oaxaca coast travel guide

21 Best Oaxaca Beaches: Ultimate Oaxaca Coast Guide [2024]

Headed to the beautiful beaches in Oaxaca?

You’re in luck — as there are plenty of good options for amazing Oaxaca beaches to explore. Determining the best beaches Oaxaca has to offer is subjective to your needs and wants, so this article has something for everyone.

From the best surfing beaches in Oaxaca to the best swimming beaches in Oaxaca, the best beach to do the Oaxaca baby turtles release, to the only legal Mexico nude beach — it’s all on the Oaxaca Mexico Coast.

Along the Emerald Coast, as the Oaxacan Coast is known, you’ll find all different types of beach towns, for all different types of travelers.

There’s places with posh Oaxaca beach resorts, an off-grid Mexico National Park, and everything in between.

In this article, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting all the best Oaxaca beaches. This includes the best beach towns in Oaxaca you’ll want to stay in, things to do in Oaxaca beaches, and how to get to the coast of Oaxaca.

With so much ground to cover, let’s get to it!

Best Oaxaca Beaches in Puerto Escondido

This is the most popular Oaxaca beach town of them all! For those who have seen photos of the best Puerto Escondido beaches, you already know why this Oaxaca coastline town is so popular.

In case you’re curious, Puerto Escondido means “hidden port.”

One of the things that put Puerto Escondido on the map are its surf waves — some of the best in North and South America.

Puerto Escondido’s famous big wave surf spot is Playa Zicatela beach. 🏄‍♀️ The Mexican Pipeline wave at Zicatela regularly reaches 10 feet in height (3 m).

Pipeline isn’t a wave for beginner surfers, but you’ll find surf schools and smaller waves at La Punta , Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Marinero .

In fact, surfing is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido — aside from simply enjoying a Puerto Escondido beach or two.

BEST OAXACA BEACHES

1. playa carrizalillo.

🏡 NEED A PUERTO ESCONDIDO HOTEL?

Check out Villas Carrazillio which overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below. This amazing resort has million dollar views, but a reasonable price tag.

Playa Carrizalillo is one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido . It’s not super easy to get to, as you must walk down (then back up) about 165 stairs to access this beach.

However, this beautiful beach is great for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, so it’s worth the trek.

2. Playa Principal (Bahía Principal)

This is the main beach, which is also one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Escondido.

As more of a small bay cove than a long beach, this popular spot can feel a bit cramped when it gets crowded — so if you want a relaxing experience head to Playa Principal early in the day.

3. Playa Zicatela

One of the main beaches in Puerto Escondido, and home to the Mexican Pipeline wave, as well as lots of surfers.

The water here isn’t always safe for swimming, but the beach is nice and there are a lot of restaurants, bars with live music, and shops on Playa Zicatela.

4. Playa la Punta

La Punta is my favorite neighborhood in Puerto Escondido. I spent about a week in chic Casa UMI , located just a few blocks from the beach, in a very safe area.

While technically a part of Playa Zicatela, the eastern edge of this beach, known as La Punta, has its own vibe.

Zicatela Beach can be crowded and touristy, but La Punta Beach has a more laid back, bohemian vibe to it. There are plenty of lounge chairs and palm trees to add to its tropical vibe.

La Punta is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido, followed by a nice dinner and stroll through this lively part of town.

Just off the beach, you’ll find cute cafes with lots of vegan options, boutique shops and cool beach bars.

5. Playa Puerto Angelito

This lively beach is frequented more by locals than visitors, so to get a more authentic feel for Puerto Escondido, head to Puerto Angelito.

Located right next door, there’s also Playa Manzanillo Beach , which has a similar feel, but often less people.

Puerto Angelito is located in a beautiful beach cove with a small reef right off shore for some great snorkeling, and there are also a few restaurants right on the beach.

🐬 You can also hire a local for one of the dolphin watching boat trips right on the beach.

6. Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido

Playa Bacocho is on the west end of town not far from Playa Carrizalillo, and a rather quiet beach.

The swimming here is good on some days, and dangerous on others, so this really isn’t a swimming beach. In fact, what people often head here for is the Puerto Escondido turtle release at sunset.

Best Oaxaca Beaches in Huatulco

Located about two hours west of Puerto Escondido is Bahías de Huatulco , usually just called Huatulco (pronounced wa-tool-coh ).

Huatulco is the perfect spot for those looking for near resort style accommodations, and relatively crowd-free, amazing beaches.

There’s also   Huatulco National Park , a 29,000-acre (117 km²) park that’s partially on land and partially in the protected waters off the coast.

In 2005, Huatulco achieved international Green Globe Certification, as it has more protected space than all other Mexico destinations .

Huatulco has 36 beaches and nine bays. In fact, the word bahías in the town’s name means “bays” in Spanish.

With so much beachfront real estate and beautiful landscape, the best things to do in Huatulco involve being in or around the ocean at a Huatulco Mexico beach.

🚗💨 Huatulco travel tips: Huatulco has 36 beaches and nine bays, which are quite spread out. The easiest way to see them all is in your rental car on a road trip, as local public transportation isn’t always efficient.

7. Bahia Santa Cruz

To start your Huatulco vacation off right, head to the most central and accessible beach area in town — Bahía Santa Cruz Bay. This is where the Huatulco cruise ships come in, so it can be hectic on cruise days, but also very lively and fun.

The main beach in Huatulco, Santa Cruz Bay makes for a great place to get your bearings and enjoy your first day in Huatulco. Grab a beer and some fish tacos at one of the restaurants right on the beach, then head in for a swim.

💒 Huatulco Mexico Travel Tips: Don’t miss the Capilla de la Santa Cruz Chapel on Santa Cruz Beach. It’s an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, and houses a statue of the patron saint of Oaxaca and fishermen, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.

The water here is calm, and the sandy bottom makes for clear, turquoise waters. Santa Cruz Beach is great for swimming, especially if you’re traveling to Huatulco with kids because of its calm waters, but it’s not great for snorkeling.

Santa Cruz is also a nice beach to spend your evenings in Huatulco.

The Santa Cruz Pier is popular with locals meeting friends for a few beers at sunset. You can also catch live music and go dancing at El Habanero Loko or Macquil, one of the best bars in Huatulco.

8. Playa Tangolunda Beach

Playa Tangolunda Beach is one of the most beautiful and best beaches in Huatulco, especially for those who love long walks on the beach.

It’s about 2,625-feet-long (700 m) and there’s soft sand. It’s not great for swimming because there’s often a strong undercurrent.

Bahía Tangolunda (pronounced tango-loon-duh) is considered the main hotel zone in Huatulco. If you want to stay at an all inclusive Huatulco resort, this is the place, and here are are some of the best all inclusive Huatulco resorts:

• Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa
• Barceló Huatulco Resort
• Camino Real Zaashila Huatulco

If you’re only visiting for the day, many resorts offer a day pass so you have access to their beach chairs and umbrellas, food and drink servers.

If you’re visiting the public beach here, Playa Tangolunda, bring everything you need as there’s no beachside services.

9. Playa la Entrega

Playa la Entrega is one of the most popular and most accessible snorkeling beaches in Huatulco.

Located in Bahía Santa Cruz Bay, the water at Playa la Entrega Beach is shallow and filled with coral, making it an easily accessible snorkel location for tourists and families. 

Planning to do a lot of snorkeling in Huatulco Mexico?

🤿 This full-face snorkel mask is the best mask for snorkeling available today. It’s super easy to use, and even if you’re a beginner at snorkeling, you’ll feel confident underwater when using it.

A taxi to La Entrega from Santa Cruz or La Crucecita is only about $70 pesos ($4 USD). The beach is lined with restaurants, which means you don’t have to pack anything, and there is plenty of shade available under the umbrellas.

However, because this is one of the best beaches in Huatulco for snorkeling, it can get very crowded by midday.

The best time to visit Playa la Entrega Beach for snorkeling is before 11am because as the crowds grow, they stir up the sand on the bottom and affect visibility.

10. Playa la Bocana

If you can only visit a few beaches on your trip, Playa la Bocana should be one of them.

By day, it’s one of the best Huatulco surfing beaches, but has many other activities to offer. It’s also a nice place for a sunrise and walk along the beach to the Copalita River.

🏨 Not sure where to stay in Huatulco Mexico?

If you want to splurge, check out nearby Montecito Beach Village . The luxury Huatulco villas are tucked away on the hillside that overlooks Playa la Bocana Beach below.

The beach is half in the Huatulco district, and half in the next district, Copalita.

Playa la Bocana is special because the Copalita River feeds out into the middle of the beach, making for a completely different ecosystem than anything else in Huatulco.

Get a mud massage in Huatulco

Don’t miss the Playa la Bocana mud bath massages . The mud on this beach is good for the skin, and has natural exfoliants.

The locals at Playa la Bocana offer massages for about $200 MXN pesos ($10 USD), which is a bargain for beachfront massages in Huatulco.

11. Bahia de Cacaluta

Want to see some of the most unspoiled and beautiful beaches in Huatulco!? Then don’t miss the two beaches at Bahía de Cacaluta Bay — Cacaluta Beach and Arroyo Beach. The easiest way to access this area is on a Huatulco boat tour .

🎥 Huatulco Fun Facts: A Movie was Filmed here

Fans of the 2001 Mexican film, Y Tu Mamá También , will love seeing Bahía de Cacaluta in person.

Several scenes from the film were shot at this bay in Huatulco because it’s quite beautiful, so even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ll love Cacaluta Bay.

🏝️ Cacaluta Beach

Cacaluta Beach is a half-mile-long (1 km) white sand beach, with absolutely nothing on it.

Just offshore, there’s Cacaluta Island , a popular place for Huatulco diving, where scuba divers can explore the coral reefs and unique underwater rock formations.

🏝️ Arroyo Beach

Arroyo Beach is smaller, and the water is calmer so it’s easier to swim here. The waves on Playa Cacaluta can be a bit intense, so if you want to swim and even snorkel, Playa Arroyo is the place within Bahía de Cacaluta Bay.

12. Bahía Maguey

If you are looking for a Huatulco beach that has something for everyone, look no further than Bahía Maguey Bay.

Maguey Beach is a gorgeous, long stretch of sand that is half serviced with beachfront restaurants, and half virgin and free of people or structures.

At the end of the beach near the restaurants, big catamarans and Huatulco tour boats bring snorkel tours here.

The shallow waters are safe for swimming, even for young kids, and you can see some fish and marine life along the rocks.

For more advanced snorkeling or to go free diving in Huatulco, head to the other end of the beach and swim out along the rocks.

If you swim out far enough you’ll see dive buoys, as this area is one of the best spots for diving in Huatulco .

Maguey is easily accessible by rental car , moped, or taxi. It is the last bay of the nine Bahias de Huatulco that you can access by land.

As noted, this is the perfect all-in-one beach, with safe swimming and beautiful water, great snorkeling, and restaurants on the beach.

13. Bahía Organo

Bahía Maguey’s close, but much quieter neighbor, Bahía Organo, is the place to go if you’re looking for a completely relaxing day at the beach — with no one around.

This is an unserviced beach, and most visitors access this beach by boat on a Huatulco snorkeling tour .

🏝 Looking for other secret beaches in Huatulco? Head to Playa Magueyito , a hidden beach that’s only accessible by boat, or a 30 minute (semi-strenuous) walk along the coast.

You can easily get to Playa Organo, as it’s very close to Bahía Maguey Bay. Instead of driving up to the beach itself, you’ll park on the main road, then walk about 20 minutes through the forest to the beach.

Best Oaxaca Beaches in Mazunte

Mazunte pueblo magico (magic town) is located about one hour from Huatulco, Mexico .

It is one of the beaches that make up the Riviera Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Riviera), also known as the Costa Esmerelda (Emerald Coast).

Mazunte  has relatively untouched beaches, so they are all beautiful and peaceful — and you can’t go wrong with any of them!

There are four beaches in Mazunte: Playa Mazunte , Playa Cometa , Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mermejita .

The beaches are divided by  Punta Cometa , a hillside precipice, and the southernmost point in the state of Oaxaca.

The most famous of all Mazunte beaches is Playa Mermejita, one of the  best beaches in Mexico .

13. Playa Rinconcito & Playa Mazunte

Playa Rinconcito is the most lively beach in Mazunte Mexico, where you’ll find all the restaurants , bars and tour operators.

This is a main congregating point in town, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Mazunte .

🏝️ Playa Mazunte

Playa Mazunte is located right next to   Playa Rinconcito . It’s usually less crowded because Rinconcito has all the restaurants and is better for swimming.

🐾 Traveling with a pet? These beaches are both  dog friendly .

Playa Mazunte has a hippy vibe to it, and not much in the way of services. During the high season or busy season from about November to April, some palapa cafes and restaurants open, but it’s usually just a peaceful beach.

14. Playa Mermejita

The best beach in Mazunte is Playa Mermejita , a must see Mazunte beach. There isn’t anything to do here but enjoy the beauty all around you, and take in the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

🌅 Watch the sunset at punta cometa

Punta Cometa is just a short and easy hike up from Playa Cometa and Playa Rinconcito.

You can walk up there all day, but it’s an especially popular area at sunset because you’ll get some amazing views from the clifftop. Just below Punta Cometa, you have a 180° ocean view of Playa Mermejita and the Pacific Coast.

Best Oaxaca Beaches in Zipolite

Zipolite Mexico is one of the four beaches that make up the Riviera Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Riviera). The others are Mazunte , San Agustinillo and Puerto Angel.

Despite increasing tourism, these small fishing villages have retained their old school vibes and laid back charm.

Of the four, Zipolite is the most famous (or, infamous ) as it has the only legal, public nude beach in Mexico.

Besides Zipolite, nudity is tolerated on other Mexico beaches, like Playa La Punta in Puerto Escondido, one of the topless beaches on the Oaxacan Coast. You can also go nude at Playa Mermejita in Mazunte.

15. Playa Zipolite (Mexico Nude Beach in Oaxaca)

Playa Zipolite Beach is perfect for long walks on the beach, and has some of the best sunsets on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s the ideal place for laying in a hammock, ordering a bucket of Mexican beer , and just watching the world go by. 

There are large rock formations at Playa Zipolite, ideal for exploring tide pools at low tide, or photographing the crashing waves at high tide.

After swimming, head to one of the restaurants on Playa Zipolite for some fish tacos or ceviche .

Playa Desnudo (Nude Beach)

All Zipolite beaches are nude beaches , though most visitors do remain clothed. If you do want to go nude without stares, head to the portion of the beach outside of the appropriately-named, Naked Hotel Zipolite .

16. Playa del Amor

There’s also  Playa del Amor  (Lover’s Beach), small beach cove popular with LGBTQ+ travelers. This is a lively place, both day and night, and if you’re looking for things to do in Zipolite at night, head here.

Best Oaxaca Beaches in San Agustinillo

The next Riviera Oaxaca beach is San Agustinillo Oaxaca Mexico , located just one town over from Mazunte. These two towns are said to have the best beaches in Oaxaca Mexico — and I couldn’t agree more!

17. Playa San Agustinillo

There’s really just one long stretch of beach here, called Playa San Agustinillo Beach.

Personally, I think this is the most beautiful beach on the Oaxacan coast, so I love to just walk up and down the beach, admiring the gorgeous rock formation and wild foliage.

🤔 Mazunte vs San Agustinillo: Which is better?

If you’re debating San Agustinillo vs Mazunte, opt for the San Agustinillo accommodations , but then eat at the Mazunte restaurants and hang out there for its social scene.

Since these towns are neighbors, this is the way to have the best of both worlds on the Oaxaca beaches.

While Mazunte attracts a younger, bohemian crowd, San Agustinillo’s vibe skews a bit older and also more posh. Of the lesser-visited Oaxaca Mexico beaches, this one is your best option for lux accommodations.

If you want nice accommodations, opt for one of these San Agustinillo hotels — Casa Bagus , Zoa Hotel , Casa Cometa and Casa La Ola (seen in the photo above).

You can easily just walk to Mazunte or take an inexpensive taxi ride when you want some fun bars and restaurants .

Puerto Angel: Best Beaches in Oaxaca

The final Oaxaca Riviera beach is Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. This is a small beach town west of San Agustinillo, and close to Zipolite; it makes a nice day trip from either town.

Of all beaches listed thus far, this is the least visited, which means you might have some beaches all to yourself.

While all Oaxaca beaches were just small fishing villages some years back, many now make the bulk of their income from tourism.

Nowadays, there are some nice hotels in Puerto Angel , but it’s still largely a fishing village with old school Oaxacan coastal life vibes.

BEST oaxaca BEACHES

18. playa panteon.

Puerto Angel isn’t known as the best Oaxaca surf town, however, the swimming is great — especially at Playa Panteon, the best Puerto Angel beach.

Here, you can eat fresh-caught seafood at the restaurants along the beach as the fishing boats bring it in.

19. Playa Estacahuite

For a more secluded beach in Puerto Angel, head to Playa Estacahuite (sometimes called Bahía Estacahuite). Playa Estacahuite Beach is great for swimming and snorkeling in its warm and crystal clear water.

🏡 NEED A PUERTO ANGEL HOTEL?

Hotel Pasión de Luna  is the best hotel in Puerto Angel with stunning accommodations, beautiful views and complimentary breakfast. If it’s not available, Casa Bichú Hotel Boutique is another wonderful option.

20. Playa la Boquilla

The entrance to Playa la Boquilla Beach is about two-miles (3 km) from Puerto Angel, so it’s usually the least-crowded beach in this area.

The water here is beautiful, in varying shades of green and blue, and shallow enough for just floating around in the water.

Lagunas de Chacahua: Best Beaches in Oaxaca

One of the most off the beaten path places to visit in Oaxaca is  Lagunas de Chacahua National Park , usually just called Chacahua (pronounced cha-caw-wah).

This Mexico national park in Oaxaca has gained in popularity in recent years, thanks to social media and YouTube.

Chacahua is one of those Oaxaca Mexico beaches to think, admire nature, surf and take Oaxaca surf lessons, lay in a hammock, read a book, go for a swim, watch the sunset and eat fresh seafood.

The WiFi in Chacahua Mexico is basically nonexistent, so this is the perfect place to find peace and quiet.

This island sits on the Pacific Ocean, and is popular with surfers and backpackers. The waves are medium-sized, but there are locals that offer lessons for beginner surfers, as well as board rentals.

For those who don’t surf, there’s a small crocodile zoo, a lighthouse you can climb up to and watch the sunset from and a boat tour through the mangroves.

When the sun goes down, you can take another boat tour to see the bioluminescence in Chacahua.

21. Playa Chacahua

There is really only one long stretch of beach in Chacahua, so it’s easy to find the best beach.

The surfers all congregate next to the jetty rock wall, so you can go a bit further down to get away from them, or opt to swim in the lagoon, where the water is much calmer.

🏡 NEED A CHACAHUA HOTEL?

I stayed in this beach cabana for about two weeks — the one you see in the photo above. You can’t get any closer to the beach, and it also happens to be the nicest and best Chacahua hotel.

How to get to Chacahua Oaxaca Mexico

From Puerto Escondido, you can book private transportation to Chacahua , drive your rental car or take a taxi to the town of Zapotalito, where you’ll catch the boat to Chacahua.

If you’re driving, make sure to stop at Playa Roca Blanca (White Rock Beach) on the way. Need a complete guide? Head to Puerto Escondido to Chacahua Oaxaca: The Ultimate Guide .

Best Oaxaca Beaches Map

I hope this Oaxaca map helps you better visualize where all the most popular beach destinations in Oaxaca are located!

Each of the incredible beaches of Oaxaca Mexico mentioned in this article are pinned to the map above, for your convenience.

Curious about beaches near Oaxaca Mexico?

Some of the nicest ones are in Guerrero state , one state west of Oaxaca state. Here, you’ll find Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Troncones, three of the best beach towns in Mexico .

To the east in Chiapas state , there’s Boca del Cielo, Puerto Arista and Playa Parachico. While Chiapas isn’t known for beaches, it does in fact does have some amazing virgin and hidden beaches in Mexico .

Oaxaca Beaches Travel Guide & FAQ

What’s the best time to visit oaxaca beaches.

Weather-wise, the best months to visit the beaches of Oaxaca and Oaxaca Coast are November to April during the dry season.

The rainy season in Oaxaca lasts from May to October, and the coast of Oaxaca sees a lot of rain thanks to its tropical climate.

Oaxaca Weather

🦟 Oaxaca Beaches Travel Tip s : Regardless of when you visit, you will encounter mosquitoes and other bugs on the Oaxacan Coast. Practice sustainable tourism in Mexico by using eco-friendly mosquito repellent .

WHEN IS THE OAXACA WHALE SEASON?

The best time to see whales on Oaxaca beaches is from December to March . In 2019, a 108 square mile (280 km²) area off the coast of Puerto Escondido was declared a Mexico Whale Watching Zone.

If you can, plan your Oaxaca vacation for the winter months, when the temperatures and humidity are mild, the mosquitoes are at bay, and you can see the whales.

If you’re visiting any other time of year, you can expect rain, but usually only for 1-2 hours per day in the afternoons.

Where is Oaxaca Mexico located?

Oaxaca state is in Southern Mexico, south of Mexico City and Puebla states, and between Chiapas and Guerrero .

For most, a trip to Oaxaca means visiting Oaxaca City , in the center of the state; however, the Oaxaca Mexico beaches are further south on the Pacific Ocean.

If you were wondering, Is Oaxaca by the sea? The answer is that some parts are, and some parts are not. Of course, the Oaxaca beaches are by the sea, but Oaxaca City and Northern Oaxaca are not.

What Oaxaca airport do I use?

There’s Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), and two Oaxaca beaches airports — Puerto Escondido Airport (code: PXM) and Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX) in Salina Cruz.

Get info for all three of these below, to ensure you’re using the correct Oaxaca airport.

✈️ PUERTO ESCONDIDO Airport

When traveling to Puerto Escondido, use Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM). This is also the best airport for Chacahua, and then you’ll make the Puerto Escondido to Chacahua trip over land.

Though the word “international” is in the name, this airport rarely has international flights. When it does, they’re often not direct flights from the United States.

To fly into PXM, you’d have to connect through the Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX), Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX, in Oaxaca de Juárez) or Guadalajara International Airport (code: GDL).

Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: 5 Best Transport Options ( Note: You can also use this guide for Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City travel.)

✈️ BAHIAS DE HUATULCO Airport

When traveling to Huatulco , or any of the Oaxaca Riviera cities of Mazunte, Zipolite, San Agustinillo or Puerto Angel, use Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX).

This airport has a limited number of Oaxaca flights from the U.S. and Canada; most of them in the winter during the busy season in Huatulco.

However, there are plenty of connecting flights through the Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Monterrey and Tijuana Airports.

Oaxaca to Huatulco: Your 4 Best Transportation Options ( Note: You can also use this guide for Huatulco to Oaxaca City travel.)

Is Oaxaca safe for travelers?

For the vast majority of tourists, Oaxaca is quite safe to visit. As safety is a complex topic, head to Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit Right Now? for a deep dive.

In general though, Oaxaca is among the safest states in Mexico , and the Mexican government wants to keep it this way.

Aside from big surf waves, mosquitoes , sunburns , and drinking too much Oaxaca mezcal , you’re in little danger on the beaches of Oaxaca.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, so you’ll need to take the same general travel safety measures you would anywhere. You should also register for the U.S. STEP Program , and put your mind at ease with Mexico travel insurance .

📝 Mexico Travel Insurance for Oaxaca Beaches

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Oaxaca travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance for Mexico.

• Safety Wing : Perfect for general travel coverage, and digital nomads who travel for extended periods of time.
• World Nomads : Perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling.

What do I pack for Oaxaca Beaches?

For the most part, Oaxaca beaches are hot all year-long with 85-95°F days and 75-85°F nights.

There’s some general packing info below, but for a more thorough guide, head to the Mexican packing article below and also download your FREE Mexico packing checklist below.

Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download

With Oaxaca’s sunny, hot (and humid 😥) days, definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle to stay hydrated, and eco-friendly sunscreen to avoid sunburns and practice responsible tourism in Mexico.

If you plan on drinking a lot of mezcal, don’t forget your anti-hangover meds .

As far as what to wear in Mexico , Mexicans tend to be modest dressers, so err on the side of conservative when off-beach.

Of course, you’re heading to Oaxaca beach towns, so think bathing suits, sundresses, breathable and flowy cotton outfits, a sun hat and sandals.

🧳 FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico

Wondering what to pack for Oaxaca and all of Mexico?

Head here to download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico! This multi-page Mexico packing checklist covers everything to bring, and what not to bring to Mexico .

How do you pronounce Oaxaca?

The correct Oaxaca pronunciation is  wa-ha-kah , not oh-ha-kah.

Is Oaxaca worth visiting?

Yes — Oaxaca is magical! It’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be, with lively festivals, delicious food, colorful colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.

As it takes at least two flights to get to Oaxaca, Mexico (or a flight and a bus), you might be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it. I hope this article showed you that it absolute is.

Final Thoughts: Traveling to Oaxaca Beaches

While the Oaxaca beaches aren’t as easily accessible as other Mexico beach towns , they’re some of the most beautiful. If you want more than just all inclusive resorts, Oaxaca is your place.

There are luxury hotels, like Hotel Escondido , one of the best Oaxaca resorts near Puerto Escondido, but Oaxaca beaches also provide a chance to connect with nature.

Note: For an all-inclusive Mexico trip, opt for Puerto Vallarta , Cancun , Playa del Carmen , Tulum and Cabo San Lucas .

If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, eat authentic Mexican food and some of the freshest seafood of your life, Oaxaca is it.

As it’s still off the main tourist radar, especially as far as Mexico beaches go, the golden and white sand beaches of Oaxaca are peaceful and gorgeous.

Oaxaca Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance for oaxaca.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling to Oaxaca. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Oaxaca?

Yes — Renting a car in Oaxaca is one of the best ways to see the state. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Oaxaca companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Oaxaca?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of all Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book places to stay in Oaxaca?

For Oaxaca hotels, Booking.com is the best site . If you’re considering a Oaxaca Airbnb, also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb. For the best Oaxaca hostels, use HostelWorld .

What do I pack for Oaxaca?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Oaxaca flights?

For finding cheap Oaxaca flights, I recommend booking through Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Oaxaca?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but you can check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

The vast majority of travelers will receive a a passport stamp, or 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.

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Oaxaca coast travel guide: Where to stay, where to eat, and more

Everything you need to know about visiting the oaxaca coast.

Mexico has long been a popular destination, but that popularity exploded when the pandemic made off-continent travel impossible. One rising region is the stunningly sunny Costa Chica stretch along the Oaxacan coast, where Puerto Escondido  in particular has caught the attention of tourists, surfers, and bohemian wanderers from all over the world.

The towns of the Oaxaca coast

Where to stay on the oaxaca coast, where to eat on the oaxaca coast, what to do on the oaxaca coast, how to save money on your trip to the oaxaca coast.

The coast of Oaxaca has plenty to offer. Fantastic beaches and bodacious surfing. Delicious food and welcoming culture. Enormous iguanas that fight each other on your hotel patio. It offers all of this and more. To help you find it, we’re taking a look at where to stay, where to eat, and what to do along the Oaxaqueñan coast.

We’re going to be focusing on the stretch of coast between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. For all practical purposes, you’ll almost certainly end up staying in one of or all three of these towns:

Puerto Escondido

Currently one of the most popular destinations in the world, Puerto Escondido has become something of a surf mecca. With gorgeous beaches, plenty of great markets to shop, and a pretty much ongoing party, it’s not hard to see why so many travelers are flocking to it.

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Mazunte (or Zipolite)

A little over an hour down the coast from Puerto Escondido is the pint-sized town of Mazunte and the adjacent village/beach of Zipolite. This is a much smaller bohemian area with lots of fun hostels and bars. It’s also known for its LGBT-friendly scene and its nude beaches.

At the southern tip of this stretch is Huatulco, which has long been popular among Mexican tourists and is the most developed city in the area. For a while there it seemed to primarily be a hotspot for foreign retirees, but it’s seen a more diverse range of people show up even since the pandemic pushed people to explore wherever they could.

There are a lot of great places to stay throughout this region, with Airbnbs largely being your best bet. That being said, there are plenty of hotels, resorts, bungalows, and even camping opportunities here and there.

Las Brisas Huatulco

Located on the largest hotel property in Huatulco, Las Brisas is a sprawling paradise that boasts luxurious rooms (including some massive ocean-view suites), several private beaches, restaurants, multiple pools, sea kayaks, snorkeling, and more. Carts transport you throughout the resort’s beautiful tropical scenery, and the buffet offers a wide range of tasty eats. With various stay packages — including an all-inclusive option — there’s something for everyone. The guests range from families to couples to retirees, and there is plenty to do (including just kicking back on the beach). All in all this is impressively enormous resort with an abundance of gorgeous views.

• Nearest airport: Bahias de Huatulco International Airport
• Time:  20 minutes
• Distance:  11 miles

Book on Kayak

Selina Puerto Escondido

There are plenty of hip surf hotels in Puerto Escondido, but Selina really hits on all the more desirable fronts. It’s got comfortable, well-decorated rooms, plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers, co-working space with some of the region’s most reliable internet, and — perhaps most importantly — instant proximity to great beaches and bars. And with rates starting at $29 a night, the price is right.

• Nearest airport: Puerto Escondido Airport
• Time:  10 minutes
• Distance:  3 miles

Ocean Restaurant Huatulco

If you’re staying at Las Brisas you’ll have plenty of outstanding food options. If you feel like stepping away from the all-inclusion of your all-inclusive, check out the aptly named Ocean Restaurant Huatulco, which has an awesome setting and tasty eats.

• Best for: Seafood

Browse the Menu

Sal y Pimienta

In Mazunte, drop by Sal y Pimienta, where you’ll enjoy beachside seating and a great selection of seafood. It’s also right in the heart of town, making it a great place to stop off for a meal in the middle of a day of wandering.

• Best for:  Lunch

Costa Hermosa

Puerto Escondido has boomed in popularity thanks to its beaches, but the food in the hottest tourist zones tends to be pretty so-so. Instead, head over to Costa Hermosa, which sits on the beach below the bustling Adoquin neighborhood. Hermosa offers a pleasant atmosphere, beautiful views (especially at sunset), and quality seafood. They can also hook you up with a fishing boat and crew, if that’s what you’re into.

• Best for:  Dinner

This entire stretch of the coast is essentially an outdoor paradise, and accordingly, it offers much in the way of outdoor exploration.

Hit the beaches

Perhaps the most obvious thing to do is hit the beaches. All three of the towns mentioned above have gorgeous options, but arguably the standout is La Punta beach in Puerto Escondido. Here you can surf, swim, enjoy food and booze from a string of beachside restaurants, jump in for a game of volleyball, or simply kick back and enjoy the sun.

View wildlife and release baby turtles

Opportunities to view wildlife abound all along the coast. Arguably the most popular are baby turtle releases (there are several places you can do this, and this one in Puerto Escondido is arguably the most popular), renting boats to fish and watch whales, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life (options abound, but here’s a good one ), or one of the lush and lively wildlife preserves like Huatulco National Park.

Beyond indulging in all the outdoor activities offered by this paradise, the next most common engagement involves partying. From bars to clubs to beach parties, a festive, boozy time can be had in any of the aforementioned towns, but the standout is definitely the Zicatela Beach area of Puerto Escondido. Barhop your way along its many beachside clubs and bars, where you’ll find that it’s all too easy to enjoy yourself late into the night — or even deep into the morning.

Experiences

While prices have gone up throughout the region because of its rising popularity, it’s still entirely possible to enjoy it on a budget. Simply put, the beaches are free. Swimming is free. There are many opportunities to view wildlife and explore the outdoors that are free. Basically, to enjoy the region on the cheap, stick to the beaches.

Your best bet for finding affordable accommodations is via Airbnb. There are plenty of options for under $20 a night, though you will have to be prepared to live hostel-dorm style.

Vehicle rentals

While there are a handful of car rental companies, most of them are pretty terrible. Your best option for a car is via Los Tres Reyes , where they typically have good service and sometimes offer specials for renting by the week. If you’re comfortable on two wheels, ask your hotel or Airbnb host about motorbike or scooter rentals. There are plenty of small “agencies” renting them out, but the cheapest option is to rent from a private bike owner, of which there are many.

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From Netflix and smartphone apps to food delivery services, everyone is vying for your subscription dollars these days. Most aren’t worth the expense, in our opinion. There are a few, however, that make legitimate sense — and cents — for travelers. If you're planning to travel in the upcoming year, here are the best travel memberships and subscription services that are worth the money in 2024.

TSA PreCheck Let’s start with the most obvious travel membership: TSA PreCheck. Even for U.S.-based travelers who only fly a handful of times per year, the recurring cost is worth the time and money. A five-year membership costs $78 (less than $16 annually). It’s guaranteed to save you hours at the airport because PreCheck passengers needn’t remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.

With its epic mountain landscapes, the Canadian Rockies and western coastal region offer some of the most renowned outdoor opportunities in the world, whether you’re into snow sports like skiing or snowboarding, hitting the trails on a mountain bike, or simply enjoying the magnificent scenery. The Banff and Whistler areas in particular are popular thanks to their combination of natural splendor and charming mountain hamlet vibes. With dozens of hotels to choose from, which one is right for you? Here, we’ll check out the top Whistler and Banff hotels and ski resorts for a variety of trip categories: Budget, family-friendly, and so on.

You can rely on these recommendations, as I have vetted every one of them personally. Last summer I spent three solid months crisscrossing the region, and along the way, I stayed at nearly two dozen lodges. Not all of them are worth planning your ski or snowboard vacation or any outdoor adventure around, but here are several that will provide a superior experience.

Aspen, Colorado, combines winter adventure and world-class attractions like few locations. Surrounded by four ski areas — Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands — the town offers abundant options for every skier and rider. With comfortable, charming accommodations on offer, you can kick back and relax after scoring powder turns. 

But some Aspen hotels stand out from the rest. Here are our five favorites.

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1 Week Coastal Oaxaca Itinerary to the Best Oaxaca Beaches: Travel Daydreaming

Travel Daydreaming is a virtual travel series , where I take you day-by-day through an itinerary in one of my favorite places. Today we will spend 1 week traveling to the best Oaxaca beaches, including Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Punta Pajaros . I’ll take you to my favorite restaurants, wildlife tours, cocktail bars, day trips and more. Everything is already planned out for you, so all you have to do is copy this 1 week coastal Oaxaca itinerary for your next beach vacation. Let’s go!

Note : This post has been written during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mexico is currently not open to leisure travel. When travel restrictions loosen, it will still be important to think about the communities you are visiting, where you are coming from, and how your arrival might affect the health of those in those communities. Make responsible and careful decisions with other people’s health in mind. That being said, this itinerary is for future travel inspiration and future travel planning. Bookmark this for later!

Pin it for Later! 1 Week Coastal Oaxaca Itinerary

These off-the-beaten path beaches are some of my favorites in all of Mexico and still not very well known.

Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO

If you’re coming with me, we’ll head to the colectivo van station in Oaxaca City really early. We’ll make the curvy 7 hour trip through the mountains so we can arrive in Puerto Escondido in early afternoon. Pack your dramamine, just in case.

If you’re short on time or prone to car sickness, you can always fly via small planes from Oaxaca city or regular flights from Mexico City.

Head here to read my detailed post about how to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca or CDMX .

Check in Time: 1 Week Oaxaca Itinerary on the Coast

We’re heading to Casa Umi, a dreamy boutique hotel in one of my favorite parts of Puerto Escondido, La Punta. Click here to book .

Or find other Puerto Escondido hotels or Puerto Escondido Airbnbs .

La Punta, Tacos & Sunset : Best Oaxaca Beaches Itinerary

La Punta is filled with dirt roads, chill cafes & beach bars, people wandering barefoot, and some of the best surfing on this coast.

We’ll grab some delish fish tacos at Pinches Tacos (La Punta location), do some shopping at boutiques from local designers like Ana Mexicana , and then drink a cold Victoria on the beach as the sun sets.

DAY 2 – BEACH, CEVICHE + TURTLES

It’s day 2 of our Oaxaca itinerary on the coast, and we’ll spend most of the day at one of the best Oaxaca beaches, Playa Carrizalillo – a tiny turquoise cove that you arrive to from above.

You can grab a seat on one of the lounge chairs on the sand and order a cold beer or snack. They usually just require a minimum spend in exchange for the use of the beach chairs, but check with the servers.

Local Ceviche Lunch : 1 Week Oaxaca Itinerary

Then we’ll have a late lunch at one of my fav food spots in all of Puerto Escondido, JP Bunker , a local favorite for fresh seafood and beer. Order the ceviche, sashimi, and a michelada.

This isn’t a tourist spot, but a casual sand floor local eatery next to a car wash in the center of the city. You’ll get a taste of local culture and some of the best seafood around.

Baby Turtle Release : Best Oaxaca Beaches

Next we’ll head to Playa Bacocho to take part in a baby turtle release. Vive Mar, a turtle conservation organization, allows participants to release the babies into the ocean every evening in exchange for a donation to support the project.

After, we’ll wander the picturesque beach, and grab a sunset drink and bite at Pez Gallo . This is one of the best Oaxaca beaches for its beauty and its uncrowded stretches of sand.

DAY 3 – SURFING, ART, COCKTAILS + DANCING

We’ll start off our 3rd day of the coastal Oaxaca itinerary with some surf lessons in La Punta. There are plenty of places to find an instructor or rent a board on the La Punta strip.

Casa Wabi : 1 Week Coastal Oaxaca Itinerary

After smoothies and a fresh lunch at Cafe Ole , we’ll take a dip in the pool and then grab our rental car and head to art foundation, Casa Wabi .

This beautiful space was built by renowned architect, Tadao Ando, and offers artist residencies as well as social programs for the community.

Dinner, Cocktails + Dancing

Finally we’ll head to my favorite nighttime hangout – Mar & Wana . This open air spot is a combo of a bar, food stand center (think food trucks), and club.

We’ll order a mezcal cocktail, some tacos, and then see where the night takes us.

Click through for my full Puerto Escondido travel guide .

Find Your Airbnb or Hotel at the Best Oaxaca Beaches

DAY 4 – MAZUNTE + SAN AGUSTINILLO

Today we’ll head to some small Oaxaca beach towns for an even more laidback experience during the last couple days of our 1 week Coastal Oaxaca itinerary.

Full details on how to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte and San Agustinillo .

Check In Time: 1 Week Oaxaca Itinerary on the Coast

We’re spending the rest of our 1 week coastal Oaxaca itinerary at MonteUzulu a beautifully designed boutique hotel in San Agustinillo. Click here to book .

Or find other Mazunte/San Agustinillo hotels or Mazunte/San Agustinillo Airbnbs .

San Agustinillo Beach : Best Oaxaca Beaches

We’ll spend our first day in San Agustinillo lounging on the beach, eating fresh seafood, drinking micheladas, and swimming in the Pacific.

We’ll grab some beach loungers at La Ola , a great restaurant that also happens to be right in front of this picturesque beach.

Punta Cometa Hike + Sunset: Best Oaxaca Beaches

After a lazy beach day, we’re going to watch the sunset in the most beautiful spot on the whole Oaxaca coast, Punta Cometa, a peninsula that extends out into the ocean.

It’s a short but easy hike to the point. We’ll follow the signs, explore the paths and ocean views on all sides, and then grab a spot to watch the best sunset show in town.

Authentic Pizza Dinner : 1 Week Oaxaca Itinerary on the Coast

We’re ending the night eating pizza that is so shockingly good that you’ll think you’re in Italy. This outdoor pizzeria (aptly named La Pizzeria ) is run by an Italian who knows his stuff.

D AY 5 – NATURE + WILDLIFE, SHOPPING + ZIPOLITE BEACH

On Day 5 of our coastal Oaxaca itinerary we’ll explore mangroves, see lots of wildlife, and then visit another beautiful beach in a small charming town with some great shopping and a dramatic coastline.

La Ventanilla Nature Tour

One of my favorite nature experiences on the Oaxaca coast is a boat tour through mangroves in the tiny fishing village of La Ventanilla.

This project supports reforestation of the area. During the peaceful morning ride we’ll see iguanas, tropical birds, and crocodiles while learning about the area. After, we’ll make a quick stop in a women’s coop in Mazunte that makes toiletries and cosmetics from local natural ingredients.

Zipolite Beach : Best Oaxaca Beaches

We’ll spend the rest of the day at the beautiful nearby beach, Zipolite. This tiny, charming town has some great artisan work and restaurants. The beach is famous for it’s clothing optional rules and laid back vibe. It’s also a gorgeous long stretch of sand with impressive rock formations.

After some shopping, we’ll head to Nude Hotel & Bar to lounge in beach chairs, eat ceviche, and splash in the water.

DAY 6 – TURTLES, DOLPHINS + SAYING GOODBYE

It’s our last morning of our 1 week coastal Oaxaca itinerary and we’ll fit in some more nature, a yummy breakfast, and sea turtles before we go.

Dolphin, Turtle Tour + Breakfast : 1 Week Coastal Oaxaca Itinerary

We’ll take an early morning boat tour into the ocean from San Agustinillo to view the large sea turtles that this region is famous for. We’ll also see lots of dolphins along the way, and if it’s whale season, we might see one up close!

After we’ll enjoy a fresh breakfast and juice at La Mora Posada .

Read my full travel guide to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite .

Turtle Conservation Center

Finally, we’ll head to the turtle conservation center. Mazunte used to be famous for turtle hunting, but when this was banned by the government, this center was started to protect and replenish their numbers.

We’ll see turtles of many shape and sizes and learn about the center’s research.

Time to Head Home

Come with me to catch a colectivo van back to Oaxaca city, or head to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco to catch a flight.

Full details on how to get from Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite to Oaxaca .

I hope you enjoyed our virtual trip to the beautiful Oaxaca coast!

If you’re still not sure which beach is right for you, read my complete Oaxaca beach guide , with a breakdown of each one .

Check out my other 1 week itineraries and stay tuned for more travel daydreaming virtual travel through weeklong itineraries in my favorite places. Or get my 7 itineraries for 7 day adventures around Latin America below, right to your inbox.

What to Pack for the Best Oaxaca Beaches

Pin it for later best oaxaca beaches.

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7 unique & interesting coffee shops to visit around the world - teacoffee99.

[…] there are tons of beaches, so exploring them is half the […]

Next time you trek to Zipolite you need to visit Casablanca guest house. It’s owned by a couple from Canada who have become good friends. They have 4 private rooms overlooking the ocean. We have been three times and Zipolite is our “happy place”. If you visit with Kelly and Sherri tell them Ken and Anne said hello!

Thanks for the tip! 🙂

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The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches: The Ultimate Travel Guide

An article about the best Oaxaca beaches including Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Huatulco as well as Travel Tips about how to get to Zipolite and more.

Visiting Oaxaca City (read about the Best Things to Do and See in Oaxaca City here ) and planning an escapade to Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast?

From the surfing waves of Puerto Escondido to the peaceful Bays of Huatulco, read here about the best Oaxaca beaches to visit and make the most of your Trip of Wonders to Oaxaca.

I hope you enjoy this article about the best Oaxaca beaches including the best time to visit Oaxaca beaches and how to move from one town to the next one.

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #01: Punta Zicatela

Punta Zicatela is the main beach of Puerto Escondido and the favorite spot for surfers who want to conquer the waves of Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast.

Most Hostels and Hotels in Puerto Escondido are in Zicatela Beach although the airport and bus station are both closer to the City Center a short taxi drive away.

Be warned that the waves are very strong so this beach is not recommended for swimmers. Best to just sip a cocktail and watch the sunset of wonders.

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #02: Carrizalillo Beach

Carrizalillo Beach is located just a few minutes West of Puerto Escondido and is the best beach for learning how to surf.

The shore is extremely calm so this is also the perfect beach for swimming you can find in all of Puerto Escondido. If you don’t have a surfboard, you can rent one here by the hour.

The views you get as you go down the staircase to reach this wonderful beach are amazing and you can enjoy them even more from the Espadin Restaurant located above a picturesque cliff.

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #03: Bacocho Beach

Sea turtles are an endangered species that can be found in Mexico and luckily there are many NGOs aimed at the conservation of sea turtles.

If you want to make a donation and experience the release of sea turtles into the ocean, you need to make your way to Bacocho Beach near Puerto Escondido.

In exchange for a small donation, you will be given the privilege to help a baby sea turtle make its way into the ocean. Isn’t that just wonderful?

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #04: Punta Cometa

Punta Cometa is located right next to Mazunte, a magical town one hour east of Puerto Escondido, and is one of the most magical places on Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast.

Whether you prefer sunrises or sunsets, Punta Cometa has you covered. The hiking trail to get to the tip of the cliff is a very easy 15-minute hike after which you can descend to one of the best Oaxaca beaches.

Just be sure to bring a lot of water to drink and comfortable shoes for the hiking trail to avoid tripping or becoming dehydrated.

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #05: Mazunte Beach

Mazunte is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) and it is highly recommended for you to stay at least a couple of days here.

Much like Sayulita further West, Mazunte is a very bohemian little town where you can get away from the hustle of the city to enjoy a more welcoming vibe.

Thanks to its strategic location to Zipolite Beach (only 15 minutes drive away), many travelers prefer to use Mazunte as their hub to explore the nearby Oaxaca beaches. And I don’t blame them, Mazunte is just beyond magical!

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #06: Zipolite Nudist Beach

Zipolite is one of the very few nudist beaches that still exist in Mexico and one of the most visited Oaxaca beaches to the point where it became even more expensive than Puerto Escondido itself.

Do note that even though the beach itself is clothing optional, it is not mandatory for you to be completely naked. Also, all restaurants and bars are nudists as well so it’s advised to bring a towel with you at all times to avoid sitting on an extremely sweaty chair.

Note: Be sure to avoid bringing your camera to the beach. It’s important to respect other people’s privacy. Even if you only want to take selfies you never know who might appear in the background of your pic.

The 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches #07: The Bays of Huatulco

Last but not least we have The Bays of Huatulco, the Easternmost of the Oaxaca beaches. The Bays of Huatulco consists of 9 bays and small coves, each with its very unique underwater habitat.

And, unless you are a scuba diver, the Bays of Huatulco will be the most approachable way for you to see the underwater life of Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast since it’s so easy to snorkel in all of them.

The best way to explore the Bays of Huatulco is by booking a shared boat tour at your hotel/hostel, the one my friends and I took was 20 USD per person and took us to all 9 bays. Be sure to bring your own snorkel mask!

When is the Best Time to Visit the Best Oaxaca Beaches

Contrary to popular belief, Mexico isn’t always sun and rainbows. In fact, there is a relatively long rainy season from May until September. On the other hand, from October to April the weather is extremely dry.

Be sure to plan accordingly your visit to the Best Oaxaca Beaches to avoid having to spend your entire day locked inside your room while a heavy storm rages outside. You can check Oaxaca’s monthly weather here .

That being said, Oaxaca’s rainy season has the advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds thus some people prefer to travel during the low season.

Not to mention that the climate of the coast isn’t shared with that of Oaxaca City or San Jose de Pacifico so even at the peak of the rainy season you can still find sunlight somewhere in Oaxaca.

Personally, I find October to be the best month to visit Oaxaca beaches since it’s no longer rainy but at the same time, the vegetation is all green and vibrant from September’s rains.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is easily reachable by flight (multiple daily departures to all major Mexican cities) or by mini-van from Oaxaca City.

Do bear in mind that the trip from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido takes close to 7 hours on a very curvy road.

I personally recommend breaking the journey into two and visiting San Jose del Pacifico as well, a charming mountain town located right between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido.

How to Get to Mazunte

Mazunte is roughly one hour away from Puerto Escondido and the best way to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte is by a combination of bus + mini-van.

First, go to the Chedraui Supermarket in Puerto Escondido to catch a bus headed East and ask the driver to drop you on the main highway outside Mazunte. The price is about 5 USD one-way.

Once you are there (50 to 60 minutes later), grab a minivan headed towards Mazunte (15 minutes or so). Prices aren’t fixed for the minivan (expect to pay between 1 to 5 USD depending on your haggling skills ) and sometimes it’s actually cheaper to grab a taxi if you’re in a big group (10 USD one way).

How to Get to Zipolite

From Mazunte, Zipolite is just a short 15-minute drive. Shuttles travel between Mazunte and Zipolite very frequently and cost only 1 to 2 USD per trip.

You can catch one of the shuttles at Mazunte’s main street. If you’re traveling late at night and shuttles aren’t running anymore, you can negotiate for a taxi ride. It shouldn’t cost you more than 10 USD one way.

Don’t forget to visit San Agustinillo Beach as well, one of the best off-the-beaten-path Oaxaca beaches.

How to Get to Huatulco

Contrary to what people might think, there isn’t a single town called “Bahias de Huatulco” and in fact, Santa Maria de Huatulco, the biggest town to have the Huatulco name, is very far removed from the Ocean.

What you want to do is stay in La Crucecita, the formal name of the town closest to the Bays of Huatulco. La Crucecita is located 20 minutes away from the Bahias de Huatulco airport.

If you are coming from Mazunte or Zipolite, the best way to reach Huatulco (about 60 minutes away) is to get a mini-van to Pochutla, and from there either a bus or shuttle to Huatulco. From Puerto Escondido, there are direct buses to Huatulco (3 hours).

I hope you have enjoyed this article about the 7 Best Oaxaca Beaches, Mexico. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail!

Have you ever visited Oaxaca Beaches? Would you like to? What was your favorite Oaxaca Beach? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!

Until next time, my friends!

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Oaxaca Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

From the moment I arrived, I knew Oaxaca was a special place. The city’s energy and mine just synched. We were a pair. My eyes constantly shifted to every shade of color, every movement, as if I had an insatiable hunger to take in everything.

That love has only grown deeper with each subsequent visit (and there have been many).

Oaxaca is a city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and picturesque parks. It’s also one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and a hub for making mezcal in the country.

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico , Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. Today, Oaxaca is a center for heritage tourism, owing to the many historical attractions (including Monte Albán, a UNESCO Heritage Site; and Mitla, a Zapotec archeological site) in the city and surrounding area.

With mouth-watering food, the best mezcal in the world, and tons of history, it’s no surprise I fell in love with Oaxaca. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it. All the hype you hear about it is true.

This travel guide to Oaxaca will help you see all the sites, save money, and fall in love with it too.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oaxaca

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oaxaca

1. Wander the historic downtown

The entire downtown of Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. There are over 1,200 historic buildings here, most of which are hundreds of years old. Historical downtown Oaxaca is the perfect place to explore iconic landmarks like the Zocalo courtyard (the courtyard in front of the National Palace), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Santa Domingo Cultural Center. Spend some time wandering to take in their vibrant colors and historic architecture, and stop in for a Mezcal cocktail at any of the lively downtown bars.

2. Explore Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This covered market is home to all kinds of delicious street food as well as fresh, local produce. Construction on the market began in 1862 but wasn’t finalized until 1882, and was later named after the start date of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. It has remained one of Oaxaca’s culinary and cultural hubs for over a hundred years. Be sure to try some of the amazing grilled meats as they are a local favorite! Definitely eat here at least once. It’s open daily from 7am-9pm.

3. See Monte Albán

This pre-Columbian archeological site is located just 15 minutes outside the city. Founded in the 6th century BCE, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ancient Zapotec pyramids, terraces, and canals that span several miles. Admission is 70 MXN while full-day tours (that include other stops) are 724 MXN.

4. Explore Mitla

This pre-Columbian UNESCO site was built in 850 CE and was mostly destroyed by the Spanish when they arrived in the mid-16th century. However, some buildings were left intact, which you can get up close and explore (some of which date as far back as 400 CE). Mitla was one of the main religious and spiritual hubs for the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec people, and was used as a sacred burial site. Admission is 75 MXN while skip-the-line tickets are 160 MXN.

5. Try a street-stall hamberguesa

Other things to see and do in oaxaca, 1. learn about mezcal.

I love mezcal (which is one of the reasons why I love Oaxaca). This is the birthplace of mezcal, a spirit distilled from agave. Unlike tequila, which is also made from agave, when making mezcal, the heart of the plant is cooked in a pit in the ground before it is crushed. Then water is added, and it’s allowed to ferment. Since the plant is cooked, mezcal has a much smokier flavor than tequila.

If you want to learn more about this popular (and delicious) spirit, Rambling Spirits runs the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca. Go with them if you want to learn more. Their guides have incredible knowledge and can take you to places the bigger tours can’t. I learned a ton on this tour and highly recommend it! Most tours leave after lunch so it’s a perfect way to spend the remainder of your day.

2. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I visit a new city is take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights, get introduced to the city and culture, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers free daily tours that show you the hidden gems of the city and what life is like for the locals who live here. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

3. See the Templo de Santo Domingo

This Baroque Roman Catholic church was started in 1572, though it wasn’t completed until 1731. It was originally used as a Dominican church and monastery. During Mexico’s revolutionary war (1910-1920), the church was annexed and used as a barracks and military building. It was transformed into a museum in the 1970s and is now home to all kinds of religious and pre-Columbian artifacts. The interior is incredibly ornate, with intricate carvings on the walls. Admission is free. Be sure to dress respectfully.

4. Wander the Botanical Garden

These gardens span over two acres and are located near the Church of Santo Domingo. The gardens feature different plants from across the state (Oaxaca is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country). In addition to the flowers, trees, and cacti that dot the garden, there are also sculptures and works of art too. Self-guided tours are not allowed so you’ll need to go with a guide. One-hour tours are offered Monday through Saturday. There is only one English tour available per day, however. Admission (including the tour) is 50 MXN for Spanish tours and 100 MXN for tours in English.

5. Visit Puerto Escondido

Located on the Pacific Coast 6 hours away by car, Puerto Escondido is famous for its stunning beaches and rambunctious nightlife. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Oaxaca, head here to lounge away the days and party all night. Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito are the best beaches for swimming and lounging while Playa Zicatela is great for surfing. Avoid staying in the middle of Zicatela as it’s boring. If you’re backpacking, stay at the very south where all the hostels are. It’s a lively area.

6. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, one of the best ways to get a sense of the local food scene is to take a guided food tour. I highly recommend doing one here since Oaxaca is such a center for gastronomy. Oaxaca has some of the most diverse selections of dishes in Mexico. Oaxaca Eats runs several tours, most of which last around 4 hours. You’ll get to sample 20+ dishes. Tour prices vary but expect to spend 2,000 MXN.

7. Wander the Sunday market

Mercado Tlacolula is one of the most popular markets in the region. It’s essentially been in operation for centuries and is a good place to buy local crafts, produce, food, and everything in between. It’s located 45-minutes outside the city so you’ll need to drive there or take the bus, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. There are thousands of people here and tons of amazing food to try. Don’t miss barbacoa (stewed meat) and chicharrón (fried pork rinds).

8. Try a cooking class

If you want to learn how to make some of the amazing dishes you’ve eaten here, take a cooking class . Most classes take you to the market so you can buy fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Classes last around 5 hours and are hands-on and fully immersive. Usually, you’ll make one appetizer, some salsa, a main mole dish (mole is a specific sauce and one of the region’s specialties), and a dessert. Expect to spend around 1,900 MXN for a class.

9. Go hiking in Sierra Norte

Sierra Norte offers visitors over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of hiking trails spanning over 40 different trails. Located just two hours by car from Oaxaca, you’ll also see a handful of Zapotec villages (Pueblos Mancomunados) along the way that offer village-to-village treks and homestays. At Sierra Nore, keep in mind that trails are not well-marked so you’ll need to hire a guide (going solo is possible but not recommended). Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can point out wildlife (there are pumas, bobcats, armadillos, and more here), identify plants, and ensure you don’t get lost (plus, hiring a guide helps support the local economy). Multi-day tours (which trek from village to village) cost around 3,600 MXN per person for a 3-day tour.

10. Experience a Temazcal

Temazcal (meaning “house of heat”) is a traditional Zapotec sweat lodge. You’ll sit in a small domed hut that becomes increasingly warmer. You’ll rub everything from clay to fresh fruit juices and peels on your skin as you heat up, cooling down by dunking yourself in cold water. It’s a very meditative, spiritual experience with numerous health benefits. Visits usually last an hour and cost around 600 MXN.

11. Celebrate Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) is one of the biggest celebrations/festivals in all of Mexico. It occurs between October 31st and November 2nd and is a time meant for remembering loved ones who have passed. Locals paint their faces, visit cemeteries, and give offerings. There are all kinds of celebrations and parades too. Oaxaca hosts one of the biggest festivals in all of Mexico. It’s one of the best (and busiest) times to visit Oaxaca. Be sure to book your accommodation early as hotels and hostels sell out months in advance. If you want a local guide during the Day of the Dead , expect to pay around 1,250 MXN.

  If you’re visiting other cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancun Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide

Oaxaca Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in dorm costs between 250-450 MXN per night regardless of how big the dorm is. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Most have self-catering facilities too. Private rooms cost 600-1,500 MXN per night.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity can be found outside the city for around 200 MXN per night. The campgrounds are 20 minutes outside the city by car.

Budget hotels – Budget two-star hotels with ensuite bathrooms start at 700 MXN per night. These include basic amenities like TV, AC, and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is also available here, with private rooms starting at 200 MXN per night (though they average closer to 950 MXN). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 400 MXN (but average double or even triple that price). Be sure to book early for the best deals.

Food – Oaxaca is a gastronomical hub in Mexico and is known for unique dishes such as tlayudas (a tortilla filled with beans, lettuce, cheese, and your protein of choice, grilled to be crispy on the outside), memelas, and mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, sometimes including chocolate, and served with rice and tortillas).

Street stalls and markets are your best choice for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadillas, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Oaxaca, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

Be sure to hit the markets here too. At the Mercado Sanchez Pascua, there is a tamale lady in the back who has some of the most delicious tamales in Oaxaca (try the salsa verde!). She is so popular that she’s often sold out by 10am. In the most famous market, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, there is a section full of BBQ stalls where you can order a plate full of meat and some veggies on the side, cooked right in front of you. Don’t miss out.

Surprisingly, there are not as many taco stands around the city center but if you make your way up to the ADO bus station and look across the street, there is a long line of taco stalls set up. Most of them have the exact same fare — tacos al pastor, for 10 MXN each. At the far end, you will see one with pots full of bubbling stews of meat — tacos casuales — and they go for 15 MXN each.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 80-200 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. For comparison, a combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 110 MXN.

A national beer is around 30 MXN while a latte/cappuccino is 45 MXN. Bottled water is 10 MXN. A glass of mezcal will cost between 80-240 MXN depending on what kind you get.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one) to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 500-575 MXN per week for basic staples like rice, beans, veggies, and some meat.

Some of my favorite restaurants are Boulenc, Los Danzantes, La Mezcaloteca, Tlayudas El Negro, Cactus Loncheria, Lechoncito de Oro, Santo Sabor Restaurante, Tastavins, Casa Taviche, Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante, and Praga Coffee Bar.

Backpacking Oaxaca Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Oaxaca, expect to spend 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few cheap attractions, such as a visit to Monte Albán and a free walking tour. If you plan on eating out more or drinking lots of mezcal, add another 60-150 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 MXN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like cooking classes or museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,400 MXN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, have plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided food or mezcal tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Like the rest of Mexico, Oaxaca is super affordable. However, with so many tempting eateries and mezcalerias, it’s easy to go overboard and spend too much (that’s what happened to me and my entire group of friends). Lucky, there’s plenty of ways to cut your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Oaxaca:

• Shop at the markets for food – Oaxaca’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Binge on fresh fruit, tacos, and grilled meat — it’s all super cheap!
• Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the city — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats. Most meals won’t be more than 30 MXN.
• Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers daily tours that give you a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals and find free accommodation. If you send your request in advance, you can likely find a host who can share their insider tips and knowledge with you.
• Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
• Skip the taxis – Oaxaca is easy to explore on foot and the bus goes pretty much everywhere you need it. Skip the taxis!
• Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has plenty of affordable hostels. Here are some suggested places to stay if you’re on a budget:

• Hostel Central
• El Cielo Oaxaca
• Iguana Hostel Oaxaca
• Azul Cielo Oaxaca

How to Get Around Oaxaca

On foot – Oaxaca is super pedestrian-friendly. Unless you’re heading out to the nearby ruins, you can just walk everywhere in the downtown area.

Bus – Collectivos (shared taxis that drive set routes) are available around the city and usually cost around 15 MXN.

Taxi – Taxis start at 55 MXN and go up by region traveled. For example, anywhere in the historic center costs 55 MXN, even if you only travel 1 block or 10. If you want to go to the neighboring region of La Reforma from the historic center, it costs 70 MXN, and so on. A taxi to the airport should be about 150-200 MXN, depending on which region you’re staying in (and what time of day/night it is, with nighttime being a bit higher). While affordable, they add up quickly so skip the taxis if you can.

Though Uber is not in Oaxaca, you can use a similar app called Didi. International credit cards don’t seem to work with the app, so make sure you have close to the right amount of change as the suggested fare cost (taxi drivers don’t usually have a lot of change). Rides with this app exclusively use taxis.

Bicycle – Bike rentals can be found for around 100 MXN for a half-day rental. For a guided mountain bike trip, expect to spend around 1,300 MXN for a half-day excursion.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 650 MXN per day. Unless you’re going to do some day trips (or multi-day trips) outside the city (such as a trip to Puerto Escondido) then you likely don’t need a car. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years.

Some companies require renters to be over 25. Deposits on car rentals can also be quite steep, with some companies asking for $1,000 USD as a deposit

When to Go to Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s elevation offers a relatively pleasant climate year-round. The most popular time to visit is December-January when many Canadian and American tourists flock south to avoid the winter. This is when the city is busiest and prices are highest. Daily highs are comfortable and not too hot, hovering around 25°C (77°F).

Expect crowds around the Day of the Dead (late October/early November). If you’re visiting then, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

The summer sees more rain, though the weather is still warm and sunny. Expect daily averages around 26°C (79°F).

How to Stay Safe in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is generally one of the safest cities in Mexico. You don’t find the kind of drug or tourist-related violence and thefts you find elsewhere. That being said, it is still always best to practice personal safety and never stop being aware of your surroundings.

Be sure to take a taxi home after a night out just to be safe. Also, don’t carry all your valuables with you everywhere you go (unless it’s to or from the airport). Leave your passport at your accommodation and only take enough money with you for what you feel you need to do.

When possible, it’s always best to walk with a friend or a small group. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and waving around lots of money or high-end electronics (both during the day and at night). There’s been a rise in late-night petty theft since COVID so it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are coming around major festivals.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, even walking alone. However, the standard precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs about the city.

If you rent a vehicle, never leave any valuables in it overnight.

If an emergency occurs, dial 911. If that doesn’t work (since 911 isn’t available everywhere), dial 066. Overall, dangerous crimes against tourists are very uncommon here. The people who do tend to be involved in incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid all of that and you’ll greatly reduce your risks here. I never feel unsafe here and neither do my friends that live here, even the women.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Oaxaca Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

Is Tulum Safe?

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This Mexico Hot Spot Was Just Named the Best City in the World by T+L Readers — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Oaxaca is the No. 1 city in the world, according to T+L readers. Here is a rundown of the best things to do.

The Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best times to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Boasting an endless supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca de Juárez is undoubtedly one of the ultimate food and drink destinations on the planet. So, it's perhaps no surprise that in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards , it was named the best city in the world . (The city is commonly referred to as Oaxaca, but shouldn't be confused with the eponymous state it's a part of.)

This dynamic city in southwestern Mexico is home to vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and some of the country's most iconic architecture. "The most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of this pre-Colombian culture in all aspects of contemporary life — the mingling and mixing of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican influences are unique and unforgettable," said Zachary Rabinor , a member of T+L's A-List of travel advisors and the CEO of Journey Mexico .

You could spend several weeks here and not even scratch the surface — if you weren't planning correctly, that is. "Oaxaca is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains," Rabinor said. "It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site City Center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles."

To that end, we've compiled a list of the best things to do, see, and sip while exploring this exciting part of the world.

Oaxaca features all manner of lodging, ranging from unassuming bed-and-breakfasts to historic converted convents, all the way up to the most opulent and palatial of modern luxury. You'll find a little bit of each in this city.

Hotel Casa Santo Origen

If you're not afraid to spend a few hundred per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Hotel Casa Santo Origen . Just 15 minutes from the city center, each of the eight suites in this small hotel is named after a unique region of the state of Oaxaca, and decorated with local art.

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Trip Advisor

Quinta Real Oaxaca

If you want something more old-fashioned, check in at Quinta Real Oaxaca — a 16th-century nunnery retaining a thorough throwback charm without sacrificing modern amenities. The property boasts views of courtyards and the streets of Oaxaca and even has an idyllic garden pool.

Casa Silencio

If you'd prefer to stay in the heart of mezcal country, you'll want to book your stay at the stunning Casa Silencio , which is about an hour outside of Oaxaca. This upscale shrine to agave features multilevel guest rooms, a spa, and Michelin-caliber cuisine and mixology. And, oh yes, a working distillery pumping out the native liquid.

Downtown Oaxaca

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor said taking a day to leisurely explore the city center and downtown is the way to go. "Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try  pan de yema con chocolate ," Rabinor said. "Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it's not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community."

Hierve el Agua

When it's time for sightseeing beyond the city, one of the top natural wonders to explore is Hierve el Agua . These calcareous rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. Established hiking paths bring you right up to the cascade's edge. If you're looking to take a dip in the human-made pools, aim to get there early to avoid crowds.

Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Monte Albán

Perched atop a 1,300-foot tall plateau, Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a well-preserved terraced pyramid and other pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Much of what you'll explore here was built by the Zapotecs, an Indigenous people who are thought to have settled in the region as early as 800 B.C.E. It is the second-largest ceremonial site in all of Central America. "Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region," Rabinor told T+L.

Mezcal Experiences

Mezcal is a distilled agave spirit traditional to the Oaxacan region. It has been made here for centuries using techniques that have largely resisted the prying hands of modern machination. Whether you drink or don't, a mezcal experience is an enriching experience. Rabinor noted that it supports local communities that rely on the industry, helps people "understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and lets travelers 'learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'" Running down the many palenques — farm distilleries — where it is made and the enchanting sipping parlors where it is served would require an entirely separate article. ( In fact, this is a good one right here. ) But assuming you're starting your liquid journey in the city of Oaxaca, these are four tasting opportunities you should not skip over: Mezcalería In Situ for a broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education; El Distilado to enjoy how mezcal pairs with the local cuisine; and Selva Oaxaca to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails. For a sip with a view, take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro , a hip watering hole founded by native agave impresario, Asis Cortes — the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe .

Oaxacan Beaches

The state of Oaxaca is home to over 300 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to explore on a weekend getaway. Puerto Escondido , for example, is amassing a lot of tourist attention from beachgoers these days. (A flight from OAX to Puerto Escondido — PXM — is about 45 minutes.)

There's also Mazunte, with its cerulean surf crashing into the jagged shore. (Check out the Mexican Turtle Center in town, dedicated to the preservation of everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile.) And if you want to speed things up a bit, head several miles east along the coast to the town of Zipolite . There are powerful waves pummeling this sand, popular with surfers. Though others opt to simply lay and tan, enjoying the sunset over surrounding cliffs. Or you can snorkel the protected coral reefs of neighboring Huatulco National Park.

Oaxaca is filled with small boutiques with handmade goods for every budget. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a market with goods like sandals, bags, homeware, and more.

Rabinor recommended not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlan del Valle. "[This is] where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles," he said.

For food, consider stopping by Mercado de Abastos. You can book a tour of the market through the area's most popular guide: Omar Alonso . "This is where locals go to buy everything," Alonso told T+L. "During holidays, it's particularly packed as we gather the ingredients we'll need to offer to our guests that come during the festivities." And for mezcal, visit Mezcaleria Cuish for both a drink and some bottles to-go.

You'll want to savor the world-class cuisine offered throughout Oaxaca and you'll have no trouble finding it when you're strolling the streets.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

The hub's bustling market scene is a great place to absorb a bit of everything. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire aisle of roasted proteins: "El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas." Here, you can order trays of meat that get cooked fresh in front of you. For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, explore Mercado Organico La Cosecha .

Cesar Rodriguez/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Restaurante Casa Oaxaca

If you're craving more of a sit-down experience, make a reservation at Casa Oaxaca's restaurant from chef Alejandro Ruiz. Absolutely order the tableside guacamole and explore Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro , and coloradito .

One of the top-rated restaurants in the city is Origen , helmed by 2016  Top Chef  winner Rodolfo Castellanos. Pro tip: try the grilled octopus and chicharrones.

El Lechoncito de Oro

Be sure to save room for El Lechoncito de Oro , which is open nightly from 8 p.m. until … whenever. This unassuming tented stall is an after-hours institution. They specialize in mouth-watering seared pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Bar La Giralda

"Every time I'm [in Oaxaca], I must stop into Bar La Giralda for my favorite michelada on the planet," author Javier Cabral, who co-wrote "Oaxaca: Home Cooking From The Heart Of Mexico," told T+L . "They use pasilla chiles in the base. The more you drink, the more  botanas  [snacks] arrive."

Read More : Where to Eat and Drink in Oaxaca, According to People Who Are Obsessed With Eating and Drinking in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a big state — a little larger than the state of Indiana — occupying several tropical and subtropical climates. The temperature can vary wildly depending on where you're visiting and when. "The best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your preferences for weather, cultural events, and crowd levels," Rabinor said.

The good news is that it's almost always pleasantly warm and abundantly sunny. The one exception is the rainy season, which extends from May into September. Rabinor said that while the rainy season "brings occasional showers and higher humidity" it also "offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

July is a popular month, according to Rabinor, that can be crowded since it overlaps with the cultural festival of Guelaguetza , also called the Lunes del Cerro or "Mondays on the Hill."

Gabriel Perez/Getty Images

Early November is also a perennially popular time to visit. The weather is dependably inviting, as it's the start of the dry season, which extends through April. You'll also experience Día de los Muertos celebrations, bringing mirth, marigold, and mesmerizing pageantry into the streets of cities and villages throughout the country. Even if you miss these particular festivities, arrive sometime between fall and spring break, and you'll leave with little to no regrets.

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Mexico for Good Weather and Affordable Prices

Oaxaca is most easily reached through Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) — a smaller-sized airport. Direct service from the United States arrives by way of Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. One way to snag a bargain fare is to fly into Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX), and then take a domestic carrier to OAX.

Oaxaca is a walkable city so you don't need to rent a car. While a vehicle is helpful when visiting sites outside of the city, like Hierve el Agua, you can opt for a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Should you want transportation from point A to point B within the downtown, cabs are readily available. To get to and from the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car.

The Ultimate Travel Guide For Mazunte, Zipolite, and the Oaxacan Coast

• Last Updated On: September 20, 2022

The Oaxacan coast is one of Mexico’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations for travelers looking for some sun and sand. Unlike popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Cabo, the tourism infrastructure in this part of Mexico is far less developed which could be a deterrant for some but a huge draw for others.

The Oaxacan coast is characterized by two very developed cities in Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco. These cities are super developed with resorts, malls, and all the things most vacationers are familiar with. They are also home to the two main airports in the region with regular flights from Mexico City. In between these two cities are where the real magic happens. There are numerous very quaint and charming beachside towns along the coast popular with backpackers, surfers, and people that want to get away from the crowds.

For the purpose of this blog post, I will mostly focus on Mazunte and Zipolite, which were my favorite towns in the region. We came here after our amazing stay in Oaxaca City.

How To Get To Mazunte

For most people, getting here will involve either flying into Puerto Escondido/Huatulco, or taking land based transfer from Oaxaca City.

From Puerto Escondido

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Puerto Escondido is like Mazunte’s more popular older brother but word is beginning to spread that Mazunte is the place to be. This is especially true for people who aren’t entirely into the touristy party scene of Puerto Escondido. Buses (vans) can take you from Puerto to Mazunte for pretty cheap but if you are looking for even cheaper, you can take local  camionetas  and work your way towards the coast.

If you want a quicker, more direct route, a taxi can get you from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte (and vice versa) for 600 pesos. You can haggle it down to 550 pesos if you are persistent but you likely won’t be able to go any lower than that. The ride takes about an hour and might be the ideal option if you can split the cost with other travelers.

From Oaxaca/San Jose del Pacifico/Pochutla

From Oaxaca City, you can take a scenic small flight to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco, and then take a taxi or collectivo to Mazunte. Alternatively, you can take a bus or shuttle van from Oaxaca City to Huatulco or Puerto Escondido, and then do the same thing. The airplane transfers are done through TAR airlines and Aerotucan. I’ve seen prices for as low as 1300 pesos and as high as 2700. The total journey time is only 40 minutes and you will witness some spectacular scenery flying over the mountains.

The land based transfer from Oaxaca to the coast is very windy. The road goes through the mountains and you are making wide turns for the greater part of 4 hours. The entire journey is 7 hours.

We took the local shuttle van (not the big ADO bus) from Oaxaca and got dropped off at the Huatulco Airport. We paid 300 pesos for this one way transfer. We rented a car from Alamo at the airport and used that to explore the area for the next few days.

Where to stay in the area

We actually stayed in Zipolite, a neighboring town about 20 minutes from Mazunte. We found a cool eco lodge called Hotel Noga that was on the beach and looked charming. However, you will have zero problems finding an accommodation in the area.

There are so many guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs, and resorts that no matter what your budget and desires, there is something for you. Unlike the Yucatan or Cabo, this area attracts backpackers and local tourists so prices here are catered as such. You won’t find any huge all-inclusive chain resorts here which I’m a huge fan of.

A great Airbnb with views can be had here for $50 a night and even the fanciest hotels here can be had for $250 a night.

Nude Beach at Zipolite

We hadn’t done much research before booking our accommodations. It turns out that Zipolite is Mexico’s only nude beach! We had absolutely no idea until we checked into our hotel, walked on to the beach, and was greeted by swarms of people in their birthday suits. Okay, it is not  that  bad, but having never been to a nude beach before, it was a shock nonetheless. We would be having breakfast on the beach and we could see people having their morning strolls naked!

By the end of the trip however, we said what the hell and decided to join in. We got into the ocean in the nude, enjoyed some waves, and promptly put our clothes back on. Officially certified nudists!

Things to do in Mazunte, Oaxaca

Part of the beauty of Mazunte Oaxaca is that you’re not overrun with things to do. It’s more of a “horizontal” town, so definitely don’t come here if you’re looking to party and go wild. Just to give you an idea, you could probably walk around the whole place in little more than half an hour. The WiFi is notoriously patchy at best, there are very few street lamps so when it gets dark it’s pitch black, and opening times are more of a general guide than a reliable guarantee.

All of this makes Mazunte Oaxaca the perfect place to totally unplug and properly chill out, but there are some things you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Head to Punta Cometa Mazunte for Sunset

Punta Cometa is probably Mazunte’s most famous landmark. This mini peninsula extends out into the Pacific Ocean and is the southernmost point of Oaxaca State. It provides unrivaled and uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.

Punta Cometa is hands down the best vantage point in Mazunte, and each evening people make the pilgrimage out to witness the spectacular sunset. Golds, purples, oranges and yellows flood the sky as the sun makes its remarkably rapid descent below the shoreline.

Getting to the end of Punta Cometa is a 15 to 20 minute hike along a rocky, and in parts steep trail. Make sure you time it right to allow for how long it takes to walk there as we saw a number of people arriving after the sun had already set.

The trail is well marked out so you can’t get lost. But remember to bring a torch or have a charged phone with a bright light on it for the walk back as, unsurprisingly, it’s dark. Punta Cometa is also a great place to watch the sunrise in Mazunte which is equally as spectacular.

Drinks at El Copal Mazunte for Sunset

El Copal Mazunte is one of the more well known restaurants and hotels in the town, and that’s largely down to the spectacular views it has out over Mermejita Beach. It’s located a little way up into the hills and is a bit out of town, but it’s definitely worth the walk.

To find it, head towards Mermejita Beach and take the last road to the left before you arrive. It’s signposted from there and you may even be met by a security guard or member of staff who will guide you up to the restaurant.

Hit the Stunning Mazunte Beaches

All along the Oaxaca coastline you’ll find arresting beaches. Each has their own charm, and Mazunte has a couple of the finest along this stretch. Overlooked by green mountains, and facing towards craggy outcrops of rocks that pepper the rough Pacific Ocean, they’re covered in soft golden sand.

At the far end of Mazunte Beach is a smaller, even quieter alcove. Here you’ll find fishing and tour boats and a few restaurants and places to stay set back slightly from the beach.

The other main stretch of sand is Mermejita Beach. A more secluded, undeveloped part of the coast, it’s as pretty as it is peaceful. Don’t expect bars or shops nearby. Come here prepared with everything you need otherwise you’ll face a steep walk back into town for supplies. This was actually my favorite spot in the area. We came here twice because there was just no one here. The hanging swing beds provided by El Copal are also amazing here. You don’t even need to stay at El Copal to use them!

A word of caution, take care when you’re swimming in the sea in Mazunte Oaxaca. The waves are huge and the current is strong. There are lifeguards on at peak times of year, but take care at all times and don’t go out of your depth.

Nearby Oaxaca Beaches and How to Get to Them

How to get beyond mazunte beach.

Mazunte is just one of a whole string of magnificent beach towns along this part of the Oaxaca coastline, many of which are easily reached. The best way to get from town to town is by a bus type vehicle called a pasajero.

They’re basically pickup trucks with a large tent on the back that do endless loops along the Oaxaca coast, transporting mainly Mexican locals. But they’re far cheaper than taxis and are also a fun way to get around.

There’s no need to wait at a bus stop, just head to the main road and wait for something that looks like a pasajero. You can hail them down from anywhere and they’re quite frequent, going at around every 15 minutes (but remember this is Mazunte time).

Journeys cost between around $7-15MXN (£0.30-£0.60GBP, $0.40-$0.80USD) and depending on how many people they pick up and drop off take virtually the same as a taxi to get from place to place.

Beaches and Towns to Visit Nearby Mazunte Oaxaca

Zipolite  – Famous for being home to Mexico’s only nudist beach, it’s also got a great reputation as a surfer’s haven thanks to the big waves. Another hippie stronghold with a chilled out atmosphere.

San Agustinillo  – Based around one main road and a long, wide stretch of beach with cabanas and bars built onto it. Many people stay here rather than Mazunte which is just a 5 minute pasajero trip or twenty minute walk away. You’ll find some nice restaurants and cafes to make it worth the short trip from Mazunte Oaxaca.

Puerto Angel  – Probably the least touristy town along this stretch, it’s a sleepy fishing village with a couple of beaches and some stunning scenery but not much else. Come here for a complete escape and some great, rustic seafood restaurants.

Where to eat?

Being on the Pacific coast, there is no shortage of amazing foods and restaurants to eat here. Seafood tacos and aguachiles are pretty much available everywhere and you can expect fresh camarones and pescado everywhere you go. But aside from the foods you would expect, there are also some fantastic restaurants here that are “upscale” but really not that upscale.

La Providencia

Hands down this is the best restaurant in the entire coastal Oaxacan area. Located near Zipolite, this outdoor restaurant serves Mexican food with a modern flare. We ordered the seafood dishes and the camarones and tuna steaks are absolutely delicious. The prices are more expensive but were still very affordable by any standard with main dishes at around 200 pesos.

The hotel we stayed in also had an amazing kitchen. Located within the outdoor bar, you can see your food being prepared. They made amazing guacamole and an absolutely delicious pasta. We also tried numerous seafood dishes at Hotel Noga as well as mezcal cocktails. Highly recommended in Zipolite vs the touristy places on the beach.

El Alquimista

El Alquimista was another fantastic restaurant in Zipolite. It is a hotel situated on the beach and the restaurant is on the sand facing the ocean. Make sure to make a reservation so you can get the tables directly on the beach for the best views. I had their shrimp curry which is a strange thing to have in Mexico but it was absolutely delicious once I added some habaneros to the mix. This is a great place for group dinners or even romantic dinners.

Continue Reading:

The perfect mexico travel itinerary: mexico city, puebla, oaxaca, and mazunte.

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14 Best Oaxaca Beaches QUIZ: Find Your Perfect Oaxaca Beach!

Can’t decide where to stay on the golden beaches of the Oaxaca coast?  Take a beach style quiz to find your perfect match!  Then get travel tips on how to get there, where to stay, and things to do at the best beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Most people know Mexico’s Caribbean destinations like Cancun and Tulum or the resorts of Baja California’s Los Cabos.  But as those destinations get more crowded, many travelers have begun looking for less-touristy Mexico getaways.  I present to you the beaches of Oaxaca, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. 

With world-class surfing, laid-back vibes and authentic experiences, Oaxaca’s best beaches deserve a spot on your bucket list.  Plus, a getaway to the Oaxaca coast is the perfect way to end a trip to Mexico City or Oaxaca City, especially after Dia de los Muertos.  

Get ready to max out with activities and nightlife, relax with beach bliss, or find your perfect mix of both at the best Oaxaca beaches.

In this Oaxaca Beaches Guide:

Oaxaca Beach Style Quiz | Puerto Escondido Beaches | Playa Zicatela | Playa La Punta | Playa Carrizalillo | Playa Bacocho | Playas Puerto Angelito & Manzanillo | Hotel Escondido | Puerto Angel Beaches | Playa Mazunte | Playa Zipolite | Oaxaca Sea Turtle Conservation | Huatulco Beaches | Getting to the Oaxaca Coast | Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido | Best Things to Do in Huatulco

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

QUIZ: What’s Your Oaxaca Beach Style? 

Click on your #1 beach priority below, and I’ll make a love match!  (But don’t worry, you can still read about all of the beaches and be sure I chose correctly!)

• Nightlife : I want lots of restaurants and bars within an easy stroll
• Surfing : I’m an experienced surfer, and want to catch some waves
• Mellow vibe : I’d like to surf, practice yoga, and just relax
• Watersports : I’d love to swim, stand-up paddleboard, and take beginner’s surf lessons
• Restaurants : I want to be close to the best restaurants in town
• Easy fly-in : I want a getaway where I don’t have to rent a car, and taxis are easy to use
• Solo or backpacker : I’m a solo traveler or backpacker looking for the best spot
• Resort : I just wanna relax! I’d like resort amenities and help from my hotel in booking excursions
• Off-the-grid : I want a getaway where I can disconnect with few other tourists
• Hippie vibe : I’d like a place to practice yoga, read, and just relax
• Family : I want a beach with smaller waves and a family-friendly vibe
• Snorkeling & scuba : I’d like to experience the amazing marine life of Oaxaca’s coast
• Laid-back : I want to be right on a beach that feels like a blend of backpacking and old-school Tulum
• Clothing-optional : I really want to relax and let it allll hang out

The Best Oaxaca Beaches

Puerto Escondido Beaches | Best Oaxaca Beaches

Oaxaca’s largest beach town, Puerto Escondido , has so many beaches that most travelers can find their perfect stay here. Taxis are inexpensive in PE, making it easy to see all the beaches and sights here without renting a car.

Playa Zicatela: Best Beach to Stay In the Center of Surfing & Nightlife in Puerto Escondido

Love to surf?  Want to enjoy beach bars and restaurants during the day, and live music and nightlife as the sun goes down?  Then Playa Zicatela is the best Oaxaca beach for you!

During the day, Zicatela’s waves make it one of the top 10 surfing destinations in the world. And its wide beach, lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, is the heart of Puerto Escondido.  You don’t have to go far to grab a great meal, find a cold drink, and have some fun at the many beach bars and restaurants of Zicatela. Playa Zicatela is also good for solo travelers, as there are lots of hostels in the neighborhood.

Zicatela is not a swimming beach because of the strong waves and currents.  But it’s easy and inexpensive to catch a taxi to other PE beaches like Carrizalillo, Angelito or Manzanillo for an afternoon.

Stay: 

$ Casa Daikiri | Guesthouse with dorm beds and private rooms, shared kitchen, and pool 

$$ Selina Puerto Escondido | Chic hostel with a pool and shared spaces; dorm beds and private teepee tents are the most affordable room options

$$  La Playita Beach House | Quiet, comfortable rooms with a terrace; shared lounge, kitchen and pool

$$$ Villa Palmas Zicatela | 6-bedroom house with private pool between Zicatela and La Punta, 500m from the beach; full kitchen and terrace with palapa

El Cafecito, Cafe Ole or Elephant Garden for breakfast or brunch.  Jardin Escondido for sunset drinks. El Coste Cevicheria, Mar and Wanu, Tribu Restaurante or Fresh Restaurant & Lounge.

Want a more small-town vibe? Also check out La Punta in Puerto Escondido, another chilled-out surf destination.

Not ready to commit? Match again!

Playa La Punta: Best Beach to Chill Out With Surfing In Puerto Escondido

La Punta (sometimes called Playa Punta Zicatela or Brisas de Zicatela) is another great Oaxaca beach option, at the southernmost section of Playa Zicatela.  The smaller waves of La Punta make it better for less experienced surfers.  It’s also perfect for travelers looking for a chill yet up-and-coming vibe with bars and restaurants on the beach.  Locals say that it’s what Puerto Escondido was like 20 years ago, so stay here and you can be one of the ones to say, “Oh, I’ve been staying in La Punta forever…”

It’s a 20-30 minute walk down the beach to the main section of Zicatela, but it’s best to make the walk during the daytime.  Take a taxi or use lighted sidewalks instead of walking down unlit beaches at night.

$ Bonita Escondida | Hostel a few blocks from the beach with pool, bar, and lounge

$$ Bikini Beach House | Simple hotel with beach access and private balconies on the main strip in La Punta

$$ Punta Playa Zicatela | Beachfront hotel with a rooftop terrace, beach chairs for guests, and AC

$$$ Casa Alegria | Private villa for 10 with resort pool and bar access

Piyoli La Punta , El Salvador   or Alaburger for burgers and pizza.

Want more action?  Check out Playa Zicatela , another surf-perfect beach at the heart of Puerto Escondido.

Playa Carrizalillo: Best Beach to Swim & Bliss Out In Puerto Escondido

Your first views of Playa Carrizalillo’s crescent beach and turquoise water will stay with you for a lifetime.  Carrizalillo is the best Oaxaca beach for someone who wants to be able to swim and paddleboard, and even learn to surf, in its calm cove.  Getting there is a bit of a chore: it’s 157 stone steps down from the parking lot to beach level.  Luckily, it’s worth it, and there are thatch-roofed beach bars with beers and tacos to help you gather strength for the return trip!  

To use beach loungers with umbrellas here, you’ll be expected to spend around 200 MX in food and drink (less than $10 US); tables are a little less. Bring cash for the beach bars.  You can rent bodyboards,surfboards and paddleboards here and also take surfing lessons.

The full-service restaurants in La Rinconada neighborhood are stellar, making Playa Carrizalillo a great match for beach-loving foodies who want a quiet stay.  Plus you can always grab a taxi to other beaches for a day trip or evening out.

$ Bonobo Guest House | Bright hostel with shared living space and kitchen, plus a pool

$$ Suites La Hacienda | Rooms and suites with a pool in a lush jungle setting. I stayed here and it was an absolute oasis with large, comfy rooms!

$$$ Villas Carrizalillo   | Boutique hotel with dramatic views, pool, stylish rooms and upscale restaurant (breakfast included)

El Cafecito for breakfast/brunch. Don’t miss Espadin at Villas Carrizalillo or Estrellas Gourmet for sunset drinks and dinner at least once during your stay.  And also check out Turtle Bay , Almoraduz , Metxcalli or El Nene . 

Looking for a hipper vibe?  Also consider Playa La Punta in Puerto Escondido.

Playa Bacocho: Best Beach to Unwind with Sea Turtles & Seclusion in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido’s Playa Bacocho is an idyllic, quiet beach with a big bonus: a sea turtle conservation group here releases baby turtles at sunset during hatchling season.   Learn more about sea turtle conservation efforts in Oaxaca here.

Playa Bacocho is the perfect Oaxaca beach for travelers who want to lounge on the beach, relax by the resort pool, or stroll along the long stretch of golden sand.  The setting is the draw of this beautiful beach, as the hotels here and their restaurants have mostly average reviews.

For day trippers, Club de Cocos and Villasol are beach clubs that offer beach and pool access with a minimum food and drink spend (around $10 US).  It’s easiest to get here by taxi.

Playa Bacocho is not good for swimming, due to strong rip currents.  Instead, follow the rocky path at the southern end of the beach to find the calmer and even more secluded Playa Coral.

$ El Capitan (Airbnb) | Chic Airstream trailer with outdoor shower and kitchen, plus access to Hotel Villasol amenities

$$ Posada Real | Beachfront hotel with 2 pools, beach club and restaurants

$$$ Hotel and Suites Villasol | Simple, modern hotel with restaurant, bar, pool and shuttle to its beach club

Pez Gallo , at the beach club for Hotel Villasol, is the best place on the beach for sunset.

Looking for getaway with a little more activity and more restaurants nearby? Check out Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido.

Playas Puerto Angelito & Manzanillo: Best Family-Friendly Beaches with Snorkeling in Puerto Escondido

Looking for a family-friendly swimming beach in Puerto Escondido?  Puerto Angelito is a calm, protected cove perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling.  Local families like this beach, and you can also take boat trips from here to see sea turtles and dolphins in season.  This beach is in the same bay right next to Playa Manzanillo, which has a similar laid-back vibe but is less crowded.  It’s best to bring cash for the restaurants and amenities at both beaches.

The closest options are all Airbnbs, or stay at one of the recommended hotels at nearby Playa Carrizalillo

$ Suite Coral | Airbnb 1-bedroom apartment close to Manzanillo and Angelito beaches

$$ Casa Caitlin | Airbnb 2-bedroom house 

$$$ Oceanfront 5-bedroom house | Airbnb with a pool and a view

Smoked Fish Taco has stellar tacos.  Los Buzos and Mi Último Amor are some of the better beach bars, and check out the restaurants of nearby neighborhood La Rinconanda at Playa Carrizalillo.

Want a family-friendly destination with easier beach access?  Check out Tagolundo in Huatulco .

Hotel Escondido & Punta Pajaros: Best Beach to Disconnect, West of Puerto Escondido

Want to truly disconnect, in a sophisticated setting? You’ve found your perfect Oaxaca beach! Set on a serene and secluded beach about 45 minutes from Puerto Escondido, Hotel Escondido has rustic yet chic palapa bungalows overlooking a pool and beach.  Spend your days lounging and surfing, or take a day trip to the nearby Laguna de Manialtepec or artist collective Casa Wabi. Hotel Escondido is remote, so expect to have your meals at the hotel restaurant with an ocean view.

Or stay at one of the beachfront eco-villas of Punta Pajaros, with a kitchen, living space, terrace and pool overlooking the ocean.  

$$ Casa Tiny (Airbnb) | Stunning beachfront “tiny house” for an off-the-grid getaway

$$$ Hotel Escondido | Eco-chic, adults-only luxury beach resort with restaurant and pool

$$$ Punta Pajaros (Airbnb) | Idyllic beachfront eco-villas with private pools and catering option

Is this destination too remote for you?  Check out Playa Bacocho in Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Angel Beaches | Best Oaxaca Beaches

The beach towns of Puerto Angel — Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite — are located on the coast between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. These beaches are popular with European and Canadian tourists and feel a bit stuck in the 70’s – in the best way possible!

Mazunte and San Agustinillo: Best Beach for Hippie Vibes with Yoga, Turtles & Sealife

Mazunte and San Agustinillo are adjoining beach towns with a laid-back vibe and gorgeous natural setting.  Many of the hotels here are set on cliffs overlooking the beaches, which are a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles (known in Mexico as golfinas ).  There are three beaches in Mazunte: Mermejita, Punta Cometa, and the main beach, Playa Rinconcito, which is a little calmer for swimming.  San Augustinillo also has its own beach.

Visiting Punta Cometa is a must-do hike in Mazunte.  This cape is the southernmost point in Oaxaca, so both sunrise and sunset can be seen here year-round.  Other Mazunte beach activities include a sea turtle research center and yoga, either on the beach or at one of the local studios .  From November to March, book a boat tour from one of the boat captains on the beach to go turtle, dolphin, and whale spotting. 

$ Casa Verde | Budget Mazunte hotel close to the beach, with a restaurant and bar

$$ Posada Ziga Playa | Inexpensive Mazunte option with views and direct beach access, restaurant, and parking

$$$ Casa Lu | Boutique hotel in a central Mazunte location with a pool, restaurant, and bar; steps to the beach 

$$$$ Zoa Hotel | Luxury eco-friendly hotel with pool, yoga, and private beach

Lodeli , Cenzontle Mazunte , La Empanada , La Mora Cafe .

Want easier beach access with the same laid-back vibe? Take a peek at Playa Zipolite .

Want to Learn More About Oaxaca’s Sea Turtles?

Mexico’s Oaxaca coast is one of the top five sea turtle nesting areas in the world, since turtles always return to lay their eggs on the beach where they were born. Mazunte is one of the major nesting beaches in the area, and lucky travelers sometimes get to experience what is known as an arribada . This is a mass nesting event of literally thousands of turtles!

Prime nesting season is June – January when Olive Ridley turtles (known as golfinas in Mexico) come ashore to lay their eggs. Ideal conditions for an arribada include high tide, a waning moon, clear waters and brisk offshore winds.

In Mexico, conservation groups must remove eggs from nests to keep them safe from poachers. Olive Ridley turtle eggs typically take 45-60 days to hatch, more than enough time for them to be found by poachers and predators.

If you visit Mazunte, check out the conservation group Centro Ecoturístico Escobilla – Santuario de Tortugas Marinas to see if you can help with a hatchling release. The 4-part video series below describes area conservation efforts and also lets you see an arribada in the first episode! (Spoiler: it’s amazing!)

Playa Zipolite: Best Laid-Back Bohemian Surfing Beach, with Clothing Optional

Don’t let the “clothing optional” part scare you away: Playa Zipolite reminded me of old-school Tulum with its laid-back vibe and boho flair.  There are no big resorts here, just thatched-roof cabanas and chic yet rustic hotels.  And most people here don’t take advantage of the nude beach option, with the exception of the annual Zipolite Nudist festival (late January/early February – be sure to check dates before you visit!).  This is a low-key destination perfect for travelers looking for surfing, strolls on the beach, and catching up on your reading list.

I missed out on staying at the hotel El Alquimista – it filled up with a wedding while I was agonizing over the decision between Mazunte and Zipolite.  But I had a candlelit dinner there on the beach twice. And I’m still dreaming of my rustic cabana at Posada Mexico (warning: cold showers only!).

There’s really not much to do here except surfing.  Playa Zipolite is long and golden, punctuated by cliffs at either end which make it especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset. But be aware, the Zipolite rip tide is too strong for swimming.  Playa del Amor at the eastern end is more protected but still not calm (and more people go nakie here, just FYI).  I recommend heading to Mazunte or Huatulco for a day trip if you’re looking for a swimming beach or activities.

$ Posada Mexico | Charming budget beachfront hotel with great restaurant and happy hour. I stayed here solo and really loved it!

$$ Villa Aikia | Beachfront hotel with a chic design, AC, pool, and view of their private beach

$$$ El Aquimista Yoga Spa | Secluded, boho-chic beachfront hotel with pool, yoga studio, spa, and meals right on the beach

Orale Cafe for breakfast. Sal y Pimienta for burgers and fish tacos.  Posada Mexico for happy hour and Italian. Restaurante El Alquimista for romantic dinners on the beach (and yes, even solo travelers deserve candlelit dinners).

Does the idea of “clothing optional” make you blush?  Also consider Mazunte .

Want more tips? Grab my ultimate guide to Zipolite !

Huatulco Beaches | Best Oaxaca Beaches

Bahias de Huatulco: Best Beaches for Big Resorts on Quiet Bays, Plus Adventurous Day Trips

Bahias de Huatulco , referred to just as Huatulco (“wah-TOOL-koh”), is a beach region of Oaxaca made up of 26 km of coastline.  Huatulco has a whopping 36 beaches tucked into nine different bays.  Cruise ships stop here, and many of the developments in Huatulco are large resorts. 

But don’t let this sway you: it’s possible to have unspoiled beaches all to yourself: some bays have been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting them from development.  And rather than being densely packed with high-rise hotels, Huatulco’s resorts have a lower profile and are more spread out, preserving the natural landscape. 

Huatulco has the best Oaxaca beaches for travelers who want a resort experience with the option of adventurous day trips to hike, snorkel or dive, zipline, and see waterfalls and pristine beaches.  There are more luxury hotels here than other towns of the Oaxaca coast. 

Still, Huatulco manages to have a more authentic vibe and lacks the all-inclusive resort culture found in other parts of Mexico.  The nearby town of La Crucecita is where many resort workers live, and is also a tourist destination with budget hotels, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.  

It can be difficult to decide where to stay in Huatulco and to understand the locations of the different bays.  I recommend choosing an area or resort that fits your trip style, whether you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants or just relax at the pool and beach.  Or maybe Huatulco’s marine life is your main interest, and you want easy access to dive trips or snorkeling from the beach.  Once you decide where to stay, you can book day trips to round out your itinerary.

Check out my in-depth vacation planner including the best Huatulco beaches , or read on for my top tips for visiting!

Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico: Beaches, Hotels + Ultimate Travel Guide

The coastal beach destination of Huatulco, Mexico spans 26 km of gorgeous coastline, with a whopping 36 beautiful beaches tucked into nine different bays. Discover the secrets of Huatulco, Oaxaca and plan your vacation with this ultimate guide to Huatulco beaches, hotels, and things to do!

Where to Stay in Huatulco

Bahia santa cruz.

A cruise ship port with shopping and restaurants, Santa Cruz also has three calm swimming beaches: Santa Cruz, Yerbabuena, and La Entrega. Two of Huatulco’s dive centers are located here, and it’s possible to book local tours at the marina.  Santa Cruz has a number of affordable hotel options and is a popular area to stay.

$ Hostal Azul y Blanco | Hostel in La Crucecita with dorm beds or private rooms

$$ Holiday Inn Huatulco | Budget hotel convenient to the marina with bar and pool

$$ Hotel Castillo Huatulco | Family-friendly hotel with pools, restaurants, and nearby beach club

Bahia Chahue

The bay next to Santa Cruz, Bahia Chahue has three beaches: Chahue, Tejon, and Esperanza, all with stronger currents.  Less crowded than Santa Cruz, Chahue has shops, restaurants, and many accommodation options. There is a dive center at the marina here, and it’s possible to book local tours from your hotel.

$ Hotel Plaza Delphinus | Budget hotel with pool close to Chahue beach; some units have kitchenettes

$$ Xquenda Huatulco Spa | Inexpensive hotel with spa services, pool, and gym

$$$ Quinta Bella Huatulco | Located on Playa Chahue with clean, bright rooms, pool, and excellent restaurant

Bahia Tangolunda

This is Huatulco’s largest developed bay with many beaches good for swimming and watersports. You can snorkel at coral reefs located off Tangolunda’s western beaches of Playa Ventura, Playa La Manzanilla and Playa Tornillo.  The resorts here are more secluded and luxurious (and consequently more expensive). Tangolunda also has a golf course.

$ Villas Fasol Huatulco | Bright villas overlooking the sea with a pool, restaurant, private beach, and friendly vibe; breakfast is included

$$ Quinta Real Huatulco | Large, modern resort on Playa Tangolunda with restaurants, pools, and views

$$$ Las Brisas Huatulco | Large resort with pools, restaurants and great service; located on good snorkeling beaches

$$$$ Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa | World-class resort with pools, restaurants, bars, and stellar service located on Playa Tangolunda

Bahia Conejo

Huatulco’s eastern bay of Conejo is the least developed of the bays with resorts.  Three of the beaches here are good for swimming and snorkeling; the fourth, Punta Arena, is only accessible by boat.

$$$ Celeste Beach Residences & Spa | Luxury modern apartments with a kitchen, terrace, pool and beach bar

$$$$ Secrets Huatulco | Adult-only luxury resort with private beach, pool, spa, gym, restaurants and bars

Huatulco’s five other bays can be seen on day trips by boat: from west to east, they are San Augustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Organa and Maguey. Some, like San Augustin, may have rustic cabanas or camping; however, the only one I could find with online bookings has poor reviews so I can’t recommend it.

Oaxaca Beaches Transportation

Two airports serve the Oaxaca coast – Puerto Escondido (PXM) and Huatulco (HUX).

Getting to Puerto Escondido & Getting Around

Puerto Escondido’s airport has connecting flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Airlines serving PXM include Interjet, Aeromar and Viva Aerobus.  Flights can be found for as little as $100 round trip.

Mexico’s ADO buses also serve the region, although it’s a long and winding bus ride from Oaxaca City.  (Seriously, people get bus sick on the 10-hour trip through the mountains!)  If it’s in your budget, I recommend flying; or find ADO bus routes here .

Once you reach Puerto Escondido (PE), taxis are plentiful and cheap at a few dollars US per trip. Expect to pay more for hotel transfers, though, and always agree on a price for taxis before you get in.  You can also rent a bicycle or scooter for the day or week to get around – your hotel can typically assist with booking.  There are also inexpensive colectivos (shared vans) if you’re comfortable using local transport.

Renting a car once you arrive in PE could be a good option for you if you choose a more remote location or want to take day trips to Mazunte.  For safety reasons, I would not recommend driving from Mexico City or Oaxaca City. If you think you’ll rent a car in PE, be sure to read my guide to renting a car and driving in Mexico .

Getting to Puerto Angel or Huatulco & Getting Around

Huatulco’s airport has connecting flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Airlines serving HUX include Interjet, Aeromar and Viva Aerobus.  Flights can be found for less than $100 round trip.  When I visited after Dia de Los Muertos, I was only able to get a flight to Huatulco – all of the Puerto Escondido flights had sold out.

You can also take a bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco, which takes around 8 hours; find ADO bus routes here . 

To get to your hotel, grab a taxi at the airport, rent a car ,or make arrangements through your hotel.  Buses and local transport also run between Huatulco, Puerto Angel, and Puerto Escondido.

Best Things to Do On the Oaxaca Coast

The beaches of Puerto Escondido, San Angel and Huatulco offer more than just relaxation. Check out some of the best ecotourism, cultural, and adventure activities of the Oaxaca coast. It’s possible to book day trips within the region, as it’s only about 2 hours between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

The Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

• Laguna de Manialtepec: explore this eco reserve on a day trip, or take a nighttime tour to explore its bioluminescent bay . I did the nighttime tour in early November while there was no moon, and it was hands-down on of the coolest things I’ve ever done. It was like being in a video game – the water really sparkled when you moved your arms!
• Sea turtle release: help release sea turtle hatchlings at Playa Bacocho with a conservation group . I did this, and I literally started crying when they handed me the little bucket of turtles. I also MIGHT have thrown sand to keep the seagulls away from my babies while they made their way to the ocean (no gulls were harmed).
• Surfing at Zicatela: experienced surfers can try the waves at this world-class surfing beach
• Surf lessons or paddleboarding in Playa Carrizalillo – here’s a good surf lessons tour option with online booking and instant confirmation
• Casa Wabi: visit the artist collective on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido
• Cascada La Reforma: visit these waterfalls in a secluded setting on a day trip – check out this itinerary that includes a sea turtle release
• Yoga: check out one of the local yoga practices
• Sunset at Zicatela: don’t miss having drinks here at sunset at least once for your stay
• Shopping: check out the Benito Juarez market for souvenirs and local handicrafts
• Day trips: take a guided tour day trip to see 5 beaches including Mazunte, and Zipolite

The Best Things to Do in Huatulco

Some of Huatulco’s sights are accessible on your own if you rent a car. But for most destinations, especially those only accessible by boat, book a day trip online, with the help of your hotel, or at the marinas.

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: take a day trip to visit the reef ecosystem
• Huatulco National Park: visit this protected area on a guided day trip to hike in its lowland jungle ecosystem and snorkel its marine areas.  
• Hagia Sofia: tour an eco-park featuring exotic plants, fruits and butterflies as well as waterfalls, hiking, and ziplining
• Huatulco Bays Tour: take a day trip by boat to visit the bays of Huatulco. Check out these options for 5 bays or 7 bays tours.
• Waterfalls: visit secluded waterfalls at like Cascadas Magicas, Emerald Falls and Llano Grande. Check out this guided tour option for Emerald Falls including lunch or Llano Grande with lunch, coffee, and waterfalls.
• Finca La Gloria coffee plantation: learn about coffee production and have lunch at the plantation
• Turtle Sanctuary: release turtle hatchlings at sunset with a local conservation group . Here are two options from Huatulco: sea turtle release and sea turtles, iguanas, handmade chocolate tour
• Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita : visit a pre-Colombian ruin site overlooking the sea east of Bahia Conejo
• Take a street food cooking class
• La Crucecita: shop for souvenirs

When to Visit Oaxaca Beaches

The tropical climate of Oaxaca’s coast makes it a great year-round beach getaway.  The busy tourist season is June – August and mid-December – January.  Avoid the rainy season and crowds by visiting in February – May or September – November.

Oaxaca Beaches Packing List

Did You Find Your Dream Oaxaca Beach?

Did my post help you make an Oaxaca beach love match? Be sure to pin this guide for later to have my most updated recommendations when you’re ready to book!

Also be sure to check out my other Oaxaca advice for more travel in the region: experiencing Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca , plus where to stay and best things to do in Oaxaca City!

The Haphazard Traveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Mexico aficionados have long favored the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah- hah -kah) for its climate, culinary and artistic traditions, and landscapes and biodiversity. Oaxaca, one of the southernmost states in Mexico, offers virgin beaches untouched by development, picturesque colonial cities, dense forests brimming with plant and animal life, and rugged mountains hiding indigenous villages. The traditional food, changing from town to town, the folkloric dances which reflect the history and traditions of the indigenous cultures, and the music of the local bands and orchestras have inspired visitors from all over the world to explore Oaxaca, one of the most diverse states in Mexico.

Oaxaca and neighboring Chiapas State have the country's largest indigenous populations. Two out of three Oaxaqueños descend from the Zapotec or Mixtec people, whose villages dot the valleys, mountainsides, and coastal lowlands. Within a 40-km (25-mile) radius of the capital, Oaxaca City, the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán, Mitla, and Yagul—and lots of other sites that have barely been excavated—bear witness to the highly advanced cultures of their ancestors. Within the large state's borders there are 17 distinct ethnic groups, and 52 dialects are spoken. In the capital many people are fluent in English as well as Spanish, but in the small hamlets, even Spanish is a second language.

In the 15th century much of the region was conquered by the Aztecs, who gave Oaxaca its name: Huaxyaca. In the Nahuatl language it probably means "by the acacia grove," referring to the location of the Aztec military base. The next century witnessed the Spanish conquest of Mexico, for which the monarch Charles V rewarded Hernán Cortés with the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca in 1528. Cortés lived elsewhere, but his descendants kept the property until Mexico's bloody Revolution, which began in 1910.

Two of Oaxaca's sons figured greatly in Mexican politics: Benito Juárez, the first full-blooded indigenous Mexican to become president, and Porfirio Díaz, a military dictator who declared himself president-for-life. Juárez, often referred to as Mexico's Abraham Lincoln, was a sheepherder from San Pablo Guelatao, a settlement about 64 km (40 miles) north of Oaxaca. As a child he spoke only his native Zapotec tongue. He was later trained for the clergy but ended up studying law and entering politics. Elected governor of the state in 1847, the stocky statesman became chief justice of the Supreme Court of Mexico in 1857, and then president of the republic (1858–72).

In 1864 Napoléon III crowned Austria's Archduke Maximilian emperor of Mexico; Juárez and his supporters resisted the French from a provisional capital city in northern Mexico. When the nascent French empire collapsed in 1867, Juárez returned to Mexico City. He was reelected shortly thereafter and again in 1871; he died of a heart attack the following year, however. His rival, Porfirio Díaz, rose to power in 1876, maintaining the presidency of the republic until 1911. Dissatisfaction among the country's poor had mounted steadily under Díaz's autocratic, elitist government. The revolutionary movement that finally chased Díaz from power was spearheaded by a wealthy but nonconformist intellectual, Francisco I. Madero, who was elected president that same year.

Oaxaca's popular beach areas include Puerto Escondido—a former fishing town that's become a magnet for died-in-the-wool surfers and die-hard sun worshippers—and the even smaller town of Puerto Angel. Bahías de Huatulco (Huatulco Bays), 125 km (77 miles) east of Puerto Escondido, has also been turned into a world-class resort.

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Last updated on January 22, 2024 by Shannon

One of the most culturally rich places in Mexico, Oaxaca state is among my favorite places in the country. This region, and the city in particular, is widely known for it’s mezcal, chocolate, and mole; as well as the diverse indigenous groups still calling the Oaxaca Valley home after hundreds of years.

While I love traveling the Yucatán Peninsula for its intriguing Maya ruins and uniquely beautiful cenotes , Oaxaca provides a blend of food, culture, and history unique to this part of Mexico—what you can find here is impossible to enjoy the same way when visiting anywhere else.

And while tourists descend on Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HAH-kah) for the two most notable festivals, Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead, it’s vibrant and interesting year-round. The city has beautifully restored colonial buildings—many of which are now hotels, museums, and restaurants.

In the past decade, international travel magazines have featured Oaxacan chefs for their intriguing twists on classic dishes that have long shaped the history of Mexico’s food scene. Couple that with it being the birthplace of mezcal—a smoky, fiery liquor that has quickly risen as the drink of choice in hipster havens from San Francisco to London—and you will never lack for things to do when you visit Oaxaca .

Jump to the part of this travel guide, or start from the top and work your way through the information and recommendations for visiting Oaxaca, Mexico .

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico

During the pre-colonial period, Oaxaca was home to roughly 16 different cultures; each one had its own language, customs, and traditions. The Zapotecs and Mixtecas were the largest and most sophisticated of these, and this ratio holds true today as descendants are widely spread throughout the valley in small villages and farms.

Between 1500-500 B.C., San José Magote, a Zapotec city, was a significant settlement in Oaxaca, notable for its early use of pottery, a craft still evident in the region. Oaxaca, rich in cultural diversity, was home to about 16 different cultures, including the prominent Zapotecs and Mixtecs, whose descendants still populate the valley.

In the 15th century, the Aztecs conquered Oaxaca, but their control was brief. Hernán Cortés arrived in 1519, marking the beginning of Spanish influence. The Spanish colonization reshaped Oaxaca, evident in its colonial architecture and the haciendas that now dot the valley, many turned into mezcal plantations.

Oaxaca’s layout, with its central zócalo, reflects its colonial past. Despite Spanish rule, which lasted 300 years, the region saw significant changes, including the battle of Huajuapan in 1811, where Valerio Trujano’s forces claimed Oaxaca for the revolutionaries. Later, during the Mexican Revolution, Emiliano Zapata’s ideology that land belonged to the workers gained traction here.

Today, Oaxaca, with its blend of indigenous and colonial history, remains a culturally rich but economically challenged region. The city and state of Oaxaca continue to be a tapestry of historical layers, each adding to its unique character.

Fast Facts About Oaxaca, Mexico Travel

Mexican peso (MXN) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No, the water is not safe to drink in Oaxaca. Expats and travelers should drink bottled, or consider the merits of a  SteriPen  or  LifeStraw  for your trip.

I used the tap water to brush my teeth, but other expats do not. If you’re a new traveler, or you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water even for teeth brushing.

Local SIM Cards

This is a cinch and highly recommended for GPS and navigating. Telcel is likely your best option, although Movistar is popular in this region of Mexico (but not other regions).

For most travelers to Oaxaca, and especially those traveling to other areas of Mexico, opt for Telcel. If you have a U.S. T-Mobile account, it will do the trick, too.

There’s a full SIM guide here —note that you must show your passport to buy one at some locations (it’s hit or miss which places will ask to see it before selling you a SIM).

Festivals of Note

• Day of the Dead is the signature festival in this region of Mexico and Oaxaca is an ideal place to celebrate. Day of the Dead occurs around Halloween, specifically in the first days of November.
• Guelaguetza is huge and celebrates the 16 indigenous cultures of the Oaxaca Valley (July).
• On an offbeat note, The Fiesta de Rábanos , the Festival of the Radishes is lively and takes place in the zócalo around the Christmas holidays with fireworks and crafts (23 December).

Oaxaca’s Primary Airports

• Xoxocotlán in Oaxaca City (OAX)
• Bahías de Huatulco in Huatulco (HUX)

How’s the wifi in Oaxaca?

Wifi is rampant and available at guesthouses and cafes. The data plans are also solid inside of cities and tourist areas so you can tether to your phone if you buy a data plan.

Possible Issues

Not many. If you’re prone to nosebleeds, then the extremely dry winters might exacerbate the issue (it did for me).

And since Oaxaca is at altitude, those coming from sea-level may experience a few days of headaches and tiredness that can come from altitude sickness if you’re not acclimated. Stay well hydrated and get a good night’s sleep.

What’s the weather like in Oaxaca?

The winters in Oaxaca are mild, cool, and exceedingly dry. You won’t see snow in the city, but night-time temperatures can drop drastically, even on what was a seemingly mild winter day.

By mid summer, it’s scorching hot and unrelentingly sunny—bring a hat and sunscreen. Stay well-hydrated year round.

How much does it cost to travel Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is a favored destination for North American retirees because it’s so easy on the wallet. Extended-stay accommodation for the winter months books up early, but you can find affordable hostels and guesthouses year round.

A budget backpacker can get by with $30/day on the frugal side, and mid-range travelers will have plenty of tasty food and cute guesthouses to enjoy on a budget closer to $55/day per person.

Long-term, it costs well under $800 a month to live in Oaxaca City .

Accommodation

Accommodation is a cinch. I used the Moon Guide Oaxaca when moving around the state. If you’re basing yourself out of one of the major cities, consider using one of the booking engines. 

While the city guides below go to my favorite hotel booking site, Booking.com , many great deals are also found on VRBO  if you are member—vacation rentals can actually save you money since you often have a full kitchen, particularly if you’re a family or traveling with more than three people.

These websites have very established presences in this region of Mexico because of the number of North American snowbirds visiting each winter— vacation rentals are among the easiest ways to book nice spots in a good area of town. Backpackers can find dorms on Hostelworld , but most travelers, including budget travelers, can find great deals at Booking.com .

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. The months of December through February are very busy in Oaxaca City—if you plan any sort of extended stay, book ahead or you will not find affordable apartments and accommodations for rent.

If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

How to Get Around Oaxaca

The major roads are well maintained and connect most any place you’ll need to go, but this is a mountainous region of Mexico and there is no way to avoid the winding roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, the long bus rides will tax your ability to stay well.

For shorter rides, colectivos , shared taxis, are an easy way to visit any of the rural towns. These taxis congregate at Abastos market (also called “central” when you/drivers are returning to the city), and a few other spots around town.

The northeastern colectivo launching point that I reference in the recommended daytrips is  pinpointed here —it’s easy to find because of the nearby McDonald’s. Go to this spot, then find a shared taxi with the name of your destination painted on the side. The colectivos usually cost 10-25 pesos max to any towns out in the Valley, and they add people to the car as you drive in the direction of your destination.

Of note, the local buses are considerably safer than colectivos , but less convenient. If you have Spanish and time on your side, these buses ply the main highways out of town. You will have to know your stop by sight or beg help from locals. You can catch a bus to the day-trip spots from the same spot where you catch a colectivo .

In Oaxaca City, the taxis are a flat fee; they are convenient if you find yourself out late and not prepared to navigate the cobbled streets on the way home. That said, most of Oaxaca City is walkable and you can explore everything in the city on foot.

Getting to or from Oaxaca

Use Bookaway to find the best route to or from Oaxaca, which includes public transport, flight prices, and the price of private or shared shuttle transfers. A lot of travelers arrive from Mexico City or Puebla , and those routes have quite a few options .

Note that the Ado bus network is extensive and ideal for those on a budget. These buses are large, comfortable, and affordable. Rental cars are easy to come by, although expensive to rent—they tack on huge fees and taxes to the offered price (read this thorough piece on navigating rental insurance in Mexico ).

Food & Drink Considerations

Food standards are good in this region of Mexico, and Oaxaca is famous for its culinary traditions and history. This is the “Land of the Seven Moles,” and they take their food (and pork in particular) seriously.

The water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to find. Street food is scattered around, but the markets hold most of the street eats, so check the guides below to known where you can find the affordable and tasty street eats.

Outside of the markets, you can most often find steamed corn ( elotes and esquites ), burgers, and sometimes a taco stand. If you decide to stick to budget and street food options, follow these food safety principles .

If you’re vegetarian, Oaxaca is a hard place to eat. Because of that, I wrote a dedicated post outlining how to eat vegetarian in Oaxaca, Mexico , specifically.

Mezcal is the drink of choice in Oaxaca and you don’t have to go far to try it. It’s a very strong and smoky liquor, like tequila with a very distinct flavor. I don’t care for mezcal in any fashion (and there are many types and flavors to try), but I was in the minority, by far. In my group of friends, I alone didn’t enjoy the drink.

That said, I did enjoy learning about the history of the drink and understanding the importance of the agave plants to the local populations. I recommend mezcal tours in the city guides below; I highly recommended that you sign up for one.

Is Oaxaca safe to visit?

Although a few regions of Mexico have cartel violence and safety concerns, Oaxaca State is mostly free from these threats.

You may, however, encounter issues with the local protests—Oaxaca is famous for the amount of protests and these protesters are usually nonviolent, but they do close down the roads for entire days. The protests ramp up every year around May. Many times, these take place outside of the tourist areas, but occasionally the protest focuses on the city-center’s zòcolo.

By and large, tourists shouldn’t fear the protesting activity as it is most often teachers protesting wages, villages protesting new laws, and things of that sort. Again, it’s not targeted toward tourists and the tour companies and people of Oaxaca will be grateful to see you no matter what types of local protests are occurring at the time. But, you should double-check local information before traveling there in spring/summer.

In terms of personal safety walking around town, you should have no issues walking the city center after dark, it’s lively and active until midnight; and later on the weekends. Cabs are always nearby too, if you need a quick lift home.

No matter what time of day, be cautious of petty theft and opportunistic crimes like bag and phone snatching by a motorbike zooming past—it’s not common, but nor is it unheard of. There have been problems with muggings for solitary hikers near the Cerro del Fortin auditorium.

Check the U.S. government’s travel warnings to keep abreast of that situation, but mostly don’t be up there after sunset, or alone with expensive gear.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Mexico

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Mexico

• La Casa de los Secretos : Only available in Spanish, it’s also the only novel I could find set in Oaxaca and sharing the culture and history unique to this area. You should definitely read it before visiting if you can read Spanish.
• Mexico: Biography of Power : For the history buff, it doesn’t get much better than this comprehensive look at how the centralization of power throughout Mexico’s history has shaped not only the country, but all of Latin America.
• The Death Of Artemio Cruz : Hailed as a masterpiece and a “haunting voyage into the soul of modern Mexico,” this novel uses the narrator’s flashbacks to process how the country’s past continues to affect the present.
• Sliced Iguana: Travels in Mexico : On my list for a while now and recommended by readers as an easy read that gives a light touch to all the history and culture she talks about while retelling her journey.
• The People’s Guide to Mexico : Even veteran Mexico travelers will enjoy this book. It’s like a guidebook, but even more. It’s hands-down the best guidebook you should use to understand the various regions, the cultural quirks, and all the reasons Mexico is a fantastic place to travel and live. Unlike the Lonely Planet recommended above, this one is a cultural guide to the country. It comes highly recommended by me, and by heaps of Amazon reviewers too.
• Frida at Home : A beautiful and well-researched book on Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s well known artists and a national icon. From her early life to her painting and marriage to Diego Rivera, give one a peek into how Mexican culture and landscapes shaped this magnificent woman.

Podcasts and Online Reads About Mexico

• The Rise of Mezcal: Great for Cocktails, Better for Oaxaca : Mezcal is the favored drink in Oaxaca State, and it’s making waves all over the world too. This is a great read on the history of mezcal and a necessary reading before signing up for your own mezcal tour to a nearby  palenque .
• Mexico: History and Resistance : A solid podcast that makes listening to the country’s history easy. Download this and prep for your Mexico trip by taking a trip through time.
• Mexico with kids : Good niche read with a lot of facts and information you might be wondering about family specific travel.

Read all my Mexico travel stories  and find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads .

Recommended Guidebook

The Moon Guide Oaxaca is your best option. I always carry a paper guidebook so that I can easily read the history of each site while I am there. I also have a travel guide to the Yucatan Peninsula  and Guatemala for those heading that way.

Socially Responsible Travel in Oaxaca, Mexico

Socially responsible travel in Mexico is easier than in some parts of the world. The dark side of animal tourism haunts many travelers in Southeast Asia . But in Mexico, responsible tourism focuses more on people than animals (excluding the diving done along the coast!).

Oaxaca is the heart of indigenous Mexico and Oaxaca State has a large concentration of the indigenous cultures—16 different groups with unique customs and languages date back hundreds of years. There are general tactics for responsible travel  anywhere in the world, and those linked tips allow you to lessen your impact on the places you visit.

For Oaxaca specifically, let’s look at the regional activities and treks, as well as how to find responsible volunteering opportunities.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

Trekking & Cabañas

Oaxaca State is a mountainous region encompassed within the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca. This unique location makes it the ideal place to plan nature hikes and remote homestays within the indigenous communities.

In fact, community-based tourism (CBT) is the number one way to responsibly visit the mountains outside of Oaxaca, as well as the local indigenous cultures. Many of the cabañas are well-appointed too. Some are rustic, but others offer many creature comforts you wouldn’t expect to find in such rural areas.

These communities have invested a lot of money and resources in making their cabañas and towns hospitable to tourism. That said, there is painfully little advice on how to arrange a trek or a weekend at one of the cabañas.

For formal trekking tours, where you go on a proper adventure with guides, Expediciones Sierra Norte  is the best company. Not only are their tours great, but they have sound responsible tourism practices. They have offices in Oaxaca Centro if you want a face-to-face before booking something.

For indie travelers with a bit of Spanish and a sense of adventure, you can book directly with the cabañas located in towns all over the region. Oaxaca Mio offers the best information on each site, what they offer, and contact information. That fantastic yellow map is from its website, and it’s the only one like it that I’ve ever found.

Oaxaca Mio provides information on programs in all the tiny towns, like San Miguel del Valle , which is an uber traditional town where I spent many of my volunteers hours . You can also find information on the nearby  Pueblos Magicos , which are cultural heritage towns singled out by the government as special. The green area on the map, Pueblos Mancomunados , is particularly popular with birders and nature lovers.

Volunteering in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has a range of opportunities for travelers keen to volunteer in the region. Most of the volunteer opportunities require at least a few weeks commitment from volunteers to ensure greatest impact. That said, there are opportunities for short-term projects if you have specialized skills such as any sort of medical or healthcare background, or a background in construction and building-type work.

The indigenous communities outside of Oaxaca often lack access to strong healthcare. For that reason, doctors in any field (medical, dental, ophthalmology, physical therapy, etc) are particularly useful, even in short clinics. If you’re a medical volunteer heading to Oaxaca, you can certainly find an outlet for your skills and knowledge.

There are many large NGOs offering paid programs, but you can easily find indie opportunities that only require you to cover your own room and board for this type of travel. Consider this list of vetted independent volunteer opportunities in Mexico —there are extensive options in Oaxaca State.

Supporting Responsible Businesses

Consider using and visiting these  Mexican social enterprises on your trip . Supporting social enterprises is one of the easiest ways to create a trip with positive impact. This means picking businesses that are using funds to support local communities and to offer training, support, or to protect natural resources.

You can do everything from shop for souvenirs to learning how to make pure chocolate to picking a trekking guide to finding a homestay—all with companies committed to social impact and respect.

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca State is a popular tourist region in Mexico. My list of the Best Things to Do in Oaxaca has the detailed transportation information you’d need to actually visit these places, and covers everything to do in Oaxaca City, and as day or weekend trips into the surrounding mountains and ecotourism hotspots.

If you head to the coast, use this thorough Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido .

My Favorite Oaxaca Travel Experiences:

• Volunteering with En Vía and learning more about the region’s indigenous cultures and how microfinance is helping them better their lives.
• Visiting the Zapotec cities and villages east of Oaxaca, like Teotitlán and others.
• Hanging out with friends in  Oaxaca City’s zócalo in the evenings and soaking in the music, laughter, and happiness.
• Visiting the stunning frozen waterfalls at Hierve el Agua outside of Oaxaca.
• Taking photo walks during the golden hour before sunset to capture the gorgeous churches and lively   street scenes and colorful graffiti around the city.

Things to Do in Oaxaca City Center

In the heart of Mexico, Oaxaca stands as a beacon of cultural richness and diversity, offering a myriad of experiences that blend history, art, and nature into a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

In addition to the traditional things to do, use Que Pasa Oaxaca ‘s event’s guide to see the upcoming shows, lectures, arts performances, and more.

Here’s a curated list of the best things to do :

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

Housed in the beautiful Santo Domingo complex, this museum is a treasure trove of Oaxacan history and culture. Explore exhibits that tell the story of the region from pre-Hispanic times to the present.

Then go book a chocolate workshop run by CACAO Cooperative is a very  small social enterprise still growing its business. It’s a hands-on way to learn every step of the process from a wonderful business.

Templo de Santo Domingo

A marvel of Baroque architecture, the Santo Domingo Temple dazzles with its intricate gold-leaf interior. It’s a testament to the artistic and religious fervor that has shaped Oaxaca.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

Adjacent to Santo Domingo, this ethnobotanical garden is a living encyclopedia of Oaxaca’s diverse plant life. It’s a serene escape that highlights the importance of flora in Oaxacan culture.

Mercado Benito Juárez & Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Dive into the heart of Oaxacan life at these bustling markets. They’re a sensory feast of colors, smells, and sounds, offering everything from handicrafts to local delicacies.

Mezcal Tasting

Immerse yourself in the world of mezcal, Oaxaca’s iconic spirit. Visit local distilleries to learn about its production and savor the smoky flavor that captures the essence of the region.

Learning Spanish

Embrace the local language to deepen your connection with Oaxaca. Engaging in Spanish lessons enhances your ability to interact with locals, understand the culture, and navigate the city with greater ease.

Consider ICO  or Oaxaca International . This page also provides a full list of Spanish schools in the city .

Hanging Out in the Zócalo

The Zócalo, Oaxaca’s main square, is the city’s beating heart. Spend time here to soak in the lively atmosphere, observe the daily life of Oaxacans, and perhaps catch impromptu musical performances or local gatherings.

Taking an En Vía Tour

Participate in an En Vía tour to experience responsible tourism. These social enterprise tours offer insights into local communities, supporting women’s empowerment and sustainable development through microfinance across the Oaxaca Valley . These tours are the single best way to learn about the indigenous cultures in this region of Mexico.

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Doing a Mezcal Tour in the Valley

Embark on a mezcal tour in the surrounding valleys. These tours not only allow you to taste various mezcals but also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional methods of mezcal production, deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture.

If you can get a spot, opt for a tour with Omar Alonso , a local Oaxacan running food and mezcal tours in the city .

Shopping for Local Handmade Goods

Oaxaca is a haven for handcrafted goods, especially tapetes (handwoven rugs). Visiting local markets and workshops gives you the chance to purchase these unique items directly from the artisans, supporting their craft and taking home a piece of Oaxacan heritage.

Taking a Cooking Class

Engage in a cooking class to delve into Oaxaca’s renowned culinary scene. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients, an experience that offers both a taste of the region’s flavors and an understanding of its culinary traditions.

El Sabor Zapotec is a cooking class run by Reyna Mendoza, one of the women in the En Vía microfinance program, and it’s well done.

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca

Venturing beyond the colorful streets of Oaxaca City reveals a landscape rich with natural wonders and ancient sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s soul.

Use my detailed list of things to do for transportation information on any of the day trips mentioned or highlighted in this Oaxaca Travel Guide. These day trips will enrich your journey with unforgettable experiences—I loved each one of these for its ability to lead me through the tapestry of Oaxaca’s diverse cultures and topography.

Hierve el Agua

Venture to these natural rock formations resembling cascades of water. The mineral-rich springs here create a surreal landscape, perfect for a refreshing dip and awe-inspiring photos.

Explore this archaeological site known for its intricate geometric mosaics. Mitla was a religious center for the Zapotecs and later the Mixtecs, and its unique artistry is a marvel.

Witness the grandeur of the ancient Tule Tree, one of the world’s largest living beings. Its immense girth and age make it a natural wonder and a symbol of endurance.

Teotitlán del Valle

This village is famed for its handwoven textiles. Meet artisans who use traditional techniques to create vibrant rugs and tapestries, each a piece of living heritage.

San Bartolo Coyotepec

Known for its black pottery, this village offers a glimpse into an ancient craft. Discover the skill and artistry behind each piece, shaped and fired using age-old methods.

Monte Albán

Perched atop a mountain, Monte Albán’s ancient ruins offer a window into the lives of the Zapotecs. Wander among the pyramids and tombs, feeling the echoes of a civilization that thrived centuries ago.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Midrange : La Betulia , a charming B&B connected to the En Vía social enterprise , offers a beautifully renovated space in a central location, while El Diablo y La Sandía stands out for its unique touches and warm, family-run hospitality.

Budget : Casa Angel Hostel is the top choice for budget travelers, boasting clean, spacious, and modern private rooms, a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a lively backpacker atmosphere.

Upscale : For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel La Casona de Tita , known for its tranquil ambiance and homemade breakfasts, or Casa de las Bugambilias , acclaimed for its small charms and exquisite bedrooms.

Where to Eat and Drink

I recommend Los Danzantes or Catedral  as the most vegetarian-friendly upscale restaurants. Casa Oaxaca is not a good bet for vegetarians, but is great for others. And I did not eat at Pitiona, another top fusion restaurant in town so I can’t weigh in there but it should be on your radar.

Grab coffee . For a quick coffee, stop at a Café Brújulas—I miss those the berry muffins. My favorite tiny spot is Alma de Cafe  ( Margarita Maza de Juárez 211-A )—it also offers salads, fresh-baked muffins, and cookies.

Drink Mezcal . Mezcalarita is one good option ( Macedonio Alcalá 706 ).  Mezcalogía is perennially popular ( García Vigil 509 ). And if you’re really into the drink, this list is better than many I’ve seen online.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Global Gallivanting

Oaxaca travel guide: mexico’s most enchanting state (2024).

Oaxaca, Mexico has become something of a hotspot right now. Oaxaca is one of the most popular regions to visit in all of Mexico and for very good reason. This area is one of the most colorful and culturally important and safest states in Mexico. Oaxaca is also home to the best food in the country.

Oaxaca City was recently voted by Travel and Lesuire readers as the best city in the world and Oaxaca state also has many amazing destinations to visit and activities to do too.

In this comprehensive Oaxaca travel guide, we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know when planning a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. We’ll look at how to get there, where to stay, how to stay safe, the best things to do, when to visit and much more in our Oaxaca travel blog.

Oaxaca Travel Guide

About oaxaca.

Let’s start our Oaxaca travel guide with an introduction of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Oaxaca Quick Summary:

• Where is it: Southern Mexico
• Difficulty Getting There: Average
• Time needed: 6 days
• Best Time to Visit: April/September
• Top Food/Drink: Memelas, Tejate
• Our Favourite Gem: Monte Albán

Where is Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is one of the largest states in Mexico and is also one of the most southern in the country. Due to its size and positioning, it’s home to many different terrains such as mountains, rainforest as well as its long Pacific coast.

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

Oaxaca is often considered to be one of the safest regions to visit in Mexico. Violent crime against tourists is very rare, although pickpocketing can sometimes be an issue.

As always preparation is key, read some Oaxaca travel guides and blogs to know the safe areas and which to avoid.

In Oaxaca City, be sure to stay within the historic centre as further towards the outskirts can get rough around the edges.

In Puerto Escondido, most areas are safe, with Zicatela and La Punta being the more touristy and safe parts.

How to get to Oaxaca

There are many ways of getting to Oaxaca. If arriving internationally, you’ll first need to fly into Mexico City’s international airport. From here, you can either take a domestic flight to Oaxaca City (around $60 and takes 1 hour), or to Puerto Escondido (around $70 and also around 1-hour flying).

From Mexico City, you can also take a bus to Oaxaca City, which takes around 7 hours.

If you are already in Mexico, you can also get to Oaxaca via the neighbouring regions of Chiapas (San Cristóbal de las Casas), Puebla (Puebla City), Guerrero (Acapulco) and also from Veracruz (Xalapa or Orizaba). Most have daily buses that make the direct journey.

Where to stay in Oaxaca

The state of Oaxaca has so much to explore. The colourful state capital, Oaxaca City, is one of the most colourful cities in Mexico . There’s plenty to see and do within the city and it also makes a great base for day trips out to explore the surrounding area which is full of interesting historical monuments and natural features.

No Oaxaca travel guide would be complete without mentioning the beautiful and unspoilt pacific coast beaches in Oaxaca.

The most popular Oaxaca beaches include Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, both have airports which makes it easy to get there. These beaches are popular with surfers and yogis and offer a more authentic Mexico beach vacation than resorts like Cancun. There’s also the smaller beach towns of Mazunte and Zipolite – Mexico’s only nudist beach.

We recommend that you stay in both Oaxaca City and on one of the beaches for a full taste of all Oaxaca has to offer. You could also see both Oaxaca and Mexico City with this itinerary.

Where to stay in Oaxaca City

One of the best hotels to stay in is Hotel La Casa de Maria , which is perfectly located in the centre. La Noria Centro Histórico is another great hotel that is also close by.

If you want to save money you’ll find some of the best hostels in Mexico are found in Oaxaca City. Try places such as Casa Angel , or Iguana hostel for some of the best budget stays.

• Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is home to some of the best beaches in Oaxaca and has numerous places to stay including some fun surf and yoga camps.

Zicatela is where you’ll find one of Mexico’s best surf breaks and a lively nightlife scene. Hotel Arcoiris is almost on the beach and is the best option for a stay in Zicatela. La Punta is another area which is more laid back. The best hotel for a stay here is Casa Kuaa.

Read more here about the different areas and best places to stay in Puerto Escondido.

Best things to do in Oaxaca City

There’s no shortage of great things to do in Oaxaca City, from wandering the colourful streets to visiting the historic churches and vibrant markets. Now let’s explore the very best things to do in Oaxaca City, as well as the top foods and nightlife.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This market is hands down the best in Oaxaca (and a strong contender for Mexico) for everything food. Here you’ll find many local stalls selling pretty much everything from local delicacies like Tlayudas to Tacos and beyond. Whilst the overhaul of smells and flavours can be overwhelming for some, it’s definitely worth a visit at least once whilst in Oaxaca.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

Arguably one of the most stunning churches in the country, Santo Domingo is adorned with gold around its altar, and overall is simply stunning. With over 20 rooms, you can learn about Oaxaca’s pre-Hispanic times which are detailed well through its murals.

The main square of Oaxaca City is where all the action is and simply cannot be missed. Here there’s always something on, whether it’s a parade or some local event. As well as being near all the top nightlife and restaurants, there are also some beautiful buildings and churches nearby too.

Best Day Trips from Oaxaca City

No Oaxaca travel guide would be complete without mentioning some of the amazing day trips you can take from Oaxaca City. The sights just outside the city and definitely some of the best things to do in Oaxaca. The easiest way to visit these places is by taking a guided day trip. You can book online at Viator .

Monte Albán

These ruins really are spectacular, especially so as they’re located on the edge of a mountain overlooking the surrounding baron landscapes. A mix of Zapotec and Mixtec cultures can be found here, with many sprawling temples and lookout points to explore.

Monte Albán is around half an hour’s drive from Oaxaca City. If you want to learn more about this history to bring the ruins to life we recommend taking this guided tour.

Hierve el Agua

A petrified waterfall that overlooks a row of canyons, it’s safe to say this is a must-stop when in Oaxaca. As well as exploring the site, there’s also a natural infinity pool which is perfect for a quick dip in the hot Mexican Sun.

You can reach this site from Oaxaca City in around 2 hours by car. Or take this tour to combine hiking, swimming and mezcal tasting in one fun day trip.

Where to Eat in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is famed for its food, which is without a doubt the best in the country. For those who are backpacking in Mexico or are just looking for an authentic experience, head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre where you can try unique foods made by vendors.

If you’d prefer to be shown straight to the best, and safest, street food stalls this Oaxaca food tour will take your taste buds on an adventure through no less than twenty different local dishes at the markets and street food stalls! It’s a great way to learn about the city and Oaxacan culture through its markets and food.

Oaxaca cooking classes are a popular and fun way of immersing yourself in the local culture and learning how to make some of the uniquely Oaxacan dishes yourself. The best experiences include a guided visit to the market to gather your ingredients before learning how to make traditional Oaxacan recipes in a small friendly group.

Head to Casa Oaxaca for a more upscale experience, where you can try both regional delicacies as well as some of the top National dishes.

Oaxaca Nightlife

Most of the top nightlife in Oaxaca City is located near the Zócalo, in the heart of the city. Whilst you can find other places further afield, these will be more frequented by locals and are in less safe areas.

You’ll want to kick off your night in a mezcal bar, with Oaxaca arguably the best in the country. Mezcalería In Situ is the best, with over 200 different varieties of the good stuff. Los Amantes is another good option. Afterward either head to La Cantinita for a good atmosphere or Txalaparta for a wide range of music styles.

The Best Time to Visit Oaxaca

As already mentioned, the region of Oaxaca is varied and has climates ranging from hot Pacific beaches to cool mountainous towns. Fortunately, there is however both a dry and wet season that is the same in all regions.

The dry season runs from November until April. In Oaxaca City, average temperatures range from 63-72°F, with highs of up to 87°F and lows of down to 48°F. The rainfall here ranges from 0.3-1 inch each throughout each month.

In Puerto Escondido, temperatures are much hotter with averages of between 83-86°F, highs of 95°F and lows of 72°F. The rainfall here and along the coast ranges from 0-0.5 inches each month during the dry season.

The contrasting wet season runs from May up to late October. In Oaxaca City, average temperatures are warmer and range from 67-72°F, with highs of 85°F and lows of 56°F. Rainfall during the wet season averages between 3-6.5 inches for each month.

In Puerto Escondido, temperatures can get very hot, with averages ranging between 85-87°F, with highs of 94°F and lows of 77°F. Rainfall during the wet season in Puerto ranges from 2-7 inches throughout each month.

Oaxaca Culture and History

Oaxaca is one of the most diverse areas of Mexico, home to indigenous tribes such as the Zapotec and Mixtecs which are still alive today despite the arrival of the Aztecs. Much of their artisanal knowledge and handicrafts have been passed down through the generations, making Oaxaca one of the best places to buy novelties.

Best Oaxaca Events and Festivals

We can’t finish our Oaxaca travel guide before letting you know about the events and festivities that Oaxaca is famous for. In early February, the Festival of the Virgin of the Candelaria is celebrated which is one of the biggest cultural festivals in Oaxaca. Here you’ll see large parades throughout the historic centre, and is also a popular time to eat Tamales, which is part of the local custom.

If you want to experience an awesome food festival, then on the 1st of May Oaxaca City hosts its annual Feria de la Tortilla. There are many demonstrations and food-based competitions all over the city and is a great opportunity to try some of the best delicacies from the Oaxaca region and also further afield in Mexico.

Other important and lively festivals (which are also celebrated in Puerto Escondido) include Mexico’s Revolution Day (16th September) and also The Day of the Dead (1st/2nd November).

In Puerto Escondido, you’ll find lively parties and excuses to celebrate pretty much every day of the week! Simply ask the locals or ex-pats and you’ll find where the hotspots are.

Our Top Recommendations

– If heading between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido, be sure to look at flight prices as these can be similar to that of the bus (and also many tend to get sick on the bus as it’s constantly swerving along mountainous roads!).

– In Oaxaca City, be sure to stay within the Historic Centre which is the safest area, as well as closest to all of the best sites.

– Visiting in March or April is great as the weather is still within the dry season, and it’ll be cheaper too as it’s not a peak travel season. September is also great and cheap if you don’t mind a shower or two every now and then.

To finish our Oaxaca Travel Guide

And that’s all for our travel guide to Oaxaca.

One of the most diverse areas of Mexico to explore, here there’s everything from tropical Pacific beaches and mountains to incredible Aztec Ruins. The food here is also the best you can try in Mexico.

In this Oaxaca travel guide, we’ve explored the best areas to visit and covered important information such as how to get there, where to stay, what to do and how to stay safe. We’ve also included our top recommendations based on our own time spent here.

If you want to see more of Mexico then how about combining visiting Oaxaca with exploring exciting Mexico City too. See how to do all this with our 2 week offbeat Mexico itinerary.

We hope our Oaxaca travel guide has helped you to plan an amazing trip to Oaxaca!

More Mexico Travel Blogs:

• Itinerary for Mexico City and Oaxaca
• Puerto Escondido Travel Guide
• Mazunte Travel Guide
• Zipolite Travel Guide
• Where to stay in Mexico City
• Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico
• Best Surf Camps in Mexico

The 6 Best Yoga Retreats and Surf Camps in Tenerife (2024)

My guide to backpacking the maldives on a budget (2024).

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Traveling to Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Planning to visit Oaxaca City, Mexico?

Well then, you’re a wise traveler! I’ve had some of my best Mexico experiences while traveling to Oaxaca, and you will too. (💁‍♀️ In case you were wondering, the correct Oaxaca pronunciation is waa-HA-kah.)

You’ve landed on the right blog for Oaxaca travel info, and with the right blogger, as I live in Oaxaca part time. It is my favorite state in Mexico, and I have a whole website dedicated to it called Travel To Oaxaca .

Living in Oaxaca, I split my time between Oaxaca City , and the beaches of Oaxaca Mexico , from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco to Mazunte . I’ve also attended several two Día de Muertos celebrations.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about visiting Oaxaca City . If this will be your first Oaxaca trip, you’re going to feel like a Mexico travel pro in no time — so let’s get to it!

TRAVELING TO OAXACA City Mexico

Where is oaxaca mexico located.

Oaxaca state is located in Southern Mexico. It borders several states, with Chiapas state to the east, and Puebla state to the north.

📍 Oaxaca Map

The best beaches in Oaxaca, Mex., including Puerto Escondido , Hautulco , Zipolite , Mazunte , Chacahua and San Agustinillo are located about 165-200 miles (260-320 km) south of the city on the Pacific Coast.

Where is Oaxaca City located?

Oaxaca City is in the center of the state. It is the Oaxaca state capital, as well as the cultural, historic, artistic and agricultural hub of Oaxaca.

You may hear Oaxaca City referred to by a few names. Officially, it’s Oaxaca de Juarez , though most people will just say “Oaxaca.” Oaxaca de Juarez is the capital city of Oaxaca state .

As Oaxaca is both the name of the city and the state, you’ll want to clarify when someone says “Oaxaca,” to find out if they mean the city or the state. Usually, it’s Oaxaca City , but not always.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca City

B est Oaxaca City Hotels

Need recommendations and info about the best Oaxaca hotels?

Head to 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City for a complete list of the best hotels in Oaxaca Mexico. There are also a few places listed below.

B est Neighborhoods in Oaxaca City

When traveling to Oaxaca City, you’ll want to stay in or around the Zocalo or Centro Historico .

This is the historic city center, and the main area of the city, but there’s also the nearby neighborhoods of Jalatlaco or Xochimilco .

These three Oaxaca City best neighborhoods are right next to one another so it’s easy to get around.

Oaxaca City itself is walkable, and you probably don’t need a Oaxaca car rental if you’re just staying in Oaxaca City.

While there’s no Uber in Oaxaca , there is limited public transportation, and there’s also cabs for when you need to go longer distances.

Best Hotels in Oaxaca City, Mexico

• Quinta Real Oaxaca ($$$$) An authentic Mexican hacienda that’s been turned into one of the best luxury hotels in Oaxaca City
• Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$) Best boutique hotel in Oaxaca, with stylish decor and impeccable service
• Casa de las Bugambilias B&B ($$$) The best Oaxaca best and breakfast, run by a local family
• Hotel Casona Oaxaca ($$) One of the best cheap hotels in Oaxaca, with harming ambiance and great value for the cost
• Selina Hostel ($) Known as the best hostel in Oaxaca City, but Yabanhi Hotstel Oaxaca is also a contender for this title of best Oaxaca hostel

As with most downtown areas, Oaxaca’s Centro Historico neighborhood is equipped to host visitors — with accommodations for every budget.

It has the best boutique hotels in Oaxaca , best cheap hotels and best hostels.

If you prefer a quieter neighborhood, away from the main tourist center, check out these two Oaxaca neighborhoods, Jalatlaco and Xochimilco .

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca centro historico (downtown).

Downtown Oaxaca City isn’t very big — think 40 square blocks. For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in Centro (Downtown), as close to the  Zocalo (main square) as possible, very convenient.

This area gives you the convenience of walkability. There’s no Oaxaca Uber service, though you can always hail a cab. The city has public buses, though Oaxaca public transportation isn’t great overall.

🚙 Need a rental car in Oaxaca City? I recommend and use Discover Cars for all my Mexico car rentals.

Jalatlaco Oaxaca City

The hippest neighborhood in Oaxaca City! Colorful Jalatlaco (pronounced ha-lat-lack-oh) is just outside of Centro.

It is safe, with amazing restaurants and cafes, unique street art, colonial buildings and some of the best Oaxaca hotels — like City Centro Hotel Oaxaca and Hotel Cazomalli Oaxaca .

Xochimilco Oaxaca City

Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is the oldest and most historic Oaxaca City neighborhood, and located just north of Centro Historico.

One of the coolest things in this  barrio  (neighborhood) is an 18th Century aqueduct that runs along Callejon Rufino Tamayo street.

You’ll still get the old school colonial city feel and look in the Xochimilco neighborhood, but you’ll be further away from the crowds.

Being slightly on the outskirts of Centro Historico means great value at Oaxaca boutique hotels — like El Callejón Hotel and Casa de Arte .

Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico

1. monte alban oaxaca.

Located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center, the Monte Alban is the most-visited of all archeological sites and ancient ruins in Oaxaca Mexico .

You can visit on your own, but these Monte Alban tours mean having a guide explain all the ways this site is so important — and there are many.

If you’re visiting on your own, arrive early to beat the crowds. Monte Albán opens at 8am, and arriving when they open also means avoiding the blazing afternoon sun.

When visiting, remember to wear a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen , sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and keeps you hydrated.

🏛️ Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oaxaca! As some of the most popular Oaxaca tours and best things to do in Oaxaca City , all three belong on your What to Do in Oaxaca list.

• Historic Downtown Oaxaca City
• Monte Alban Ruins
• Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and town of Mitla, one of the best Oaxaca pueblos magicos .

2. Centro Historico Oaxaca City

While it may just look like a beautiful colonial city now, Oaxaca City and Centro de Oaxaca (Downtown Oaxaca), dates back to 1529. It was originally occupied by Oaxaca’s native Zapotec people .

Today, it is a mix of old and new — and many of the best Oaxaca tours in the city take place right here.

Out of the hundreds of sites listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, very few entire cities have made the cut, but Oaxaca City does.

You can get to know it on the Oaxaca Free Walking Tour (⚠️ Note: Tips are customary). It is among the best Oaxaca tours , and a great way to explore the city with a local guide.

Top 10 Best things to do in Oaxaca Centro Historico

1. Zocalo Oaxaca, Plaza de la Constitucion & Oaxaca Catedral:  The Zocalo in Oaxaca is the main “Town Square,” where you’ll find historic Constitution Plaza, and the Oaxaca Cathedral.

2. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman:  Saint Domingo’s Temple is a 16th century Spanish Baroque-style church, and one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca .

3. Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca:  Oaxaca Culture Museum, located inside the Templo de Santo Domingo.

4. Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca:  Oaxaca Botanical Garden, located at the Templo de Santo Domingo complex and one of the top Oaxaca sites. Note: You must visit with a tour.

5. Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca:  Oaxacan Artisan Market, traditional Oaxacan market (mercado) with textiles, clothing, handcrafted art and more. This is one of the best markets in Oaxaca .

6. Rufino Tamayo Museum:  Museum with pre-Hispanic artifacts. Its namesake Rufino Tamayo, is one of the most famous people from Oaxaca .

7. Mercado 20 de Noviembre:   November 20th Market, traditional market with plenty of Oaxaca Mexican food to sample, shops and more.

8. Calle de Macedonia Alcala:  Macedonia Alcala Street, a lively, pedestrian-only street with galleries, shops, cafes, some of the best mezcalerias in Oaxaca City (mezcal bars), and more.

9. Mercado Benito Juárez: Benito Juarez Market, traditional Mexican/ Oaxacan market with food, shops and more.

10. Museo Textil de Oaxaca:  Oaxaca Textile Museum, showcasing the state’s famous textiles. This is one of the best museums in Oaxaca City.

3. Mitla Pueblo Magico

After Monte Alban, the second most important archeological site in Oaxaca is  Mitla pueblo magico (magic town).

It is one of the six Oaxaca pueblos magicos , and the closest one to Oaxaca City.

Mitla is a Oaxaca Mexico UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Prehistoric Caves of Yagul .

As Mitla is easy to access, and the caves are not, most tours and visitors will only go to Mitla, Oaxaca.

🗿 What is Milta Ruins?

Rather than a group of pyramids , like many Mexico ruins and archeological sites, Mitla is a collection of buildings with elaborate and intricate carved stone and geometric designs.

It is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Oaxaca Mexico .

Mitla is one of the holiest sites for the native Zapotec people and Mixtec people, used in centuries past as a holy burial site.

In fact, the word  mitla  comes from the Aztec word  mictlán , which means “underworld” or “place of the dead.”

TRAVELING TO OAXACA City MexAico

4. hierve el agua oaxaca.

Located about 45 miles (72 km) from Oaxaca City, is perhaps Oaxaca’s most famous natural wonder —  Hierve el Agua . Its name means “boiling water.”

While the natural mineral pools are the most photographed places here, you should also check out the amazing “cascadas” (waterfalls). The word cascadas is in quotes here for a reason.

There are two cliff faces at Hierve el Agua that look like waterfalls because they are covered in calcified mineral deposits — however, they are not waterfalls.

They do look like waterfalls with flowing and falling water, which is why many call this site the Hierve el Agua waterfalls . You can see the “waterfalls” from afar at the hot springs and pools, or you can hike down for a closer look.

best HIERVE EL AGUA TOURS in Oaxaca

The easiest way to experience Hierve el Agua? On a tour, of course!

Check out the great and varied tours of Hierve el Agua listed below, ranging from half- and full-day trips to one of the best Oaxaca places to visit.

• Ultimate Hierve el Agua Hike & Mezcal Tasting
• Hierve el Agua Tour
• Hierve el Agua Experience

5. Oaxaca El Tule Tree

Located a few miles from Oaxaca City in the pueblo (small town) of Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca Mexico, this makes for a great and quick day trips from Oaxaca .

El Arbol del Tule, or simply El Tule (The Tree of Enlightenment) is a giant Montezuma cypress tree on the grounds of a the gorgeous Templo Santa María de la Asunción church.

At 46-feet around (14 m), it holds the world’s record for biggest trunk diameter on Earth. For reference, it takes at least 30 people with clasped hands to wrap around the El Tule tree.

Scientists date this tree at about 2,000-years-old. However, Oaxaca’s native Zapotec people say it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Ehécatl , the god of the wind.

It is a must see Oaxaca vacation site!

7. Oaxaca Botanical Garden

To see more of Oaxaca’s famous plants, head to the Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Botanical Gardens). It is located in downtown, adjacent to the Templo de Santo Domingo.

This 2.5-acre (1 hectare) garden showcases Oaxaca’s immense biodiversity, with hundreds of local plant and cactus species.

🌵 Oaxaca Travel Tips : how to Visit the Botanical Garden

Due to the fragility of the garden’s ecosystem, you can only enter with a guided tour.

English tours take place several times per week, for $100 pesos ($5 USD) per person, and last two hours. Though inexpensive, this is one of the best tours in Oaxaca City .

Oaxaca Food & Drink Guide

In 2010, UNESCO declared Mexican food as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind. 🤔 Just what does that mean!?

In plain English, the United Nations declared traditional Mexican food , including Oaxaca food, as one of mankind’s cultural treasures.

This honor is shared with only one other country, France, also popular for foodie travel .

High atop the list of best Mexico foodie destinations, sits Oaxaca. It is actually known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico.

So just what does one eat in this food paradise?

For starters, there’s these 30 Best Oaxaca Foods and Drinks You Need to Try , including the 7 moles of Oaxaca , tlayudas, memelas , garnachas, chapulines, and more.

There’s also amazing Oaxaca street food and all the incredible, authentic cheap eats in Oaxaca mercados (markets).

You’ll also want to imbibe the amazing Mexico drinks in Oaxaca, like mezcal , tejate, atole and the famous aguas casildas in Benito Juarez Market.

Traditional Oaxacan cuisine , like most Mexican food, is regional. It is unlike other foods in Mexico because Oaxaca has numerous indigenous groups that all add their unique flavors and styles.

Besides that, Oaxaca has an incredible variety of produce year-round because of its many microclimates and growing seasons.

From mercados (like these best Oaxaca markets ) to street food stands, and traditional Oaxacan family-style restaurants to fine dining — Oaxaca has it all when it comes to amazing food .

But first, let’s explore all the unique foods and beverages you’ll want to try while traveling to Oaxaca. These are listed below.

Following the foods list, there’s a list of the best Oaxaca restaurants , like Criollo, Origen, Casa Oaxaca and Alfonsina Oaxaca .

👩‍🍳 Check out these best Oaxaca food tours to discover even more about this regional Mexican cuisine.

Must Try Oaxaca Foods & Drinks

Below are just some of the most popular Oaxacan cuisine staples that you must try when traveling to Oaxaca City Mexico.

For a complete guide, head to this article, 30 Best Oaxaca Foods and Drinks You Need to Try .

✔️ Memelas (mem-mel-las)

Often eaten as a snack, memelas are kind of open-face tacos.

They are cooked on a  comal  (circular, flat cooking surface) and served on a thick corn tortilla and topped with beans, melted quesillo ( Oaxaca cheese ) and sometimes meat.

✔️ Chapulines (chap-pull-lean-es)

Chapulines are Mexico’s infamous grasshoppers. You’ll find vendors selling them on the streets and in the mercados (markets in Oaxaca City).

Chapulines are very common in Oaxaca, and eaten like popcorn.

✔️ Tlayudas (tuh-lie-you-das)

Tlayudas are sometimes called a Mexican pizza, and they do look like a pizza — but that’s the only similarity.

Tlayudas are assembled on large tortillas, and topped with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and queso Oaxaca cheese .

They are cooked on a comal or over carbon (charcoal), which imparts a smoky flavor.

✔️ Tamales  oaxaqueños

Tamales are an ancient pre-hispanic food made of masa (corn dough), then steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.

Tamales are served throughout Mexico, though tamales oaxaqueños  (Oaxacan tamales) are cooked in a banana leaf.

They’re sometimes called tamales hojas, meaning “leaf tamales,” and considered among the country’s tastiest.

✔️ Mole (mole-lay)

Mole is both a marinade and a sauce. There are  seven types of mole , all with different combinations of spices, fruits, nuts and more.

The most popular type of Oaxaca mole negro (black mole), which gets its color from chocolate and charred chili peppers.

✔️ Tejate (tay-ha-tay) : One of the Best Oaxacan Drinks

Tejate is a pre-hispanic chocolate and corn drink, which may sound weird, but this ancient drink has stood the test of time.

In fact, it is known as the bebida de los dioses , or “drink of the gods.”

Tejate is served cold, so it’s super refreshing on a hot Oaxaca City day. It tastes like a chocolate almond milk, but much richer and more complex.

✔️ Aguas Casilda

For a uniquely Oaxacan culinary experience, you must try an aguas casilda . Since you’re probably wondering What is aguas casilda? — Let me explain…

Fruit flavored-waters called aguas frescas are a Mexican drink favorite that you can enjoy all over the country. In Oaxaca, there’s a famous agua fresca stand which is a standout among locals and visitors alike.

The famed Casilda Aguas Regionales stand in Mercado de Benito Juarez Market, one of the best markets in Oaxaca City , dates back to 1890.

Started by the late Casilda Flores Morales, it quickly grew in popularity.

There are several flavors of aguas frescas at Casilda Aguas Oaxaca, but make sure to try the chilacayota . This is a melon-type fruit from Oaxaca Mexico that has a cinnamon taste.

Best Oaxaca Cooking Classes

Want to dive even deeper and learn how to cook some Oaxacan meals?

These Oaxaca cooking classes give you a new perspective on Oaxacan food and drinks.

You can also go to the source, and visit a local Zapotec community market for a traditional lunch.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City Mexico

It’s hard to eat a bad meal in Oaxaca City!

However, there are standouts like Casa Oaxaca Restaurant (located at Casa Oaxaca Hotel ), Lechoncito de Oro, which has the best tacos in Oaxaca (IMO), and Itanoni, one of my favorite places to eat in Oaxaca.

Below, you’ll find a more complete list of the best restaurants in Oaxaca City , and an overview of the best Oaxaca City mercados (markets).

The mercados offer a fun, authentic Oaxaca Mexico experience. In each one, there are plenty of street food stalls to eat all of the famous Oaxaca foods.

One particular food stall, Memelas de Doña Vale in Mercado Central de Abastos, was even featured in an episode of Netflix’s  Street Food: Latin America  show.

Best Bars & Restaurants in Oaxaca Map

Here are 33 places in Oaxaca to get your fix of mole, Oaxaca mezcal and more.

The map includes all the best Oaxaca City restaurants , as well as the best street food in Oaxaca, the best mercados (markets), fine dining options and all the top mezcalerías (mezcal bars).

Oaxaca RESTAURANTS & Casual Eateries

1. Itanoni:  Order tetelas, de ese, tamales, memelas and wash it all down with tascalate or agua fresca (fruit water).

2. Lechoncito de Oro:  A must try Oaxaca taqueria! This late-night street taco stand only serves chicharron (fried pork skin) and pierna (pork leg), so try one of each.

3. Tlayudas Libres:  Order a tlayuda and top it with cecina, tasajo or chorizo, if you eat meat. If not, order yours sencillo , or plain.

4. Las Quince Letras:  Owned and run by Oaxaca culinary legend, Celia Florián. Order the trilogía de moles (trilogy of moles) to sample three types of mole in one meal.

5. La Olla:  The menu changes seasonally, so try the menu del dia (menu of the day).

6. Boulenc:  Order shakshuka for breakfast, a brick-oven pizza for lunch, and a pastry at what’s possibly the best bakery in Oaxaca. 

Oaxaca fine DINING for foodies

✔️ Casa Oaxaca

Alejandro Ruiz’s is one of the most famous Mexican chefs , and this is his famed Oaxacan eatery. Order a bottle of Mexican wine, the crispy duck tacos, any of their  moles , and do not skip dessert.

🍷 Oaxaca Travel Tips: Make a reservation for a rooftop table at sunset. From here, you’ll have gorgeous views of Downtown Oaxaca City.

✔️ El Destilado

Splurge and do the 12-course chef’s tasting menu with drink pairing, for an amazing Oaxaca meal.

The seven-course tasting menu at Criollo Oaxaca changes daily, but you can expect an elevated spin on classic Oaxacan foods.

It is owned and run by Chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol, one of the best restaurants in Mexico City , and Chef Luis Arellano.

Oaxaca City Markets (Mercados)

✔️ Mercado Benito Juarez

Located in downton, this is a traditional Oaxacan Mexican   mercado  (market).

Here, you’ll find vendors selling a mix of fresh produce and Oaxacan cheeses , mezcal, prepared foods, clothing, locally-made artisanal items (some that come directly from the art towns in Oaxaca ), and more.

✔️ Central de Abastos

The largest market in Oaxacao, and most tourists visit for one reason only: the memlas.

Las Memelas Doña Vale was featured in the Oaxaca episode of Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America, and has become a local celeb in the market. If you go, make sure you order the memelas with morita salsa.

✔️ Mercado 20 de Noviembre

More of a food hall than traditional mercado, meaning this is a great place to sample many different and authentic cheap eats.

👀 Looking for unusual things to do in Oaxaca ?

Venture off the beaten path to the Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Alley) in Mercado 20 de Noviembre for some cecina, tasajo and carne asada in Oaxaca.

Best Mezcal in Oaxaca City

What is mezcal?

Mezcal is a distilled spirit that can be made from more than 30 varieties of the maguey ( agave ) plant. If mezcal sounds like tequila to you — it kind of is.

Much like how champagne is essentially a sparkling wine from the city of Champagne, France, tequila is a kind of mezcal from the city of Tequila, Mexico (and a few other nearby places).

If Tequila, Mexico, is the home of tequila, then Oaxaca is the home of mezcal.

Para todo mal, mezcal. Para todo bien, también. (Meaning, For everything good, mezcal. For everything bad, mezcal also.) well-known Mexico Quote

If you love this Mexican spirit, you must take one of these best Oaxaca mezcal tours when you visit Oaxaca City.

If you don’t want to do a full tour, head to these 15 Best Oaxaca Mezcalerias (mezcal bars).

Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars (Mezcalerias)

For a more casual, locals vibe head to In Sitú , La Mezcalerita  and Los Amantes Mezcaleria . These places will have some cocktails, but they are more about sipping on a straight mezcal.

🤕 Planning to drink a lot of mezcal? Don’t forget these anti-hangover meds .

If you’re looking for places to enjoy some mezcal mixology, head to  Los Danzantes  and  Sabina Sabe . Two of the best Oaxaca mezcal bars , both places are famous for their mezcal cocktails.

At Sabina Sabe try the Guayabo Verde, and at Los Danzantes Oaxaca, the Danzantes 43 reigns supreme. Note: Their menus change often, so these may or may not be available.

Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours

✔️ The Mezcal Journey

Join Alvin, a Oaxaca local to learn about mezcal in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca , considered the “Mexican mezcal capital,” and other top mezcal towns in Oaxaca.

Enjoy a tour of the picturesque Oaxaca agave fields and head to a distillery to see the whole process, step by step, before drinking some mezcal.

✔️ Mole Tasting & Pre-Hispanic Mezcal

Tour host, Daniel, is a master mezcalier and mezcal sommelier.

He will take you through a sensory journey to see, smell, touch, and finally, have a Oaxaca mezcal tasting paired with the moles of Oaxaca Mexico .

✔️ Mezcaloteca Oaxaca

Mezcaloteca is part mezcal school and part tasting room. It is located in downtown Oaxaca Mexico , in the heart of all the action.

After your experience here, you’ll have a great understanding of mezcal, and can take your knowledge to all other  mezcalerias  in Oaxaca City you visit.

🥃 Note:  Reservations are required for tastings. If the bar isn’t crowded, walk-ins are welcome to ask for a tasting, but it’s best to make a reservation.

What’s the best time to visit Oaxaca?

The best time to travel to Oaxaca Mexico is during the dry season, October to May .

However, the temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination.

🌡️ OAXACA weather Temperatures

While it will rain during the Oaxaca rainy season from June-September, you’ll also get lower prices, as this is the off-season.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca City busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead , through March.

Many also visit Oaxaca City for the Guelaguetza , Oaxaca’s second biggest annual festival, held in July.

Guelaguetza Festival Oaxaca

The Guelaguetza (pronounced geh-la-get-zah) is among the most famous and best festivals in Oaxaca City, Mexico . In fact, it has been called the largest folkloric festival on the Americas continent.

This annual event takes place on two Mondays in mid-July. Its dates vary from year to year, but the festival will be held the two Mondays following July 16.

The Guelaguetza festival brings together people from the eight regions of Oaxaca to share their food, textiles and culture through dances, presentations and gift exchanges.

In fact, Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec word,  guendalezaa , meaning “an offering” or “a gift.”

Though overshadowed by the fame of Oaxaca Dia de los Muertos  (one of the best Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico ), the Guelaguetza is one of the most exciting and beautiful Oaxaca festivals in Mexico.

Day of the Dead Oaxaca City

Dia de los Muertos, which is Day of the Dead in Mexico , is one of the biggest festivals in Oaxaca, and all of Mexico. I have been a few times, and can’t recommend it enough.

For a complete guide to the festival, as well as the history and symbolism of Dia de Muertos, check out Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know .

When is Day of the Dead?

The holiday takes place November 1st and November 2nd . It officially begins at midnight on November 1st, so you might hear some say it starts October 31st.

Oaxaca City begins prepping for the holiday about 7-10 days before the actual festival. If you’re planing to attend, try to arrive by October 28th.

The festival takes over the whole town, and it’s one of the best places to attend Day of the Dead in Mexico .

What is Day of the Dead?

Each year, for a few days in late-Oct. and early-Nov., many Mexican people believe the veil to the spirit world is lifted and our departed family members return Earthside to visit us.⁠

While in many cultures, this would be a somber event, in Mexico, it’s a giant party, and the biggest festival in Oaxaca.

Different Mexican states, with their ties to different indigenous peoples, will celebrate it differently. Oaxaca, and its native Zapotec peoples , are known as having the country’s most festive, colorful, and fun celebration.

Traveling to Oaxaca: Beyond Oaxaca City

Best Beaches in Oaxaca

The two most visited places in Oaxaca are Oaxaca City, and the best beaches in Oaxaca , all located on the Oaxacan Coast.

These include Puerto Escondido , Zipolite , Huatulco , San Agustinillo , Mazunte (where I did a 10-day  silent meditation retreat ), Puerto Angel and Lagunas de Chacahua National Park , among a few others.

Oaxaca, while not a huge state, is quite spread out. If you have four or less days, stick to one area; either Oaxaca City or the beaches.

For travelers with five or more available days, you can divide your time up between Oaxaca City and the Oaxaca coast.

🏝️ Traveling from Oaxaca City to the beaches? Check out these guides — Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido , Oaxaca to Huatulco , and Oaxaca to Mazunte .

To drive, take the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Highway. This newly-built roadway connects Oaxaca City to the Coast of Oaxaca in just a few hours.

Inter-state travel from the city tot he beach can take 3-4 hours by rental car , colectivo (small, shared van), and ADO bus .

There is a short flight from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido and a flight from Oaxaca City to Huatulco , though it’s the most expensive option.

Oaxaca Pueblos Mancomunados

For a unique, off the beaten path Oaxaca experience, head into the Sierra Norte mountains on a trekking adventure to the  Pueblos Mancomunados .

These eight self-governing indigenous Zapotec villages , located only a few hours from Oaxaca City, provide immersive Mexico ecotourism experiences.

San Jose del Pacifico (Oaxaca Mushroom Town)

As an off the beaten path Oaxaca destination, San Jose del Pacifico Oaxaca has been gaining in popularity in recent years.

This town is located between Oaxaca City and the Oaxacan beaches , so many stop in this pueblo (small town) to enjoy nature and magic mushrooms.

You can visit on your own by car or colectivo (shared van), or you can book this best San Jose del Pacifico tours .

🍄 How to take mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico

Though technically illegal, mushrooms have been used as plant medicine in San Jose del Pacifico for centuries.

The government is fully aware of what’s going on with them, but they look the other way. Visitors can buy medicinal mushrooms in shops all over town.

If you’re looking to partake, the best months for fresh mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico is from June to August, during the Oaxaca rainy season.

As with all medicines, make sure you’re taking the correct dose in the correct way, so you don’t harm or endanger yourself.

Prices vary, but one dose of mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico costs about $200-250 pesos ($10-15 USD).

Flights to Oaxaca City Mexico

When traveling to Oaxaca City, use Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX). It has flights from several United States cities, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, LA and Chicago.

If you’re already in Mexico, you can fly here from major cities including Mexico City , Guadalajara , Tijuana and Monterrey .

The Oaxaca airport is just 20-30 minutes from downtown, and you can take a cab, colectivo (small, shared van) or private transportation service to your accommodation in Oaxaca.

🚕 Oaxaca Travel Tips: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca Mexico , but there are plenty of taxis.

If you’re planning to take a lot of day trips, or just need a car rental in Oaxaca , the airport is the best place to get one.

Mexico City to Oaxaca City Travel

Mexico City to Oaxaca Drive

For those who love a good road trip, pick up your rental car in Mexico City, and hit the road.

The drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca City will take about 6-8 hours; while Mexico City to Puerto Escondido , Huatulco and the other Oaxaca beaches will take closer to 11-12 hours.

You can do the Mexico City to Oaxaca drive in a day, but if you’re heading to the beaches, consider a hotel for one night as many say it’s not safe to drive at night.

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

As a general rule, yes , Mexico road trips are safe — though you’ll obviously be driving in another country, which might be intimidating.

To be as confident and safe as possible, familiarize yourself with Mexico driving laws and customs before you hit the road.

You can always ask the agent at your Mexico car rental for advice, and check out the 10 Mexico driving tips in article, Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know .

If you’re driving across the border into to Mexico, check out this Driving to Mexico Guide for more info.

Mexico City to Oaxaca Bus

Mexico’s largest bus company,  ADO , has comfortable buses for the eight hour trip to Oaxaca City, and the 12-14 hour drive to Puerto Escondido.

⚠️ Note: The ADO website is not easy to use and doesn’t take United Staes credit cards, so book your tickets here for the Mexico Oaxaca bus.

Make sure to opt for their luxury class bus option on longer rides like this one. In this class, you’ll enjoy the comfy, large, recliner-style seats and outlets at each seat for your gadgets.

The ADO bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca has overnight trip options, which some travelers prefer. No matter your time choice, know that bus transport in Mexico is safe, inexpensive and convenient.

Mexico City to Oaxaca Flights

With numerous low cost Mexico carriers, the best way to get from Mexico City to Oaxaca is by plane. Though costs fluctuate, this 90-minute flight is relatively inexpensive when compared to the bus.

On average, the Mexico City to Oaxaca bus costs about $35 USD, and takes 8+ hours; whereas you can find plane tickets for as little as $55 USD, and flights are only 1.5 hours.

Traveling to Oaxaca FAQs

Is oaxaca safe for travel.

Short answer: Yes , for the vast majority of travelers, it is.

Longer answer: Aside from big surf waves, mosquitoes and not drinking too much mezcal , you’re in little danger in Oaxaca City or Oaxaca state.

In fact, Oaxaca is considered one of the safest states in Mexico for visitors.

Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.

SOLO TRAVEL OAXACA : Head to Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Amazing Destinations for Female Travelers , to read Rebecca’s traveling to Oaxaca solo story.

As no place on Earth is 100% safe, you’ll want to follow the 10 General Travel Safety Tips below — you know, the same ones you’d follow when traveling anywhere.

You should also register for the STEP Program and put your mind at ease with Mexico travel insurance .

Is Oaxaca worth visiting?

As you likely need to take two flights to Oaxaca Mexico, or a flight and a bus, you might be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it. I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that YES, it is!

Why visit Oaxaca Mexico?

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca is attend the festivals . If possible, visit during Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) , the most fun, festive and best time of year to visit Oaxaca City.

As one of the most bucket list Mexico festivals, you’ll want to book your travel plans for this as early as possible — even as early as January — though the festival is November 1 to November 2.

Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?

Here’s one of the best Oaxaca travel tips: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca Mexico and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.

However, there’s plenty of taxis if you’re not renting a car in Oaxaca . There’s Oaxaca public transportation, but even in the state capital, it’s not great.

For those doing some Oaxaca day trips , a rental car comes in handy as there’s a lot to see just outside of the city.

For those who want to rent a car, I recommend and use Discover Cars for all my Mexico car rentals. They compare local Mexican companies and international companies, so you get the best rates.

Another options are booking some of these best Oaxaca tours , and skip the rental car entirely.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

No — U.S., Canadian and most European passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.

This is just one reason Mexico is one of the best international travel destinations for Americans and others.

🎫 Passport Stamp and FMM Visa

When you arrive in Mexico and go through Customs and Immigration, you’ll receive either a passport stamp or a 180-day (6 month) FMM tourist card .

This is a small piece of paper that you need to hold on to so you can give it back to an Immigration officer when you leave the country — so don’t lose your FMM!

Of course, if you get the stamp in your passport instead, there’s no need to worry about losing it. At time goes, on the paper FMM is being phased out completely.

What do I pack for Oaxaca Mexico?

For the most part, Oaxaca is hot all year-long with 80-90°F days (26-32°C). At night, temperatures drop to about 50-60°F (10-16°C) in Oaxaca City , but remain warm on the beaches.

As far as how to dress, Oaxacans are modest dressers, so pants/jeans with long sleeve tops are the norm. Need some inspo? Check out these best Mexico outfits to get a visual.

☀️ Get more Oaxaca, Mexico weather info here, and head here to check out the Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download .

However, sundresses, flowy, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing works; bonus points for anything that doesn’t show sweat. At night, you’ll want a jacket and boots in Oaxaca City.

With Oaxaca’s sunny, hot (and often humid 😥) days, definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle to stay hydrated, and eco-friendly sunscreen to avoid sunburns and practice responsible tourism in Mexico.

If you plan on drinking a lot of mezcal , don’t forget your anti-hangover meds .

🧳 FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico

Wondering exactly what to pack for Oaxaca, and all of Mexico? Download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico here .

This multi-page Mexico packing checklist covers everything you’ll want to bring, and more importantly, what not to bring to Mexico.

Final Thoughts: Traveling to Oaxaca City, Mexico

Oaxaca, in a word, is  magical . Oaxaca is the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be. I sincerely hope this Oaxaca City Travel Guide showcased that.

This state has it all: rich history, gorgeous beaches , colorful festivals , UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made mezcal , beautiful nature , colonial architecture and artisan communities .

There’s also the traditional Oaxacan food 🤤 The Oaxaca food scene rivals many of the top foodie destinations in the world like New York City, Paris and Bangkok.

If you need more info about traveling to Oaxaca Mexico, check out all the Oaxaca travel guides on my dedicated Oaxaca website — TravelToOaxaca.com .

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

From booking ahead to what to pack, plan your trip to Oaxaca with this know-before-you-go info © Monica Rodriguez / Getty Images

Cultural capital Oaxaca 's combo of authentic regional flavor and big-city grit makes it one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico .

So whether you're hanging in atmospheric mezcal bars or embracing soulful Day of the Dead festivities, these top tips should serve you well.

Here are 10 things you should know when planning your trip to Oaxaca City.

1. Book ahead for Día de Muertos and Guelaguetza

Reserve accommodations months in advance if you plan on visiting in November for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) or in July for the Guelaguetza Festival (a renowned cultural event showcasing Oaxaca's folkloric dance and music).

Sure, room rates are pricier this time of year, but the city’s impressive array of lodging options caters to all budgets, from affordable hostels and guesthouses in spacious old homes to brilliant B&Bs and non-franchise boutique hotels in the heart of the historic center.

2. Safety: don't let the headlines spook you

Despite the much-publicized news about Mexico's drug-related violence, Oaxaca remains a relatively safe place to visit.

Of course it's wise to take common-sense safety precautions, as you would anywhere else, but in general, tourists in Mexico rarely get caught up in disputes between rival drug gangs and that's especially true for Oaxaca, a state that has been mostly spared from the violence. 

The US State Department currently has no travel restrictions in place for Oaxaca City, and surrounding areas such as weaving village Teotitlán del Valle , the remote mountain towns of the Sierra Norte and most of the coastal region are considered safe for travelers. 

3. Don't drive in Oaxaca's historic center

Driving in Oaxaca City requires patience, particularly in the hectic historic center, where traffic snarls and a lack of street parking can make life miserable.

You'll be much better off on foot when exploring the Centro's noteworthy sights such as the world-class Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca .

Many downtown streets do not have stop signs or traffic lights but most drivers abide by uno por uno  etiquette, meaning the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection has the right of way.

Beyond city limits, traffic is usually light but expect a fair share of poorly maintained roads with a slew of potholes and unmarked speed bumps.

Also, be aware that protesters regularly stage blockades in Oaxaca. If you come across a roadblock, seek an alternative route or you may find yourself stuck for hours.

When renting a vehicle, always take out liability insurance, known in Spanish as daños a terceros . Walk-in car rentals in Oaxaca start at about M$800 per day with liability coverage included, but you can often find better deals online. Most major credit cards provide free collision coverage for auto rentals.

4. Sip, don't shoot mezcal

When bellying up to a mezcal bar, keep in mind that the distilled agave drink packs quite a punch (usually 45% to 50% alcohol content) and it's best sipped slowly to fully appreciate its distinctive aromatic taste.

Duck into a classic mezcalería such as In Situ to savor the flavor of artisanal mezcals. 

For day trips out to mezcal country in nearby Santiago Matatlán, consider booking a tour with the experts at Experience Agave . Alternatively, if you foresee a boozy DIY romp, you can always leave the driving to a taxi for about M$500 each way. Salud!

5. Take day trips to explore beyond Oaxaca City

With all its museums, art galleries, uniquely savory cuisine and intoxicating nightlife, you may never want to leave the city, but trust us when we say day trips enrich the overall experience.

For a taste of traditional Oaxaca, venture out to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán or head south to visit artisan workshops for an up-close look at how iconic crafts are made, such as alebrijes (surreal wood sculptures based on mythological animals).

6. What to pack: keep it casual and comfy

Even though you'll see fewer people wearing shorts and tank tops in non-beach towns such as Oaxaca City, casual dress is the norm. Don't forget to pack a long-sleeve shirt and long pants for protection against mosquitoes and the sun.

A light jacket is always useful for cool evenings and air-conditioned buses. If you're heading for Oaxaca's sublime tropical coast , take a swimsuit, flip-flops, loose-fitting clothes and insect repellent. For ecotourism outings in the nearby Sierra Norte mountains, bring a heavy jacket.

7. Take your essentials and always carry cash

You'll need a passport for international travel, a driver's license if you're renting a car and credit or debit cards (but always carry cash as some businesses do not accept plastic).

ATMs dispense Mexican pesos and there's usually a 3% international transaction fee tacked on.

You can exchange foreign currency at Oaxaca's international airport or at money exchange offices clustered around the Zócalo , the main square. Most international flights connect through Mexico City.

8. Etiquette: slow down and do the right thing

Oaxacans typically are not sticklers about etiquette but there are several things to be mindful of when interacting with locals. First, remember that life moves at a leisurely pace in this corner of Mexico, so try not to get upset if someone shows up late or if service is slow in a restaurant.

Also, whenever possible, tip generously in restaurants and hotels as gratuities are crucial to the livelihood of workers in Oaxaca, one of the poorest states in Mexico.

Tip 10–15% in restaurants, 5–10% of room costs in a hotel and M$5–10 for parking lot and gas station attendants. Taxi drivers usually do not expect tips, but always welcome them.

When shopping in Oaxaca , prices are fixed in most stores. It's okay to do some friendly haggling with market vendors, but keep a sense of perspective about the amounts you're bargaining over as most folks are just trying to make a living.

9. Don't drink the water, but do eat the street food

Do not drink water from the tap. Instead, purchase bottled water in supermarkets or convenience stores. Most restaurants and hotels serve purified water.

When it comes to street food, it would be a missed opportunity not to take a few risks in a culinary hot spot like Oaxaca. Look no further than the delectable mole tamales at Tamales de San Agustín Yatareni , or the tender pork tacos at the wildly popular Lechoncito de Oro .

You can lessen the chances of getting sick by carrying hand sanitizer and choosing a place to eat that appears to have good hygiene practices.

If you do get a stomach bug,  Hospital Reforma is a decent option with 24-hour medical attention. Call 911 for emergencies.

10. Stay calm: there are frequent earthquakes in Oaxaca 

Oaxaca is located in one of Mexico's most seismically active regions and is prone to frequent (and occasionally strong) earthquakes, but rest assured that most come and go doing little harm.

If you hear the seismic alert system sound, remain calm and move to an open space away from buildings and power lines.

Should a quake hit while you're on the coast, head inland to reach higher ground. 

This article was first published March 2022 and updated January 2024

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T&C Hotel Awards 2024: The Best New Minimalist Hotels

When less is more, here are some perfectly pared-down places.

Sea Cabins at Manshausen, Norway

Even by Norwegian standards, 14-acre Manshausen Island is out there, a place for close encounters with the extreme north.It’s also home to one of Norway’s architectural wonders: The Sea Cabins at Manshausen . The glass-walled Sea Cabins, brain child of Arctic explorer Borge Ousland, give you front-row seats on some of nature’s most impressive spectacles, from the midnight sun to the northern lights. Two new "sea towers," named Nansen and Amundsen, for two of Norway's famous explorers, even have glass roofs so you can count the stars from bed. More arduous pursuits? Plenty. Such as the Nordskot Traverse, a trail with cliffs falling away to each side. —John Newton

To book a trip to Norway, contact Torunn Tronsvang of UpNorway , [email protected]

Boca de Agua, Mexico

Star Mexican architect Frida Escobedo, who in 2018 designed London’s Serpentine Pavilion and is at work on the modern and contemporary wing of New York’s Metropolitan Museum, has built a hotel on Yucatan’s aqua-blue Bacalar lagoon. The 26 understated rooms of Boca de Agua use tropical woods (responsibly sourced), are flooded with sunlight that pours in through what are more windows than walls, and sit atop pillars—creating a treehouse effect and reducing environmental impact. Escobedo’s hope is that over time the hotel will further integrate into its tropical setting; as you'll wish you could after a few days here. —John Newton

To book a trip to Mexico, contact Zachary Rabinor of Journey Mexico, [email protected]

The Bolder, Norway

Not far from Stavanger in southern Norway, Lysefjord cuts a dramatic path through mountains that rise thousands of feet along each of its shores. The latest addition to this visual feast is some cutting-edge Scandinavian design by Snøhetta, the Norwegian firm behind the Oslo Opera House and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt: The Bolder and its minimalist concrete-and-glass Sky Lodges, which appear to float above the fjord. Their muted interiors are pared back but warm, and the effect is somewhere between a cozy treetop aerie and a Bond-like modernist lair. —John Newton

To book a trip to Norway: Torunn Tronsvang of UpNorway, [email protected]

Otro, Oaxaca

Hotels in this culinary and cultural capital of Mexico can often go overboard with handicrafts when it comes to their interiors. The 16-room Otro Oaxaca , from Mexico’s Grupo Habita (which over more than two decades has worked with talented architects and designers, both Mexican and international), opts for a very different look: that of a soothing oasis, at once modernist and inspired by ancient Mesoamerican sites like nearby Mitla. Raw concrete and brick buildings sit on the hotel’s courtyards offering picturesque perspectives while a rooftop terrace has views of the nearby Santo Domingo church, a Baroque gem. The rooms may feel spartan to some, but their simplicity focuses attention on the local elements of their design, like woven bedspreads and reclaimed wood walls. —John Newton

Longfellow Hotel, Portland, Maine

This new independent, family owned and operated hotel takes to heart the philosophy of its namesake, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who once wrote, “In character, in manners, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” Think less a modernist aesthetic here, more a certain timeless New England restraint. The guest rooms at the Longfellow are comfortable and not flashy, with soaking tubs and views of Portland from TRNK couches. (The design is by Brooklyn-based Post Company, masters of an inviting vintage aesthetic.) The hotel also leans into a wellness theme, with its Astraea spa and healthy menu options at the Twinflower Café. When cocktail hour rolls around at the Five of Clubs lounge, you’ll arrive glowing. —John Newton

To book: Longfellow

Our Method : To compile this list of great-looking new hotels around the world, we followed not whimsy but rules: 1) They had to have opened no earlier than 2023. 2) They had to have been nominated by eithe r T&C ’s well traveled editors or our roundtable of 37 globetrotting travel advisors (preferably both). There were 172 nominees, and 53 made it through our vetting process. Bon voyage!

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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