Oaxaca 7 Day Itinerary

Oaxaca 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Stay at: Hotel B&B Reforma Oaxaca (Centrally located, historic building with modern amenities)
  • Eat: Tastes of Tehuantepec at Casa Crespo for traditional Oaxacan cuisine
  • Activities: Visit Zocalo Square, Santo Domingo de Guzman church and museum, Rufino Tamayo Museum, and Benito Juarez’s House
  • Tips: The city center is walkable, but if you prefer, use Uber or colectivos (shared taxis) for longer distances. Remember to haggle in markets.

Day 2: Santa Ana del Valle

  • Transport: Rent a car or take a tour to Santa Ana del Valle (approximately 1 hour drive)
  • Eat: Lunch at El Destilado, a local restaurant specializing in mezcal and regional cuisine
  • Activities: Visit the Tule Tree, one of the most massive trees in the world; explore Hierve el Agua natural mineral water pools
  • Tips: Don’t miss tasting different types of mezcal at El Destilado. Remember sunscreen for Hierve el Agua.

Day 3: Monday Zapotec Market & San Bartolo Coyotepec

  • Transport: Take a tour or rent a car and drive to the Tlacolula de Matamoros market (approximately 45 minutes)
  • Eat: Sample local delicacies like tlayudas and tetelas in the market
  • Activities: Visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for black pottery; return to Oaxaca City in the afternoon
  • Tips: Bargain for prices at the Tlacolula market. Be mindful of your belongings.

Day 4: Pueblos Mágicos - Teotitlan del Valle and Tlacochahuaya

  • Transport: Rent a car or take a tour to visit these Pueblos Mágicos (approximately 1 hour each)
  • Eat: Traditional Zapotec dishes in Teotitlan del Valle at Casa Lumbre
  • Activities: Learn about Zapotec weaving in Teotitlan del Valle; discover the mural paintings of Tlacochahuaya
  • Tips: Ask permission before taking photos in these traditional villages. Support local artisans by buying their work directly.

Day 5: Monte Alban & Mitla

  • Transport: Rent a car or take a tour to Monte Alban and Mitla (approximately 1 hour each)
  • Eat: Picnic lunch at Monte Alban or visit Restaurant La Olla in San Bartolo Coyotepec on the way back to Oaxaca City
  • Activities: Explore the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban; visit the intricate, geometrically decorated stone structures at Mitla
  • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking at both sites. Bring water and a hat for sun protection.

Day 6: Tlacolula de Matamoros & Etla

  • Transport: Rent a car or take a tour to Tlacolula de Matamoros and Etla (approximately 30 minutes each)
  • Eat: Lunch at El Destilado in Etla, where they offer cooking classes and mezcal tastings
  • Activities: Visit the Tule Tree and the Templo de la Santa Cruz in Tlacolula; explore the picturesque town of Etla and its surrounding countryside
  • Tips: Don’t miss the fresh produce and flowers at the Tlacolula market. Take some time to walk around Etla and appreciate its peaceful atmosphere.

Day 7: Departure

  • Transport: Taxi or Uber to the airport (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Eat: Breakfast at Los Cuiles, a popular spot known for its crepes and coffee
  • Tips: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight to account for traffic. Enjoy the last bits of Oaxaca’s culture and flavors before you go!