Oaxaca

Gastronomic and artisanal capital of Mexico, famous for its moles, artisanal mezcals, colonial green stone architecture and Zapotec sites.

MexicoOaxaca
4 days

About Oaxaca

About Oaxaca - Culture, History & Character

City Description

Oaxaca de Juárez, nestled in the Central Valleys of southern Mexico, is the undisputed gastronomic and artisan capital of the country. Famous for its green quarry buildings, its exceptional Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous heritage, and its renowned moles and mezcals, the city dazzles with a constant explosion of graphic art, traditional markets full of life and an unparalleled cultural festivity.
Country
Mexico
Region
Oaxaca
Highlights
16+ Attractions

Population

Approximately 300,000 (city), 710,000 (metropolitan area of ​​the Central Valleys)

Languages

Spanish

Spanish is the predominant language. 16 living indigenous languages ​​coexist in the state and markets, highlighting variants of Zapotec and Mixtec. English is spoken and understood fluently in downtown hotels, art galleries, mezcalerías, and restaurants.

History of Oaxaca

Explore the fascinating past of Oaxaca and discover how it has developed over the centuries.

Historical Journey

Ancient Period

The valley of Oaxaca was the cradle of the ancient Zapotec civilization, whose hegemonic center flourished in Monte Albán since 500 BC. Later, the Mixtecs expanded artistic and political influence in the region with prominent lordships such as Mitla and Zaachila.

Development Period

Founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521 under the name of Antequera de Guaxaca, the city prospered extraordinarily in the 16th to 18th centuries thanks to the lucrative trade in cochineal (crimson pigment). This boom financed majestic baroque temples such as the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.

Modern Period

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, Oaxaca is today an effervescent global hub of contemporary art, textile design, rescue of ancestral ingredients and epicenter of international cultural tourism.

Historical Timeline

The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Oaxaca through the centuries.

City Scores

City Scores

Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system

Safety

Excellent
85100

One of the safest states and capitals in Mexico for international tourism; quiet and patrolled environment in tourist areas.

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One of the safest states and capitals in Mexico for international tourism; quiet and patrolled environment in tourist areas.

Advantages:
  • Very safe to walk on foot day and night through the Historic Center, Jalatlaco and Xochimilco.
  • Low rates of violent crime in residential and tourist areas.
  • General peaceful and family atmosphere.
Challenges:
  • Basic precaution against pickpockets in the crowds of the Mercado de Abastos or the Zócalo.
  • It is advisable to avoid lonely and poorly lit streets on the outskirts late at night.

Walkability

Excellent
94100

Exceptionally walkable; The Historic Center and its adjacent neighborhoods are practically flat and are linked by an extensive pedestrian walkway.

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Exceptionally walkable; The Historic Center and its adjacent neighborhoods are practically flat and are linked by an extensive pedestrian walkway.

Advantages:
  • The Tourist Andador (Macedonio Alcalá Street) connects the main attractions without car traffic.
  • Short and pleasant distances between museums, churches, restaurants and markets.
  • Colorful facades and street murals that make every walk a visual experience.
Challenges:
  • Narrow sidewalks on certain cross streets and cobblestones that can be slippery in rain.

Public Transport

Good
63100

The Historic Center can be explored on foot; For distant districts and towns in the valley, city buses and collective taxis are used.

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The Historic Center can be explored on foot; For distant districts and towns in the valley, city buses and collective taxis are used.

Advantages:
  • Yellow urban taxis are abundant and very affordable within the city.
  • Efficient network of low-cost 'collective taxis' that connect with the artisan towns of the valley.
  • Progressive implementation of the Citybus system in key corridors.
Challenges:
  • Lack of metro or tram and traffic congestion at access to the main markets.
  • Traditional city buses are old and their routes can be confusing for visitors.

Affordability

Excellent
86100

Very accessible in popular food, markets and excursions; Boutique hotels and signature restaurants increase spending in the high range.

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Very accessible in popular food, markets and excursions; Boutique hotels and signature restaurants increase spending in the high range.

Advantages:
  • Eating in the markets (tlayudas, memelas, tamales) is delicious and extremely cheap.
  • Collective transportation and tickets to archaeological sites at very reasonable prices.
Challenges:
  • Central accommodation and private tours become significantly more expensive on Day of the Dead and Guelaguetza.
  • Premium mezcal tastings and haute cuisine handle international price standards.

Nightlife

Excellent
83100

Refined and bohemian nightlife, focused on mezcal tastings in signature mezcalerías, rooftop terraces with live music and speakeasies.

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Refined and bohemian nightlife, focused on mezcal tastings in signature mezcalerías, rooftop terraces with live music and speakeasies.

Advantages:
  • Countless traditional mezcalerías with advice from expert mezcal masters.
  • Spectacular 'rooftop' terraces with illuminated views of the Santo Domingo temple.
  • Live music: from son jarocho and Oaxacan jazz to cumbia and salsa.
Challenges:
  • It is not a destination for large macro discos or massive electronic parties.

Art & Culture

Excellent
100100

One of the most powerful creative centers in Latin America: birthplace of great masters such as Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo, and capital of engraving and textile design.

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One of the most powerful creative centers in Latin America: birthplace of great masters such as Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo, and capital of engraving and textile design.

Advantages:
  • Dozens of printmaking, lithography workshops and independent galleries on every corner.
  • Living ethnographic wealth reflected in typical costumes, languages ​​and traditional wind music.
  • Textile museums, pre-Hispanic art museums and top-level contemporary art centers.
Challenges:
  • The enormous concentration of cultural offerings can be overwhelming for short stays.

Food Scene

Excellent
100100

The pinnacle of traditional Mexican cuisine and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A paradise of complex flavors, native ingredients and culinary mastery.

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The pinnacle of traditional Mexican cuisine and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A paradise of complex flavors, native ingredients and culinary mastery.

Advantages:
  • The land of the seven moles (black, red, red, chichilo, yellow, green and stainmanteles).
  • Legendary street specialties: tlayudas, quesillo (Oaxaca cheese), memelas,tasajo and grasshoppers.
  • Culture of chocolate with water, pan de yema, tejate (the drink of the gods) and traditional mezcal.
Challenges:
  • Renowned fine dining restaurants require reservations weeks or months in advance.

Shopping

Excellent
98100

The mecca of high-quality craftsmanship: backstrap loom textiles dyed with natural dyes, black clay, copal alebrijes and mezcal.

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The mecca of high-quality craftsmanship: backstrap loom textiles dyed with natural dyes, black clay, copal alebrijes and mezcal.

Advantages:
  • Alebrijes carved in copal wood with detailed polychromes (San Martín Tilcajete).
  • Glossy black clay pottery (San Bartolo Coyotepec) and glazed green clay (Santa María Atzompa).
  • Wool rugs dyed with cochineal and indigo (Teotitlán del Valle).
  • Artisan and ancestral mezcal bottled from wild agaves (Tobalá, Tepeztate, Espadín).
Challenges:
  • It requires careful haggling in street markets, although in shops and cooperatives of master craftsmen the price is fixed and fair.

Weather

Excellent
88100

Privileged temperate mountain climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters and pleasant summers.

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Privileged temperate mountain climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters and pleasant summers.

Advantages:
  • Sunny days and very mild temperatures during autumn and winter.
  • Low relative humidity that makes the heat very tolerable.
  • Cool nights ideal for sleeping peacefully.
Challenges:
  • Hot and dry middays in the months of April and May.
  • Heavy afternoon rains during the summer monsoon months.

Tourist Friendly

Excellent
93100

One of the most hospitable and prepared cities in Mexico for the cultural traveler, with a high-quality tourist infrastructure.

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One of the most hospitable and prepared cities in Mexico for the cultural traveler, with a high-quality tourist infrastructure.

Advantages:
  • Excellent offer of gastronomic tours, cooking classes, art workshops and guided tastings.
  • Clear signage and abundance of tourist information offices.
  • Boutique hotels that offer impeccable and personalized service.
Challenges:
  • Saturation of visitors and sold out reservations during the peak weeks of Day of the Dead and Guelaguetza.

Family Friendly

Excellent
80100

Safe and colorful destination for families with children, with interactive craft workshops, hot chocolate and large pedestrian areas.

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Safe and colorful destination for families with children, with interactive craft workshops, hot chocolate and large pedestrian areas.

Advantages:
  • Pleasant pedestrian walks without traffic on the Tourist Andador.
  • Interactive alebrijes painting or loom weaving workshops in nearby towns.
  • Local population very affectionate with children in restaurants and public spaces.
Challenges:
  • Cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks that make it difficult to navigate with baby strollers.
  • Few options for conventional children's amusement parks.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Good
75100

Tolerant, relaxed and respectful environment, influenced by the cosmopolitan artistic community and the ancestral 'Muxe' tradition of the Oaxacan isthmus.

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Tolerant, relaxed and respectful environment, influenced by the cosmopolitan artistic community and the ancestral 'Muxe' tradition of the Oaxacan isthmus.

Advantages:
  • Very welcoming urban center with diverse travelers and couples from all over the world.
  • Cultural recognition and historical respect towards third gender identity (Muxes).
  • Bars and cafes with a 'queer-friendly' atmosphere in Centro and Jalatlaco.
Challenges:
  • Society in surrounding rural areas with more conservative and traditional customs.

Local Friendly

Excellent
94100

Oaxacan hospitality is legendary; The inhabitants receive the visitor with sincere kindness, pride in their roots and generosity.

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Oaxacan hospitality is legendary; The inhabitants receive the visitor with sincere kindness, pride in their roots and generosity.

Advantages:
  • Extremely warm and friendly treatment in markets, inns and artisan workshops.
  • Local pride in sharing their gastronomic traditions and ancestral knowledge.
  • Relaxed and safe atmosphere in daily coexistence.
Challenges:
  • Political demonstrations or periodic union blockades can occasionally complicate urban mobility.

Natural Beauty

Excellent
92100

Fertile valleys framed by imposing mountain ranges, unusual petrified waterfalls and gigantic ancient trees.

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Fertile valleys framed by imposing mountain ranges, unusual petrified waterfalls and gigantic ancient trees.

Advantages:
  • The petrified white limestone waterfalls in Hierve el Agua with infinite pools.
  • The Tule Tree, the living being with the thickest trunk on the planet.
  • Cloud forests and alpine hiking in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca.
Challenges:
  • The valleys can look somewhat dry and brown towards the end of the dry season (March-April).

Architecture

Excellent
95100

A dazzling colonial complex of green volcanic quarry, convent courtyards and avant-garde Mexican architecture.

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A dazzling colonial complex of green volcanic quarry, convent courtyards and avant-garde Mexican architecture.

Advantages:
  • The gold altarpiece and the baroque doorway of the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
  • Viceregal mansions with landscaped interior patios and stately hallways.
  • Modern integration of cultural spaces (San Pablo Cultural Center, Ethnobotanical Garden).
Challenges:
  • Active seismic zones that require periodic structural restorations.

Historical Significance

Excellent
97100

An enclave of fundamental archaeological, colonial and republican value; home of Monte Albán and birthplace of key figures such as Benito Juárez.

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An enclave of fundamental archaeological, colonial and republican value; home of Monte Albán and birthplace of key figures such as Benito Juárez.

Advantages:
  • Monte Albán and Mitla represent peaks of pre-Hispanic urban planning and architecture.
  • Viceregal and convent history preserved in its entirety.
  • Leading role in the political history and Reform of Mexico.
Challenges:
  • Some secondary historical museums have explanations only in Spanish.

Green Spaces

Good
74100

It has one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world and groves of trees in its squares, although the central urban forest mass is compact.

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It has one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world and groves of trees in its squares, although the central urban forest mass is compact.

Advantages:
  • The Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden is home to a dazzling collection of cacti and endemic flora.
  • The Zócalo and Paseo Juárez El Llano offer shade under centuries-old Indian laurel trees.
  • Immediate proximity to the Sierra Norte mountains for hiking.
Challenges:
  • Few open grass parks in the core of the Historic Center.

Cleanliness

Good
77100

The Historic Center and traditional neighborhoods such as Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are very clean and well-kept, with specific management challenges in peripheral markets.

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The Historic Center and traditional neighborhoods such as Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are very clean and well-kept, with specific management challenges in peripheral markets.

Advantages:
  • Cobbled pedestrian streets and central squares very well preserved.
  • Neighborhoods like Jalatlaco stand out for their neatness and flowery facades.
Challenges:
  • Periodic challenges in municipal garbage collection during strikes or mass festivities.
  • Smoke from meat grills in the jerky aisles of the markets.

Startup Scene

Fair
52100

Creative ecosystem focused on social impact companies, sustainable design, mezcal agrotechnology and regenerative tourism.

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Creative ecosystem focused on social impact companies, sustainable design, mezcal agrotechnology and regenerative tourism.

Advantages:
  • Innovative brands that export mezcal, specialty coffee and ethical textile fashion to the world.
  • Constant attraction of designers, chefs and entrepreneurs from creative industries.
Challenges:
  • Limited technological infrastructure and venture capital financing compared to hubs such as Mexico City or Guadalajara.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Excellent
87100

Booming destination for digital nomads thanks to its creative atmosphere, cuisine, excellent specialty coffee, and international community.

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Booming destination for digital nomads thanks to its creative atmosphere, cuisine, excellent specialty coffee, and international community.

Advantages:
  • Numerous specialty coffee shops with excellent Wi-Fi and outlets.
  • Great quality of life, constant spring weather and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Attractive cost of living for medium-term stays.
Challenges:
  • Occasional microconnection or electricity outages during strong summer storms.
  • Increase in monthly rental prices in the most sought-after neighborhoods.

Overall City Score

Comprehensive assessment of this destination

91/ 100

Weather & Climate

Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Oaxaca y qué esperar durante todo el año.

Monthly Temperatures

January

Max27°
Min9°

February

Max29°
Min11°

March

Max31°
Min13°

April

Max33°
Min15°

May

Max33°
Min16°

June

Max30°
Min16°

July

Max29°
Min15°

August

Max29°
Min15°

September

Max28°
Min15°

October

Max28°
Min13°

November

Max27°
Min10°

December

Max26°
Min8°

Legend

Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods

Weather Summary

Privileged temperate mountain climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters and pleasant summers.

Weather Tips

Sunny days and very mild temperatures during autumn and winter.

Low relative humidity that makes the heat very tolerable.

Cool nights ideal for sleeping peacefully.

Hot and dry middays in the months of April and May.

Heavy afternoon rains during the summer monsoon months.

Located at 1,550 meters above sea level, it enjoys an eternal spring with sunshine almost all year round and low humidity.

The rainy season (June to September) consists mainly of short, strong afternoon storms that do not prevent morning visits.

Overview

Spring

March to May is sunny and warm, reaching the highest temperatures of the year with festivities prior to Easter.

More Information

Summer

June to August brings afternoons of refreshing rain and an intensely green landscape in the valleys; It coincides with the celebration of the Guelaguetza in July.

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Autumn

September to November offers ideal, mild weather, crowned by the magical Day of the Dead celebrations.

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Winter

December to February is dry, bright and very pleasant during the day, with cool nights and clear skies.

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Presupuesto y Compras

Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas

Budget Planning

Daily spending per person

Excellent value for money. Although fine dining and premium mezcalerías have international prices, traditional markets, street food and local transportation remain very affordable.

Budget Travel

25-45€

per day

Mid-Range Travel

60-120€

per day

Luxury Travel

€220+

per day

Guía de Compras

Best Areas

Alebrijes & Wood Carvings

3 areas

San Martín Tilcajete (direct workshops)

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Macedonio Alcalá Street

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Oaxaca Handicraft Market

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Handwoven Wool Rugs & Natural Dyes

3 areas

Teotitlán del Valle (cooperatives)

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Garcia Vigil Street

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Design stores in the Historic Center

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Black Clay & Ceramics

3 areas

San Bartolo Coyotepec

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Santa María Atzompa

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Benito Juárez Market

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Artisanal & Ancestral Mezcal

4 areas

In Situ Mezcaleria

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Cuish Mezcaleria

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Mezcaloteca (Historic Center)

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Santiago Matatlan

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Traditional Food, Quesillo & Chocolate

3 areas

Benito Juárez Market

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November 20 Market

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Mayordomo Chocolate Shop / Ruz

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Points of Interest

Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer

Temple and Ex-convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán

The summit of the New Spain baroque in green quarry, famous for its lavish golden roof with the family tree of Santo Domingo and the annexed Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca.

Architecture

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden

Designed in the old patios of the Santo Domingo convent with the collaboration of Francisco Toledo, it houses thousands of species of cacti and plants that narrate the historical relationship of the Oaxacan people with their flora.

Park

Monte Albán Archaeological Zone

Ancient sacred capital of the Zapotec civilization located on the flattened peak of a mountain that dominates the entire valley, with the Great Plaza, the Ball Court and the stelae of Los Danzantes.

Landmark

November 20 Market and Smoke Corridor

The traditional culinary epicenter of Oaxaca, famous for its steaming 'Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas' where jerky, cecina and chorizo ​​are grilled over charcoal with garnishes of chiles de agua and onions.

Market

Benito Juárez Market

Vibrant market filled with fresh braided cheese, toasted grasshoppers with lemon and garlic, pumpkin flowers, dried chiles, leather crafts and traditional snows.

Market

Tourist Walker (Macedonio Alcalá Street)

The most beautiful and busy cobblestone pedestrian artery in the city, flanked by colorful colonial mansions, engraving workshops, museums and mezcalerías.

Landmark

Macedonian Theater Alcalá

Sumptuous theater in French modernist style from the early 20th century with a green quarry façade, white marble lobby and a Renaissance horseshoe-style interior.

Architecture

Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

The tree-lined main square with monumental laurels and a bandstand where wind bands and marimbas play in front of the imposing green quarry cathedral.

Landmark

Textile Museum of Oaxaca (MTO)

Located in a meticulously restored 18th century colonial mansion, it exhibits collections of indigenous clothing and tapestries from Mexico and the world using ancestral dyeing techniques.

Museum

Jalatlaco neighborhood

Picturesque neighborhood of tannery origin with cobblestone streets, bougainvilleas, pastel-colored facades, signature cafes and spectacular urban art murals.

Landmark

Xochimilco neighborhood and San Felipe Aqueduct

The oldest neighborhood in the city, famous for its traditional tablecloth workshops and the stone arches of the 18th century colonial aqueduct.

Landmark

San Pablo Cultural Center

The first Dominican convent built in Oaxaca in 1529, transformed into a superb contemporary cultural space with a library of indigenous languages ​​and a glass cloister.

Museum

Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art

Private collection of the famous painter Rufino Tamayo, aesthetically arranged in rooms with monochromatic colors to appreciate the archaeological pieces as works of pure art.

Museum

Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca (IAGO)

Founded by Francisco Toledo in front of Santo Domingo, it is one of the most important art libraries and graphics exhibition halls in Mexico with a beautiful patio with bougainvilleas.

Museum

Guelaguetza Auditorium and Cerro del Fortín Viewpoint

Hill that dominates the entire city of Oaxaca, home of the monumental open-air auditorium where the Guelaguetza is celebrated and a panoramic viewpoint of the valley.

Viewpoint

Oaxaca Handicraft Market

Covered space where artisans from the eight regions offer embroidered huipils, shawls, basketry, ceramics and silver filigree jewelry.

Market

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Day Trips

Discover fascinating destinations near Oaxaca perfect for day getaways

Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours by road to the east.

Boil the water

Nature, landscapes, photography, natural baths.

Spectacular petrified calcium carbonate waterfalls formed over thousands of years, with clifftop natural infinity pools and canyon views.

Approx. 20-30 minutes by car or bus.

Tule Tree & San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya

Botany, viceregal heritage, history.

Visit the gigantic ahuehuete, more than 2,000 years old, with the thickest trunk in the world (14 m in diameter) and the nearby 16th-century Dominican temple with a baroque organ and indigenous frescoes.

Approx. 45-60 minutes by car.

Mitla Archaeological Zone & Santiago Matatlán Mezcal Factories

Archaeology, mezcal culture, gastronomy.

Explore the Zapotec-Mixtec 'Place of the Dead' celebrated for its intricate geometric mosaics of mortar-free polished stone, combined with artisanal distilleries in the mezcal capital of the world.

Approx. 30-50 minutes depending on the town.

Artisan Route: Teotitlán del Valle, San Martín Tilcajete and San Bartolo Coyotepec

Popular crafts, direct purchases from family workshops, living culture.

Tour of the towns of great masters: wool rugs in Teotitlán, fantastic wooden alebrijes in Tilcajete and the legendary black pottery of Coyotepec.

Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours by mountain car.

Joint Towns of the Sierra Norte (Capulálpam & Cuajimoloyas)

Ecotourism, alpine hiking, nature, magical towns.

Zapotec indigenous communities that manage a model ecotourism project in cloud and pine-oak forests, with zip lines, hanging bridges, trails and traditional medicine.

Explore Neighborhoods

Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.

Historic Center

Monumental, artistic and vibrant; heart of Santo Domingo, the Zócalo, museums and mezcalerías.

Jalatlaco neighborhood

Bohemian, flowery and picturesque, filled with specialty coffee shops, cobblestones and murals.

Xochimilco neighborhood

Quiet, ancestral and artisanal, with its colonial aqueduct and traditional weaving workshops.

Reforma Colony

Residential, modern and tree-lined, with contemporary boutiques and gastronomic restaurants.

Trinidad de las Huertas neighborhood

Authentic and local, home to traditional food markets and relaxed neighborhood life.

Seasonal Experiences

Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year

Day of the Dead

End of October / November 1 and 2

One of the most overwhelming cultural experiences in the world. The city is dyed yellow with the cempasúchil flower, monumental altars are set up, the 'comparsas' (parades with music and costumes) take over the streets all night and the pantheons (San Felipe, Xoxocotlán) are illuminated with thousands of candles in family vigils.

La Guelaguetza (Mondays on the Hill)

The last two Mondays of July

The largest ethnic festival in Latin America. Delegations from the eight regions of Oaxaca meet at the Cerro del Fortín Auditorium to dance (such as the Dance of the Feather or the Pineapple Flower), sing, and share offerings and products from their lands with the public.

The Night of Radishes

December 23

Centennial Oaxacan Christmas tradition where gardeners and florists carve sculptures, nativity scenes, and traditional scenes with huge, specially grown red radishes, displaying them in the Zócalo before thousands of spectators.

Festivals & Local Celebrations

Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals

Two last Mondays in July

The Guelaguetza

The most important folklore and indigenous fraternity festival in Mexico in Cerro del Fortín.

From October 28 to November 3

Day of the Dead Celebration

Comparsas, altars, vigils in cemeteries and carpets of sand and marigolds throughout the city.

December 23

Radishes Night

Historical competition for carving figures and dioramas on giant radishes in the Zócalo.

Every Tuesday of Lent

Witches Tuesday in Zaachila and Xoxocotlán

Traditional evenings by torchlight ('witches') with music, sale of tamales and atole in historic plazas.

Traveler Tips

Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe

Safety Tips

  1. Safety in Busy Markets

    Take care of your belongings and wallet in the crowded aisles of the Benito Juárez Market and the Mercado de Abastos.

  2. Climb to Cerro del Fortín on foot

    To go up to the Fortín viewpoint, do it during the day and preferably by taxi or along the main busy stairs, avoiding isolated paths at dusk.

  3. Responsible Consumption of Mezcal

    Artisanal mezcal usually has a content of 45% to 55% alcohol; It is not drunk in one gulp ('shot'), but in small sips ('a besitos') accompanied by orange slices and worm salt.

  4. Occasional Road Blockages

    Check with your hotel or agency about the state of the roads if you travel on your own to the coast (Puerto Escondido) or the Sierra Norte.

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

About 4 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 60-120€ per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is Historic Center. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
Located just 8 km south of the center. You can take an official shared van ('Colectivo Aeropuerto') from the lobby or hire a regulated private taxi.
Family-friendliness rated 80/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 85/100. Take care of your belongings and wallet in the crowded aisles of the Benito Juárez Market and the Mercado de Abastos.

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