Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca state in Mexico, is renowned for its rich colonial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, diverse indigenous influences, and exquisite culinary traditions, including the famous mole sauce. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its historic architecture and lively festivals.

oaxaca tour

Oaxaca City QUICK INFO

  • 🇲🇽 State: Oaxaca
  • 👩‍🎨 Visitors per year: 1.8 million
  • ⏰ Timezone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
  • ✈️ Airport: Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
  • 💲 Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
  • ✈️ Cheap flights: Kiwi.com
  • 🕝 Average Trip Length: 5-7 days
  • 🛃 Visa: 180 days
  • 🚑 Travel Insurance: Ekta
  • 📲 Best Sim Card: Telcel
  • 🔌  Power plug: Type A (US, Canada)
  • 🚰 Tap water: Not drinkable
  • 💰 Cashless: No
  • 💵 USD allowed? No

Oaxaca City, officially known as Oaxaca de Juárez, is the capital of the state of Oaxaca, located in southwestern Mexico.

Founded in 1529 by Spanish settlers, the city is nestled in the Valley of Oaxaca within the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, making it a significant area both geographically and historically.

It has a rich pre-Colombian history, evident in nearby archaeological sites like Monte Albán, a former Zapotec capital.

Oaxaca City’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases Spanish colonial architecture, including the Santo Domingo de Guzmán church, alongside vibrant markets and traditional crafts, reflecting a blend of indigenous and colonial influences.

Oaxaca City is special for its extraordinary cultural richness, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial history.

It is celebrated for its gastronomy, particularly for inventing mole, a complex sauce with numerous variations.

The city’s art scene is dynamic, home to internationally recognized painters and artisans, and it is a hub for the celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, which attract visitors worldwide.

Its indigenous markets and craft traditions, especially textiles and pottery, are among the most diverse in Mexico.

Additionally, Oaxaca’s surrounding landscape offers a rich biodiversity, including unique plant and animal species, enhancing its appeal as a destination for cultural and eco-tourism.

  • Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
  • Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
  • Rainy season: Jul-Oct
  • Hottest Month: August
  • Coldest month: January

Oaxaca City Travel Essentials

Oaxaca City Attractions (A-Z)

No posts

Oaxaca City ATTRACTIONS

We customize Oaxaca City tours!

Get in touch with us at Insider Travel to get a quote. No hidden costs, just simple prices.