Oaxaca

Travel Guide
Carrizalillo Beach featuring swimming and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Delicious regional dishes, varied history and captivating natural beauty combine in this southern Mexican city.

Oaxaca in southern Mexico is named after the state in which it resides. Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Madre ranges, the city is known for its natural beauty and distinctive architecture. Visitors love the year-round temperate climate. Most of Oaxaca is easily accessible on foot.  

The Zócalo is the hub of Oaxacan culture, both past and present. Its large, open plaza often holds musical performances and street fairs. From the square, admire the Cathedral of Oaxaca and Alameda de Leon, a spacious park offering vendor markets and regional handicrafts. Save room in your suitcase for the area’s famous pottery and carved goods.

The Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán presents awe-inspiring Baroque architecture. The former covenant has been transformed into the Oaxaca Cultural Center, a museum of historical artifacts. See the “Treasures from Tomb 7,” the remains of a Zapotec tomb containing precious gemstones and jewels. The Jardin Ethnobotanical Garden is an ideal place to enjoy Oaxaca’s stunning native plants under brilliant sunshine.

Oaxaca is renowned for outdoor marketplaces and savory foods, all of which are at your fingertips during your stay. The region is particularly famous for its tomales, moles, and creamy hot chocolate.

Visit Oaxaca for one of its many festivals happening throughout the year. The most popular are the Day of the Dead, held three days each autumn, and Guelaguetza, a widely attended summer folk dance festival. 

Soak up local history at one of Oaxaca’s many museums. The Contemporary Art Museum (MACO) inhabits one of the city’s oldest buildings, which is a sight to behold itself. It also offers works from regional artists. 

Take a daytrip to Monte Alban, an internationally protected heritage site. Located less than twenty minutes outside the city center, the ancient site is one of the oldest Mesoamerican cities in the world. Explore the pyramids and temples to peek into the hub of Zapotec-era culture. 

Oaxaca’s Xoxocotlán International Airport is located five miles (eight kilometers) outside the city and offers connecting flights to Mexico City and Houston daily. 

Where to stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca which includes a city

Oaxaca Centro

4.5/5(695 area reviews)

Churches, museums, and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Oaxaca Centro. Make a stop by Macedonio Alcalá Theater or Oaxaca Textile Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Oaxaca Centro
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Ruta Independencia

4/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ruta Independencia, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Andador de Macedonia Alcala are top sights worth seeing.

Ruta Independencia
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Jalatlaco

5/5(7 area reviews)

While Jalatlaco isn't home to many top sights, El Llano Park and Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

Jalatlaco
Uno de buenos restaurantes de Oaxaca.

Reforma

4/5(21 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Reforma, Fountain of the Seven Regions and Plaza Mazari are top sights worth seeing.

Reforma
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Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

Visitors to Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán like its archaeological sites and cafes, and Monte Alban is a sight worth a stop.

Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán
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San Felipe del Agua

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in San Felipe del Agua. You might want to make time for a stop at Parque Comunal or Loma del Pelado Trailhead.

San Felipe del Agua
Hotel Casa del Sótano
Hotel Casa del Sótano
3.5 out of 5
Tinoco y Palacios 414, Col. Centro, Oaxaca, OAX
The price is NT$2,524 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$2,524
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Oaxaca. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (721 reviews)
"Spacious apartment, comfortable bed, good shower, nice patio, jacuzzi and good breakfast"

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Hotel Casa del Sótano
Hotel Victoria Oaxaca
Hotel Victoria Oaxaca
3.5 out of 5
International Road Km 545, Col. Figueroa, Oaxaca, OAX
The price is NT$3,115 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$3,115
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oaxaca. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Have stayed at this property several times. I enjoy the grounds and the space as well as the restaurant and bar area. The beds are comfortable but the rooms could use some maintenance. On Friday late afternoon/evening the bar was taken over by a loud, private group. The noise and music continued ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Hotel Victoria Oaxaca
Fiesta Inn Oaxaca
Fiesta Inn Oaxaca
3.5 out of 5
Av. Universidad 140, Ex-Hacienda de Candiani, Oaxaca, OAX
The price is NT$3,191 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
NT$3,191
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this hotel in Oaxaca. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Calle ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (642 reviews)
"Quiet and safe palce"

Reviewed on 2024/3/9

Fiesta Inn Oaxaca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aqua Suites
Aqua Suites
2 out of 5
Oaxaca de Juárez Santa Cruz, Oaxaca, Oax.
Stay at this apartment in Oaxaca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Technological Stadium of Oaxaca and Exconvento de San ...
2/10 (2 reviews)
"Llegue antes del check in, para poder atender una reunión de trabajo, sin embargo no existen áreas comunes en las cuales pudiera atender mi reunión, comentan que hay una terraza bar, pero realmente es una cantina, mucho ruido de música, no existe una recepción y mucho menos alguien que te atienda ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/15

Aqua Suites
Suites La Fe
Suites La Fe
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Juarez 102A, Colonia Centro, C, Oaxaca, OAX
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oaxaca. Enjoy free WiFi, airport drop-off service, and private yards. Popular attractions Exconvento de San Pablo and Museo ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Great location, and very friendly people"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Suites La Fe
PUNTA AGAVE SUITES
PUNTA AGAVE SUITES
3.5 out of 5
Valentín Gómez Farias 116, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca, OAX
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Oaxaca. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman and Auditorio Guelaguetza ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Punta Agave es un gran lugar para quedarte en Oaxaca, las suites son súper comodas. Nos quedamos en planta baja en una habitación de cama king size y nos pareció estupenda. Creo que para personas de movilidad limitada es muy adecuada. El baño es amplio y la regadera deliciosa. Cada detalle en la ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/19

PUNTA AGAVE SUITES
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Oaxaca

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
480
" "5 - Excellent 81.63265306122449%
4 - Good
94
" "4 - Good 15.986394557823129%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 2.0408163265306123%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.3401360544217687%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 2, 2020

Loved visiting Monte Alban and the town where Alebrijes are made. Overall a very cultural state in Mexico. Food was not my favorite but that’s just my personal experience. Will definitely come back :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 29, 2020

Oaxaca is a lovely place awaiting discovery, nice people, good food. Hotel? Not so much, do a refundable booking with them since they're not really above board. Reception is unaccommodating. Staff aren't welcoming, they go about their business.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 24, 2020

One of the most beautiful places you can visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 19, 2020

City is dirty trash everywhere also lots of people and kids begging for money

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

Don’t miss Restaurante Catedral, Mercado Benito Juárez and Iglesia de Santo Domingo

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

Best art town in Mexico Chic and amazing food