15 Things To Know Before Traveling to Oaxaca
Traveling to Oaxaca? Let's jump right into what you need to know before getting on the plane to Oaxaca City, Mexico. Everything from how to pronounce Oaxaca, if it is safe, and what you don't want to miss. Vamos!
1. How to Pronounce it:
Let's start with the basics -- It's pronounced
“Wah-hah-kah, Meh-hee-koh.”
2. OAXACA -- Top of the Travel Charts:
This travel destination is getting more and more attention, and for good reason! You are about to have the best time traveling to Oaxaca City, Mexico.
In fact, Travel + Leisure readers even ranked Oaxaca the number 1 city to visit in 2022.
3. SIMPLE TRAVEL TIME
Traveling to Oaxaca is hassle-free with direct flights from the United States available from:
Airports:
Houston, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Los Angeles, California
Also, fly into Oaxaca International Airport roughly 5 miles from Oaxaca Centro.
There are also domestic flights from Mexico city many times a day.
4. WALK CENTRO
The best place to start your walking tour is the city center Zócalo, a public square small but bustling with everyday life in Oaxaca.
But don't miss iconic sites like the historic center Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman and the food stalls at Mercado 20 de Noviembre on your way. Some of the best places!
During your walk, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of local markets adorned with colorful houses, flags, and street art.
5. Listen for Indigenous Languages:
In the state of Oaxaca, 12 different indigenous languages are spoken!
While exploring the local markets, you'll encounter locals conversing in their mother tongues. Whether it's Zapotec, Mixtec, or another language, you might not understand, but nonetheless it's undeniably fascinating to listen to!
The rich tapestry of indigenous cultures in Oaxaca City is among its most captivating features. Even more wonderful is how they passionately uphold and celebrate their remarkable traditions.
6. Color Everywhere
Houses, Flags, Street Art --- Everything is full of color
The flags you see hanging in the streets are called Papel Picado meaning 'perforated paper' or 'pecked paper'. It is a traditional Mexican decorative craft made by cutting designs into sheets of tissue paper.
Papel Picados are commonly displayed during holidays like Easter, Christmas, the Day of the Dead or special events like weddings, quinceañeras, baptisms, and christenings.
Another Fun fact: Skilled craftsmen create Papel Picado by stacking, sometimes 50 to 100 sheets at a time, of colorful tissue paper and using awls, chisels and special cutting blades to make intricate designs.
7. Mezcal Experience
Savor the essence of Oaxaca with a mezcal tasting tour or visit a mezcal distillery. Remember, sip, don't shoot. The city of Oaxaca is the center of the mezcal-producing area. Or just walk into a mezcal bar for a local experience.
Fun Fact: Technically, all tequila is mezcal. The term mezcal refers to spirits made from the agave plant, while tequila refers to a specific type of mezcal that can only be made from blue Weber agave in five Mexican states. Mezcal can be made from a wide variety of agave varieties in nine Mexican states.
Another Fun Fact! : The agave plant, which both spirits are made from, a succulent that despite its prickly appearance is not a cactus but a lily
8. Let me tell you about Chapulines
Indulging in Oaxaca's gastronomic wonders, trying the Chapulines or grasshoppers.
Trust me, you'll love them
why are they special in Oaxaca, let me tell you --
Chapulines are a delicacy in Oaxaca, Mexico in part as it's a sustainable source of protein as they reproduce in large quantities. Chapulines have been a part of Oaxaca's culinary history since pre-hispanic times.
This tradition dates back to the Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous cultures, valuing them for their abundance and nutritional contribution.
9. Other Gastronomic Wonders
There is no shortage of wonderful restaurants, charming hidden cafes & coffee shops, street food, and intimate cocktail bars in the Oaxacan food scene.
Make sure you try all the classics of Oaxacan Food & traditional dishes: mole, tlayudas, enfrijoladas, bread, and chocolate.
In other words, don't skip any meals!
Need recommendations? Then read my Oaxaca Food guide. Where I touch on some of the best restaurants in Oaxaca City.
10. Monte Albán - Day Trip
Embark on a day trip to Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. Consider hiring a tour guide or local guide for a deeper understanding the significance in the ancient ruins.
Monte Albán archeological sites is one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, it was important nearly one thousand years to the Zapotec empire as its capital.
Fun Fact: You can see Monte Alban on the back of the 20 pesos bill
11. Oaxaca City is NOT near a beach
This one got me, says the bikini in my suitcase that didn't see the sun.
Oaxaca is the name of a City and a state in southwestern Mexico. The state of Oaxaca is next to the states of Puebla and Veracruz to the north and Chiapas to the east, by the Pacific Ocean to the south, and by the state of Guerrero to the west.
So technically Oaxaca state has beaches like Puerto Escondido which is about a 3 hour drive (on the pacific coast) from the City of Oaxaca. The city of Oaxaca (Oaxaca de Juarez) is the state capital.
12. Hummingbird Spotting
The hummingbird has been significant in Mexican culture since the Aztec empire; they represent the powerful sun god Huitzilopochtli in Aztec mythology.
Keep an eye out for these delightful creatures while exploring Oaxaca's natural wonders. Also, look out for local art, street art, and decorations showing off these beautiful little birds.
Fun Fact: In Oaxaca, some say that the arrival of a hummingbird means the soul of a deceased relative has come to visit and comfort them.
13. Temperature is Toasty
Morning and night are cool but during the day in direct sunlight it can get warm quickly, stick to the shade and you should be good to go. Also, keep in mind the UV is much stronger, so wear your sunscreen
Therefore, when traveling to Oaxaca, plan your trip between January and February for sunny days and fewer crowds. March to May is the hottest time of year. Avoid the rainy season from May to September, opting for October through December instead.
14. Is Oaxaca City a Safe Place to Visit?
While safety concerns are common in Mexico. Oaxaca remains one of the safest states and a safe destination with minimal instances of violence or crime. Oaxaca is a great place where digital nomads, solo-travelers and female travelers can feel safe.
However, despite being safe while you travel, always be aware of your surroundings, and exercise caution, especially in dimly lit areas at night.
15. Be Charmed by Oaxaca
Oaxaca will leave you, wanting to come back soon. With its cultural richness, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes, Oaxaca promises an unforgettable trip. It will charm you in the best way.
This post was all about 15 things you need to know before traveling to Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Somewhere, Rach