Discover the Best of Oaxaca in 5 Days: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Oaxaca, Mexico is a vibrant and cultural area that has become increasingly popular amongst tourists over the past decade. With its charming colonial buildings adorned with intricate details, bustling markets, and lively squares featuring live music and performances, Oaxaca is a destination that should not be missed. If you’re planning on spending 5 days in Oaxaca, here’s how we recommend you maximize your time and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Day 1: Explore Oaxaca City’s Historic Center Start your trip by exploring the historic center of Oaxaca City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of charming colonial buildings, ornate churches, and lively markets. Walk around the central square called the Plaza de la Constitución, which is lined with brightly colored buildings and features the impressive Palacio de Gobierno. From there, head to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, a stunning Baroque-style church that dates back over 200 years.

In the afternoon, visit the bustling Mercado Benito Juárez, a lively market that sells everything from handicrafts to local produce. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs and try some delicious local food. In the evening, head out to one of the city’s many restaurants to try some traditional Oaxacan cuisine such as tlayudas or molotes.

Day 2: Take a Day Trip to Monte Albán Monte Albán is an ancient Zapotec city that dates back to around 500 BC. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and is located just a short distance from Oaxaca City. The site is perched atop a hill and provides stunning views of the surrounding valley. Spend the day exploring the ruins and learning about the history of the Zapotecs, one of the largest pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica.

Day 3: Visit the Artisan Communities of Oaxaca Oaxaca is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, and there are several communities located just outside the city that specialize in different types of crafts. Start your day by visiting the town of Teotitlán del Valle, which is known for its beautiful hand-woven textiles. Here, you can visit a weaving cooperative and watch the weavers at work.

Next, head to San Bartolo Coyotepec, a town that specializes in the production of black pottery. You can visit a local workshop and watch the artisans shape and fire the pieces. Finally, end your day in the town of Santo Tomás Jalieza, where they produce beautiful embroidery. Here, you can visit an embroidery cooperative and learn about the intricate designs and techniques used.

Day 4: Relax in Hierve el Agua Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder located about 70 kilometers outside of Oaxaca City. It features natural mineral springs that have created stunning rock formations, including natural infinity pools. Spend the day relaxing in the pools and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch, as there are plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 5: Visit a Distillery and Enjoy Oaxacan Nightlife On your final day in Oaxaca, head out to one of the local mezcal distilleries to learn about the production of this traditional Mexican spirit. Many distilleries offer tours that provide insight into the distillation process and allow you to taste different types of mezcal.

In the evening, head out to one of the many restaurants or bars that feature live music or other performances. The city comes alive at night, and you’ll be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere and mingle with the locals.

In conclusion, Oaxaca is a city full of cultural and natural wonders, and spending 5 days there offers plenty of opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. From exploring the historic center to visiting artisan communities to relaxing in natural hot springs, Oaxaca has something for everyone.