Oaxaca-6-day-itinerary
Oaxaca Itinerary: 6 Days of Cultural Immersion and Adventure
Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca City and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) and take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation in the city center.
- Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Casa Oaxaca or Hostal La Noria, both offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Lunch: Head to El Jardín de Epicuro for delicious Oaxacan cuisine, including tlayudas and mole negro.
- Afternoon: Visit the Zócalo (main square), surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Explore the adjacent Mercado de Abastos, a bustling marketplace offering local goods and food.
- Evening: Enjoy traditional Oaxacan music and dance at Casa de la Cultura Oaxaqueña.
Day 2: Monte Albán and surrounding ruins
- Morning: Take a guided tour to Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec archaeological site, located about 10 km west of Oaxaca City.
- Lunch: Savor traditional Oaxacan dishes at El Fogoncito, near the ruins.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby Cuilápam de Guerrero and Dainzú ruins, both offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and enjoy dinner at Origen, serving contemporary Oaxacan cuisine.
Day 3: Tule Tree, Teotitlán del Valle, and traditional crafts
- Morning: Drive to the Tule Tree (about 1 hour), a massive ahuehuete tree with a diameter of over 58 meters.
- Lunch: Head to Teotitlán del Valle, a picturesque Zapotec village, and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Explore the town’s traditional crafts, including weaving and pottery. Visit the Museo Comunitario de Teotitlán del Valle.
- Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and experience the vibrant nightlife at La Casa de la Ciudad.
Day 4: Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder
- Morning: Drive to Hierve el Agua (about 1.5 hours), a stunning natural mineral water park with breathtaking views.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch or eat at one of the on-site restaurants.
- Afternoon: Relax in the natural pools, explore the surrounding landscape, and take in the panoramic views.
- Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and dine at Los Danzantes, offering innovative Oaxacan cuisine.
Day 5: Mitla, Santiago Matatlán, and mezcal
- Morning: Drive to Mitla (about 1 hour), a charming town known for its intricate mosaics and traditional crafts.
- Lunch: Visit Santiago Matatlán, the “world capital of mezcal,” and enjoy lunch at a local palenque (mezcal distillery).
- Afternoon: Learn about the production process and taste various types of mezcal.
- Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and enjoy dinner at El Destilado, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend a few hours shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
- Departure: Take a taxi or shuttle back to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) for your departure flight.
Things to Know
- Oaxaca City is at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level; take it easy and stay hydrated.
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Try new foods and drinks, but make sure they are from trusted sources.
Transportation
- Taxis: readily available in Oaxaca City
- Colectivos (shared vans): a budget-friendly option for shorter trips
- Private transportation services: book through your accommodation or a reputable company
Tips
- Always negotiate prices at markets and with local vendors.
- Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain and heat.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Other Interests
- Visit the Taller de Arte Papel Oaxaqueño, a workshop creating handmade paper art.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in Oaxaca City.
- Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
Enjoy your time in Oaxaca!