In this article you will find a list of travel essentials, suggestions, planning tips, local customs and more to help you get started and prepare for your solo trip to Oaxaca as viewed through the lens of a woman.
Brief history of Oaxaca
Although today Oaxaca is a Mexican state, the region’s culture and roots date back to pre-Comumbian times when the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations dominated the area, in the years 500 BC.
The Zapotecs were among the first to establish a significant civilization, developing complex political systems, impressive cities, and early writing systems.
Their capital of the Zapotec civilization, Monte Albán, is today an archaeological site that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley and which we visit as part of our women-only Oaxaca tour.
Monte Alban became a cultural and political center for centuries, showcasing advanced urban planning, monumental architecture, and ceremonial platforms.
Around the 12th century, the Mixtec people gradually gained influence in the region, often taking over former Zapotec cities.
Known for their exceptional artistry in metallurgy and codices, the Mixtecs contributed to the region’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, producing intricate jewelry and vividly illustrated manuscripts. These civilizations left lasting imprints on the culture and landscape of Oaxaca before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
In 1521, the Spanish Conquistador Hernán Cortés received Oaxaca as a reward from the Spanish crown after the conquest of Mexico.
Oaxaca, then known as Antequera, became an important colonial outpost and was heavily influenced by Spanish culture, architecture, and religion; these influences are clear today in Oaxaca’s colonial city center.
The region’s indigenous people, however, faced harsh treatment, including forced labor, religious conversion, and loss of traditional lands. Despite this, Oaxaca’s native communities preserved many of their customs and languages, which have endured to this day and make this Mexican state such a fascinating and beautiful one.
During the colonial era, the Spanish established a number of missions and monasteries in Oaxaca to spread Christianity among the indigenous population. The construction of baroque churches, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude and the iconic Santo Domingo Church, reflected the growing fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures.
The state also became a center for agriculture, particularly for cochineal dye, an insect-based dye highly prized in Europe for its vibrant red hue that is still harvested today by the expert handicraft women who still dye fabric the traditional way.
Oaxaca played an important role in Mexico’s fight for independence in the early 19th century. Figures such as Vicente Guerrero, a native of the region, led revolutionary forces against Spanish rule.
Following independence, Oaxaca continued to be politically active, with many of its citizens participating in the reformist and revolutionary movements that shaped modern Mexico.
President Benito Juárez, Mexico’s first indigenous president, was born in Oaxaca and was a central figure in the Liberal Reform movement that challenged conservative forces and the Catholic Church’s power in the mid-19th century.
The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) saw continued resistance and demands for social reform, with Oaxaca’s indigenous communities advocating for land rights and autonomy.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Oaxaca became a hotbed of social activism. The Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca (APPO) emerged as one of the most significant grassroots movements in the region, with activists advocating for indigenous rights, land reform, and resistance to state policies that marginalized native communities.
Tensions boiled over in 2006 when a teacher’s strike escalated into a large-scale protest movement, with APPO at the forefront.
Protestors occupied the capital’s central square, demanding the resignation of then-Governor Ulises Ruiz, whom they accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The state government responded with force, leading to months of unrest that caught national and international attention.
Though the protests eventually subsided, they left a lasting mark on the political landscape, raising awareness about Oaxaca’s social struggles and the resilience of its communities.
Today’s Oaxaca is a destination for rich cultural heritage and well preserved traditions that contrast with other more modernized and globalized parts of Mexico that have given way to Americanised resorts and all-inclusives.
Locals celebrate festivals such as the Guelaguetza, which highlight Oaxaca’s indigenous roots, and its traditional crafts, textiles, and culinary innovations such as mole and mezcal attract visitors who are interested in authentic traditions.
Quick facts about Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of the Mexican states but comes with its own identity and uniqueness that makes it quite different from the rest of the country.
Below are a few fun and interesting facts that will give you context and help you understand traditions and customs.
- Mole fights: Two states in Mexico claim to have invented mole, one of them is Oaxaca. Mole is at the center of many Oaxaqueno dishes and Oaxaca is famous for having many of them, among which is “mole negro” or black mole, which includes chocolate among its many ingredients.
- Birthplace of mezcal: Mezcal, a traditional agave-based spirit similar to tequila but produced using a different technique and with a higher alcohol percentage, has its roots in Oaxaca. There’s a saying: “Para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien, también” (For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, too).
- Insects: Oaxacans love to eat insects and other creepy crawlies. Chapulines, roasted grasshoppers, are a crunchy, protein-rich snack sold across markers and which we will get to try during our walking food tour. They’re usually seasoned with salt, lime, and chili powder, giving them a zesty flavor. They can be eaten as a snack or added as a confinement. Oaxaquenos also eat chicatana ants, large, flying ants that are roasted and ground into a paste, and used in sauces for their smoky flavor.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is an essential part of Oaxacan cuisine and traditions and is drunk in many shapes and forms; hot, cold, with water, with milk, with corn…no matter how you like your chocolate, you’ll find the right recipe for you in Oaxaca.
- Nudist beach: Oaxaca is home to the only official nudist beach in Mexico, Endless beach or Zipolite.
- Ancient traditions: Oaxaca is home to many well preserved pre-Columbian traditions that have made their way to the 21st century. The Temazcal ritual, an ancient Zapotec steam bath ritual rooted in purification and healing, is still offered by traditional healers. Cacao ceremonies are still practiced by indigenous communities. The Day of the Dead is another colorful extravaganza in Oaxaca complete with beautiful sand tapestries displayed in public spaces.
- Nahuales Mythology: Oaxaca’s rich folklore includes nahuales, mythical creatures who can shape-shift between animal and human forms and which is depicted in the alebrijes. Many people believe that nahuales protect villages and help maintain a balance between humans and nature.
- Clothing that tells a story: Each huipil, the traditional clothing worn by indigenous Oaxacan women, is unique and tells the story of her heritage.
- Solemn Dance of the Feather (Danza de la Pluma): The Danza de la Pluma, or Dance of the Feather, is a ritual dance performed in the region to commemorate the Spanish conquest and the resistance of indigenous communities. Dancers wear elaborate feathered headdresses, and performances can last for hours. It is common to see these dances being performed at weddings and other celebrations.
- The Famous Oaxacan Red: Rojo Oaxaqueño, or Oaxacan Red, is a rich red hue traditionally made from cochineal dye. This color is especially prominent in local textiles and pottery, and it’s celebrated as a symbol of the state’s artistic identity. The cochineal is a small insect that grows on the cacti and produces a bright red carmine dye that is so common in Oaxacan clothing. They grow wildly and are also grown and harvested on cacti by traditional weavers and dye makers.
Oaxaca travel tips
In this section we want to share general Oaxaca travel tips to help you plan your trip.
When to visit
Oaxaca has very stable and consistent weather throughout the year with slight variations in the winter months when nighttime temperatures can drop by a few degrees and daytime temperatures are a bit milder.
In general, temperatures stay between 55 and 85 Fahrenheit or 13 to 28 Celsius, but are slightly cooler in December and January and slightly warmer from March to May.
Rainfall is what varies by month. Summertime sees higher rainfall, especially from May to September. October to April are largely dry with short occasional showers.
The best time to visit, in my opinion, is from October to April when temperatures are milder and the weather drier. This is why all our Oaxaca tours are scheduled between those months.
Public holidays and festivals in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is big on celebrations and festivals. No matter when you visit, it is likely you’ll see a wedding or other celebration in the streets. If you time your visit with one of the fabulous festivals, you will also get a very unique insight into the local culture.
Festivals always include street parades and colorful dances. Look out for Mojigangas, giant puppets with oversized heads, often representing historical figures or Oaxacan folk characters that parade through the streets, dancing and celebrating with the crowd, adding a whimsical touch to Oaxacan celebrations.
Here are some of the most popular festivals:
- The Festival of Radishes (Noche de Rábanos): Every December 23rd, Oaxaca holds the Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes, where artists carve oversized radishes into intricate sculptures. These radish creations include nativity scenes, animals, and Oaxacan folk characters. You can see the radishes exhibits in the city’s central square but go early (around 2-3pm) as queues can be long.
- Guelaguetza: The most famous of all the festivals in Oaxaca takes place in July and celebrates indigenous culture with dance, music, traditional dresses and lots of parades and performances. It is a serious celebration with food and a communal spirit.
- Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Like in the rest of Mexico, Day of the Dead is a very important celebration in Oaxaca. The main events happen on the 1st and 2nd of November and are dedicated to honoring the deceased with processions, music and decorations in cemeteries. While visitors can experience the public events, Day of the Dead is centered around the altar families built at home with offerings, photos, food and flowers.
Here are the public holidays in Oaxaca:
- New Year’s Day: 1st of January
- Constitution Day: 1st Monday in February
- Benito Juarez Day: 21st March, he was a prominent president and was born in Oaxaca
- Easter (Semana Santa): Dates change every year
- Labor Day: 1st May
- Independence Day: 16th September, celebrates independence from Spain
- Revolution Day: 20th November, commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910
- Day of the Dead: 1st and 2nd November
- Christmas: 25th December
- Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: 12th December, in honor of Mexico’s patron saint
Passport and visa requirements
Oaxaca is part of Mexico and thus subject to the country’s entry rules and requirements. In this section we will look at the requirements to enter Mexico.
Visa: Most nationalities do not need a visa for durations of up to 180 days. Confirm how long you can stay with your arrival stamp as border agents have been known to give less than 180 days. If you need a visa, you will have to obtain it from the Mexican embassy or consulate nearest to you.
Passport Validity: Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay.
Health and safety
Nobody wants to get sick when on vacation but, if the worst is to happen, it pays to be prepared.
Bring all the medication you’ll need: During your trip to Oaxaca, you may be far from a doctor, a hospital and a pharmacy. We strongly recommend you bring any prescription medication you may need and enough of it to last you the entire trip.
Your specific medication may not exist in Mexico, or it may require a prescription you need to see a doctor for, so save yourself time and hassle by bringing everything you may need with you. Review what you should bring in your first aid kit here.
IMPORTANT: Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines available in your country might be considered controlled substances in Mexico. A doctor’s prescription including generic names, dosage and instructions, is required in all cases, and should mention your details, the prescribing doctor, the types of medicine and the condition treated. Always keep your medication in its original packaging. More details here.
Get that coverage: We never leave the house without purchasing extensive medical and travel insurance coverage and this is why we make it mandatory to join our tours. You should make sure that you have adequate medical insurance to cover any unforeseen medical expenses. Unexpected accidents do happen, and if you needed to be evacuated back home with an injury, the medical bill could bankrupt you.
The best travel insurance will differ for each traveler, depending on the nature, style, and length of your trip, so we recommend using an aggregator and comparison tool such as Travel Insurance Masters to find the right one for you depending on what coverage you want, age, location, trip, etc.
In case of emergency: Mexico’s emergency services number for immediate assistance with fire, police, and ambulance services is 911
Tap water: Tap water in Mexico is not safe for drinking. We recommend bringing your own water purification bottle which will save you from buying plastic bottles and give you consistent access to drinking water. I travel with Grail’s 24oz water purifier bottle when I know I am going somewhere where tap water is not safe.
Vaccinations: The CDC recommends making sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before visiting Mexico.
In the city of Oaxaca, and in the dry season, which is when we visit, the risk of mosquito bites is lower given its elevation, but not inexistent. Thus, the risk of dengue, malaria or other mosquito borne diseases should not be ignored and can be prevented with mosquito repellent. Vaccines against Hepatitis A and B as well as Typhoid are also recommended.
Altitude: Oaxaca city is located at just over 1,500 meters above sea level and that means that you may feel slightly lightheaded or tired if you exert yourself a lot on the first day and are used to living at sea level.
Safety in Oaxaca for solo female travelers
Some parts of Mexico suffer from high levels of violent crime and are under travel warning by both the US and UK. The state of Oaxaca is not one of them.
The city center and its main tourist areas are well policed and full of tourists all year round but do attract petty crime. Add a layer of protection against theft or the risk of pickpocketing by using a slash and theft proof cross-body bag like the ones we listed in this article.
Even if Oaxaca is generally safe for tourists, you should exercise caution and stay alert at all times, especially if walking around after dark in empty streets. If you are in the Zocalo or the area around Santo Domingo Church, you will likely be surrounded by other tourists and locals and should feel safe. If you need to walk further away, consider getting a taxi.
Read our full article on general travel safety tips here.
Getting to and around Oaxaca
The easiest way to get to Oaxaca is via Mexico City. There are several flights, almost every hour, connecting it with the country’s capital. You will also be able to fly to Cancun, Tijuana or Monterrey.
Alternatively, Oaxaca has international flight connections with diaspora locations such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas or Houston, and these will be the easiest way for international travelers to arrive.
Oaxaca city center is quite compact and easily walkable. For day trips, your best bet is to get a taxi or book a day tour that includes transportation. There are public buses too but taxis are affordable and much more convenient.
How many days to spend in Oaxaca
While the city is relatively small and you can check everything there is to do in a couple of days, the best part about a trip to Oaxaca is visiting all the villages that are around it, each famous for a different craft or tradition.
To take it all in, I would recommend a full week of day trips and city exploration.
Top places to see and things to do in Oaxaca as a solo female traveler
In this section, you will find our favorite places to visit and things to do in Oaxaca if you are traveling solo.
Oaxaca city
The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its well preserved colonial architecture and colorful facades. People watch at El Zocalo, visit the San Domingo Church and its stunning botanical gardens, wander the streets and be sure to check out the markets, especially Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
El Tule
This Montezuma Cypress Tree located in the town of Santa Maria del Tule is the largest in the world and is known as the tree of enlightenment. Its circumference measures 1.4 meters or 46 feet.
Hierve el agua
The calcified mineral deposits in the landscapes of Hierve el Agua look like a waterfall frozen in time. Contrary to its name, the water here is not warm, but on a hot day, it will be very inviting, especially thanks to its infinity pool views over the valley below.
Monte Alban
The UNESCO listed ruins of the former Zapotec capital are well preserved and make for a wonderful half day visit. Explore the remains of old palaces, tombs and squares that were first Zapotec and then Mixteca.
Mitla
While Monte Alban was the capital of the Zapotec empire, Mitla was the spiritual center. This smaller archeological site is famous for the column of life which can tell you how long you have to live.
San Martin Tilcajete for alebrijes
Head over to this town near Oaxaca to learn more about alebrijes, wood carved and hand painted fantastical animals that have become all the rage.
San Bartolo Coyotepec
This unique black pottery achieves its shiny finishing thanks to the firing technique. Looking more like dark silver, the black pottery pieces are fascinating and not found elsewhere. The town of San Bartolo Coyotepec is home to many workshops making and selling this art.
Teotitlan del Valle
Teotitlan del Valle is famous for fabrics and wool dyed with natural elements to hand-weave rugs and clothing. Here you will find many artisans that either hand weave pieces from wool dyed by others, dye wool manually following traditional methods and using natural ingredients, or both.
Travel essentials for Oaxaca
In this section we will look at a range of other things to consider when traveling to Oaxaca as a solo female traveler.
Staying connected: Public free WiFi hotspots are easy to find but if you want to be connected all the time, explore roaming options with your home mobile provider, or buy an eSIM like Airalo, AloSIM or Holafly (unlimited internet and a 5% discount).
Make sure your phone is unlocked so that a foreign SIM card or eSIM will work, and get the store staff to help you set up the new SIM card before leaving the shop so they can help you with any settings that need changing.
Mexico plugs: Switzerland uses Type A electrical outlets and plugs with two flat vertical pins just like in the US. If you are traveling from a country that uses a different plug type, such as Type J (used inEurope) or Type G (used in the UK), you will need a plug adapter to fit your devices into Mexican electrical outlets.
Currency: Mexico uses the Mexican peso and credit cards are usually accepted for larger purchases but cash will win for small items, street food, markets, etc.
Tipping culture: Tipping in Oaxaca is not mandatory but will be expected at restaurants and other eateries. Leave 10% or round up for smaller bills.
Basic Spanish
All Mexicans speak Spanish as this is the country’s official language. Additionally, many Oaxaquenos will also speak their indigenous language which could be Zapotec, Mixtec or one of the many others.
The local Government has been working to improve the language diversity of the state by revitalizing indigenous languages through bilingual education at schools and other initiatives.
Below are some useful local Spanish words:
- Hola – Hello
- Buenos días – Good morning
- Buenas tardes – Good afternoon/evening
- Buenas noches – Good night
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
- Bien, gracias – Fine, thank you
- Por favor – Please
- Gracias – Thank you
- Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
- Disculpa / Perdón – Excuse me / Sorry
- Sí – Yes
- No – No
- ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
- La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
- Baño – Bathroom
- No entiendo – I don’t understand
Local Cuisine
Gastronomy in Oaxaca is unique and completely different from the rest of Mexico. If you are familiar with popular Mexican dishes, you may be surprised that none of them feature in a Oaxacan menu.
The ingredients used are the same as in other parts of the country; chili, corn, vegetables, cheese, etc. but the way they are put together is unique to Oaxaca. You won’t find tacos in the streets, but toasted memelas or tlayudas.
Best Foods to try in Oaxaca
Oaxacan cuisine is famous for including the milpa agricultural practice in many of the dishes.
Even if you are a Mexican food lover, you will be surprised by the uniquely local dishes you will find in Oaxaca that you can’t spot anywhere else in Mexico. Some of the most popular and local must try foods:
- Mole: Oaxaca is in a duet with Puebla for who has the best mole, the famous sauce that is pervasive in dishes in both regions and is thought to have been invented by a nun in Puebla. From the words Nahuatl, meaning sauce, mole can be made in many different ways and contain several dozen ingredients including spices, nuts, seeds, vegetables and even chocolate and is a sauce eaten directly or poured over a protein like chicken or turkey to make what is largely considered Mexico’s national dish, “guajolote”. You will most likely find 3 main moles in your visit to Oaxaca, although there are seven: rojo (red) wish is milder and sweeter, negro (black) which is made with chocolate and amarillo (yelllow), the least complex and lighter of the three.
- Tlayudas: The Oaxacan version of a pizza, a large, toasted tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, avocado, and sometimes, some meat, then folded and grilled.
- Tamales: One of the few common Mexican foods also found in Oaxaca are the tamales which are wrapped in banana leaves here instead of corn husk leaves, and filled with mole, black beans, or pork.
- Memelas: Made famous by the Netflix show that features Oaxacan cuisine, memelas are thicker corn tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, salsa, and sometimes meats or eggs. They’re a popular breakfast or snack food..
- Enmoladas: Another traditional Oaxacan dish, enmoladas are like enchiladas but with mole. These corn tortillas are dipped in mole sauce and filled with chicken, cheese, or beans, then topped with fresh cheese and sometimes sour cream.
- Empanadas: In Oaxaca, it is common to find empanadas filled with meat and mole.
- Tetelas: Similar to empanadas in that they are triangular pockets of corn dough filled with beans and cheese and cooked in the comal.
- Sopa de guias: A soup that includes all the parts of the squash plant, from the shots, the flowers and the meat.
Best drinks to try in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is famous for corn and chocolate based drinks as well as Mezcal, the smokier cousin of tequila.
Oaxaca is also famous for several other kinds of drinks:
- Mezcal: Mezcal is often confused with tequila but it is a different drink even though it comes from the same plant. Mezcal is made from various types of agave, especially Espadín, but it is much more artisanal in its production process, and it is also higher in alcohol percentage. Agave hearts (piñas) are roasted in underground pits, giving mezcal its signature smoky flavor. After roasting, the piñas are crushed, fermented, and distilled. 90% of mezcal is made in Oaxaca, and you’ll find many agave fields and palenques in Santiago Matatlan.
- Tejate: Known as the “drink of the gods,” tejate is a pre-Hispanic drink made from corn, cacao, and a unique seed called mamey pit. It has a foamy texture, achieved by hand whisking it for an hour or more, and is typically served cold. You will find it in markets and street stalls and it is served by the ladle into a hollowed-out gourd.
- Atole de maiz: From the Nahuatl atolli, meaning water and the Spanish for all, this is a thick mix of cornstarch diluted in water and commonly eaten for breakfast.
- Champurrado: Atole with chocolate, a drink invented by the Aztec. The cacao and spices are whisked into the atole to create a frothy top, and then served hot in a clay cup for breakfast with bread you can dip in. This is a fantastic and filling breakfast dish.
- Pulque: A traditional drink made from fermented agave sap, pulque has been enjoyed since pre-Hispanic times. It has a slightly thick, milky texture and comes in natural or flavored varieties..
- Cafe de olla: spiced coffee drink emblematic of Oaxaca. It’s most often prepared in a clay pot over a wood fire with a mixture of ground coffee beans, anise, cinnamon, panela (unrefined cane sugar), cloves, and other spices.
- Chocolate de agua: Cacao is drunk in many ways in Oaxaca, almost always with water not milk. Chocolate de agua is a mix of ground cacao mixed with cinnamon, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and other spices and water. The trick is to create a foam at the top of the cup with a molinillo, a wooden whisker. It is delicious.
Movies and books about or set in Oaxaca
Movies and books can be useful to learn more about a destination before traveling there.
- “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001) – Directed by famous Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón, this road trip film takes you to Oaxaca’s beaches like Huatulco.
- “Viento Negro” (1965) – This classic Mexican film dramatizes the challenges of building a railway in Oaxaca’s Tehuantepec region and highlights the region’s harsh yet beautiful landscape.
- “El Violin” (2005) – Though set in a fictional rural Mexican town, this film about indigenous resistance draws inspiration from the political and social struggles often associated with regions like Oaxaca.
- “Hecho en México” (2012) – This documentary features Oaxacan musicians and cultural figures, celebrating Mexico’s diverse musical and cultural identity, including its indigenous roots.
- “La Danza de la Realidad” – Book by Alejandro Jodorowsky and featuring Oaxacan actor Brontis Jodorowsky that reflects on Mexican traditions, echoing Oaxaca’s surreal, vibrant cultural landscape.