Oaxaca 6 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 6-day itinerary for traveling in Oaxaca:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Casa de las Flores: A cozy boutique hotel located near the Zócalo, the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center.
  • Hotel Palacio Borghese: Offers elegant rooms with a mix of colonial and modern architecture.

Places to Go:

  • Zócalo (Main Square): Start your day here. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, including the Cathedral and Government Palace. It’s a great place to people-watch and experience local life.
  • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption: A beautiful colonial church with impressive architecture and history.

Activities:

  • Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding streets to admire colonial houses.
  • Visit the nearby Alameda de Macedonio Alcalá, a park known for its lush greenery, fountains, and local vendors selling handmade crafts and food.

Where to Eat:

  • Tacos el Chino: For delicious and affordable street tacos. Try their traditional Oaxacan specialties like carnitas (pork), lengua (beef tongue), or chapulines (grasshoppers).
  • La Casa de Toño: Enjoy the local cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy, intimate setting.

Things to Know:

  • Be mindful of your belongings and personal space, especially in crowded areas.
  • Don’t drink tap water. Opt for bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Respect local customs, especially during religious events.

Day 2: Ethnographic Museum and Craft Villages

Places to Go:

  • Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Ethnographic Museum): A museum showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage. It features artifacts from various pre-Hispanic cultures that once thrived in the region.
  • Hartwood Bar and Grill: Enjoy dinner at this restaurant located near a lagoon. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, and the menu includes local specialties like mezcal.

Activities:

  • Explore the city’s indigenous markets to purchase handmade crafts and experience local culture firsthand.
  • Visit a nearby village to see artisans at work and learn about their traditional methods.

Transportation:

  • Use buses or taxis for short journeys within the city.
  • For longer trips, consider renting a car or taking shuttles that connect Oaxaca with nearby towns like Mitla, Tule, and Hierve el Agua.

Day 3: Explore Monte Albán

Places to Go:

  • Monte Albán: A pre-Columbian archaeological site perched on a hill. It offers stunning views of the valley below.
  • Teotitlán del Valle: Visit this village to see artisans who weave woolen goods and learn about their techniques.

Activities:

  • Explore Monte Albán’s museum, which houses artifacts from excavations at the site.
  • See ancient ball courts and pyramids that once served as ritual spaces for the Zapotec people.

Transportation:

  • Buses can take you directly to Monte Albán. Alternatively, consider renting a car or hiring a taxi.

Day 4: Hierve el Agua

Places to Go:

  • Hierve el Agua: A natural mineral water site where you can see water cascading off cliffs into pools.
  • Mitla: This ancient Zapotec archaeological site is known for its intricate stone mosaics and the ruins of a once-thriving city.

Activities:

  • Swim in the cool waters at Hierve el Agua.
  • Explore Mitla’s ruins, including its mosaic-paved streets and ceremonial centers.

Day 5: Visit Teotitlán del Valle

Places to Go:

  • Teotitlán del Valle: A Zapotec village known for its artisans who weave woolen goods. The village is surrounded by fertile land that grows the agave plants used in mezcal production.
  • Tule Tree: This ancient cypress tree has been preserved and can be seen near Teotitlán.

Activities:

  • Learn about the process of making mezcal from a local artisan.
  • Support local artisans by purchasing handmade goods.

Day 6: Return to Oaxaca

Places to Go:

  • Oaxaca’s Indigenous Markets: Spend your last day exploring any markets you missed earlier in your trip. Try local delicacies, buy souvenirs, and experience the vibrant culture of Oaxaca.
  • Restaurant La Casa de las Flores: Enjoy a farewell dinner at this restaurant located within your hotel.

Transportation:

  • Use buses or taxis to return from nearby villages back to Oaxaca city.

Tips for Traveling in Oaxaca:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially during religious events.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals and enhance your experience.
  • Don’t drink tap water. Opt for bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Try local cuisine, including traditional dishes like tacos de chapulines (grasshopper tacos) and mezcal cocktails.

Oaxaca is a treasure trove of cultural richness, historical depth, and natural beauty. Enjoy exploring this enchanting state!