Oaxaca City & Central Valleys
Based in Oaxaca's old town, take day trips to explore archaeological ruins, vibrant markets, craft villages, and Hierve el Agua.
Stay in one place in the old town throughout the trip without changing hotels. Spend two days exploring the city's markets, churches, and museums, and three days visiting Monte Albán and craft villages to the west, markets and Mitla to the east, and a rug-weaving village on the return. The pace is relaxed, making it perfect for first-time visitors and lovers of food and handicrafts. This itinerary omits the coast and northern highlands to keep travel times short.
Accommodation is extremely tight around the Day of the Dead and must be booked well in advance; roads to Hierve el Agua are prone to closures from June to October.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & First Look at the Old Town
Oaxaca（Zócalo & Oaxaca Cathedral、Andador Turístico (Calle Macedonio Alcalá)、Mercado 20 de Noviembre）
Take a taxi from the airport to the old town (approx. 20 minutes). Afterwards, the main square (Zócalo), pedestrian streets, and markets are all within walking distance.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 2 · Monte Albán & Western Valley Villages
Oaxaca（Monte Albán、San Antonio Arrazola、Ex-Convent of Santiago Apóstol, Cuilápam、San Bartolo Coyotepec）
Hire a driver or join a local day tour. Drive about 30 minutes from the old town to the ruins, then continue to the woodcarving village, monastery, and black pottery village before returning.
The ruins are cooler in the morning; there is no shade on the hilltop, so bring water and a hat.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 3 · Eastern Valley Markets & Mitla
Oaxaca（Árbol del Tule、Tlacolula Sunday Market、Mitla、Hierve el Agua、Santiago Matatlán）
Hire a driver or join a local day tour. Head east along Highway 190; the one-way trip to Hierve el Agua takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The market is only held on Sundays, so plan this day for a Sunday. Confirm that the road to Hierve el Agua is open before setting off.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 4 · Cultural Center & Museums
Oaxaca（Templo de Santo Domingo & Museum of Oaxacan Cultures、Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca、Museo Textil de Oaxaca、Barrio de Jalatlaco）
Spend the day exploring the old town on foot. Guided tours are required for the Ethnobotanical Garden; it is recommended to check schedules in advance.
You can add a market tour and mole cooking class, which should be booked in advance.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 5 · Rug-Weaving Village & Departure
Oaxaca（Teotitlán del Valle、Dainzú）
Take a taxi or hire a driver to the rug-weaving village in the morning (approx. 40 minutes). Return along the highway after lunch and head to the airport.
The airport road has experienced protest blockades in the past; allow extra time when heading to the airport.