Oaxaca
culture, mezcal and a unique gastronomy
Some journeys are about checking landmarks off a list.
This one is about slowing down.
About sharing mezcal with the people who make it.
Walking through artisan workshops where traditions have been passed down for generations.
Watching the sunrise over Monte Albán before the crowds arrive.
Sitting around a communal table where dinner becomes part of the story.
This is one of the journeys I designed for travelers who wanted to experience the Oaxaca I came to know while living there.
-
Best Season
Recommended: October – March
Comfortable temperatures, clear skies and some of Oaxaca's most vibrant cultural celebrations make this the ideal time to explore the city, artisan villages and surrounding landscapes.
Seasonal Notes
July – Guelaguetza Season
July is one of Oaxaca's most vibrant months, as the city celebrates the Guelaguetza, the state's most important cultural festival. Expect traditional dances, regional costumes, music, parades and an incredible festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest times of the year. Hotels, restaurants and special events often sell out months in advance, so early planning is highly recommended.
ARATRAVELERS Tip
If you're traveling in July, consider extending your stay by one or two nights to fully experience the Guelaguetza festivities while still having time to explore Oaxaca beyond the celebrations.
-
Cultural Immersion
Boutique Luxury
Gastronomy
Mezcal Experiences
Artisan Traditions
Scenic Road Trips
Private Driver
Local Encounters
Soft Adventure
Slow Travel
-
First-Time Visitors to Oaxaca
Food & Mezcal Lovers
Couples & Honeymooners
Friends Traveling Together
Luxury Boutique Travelers
Design & Architecture Enthusiasts
Culture Seekers
Photography Lovers
Slow Travelers
Travelers Looking for Authentic Local Experiences
-
✓ Sunrise over Monte Albán
✓ Traditional mezcal tasting at a family-owned palenque
✓ Oaxaca's most iconic artisan villages
✓ Hidden local restaurants and unforgettable regional cuisine
✓ Markets filled with authentic flavors and traditions
✓ Scenic drives through valleys and mountain landscapes
✓ A day immersed in the cloud forests of the Sierra Norte
✓ A private rooftop dining experience overlooking Oaxaca
✓ Slow, authentic travel designed around local culture
-
✔ Interactive Google Maps
✔ Private driver recommendations
✔ Boutique hotel suggestions
✔ Restaurant reservations
✔ Artisan workshop contacts
✔ Mezcal producer recommendations
✔ Estimated budget
✔ Packing advice
✔ Seasonal recommendations
✔ Personal tips from years living in Oaxaca
Every recommendation in this guide has been carefully selected through personal experience and years of designing journeys for discerning travelers.
6 days journey guide
DAY 1 — Meet Oaxaca
A City Taste
Oaxaca deserves a slow beginning.
Day of arrival, spend the afternoon wandering through the Historic Center, where every street seems to lead to another beautiful courtyard, café or hidden gallery.
Start with the city's markets.
Smoke rises from the famous Pasillo de Humo while local cooks prepare meats over charcoal, fresh tortillas and handmade salsas.
It's the perfect introduction to Oaxacan cuisine.
DAY 2- hIERVE EL AGUA, MEZCAL AND TRADITION
Mezcal, Culture, and nature
Leave the city behind and head east toward one of Oaxaca's most iconic landscapes.
Hierve el Agua is best enjoyed early, before the larger crowds arrive.
Visit Mitla and Matatlán, where you'll meet a mezcal producer and learn why every bottle tells a different story.
Ending the day in Teotitlán del Valle, where master weavers have been creating rugs with natural dyes for generations.
DAY 3 — MONTE ALBAN, ALEBRIJES AND BLACK CLAY
VISITING A TOWN OF MAGIC
Very few visitors experience Monte Albán at sunrise.
Watching the first light illuminate the ancient city creates an entirely different atmosphere.
After breakfast at a local restaurant, continue toward San Martín Tilcajete to discover the colorful world of alebrijes before stopping in San Bartolo Coyotepec, home of Oaxaca's famous black pottery.
DAY 4 — Into the Sierra Norte
CLOUDS THAT COME DOWN TO EARTH
The Sierra Norte offers one of Oaxaca's most authentic experiences, where indigenous communities protect forests, traditions and an entirely different rhythm of life.
Spend the day hiking through cloud forests, enjoying fresh mountain air and landscapes few travelers ever experience.
DAY 5 — Choose Your Perfect Farewell
Until Next Time
Enjoy a slow breakfast before your private transfer to the airport.
Oaxaca has a way of making people promise they'll return.
Most of them do.
DAY 6 — ENJOY OAXACA
Flavors of Oaxaca
Today belongs entirely to the city's extraordinary culinary and cultural scene.
Choose between learning traditional recipes during a private cooking class or simply enjoying Oaxaca one last time at your own pace.
In the evening, gather around the Chef's Table at Otro Oaxaca, where an intimate dinner overlooking the city becomes the perfect farewell.
Ready to Experience Oaxaca?