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Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) is the capital city of Oaxaca state in Mexico, as well as Oaxaca de Juarez. The city is rich in historical history, which begins alongside these cobblestone lanes of Centro and continues through the city’s slim streets, where boutique cafés, dining establishments, artwork galleries, pleasant parks, and darkly illuminated mezcalerias hide around practically every bend.
Oaxaca’s peculiar weather (subtropical highland weather at over 5,000 ft elevation, just FYI) makes for some excellent cuisine, with some of its major ingredients originating in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains.
You’ll find useful travel ideas for Oaxaca in this section, such as:
How much should you budget for travel?
Don’ts and Dos
What are the best things to do and see in Oaxaca?
How safe is it?
Ready to learn more about this unique holiday spot? Here are the top ten things you should know before visiting Oaxaca, Mexico.
How much should you budget for travel?
When it comes to GDP per state in Mexico, Oaxaca is at the bottom, ranking twenty-first, just ahead of Yucatan and Chiapas. Oaxaca was known for being quite inexpensive for tourists more than a decade ago, but those days are tragically long gone.
While Oaxaca is becoming more expensive, it is still less expensive for tourists than places like Mexico City, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. So it gets a 2.5/5 on the affordability scale from me. Here’s a summary of what to expect in terms of prices and the price of living in Oaxaca:
Food prices in Oaxaca, as in many other travel destinations, can vary greatly. A supper for two at a flowery rooftop restaurant in the center of Centro would cost you back approximately 500 pesos, while a morning cappuccino will set you back about 50 pesos.
If you want to cook at home, fruits and vegetables are occasionally plentiful and less expensive than in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Here is an overview of the most recent expenses in 2022.
Accommodation: In Oaxaca, you can still get a hostel mattress for 200 pesos per night (plus 16% VAT). A twin room in a resort in the city center costs about 2,000 pesos 100 USD per evening.
If you’re renting month-to-month (and on a tight budget), don’t pay more than 8,000 pesos per month for a one-bedroom condo. Local expenses are still lower, but an influx of tourists and expats has resulted in a rise in housing costs in Oaxaca.
Transportation: Oaxaca de Juarez is a walking metropolis, so if you’re in and around Centro and can do so, walking is one of the simplest methods to get around. Public buses that take you to different parts of town cost around 8 pesos (lower than 50 cents USD).
If you need to hail a cab, rates start at about 40 pesos.
Gas prices are around 22 pesos (a little more than 1 USD) per liter or 1/4 gallon, which is comparable to rates in the United States and Canada.
How Is It as a Foreigner?
Oaxacans are kind and extroverted. They are kind and well-mannered, and they expect the same from others. So have a good look around the streets, practice your Spanish, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
So many foreigners from all over the world enjoy a fantastic experience right here, which is why they keep coming back.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Oaxaca
In contrast to other places, Oaxaca de Juarez does not have any formal cultural etiquette for visitors to follow. However, if you manage to visit this magnificent metropolis, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
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Protests should be avoided.
- DO research and put your Spanish skills to use! Greet people on the road with a friendly good day.
- DO accept meals offered by a neighbor in any form of hospitality situation, because it is considered impolite not to accept this type of gesture.
- DO MAKE AS MANY MOLES AS POSSIBLE!
Trending Things to Do in Oaxaca
From the most important attractions in town to trips outside of town, these are the top things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez in 2022.
Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca: These botanical gardens are located just behind the main cathedral in Oaxaca Centro. Come early to participate in a guided group tour highlighting some of the area’s most magnificent native crops.
Hierve el Agua: This is the picture of the floating pool that you’ve most likely seen on Instagram. Hierve el Agua, about 40 miles outside of town, is a combination of cliffs and rock formations with mineral build-up. Tourists may visit the on-site clean and synthetic swimming pools, which provide stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Monte Alban: An archaeological site just outside of Oaxaca city that tells the tale of the Zapotec, Mixtec, and Olmec civilizations, Monte Alban consists of a plaza and a collection of tombs, palaces, and stone sculptures. The website was founded in 500 B.C.E. Take a cab early in the morning to arrive before the park gates open at 8 a.m. Because there isn’t a lot of shade here, bring a hat and sunscreen.
How Safe Is It?
Traveling in Oaxaca is normally safe for tourists. Nonetheless, there had been an increase in small crimes and muggings in recent years. To stay safe, avoid walking through the large public marketplaces flaunting any expensive things since this will just make you a target. In comparison to other locations in Mexico, Oaxaca has higher security fees.
As a solitary female tourist in Oaxaca, I felt safe and had no issues since I took standard measures as one would in any city.
Travel Insurance Tips for Your Trip:
Purchasing a travel insurance coverage package is always a smart idea when embarking on any type of journey. If you’re leaving soon, you may get yourself covered (and at a great cheap cost!) with the right health insurance in case you fall sick or your travel belongings are stolen or missing during your trip to Oaxaca.
Local Eats and Drink in Oaxaca
The real fun begins now. After being featured in many Netflix shows such as Street Food: Latin America (remember Dona Vale?) With Somebody Feed Phil, more visitors than ever before are booking flights to Oaxaca to sample some of Mexico’s greatest cuisine.
From moles to memelas to mezcal and more, you can eat your way across Oaxaca five times and yet come back for more. Among the highlights are the following:
Tlayudas: This is one of the main dishes you’ll come across that is unique to Oaxaca. A tlayuda is a large, crispy, and crunchy tortilla topped with meat, cheese (quesillo in Oaxaca), and fried vegetables. Refried beans and fat are frequently used as the basic sauce.
Memelas: Memelas are smaller and thicker corn tortillas that may be found in street food booths and mercados around Oaxaca. The tortilla is first spread with lard before being topped with mole sauce, cheese, avocados, beans, and if desired, meat. Absolutely delicious.
Mezcal: Oaxaca’s alternative libation (that looks to be trending practically everywhere else), made from agave harvests from the nearby valley. While mezcal is a trendy drink, be aware of where it comes from and how it is manufactured.
Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers flavored with chile, salt, and lime. Bowls of those traditional crunchy treats can be found practically everywhere in Oaxaca, and they may even make an appearance in your cocktail (if you happen to order it, in fact).
Oaxaca is a huge producer of chocolate and low beans. Ask for a sizzling chocolate Oaxaqueo served with pan de Muerto at a neighborhood market or restaurant (yolk bread).
Best Apps to Use in Oaxaca
These applications will come in handy on your upcoming trip to Oaxaca.
Rappi is Mexico’s meal-delivery app. While eating out in Oaxaca is an important part of the gastronomic experience, these apps may be beneficial on a rainy day.
WhatsApp: Use this app for texting and interacting with local businesses and traveler groups to help you better explore the town.
Duolingo: Practice your Spanish while flying with this fun language game app!
DiDi: Because Uber does not operate in Oaxaca, DiDi is the go-to experience-sharing app. However, most visitors prefer cabs (just ask them to activate the meter) to navigate around the city.
How’s the WiFi?
In Oaxaca, you may get by by using WiFi. The average speed is 6 Mbps, and most hotels, cafés, and restaurants may offer free WiFi to tourists.
If you need to work remotely while in Oaxaca, there are a variety of co-working facilities available in the city.
What Are the Best Cultural Experiences?
One of the finest ways to experience Oaxaca is via its food, and one of the best ways to do it is by taking a cooking lesson while there.
NomadCook’s creator and operator, Luis, offers a variety of boutique cooking workshops in Oaxaca. His enthusiasm for food and tradition is contagious, and he puts his theory into practice through his culinary classes. There’s a category for you if you want to learn how to create vegan moles or tortillas from scratch.
A street food tour is another excellent way to get cultural knowledge in Oaxaca. Get to the town like a local on this trip led by local experts, who will show you some of the best delicacies in town and educate you on their history.
How Long Can I Stay?
How long am I allowed to stay?
Mexico’s visa-free program for holidaymakers applies to passport holders from 67 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For the most up-to-date information, see the official government visa page.
Typically, arriving tourists will be granted 180 days in Mexico, which will be recorded on their FMM (immigration) card, which they must fill out and have stamped upon arrival.
So there you have it – an introduction to traveling in Oaxaca. From the delectable food to the breathtaking vistas, there are several reasons to appreciate this city and why it’s such a unique holiday place in Mexico.
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This article initially appeared on Travel Off Path. For the most recent breaking information that may have an effect on your subsequent journey, please go to: Traveloffpath.com
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