I impulsively booked a weekend getaway to Oaxaca, because I refused to miss out on one of my dream experiences. I couldn’t go to Mexico for an entire month and not check “mezcal distillery tour” off my list, right?!
| Destination: | Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico; also Oaxaca City or simply Oaxaca |
| Language: | Spanish; English likely understood by most in Tourism industry |
| Airport Code: | OAX – Oaxaca (or Xoxocotlan) International Airport |
| Best Weather: | January – May |
| Best Value: | April – May |
| Currency: | MXN – Mexican Peso |
Why Oaxaca?
BGMW Fun Fact: I was first introduced to Oaxacan cuisine through Chef Hugo Ortega’s Xochi restaurant in downtown Houston. The first time I had almond mole? I was obsessed!
I had two things on my mind when I booked my flight to Oaxaca: mole and mezcal. Known as “the culinary capital of Mexico” Oaxaca is the perfect destination for foodies! My goal was a lowkey weekend just enjoying good food and mezcal while taking in all the magic.
Getting There
I flew Aeromexico (a Delta Airlines affiliate) nonstop from Mexico City (MEX) to Oaxaca (OAX)- the flight is only an hour long. When we landed on the tarmac, the mountain views literally took my breath away.
After making my way through the small airport, I booked a one-way shared transfer at the kiosk – it cost less than $5 to take me to my downtown hotel.
BGMW Tip: Uber is not available in Oaxaca, and there’s only one taxi company available at the airport.
Admittedly, I didn’t fully plan this quick trip out or I would have opted for a private transfer. However, the shared transfer (a van with up to 8 passengers) was easy to book and inexpensive, so no complaints here.
COVID-19 Guidelines
The weekend I landed, the number of cases were rising, so local officials had just implemented a 9 pm curfew. I’m not a late night explorer, especially when traveling solo so the restrictions didn’t really impact me.
BGMW Tip: Always check your destination’s local guidelines and restrictions, and prepare to be flexible.
As for other safety guidelines, masks were required indoors – no exceptions. Additionally, most stores greeted visitors with security guards who would spray you down from shoulders to feet with aerosol sanitizer.
Truth be told, I only observed American tourists being difficult and non-compliant with Oaxaca’s COVID-19 guidelines, but security was diligent about removing them from spaces without much fanfare.
Accommodations
Since I booked this trip last minute, there was limited hotel availability. Luckily, I found a great deal through Travel + Leisure (yes, the sell travel, too.) My package included a standard room with a King bed at Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca – OAXACA-CENTRO HISTORICO.
Located on a quiet street less than a 10 minute walk from zócalo, the hotel’s rooms were clean and reasonably appointed for a 3-star hotel. As an added bonus, my room had a private and very spacious enclosed patio. I’d sit out there early in the morning and listen to the city wake up.
For such a short, impromptu stay, I don’t have any complaints about the Holiday Inn Express.
Next time, I intend book a room at Casa de las Bugambilas, a brightly decorated B&B also just a 10-minute walk from Oaxaca’s zócalo, the main square.
I visited this property during the pickup for the best mezcal distillery tour, and I absolutely intend to book a room there next time I visit Oaxaca.
Things to Do In Oaxaca
Foodie Adventures
Due to my limited time in Oaxaca, I didn’t get to explore Oaxaca’s food scene as much as I wanted, but my dinner at Los Danzantes, including their mole tasting, was the perfect “Welcome to Oaxaca” meal.
Read: “Good Eats: Los Danzantes – Oaxaca”
While the Los Danzantes dining experience was by far the best thing I ate during my 72 hours in Oaxaca. However, I got my fair share of good mole chicken, delicious pizza, and lots of equites (elotes in a cup) from various vendors.
I also had an unfortunate run-in with a popular street food stand that was featured on Netflix. Just know that I’m thankful for good timing, being within walking distance of my hotel, and lots of stomach relief meds in my first aid kit. You can’t win them all…
Dive into Oaxaca’s History, Art & Culture
Visit the Zócalo
Located in the middle of downtown Oaxaca, the city’s main square is a great spot for people-watchers. There’s beautiful street art everywhere you turn!
Oaxaca’s zócalo is surrounded by endless shops, restaurants, jewelry and hand craft stores, as well as a contemporary art museum and art galleries.
Snap a pic in front of Santo Domingo Temple
The casual art history lover in me deeply appreciated the Baroque style of the temple of Santo Domingo!
This massive temple took 50 years to build, and is one of the most popular photo opportunities. Good luck getting a solo shot – I resorted to photo editing tricks.
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Shop with the local merchants
I scored some original artwork and beautiful handmade purses from the vendors in the stalls near the temple of Santo Domingo.
BGMW Tip: Bring cash. When negotiating prices with the street merchants- be respectful and considerate- expect wiggle room of up to 30% off initial price.
Go on the Best Mezcal Distillery Tour in Oaxaca
Mole and mezcal, remember? I dedicated my entire Saturday to visiting Santiago Matatlán, about 45 minutes from downtown Oaxaca. Known as the “world capital of mezcal” this small town’s main roads are literally lined with hundreds of mezcalerias. It was truly the perfect place for a mezcal enthusiast like myself.
BGMW Tip: Skip the mezcal distillery tours that only visit the big name distilleries – there are plenty of mezcal bars in downtown Oaxaca where you can try the exact same pours.
I knew I wanted a very small group tour, lunch and comfortable and safe transportation. It was also important to me that the itinerary included visiting an agave farm and focused on family-operated mezcal distilleries in town.
I tirelessly researched tour providers! I’m likely very particular when it comes to picking a tour guide, but I’m confident I picked the best one!
Read: “The Best Mezcal Distillery Tour in Oaxaca“
Final Thoughts on my first trip to Oaxaca
Oaxaca City was amazing! Even with the COVID-19 restrictions and curfews, the charm is undeniable. 72 hours certainly wasn’t enough time to really explore, but I made every moment count and dived head first into the magic. I can’t wait to get back to spend a few weeks there!
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