Oaxaca is a magical place with vibrant colors, rich traditions, and unforgettable experiences. Known for its annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, it's a city that captivates travelers with its mix of ancient Zapotec culture, colonial architecture, and world-famous mezcal. Whether you're here to experience the festival or explore its history, this 4-day itinerary will guide you through the best that Oaxaca offers.

Day 1: Arrival and Day of the Dead Celebrations

Morning: Arrive in Oaxaca and settle into Hotel Anua. This centrally located hotel is ideal for solo travelers. After checking in, stroll around the city center to get a feel for its vibrant streets, stopping by a local café for breakfast, Café Brújula Alcalá is an excellent option for this!
Afternoon: Head to Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Wander through the neighboring streets lined with local shops selling artisan crafts, chocolate, and textiles.
Evening: At 4:30 PM, join the Day of the Dead Evening Walking Tour, which includes a visit to the Panteón General cemetery and dinner. Immerse yourself in the incredible traditions of Día de los Muertos as locals pay homage to their deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, flowers, and offerings. The tour will explain the significance of the celebration, and the cemetery becomes a beautiful, haunting sight as candles flicker between the decorated graves.
Highlight: Enjoy traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a local guide during dinner as they explain each dish's cultural meaning.

Cost: Approx. $40 (included in the tour)

Day 2: Culture, Cuisine, and Mezcal

Morning: After breakfast, indulge in Oaxaca's culinary scene by visiting Onnno Loncheria; when I say this place is a MUST, I mean it. We went for brunch on our first morning in Oaxaca City, and it was quickly one of my top meals—incredible food. The bread is top quality-fresh! Staff was supper friendly our server spoke excellent English 🤓
Afternoon: Stroll casually around Oaxaca’s artisan market before heading to Los Danzantes for lunch. Known for its innovative take on traditional Oaxacan cuisine, the restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience, with impeccable service and attention to detail.

Recommended Dish: Try the tlayuda, a giant, crispy tortilla topped with beans, Oaxacan cheese, avocado, and your choice of meat. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails made with mezcal. My main reason for choosing Los Danzantes was that I was looking for a truly excellent mole experience, and they didn’t disappoint. The mole tasting can be shared or eaten as a main. I ordered. Choose your protein, chicken breast stuffed with quesillo and pumpkin flower, Mayan octopus or a vegetarian alternative, and then prepare for a mole journey.
The green leaf served on the large plate on the picture to the left was wrapped around local cheese and the leaf is called “hierba santa” or Hoja Santa and the test is https://www.saveur.com/hoja-santa-mexican-herb/
Pro Tip: As a solo traveler, the staff was incredibly warm, offering recommendations and even joining in conversations. A perfect spot to relax and connect with locals!

Late Afternoon: It's mezcal time! Join a Mezcal Tasting Tour in the heart of Oaxaca. This secret location tour (booked via Get Your Guide) takes you deep into the history and process of this beloved spirit, giving you a true taste of the region. You’ll learn how different agaves produce different flavors and how this iconic drink is made.
Cost: Approx. $80

Evening: End the day with Nocturnal Walk of Urban Legends and Dinner. This experience, booked via Airbnb, includes an eerie tour of Oaxaca’s historical alleys and a dinner at a spot featured in Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America series. The combination of spooky stories and delicious empanadas made this one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Cost: Approx. $40

Day 3: Nature, Ancient Traditions, and More Mezcal

Morning: Rise early and prepare for a full-day trip to Hierve el Agua.You have a breakfast stop on the way so maybe just grab coffee to rise and shine! This sacred site, revered by the Zapotec people, offers natural pools with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a dip in the mineral-rich waters or hike around the unique petrified waterfalls.
Pro Tip: There are only two natural pool sites like this in the world, the other being in Pamukkale, Turkey (which, by the way, I have a full itinerary for too!)
Afternoon: After exploring Hierve el Agua, visit a weaving workshop in Teotitlán del Valle, where local families produce exquisite tapetes (tapestries). Learn about the traditional methods of weaving, from carding the wool to natural dyeing.

Late Afternoon: Cap off the day with a visit to a mezcal factory. Here, you’ll walk through agave fields, learn about the mezcal-making process, and taste a variety of mezcal straight from the source. You’ll get to understand the care and tradition that goes into making each bottle.

Evening: Return to Oaxaca City for dinner and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience at Criollo, one of the city’s most prestigious dining spots.

Criollo is the brainchild of renowned chefs Enrique Olvera and Luis Arellano. Nestled in a guest house of a UNESCO heritage site, this magical restaurant offers a dining experience that blends the best of traditional Oaxacan cuisine with modern culinary artistry. The entire dining area is outdoors, with a sleek, minimalist design featuring smooth concrete, wooden tables, flickering candlelight, and a canopy of trees overhead, creating an ambiance of pure romance.

The chirping of birds and the scent of burning incense further enhance the atmosphere. Criollo serves only a tasting menu, carefully curated to showcase local Oaxacan ingredients and traditional recipes. The meal begins with a warm cheese croquette that explodes with flavor, followed by a smooth tamal paired with a bold shrimp-infused mole coloradito. One of the highlights is their tempura fish tacos, a creative take on a traditional favorite. For dessert, enjoy the refreshing flavors of pineapple nicuatole served with passionfruit and mango sorbet.

Cost for Day Trip (including mezcal tasting and transportation): Approx. $100 via Airbnb's Nature Walk Experience

Day 4-6: Oaxaca's Legends and Festivities

Morning: Start your final day in Oaxaca by enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a local café, one of my favorites is Muss Cafe, an amazing cozy place with a small backyard with super tasty coffee and dishes. Definitely recommend!
Use the final stretch of your visit for the Tierra De Los Muertos Festival. This festival, hosted by SET Underground in late October/early November, mixes Oaxaca's culture with alternative electronic music, wellness, and sound healing. The festival is for three days and is full of alternative electronic music, yoga, and sound healing. It is great to meet other travelers and make new friends!
Cost for Festival: Tickets range from $150 - $250. Book early to secure a spot.
If you want to stick around in Oaxaca city center and dance your heart out, then I recommend checking out Blackcherry Club, which has $5 entry fee and would be good to keep cash as it is cash only.

Total Cost Breakdown

Flights: $800 - $1,000 roundtrip from SFO to Oaxaca (book early for cheaper rates!)
Accommodation (Hotel Anua): $315 for 4 nights
Tours and Activities: $360 - $400, depending on the specific tours chosen
Meals: Approx. $150 - $200 for the duration of the trip

Additional Tips

Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and countryside. If you plan to swim in Hierve el Agua, don’t forget your swimsuit!
Local Etiquette: Try to speak a few words of Spanish, especially when interacting with locals in smaller towns. A simple "gracias" goes a long way.
Book Early: For those interested in the Tierra De Los Muertos Festival, early booking is essential.
The Parade: I felt there had to be a special day for the parade but there isn’t. If you randomly stroll in Oaxaca city center, you will find groups of people in a crowd celebrating Dia de los Muertos, so don’t feel like you are missing out. You are in the center of all the activities!

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Oaxaca, Mexico: A Journey through Culture, Cuisine, and Tradition