Welcome to Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse states. Located in southwestern Mexico along the Pacific Ocean, it is known for indigenous traditions, colorful cities, artisan villages, mountain landscapes, mezcal, food, beaches, and archaeological sites.
Travelers can explore Oaxaca City’s historic center, visit Monte Albán, relax along the Pacific coast, discover Huatulco’s bays, surf near Puerto Escondido, experience Mazunte, or take day trips to villages known for textiles, pottery, markets, and mezcal.
Start in Oaxaca City, then branch out to mountains, markets, ruins, beaches, mezcal towns, and Pacific Coast escapes.
History & Heritage
Archaeologists believe people have lived in Oaxaca for more than 11,000 years, with evidence of some of North America’s earliest agriculture found in the region.
Oaxaca became home to advanced civilizations including the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, who built important ceremonial and urban centers such as Monte Albán.
During the colonial era, Oaxaca became an important religious and cultural center known for churches, monasteries, plazas, and preserved architecture.
Oaxaca also produced two of Mexico’s most influential historical figures — Benito Juárez and Porfirio Díaz.
Explore Oaxaca
Oaxaca combines beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, artisan villages, mezcal routes, eco-tourism, and colonial history into one unforgettable destination.
Famous for its petrified waterfalls and mountain pools, Hierve el Agua is one of Oaxaca’s most photographed natural attractions.
Huatulco’s bays and beaches offer snorkeling, diving, boating, whale watching, and Pacific coast resort experiences.
Oaxaca’s coast features surf towns, eco-tourism communities, sea turtle sanctuaries, beach camping, and sunsets.
Oaxaca is widely regarded as one of Mexico’s culinary capitals. Visitors can experience mole sauces, tlayudas, artisan chocolate, mezcal, fresh seafood, and regional specialties.
Markets such as Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre are famous for local crafts, ingredients, and traditional street food.
Where to Stay
Travel Services
Use these resources when planning flights to Oaxaca or looking for U.S. citizen services while traveling in the region.
Airport
Oaxaca International Airport serves Oaxaca City and connects travelers to major destinations in Mexico and select international routes.
View Airport Info
U.S. Citizen Services
Find U.S. citizen services, emergency assistance information, and official consular resources for travelers visiting Oaxaca.
View Consular InfoAsk questions, discover travel tips, learn about Oaxaca City, beaches, food, mezcal, and connect with other travelers exploring Oaxaca.
Join Facebook GroupBefore You Drive
Before driving through Mexico, review your documents, route planning, insurance options, tourist permits, and border crossing information.
Get Mexico insurance before driving to Oaxaca, Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, or anywhere in Mexico.
Explore More of Mexico
Continue planning your Mexico travels with nearby regions, road trip destinations, beach states, cultural capitals, and travel guides across the country.
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Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, tequila country, culture, food, and beaches.
Museums, food, neighborhoods, architecture, nightlife, and history.
Travel Questions
Oaxaca is known for indigenous culture, mezcal, mole cuisine, artisan crafts, archaeological sites, colorful festivals, mountain villages, and Pacific Coast destinations such as Huatulco, Mazunte, and Puerto Escondido.
Popular places to visit include Oaxaca City, Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Lagunas de Chacahua, artisan villages, mezcal towns, and the Central Valleys.
Oaxaca can be visited year-round. Dry season generally runs from November through April, while summer brings greener landscapes and major cultural events.
Yes. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most important food destinations, known for mole, tlayudas, tamales, chocolate, mezcal, markets, street food, seafood, and traditional cooking rooted in indigenous cultures.
Yes. Even if your U.S. carrier covers your car while in Mexico, they are not recognized by Mexican authorities for any damage you cause. It’s important to have at the very least a Liability Only policy from a Mexican carrier. See the driving laws of Mexico and get a Mexico Insurance Quote.
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