Oaxaca Travel Guide

Welcome to our Oaxaca Travel Guide. This enchanting city captures the hearts of all its visitors, and as soon as you arrive and begin to wander the cobbled streets of the historic centre, you’ll soon learn how. Oaxaca is certainly best explored in the early mornings while the city wakes up around you. Take in the aromas of freshly toasted coffee; listen to the city’s soundtrack as the gas truck roars past; and select from the array of street vendors for your first bite to eat of the day. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Oaxaca, our three-bedroom colourful house in vibrant Barrio de Jalatlaco is perfect for 4-6 adults or even a couple who enjoys the extra space.

Oaxaca is notorious for its local gastronomy, and rightly so, the selection of food on offer in the city is highly impressive. You can choose between memelas chargrilled on a comal on the street, empañadas soaked in mole in a tranquil city centre garden, or octopus drenched in a corn pozole sauce served on a fairy-lit terrace overlooking the cityscape. There are options to suit all tastes and budgets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s renowned culinary world.

Mezcal is another icon of Oaxaca and no trip is complete without spending the night kissing mezcal in a Mezcalería. Learn how to enjoy this smoky spirit – inhaling the earthy aromas while you slowly sip and let your palate decide which maguey is your favourite tipple.

In our travel guide to Oaxaca, we share our personal recommendations of the city — places where we have been and experienced for ourselves — that we can’t wait for you to see. We use *Get Your Guide to book group tours for our guests, and for something more bespoke, let us introduce you to our friend, Tavo. Read on and discover our favourite local activities and book your preferred tour today.

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Organised Tours in Oaxaca

We’ve curated a collection of our favourite excursions in Oaxaca to help you uncover all this wonderful city and state have to offer. We particularly enjoy using Get Your Guide*, as it provides unparalleled access to local guides and unique experiences. You can download the Get Your Guide App here and get 5% off your next tour using the code: HOWETOROAMTHEWORLD5. We’ve even put together a wish list of tours in Oaxaca and beyond, inspired by our own travels across Central America, Mexico, and Europe. We hope you find plenty of inspiration!

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Bespoke Tours in Oaxaca

If you prefer a more personalised and private option, meet Tavo, our trusted friend and your expert guide to Oaxaca. He offers bespoke tours that delve deep into the region’s rich culture, with a particular focus on its renowned mezcal, incredible culinary scene, and an authentic glimpse into local life.

Below are some example itineraries to spark your imagination, but Tavo’s extensive understanding of Oaxaca means he can craft a fully personalised tour to perfectly align with your interests and group size, guaranteeing you the most enriching experience possible. To get in touch with Tavo, you can chat with him on WhatsApp via the button below.

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