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Plan Your Trip to Oaxaca: Best of Oaxaca Tourism

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By Marisol I

Oaxaca, Mexico

Easygoing and vibrant, Oaxaca offers the best of southern Mexican charm, pairing lively festivals and entertainment with fantastic cuisine and unique cultural attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca is home to the spectacular Macedonio Alcala Theater and a short drive from the inspiring rock formations at Hierve el Aqua.

Essential Oaxaca

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Oaxaca travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Route Options

According to forum posts, travelers have options for routes when driving from Oaxaca to the coast. One recommended route is taking highway 175 all the way through San Pedro Pochutla to highway 200. Another suggested route is via El Zapote-Copalita towards the airport, then taking highway 200 north to Salchi.

Road Conditions

Travelers have called out the varying conditions of these routes. The road from Oaxaca to the coast can involve twisting mountain roads that require careful driving. The total drive time is approximately 6-7 hours, emphasizing the need for focus and potentially making the journey tiring.

Alternative Travel Suggestions

Some users suggest considering the practicality of the journey, noting that the lengthy drive might be more comfortably tackled by breaking it into segments with overnight stays, rather than attempting a straight drive, especially for those not familiar with the road conditions.

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Colectivo Service

Some travelers mentioned that a colectivo service from Oaxaca airport to the city center costs about 85 pesos per person. Colectivos are shared rides that make multiple stops, which might affect the travel time depending on the order of drop-offs.

Private Taxi Service

According to forum posts, private taxi services are also available, costing around 350 to 400 pesos for a direct trip to the city center. This option provides a faster and more direct route to your destination without additional stops.

Alternative Local Options

A traveler highlighted an alternative local method involving a short walk to a nearby location outside the airport grounds where one can catch a regular taxi that is significantly cheaper than those directly at the airport.

General Information

Travelers have called out that taxis and colectivos can be arranged at a booth conveniently located in the airport lobby, ensuring fixed prices and regulated services.

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Major Festivals Overview

According to forum posts, Oaxaca hosts several major festivals that attract both locals and tourists. These include the Guelaguetza festival, celebrated in the summer, which is recognized as the largest cultural festival in Latin America.

Guelaguetza Festival

Some travelers mentioned that the Guelaguetza festival, which resumed in 2021 after a hiatus, features a variety of satellite festivities around its main events at the amphitheater. This festival is particularly noted for its street parades and food vendors, adding to the overall merriment in Oaxaca and its surrounding valley.

Day of the Dead

For many users, the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations from October 31 to November 2 are also a significant cultural highlight in Oaxaca. Travelers have called out the vibrant and culturally rich events such as cemetery visits and comparsas (parades) in various locations like Xoxocotlán and Atzompa.

Carnival Celebrations

Additionally, some posts indicate that while Carnival is generally subdued in Mexico, the village of San Martín Tilcajete near Oaxaca hosts a notable local carnival with elaborate costumes and parades, showcasing a less tourist-driven and more authentic cultural expression.

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Tour Accessibility

According to forum posts, Monte Alban can be reached via a dedicated shuttle bus departing from the 500 block of Calle Minas, with tickets available for around 70 pesos for a return trip. Alternatively, taxis are also a viable option for reaching the site.

Guide Services

Some travelers mentioned that English-speaking guides are available at Monte Alban, often waiting on-site, making it unnecessary to book in advance. These guides typically offer tours lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a thorough understanding of the site. The cost for hiring a guide once at the site was not specified, but group sharing can reduce expenses.

Private Tours

For those preferring a more tailored experience, it is possible to arrange private tours with specific guides recommended by past visitors, such as contacting guides directly via provided phone numbers. This allows for a more personalized tour, especially beneficial for history enthusiasts seeking detailed explanations.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, several travelers recommend Quinta Real for its iconic status and proximity to Santo Domingo, though not directly on the Zócalo. Similarly, the Holiday Inn Express is favored for its comfort, included breakfast, and relatively quiet location about a 15-minute walk from the Zócalo.

Quiet Accommodations

For many users seeking quieter stays, Posada Catrina is praised for its peaceful rooms away from street noise, affordability, and proximity to local markets. Las Golondrinas also gets mentioned for its authentic feel and quiet rooms set around courtyards, despite being on a busy street.

Considerations for Noise

Travelers have called out that noise is a common issue in Oaxaca accommodations, especially during festive seasons. Some suggested that even well-rated romantic or authentic hotels might not guarantee a quiet sleep due to general city noise.

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Current Status

According to forum posts, Hierve el Agua is currently open, but access is somewhat uncertain due to road conditions and ongoing local disputes. The main road to the site is described as narrow, winding, and not suitable for nervous drivers or passengers.

Access and Safety Concerns

Some travelers reported that one of the two roads to Hierve el Agua remains closed, and the open route can be challenging to navigate. Local conflicts between villagers and municipal authorities may also impact access, making the situation fluid and subject to sudden changes.

Travel Recommendations

Travelers have called out that while the site is open, visiting can be risky due to the precarious road conditions and potential for local conflicts. It's advised to check the latest updates locally or contact tour operators directly for the most current information before planning a visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Oaxaca


Some of the most popular restaurants in Oaxaca include:



If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Oaxaca between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.