Oaxaca-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca

  • Morning: Arrive at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at Hotel Palacio Borghese or Casa de las Flores, both centrally located in the city.
  • Evening: Head to La Toscana, a cozy Italian restaurant with an extensive wine list, for dinner.

Day 2: Oaxaca City

  • Morning: Visit the Zócalo, the city’s main square, surrounded by colonial-era buildings and historic landmarks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Templo de Santo Domingo, a stunning church with intricate stone carvings and ornate decorations.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Oaxacan cuisine at Tacos El Momo.

Day 3: Teotitlán del Valle

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Teotitlán del Valle ( approx. 45 minutes from Oaxaca City).
  • Activities: Visit the town’s market, explore the weaving and embroidery shops, and learn about traditional Zapotec textiles.
  • Lunch: Try local specialties at La Casa de la Abuela, a cozy restaurant serving regional dishes.

Day 4: Monte Albán

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Monte Albán ( approx. 15 minutes from Oaxaca City).
  • Afternoon: Explore the site’s complex system of pyramids, temples, and ball courts.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Casa del Abuelo, a restaurant serving traditional Oaxacan cuisine.

Day 5: Hierve el Agua

  • Morning: Visit the stunning waterfalls of Hierve el Agua ( approx. 45 minutes from Oaxaca City).
  • Activities: Hike to the top of the falls, swim in the natural pools, and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Lunch: Try local specialties at La Casa de la Abuela.

Day 6: Mitla

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Zapotec ruins of Mitla ( approx. 45 minutes from Oaxaca City).
  • Afternoon: Explore the site’s complex system of pyramids, temples, and mosaics.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Toscana.

Day 7: Return to Oaxaca City

  • Morning: Visit any last-minute attractions or shops in Oaxaca City.
  • Afternoon: Return to your hotel, pack up, and prepare for departure.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street.
  • Colectivos (shared vans) are a cheap and efficient way to get around the city.
  • Renting a car or taking a tour is recommended for visiting surrounding sites like Teotitlán del Valle, Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and Mitla.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals and enhance your experience.
  • Try local specialties and drinks, such as mezcal and mole.
  • Be respectful of the city’s colonial architecture and historic sites.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Take time to explore Oaxaca City’s vibrant cultural scene, including its many museums, galleries, and markets.

Other things to know

  • Oaxaca is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Be sure to visit the city’s many artisanal markets and shops.
  • The city celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Guelaguetza (a celebration of indigenous culture) and the Day of the Dead.
  • Oaxacan cuisine is renowned for its use of local ingredients, such as chilies, chocolate, and epazote. Be sure to try some of the region’s specialties during your visit.

Recommended accommodations

Recommended restaurants