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Oaxaca Travel Guide

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Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations, known for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. Whether you’re exploring ancient Zapotec ruins, wandering colorful markets, or tasting smoky mezcal, Oaxaca off...
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What to do in Oaxaca

From City tours, cooking classes, historic buildings….Oaxaca has something for everyone.
 
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Oaxaca Travel Guide Overview
Your Oaxaca City Travel Guide: Food, Drink & More (2025)
 
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The best Dia De Muertos in Mexico
DIA DE MUERTOS 2025
 
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Oaxacan Culture on Display
Anuncia Sectur Oaxaca fechas de la Guelaguetza 2025
 
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Check out this amazing Cathedral with a mercado surrounding it
Templo de Santo Domingo | Oaxaca City, Mexico | Attractions
 
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Really incredible botanical gardens in the city center, need to reserve
Jardín Etnobiológico de Oaxaca
 
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Great contemporary Oaxacan art
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca (MACO)
 
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The textiles made in Oaxacan are stunning
Museo Textil de Oaxaca: Inicio
 
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Great City Tour
Oaxaca : City Tour
 
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Oaxacan cooking class
Clase de cocina tradicional oaxaqueña

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has some great places to stay for all budget. I have visited and vetted all these accommodations.
 
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Oaxaca has a wide range of accommodations for all budgets
Best Hotels in Oaxaca
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -On-site mezcal bar with curated local selections -Rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city -Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
Hotel Sin Nombre, Oaxaca City (updated prices 2025)
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Regular events and community gatherings -Affordable private rooms and dorm options -Central location with easy access to bars and restaurants
Casa de las Bugambilias B&B
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Luxurious rooms with modern amenities -Rooftop terrace with city views -Friendly and attentive staff
Casa Colibri Oaxaca con Jacuzzi en Terraza
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Luxurious rooms with modern amenities -Rooftop terrace with city views -Friendly and attentive staff
Casa Antonieta, Oaxaca City (updated prices 2025)
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Historic building with beautiful colonial architecture -Luxury amenities including a pool and fitness center -Friendly with an inclusive, upscale atmosphere
Quinta Real Oaxaca
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Charming rooms with colorful Oaxacan decor -Rooftop terrace with views of Santo Domingo -Friendly, safe, and inclusive environment
Hotel Casa Vertiz, Oaxaca City (updated prices 2025)
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Socially responsible hotel supporting local education initiatives -Relaxed, eco-friendly vibe with garden courtyards -Friendly and inclusive for travelers from all walks of life
Hotel con Corazón Oaxaca
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Beautifully designed rooms with minimalist decor -Delicious breakfasts made from local ingredients -Friendly staff with great recommendations for local attractions
Grana B&B, Oaxaca City (updated prices 2025)
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Individually designed rooms with art-inspired decor -High-end amenities including in-room breakfast service -Friendly and inclusive for all travelers
Pug Seal Oaxaca
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Rooftop terrace with a small pool and city views -On-site restaurant serving traditional Oaxacan dishes -Friendly environment with a welcoming staff
Los Pilares Hotel, Oaxaca City (updated prices 2025)
 
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HIGHLIGHTS: -Rooftop pool and bar with panoramic city views -Luxurious, minimalist rooms with locally inspired decor -Inclusive with a high standard of service and privacy
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca, a Member of Design Hotels

Best Mezcal Tastings

Oaxaca is known for Mezcal and you should definitely do a couple of Mezcal tastings. The Mezcal you get from home is not as complex and varied that you can find in Oaxaca.
 
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Lively, colorful cantina with a rooftop terrace dispensing craft cocktails and mezcal tastings
La Mezcalerita - Oaxaca
 
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Fantastic tastings and incredibly knowledgeable staff
Mezcaloteca
 
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Try Los Amantes Mezcals
Hotel Los Amantes Oaxaca | Official Site | Oaxaca de Juárez

Where to Eat & Drink in Oaxaca

 
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Overview of the best places to eat & drink in Oaxaca
Best Restaurants & Bars in Oaxaca (2025)
 
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Elegant, romantic, perfect for foodies and special occasions
Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante
 
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Upscale, trendy, mezcal bar and restaurant
RESTAURANTE LOS DANZANTES OAXACA
 
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Elegant, seasonal, chef-driven
Restaurante Origen Oaxaca
 
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The drinks here are mezcal-focused, with a range of cocktails that incorporate herbs, spices, and smoky mezcal flavors.
Selva Oaxaca
 
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Try their signature mezcal cocktails, like the El Beso de Sabina (a smoky, citrusy mezcal drink) or the Mezcal Mule, which puts a twist on the classic Moscow Mule with a local touch
SabinaSabe
 
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La Biznaga is a unique restaurant that combines traditional Mexican flavors with international influences.
LA BIZNAGA, Oaxaca - Fotos, Número de Teléfono y Restaurante Opiniones
 
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Levadura del Olla was awarded it’s first Michelin star this year. Levadura de Olla focuses on sustainable, farm-to-table Oaxacan cuisine.
Levadura de Olla
 
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For a bar with a rooftop view and a lively atmosphere, Txalaparta is one of the best spots in Oaxaca City
Txalaparta Bar
 
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The highlight of Mercado 20 de Noviembre is the pasillo de humo (smoke alley), where vendors grill meats right in front of you.
Mercado 20 De Noviembre (ACTUALIZADO 2025) - Qué SABER ...
 
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This traditional market is a feast for the senses, filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meat to spices and handmade crafts.
Mercado Benito Juárez (ACTUALIZADO 2025) - Oaxaca

Oaxaca Day Trips

Once you have explored Oaxaca City, time to explore around the area.
 
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Monte Albán is one of the most impressive ancient Zapotec ruins in Mexico
Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour
 
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Known for its intricate stone mosaics, Mitla is another important archeological site, located about 40 minutes from Oaxaca City.
From Oaxaca: Mitla Mystic Journey to the Zapotec Heartland
 
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These petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools are located in the mountains, about 1.5 hours from Oaxaca City. It’s an incredible spot to relax, swim, and take photos with views over the mountains
From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

Where to Go Next in Southern Mexico

On the Oaxacan Coast about 4 hours from Oaxaca City. Laid back surfer paradise.
 
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Bohemian surfers paradise
Is Puerto Escondido Worth Visiting? (2025)
 
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It’s about a 8 - 10 hour journey but San Cristobal is a lovely destination in the mountains surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Is San Cristobal Worth Visiting? (2025)
 
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About 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido, enjoy Mexico’s only legal nude beach.
Zipolite Travel Guide: Mexico’s Chill, Nude Beach Escape

Prepare for your trip to Oaxaca

 
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Be prepared for any mishaps on your trips.
Travel Insurance
 
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Comprehensive booking platform for your trip
Expedia
 
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Get some comfortable shoes for your trip.
Nike Shoes & Sneakers