If there's one region of Mexico perfect for a quick getaway, it's the southwestern state of Oaxaca. Here you'll get a lot of bang for your buck as you spend four days enjoying excellent street food, touring pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and visiting local artisan towns. Cap the trip with a stop at Hierve el Agua, one of the most incredible waterfalls in Mexico.
Welcome to Oaxaca, a feast for the senses! This week-long family adventure skips the rushing around to focus on the southern Mexican city's many delights. Head to the market to sip spiced hot chocolate, unwrap tamales, and indulge in syrupy nicuátole. Play hide and seek among the ancient temples of Monte Albán, then browse the region's famous handicrafts in local villages. Finish up with a rural cooking workshop, where kids can get hands-on as they make tortillas with a local Zapotec community.
Oaxaca's folk art and craftsmanship take center stage on this five-day tour of the southern Mexican state. Mingle with the locals at a mezcal distillery, then learn the secrets of traditional medicine in the bustling Central de Abastos market. Visit the weaving workshops of Teotitlán del Valle, paint your own alebrijes, and create woodcut prints with local artisans. Alongside all the creativity, you'll also explore the history and nature of the region with scenic hikes and visits to ancient Mesoamerican sites.
Connect with the rich history and culture of Mexico's "culinary capital" through its famous cuisine on this seven-day tour of Oaxaca. Get your fill of distinct Oaxacan flavors with market tours, Indigenous cooking lessons, and local drink tasting. This journey won't only be about the food, though, with a trek through the Ixtepeji cloud forest, a city tour to see Oaxaca's many murals and several demonstrations of ancient Indigenous art traditions.
Ignite your senses with this exhilarating five-day tour that immerses you in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Begin by savoring local flavors at Mercado de la Merced, then master the art of Oaxacan cooking in a workshop led by community chefs. Head to the Oaxaca Valley, where you'll marvel at the vistas from Monte Albán's historic archaeological zone, before visiting the cherished artisan workshops which produce the colorful and ornate handicrafts that define Oaxaca—and even painting your own!
Culture enthusiasts will savor one week of engaging in Oaxaca's traditions, gastronomy, and handicrafts. Sample famed regional dishes before exploring La Sierra Norte's cloud forest. Then, set out into local villages, each known for a handiwork, from San Antonino's intricate embroidery to Tilcajete's hand-painted alebrijes. Learn from a traditional doctor about medicinal plants in San Pablo Etla, where you'll lace up your hiking boots for the Puma Trail and transform the amaranth plant into a dessert.
Embark on an immersive five-day adventure through Oaxaca's rich culture and cuisine. Start your trip with an Indigenous gastronomic workshop, cycle through artistic neighborhoods, learn about amaranth, and explore the ancient city of Monte Albán. You'll even get hands-on, from painting your own alebrijes sculpture to learning how to cook traditional dishes in a rural Oaxacan village.
Treat your senses to five days of Oaxaca's world-famous gastronomy with this luxury foodie fiesta. Check into your boutique hotel, then join a relaxed bike ride to sample street food with a private guide. Visit the city's top market halls and join a one-on-one cooking workshop with a local culinary master. Finally, explore ancient civilizations at Monte Albán and unleash your creativity at an alebrije workshop.
Eight to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Mexico travelers interested in visiting Oaxaca, especially when also including Mexico City, Puebla, and Cholula. If you're only headed to Oaxaca, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in six to eight days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four or five days. For the best itineraries, including Oaxaca, keep reading below.
Southern Mexico's rich artisan culture comes alive on this immersive weeklong itinerary. See the talavera tiles and colonial architecture of Puebla, then take a road trip south to Oaxaca to master the art of mezcal making and discover pre-Hispanic history at Monte Albán. Along the way, get up close and personal with traditional Mexican craftsmanship as you visit handicraft workshops, meet local weavers, potters, and painters, and try your hand at wood carving and alebrije painting.
This weeklong itinerary takes you beyond Oaxaca's tourist trail to discover some of southern Mexico's loveliest countryside and coastline. Begin in Oaxaca City, where you'll tour the best of the city's markets and catch an insider's look at the making of savory traditional foods. Hop between distilleries and help harvest agave along the Mezcal Route, then head to Mazunte and the Pacific coast to witness turtle hatchlings take their first steps and explore biodiverse lagoons by kayak.
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Oaxaca on this ten-day itinerary around the region. You'll explore colorful marketplaces, see a 2,000-year-old tree, feel the spray of crystal-blue waterfalls, visit traditional villages in the Northern Highlands, learn how to make mole in a private cooking class, and spend the last few days on Oaxaca's idyllic Pacific beaches.
Discover a side of Mexico that's as rich in history and indigenous culture as it is beautiful. Over 11 days, you'll experience the highlights of magical Oaxaca and go off the beaten path on nature hikes, participate in cultural workshops, and visit historic ruins. The journey continues to the Pacific Coast and the resort town of Huatulco, where you'll enjoy some well-deserved R&R on Oaxaca's inviting beaches.
This festive eight-day itinerary offers visitors an intimate look into one of Mexico's biggest holidays, the Day of the Dead. You'll begin your tour at the end of October in Mexico City, discovering the history behind the tradition before exploring the canals of Xochimilco and the ruins of Teotihuacán. You'll end your stay in Oaxaca, where you will celebrate like a local: join in processions, visit cemeteries, and marvel at elaborately decorated altars in honor of the deceased.
Practice a more sustainable style of travel on this 10-day exploration of southern Mexico. Start in Oaxaca to tour the city's food markets, sit down with local artisans and cooks, and visit rural villages supported by ecotourism. Cross the Sierra Madre del Sur to hike among cloud forests and spend a night in a secluded mountain cabin, then finish on the wild Pacific beaches of Huatulco—exploring one of Mexico's newest national parks, helping with sea turtle conservation, and snorkeling among pristine ocean reefs.
This family-focused 10-day tour splits your time between the vibrant southern Mexican city of Oaxaca and the unspoiled Oaxacan beach town of Mazunte. All ages will find plenty to interest and entertain them in Oaxaca, with delicious food, ancient history, and thriving culture at every corner. Then it's time to head for the coast, where you'll settle into a slower pace and introduce curious kids to natural wonders like beautiful beaches, nesting turtles, and shimmering bioluminescence.
As any parent knows, kids tend to have big appetites. Satisfy perpetually empty bellies and curious tastebuds on a 10-day food-focused tour of Mexico. Starting in Mexico City and ending in Oaxaca, you'll enjoy a range of culinary activities along the way—as well as physical activity to earn that next meal. Visit a taco night market in Mexico City, cycle through an Aztec archeological site, try your hand at making Indigenous food in Oaxaca, hike through cactus-filled deserts and mountains, and more.
Experience 10 days of archaeological treasures and authentic cuisine in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Especially appealing for history buffs and foodies, this itinerary blends the culinary and cultural highlights. See the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, Teotihuacán's majestic pyramids, Puebla's charming streets, and Oaxaca's rich landscapes as you savor mouthwatering tacos, indulge in mezcal under starlit skies, and uncover pre-Hispanic cultures in world-renowned museums.
Eight to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Mexico travelers interested in visiting both Mexico City and Oaxaca, especially when also including Puebla. If you're not interested in Puebla, a week to nine days is enough for your Mexico City and Oaxaca trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Mexico City and Oaxaca, and beyond.
This weeklong family adventure introduces you to the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca—from its famous food scene and ancient temples to white sandy beaches and exotic wildlife. Browse Oaxaca City's colorful markets, where you can sample everything from empanadas to grasshoppers, and learn the secrets of Mexican cuisine during a rural cooking workshop. Then head to the coastal paradise of Huatulco to watch turtles come ashore before striking out on jungle and waterfall adventures.
The regions in and around Mexico City are brimming with art, culture, and history of both the Indigenous and Spanish-colonial variety. Over nine days, you'll experience all of these highlights plus outdoor adventures as you travel around Mexico City and the state of Oaxaca and overnight in Cholula. Activities include art walks, nature hikes, city tours, and visits to the country's most significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites.
See the best of Mexico City and Oaxaca in a short amount of time with this luxurious trip combining 5-star hotels with private culture and food experiences. In Mexico City, you'll embark on a taco crawl, float along the canals of Xochimilco, and join a private cooking class. In Oaxaca, unravel the colorful city's charm with guided tours, market visits, and an enriching day trip to discover the region's culture and sights.
Explore the traditions, history, and unspoiled beauty of Mexico on this 13-day tour. Start in Oaxaca City, where you'll visit the lively Plaza de Santo Domingo and its Baroque-styled cathedral. See the ruins of the archaeological site of Mitla, taste mezcal at a local distillery, and then fly to Santa María Huatulco and Huatulco National Park. Snorkel in turquoise waters and hike to cascading waterfalls, ending in Puerto Escondido for turtle encounters and horseback riding on Manialtepec Beach.
Combine time in nature with cultural experiences as you explore southern Mexico's diverse landscapes, Indigenous cultures, historic towns, and Pacific coastlines. Sample Oaxacan gastronomy from its eight regions, take a serene mountain walk in San Felipe del Agua, and admire the cascading waterfall rock formations at Hierve el Agua. Venture to Sumidero Canyon's towering cliffs and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Chiapa de Corzo, a historic town known for its traditional lacquerware art.
Visit anthropology museums in Mexico City, explore archaeological sites in Teotihuacán, and experience local cultures on this eight-day immersive trip to Mexico's central region. Start in Mexico City, where you'll explore the bustling capital, then head to Cholula for ancient ruins and a tour of the local staple crop: corn. End in Oaxaca, one of the culinary capitals of Mexico.
Get to the heart of historic Mexico on walking tours of the nation's capital, Cholula, and Oaxaca. In Mexico City, you'll visit the most artistic and colorful neighborhoods, like Coyoacán and Xochimilco, plus take a bike tour of the ruins at Teotihuacán. Then head south to Cholula and Oaxaca, two cities whose awe-inspiring Spanish-colonial landmarks are matched only by their rich indigenous heritage.
Explore the best of Central Mexico on this 18-day tour. Start in bustling Mexico City for cultural exploration and some incredible food, then continue to Cholula to hike in the national park. Head to Oaxaca for mezcal, alebrijes, and a ritual steam bath, then round out your trip in Mazunte where you'll see baby sea turtles return to the ocean.
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine, from exotic markets and fine restaurants to street food vendors and Indigenous farms. This culinary itinerary is designed for the traveler passionate about learning the history and culture of Mexcian gastronomy. You will try traditional dishes from different regions of Mexico and participate in cooking workshops, all the while exploring the cultural highlights of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
Explore the ruins of ancient cities, hike rugged mountain trails, and immerse yourself in indigenous culture on this 12-day deep dive into central Mexico. It begins in the capital with walking tours of the historical center before heading to Cholula and Oaxaca to visit local markets and see the sights. The last half of the trip is packed with active adventures like horseback riding and hiking through misty cloud forests before finishing on the gorgeous Pacific Coast.
As one of Mexico's most ethnically diverse states, Oaxaca is a melting pot of remarkable food, culture, and outdoor activities. With this 14-day itinerary, you'll experience it all, from the Oaxacan capital to the Pacific coast, squeezing in a vast number of experiences along the way. Sample smoky mezcal and street food, trek in the jungle, kayak across a lagoon, join a tortilla workshop, release turtles, learn to surf, and finish with some free time to relax on your choice of golden beaches.
On this fascinating nine-day trip to Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca, you will discover traditional dishes from different regions of the country, participate in cooking workshops, and tour numerous urban and rural attractions, from archaeological sites to the country's best museums—all while meeting friendly locals along the way.
This trip is perfect for travelers who are short on time but don't want to compromise on adventure. Start in Mexico City to explore the food scene and waterways that show the city's history. Continue to the foodie town of Cholula to explore Teotihuacán, then end the trip in Oaxaca for a history tour and a chance to taste authentic mezcal in the place where it's produced.
Jam-packed with fun, fascinating excursions, this 12-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Mexico for the whole family. Starting in the capital, you'll cheer on your favorite wrestlers at a live Lucha Libre show, then go for a kid-friendly food tour through the colorful city streets. After exploring the canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco, it's time to make your way south toward Oaxaca—stopping en route to see the pyramids of Teotihuacan by hot air balloon and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Tehuacán Biosphere Reserve.
Spend fifteen days exploring the best of central Mexico. You'll walk through a cactus forest in the Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere, taste traditional Mexican Mezcal, and more on this itinerary. Start by exploring the various neighborhoods of Mexico City and floating on the canals of Xochimilco in a traditional wooden Trajinera, then continue to the countryside to explore nature and ancient ruins.
On this food-focused tour, you'll discover authentic Mexican cuisine at marketplaces, family-run restaurants, street food stands, and Indigenous farms. The itinerary isn't only about food, though: the schedule features visits to archaeological sites and other places of interest, including the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colonial city of Puebla.
Hit the cultural and culinary highlights of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Huatulco on this 10-day itinerary. Ideal for travelers seeking diverse experiences, it offers opportunities to savor authentic flavors during a cooking class in Mexico City, dive into cultural wonders like Hierve el Agua's thermal pools, and explore the bustling markets in Oaxaca. Finally, unwind on the Pacific coast with a thrilling waterfall hike and snorkeling in the bays of Huatulco.
Spend two weeks exploring the best that central Mexico has to offer. Start in Mexico City for explorations of the metropolis and a ride on a traditional wooden Trajinera. Continue to Cholula to explore Teotihuacán, then head to Oaxaca to visit the Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere Reserve. End in Mazunte to see bioluminescence and view baby sea turtles return to the ocean.
You'll revel in this intrepid, cultural 10-day tour of Mexico. Spend two days in colorful Mexico City, with an afternoon rooting for wrestlers at Aréna Mexico. In Oaxaca, learn the ancient craft of wood carving, wander archaeological ruins at Mount Albán, and hike El Picacho to catch the sunset. Then, spend four days in the beachy surf town of Puerto Escondido for snorkeling, whale watching, and an afternoon with sea turtles at a local sanctuary.
Spend a week discovering Mexico's central region, from Mexico City to Oaxaca. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, go biking in Teotihuacán — The City of the Gods, and explore the history of the local agricultural staple of Cholula: corn. End in Oaxaca for a historical tour and a cultural experience to create your own alebrije: a little clay statuette.
For most travelers, 8 to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip, with stops in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five to seven days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Yucatán Peninsula, Latuvi, or Acaxochitlán. See more ideas for Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca itineraries below.
This ten-day adventure to Central Mexico is the perfect duration to see most of the region's highlights while leaving time for a few off-the-beaten-path experiences. You'll go biking in Teotihuacán — The City of the Gods, create your own Alebrije statuette, explore the foodie scene in Oaxaca, and more.
Mexico will seem like a magical land to imaginative kids; with ancient cities, active volcanoes, colorful crafts, and beautiful beaches, there's plenty to keep all ages interested. This two-week itinerary starts in Mexico City and has you traveling southeast through Puebla and Oaxaca to the paradise of Huatulco on the Pacific Coast—taking in a variety of cultural and natural wonders along the way. Both kids and parents will enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of this beautiful and fascinating part of Mexico.
Kids of all ages will be fascinated by the sights, sounds, and flavors of central and southwestern Mexico. This 10-day family-friendly itinerary starts in Mexico City and travels down to Oaxaca City, passing many cultural and geological highlights along the way. Learn about Aztec culture at Teotihuacán, stargaze and find fossilized sea creatures in the desert, and take every opportunity to sample local cuisine, like quesillos and empanadas.
Experience a week of laid-back adventure with this outdoor-oriented tour focused on Oaxaca's Pacific coast. Get to know the colorful culture and cuisine of Oaxaca City and its surroundings before setting off for the protected natural wonders of Huatulco. Snorkel and cruise through its famous bays, then turn inland to hike in the subtropical rainforest of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Continue along the coast to end your trip with kayaking and beach time on the golden sands of Puerto Escondido.
If you want to experience Mexico's culture and leave time for adventure, look no further than this packed 13-day trip. From the buzzing streets of Mexico City to the ancient archaeological ruins that emerge from the rainforest, you'll see the best of the region and enjoy insider experiences, like a traditional Temzacal steam bath.
Taste traditional mezcal and tequila in Mexico City, travel back in time to learn about ancient indigenous history and more on this sixteen-day getaway. You'll explore Oaxaca's incredible food scene, bike through the ruins of Teotihuacán, and see the bioluminescent plankton light up the ocean.
Eight to nine days is a great length for a Mexico trip, with stops in Mexico City, Cholula, and Oaxaca. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four to seven days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Yucatán Peninsula, Mazunte, or Mérida. Get inspired with the below Mexico City, Cholula, and Oaxaca trip ideas.
Explore Mexico City, Oaxaca, and more on this 17-day comprehensive trip. Explore the various neighborhoods of Mexico City, float on the canals of Xochimilco in a traditional wooden Trajinera, and go hiking in Popo-Izta National Park. Immerse yourself in a cactus forest in the Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere, then round out the trip by tasting traditional Mexican Mezcal in Mazunte.
Authentic culture and cuisine take center stage on this epic, two-week journey through central and southern Mexico. Snack your way through Mexico City's best food market, then head into Oaxaca for unspoiled beaches, mezcal tastings, and hands-on gastronomy workshops. Continue to Chiapas to end your trip cooking with the local indigenous community and exploring the wilds of Sumidero Canyon by boat.
This packed eleven-day itinerary offers the best of Central Mexico's culture and nature, from volcanoes to the ocean. You'll go hiking in the national park, visit Mexico City's best museums, and walk through a forest of cactuses. There's also time for moments of relaxation — kick back on Mazunte's beaches, enjoy a leisurely sunset walk in the forest, and take in the best of Oaxaca's foodie scene.
Prepare your tastebuds for an extraordinary culinary journey through mountains, canyons, and the sea. Start in Mexico City, where you'll shop with an expert at the famous San Juan Market. Lounge along the pristine beaches of Puerto Escondido. Learn bread-making and local cuisine in Oaxaca and visit a local mezcal distillery. Explore San Cristóbal de Las Casas' cobbled streets before venturing into the breathtaking natural scenery of Sumidero Canyon and Lagos de Montebello.
Explore the best of Mexico's history, culture, and gastronomy on this 15-day tour. Start in Mexico City, where you'll stroll the Centro Histórico and cruise the canals of Xochimilco in traditional boats. Then, you're off to the colorful town of Guanajuato, home to the 17th-century Basilica of Guanajuato Cathedral. See the colonial architecture of San Miguel de Allende, learn to make mole in Puebla, and end with a mezcal tasting and guided biking excursion through the art-filled streets of Oaxaca.
This 12-day exploration of the heart of Mexico will take you to its most historic locales. This includes stops at the 16th-century cities of Morelia and Querétaro, where you'll enjoy horseback riding through the rugged Guanajuato mountains. Then immerse yourself in the region's culture with visits to indigenous workshops, tours of coffee plantations, and outings to the most incredible sights in Puebla and Oaxaca.
Experience 18 days of cultural tours and outdoor adventures that help support local communities and conservation, focusing on heritage and food as you enjoy culinary tours of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Chiapas while visiting historical sites and meeting locals. You'll also embark on cycling tours, try surfing, take boat trips, and visit ancient Maya archaeological sites like Palenque.
This adventure covers the most incredible ancient cities in the country. It starts in Mexico City, a capital whose colonial legacy is as rich as its indigenous history. Then travel north to the Baroque cathedrals and colorful houses of Guanajuato and Morelia before touring the massive Aztec city of Teotihuacán. It all comes to a close with culture, history, and foodie tours of beautiful Puebla and Oaxaca.
Indulge your appetite on this two-week, food-focused tour of Mexico. Hop around the capital as you discover authentic cuisine at marketplaces, family-run restaurants, and street food stands. Then make your way to Oaxaca, stopping to enjoy a walking food tour in Puebla followed by traditional cooking classes and visits to Indigenous farms in the highlands. There's plenty of culture on this adventure, too, including boat rides in Xochimilco and a stop at the National Anthropology Museum, among other highlights.
This exciting Mexican road trip covers a whopping number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—perfect for culture enthusiasts. Starting in Mexico City, you'll visit historic colonial towns, architectural sites, nature parks, and gorgeous interiors while making your way to both coasts with free time each evening to explore markets, restaurants, and art galleries on your own. This two-week itinerary is best suited for those who like to be on the move (a private driver and transfers are included).
