traditional Oaxacan dishes like tlayudas or memelas.
Visit the Zócalo: Walk off your breakfast and explore the historic center of Oaxaca City, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Government Palace.

Mercado de Abastos: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market, try some local fruits, nuts, or handicrafts.
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca at this museum located in the former Convent of Santo Domingo.

Dinner: Head to La Olla, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist. Try their famous moles!
Stay: Rest your head at Hotel Casa Oaxaca, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.

Monte Albán: Take a guided tour to this ancient Zapotec ruin, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. (~1 hour from Oaxaca City)
Teotitlán del Valle: Visit this picturesque village famous for its traditional weaving techniques and beautiful textiles.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at El Fogoncito, a local eatery serving homemade dishes like soups, tacos, or enchiladas.
Explore Teotitlán: Wander the cobblestone streets, visit the local market, and admire the colorful textiles.

Dinner: Return to Oaxaca City and dine at Los Danzantes, a restaurant offering modern Oaxacan cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Stay: Another night at Hotel Casa Oaxaca or try Hotel Victoria, a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms.

Hierve el Agua: Visit this natural mineral water spring, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. (~30 minutes from Oaxaca City)
Tule Tree: Stop by the ancient Ahuehuete tree, a sacred site for the Zapotec people.

Lunch: Head back to Oaxaca City and grab lunch at Taquería El Fénix, try their famous tacos de carnitas.
Explore the city: Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs, visiting the local artisan markets, or simply enjoying a coffee at a sidewalk café.

Farewell dinner: Celebrate your last night in Oaxaca with dinner at Origen, a restaurant offering innovative dishes using traditional ingredients.
Departure: Spend your last evening in Oaxaca City before departing the next day.

Things to Know

Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s always helpful to learn basic Spanish phrases like “gracias” (thank you) and “¿dónde está…?” (where is…?).
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN), credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Safety: Oaxaca City is generally a safe destination, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Weather: Oaxaca has a tropical savanna climate, with warm temperatures year-round. Be prepared for occasional rain showers during the summer months.

Transportation

Airport: Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) is located ~7 km from Oaxaca City center. Taxis or shuttles are available.
Local transportation: Use taxis, buses, or colectivos (shared vans) to get around the city and surrounding areas.

Tips

Haggle: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices at local markets.
Respect local customs: Oaxaca is a culturally rich state, be mindful of traditions and respect local dress codes when visiting archaeological sites or indigenous communities.
Try new things: Be adventurous and try local foods, drinks, and activities to make the most of your trip.

Other Things of Interest

Mezcal production: Visit a mezcal distillery to learn about this traditional spirit.
Cooking classes: Take a cooking class to learn about Oaxacan cuisine and recipes.
Day trips: Consider visiting other nearby destinations like Mitla, Santiago Matatlán, or the Sierra Norte mountains.

Enjoy your trip to Oaxaca!