$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Oaxaca

Mexico

Pace: balanced Historic Vibrant Artistic Culinary
Ideal trip length
4 - 7 days
Busiest
Oct-Dec, Mar-Apr
Oaxaca
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Oaxaca

Book direct on our own Oaxaca hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Spanish and Zapotec
Local currency
MXN (MXN)
Local time
(GMT-6)
Ideal trip length
4–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Centro Histórico
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
10-15% expected for service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 65 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Mole Tlayudas Chapulines Mezcal

When to visit Oaxaca

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: November, December Busiest: Oct-Dec, Mar-Apr
  1. Jan
    90

    Dry, mild

  2. Feb
    90

    Dry, warm

  3. Mar
    90

    Dry, warm

  4. Apr
    85

    Dry, hot

  5. May
    75

    Hot, some rain

  6. Jun
    70

    Warm, rainy

  7. Jul
    80

    Warm, rainy

  8. Aug
    70

    Warm, rainy

  9. Sept
    70

    Warm, rainy

  10. Oct
    85

    Mild, less rain

  11. Nov
    95

    Dry, pleasant

  12. Dec
    95

    Dry, cool

Things to do in Oaxaca

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Explore Santo Domingo Temple

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Marvel at the grandeur of this iconic Baroque church and former monastery.

Indoors Good for children

Visit Monte Albán

Outskirts 4 hrs

Discover the ancient Zapotec ruins atop a flattened mountain, offering panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Take a Oaxacan Cooking Class

Centro Histórico 5 hrs

Learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole with local ingredients.

Indoors

Stroll the Ethnobotanical Garden

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Explore a beautiful garden showcasing the diverse plant life of Oaxaca and its cultural uses.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Wander Mercado Benito Juárez

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Immerse yourself in the bustling local market, finding crafts, food, and local life.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Mezcal Tasting Experience

Centro Histórico 2 hrs

Sample various artisanal mezcals and learn about their production process.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Day Trip to Hierve el Agua

Outskirts 6 hrs

Witness the petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools with stunning mountain views.

Outdoors Good for children

Oaxaca itineraries

View All itineraries
With the family

3 Days in Oaxaca — Family with Kids

Discover the vibrant culture, delicious food, and natural beauty of Oaxaca with adventures for all ages.

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, balancing cultural immersion with kid-friendly activities. Explore ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and stunning natural wonders, all while savoring Oaxaca's renowned culinary scene in a way that delights both parents and little ones.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Oaxaca

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Mole 95 · Outstanding
Tlayudas 87 · Outstanding
Chapulines 78 · Very good
Mezcal 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore Santo Domingo Temple 95 · Outstanding
Visit Monte Albán 91 · Outstanding
Take A Oaxacan Cooking Class 87 · Outstanding
Mezcal Tasting Experience 83 · Very good
Wander Mercado Benito Juárez 78 · Very good
Day Trip To Hierve El Agua 74 · Good
Stroll The Ethnobotanical Garden 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Budget 80 · Very good
Digital Nomads 75 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Stay hydrated, especially when exploring ruins or hiking. 95 · Outstanding
Bargain respectfully in markets, but not in fixed-price stores. 83 · Very good
Learn basic Spanish phrases; it enhances local interactions. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Oaxaca

Straight-line distance from the centre of Oaxaca.

Getaways from Oaxaca

Places people from Oaxaca travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app