Oaxaca 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca City

  • Morning: Arrive at Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX)
  • 9:00 AM: Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to your accommodation (see below for recommendations)
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Zócalo, the main square of Oaxaca City, and explore the surrounding streets and markets
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Oaxacan cuisine at La Casa de Toño or Casa de las Enchiladas
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Templo de Santo Domingo, a 16th-century church with impressive architecture and art
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Querencia, known for its creative and delicious dishes

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Casa Oaxaca: A boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service
  • Casa de las Enchiladas: A cozy B&B with a focus on traditional cuisine and local culture

Day 2: Tule Tree and Mitla

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Oaxaca City to the nearby town of Tule ( approx. 45 minutes by car)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Arbol de Tule, a 2,000-year-old tree considered sacred by the Zapotec people
  • 11:00 AM: Continue to the archaeological site of Mitla, known for its unique architecture and fascinating history
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional cuisine at La Casa de Toño or Casa de las Enchiladas
  • Afternoon: Return to Oaxaca City and explore the Mercado de Abastos, a bustling marketplace with local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs
  • Evening: Attend a traditional music and dance performance at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá

Day 3: Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Oaxaca City to the nearby town of Hierve el Agua (approx. 1 hour by car)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the mineral waters and stunning views at Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder
  • 11:00 AM: Continue to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, known for its beautiful textiles and traditional weaving techniques
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at La Casa de Toño or Casa de las Enchiladas
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby archaeological site of Teotitlán, with impressive Zapotec architecture and stunning views
  • Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and enjoy dinner at La Querencia

Day 4: Monte Albán and Etla

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Oaxaca City to the nearby archaeological site of Monte Albán (approx. 30 minutes by car)
  • 9:00 AM: Explore the ancient city, known for its impressive architecture, fascinating history, and stunning views
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the nearby town of Etla, with its picturesque streets, local markets, and traditional cuisine
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at La Casa de Toño or Casa de las Enchiladas
  • Afternoon: Continue to the nearby village of San Agustín Etla, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and lively atmosphere
  • Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and enjoy dinner at La Querencia

Day 5: Mezcala Island and Tlacolula Market

  • 8:00 AM: Depart from Oaxaca City to the nearby island of Mezcala (approx. 1 hour by car)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the tranquil island, with its picturesque views, ancient petroglyphs, and traditional fishing villages
  • 11:00 AM: Continue to the bustling market town of Tlacolula, known for its vibrant atmosphere, local produce, and handicrafts
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at La Casa de Toño or Casa de las Enchiladas
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby archaeological site of Tlacolula, with impressive Zapotec architecture and stunning views
  • Evening: Return to Oaxaca City and enjoy a farewell dinner at La Querencia

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city and surrounding areas
  • Shuttle bus: Connects major tourist destinations in and around Oaxaca City
  • Rental car: Recommended for exploring the surrounding countryside and visiting rural villages

Tips and recommendations:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ancient sites or interacting with indigenous communities
  • Try traditional cuisine, known for its rich flavors, bold spices, and unique ingredients
  • Explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, with its many galleries, studios, and street art installations
  • Visit the nearby coast, with its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and historic lighthouses

Other things to know:

  • Oaxaca City is a colonial city, with narrow streets, picturesque plazas, and historic architecture
  • The surrounding countryside is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including Monte Albán, Mitla, and Teotitlán del Valle
  • The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and handicrafts
  • Oaxaca City has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from

Accommodation recommendations:

  • Hotel Casa Oaxaca: A boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service
  • Casa de las Enchiladas: A cozy B&B with a focus on traditional cuisine and local culture