Destination
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is Mexico's culinary and craft heartland, where seven moles, smoky mezcal, Zapotec markets and the ruins of Monte Albán sit around a compact colonial centre.
Trips to Oaxaca from every city
No live trip to Oaxaca right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
Lowest fares to Oaxaca by city, last 30 days
| From | Lowest, 30 days | Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando | $591 | 1 |
| Miami | $658 | 2 |
| Tampa | $774 | 1 |
| Jacksonville | $815 | 1 |
| Charlotte | $835 | 1 |
| Fort Myers | $1,182 | 1 |
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | best |
| August | fine |
| September | fine |
| October | best |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- July: Guelaguetza festival; book hotels months ahead.
- October, November: Día de Muertos is celebrated with sand tapestries, comparsas and cemetery vigils from late October.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
- Centro Histórico: Everything within walking distance: the Zócalo, Santo Domingo church and the markets.
- Jalatlaco: Cobbled, mural-covered barrio just east of the centre with small guesthouses.
- Xochimilco: Quiet neighbourhood of artisan workshops and the old aqueduct, north of the centre.
- Reforma: Residential district north of Santo Domingo with mid-range hotels and good restaurants.
- San Felipe del Agua: Hillside enclave with upscale boutique hotels and views over the valley.
What to do in Oaxaca
- Monte Albán at opening time, before the heat
- Mezcal tasting at a palenque in Santiago Matatlán
- Walk the petrified waterfalls and swim the mineral pools at Hierve el Agua
- Sunday market in Tlacolula, then the weavers of Teotitlán del Valle
- Eat your way through the smoke hall of the Mercado 20 de Noviembre
- Guelaguetza dance festival on the last two Mondays of July
Good to know
| Airports | Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International (OAX) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | budget-friendly |
| Time zone | America/Mexico_City |
| Kind of trip | food, culture, history, festival, nature |
Questions about Oaxaca
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
October, November, December, January, February, March, April and July.
Do US citizens need a passport for Oaxaca?
Yes. Oaxaca is in Mexico; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Oaxaca on the ground?
Oaxaca is budget-friendly by US standards: plan about $60 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.