About Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juárez, or simply Oaxaca, is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality of Oaxaca, the most populous municipality in Oaxaca, and the fourth most densely populated municipality in Oaxaca, only being less densely populated than San Jacinto Amilpas, Santa Lucía del Camino, and Santa Cruz Amilpas. It is in the Centro District in the Central Valleys region of the state, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the base of the Cerro del Fortín, extending to the banks of the Atoyac River.
Places to visit in Oaxaca
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Monte Albán
Historic · 3 mi from centreThe ancient Zapotec capital built on a flattened mountaintop above the Oaxaca valley, with pyramids, plazas, and a ball court. Go early, wear a hat, and bring water, since there is little shade.
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Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
ReligiousA grand baroque church with a dazzling gold-covered interior, attached to a former monastery that now holds the regional museum. Leave time for the museum, which displays treasures found at Monte Albán.
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Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden
ParkA garden of native plants from across the state, laid out in the old monastery grounds behind Santo Domingo. Entry is by guided tour only, so check the schedule for English-language tours.
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Hierve el Agua
NatureMineral springs that have formed white rock formations resembling frozen waterfalls, with natural pools at the cliff edge. Bring a swimsuit and go on a weekday, as weekends draw big crowds.
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Mitla
Historic · 26 mi from centreAn ancient Zapotec and Mixtec religious center known for its intricate stone mosaics in geometric patterns. It is often combined with Hierve el Agua and the Tule tree on a single day trip.
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Árbol del Tule
Nature · 6 mi from centreA cypress tree in the town of Santa María del Tule with one of the thickest trunks in the world. Local children often offer to point out shapes in the bark for a small tip.
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Benito Juárez Market
MarketA busy central market selling chocolate, mole pastes, cheese, crafts, and toasted grasshoppers. Walk to the next-door 20 de Noviembre market for its smoky grilled meat hall.
Top experiences in Oaxaca
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Oaxaca City Tour
From $133 per adult
Sierra Juárez, Ixtlán, Guelatao, Capulalpam - Full-Day Tour
From $252 per adult
El Tule, Teotitlan del Valle, Mitla and Hierve el Agua - Full-Day Tour
From $65 per adult
Monte Alban, Black Pottery and Alebrijes
From $25 per adult
Traditional Alebrijes Painiting Workshop
From $43 per adult
Santiago Apoala and the Enchanted Lagoon
From $364 per adult
Monte Albán Archaeological Site - Half-Day Tour
From $26 per adult
Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle
From $254 per adult
Oaxaca Villages Tour: San Martín Tilcajete, Teotitlán del Valle and Santa Maria el Tule
From $252 per adult
San José del Pacífico Tour
From $280 per adult
Where to stay in Oaxaca
Popular hotels in Oaxaca, out of 171 properties you can book.
City Centro By Marriott Oaxaca
From $273 per night
City Express by Marriott Oaxaca
From $79 per night
City Express by Marriott Salina Cruz
From $52 per night
Victoria Oaxaca
From $91 per night
City Express Junior by Marriott Tuxtepec
From $44 per night
Hotel Casa Garay
From $83 per night
Capital O Parador Crespo Hotel, Oaxaca
From $60 per night
Quinta Real Oaxaca
From $384 per night
Selina Oaxaca
From $66 per night
Capital O El Nito Posada
From $70 per night
OYO Hotel Emperador, Oaxaca
From $70 per night
Casantica
From $135 per night
Best time to visit Oaxaca
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Oaxaca is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Oaxaca weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 80° 58° 2%
- Thu 12 Nov 78° 58° 73%
- Fri 13 Nov 74° 61° 94%
- Sat 14 Nov 76° 61° 65%
- Sun 15 Nov 78° 58° 22%
- Mon 16 Nov 79° 55° 22%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.6
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Oaxaca
These are the airports closest to central Oaxaca. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- OAX Xoxocotlán International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Oaxaca
The central, tourist-oriented part of town is well signposted and easily walkable by foot, although taxis are somewhat plentiful and buses numerous and cheap. You can pick up a free city map from one of several information booths, including one right outside the cathedral.
Orientation
The Spanish laid out a colonial town in the present grid pattern in the 16th century. Later development hasn't touched it much since the 1800s, so today it makes for a charming old-time Centro Histórico (Historic Center). The 375 hectares (930 acres) under the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation comprise a roughly 15-by-15 grid of square blocks surrounding the Zócalo (central plaza), bound by peripheral arterials.
By bus
You can get a good bus map for M$40 at the Oaxacan Lending Library.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis found in the Centro Histórico, including a taxi rank near the Zocalo. Make sure to settle on a price before heading off to your destination.
Oaxaca travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Oaxaca is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Oaxaca?
May is usually the warmest month in Oaxaca, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). October is the coolest, with average lows of 56°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 271 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Oaxaca?
Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Oaxaca.
What currency is used in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.6.
What time zone is Oaxaca in?
Oaxaca uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Oaxaca?
The central, tourist-oriented part of town is well signposted and easily walkable by foot, although taxis are somewhat plentiful and buses numerous and cheap. You can pick up a free city map from one of several information booths, including one right outside the cathedral.
What are the best places to visit in Oaxaca?
Top sights in Oaxaca include Monte Albán, Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Hierve el Agua. The ancient Zapotec capital built on a flattened mountaintop above the Oaxaca valley, with pyramids, plazas, and a ball court. Go early, wear a hat, and bring water, since there is little shade.
What are the top things to do in Oaxaca?
Popular experiences you can book in Oaxaca include Oaxaca City Tour, Sierra Juárez, Ixtlán, Guelatao, Capulalpam - Full-Day Tour and El Tule, Teotitlan del Valle, Mitla and Hierve el Agua - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Oaxaca?
Popular areas for hotels in Oaxaca include Oaxaca. Well-reviewed options include City Centro By Marriott Oaxaca and City Express by Marriott Oaxaca.
How many hotels can I book in Oaxaca?
Destina Holidays currently lists 171 properties in and around Oaxaca, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
