A trailblazer’s guide to traveling in Oaxaca, Mexico alone

I visit Oaxaca Mexico every year and in thisย Oaxaca solo travelย guide, I help you plan your trip to Oaxaca with non-generic tips based on personal experiences.

๐Ÿ“ฌ Hi Trisha! I followed you on Instagram during Oaxaca day of the dead last week. Your stories are amazing and it made me think about visiting Oaxaca! Iโ€™ve only been to Cabo and in 2022, I am going to visit more of mainland Mexico. Do you have any tips on how to effectively navigate Oaxaca solo travel? Is Oaxaca safe for solo travelers? I am going to Puerto Escondido after so it would also be great if you can give me a sample itinerary. Thank you so much for all your tips and advice. I really appreciate it!

โ€“ Joan McLain, USA
oaxaca solo travel guide
Pin this image to Pinterest and save it for your solo trip to Oaxaca!

Hey Joan!

Thank you so much for following the blog! I enjoyed day of the dead so much and I am doing it again next year! Perhaps youโ€™d like to come join me?

Oaxaca is not usually in peopleโ€™s radars but it is one of my favorite cities in Mexico. Thereโ€™s a strong force of magical vibe here that I didnโ€™t feel in any other cities!

I did travel Oaxaca solo many times and have learned a lot of insider tips, especially with regards to Oaxaca safety. If you decide to push through Oaxaca, I can definitely connect you with my friends there.

Just send me an e-mail (or Instagram message) and I can make an intro. Good luck and let me know if you push through โ€“ I am so excited for you!

Xx,
Trisha

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๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿผ Oaxaca solo travel experience

I did not think twice when I planned my first solo travel to Oaxaca Mexico.

After seeing those photos on Pinterest and Instagram, without a doubt, I booked a ticket and took care of the Oaxaca travel questions later (i.e. safety).

But there was a pitfall for not questioning and not planning. My first Oaxaca travel experience was really bad because I did not know it was the rainy season.

I visited at the end of August to early September and guess what? I spent most of my days indoors because of the rain!

oaxaca solo travel

Not to mention that was 2020 and you know, there was a global health crisis that was taking place. Everything was closed.

Bottom line: August and September are not good months to visit and that, honestly affected my first impression of Oaxaca Mexico.

I felt like it was a waste of money and I did not see anything but the co-working space of my hotel.

In April, I came back again with different weather and from there, my love story with Oaxaca Mexico started.

I donโ€™t even know where to begin to tell you what made me so drawn to Oaxaca because there are so many layers and forms!

oaxaca solo travel

From that trip, I came back every year and I even organize my yearly day of the dead trips here to show travelers how Oaxaca Mexico is rich in everything.

Many of my friends ask me, why donโ€™t you just move to Oaxaca if you are that in love and visiting frequently? I couldnโ€™t answer this til now but one thing I know is that I love the feeling of going back and knowing the city in its entirety.

For now, it is just a great feeling to come back and who knows? I might leave my home in Cabo now and trade it for Oaxaca!

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Need help in planning your trip to Oaxaca City? Get on a 1-1 call with me and Iโ€™ll help you plan your itinerary, recommend affordable accommodations, and book cool things to do! [Book a call with Trisha]

โค๏ธ Why I love Oaxaca solo travel

Oaxacan cuisine is the best in the world

First thing first: one of my favorite things to do in Oaxaca is EAT. While there are many great restaurants in Mexico, Oaxacaโ€™s food scene is quite unique.

Known as the โ€œland of seven moles,โ€ Oaxaca boasts a vibrant culinary scene that elevates native ingredients like corn, chillies, and cacao into gastronomic wonders.

When I am here, I make sure I dedicate a budget for a tasting and pairing (around $120 USD for a 9-course meal) because I only not eat but also learn about the food culture that is unique to Oaxaca Mexico.

Fine dining in Oaxaca offers an elevated experience of this rich culinary tradition, serving ancestral recipes with a modern twist in sophisticated settings.

Accompanied by premium mezcal and fine wines, fine dining in Oaxaca provides not just a meal, but a deeply rooted cultural experience.

Some of the restaurants you shouldnโ€™t miss include:

  • Casa Oaxaca: best for Oaxacan cuisine
  • Ancestral: great for those who want to know about old Oaxacan cooking techniques
  • El Destilado: best 9-course meal pairing (with mezcal and wine)
  • Los Danzantes: great interior and high-end Oaxacan food

World-class street food in Oaxaca

If youโ€™re on a budget, you can eat street food in Oaxaca daily, and you wonโ€™t get tired of it. For $3 USD, youโ€™ll get the taste of extraordinary food you wonโ€™t even think itโ€™s from the streets!

From bustling markets to roadside stands, thereโ€™s always a distinct food smell that invites you to explore each street.

You cannot visit Oaxaca without trying a tlayudaโ€”often dubbed the โ€œOaxacan pizzaโ€โ€”a crispy, large corn tortilla topped with refried beans, Oaxaca cheese, and various types of meat.

Tamales Oaxaqueรฑos, steamed in banana leaves and filled with mole or salsa, are another must-try. If you are extra adventurous, you can try chapulines (fried grasshoppers), seasoned with chili and lime.

oaxaca travel guide

Along with traditional antojitos like memelas, empanadas, and tacos, the street food scene offers an authentic and delectable introduction to Oaxacan culture, making it an integral part of the local lifestyle.

Day of the Dead celebrations

During day of the dead in Oaxaca, the city transforms into a colorful tapestry of marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and intricately designed altars dedicated to deceased loved ones.

Families gather in cemeteries, decorating graves with candles, food, and mementos, while musicians play soulful melodies.

Every year, I am in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead (from 27 October โ€“ 03 November, to be exact) and it has become my yearly jam!

If you have the chance to travel to Oaxaca, choose these dates because this is the best way to combine seeing Oaxaca and a festive Mexican celebration. Join me on this trip!

Home of the mezcal

For the last 2 years, I have been addicted to mezcal. It first started in Oaxaca and then I learned that many other states in Mexico also have mezcal!

I have traveled to find and try these mezcales in states like Sonora, Baja California, and Guanajuato (to name a few). The next thing I knew, I enrolled myself on a Mezcal Masterclass to be a connoisseur!

Mezcal, the smoky, agave-based spirit, is synonymous with Oaxacan culture and has been produced in the region for centuries.

Unlike tequila, which is made exclusively from blue agave, mezcal can be made from various types of agave plants, allowing for a wide range of flavors and complexities.

Oaxaca is home to numerous mezcalerรญas and distilleries where one can learn about the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottleโ€”from the harvesting of the agave to the distillation process.

Oaxaca Mexico is honestly the most beautiful state

Apart from solo traveling in Oaxaca City, I have visited all the destinations in Oaxaca like Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Zipolite, Mazunte, San Jose del Pacifico, and many other small towns in the state of Oaxaca.

hierve el agua oaxaca

I have been to all 32 states of Mexico and believe me, Oaxaca has them all (from beaches to mountains). The areas are quite diverse and driving around the state is easy and straightforward.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Oaxaca Travel Map

oaxaca map

Travel to Oaxaca with all my recommendations in the city. This Oaxaca map includes over 600 places, divided into different categories!

๐ŸšŒ Transportation guide for Oaxaca solo travel

Oaxaca is a walking city. You donโ€™t need to use taxis unless you are going out of the city where mezcal tours take place (Santa Catarina de Minas).

Within the city, everything is walkable and walking here is never boring as you will always find yourself in colorful streets and uniquely beautiful narrow alleys.

oaxaca solo travel guide

If you are to take a taxi, only use yellow taxis as these are safer. Donโ€™t get into the white ones! Another thing to remember is that Oaxaca does not use Uber but uses the app called Didi.

Should you need a private driver to drive you outside the city, get in touch with me and Iโ€™ll recommend you to local and trusted drivers that I always work with.

๐Ÿ“ Where to stay in Oaxaca City: safe areas

The trick to not paying for transportation is to stay in areas like Centro Historico near the Zocalo. This is the area where the famous landmarks are and it is very safe to walk at night.

oaxaca itinerary

If you are a little bit more adventurous and want a different Oaxaca vibe, stay in the neighborhoods of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco. Both are small areas but have ample accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

As a solo traveler, I would advice you to stay in a hostel to meet other travelers and find people to do activities with. Hostels in Oaxaca City start for as low as $15 USD (shared dorm).

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Best hotels in Oaxaca City

If you are not sure about the locations that I recommended above, here are some links for you to make sure these are the correct locations.

I do have my favorite hotels to stay in as I try each hotel on every visit to make sure I only recommend the best ones. If you donโ€™t find anything you like above, just e-mail me and Iโ€™ll do my best to help!

๐Ÿงญ Best things to do in Oaxaca City

When traveling solo to Oaxaca City, you need to engage in things to do that will enable you to meet other people. I have this list things to do in Oaxaca that you can check out so feel free to read that article!

things to do in oaxaca

Additionally, I support many communities in Oaxaca and I highly encourage you to book the tours below with them!

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Use the code PSIMONMYWAY10 upon checkout when you decide to book these local tours above!

Anxious about Oaxaca solo travel? Join my trip!

Aside from my day of the dead trips, I organize yearly group trips to Oaxaca every May. Come join me and Iโ€™ll show you Oaxaca in a different way!

๐Ÿ’ฐ Oaxaca travel budget (one person)

As we all know, traveling solo is always expensive so in this section, I am going to share with you my personal Oaxaca travel budget to give you an idea on how much to prepare.

You really donโ€™t have to spend like this as you and I are different and have different priorities when traveling solo.

ExpensesPrice
Hostel (shared)$15 USD
Hotel (private) $75 USD
Street Food$2 USD
9-course tasting$120 USD
Airport taxi$55 USD
1 glass of wine$5 USD
Mezcal shot$5 USD
Mezcal Tour$140 USD
Textile Tour$120 USD
Hierve El Agua$120 USD

I also know Oaxaca City well and most of the time, I donโ€™t need to pay for street food/market tours or city tours.

oaxaca solo travel guide

If you know where to go, you donโ€™t really need to pay but signing up for tours makes the experience different.

You can check my Oaxaca itinerary to have an idea of which tours you have to spend for or can do by yourself. I also have a free walking map in that guide!

๐Ÿค๐Ÿฝ How to meet people in Oaxaca City

Join my yearly day of the dead tours

I do my day of the dead tours every year (for 15 people only) and most of the participants of my tours are solo travelers! If itโ€™s your first time to visit Oaxaca, this can be a good warm-up for you to be comfortable traveling here.

day of the dead in oaxaca

It will be a week of fun and we will do many local things that are beyond the travel guides. We will also be joined by my local friends in Oaxaca whom youโ€™ll surely get along with!

I can introduce you to my local friends in Oaxaca!

If you canโ€™t join my day of the dead tour, I can connect you with my friends (Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, and Europeans) in Oaxaca.

oaxaca day of the dead tour

I understand that when traveling alone in a foreign city, you may feel more comfortable by knowing people there. Just get in touch with me via Instagram or Tiktok and Iโ€™ll hook you up!

Join Oaxaca Social Meet-Ups on Whatsapp

Ian, a good friend of mine who is living in Oaxaca started this cool Whatsapp group called Oaxaca Social Meet-Ups.

Not only that you can meet people here to hang out (or do tours with) but they announce daily happenings and events in the city.

Most of the members here are locals and are very generous with information. This group helps me a lot with just about anything!

โœˆ๏ธ Oaxaca Travel Guide

Best time to visit Oaxaca City

The best time to visit Oaxaca for favorable weather conditions is during the dry season, which spans from November to April.

oaxaca itinerary

During these months, Oaxaca experiences less rainfall and more sunny days, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Average daytime temperatures typically range from 22ยฐC to 28ยฐC (72ยฐF to 82ยฐF), offering a comfortable climate for exploring the cityโ€™s colonial architecture, local markets, and surrounding archaeological sites like Monte Alban.

Flights to Oaxaca City

There are no direct flights to Oaxaca City. You will always stop in Mexico City if you are coming from the USA, Canada, Europe, or Australia.

From Mexico City, you can either take another flight to Oaxaca which departs every hour daily. This is a popular route so there will always be a flight (around $100 USD one-way).

Oaxaca itinerary

If you are traveling in Mexico City before your trip to Oaxaca, you can always take the bus which also departs frequently. The bus duration is around 5 hours and costs around $50 USD.

You can opt for the night bus to save on accommodations! This also makes the travel faster since there is lighter traffic in the evenings, let alone after midnight.

The only issue is you will arrive in the wee hours of the morning in Oaxaca but taking the yellow taxis from the bus terminal is safe.

Oaxaca City Airport Transfer

Ubers are not allowed inside Oaxaca International Airport so you have to book your airport transfer in advance. The cost of the airport transfer is $55 USD (private) and you can book it here.

Oaxaca Travel Guide

Renting a car in Oaxaca

If you are just visiting Oaxaca City, you donโ€™t really need to rent a car. However, if you have plans to going to nearby destinations like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, renting a car is a must!

Driving in Oaxaca is safe (Iโ€™ve done this many times!) and the rental cars are cheap, starting from $25 USD per day.

Oaxca travel insurance

DO NOT travel to Oaxaca City solo without travel insurance. If you canโ€™t afford insurance, it absolutely means you canโ€™t afford to travel as well.

My favorite travel insurance is SafetyWing (for digital nomad and long-term travel) and Ekta Travel for comprehensive medical insurance starting at $0.99 USD!

โ‰๏ธ FAQ: Travel to Oaxaca

Oaxaca is located in the southeastern part of Mexico, bordered by the states of Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Guerrero. Itโ€™s about 460 kilometers (285 miles) southeast of Mexico City. The state capital, also named Oaxaca, is situated in the Oaxaca Valley and surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range.

There is no Uber in Oaxaca City. Oaxaca uses a taxi app called Didi so make sure to download it before your trip. On another note, Didi does not accept credit card payments so you still have to bring cash to pay taxis.

ABSOLUTELY! There are many things to do in Oaxaca and even if you are not doing tourist activities, the city is super young and vibrant. I can spend hours just walking around Oaxaca on my own!

The best time to visit Oaxaca is during its dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and dry with average daytime temperatures ranging between 22ยฐC to 28ยฐC (72ยฐF to 82ยฐF). Itโ€™s an ideal time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and participating in local festivals.

YES, Oaxaca is safe! The only thing you have to remember about safety in Oaxaca is that you have to take a taxi after 10:00 PM, especially if you are traveling alone. Oaxaca has a lot of festivals so during this time, pickpocketing and petty theft are common, like in any destinations in the world.

Absolutely, Oaxaca is a treasure trove of cultural, culinary, and natural attractions. From the UNESCO-listed historic center in Oaxaca City and the archaeological site of Monte Albรกn to the diverse regional cuisine featuring mole and mezcal, the state offers a rich experience for travelers. Its vibrant arts scene, indigenous crafts, and natural beauty, including scenic beaches and mountains, make it a must-visit destination.

The best month to visit Oaxaca is from the end of October to the first week of November. During this time, youโ€™ll get the chance to experience the biggest festival in Oaxaca called Day of the Dead. You can to Oaxaca in another month for good weather from November to May but seriously, pick October-November to get the best of Oaxaca!

5-7 days is an ideal time to travel in Oaxaca City. Within these 5 days, you will see all the famous landmarks and even get on day trips outside the city to visit mezcalerias and other sights like Hierve El Agua. Check my Oaxaca itinerary to see how a 5-day vacation in Oaxaca looks like!

Yes, Oaxaca is a walkable city, particularly in the historic center. Most of the major attractions, including Santo Domingo Church, the Zรณcalo (main square), and various museums, galleries, and markets, are within walking distance of each other. The streets are generally well-maintained, and the compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot.

Nope, not at all. 5 days in an ideal time to stay in Oaxaca to be able to explore all the important landmarks and things to do. Actually, make it 7 as I am sure you will fall in love with Oaxaca City and in the end, will feel like 7 days is short.

While Oaxaca has gained popularity among travelers, it has managed to maintain its authentic charm. It is not as touristy as places like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. However, during high seasons like the dry months and festival periods, youโ€™ll find a significant number of tourists. Itโ€™s a popular destination but not overly commercialized.

YES, you can! There are no dress codes in Oaxaca โ€“ come as you are! Shorts are pretty common to where since the days are hot. During the night, you might want to wear long pants though, especially in the months of November to February when evenings are chilly.

Oaxaca is popular for its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and diverse landscapes. Itโ€™s a place where indigenous traditions are alive and well-preserved.

The state is famous for its complex moles, artisanal mezcal, handwoven textiles, and colorful arts and crafts. Additionally, its historical sites, such as Monte Albรกn and Mitla, and natural beauty, from beaches to mountains, make it a varied and fascinating destination for all types of travelers.

First, Oaxaca is not a town but a city. Second, yes, it is a party city as it is upbeat not only in terms of clubs and bars. Street food stalls are open til late. You will see people in the plaza, with children playing until midnight. If you are after the nightlife, Oaxaca City is alive til late except during the summer season when some establishments close for a few weeks.

Yes, Oaxaca is still inexpensive compared to other Mexican destinations. You can still find accommodations here from $55 USD. Street food is around $1.50 USD (same with coffee and beer). Decent restaurants start from $7 USD. You can easily have an inexpensive vacation in Oaxaca!

No, Uber is NOT available in Oaxaca. Instead, Oaxaca uses the Didi taxi app. Even without these transportation apps, you can go around Oaxaca easily but only hail yellow taxis as they are certified and safer than the white ones.

You need a car to get around Oaxaca state, not Oaxaca City. If you are only in Oaxaca City, do not rent a car as it is a walkable city and parking is very difficult. Iโ€™ve driven here many times and the streets are narrow โ€“ looking for parking is always a headache!

Most touristic establishments like restaurants and bars speak English. But street food vendors, markets, or mezcal farmers you will visit has very minimal to no English skills.

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9 Comments

  1. That is so cool that you planted your own agave! I feel silly that I didn’t know agave came from a plant. I’m so glad to hear that despite the relatively cheap price, Hierba del Conejo takes sanitation seriously during these covid times.

  2. This is helpful. Appreciate your honest review of the place. I have never been to Oaxaca but happy to know it’s safe for solo travelers. Will just make sure there are no major events when we visit.

  3. It truly looks colourful from your pictures. And it sounds like a cosy, homely city with many friendly people. I would like to take a mezcal tour and also plant a agave. I guess, will pick up some Spanish too here.

  4. Feeling safe when a solo traveller is so important. You don’t want fear to impact your experience. Some great tips you’ve shared and good to know that Oaxaca is a safe destination for solo travel.

  5. I have been to Oaxaca a few years ago and felt quite safe. We were two women and walked through the streets even at night (although not very late at night). I liked the vibe of the city and would go back for another visit any time, given the chance.

  6. The Jalatlaco neighborhood is so colorful and pretty. I think I will spend hours walking around the area. Good to know about the safety in the evening and to choose the yellow taxi instead of the white one. Reminded me of which taxi to choose in Jakarta, Indonesia.

  7. It’s great to know that Oaxaca is safe for Oaxaca solo travel safe. As I heard that is a truly beautiful and charming place, with great attractions. I would love to visit the Jalatlaco neighborhood as I like murals and cafes. Andador Turistico must be also amazing. And for sure I would like to take a local mezcal tasting tour!

  8. Lovely tips that you have shared for solo travel to these smaller towns. This one specifically bowled me over with its bright wall art and unusual landscape. Good suggestion on not venturing out at night. And true that irrespective of whether you are in a group or solo, you have to be extra vigilant

  9. Hello! Love and appreciate the content you’ve posted. I’m planning a solo trip to my Oaxaca to reconnect with my roots. I attempted to access the Oaxaca Social Meet Ups on whatssap but says the link has been reset? Unable to access or join. Is there an updated link that you can share?

    Best,
    Freda

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