Oaxaca 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Oaxaca, Mexico

Day 1: City Center Discovery

Places to Go

  1. Zócalo (Main Square): Start your day in the heart of Oaxaca City. The Zócalo is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and offers a vibrant atmosphere.

  2. Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and Museum: Admire the Baroque architecture, gold-leafed altarpieces, and beautiful murals inside this former monastery. The museum houses pre-Hispanic artifacts and colonial art.

  3. Rufino Tamayo Museum (MARO): This modern art museum showcases works by Oaxacan artists like Rufino Tamayo, as well as international artists.

  4. Templo de la Santísima Trinidad: A beautiful church with a unique octagonal tower that offers panoramic views of the city upon climbing its stairs.

Activities

  1. Market Visit: Explore Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre to immerse yourself in local culture, taste Oaxacan street food, and shop for souvenirs.

  2. Textile Workshops: Learn about the traditional Zapotec and Mixtec textiles at workshops like Taller Artesenal Tejiendo Sueños or Abya Yala Textiles.

Where to Eat

  1. Casa Oaxaca: Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Oaxacan dishes in a charming, courtyard setting.
  2. Los Danzantes: Known for its innovative, modern Mexican cuisine, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
  3. La Olla: A popular spot for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal.

Where to Stay

  1. Hotel Casa Antigua B&B: A boutique hotel located in a restored 16th-century building, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with city views.
  2. Hotel Quinta Real Oaxaca: A luxurious option featuring an interior courtyard, beautiful gardens, and a rooftop pool.

Things to Know

  • The state of Oaxaca is known for its 7 regions, each with distinct cultures, languages, and cuisines.
  • Spanish is the primary language, but some Zapotec and Mixtec speakers can be found in rural areas.
  • Mezcal is a traditional Oaxacan spirit made from agave plants; it’s different from tequila.

Transportation

Taxis are widely available, or you can use the local bus system called el micro (microbuses) for shorter trips within the city. Consider renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the city center.

Day 2: Monte Alban and Surroundings

Places to Go

  1. Monte Albán: An ancient Zapotec city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.

  2. Mitla: Visit this historic Pueblos Mágicos town famous for its intricate stonework and the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo.

Activities

  1. Archaeological Tour: Hire a guide to learn about Monte Alban’s history, architecture, and significance in Zapotec culture.
  2. Visit a Local Village: Explore the traditional town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, known for its black pottery and tlacololos (Oaxacan cookies).

Where to Eat

  1. El Destilado: Enjoy a meal in a charming setting surrounded by agave plants, offering traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole, barbacoa, and memelas.
  2. Casa de los Sabores: A restaurant owned by chef Pilar Cabrera, who uses local ingredients to create delicious, authentic dishes.

Where to Stay

If you’re spending the night in Oaxaca City: Refer back to Day 1’s accommodations.

Day 3: Hierve el Agua and Puerto Escondido

Places to Go

  1. Hierve el Agua: A natural mineral water spring with terraced pools offering stunning views of the valley below.

  2. Puerto Escondido: A popular beach destination known for its surf breaks, like Zicatela Beach.

Activities

  1. Surfing Lessons: Take advantage of Puerto Escondido’s famous waves and learn to surf with a local instructor.
  2. Visit the Turtle Sanctuary: Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts at the Centro de Conservación de la Tortuga (CCT) in Playa Carizalillo.

Where to Eat

  1. La Bomba: A popular spot for fresh seafood and local dishes in Puerto Escondido.
  2. El Asador: Known for its grilled meats and delicious cocktails, this restaurant is a must-visit in Puerto Escondido.

Where to Stay

  1. Hotel El Almacen: A charming hotel located in the heart of Puerto Escondido, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with ocean views.
  2. Hotel Boutique Casa del Sol: A luxury option featuring an outdoor pool, spacious rooms, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.