Oaxaca City Travel Guide
Oaxaca is always a good idea!
Oaxaca City Travel GUIDE CONTENTS
Location | Getting There | Hotels | Things to Do | Tours | Safety | Oaxaca Blogs | FAQ
Oaxaca City, Mexico: At a Glance
Known for its colorful festivals, artisan towns, amazing cuisine and unique history, Oaxaca state is still somewhat off the beaten path, but gaining in popularity each year.
There are two parts to the state — Oaxaca City and the mountain towns (like San Jose del Pacifico) in the north, and the beaches of Oaxaca on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
You’re not alone in wondering, How do you say Oaxaca?, as it’s a very common question! The Oaxaca pronunciation is waa-HA-kah.
Oaxaca City Travel: What to know before you go
The annual Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most fun times to travel to Oaxaca City, Mexico.
- ✈️ Airport: Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), also called Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport
- 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
- 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
- ⏰ Time Zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
- 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Oaxaca — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
- 🔌 Electricity Socket: You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the U.S. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
oaxaca City guide
Where is Oaxaca City located?
Oaxaca state is located in south-central Mexico, between Chiapas state and Guerrero state, and south of Mexico City. The state’s capital Oaxaca City (which is officially named Oaxaca de Juarez, though most people just call it Oaxaca), is located in the center of the state.
Oaxaca Mexico map
What is Oaxaca known for?
Oaxaca City is popular with Mexico culture travelers, and is also known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico — so don’t miss out on all the amazing Oaxacan food.
Besides Oaxaca City, travelers also flock to the beaches of Oaxaca on the Mexico Pacific Coast, though the city is about 160 miles (258 km) from the coast, so you can’t do any Oaxaca day trips from the city to the beaches.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
Oaxaca Travel: What’s the best way to get to Oaxaca City?
Colorful Downtown Oaxaca City, Oaxaca Mexico.
For Oaxaca City, you’ll want to fly into Oaxaca City International Airport (code: OAX), located about 20 minutes from Centro Historico (Historic Downtown Oaxaca City).
From there, you can book private transportation, a rental car, or take a taxi or colectivo (small, shared van) to your accommodation. 🚗 Note: There is no Uber in Oaxaca state.
Best Way to Get to Oaxaca beaches
On the beaches of Oaxaca, there are two airports; the first is Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM), for those traveling to Puerto Escondido and Chacahua National Park.
The second, Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX), is the better option for Huatulco, Mazunte and Zipolite, San Agustinillo and Puerto Angel.
🏝 Traveling from Oaxaca City to the beaches? Check out these detailed guides for Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, and Oaxaca City to Huatulco.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
Best Hotels in Oaxaca City
Looking for the best places to stay in Oaxaca City?
First time visitors will find staying near the Zocalo in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) very convenient because this area is walkable. There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca.
The hotels you see featured below are in Downtown Oaxaca City, but if you need more options, check out these:
- Best Hotels in Oaxaca City
- Best Oaxaca Hotels With Pools
- Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca
- Best Oaxaca 5 Star Hotels
- Best Hostels in Oaxaca City
Quinta Real Oaxaca ($$$$)
Quinta Real is the hands-down best hotel in Oaxaca City! With a mix of Old World charm, modern amenities, 5 Star service and ideal location in downtown, there simply is no better place to stay in Oaxaca Mexico.
Hotel City Centro Oaxaca ($$$)
The famous pink Oaxaca hotel is the place to stay, both for comfort and for some of the most Instagram worthy Oaxaca photos. It’s just steps from downtown in the Jalatlaco neighborhood, a trendy area with cool cafés and street wrt.
Selina Oaxaca Hostel ($$)
Selina Oaxaca is located in the heart of Centro Historico (Downtown Oaxaca City), within walking distance of everything. This Oaxaca hostel is a favorite among budget travelers, solo travelers and digital nomads in Oaxaca.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico
Besides all the mouth-watering Oaxaca cuisine you’ll want to devour, there’s also plenty of Oaxaca day trips just outside of the city to see the beautiful nature, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colorful colonial cities, pueblos magicos (magic towns), and more.
Check out some of the Oaxaca sites below, and don’t miss this comprehensive list of the 30 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
Best Tours in Oaxaca City, Mexico
Tours in Oaxaca City are a great way to see the sites — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Oaxaca, tours are the best way to get around as transportation costs will add up quickly.
If you do want a Oaxaca rental car, check out this guide to Renting a Car in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?
According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico. In fact, Oaxaca consistently ranks as one of the safest states in Mexico, which includes both Oaxaca City and the beaches of Oaxaca on the coast.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI Veteran (source: Forbes)
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca; they do.
As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
For an added safety measure, pack these travel safety items, dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card.
Is Oaxaca safe for solo travelers?
On a personal note, I lived in Oaxaca by myself for four months, and felt quite safe.
Now, this wasn’t magic; I made it a priority to stay safe by not walking home alone at night, never drinking too much, etc. Check out my Mexico Solo Travel Guide for more info on Mexico travel safety for solo female travelers.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?
This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you, consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.
🏆 In general, I only ever recommend two companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from, World Nomads and Safety Wing.
- World Nomads is the biggest name in travel insurance. Plans start at about $7 USD per day, but can go up depending on your needs. World Nomads is best for general travelers, with their Standard Plan, and adventure travelers, with their Explorer Plan. ▶︎ Get a FREE quote here
- SafetyWing is perfect for digital nomads in Mexico, general travelers and long-term travelers. Plans start at about $42 USD per month, and cover everything from medial emergencies to theft. This is the cheapest Mexico travel insurance, though the company is highly regarded. ▶︎ Get a FREE quote here
Oaxaca Blogs: Learn more about Oaxaca travel
Oaxaca City Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca Mexico?
No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator.
In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico. So what can you do?
- If you’re renting an Airbnb with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
- You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more.
I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe. Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
🧳 Mexico Packing list
Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Oaxaca Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
What’s the Oaxaca weather like?
Weather-wise, Oaxaca City has deserts and mountains, so it’s more cool and dry. You will however, see quite a bit of rain during the Oaxaca rainy season from about April to September.
The Oaxaca beaches on the coast have a much more tropical climate, so expect warm temperatures year-round, and a lot of rain from about May to October.
🌡️ Oaxaca City Weather: Temperature averages
What’s the best time to visit Oaxaca City?
The best time to visit is during the Oaxaca dry season from October to May.
Overall, northern and central Oaxaca have a temperate, desert-like climate — though you’ll want to try to avoid the rainy season from April to September, as it rains quite a bit. During the other months, you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights.
The most popular time to visit Oaxaca for festivals is during Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), held November 1-2 each year. The Guelaguetza Festival in July is another popular time for Oaxaca travel.
🏝 Oaxaca beaches
The beaches of Oaxaca have a much more tropical climate than Oaxaca City. The rainy season lasts from April to late-October or November, and the coast of Oaxaca sees a lot of rain.
The best time to visit the beaches of Oaxaca is from November to April, when the temperatures are mild and the humidity and mosquitoes are at bay.
This is also during the annual whale migration, when pacific gray, humpback and blue whales swim along the coast of Oaxaca to their breeding grounds.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
How do you get around Oaxaca City?
The pueblo magico (magic town) of Mitla is one of the three Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
Oaxaca City is very walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.
If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?
No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
Are taxis saf in Oaxaca Mexico?
For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.
I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street. Also, the app lets you pay by credit card.
Ultimate oaxaca City guide
How many days do I need in Oaxaca?
Of course, this answer depends on your travel style. If you just want to see the highlights on Oaxaca City, you can do that in 3-4 days.
A great place for slow travel in Mexico, you could spend a month in Oaxaca and not see all the top spots and hidden gems. From the mountains in the northern part of the state, to the beautiful beaches all the way south, and so much to see in between — Oaxaca state would make a great longer trip.
Since many travelers don’t have a month, you’d realistically need at least seven full days to explore both Oaxaca City and one or two Oaxaca beach towns.
If you’re just staying in one part of the state, either the city or the beaches, four full days will suffice.
Is Oaxaca worth visiting?
Yes — Oaxaca Mexico is a unique Mexico destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.
From the food, art and culture in Oaxaca City, to the off the beaten path Pueblos Mancomunados and the Oaxaca magic mushroom town of San Jose del Pacifico, to the tropical Puerto Escondido beaches and Huatulco beaches — there’s something for everyone.
🗣 Mexico Language
Mexico Fun Fact: There’s actually no official language of Mexico! Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, the Maya language, and various Zapotec languages in Oaxaca.
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered at about $20 pesos to $1 USD for about the few decades. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico.
☀️ Mexico Weather
Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.
✈️ Mexico Travel Seasons
• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.
• Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.
• Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.
Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Oaxaca cities, and packing for a Oaxaca beach vacation. Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:
Filterable Water Bottle
Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico. A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Oaxaca.
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.
Mexico SIM Card
Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit. This way, you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.
Anti-Hangover Meds
Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 80,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against hangovers.
Sun Hat
No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.
Sunscreen
As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, mineral-based sunscreen is ideal. Headed to the Oaxacan beaches? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly Reef Safe Sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (rash guard) instead.
Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes are common throughout Oaxaca — especially on the beaches! Repel Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.
The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🎫 What is the mexico FMM?
When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.
In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!
🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times
Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card, it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.
🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country. Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.
If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country. If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.
As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer (I wish it did), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now. However, for the most part, Mexico is statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers. Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info on Mexico solo travel safety.
Mexico solo travel guides
Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, 20 Best Solo Travel Mexico Destinations to Visit. In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.
🎧 solo travel podcasts
• Ep. 34 | Planning your first Mexico solo trip
• Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico
• Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1
To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Oaxaca? — YES, it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in most places in Mexico. As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula, Baja California Peninsula and Oaxaca state.
The one caveat to Oaxaca Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know, where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips.
🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them whenever I rent a car in Oaxaca and the rest of Mexico.
As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.
If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
Here are some options:
- Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish, so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
- Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
- Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
- Save the infographic below as an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions even when you’re off-WiFi.
