Travel guide · Mexico
Oaxaca: what to see and when to go
Oaxaca is Mexico's capital of food and crafts, a colonial city of green-stone churches surrounded by Zapotec ruins and mezcal villages. Its moles, markets and Day of the Dead celebrations are famous across the country.
What to see and do in Oaxaca
Santo Domingo
The Baroque church and former convent, now a museum with an ethnobotanical garden.
Monte Albán
A Zapotec city on a levelled mountaintop above the valley (UNESCO).
The markets
Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre, with the smoky aisle where meat is grilled to order.
Hierve el Agua
Petrified waterfalls and mineral pools on the edge of a cliff.
Mezcal and craft villages
Mezcal distilleries, black pottery and hand-woven wool rugs in the valley.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Nov – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 12 hr | ≈ €580 · See flights |
| New York | 5 hr | ≈ €300 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 4 hr, 15 min | ≈ €250 · See flights |
| Dubai | 19 hr | ≈ €740 · See flights |
| Singapore | 22 hr, 15 min | ≈ €820 · See flights |
| Sydney | 17 hr, 15 min | ≈ €700 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €740 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- Mexican Peso
- Good for
- food · culture · city
- How long to stay
- 3–5 days
- Where to stay
- The historic centre, or Jalatlaco for its colourful streets.Find a place to stay in Oaxaca
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Oaxaca, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €580 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Oaxaca (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Oaxaca and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Nov – Apr. Average highs range from 25° in July to 31° in March.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca?
3 to 5 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Oaxaca cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €740 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 12 hr.
Where should you stay in Oaxaca?
The historic centre, or Jalatlaco for its colourful streets.
