Overview
Pronounced wah-haka, Oaxaca is a charming, historic city in the state of the same name in southern Mexico, renowned for its colonial architecture, colourful indigenous cultures, mouth-watering gastronomy and impressive ancient ruins nearby.
Some 500km south-east of Mexico City across the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, the remote Oaxaca region is dotted with small weaving and craft villages with their own distinctive identities. Known as Mexico’s artistic and cultural centre, Oaxaca city is famous for its indigenous markets, artisan workshops and many fiestas, while the city’s colonial past is reflected in baroque architecture, plazas and museums. Majestic churches such as the magnificent cathedral have deservedly earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Oaxaca is particularly famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations in early November, attracting tourists from far and wide.
Outside the city of Oaxaca, there are several ancient Zapotec and Mixtec sites that are as impressive as the Mayan ruins further south and east. Monte Albán is the most spectacular with several pyramids, an observatory and views of Oaxaca, while Mitla is famous for its intricate geometric mosaics.
Holidays Oaxaca
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Mexico
Discover Mexico: Oaxaca’s culture and coastline
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Classic
Mexico
Eagle: Aztecs, Mayas and conquistadores
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Mexico
Mexican street food
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Mexico
Signature Mexico: Cultural heartlands to Caribbean coast
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Where to go when - our guide to Oaxaca
The weather in Oaxaca is wide and varied
Known as Mexico’s artistic centre, Oaxaca embodies both indigenous and colonial features. Discover markets, artisan workshops, baroque architecture and excellent museums. The city has a temperate climate and temperatures ranging from high to low 20°Cs, with the most rainfall between June - September. There are plenty of exciting cultural events throughout the year and some of the best Day of the Dead celebrations in the country in November.
View our Oaxaca weather guidePapagaio
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