Oaxaca Travelers Recommend

If you have three days to spend in Oaxaca City, there’s time to sample a little of everything; learn more about indigenous cultures, visit Mayan archaeological sites, and delve deeper into traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Here’s how to get the best from three days in Oaxaca.

Day 1: Take it easy

Spend your first day getting your bearings in the historic centre of Oaxaca. For local insight that you wouldn’t get if exploring alone, take a walking tour. Tours typically stop at markets such as 20 de Noviembre or Benito Juárez Markets and reveal traditional Oaxacan breakfast foods and local coffee. Observe local life in the zócalo (plaza) with a homemade ice cream or spicy elote (corn) before strolling along Calle Alcalá to the Santo Domingo Temple.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Oaxaca City’s restaurants—trying traditional mole sauce is a must for food lovers—and sample mezcal or pulque afterwards. If it’s Guelaguetza season, skip dinner in the city and take an excursion to the festival’s hilltop music and dance performance which spotlights indigenous cultures—you won’t go hungry as dinner is typically included with these packages.

Day 2: Take a trip

Dedicate day two to a day trip. Oaxaca City is surrounded by indigenous villages and handicraft towns, making it the ideal base from which to discover new cultures and crafts. Some trips cover several handicraft and artisan villages, such as San Bartolo Coyotepec and Arrazola, while other excursions focus on specific products such as tortillas or mezcal.

If you’re more into archaeology, leave the logistics to the experts and take advantage of tours that stop at both Mitla and Monte Alban—where you can sometimes enjoy skip-the-line privileges—in just one day. Or, cool off in the midday Oaxacan heat at Hierve el Agua, a petrified waterfall with excellent photo opportunities. Excursions to Hierve el Agua often make additional stops at places such as Tule, home to one of the world’s biggest trees; the weaving town of Teotitlán del Valle; and the mezcal hotspot of Santiago Matatlán.

Day 3: Take a class

Pick up some new skills on day three in Oaxaca City during a cooking class, tasting tour, or craft course. Learn how to properly taste and appreciate the smoky flavors of mezcal at a sampling session in one of the city’s many mezcalerías (mezcal bars). Or, get to grips with Oaxacan cooking instead. Many cooking classes start mid-morning, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before getting hands-on in the kitchen with a chef.

If you’d rather create a souvenir to take home with you, it’s worth venturing a little outside the city to San Martín Tilcajete, where you can get hands-on insight into alebrijes (painted wooden figures) during a workshop.

Three days in Puerto Escondido give you time to go surfing, sample the best of Oaxaca’s cuisine, see dolphins, and swim with bioluminescent plankton. Here’s how to make the most of three days in the Hidden Port. 

Day 1: Shopping, Surfing, and Sea Turtles

Get to know Puerto Escondido’s historic streets and markets by visiting the shop-lined El Adoquinado and Benito Juarez Market, where you can discover local crafts and sample authentic cuisine. From there, make your way to Playa Zicatela to watch expert surfers tackle huge waves. While the display is sure to inspire you, don’t be enticed by the expert-only waves. Instead, book a surf lesson at one of the nearby beginner or intermediate surf breaks. 

Wrap up your first day in Puerto Escondido at a turtle conservation camp. Educational tours typically provide round-trip transport to the secluded camp and give you the opportunity to help baby sea turtles to the water for the first time. 

Day 2: Get Out of Town

On day two, explore the surrounding jungle on an adventure tour. Itineraries typically feature hiking to waterfalls, ziplining over the treetops, and visiting small mountain villages. Along the way, a guide shares information about local culture and history that provides a new perspective of the region. 

If you prefer to skip the mountains in favor of the beach, book a day trip to the beach towns of Ventanilla, Puerto Angel, Zipolite, and Mazunte. Tours tend to include boat rides through the mangrove-lined lagoons, a visit to the National Mexican Turtle Center, and local tips from your guide. When you return to PE, head to Playa Zicatela for dinner and drinks, or spend your night bar hopping on the beachfront.

Day 3: Dolphins and Bioluminescent Plankton

See the coastline from a different perspective on a dolphin-watching cruise. With luck, you’ll spot up to five different wild dolphin species and learn about their different lifestyles and habitats. Then, spend your afternoon on a horseback riding adventure to the thermal pools outside of Manialtepec. Once there, you can typically enjoy free time to soak in the pools. 

On your final night in Puerto Escondido, go swimming in sparkling bioluminescent waters. The lagoons surrounding Puerto Escondido are home to bioluminescent plankton that create a natural light show below the surface After-dark boat tours enable you to see the show from above or snorkel in the vibrant water.

With two days to dedicate to Oaxaca City and the surrounds, you can cover both the essential bases—such as traditional food, history, and handicrafts—while tailoring out-of-city excursions to your tastes for a more comprehensive trip. Here’s how to make the most of your limited time in Oaxaca City.

Day One: Stick to the City

Morning: Spend your first morning exploring traditional Oaxacan food, such as tamales and tlayudas (tortillas covered with refried beans and other toppings). Explore the fresh produce–filled 20 de Noviembre Market independently or as part of a guided city tour before taking part in a half-day, mid-morning cooking class.

Afternoon: Escape the heat of Oaxaca’s midday sun by visiting one or more of the city’s many museums—entry to some can be booked in advance—and handicraft boutiques. From heavily embroidered shirts and blouses to dainty coin wallets, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir.

Night: Dedicate your first night to seeing what Oaxaca City nightlife has to offer. From laid-back joints selling pulque (traditional, milky-white, fermented alcohol) and lively mezcalerías (mezcal bars) to curbside restaurants where you can enjoy a beer and people watch on the plaza, you’ll find a spot to suit you.

Day Two: Get Out and About

Morning: Wake up early and stroll the central plaza (zócalo) in peace while much of the city still sleeps, before wandering up the lively pedestrianized Calle Alcalá towards Santo Domingo Temple and snapping traveler-free photos. Be sure to grab a coffee made from Oaxacan beans along the way.

Afternoon: Choose between archaeology, handicrafts, and mezcal on day two, with convenient day trips that typically leave midmorning for distilleries in Santiago Matatlán, visits to villages such as San Bartolo Coyotepec, or tours through Mitla and Monte Alban. If you can’t decide, some longer tours combine two or even all three options.

Night: Finish up your stay in Oaxaca City with a relaxed evening dining and drinking in the city center; sample the foods you haven’t yet had a chance to—a rich mole sauce, perhaps?—accompanied by a smoky glass of mezcal. If the Guelaguetza show is in town, watch the performance with dinner included.

Compact and walkable—particularly in the historic downtown—Oaxaca City is a great destination for food and culture lovers on a time budget, but half the battle is deciding where to begin. Rest assured though: whether you’re looking for traditional street eats, art museums, or handicraft markets, here’s how to experience Oaxaca City in just one day.

Morning: Sightseeing and Shopping

Start your day with a Oaxacan bean coffee at the zócalo (plaza) in the heart of the historic downtown. Alongside the impressive green-stoned Oaxaca Cathedral, you’ll also find plenty of street food vendors dishing up breakfast, like tamales oaxaqueños. Then it’s time to sightsee—try a short guided city tour for some local insight and visits to spots such as the 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets. Browse for hand-embroidered shirts and mole sauce, among other Oaxacan items.

Afternoon: Museum Hop or Explore Beyond the City

To maximize your afternoon, choose activities tailored to your tastes. Dedicate your time either to picking up some skills at a traditional cooking class or to visiting the city’s museums—such as the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, entry to which you can book in advance. Alternatively, head beyond Oaxaca for further exploration. Monte Alban makes for a popular half-day trip, but don’t waste time waiting on public transport; instead, book a flexible shuttle service or visit on a guided tour with transportation and skip-the-line entry. Other half-day trip options include villages like San Martín Tilcajete, where you can learn about alebrijes and other handicrafts.

Night: Street Food and Mezcal

Even if you didn’t have time to squeeze in a trip to a mezcal distillery, you can still sample Oaxaca’s most famous spirit in the heart of downtown. Stop by a traditional cantina or mezcalería (mezcal bar) for a taste of the smoky spirit made from agave plants—just remember to sip rather than shoot. Afterwards, round out the evening with a streetside tlayuda. Sometimes known as Mexican pizzas, these huge, crispy tortillas, topped with meat, cheese, sauces, and vegetables will leave you full until morning.

This vibrant town on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca has nine beautiful bays that draw travelers to their scenic shores. And while the sandy beaches, warm waters and secluded inlets are all worth a visit, three days in Huatulco leaves plenty of time for getting away from the water and exploring the history, culture and landscape, too. 

Day 1: Go Back In Time

Start the day with a relaxing float along Rio Copalita. This scenic trip between the river and La Bocana is a perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the region. The slow float offers impressive views of crested hilltops and thick forests, as well as access to diverse species of indigenous birds.

Afterward, head to the nearby Copalita Ruins, just outside La Crucecita. Remnants of pyramids, ball courts and homes dot the lush landscape of this well-forested site, which also includes a massive stone believed to have been used in sacrifices. The ruins date back some 2,000 years, and while decaying structures are the main attraction, travelers will also find hiking trails and wooded paths worth exploring.

Day 2: Local Life

Spend a morning combing through the shops of La Crucecita, a quiet town just inland from Santa Cruz with tasty restaurants and a distinctly authentic Mexican air. Pick up traditional Oaxacan items, like Mescal and handmade pottery at La Probadita before heading to the Church of the Virgin Guadalupe. Locals and travelers alike gather to admire the 65-foot mural of Virgin Guadalupe that’s painted on the dome of this historic landmark. 

From La Crucecita, head out on a tour of Finca la Gloria. This family-owned coffee plantation is home to a butterfly sanctuary and hundreds of acres of farmland. Travelers can tour the working facility in the heart of a Mexican jungle and learn about the process of turning fresh berries into a cup of coffee. During harvest season, visitors can watch as laborers transform crops into drinkable brews and sample the finished product straight from the roaster.

Day 3: Snorkeling in Playa La India

No visit to Huatulco is complete without a trip to at least one of the town’s famous bays. Chachacual may be the most secluded, but travelers agree it’s also one of the most beautiful. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the morning relaxing on Chachacual’s sandy stretch of shore before venturing into the crystal clear waters of Playa La India for an epic snorkeling excursion. This tiny beach on the eastern end of Chachacual is known for its schools of tropical fish and warm waters. But be aware—strong currents can make returning to shore a truly tiring endeavor.

While most divers make a beeline for Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the Pacific coast is the place to escape the crowds. The sandy beaches and jungle-clad bays of Huatulco (Bahias de Huatulco) offer a perfect playground for outdoor activities and water sports. Here’s a rundown of the best Huatulco dive sites and snorkeling spots.

Cacaluta Island

On the cusp of the Huatulco National Park, the sheltered inlets of Cacaluta Bay offer warm water and gentle currents—a snorkeler’s dream. The best spots are around Cacaluta island, where common sightings include sea turtles.

Maguey Bay

The quarter-mile stretch of beach around Maguey Bay is lined with colorful corals that are teeming with tropical fish and marine life, while a series of underwater caves offer interest for divers. Cruises typically take in the highlights of neighboring Santa Cruz Bay and Organo Bay.

Chachacual Bay

This tiny bay is home to world-class snorkeling and one of the area’s most-loved beaches—Playa La India. The abundance of exotic fish makes for easy sightings, but strong currents mean it’s better suited to strong swimmers.

Famous for its world-class surf break, Puerto Escondido appeals to both expert surfers and travelers looking to relax on white-sand beaches. Two days in the port city give you time for more than just the beach—you can embrace culture, wildlife, jungle, and surf. Here’s how.  

Day 1: Surf and Turf Adventures

**Morning:**Kickstart your time in PE at the beach. If you’re an expert surfer, head to Playa Zicatela for world-famous waves and pro surfers. Aspiring surfers can book a lesson at a beginner-friendly surf break such as Playa Cardisarillo. Tours typically include board rental and transport. 

**Afternoon:**Take a break from the waves on an afternoon horseback ride to the Manialtepec thermal pools. Excursions tend to combine horseback riding through the jungle with relaxation time, and give you the opportunity to sample food at stalls around the thermal pools. Round-trip transfers are typically included.

**Night:**As darkness falls, it’s time for Puerto Escondido’s famous natural light show. The waters surrounding the town are home to bioluminescent plankton that can be viewed from the deck of a boat. Better yet, book a cruise that lets you snorkel in the sparkling waters. 

Day 2: Sealife and Nightlife

**Morning:**Get up early for a dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of Puerto Escondido. Cruises typically grant you the chance to spot up to five different dolphin species, and offer a new perspective of Puerto Esondido’s beaches and coves.

**Afternoon:**Experience local culture on El Adoquinado, a historic street lined with restaurants and vendors. From there, embark on an excursion to a nearby sea turtle conservation camp. Late-afternoon tours usually include the chance to help newborn turtles make their way to the sea for the first time. 

**Evening:**Spend your last evening in Puerto Escondido in Playa Zicatela. Get dinner at a beachfront seafood restaurant while watching surfers carving in the sunset. Then, wrap up the night at a bar or nightclubs.

As a secluded beach town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Escondido is a perfect escape for surfers and food lovers. This off-the-beaten-path town lets you break away from Mexico’s larger tourist hubs while still enjoying gorgeous beaches and Mexican culture. Here’s how. 

Morning: Surf’s Up

Kick off your first day with a walk along the beach that brought Puerto Escondido to the attention of international travelers. Playa Zicatela’s waves draw surfers from across the globe, so it’s a great spot to watch the world-class action. Though these waves are only suitable for experienced surfers, there are ample beaches for swimming and beginner surfing opportunities. If you’re a first-time surfer, book a surf lesson on Playa Cardisarillo. Intermediate surfers can rent a surfboard or take lessons at La Punta.

Afternoon: Seafood and Sea Turtles

After a morning of surfing or relaxing on the beach, refuel at a seafood restaurant on the seashore. Follow a cliffside path to the quiet cove of Puerto Angelito, where you can enjoy freshly-caught fish and take a break from the crowds of the beach. 

Then, see a different side of the region on a tour of a sea turtle conservation camp. Tours typically reveal the importance of sea turtle conservation and let you help newly-hatched sea turtles make their way into the ocean for the first time. Then, watch the sunset from the remote beach before the return trip to PE.

Night: Bioluminescent Displays

To sample authentic Mexican cuisine such as Oaxaca State’s renown mole sauce, head to the bustling El Adoquinado. The historic strip is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants and is closed to cars at night. Be sure to pick up locally-made crafts and souvenirs here.

Spend your evening on a boat tour that reveals the bioluminescent plankton of the Manialtepec Lagoon. As darkness sets in, you can swim through the sea of underwater stars or appreciate the natural phenomenon from aboard the boat. Either way, its a grand finale for your last day in Puerto Escondido. 

With stalls heaped high with exotic fruits, an array of brightly colored handicrafts, and plenty of delicious street food, Oaxaca’s markets are among the best in Mexico. Here are a few of the top markets in Oaxaca.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is one of the best places in Oaxaca city to sample local specialties and street food. Right next door to Mercado Benito Juárez, its tightly packed fondas (food stalls) present grills of sizzling meats, pots of spicy mole negro (a sauce of chillies, spices, and chocolate), heaps of freshly baked bread and pastries, and steamy mugs of chocolate con leche (hot chocolate).

Mercado Benito Juárez

A popular indoor market located just off the Zocalo in the heart of Oaxaca city, Mercado Benito Juárez is a dimly lit labyrinth of stalls, selling everything from handicrafts to fresh seafood. It’s a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs, including traditional Oaxacan clothing, weavings, embroidery, and wrestling masks, as well as Mexican specialties like coffee, mole powder, chocolate, and mescal.

Mercado de Abasto

A sprawling flea market with a huge range of merchandise, Mercado de Abasto sells everything imaginable: fresh vegetables, used clothing, cane baskets, wooden molinillos (chocolate-stirrers), car parts, and the region’s famous black pottery. Held every Saturday, it’s a great place to bag a bargain, and haggling is expected.

Mercado de Zaachila

Just south of Oaxaca city, the villages of Ocotlán, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Zaachila all host weekly food and handicrafts markets, but one of the best is in Zaachila. Held each Thursday, the lively open-air market is most renowned for its exquisite pottery, handmade by local artisans, but you’ll also find fresh produce, household goods, and even livestock.

Located in southern Mexico, the Oaxaca region boasts world-famous cuisine that’s based on staples such as corn, chile peppers, and chocolate. Influenced by its geography and indigenous cultures, its dishes and cooking styles offer a delicious way to learn about Mexican history and traditions. See below for some foods and experiences you’ll want to try.

Must-Try Dishes

Foodies and hungry visitors alike will appreciate the gastronomy of Oaxaca, along with its open-air markets and street food stalls. Popular local dishes include tlayudas, oversize crunchy tortillas topped with black beans, lettuce, meat (typically chicken, beef, or pork), and cheese; memelas, snack-size toasted cakes made of masa with black beans, salsa, shredded cabbage, guacamole, and cheese; and a variety of mole sauces, which are usually flavored with chiles. For those who like spice, Oaxaca is the hot spot—it produces a rare assortment of dried chiles found only in the region.

As for something sweet, chocolate holds a special significance for Oaxaca, having been used as a ceremonial beverage during pre-Hispanic times. Grab a mug of chocolate con leche (hot chocolate with milk) or try it in a savory dish with mole negro.

Must-Do Experiences

• Learn how to make a variety of southern Mexican dishes during a hands-on cooking class, plus pick up tips for creating them at home.

• Explore food stands serving chocolate, bread, and fresh meats just outside the city of Oaxaca in the town of Villa de Zaachila during a day trip that also includes visits to Cuilapam de Guerrero and San Antonio Arrazola.

• Feast on a traditional Mexican dinner while enjoying the popular Guelaguetza folk singing and dancing show in Oaxaca.

• Visit a corn field farmer and find out how tortillas are made from scratch during a tour through the indigenous villages in Tlacolula valley.