How To Spend 3 Days In Oaxaca 2024: The Ultimate Itinerary
Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Ashlea J. Russell
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Wondering how to make the most of 3 days in Oaxaca?
Ah, Oaxaca. Home of mole, birthplace of mezcal, cultural heart of Mexico. There’s a lot to do and see in this unique part of Mexico but many travellers only have 3 days in Oaxaca before heading off to the wider state or other parts of Mexico.
So how do you cram hundreds of years of history and culture into just three days?
Well, you’re in luck! I’ve carefully curated my favourite sights, activities, food spots and drink stops from my last trip to Oaxaca to give you the ultimate, disappointment-free itinerary for 3 days in Oaxaca.
Monte Alban
My top pick for Oaxaca is a small group tour to Monte Alban. This was my favourite thing that I did in Oaxaca and is also a really affordable day trip. Don’t miss Monte Alban!
3 Days In Oaxaca: Day 1
You’ve only got 3 days in Oaxaca so we need to get right down to the nitty gritty straight away. Today, you’ll get a feel for the city and take a dive into something Oaxaca is well known for: food!
Morning: Walk Like a Oaxacan
If you’re into coffee then Mexico is the promised land. The coffee here is rich, strong (rocket fuel), and fresh. So naturally since you’re in one of Mexico’s top coffee regions, you need to start the day with a cup of joe!
Coffee and Breakfast at Boulanc Pan
Boulanc Pan is arguably the best breakfast and brunch spot in Oaxaca City so it’s the perfect place to fuel up for the day.
This restaurant is the perfect example of modern Mexico. The food and vibe honour tradition and history while adding a progressive twist. Whether you like to start your day with something light, heavy, or just coffee, you’ll find something delicious to get you going.
Oaxaca Free Walking Tour
Now that you’re awake and full, it’s time to start exploring. Free walking tours are a fantastic way to scout out somewhere new and Oaxaca Free Walking Tour is the best in Oaxaca.
Operating since 2014 with hundreds of 5 star reviews under their belt, this locally owned outfit is the best of the best.
The tour starts at 10:00am on the southeast corner of the Avenida de la Independencia and 5 de Mayo – look for the yellow umbrella! ☂️ There’s no need to book, just show up on time and bring a bottle of water.
The Oaxaca Free Walking Tour lasts around 2.5 hours with frequent stops. This tour covers the important historical sites around Oaxaca City but it also takes you off the beaten path to areas you probably wouldn’t find on your own.
All the guides are local, speak English and have a passion for Oaxaca that is obvious as they walk and talk you through the history, culture, arts, food, and even the complicated politics of the area.
While this tour is “free”, it is customary to tip. The guides work extra hard to provide an outstanding experience so reward them generously! A good tipping guideline is $200MXN [$10USD/$13.50CAD] for an excellent experience.
The Oaxaca Free Walking Tour usually finishes at the local market of Mercado Sánchez Pascuas around 12:30pm.
City tour not really your thing? Why not check out the Ethnobotanical Garden instead. 🌵
The Jardín Etnobotánico is located in the grounds of the Templo Santo Domingo de Guzmán and features hundreds of plants native to Oaxaca.
Visits to the garden are by guided tour only. English tours run for two hours, Monday through Saturday at 11:00am. Tickets are $100MXN [$5.25USD/$7CAD]. They do not take reservations so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Afternoon/Evening: Sunset Sips & Bites
You now have a few hours before the food tour begins at 4:00pm. If you want to rest and freshen up before tonight’s food tour, now’s the time!
Grab a Local Lunch
If you find yourself hungry after all that walking, why not introduce yourself to some traditional Oaxacan food?
Tlayudas Don Ramón is located about a 5 minute walk from Mercado Sánchez Pascuas and this tiny, hole in the wall takeout joint specializes in… tlayudas!
If you’re not familiar with tlayudas (pronounced tuh-lai-OO-dahs) they are a really common traditional Oaxacan food.
They all feature a large tortilla topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, plus various toppings to your liking, then folded in half and roasted over an open flame.
Tlayudas Don Ramón is takeout only so be prepared to eat on your feet! They offer tlayudas, tacos, tostadas and tortas. Prices range from $10MXN [$0.50USD/$0.70CAD] for a taco up to $50MXN [$2.50USD/$3.50CAD] for the fully loaded tlayuda mixta.
Sunset Mezcal & Food Tour
You’ve seen Oaxaca by day, so let’s see Oaxaca by night. Meet your tour guide at Calle Macedonio Alcalá 501, opposite Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán at 4:00pm.
Tonight’s Sunset Mezcal & Food Tour is all about discovering the very best food the city has to offer so come hungry!
While street food tours have their place, this tour is all about elevated local cuisine and mouthwatering handcrafted cocktails.
The tour will take you to four different locally owned restaurants – including a pair of gorgeous rooftop terraces – spending about an hour at each location. You’ll meet the chefs and mixologists behind everything you taste and learn about the inspiration and innovation of each creation.
Come hungry because you’ll have the opportunity to try up to 15 dishes and enjoy carefully curated drink pairings.
The tour lasts 4 hours, just enough time to grab another drink or two before making your way home for the night. Tomorrow will be an early start!
Tickets are mandatory! Walk ups are not available.
Oaxaca Itinerary: Day 2
The second day of your 3 days in Oaxaca will be an early morning because today is day trip day! It’s time to get out of the city and step back in time.
Morning: Step Back In Time At Monte Alban
Monte Alban is a very important and impressive Pre-Columbian archeological site that dates back to the 6th century BC and is located just outside the city of Oaxaca.
My tour to Monte Alban was one of my favourite things that I did during my time in Oaxaca.
I’ve visited many archeological sites all over Mexico and few can compare to this one. The size alone is staggering and what we visit today only represents 10% of the original site!
Grab a quick bite close to your hotel. The driver will pick you up bright and breezy around 8:00am [they will confirm the night before] and you’ll make your way to Monte Alban Archeological Site. To protect the site, visitors are capped per day so your group [max 20] will arrive early to join the queue.
The Mexican government takes history very seriously, so only licensed specialist tour guides are allowed to guide within this site.
The tour of the archeological site itself lasts about an hour with time after to explore on your own. You’ll see the ball court, learn about the architecture, and get a feel for what life was like all those years ago.
Something else I love about Monte Alban is that it’s an active archeological dig site! You’ll see teams working on excavations while you wander through the vast site.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes round trip transportation in an airconditioned vehicle. You will need to purchase your entry ticket which is around $70MXN [$3.50USD/$4.80CAD].
📸 Hoping to explore the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua?
The easiest and safest way to visit Hierve el Agua is by guided tour. A day trip to Hierve el Agua will take up a full day of your 3 days Oaxaca.
There is a periodic dispute over land rights so make sure the site is open for visiting. It is possible to drive yourself or take a taxi but the road is very narrow, steep and unpaved. It is safest to take a guided tour.
Afternoon/Evening: Discover the Elixir of the Gods
Have the driver drop you off near the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. After a few hours at Monte Alban you’re bound to be hungry.
Try New Cuisine At Zandunga Sabor Istmeño
Zandunga Sabor Istmeño is popular amongst locals and is a fantastic place to fill your belly before exploring the goodness of mezcal.
What makes this restaurant different from other offerings in Oaxaca is that it focuses on cuisine from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec [the shortest piece of land between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean]. This lowland area is known for rich cuisine and high quality ingredients.
The food here is delicious and prices are affordable, especially for the quality and vibe. So it’ll be easy to fill up before your next activity!
Imbibe with a Mezcal Tasting
One of the unmissable things to do when visiting Oaxaca is to check out a local Mezcalería to do a mezcal tasting, and the best place to do this is Mezcaloteca.
Mezcal is not tequila, it has a huge variety of flavour profiles from earthy to smoky, sweet to herbaceous. Doing a mezcal tasting is the best way to find out what you like and learn a bit about how this Oaxacan libation is created.
Mezcaloteca offers intimate tastings by reservation only. These book up a week or two in advance so make sure you claim your space early.
These guys really know their stuff when it comes to mezcal. The staff are like mezcal sommeliers! They will ask you a few questions to get a feel for your tastes and then match you to specific mezcals and cocktails.
You can choose tastings of 3 – 5 mezcals and the experience lasts about an hour. Tastings range from $320-$410MXN [$15USD/$19CAD – $19USD/$25CAD] per person and including a bottle of water.
Oaxaca Itinerary: Day 3
It’s the last of your 3 days in Oaxaca so this is your chance to cross a few more items off the travel list!
Morning: One Last Wander
Today is your last full day in Oaxaca so this morning is your chance to go back to anywhere that caught your eye earlier in your trip. An interesting art gallery, cozy café, quirky museum, whatever it is that piqued your interest, this is your last shot to explore further.
If you’re looking for somewhere for some good coffee and food to start your day, check out Muss Café, near the Zócalo. Gorgeous made to order drinks with tasty and nutritious breakfast options make this a great shout for the busy day you have ahead.
Afternoon: Support Indigenous Artisans At The Mercados
When I first started travelling around Mexico and visiting mercados [markets], I quickly realized that all the best quality things I picked up were from Oaxaca and that was actually a selling point to the merchants.
Handmade Oaxacan goods are known all over Mexico as the best of the best. The Indigenous people, mostly women, craft their wares by hand and you can even see them working on things while they wait for customers to stop by.
So where better to do some shopping at the mercados than in Oaxaca?
Items are produced by families, women, charities and even in some cases prisoners, as a way to fuel their economy so any money you spend will go right to the people who need it.
Once you start looking around it’ll be easy to spot what is made in Oaxaca because the quality is noticeably high.
To make things easy, I’ve put together a handy walking map that covers the next several hours.
First Stop: Oaxaca Artisan Market
Make your way to the Oaxaca Artisan Market. This market is full of handmade items for the home, clothing, shoes, trinkets and bags.
Most of the items are marked with a price so it’s not necessary to haggle!
Second Stop: Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Once you’ve made your way around the artisan market, head to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, the food market! This place is bustling with locals buying everything from full meals to bread and snacks.
This market even has a dedicated meat hall! This is a great place to try some carne asada [grilled meat dishes].
Third Stop: Mercado Benito Juárez
Continuing along the map, the last market of the day is the Mercado Benito Juárez. This market has everything you could imagine and like many Mexican mercados, it’s well organized.
Similar businesses are situated near each other so there are designated areas for baked goods, liquor, clothing, leather, jewellery, shoes, etc.
Not everything in this market is going to be handmade but by now you should be able to tell the difference between local goods and imported goods.
This is also a great place to pick up some silver! In case you didn’t know, Mexico is the world’s largest producer of silver and the quality is outstanding. This would be a good place to pick up a gift for yourself or someone else.
Evening: Delicious Mole Tasting
Once you’ve shopped til you’re ready to drop, follow the walking map to your dinner destination.
Degustación de Cinco Moles Oaxaqueños at Los Danzantes
By this point in your 3 days in Oaxaca you’ve tasted, sipped and tried all sorts of culinary delights, but nothing is more Oaxacan than mole [pronounced MO-leh].
Mole is one of the most important dishes in Mexican cuisine. Families have their own recipes that are passed down through the generations and it’s a rite of passage to try some when you’re in Oaxaca.
I was on a mission to find the best place to try mole in Oaxaca and my hunt took me to Los Danzantes. Believe me when I say there is no better place to try this dish!
Los Danzantes is gorgeous and industrial at the same time. The restaurant is like one large patio with a tented roof. Birds fly in and walk around, clouds float by over your head. But this is not street food, this is soul food.
The menu here is super varied so finding something you like should be easy, but the reason why I chose this place for you is for the Degustación de Cinco Moles Oaxaqueños [Tasting of Five Oaxacan Moles].
The mole tasting is actually intended to be a sharing plate but I ordered it as my main and they brought me tortillas to make little tacos with. I chose organic chicken breast, but there are a variety of proteins to choose from, even a veggie friendly option.
The five moles included are mole amarillo [yellow mole], rojo [red mole], chichilo, negro [black or chocolate mole] and manchamanteles [tablecloth stainer mole – that’s the real name, I swear].
This isn’t just a meal, it’s an activity! The server will walk you through all the options and explain each mole.
Mezcal Cocktails at Expendio Tradición
With a full belly and after a long day of market hopping, what better way to round out 3 days in Oaxaca than with a night cap or two?
Expendio Tradición has an extensive menu of mezcals, mezcal cocktails, and also offers tasting flights. Equipped with your knowledge of mezcal from your tasting at Mezcaloteca you’re sure to find something you love!
The vibe here is almost like a modern speakeasy, the servers wear bow ties and sling cocktails like nobody’s business. On certain nights they have live music entertainment which just adds to the cool Oaxacan vibe.
This is the perfect place to sip and chat the night away on your last night in Oaxaca.
Where To Stay In Oaxaca
When you only have 3 days in Oaxaca it’s important that you base yourself somewhere convenient. Why waste valuable time trying to get around the city?
My Pick: Casa de la Tía Tere
I spent 3 days in Oaxaca last year and I stayed at Casa de la Tía Tere. This family-run boutique hotel is a hidden gem in Oaxaca, with all the colonial charm you could dream of!
The location is perfect, anything you’d want to reach is 5 – 15 minutes walking, the staff are helpful and the rooms are the cleanest I have seen anywhere in Mexico.
They also offer a rooftop terrace and this gorgeous pool and garden, ideal for cooling of in the hot afternoon sun.
Budget Friendly: Azul Cielo Hostel
If you’re looking for something a little more economical check out the private rooms at Azul Cielo Hostel. This place is tranquil and friendly, the rooms are well equipped, comfortable and the WiFi is reliable.
Azul Cielo Hostel is located about 10 minutes walk from the Zócalo and 20 minutes from Templo Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
How To Get To Oaxaca
Oaxaca City is located in the state of Oaxaca which is the southern part of Mexico and being that it’s an important part of Mexico it’s pretty well connected to most places.
I’ll cover the basics below but for the full scoop check out my How To Get To Oaxaca Guide.
Getting To Oaxaca By Plane
Oaxaca City International Airport is situated 20-30 minutes south of the city, longer if there are roadworks.
Direct international flights are available from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Guatemala City. If you’re flying to Oaxaca from any other international destination you’ll need to fly via Mexico City. The good news there is that Mexico City is really worth visiting so it’s a great place to stop off for a few days.
Within Mexico there are direct flights to Oaxaca from Cancún, Guadalajara, Mérida, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana. Flights around Mexico are inexpensive and safe way to travel. My go-to domestic airline is Volaris.
Getting To Oaxaca By Bus
If you don’t already know, Mexico has an excellent bus network! You can learn more about bus travel in Mexico from this Ultimate Mexico Bus Travel Guide.
It’s possible to get most places south of Mexico City by first class bus which is a comfortable and affordable way to travel. Depending on the travel class you choose you can also enjoy amenities like WiFi and an onboard snack bar.
There are direct buses to Oaxaca from several Mexican destinations including Mexico and Puerto Escondido.
The first class bus service in Mexico is called ADO [ah-day-oh] and tickets can be purchased in Spanish on the ADO website.
To purchase tickets in English you can use BusBud.
Getting Around Oaxaca
If you’re staying somewhere fairly central, Oaxaca is a very walkable city. Built on a grid system, it’s easy to navigate Oaxaca on foot.
Taxis In Oaxaca
Taxis are widely available in Oaxaca however I had several drivers try to overcharge me substantially.
Talk to your hotel to get an idea of how much it should cost to get from there to other parts of the city and use that as a guide and always agree on a price before getting in.
If you happen to find a driver you like and trust, they may offer you their phone number so you can WhatsApp them when you need a taxi.
My taxi driver was friendly throughout my time in Oaxaca and even showed up early morning to take me to the airport at the end of my trip.
Uber In Oaxaca
While Uber is available in the city however it doesn’t work! Uber has the same drivers as taxi drivers and they make more money with their taxis. I tried to order an Uber and after about an hour I gave up.
However, UberEats does work! Lots of motorcycle couriers zip around the city delivering for UberEats and Rappi.
Local Buses In Oaxaca
Unlike other places around the world, local buses in Oaxaca are not owned by the government. While there are plenty of buses, they are owned by the drivers and managed by unions.
Because of this loose system there is no easy way to find schedules or routes for buses in Oaxaca.
If you really want to take the bus, it should cost around $7MXN [$0.35USD/$0.50CAD]. Ask your hotel about how to get to where you want to go and they will point you in the right direction however, if you only have 3 days in Oaxaca I’d probably skip trying to figure it out!
3 Days In Oaxaca Itinerary: Tips For Your Trip
Pronounce Oaxaca Correctly
Oaxaca is pronounced: wah-HA-kah.
I’ve heard all sorts of pronunciations for Oaxaca and most of them are really far from accurate. Often what throws people is that many place names in Mexico aren’t Spanish at all, they come from Indigenous languages, so you can be forgiven for getting it wrong!
Don’t Expect People To Speak English
Contrary to popular belief, most people do not speak English in Oaxaca! Everyone in Oaxaca speaks Spanish and many speak native languages, but it’s unlikely to find English speakers.
Hotel front desk staff, some tour guides, and popular restaurants will often have one or two people who speak English, but if you find yourself in local shops, markets and restaurants you’re going to notice a language barrier.
To make this a little easier on yourself, download Spanish Offline using the Google Translate app to have access to translations without internet. You can also download my Useful Mexican Words and Phrases Cheatsheet at the bottom of this page.
Don’t Drink The Water
You’ve probably already heard this one but it’s an important one. Mexico does not have a universal clean water program! This means drinking from the water supply can make you really sick with vomiting, diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms.
Temperatures in Oaxaca can soar during the day and the sun is hot so you’ll want to stay hydrated. Bottled water is available in the vast majority of restaurants, hotels, bars, shops, supermarkets and is also often available for purchase from street vendors.
There are products like water purification straws and bottles that can purify tap water in Mexico but finding bottled water is easy to do.
Go Easy On The Street Food
While we’re talking about tummy trouble, we should talk about street food. Mexico is well known for fantastic street food so it’s easy to get carried away but there are lots of reasons why street food might not agree with you.
Often the vendors will wash ingredients in unpurified tap water, they use ingredients and oils that your stomach may not be used to and the food can be spicier than you expect, to name a few.
Cash Is King
Cards are widely accepted across Mexico, especially for purchases like hotels, tours, nicer restaurants and shops. However, Cash is King in Mexico!
You will need cash to pay for taxis, smaller purchases like coffee and water, anything at the market, street food, tipping, entrance to many museums, etc. Also if you choose to shop or eat at smaller locally run businesses they are often cash only.
It’s a good idea to bring some Mexican Pesos with you but if you run out, ATMs are widely available.
Leave The US Dollars At Home
For some reason this comes up a lot. The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso, there is no need to bring US dollars [or any other currency for that matter] to Mexico.
Most places do not accept US dollars and the few that do, do so at a very harsh exchange rate – it’s more of a business tactic than a service. There are places where you can change your foreign currency to Mexican Pesos but again, you’re not going to get a good rate.
The best thing to do is to bring Mexican Pesos and use cards. When you run out of pesos you can withdraw more at any ATM located inside a bank.
Dress Respectfully
Mexico is a conservative, widely Catholic country. In some beach towns it’s common to see shorts and smaller clothing but most Mexicans dress modestly and so should you.
You will notice Mexicans love a pair of jeans! No matter how hot it is it’s common to see people in jeans and skirts below the knee.
In order to respect local customs it’s best to avoid short shorts and mini skirts, crop tops and a lot of cleavage. Some places, especially churches and religious sites will even refuse entry for exposed knees, shoulders and cleavage.
Don’t Talk Politics
Oaxaca City has been and remains to be an important cultural and political centre in Mexico. Looking at pictures of Oaxaca Cityit’s easy to see colourful banners and charming vibrant buildings and while this is reality, there is another side to this part of Mexico that I was surprised to find.
For the last few years, the Zócalo has been home to encampments of a prominent displaced indigenous group. Because of this, the centre of the city is filled with makeshift tents and political signage. I also found out during my walking tour that the Zócalo itself is used at the bathroom for the encampments.
The politic charge in Oaxaca is noticeable, especially through the street art and it’s not uncommon to encounter political demonstrations. In fact, when I was in Oaxaca the garbage collectors were on strike and there were mountains on waste on every corner.
Coming from somewhere with a complicated political past, I understand how complex things can be. It is best to avoid sharing opinions about any locals issues or entering into political discussions, especially when you’re not fully informed.
If you have an interest in the political landscape the Oaxaca Free Walking Tour is a safe space to ask questions and learn more about what’s going on.
Summary: 3 Days In Oaxaca
Oaxaca is worth visiting even if you don’t have much time. There’s a lot to do and see in the city so it can be hard to know what to include and what to skip.
This itinerary was designed to show you how much you can achieve with only 3 days in Oaxaca and I hope it has inspired you! All of these recommendations are based on my personal travels to this part of Mexico and believe me, I wouldn’t steer you wrong!
If you’re not sure what to do next, you might want to head to the coast! The Oaxaca Coast is stunningly beautiful and a town like Puerto Escondido is a great place to unplug.