5 Days in Oaxaca - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Mexican Culture & Cuisine in Oaxaca

This five-day trip packs numerous culture and cuisine excursions, perfect for first-time visitors to Oaxaca looking to dive into the city's rich food scene. From biking through vibrant neighborhoods and learning about street art to discovering the secrets of traditional cooking alongside locals, every day promises immersive experiences. Other highlights include a tour of the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, an alebrijes workshop, and an evening tasting eight traditional dishes. 

Welcome to Mexico! Upon your arrival at the Oaxaca airport, you'll be met by a private driver who'll transfer you to your hotel in the city. After settling in, dive into Oaxaca's renowned food scene during a 1.5-hour culinary experience featuring traditional foods from eight regions prepared using ancient ingredients and cooking techniques. Wake eager to explore the following day and embark on a cycling adventure through Oaxaca's vibrant neighborhoods, stopping at art galleries and quaint cafés. Then, spend your evening of Day 2 in San Pablo de Etla learning the secrets behind huautli (amaranth), an ancient grain.

On the morning of Day 3, delight in a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Zapotec city of Monte Albán, once the capital of the Zapotec civilization and home to ancient structures and expansive grounds. Afterward, get hands-on at the Alebrijes Workshop, learning to make colorful Mexican folk art sculptures. While your trip may be winding down, there's still a full day in the rural villages of either Teotitlán del Valle or Santa Ana del Valle to dive into. Visit the local market, help prepare traditional dishes, and eat your creations alongside locals before enjoying your final night in Oaxaca. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Oaxaca's Local Tastes, Textures & Traditions

Experience the rich culture of Mexico's Oaxaca region, on this five-day trip crafted especially for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. Using Oaxaca City as your base, there's plenty of time to join a foodie walking tour, learn to cook traditional meals alongside comideras, and watch the detailed handiwork of locals during visits to embroidery and textile workshops. You'll also step back in time while roaming the UNESCO-listed Monte Albán and painting your personal traditional folklore sculptures.

Your short but immersive adventure in Oaxaca starts with a walking food tour, starting at Mercado de la Merced and continuing along García Vigil Street, stopping to sample empanadas, tacos, and plenty more. Then, end your night at Plaza de la Constitución, delighting in hot chocolate and exploring local markets. Eager for more new experiences, you'll spend the following day in Oaxaca Valley learning to cook alongside comideras, local women renowned for their culinary skills. With a menu of soup, green mole, and dessert, you'll return to your hotel happily full of food and newfound knowledge. 

Next, spend an entire day learning about the art of Oaxacan textiles. Begin by visiting embroidery workshops in Tlapazola, then head to Las Mujeres del Barro Rojo (Women of the Red Clay) to discover the history of clay pottery before ending your day watching artisans weave traditional wool rugs in Teotitlán del Valle. It's back to Oaxaca Valley on the morning of Day 4, this time for a tour of Monte Albán and to spend a few hours at the Alebrijes Workshop. Lastly, make the most of your final morning in Oaxaca, exploring on your own until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Mexico Land & Sea Adventure: Bays & Beaches of Huatulco

A world away from Mexico's famous beaches lies Huatulco, a hidden gem tucked in southern Oaxaca, and it's here you'll base yourself during this land and sea adventure. With an itinerary designed for outdoor adventurers and food lovers, you'll snorkel in the vibrant San Agustín Bay, sail through bioluminescent waters, and hike along Paseo Punta Santa Cruz. In between, delve into authentic food experiences, like a traditional Oaxacan cooking class and a sorbet-making session.

Eager to explore your beautiful surroundings, your adventure begins with a walking tour along Paseo Punta Santa Cruz, known for its superb views of Bahías de Huatulco (Huatulco). Then, choose a spot to dine in La Crucecita, the small town center, before relaxing back at your hotel. The following day is about discovering the colorful underwater world of Bahía San Agustín (San Agustín Bay), home to sea turtles, pufferfish, manta rays, and more. Following time to recharge, you'll board a boat and experience an evening sailing adventure among glowing bioluminescence.

On Day 3 of your journey, you'll switch gears and focus on the local cuisine and culture of Arroyo Xuchitlb, a small community in rural Oaxaca. Head to the home of Josefa to learn the art of making fresh tortillas, then spend the afternoon discovering the secrets of carafe sorbet in Zaachila. With one more full day in Huatulco, embark on an exciting sailing and snorkeling adventure in Huatulco National Park, exploring five pristine bays and spotting diverse endemic bird species. After a sun-filled day, enjoy leisure time before preparing for your departure the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Discover Oaxaca's Art & Culture

Immerse yourself in Oaxaca's rich history and vibrant art scene on this itinerary specially crafted for culture enthusiasts looking to let guides lead the way. Each day promises an engaging tour, including city walks packed with highlights, a trip into the countryside to experience archaeology, craftsmanship, and nature, and a deep dive into the mysteries of Monte Albán. You'll also learn about traditional Oaxacan medicine and embark on a sunset hike on San Felipe del Agua. 

After checking into a hotel in Oaxaca City, your base for the duration of your tour, you'll head out to explore the city's highlights alongside a guide. Ponder the old Seminary of Santa Cruz, stroll through the lively Alameda and Constitution public squares, and end your day sampling sweets from a chocolate factory. With another full day of planned adventure, you'll venture into the countryside. Start by visiting the 2,000 year old Árbol del Tule (Tree of Tule), head to Hierve el Agua for a swim, visit the village of Teotitlán del Valle, and sample local mezcal at a distillery before returning to your lodgings. 

A tour of Monte Albán is next on the agenda, and with a guide leading the way, you'll learn about this great Zapotec city's storied past and discover its Gallery of Dancers and ball court. Afterward, continue to the community of Arrazola to craft your own alebrije and top off your day with a mezcal tasting. Then, pack in a visit to the Central de Abastos (Center of Supplies) to learn about traditional medicines, watch the sunset on the mountain of San Felipe del Agua, and spend your final morning attending a local art workshop before saying a heartfelt farewell to Oaxaca. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Mexico's Nature & Wildlife in Puerto Escondido

Perfect for active travelers seeking a trip brimming with new experiences, this itinerary gets you out surfing, cruising, kayaking, and whale watching. Based in the buzzing town of Puerto Escondido, you'll split your time between the bioluminescent waters of Laguna de Manialtepec, the wildlife-filled mangrove of Chacahua Lagoons National Park, and the nearby beaches. You'll also have the chance to release turtles at sunset and enjoy Puerto Escondido's many boutique shops and superb restaurants.

Upon arrival in Puerto Escondido, take your time settling into your accommodation, as you'll want to be rested for your memorable evening ahead, which features a cruise to Laguna de Manialtepec to admire its fascinating bioluminescent microorganisms. Ready for more adventure, you'll make your way to Chacahua Lagoons National Park the following morning. Here, amid the habitat of crocodiles, sea turtles, and iguanas, you'll embark on a six-hour wildlife-watching cruise. Then, after stopping in Chacahua Bay to relax, you'll end the day learning how to surf at one of the Oaxacan coast's famous beaches.

Your activity-filled itinerary takes you back to Laguna de Manialtepec, where you'll spend five hours kayaking through the lush jungle and along the Río Manialtepec. Next, switch vessels and embark on a whale watching tour, hoping to spot humpback whales that frequent the warm waters off the coast of Oaxaca during birthing season. After all the adventuring, you'll be delighted to have a quiet morning free to relax on one of the nearby beaches or meander through the Mercado Benito Juárez. Then, your final evening sees you getting to partake in a sunset turtle release. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other five-day Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.