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Major city · Mexico

Oaxaca CityOaxaca de Juárez

Give Oaxaca 3–4 nights: two full days for the Centro and Monte Albán, one for a valley village, and one more if you want markets and mezcal without rushing.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital of Oaxaca state, at 1,555 m in the southern highlands, and the food-and-craft capital of Mexico: mole, mezcal, textiles and the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán above the city. The historic centre and Monte Albán are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centre is compact and walkable, so where you sleep matters less than in most cities — but the north side (Santo Domingo) and the south side (markets) feel different, and the rainy season runs May–October.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
MXN
Best months
Oct–Mar (dry, clear, cool nights); Day of the Dead in late Oct–early Nov is the busiest week of the year
avoid May–Oct rains (Sep is the wettest, about 17 rain days); Apr is the hottest month
Airport
OAX
Nights
3–4
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
  • Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
  • Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
  • Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Oaxaca City911 ▾
  • All emergencies911
  • Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / tourist help)078

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Oaxaca City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee or café de ollaM$30–70
  • Beerdraught / corner shopM$60–90M$25–40
  • Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi rideAgree the price first; DiDi/Uber often cheaper.M$80–150
  • Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Santo Domingo cultures museum)M$210 (M$105 Mexican residents)
  • Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
  • Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
  • High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomMX$3,500 (≈ US$190)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,800 (≈ US$100) · High MX$4,000 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Monte Albán ruinsMole and mezcalTemplo de Santo Domingo and its museumTextiles and craft villages of the Oaxaca ValleyDay of the Dead (late Oct–early Nov)
Airports
OAX Xoxocotlán International Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) south of the centre, 20–30 min by road. Mostly domestic flights (Mexico City and other Mexican cities); some US service (Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles).)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

    29°C (84°F)

  2. Feb

    Best

    31°C (88°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    33°C (91°F)

  4. Apr

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

  5. May

    Avoid

    34°C (93°F)

  6. Jun

    Avoid

    31°C (88°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  9. Sep

    Avoid

    29°C (84°F)

  10. Oct

    Care*

    29°C (84°F)

  11. Nov

    Best*

    29°C (84°F)

  12. Dec

    Best

    29°C (84°F)

Best: Nov–Mar. Mixed: Oct. Avoid: Apr–Sep. Month by month →

Warmest Apr (35°C (95°F)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F) low), wettest Jun (188 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.

* only part of the month (early, mid or late).

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Oaxaca City: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

29°C (84°F)

10°C (50°F)

2 rd

Feb

31°C (88°F)

12°C (54°F)

5 rd

Mar

33°C (91°F)

14°C (57°F)

18 rd

Apr

35°C (95°F)

16°C (61°F)

47 rd

May

34°C (93°F)

17°C (63°F)

98 rd

Jun

31°C (88°F)

17°C (63°F)

188 rd

Jul

30°C (86°F)

16°C (61°F)

119 rd

Aug

30°C (86°F)

16°C (61°F)

132 rd

Sep

29°C (84°F)

16°C (61°F)

164 rd

Oct

29°C (84°F)

15°C (59°F)

63 rd

Nov

29°C (84°F)

12°C (54°F)

9 rd

Dec

29°C (84°F)

11°C (52°F)

9 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Walk the centre: the Zócalo to Santo Domingo is about 10 minutes on foot. City buses (BinniBus) cost M$8 and run roughly 06:30–22:00; taxis and DiDi/Uber are cheap for the airport, Monte Albán and the bus stations. Agree the taxi price before you get in.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Monte Albán

go

Door to door: About 45 min

Taxi or tour van from the centre, about 20–30 min; some local buses run from the centre

Zapotec hilltop city above the valley; go at opening for shade and quiet. Site museum and Tomb 7 finds are in the Santo Domingo museum in town.

Santa María del Tule

go

Door to door: About 45 min

Local bus or colectivo from the centre, about 30 min

The giant ahuehuete tree in the churchyard; combine with Mitla on the same road.

Mitla

go

Door to door: About 1.25 h

Bus or colectivo from the centre, about 1 h

Zapotec/Mixtec ruins with geometric stonework; pair with Tule and a mezcal village.

Teotitlán del Valle and Matatlán

go

Door to door: About 1–1.25 h

Colectivo or taxi from the centre, about 45 min–1 h

Weaving village (Teotitlán) and mezcal distilleries (Matatlán); a half-day loop.

San José del Pacífico

overnight

Door to door: About 3 h

Bus or van toward the coast, about 2.5–3 h

Pine-forest village in the mountains; too far for a return day — sleep one night.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Centro Histórico — north of Independencia (Santo Domingo / Alcalá)

Upscale dining, artisan boutiques, the pedestrian Macedonio Alcalá street; 5 min walk to the Zócalo. Quietest and priciest.

Centro Histórico — south of Independencia (Zócalo / markets)

More markets and a local feel; cheaper beds, more street noise, 10–15 min walk to Santo Domingo.

Xochimilco and Reforma

North of the highway, about a 20-min walk from the Zócalo; art studios, murals and cafés, cheaper rooms, fewer tourists.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
M$700–1,200 excl. bed
Mid
M$1,200–2,500 excl. bed
High
M$2,500+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 4 nights × MX$1,500MX$6,000
Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × MX$1,800MX$14,400
Airport colectivo, one way (Zone 1, Centro)2 × MX$135 · Feb 2026 rateMX$270
Airport taxi especial, one way (Zone 1)2 × MX$490 · Feb 2026 rateMX$980
BinniBus city bus, one ride2 × MX$8MX$16
eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250MX$500
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeMX$2,217
Trip total≈ MX$3,048 per person per day, bed includedMX$24,383≈ US$1,400

2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee or café de ollaM$30–70
Tlayuda or market plateM$80–180
Mole with chicken in a mid-range restaurantM$180–350
Mezcal, one shot in a barM$60–150
Beer: draught / corner shopM$60–90 / M$25–40
5 km taxi rideAgree the price first; DiDi/Uber often cheaper.M$80–150
Museum entry (Santo Domingo cultures museum)M$210 (M$105 Mexican residents)
Botanical garden guided tourM$50 Spanish / M$100 English

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

The centre is heavily tourist-oriented and generally safe by day and evening; the real risks are pickpocketing in markets and on crowded streets, unmarked taxi fares, and protest closures around the Zócalo. Use DiDi/Uber or agree the price first, and keep valuables out of sight.
  • Settle the taxi fare before departure; airport arrivals should use the official booths inside the terminal.
  • The Zócalo is a frequent protest site (teacher strikes since 2006); tents and marches can close streets — allow extra time.
  • Monte Albán has almost no shade: hat, water and sunscreen, and go at opening.
  • Rainy season afternoons (May–Oct) can soak a village day; plan outdoor sights for the morning.
  • Altitude is 1,555 m — mild, but pace your first day and drink water.

Emergency numbers

All emergencies
911
Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / tourist help)
078

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Oaxaca CityOaxaca de Juárez

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please

Emergency

  • All emergencies911
  • Tourist assistance078

Embassy

The US has a consular agency in Oaxaca; most other countries: embassies in Mexico City (check addresses).

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Airport → Centro, colectivo: M$135 per person, 20–30 min
  • Airport → Centro, taxi especial: M$490 Zone 1
  • City bus (BinniBus): M$8
  • Bus Oaxaca → Mexico City (ADO): about M$552, 6.5 h
  • Van Oaxaca → Puerto Escondido: M$209–330, about 3 h

Say or show

  • Disculpe / Perdón — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
  • Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
  • ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
  • ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
  • La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; MXN 20–50 for porters and guides' helpers.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Oaxaca City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Oct–Mar (dry, clear, cool nights); Day of the Dead in late Oct–early Nov is the busiest week of the year · avoid May–Oct rains (Sep is the wettest, about 17 rain days); Apr is the hottest month · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 5 day-trips, door to door
  6. 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for OAX: official colectivo and taxi booths, DiDi fallback, late-arrival rung.
  2. Four walking clusters with anchors: Zócalo and cathedral, Alcalá and Santo Domingo, markets and south centre, Xochimilco and Reforma.
  3. Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Santo Domingo church and museum, botanical garden tours, Monte Albán, Mitla) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Rainy-season and protest fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to Mexico

Sources