Oaxaca

About Oaxaca

Oaxaca state spans two dramatically different worlds: the highland Central Valleys around Oaxaca de Juárez, with their Zapotec and Mixtec archaeological sites, artisan weaving and pottery villages, and a UNESCO-listed historic center, and the Pacific coast, where the surf town of Puerto Escondido, the laid-back villages of Zipolite and Mazunte, and the resort bays of Huatulco offer everything from world-class waves to sheltered swimming coves. Sixteen officially recognized indigenous groups call the state home, giving it more linguistic and cultural diversity than anywhere else in Mexico, and its food and mezcal culture are considered among the country's finest.

Capital

Oaxaca de Juárez

Largest city

Oaxaca de Juárez

Population

4.1 million

Languages

Spanish, Zapotec, Mixtec, Mazatec, Mixe, Chinantec

Currency

Mexican Peso

Time zone

America/Mexico_City (CST, UTC-6)

Explore Oaxaca by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

• Attractions
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Budget
• Transportation
• Safety
• Culture
• Weather
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Hiking
• History
• Photography
• Food Tours
• Day Trips
• Family
• Luxury
• Adventure
• Wellness

Best places to visit in Oaxaca

The 24 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Monte Albán

Mitla

Hierve el Agua

Zócalo de Oaxaca

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Museo Textil de Oaxaca

Recommended itineraries

Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.

Where to stay in Oaxaca

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Where to eat in Oaxaca

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Getting around Oaxaca

Oaxaca state is served by three airports: Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) near Oaxaca city, Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) on the coast, and Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) near Huatulco. A new toll superhighway (Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla) now links Oaxaca city to the coast in about 3-4 hours, a major improvement over the older winding mountain routes through the Sierra Sur. Colectivos (shared vans and taxis) are the backbone of local transport both in Oaxaca city's surrounding valleys and along the coast between Puerto Escondido, Zipolite, Mazunte, and Pochutla. Uber operates in Oaxaca city but has inconsistent or no coverage on the coast, where colectivos and moto-taxis dominate.

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.

Best time to visit Oaxaca

Essential travel tips

• Try tlayudas and mole negro — Oaxaca's signature dishes
• Combine the Central Valleys (Oaxaca de Juárez, Monte Albán, Mitla, Hierve el Agua) with a few coastal days in Puerto Escondido or Huatulco
• Book Guelaguetza and Día de los Muertos accommodation months ahead
• Carry small-denomination cash for community-run sites and rural villages

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

Frequently asked questions

Explore Oaxaca by city

The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.