Oaxaca City Airport (OAX) or Xoxocotlán International Airport - From the airport, take a taxi to your hotel or a pre-booked private transfer. The sanctioned airport transport (taxi) can be purchased with a pre-paid taxi ticket using either cash or a card at the transportation kiosk located directly outside the arrivals hall. Show the ticket to your driver and head to the taxi stand just outside the exit. Fares are set and based on your destination zone. It’s cheap, safe, and easy. 

Private Transfer - Can be prearranged through multiple companies, offering smooth, reliable, and door-to-door service. 

Taxi - On our last trip from Mazunte to Oaxaca City, we had a private transfer, arranged via our local taxi driver, from Mazunte to Oaxaca City. The journey takes around 3 hours and travels over the newly inaugurated Barranca Larga-Ventanilla Highway. The roads are brand new and the scenery breathtaking. It cost us 5,500 MXN (approximately $290 USD).

Escondido Oaxaca - from the founders of Grupo Habita and part of the Marriott family of properties, is a 12-room boutique hotel that feels in scale. The property features a striking tower that stands in sharp contrast to the beautifully restored 19th-century colonial home, creating a unique blend of old and new. The rooms here are designed in a luxurious yet minimalist style, with furnishings handmade by local craftsmen. 

Sin Nombre - Housed within a 17th-century colonial mansion, featuring stark white walls, Moorish arches, and large-scale monochrome photos by Mexican artist “El negro” Ibanez, the courtyard showcases textiles made from teotitlan del valle area by a master artisan. The property also has a rooftop terrace, pool, restaurant, and jazz bar.

Casa Antoinetta - Housed in an enchantingly restored 17th-century Franciscan convent, the hotel centers around a tranquil inner courtyard with interiors curated with tapestries, lime-washed walls, and local handcrafted furniture. Offering eight rooms, an apartment-style suite, some with private terraces and atriums filled with lush plants. The hotel features a rooftop terrace, Ama, perfect for enjoying sunset drinks, as well as a ground-floor cafe, Muss Cafe, serving specialty coffee. It is conveniently located next door to the Textile Museum.

Pug Seal Zapoteca - Occupying a restored 19th-century colonial villa, this boutique was lauded in Architectural Digest for its fusion of Zapotec and Mediterranean design. 20 uniquely designed suites featuring modern amenities, surrounding a central courtyard featuring murals, sculptures, and brass inlays that echo indigenous values.

Casa Oaxaca Hotel - Traditional colonial restoration with Oaxacan-style courtyard, adorned with bright textiles, local art, and fresh flowers. Offering 10 rooms with modest but authentic and modern amenities. The hotel's restaurant, led by renowned chef Alejandro Ruiz, serves Oaxacan cuisine with a homemade and natural touch. The hotel also offers cooking classes, a hidden garden pool, and temazcal, a Mesoamerican steam lodge, adjacent to the pool.

Quinta Real - Once a 16th-century convent, this majestic building, spanning an entire city block, is home to original frescoes, stone archways, a cloister, and corridors. The hotel features 91 traditional Oaxacan-style rooms with wooden beams and tile floors, courtyards featuring quiet alcoves, bougainvillea-draped pergolas, and an outdoor pool. This property is perfect for an experience that combines history, elegance, and local authenticity.

El Cajelon - Located just a 10-minute stroll north of the historic center in the charming Xochimilco neighborhood, this graceful compound, surrounded by original adobe walls, balances heritage and elegance. The hotel offers 12 guest rooms, as well as a two-story private residence, Casa Jaguar, a part of which features modern amenities.

Hotel Casa Santo Origen - This serene escape in the foothills of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca features eight unique suites, all adorned with local art, and each named after a region in Oaxaca. Exceptional hospitality, fabulous courtyards with fragrant plumeria, an L-shaped infinity pool, and a library await you at this peaceful, refined boutique.

Airbnb Casa Criollo - Tucked directly behind the acclaimed Criollo, a secret passage actually connects the two, is this two-bedroom retreat that accommodates four persons. It’s designed as a sanctuary that blends gastronomy, design, and Oaxacan art. Breakfast and mezcal from Criollo are included with your stay. If you prefer, the tasting menu can be delivered right to your door. 

Casa Silencio - Striking, sustainable boutique hotel located in the agave-rich valley of Xaaga, just outside the city. This 6-suite vineyard-style hotel is built around the working mezcal distillery, El Silencio. Guided distillery tours allow guests to participate in the mezcal-making process. The culinary and mezcal tastings are also exceptional and take place at a 53-foot basalt communal table, overlooking fire pits, agave fields, and mountains—a mezcal lover’s dream for an unforgettable experience in luxury accommodations.

Private Rentals - Cozy garden bungalows, modern lofts, colonial homes, and staffed villas are available directly from the owners or through multiple rental platforms for all occasions. Let us at FOUND find the perfect spot for your outing. 

Oaxaca Cathedral - The cultural heart of the town, beyond being a worship center, the cathedral serves as a backdrop for festivals, weddings, and processions. Initially built in the 16th century, the cathedral was rebuilt numerous times due to earthquake damage. A restored 17th-century pipe organ, which is still in use, highlights the cathedral and is utilized for cultural events.

Templo Santo Domingo de Guzman - The crown jewel of Oaxaca City, built by the Dominicans as a monastery complex over 200 years, beginning in the 16th century. The most breathtaking feature is the ceiling of the central nave, which is covered in reliefs depicting biblical scenes. Today, it remains an active church, hosting masses, weddings, and processions, especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Botanical Gardens (Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca) - Opened in 1998, this garden is situated behind the former monastery of Santo Domingo Guzmán. Every plant here has a cultural, medicinal, or ecological significance tied to the state’s indigenous people and ecosystems.

Museum of Cultures - Located inside the 16th-century monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzman, it is one of Mexico’s most important museums and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housing treasures of the Zapotec and Mixtec people, Pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial and religious art, and exhibits on Oaxaca’s living indigenous cultures, the museum is like taking a journey through thousands of years of Oaxacan history.

Monte Alban Ruins - Founded around 500 BCE by the Zapotecs, Monte Alban served as the political, religious, and economic center of their civilization for over 1,000 years. One of the first great cities of the Americas and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Mesoamerica, Monte Alban today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is absolutely awe-inspiring, featuring sweeping plazas, monumental staircases, and panoramic views. This is a must-visit because it is more than a ruin; it’s a window into 1500 years of Oaxacan civilization.

FOUND Tip- Go as early as possible to beat the heat and the crowds.

20 de Noviembre Mercado - Built in 1862 and named after the date of the start of the Mexican Revolution, this indoor market, located just off the Zocalo, showcases local flavors and artisans, as well as fondas serving mole, pozole, and chocolate. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Pasilo de Humo (Hall of Smoke), a long corridor within the market where you can select your meat, and the vendors will grill it for you over open flames. 

Textile Museum - Located just off the Zocalo in an 18th-century colonial mansion, this museum was founded to preserve, study, and showcase Oaxaca’s textile traditions. A bridge between past and present, ensuring the heritage remains vibrant. The museum showcases indigenous textiles, contemporary works by modern artists and designers, rare textiles that demonstrate the evolution of styles, and Oaxaca’s world-renowned contributions to color and natural dyes. After visiting the museum, stop by the meticulously curated museum store, where you'll find pieces of art and clothing handmade by local artisans available for purchase. 

Papel Oaxaca(Taller Arte Papel) - Just north of Oaxaca, in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood, you will find this beautifully converted former hydroelectric plant, which is home to renowned Mexican artist Francisco Toledo’s creative workshop and showroom for environmentally conscious, handmade paper art. The space operates as both a studio and a gallery- you can be guided through the papermaking process or purchase one-of-a-kind keepsakes. The space is usually open on Fridays and Saturdays, but we recommend reaching out via Instagram or Facebook to schedule an appointment.

El Picacho Trail - This 2.9-mile round-trip trail, considered moderately challenging, leads to a sacred peak just outside the village of Teotitlán del Valle. Permission and a small fee are customarily expected at the Teotitlán del Valle municipal museum. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Oaxaca Valley. We recommend starting early or timing your hike to catch a magnificent sunset. 

Mountain Biking - The foothills of the Sierra Madre offer a diverse range of terrain for all levels, from rugged singletrack through pine and oak forests to rocky, technical descents with panoramic valley views. We recommend local operators that provide both shuttle services and guided tours. Consider Oaxaca Bike Expeditions, Transierra Norte, or Coyote Aventuras for an exceptional experience.

Teotitlán del Valle - Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Norte mountains, you will find this Zapotec village, one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages, dating back 2,000 years, famous for its weaving traditions and rich cultural heritage. The town is world-renowned for its handwoven wool rugs and tapestries, which are created using natural dyes and crafted on traditional pedal looms. The city also has small-scale mezcal production, palenques, and family-run eateries, comedores, serving up fresh mole and tamales. 

Bulmaro Perez Mendoza - Regarded internationally as one of Teotitlán’s premier master weavers, his home and workshop, located in the same place, can be found in Teotitlán del Valle. He comes from a lone lineage of Zapotec weavers (5th Generation) and remains dedicated to using family techniques and natural materials. He is not only a guardian of ancient methods but a forward thinker; his motifs reflect deep cultural symbolism that echoes Zapotec narratives. A FOUND must visit, to experience this weaving tradition, meet the master artisan, and purchase not only a piece of art but an heirloom that will last for generations. He can fold the rugs, as he did for us, and you can take them home with you, or he will also gladly ship them for a reasonable fee. If you cannot make it here, you can also commonly find him at workshops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Aspen, and New York City, NY.

Hierve el Aqua - Meaning the “water boils,” is a set of petrified waterfalls created by thousands of years of cascading calcium-rich spring water, forming what looks like frozen white waterfalls spilling down the mountainside. Both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure, bring your swimsuit and towels and see firsthand one of the most photographed sites in Oaxaca. 

Cooking with Elavia Mimi - An immersive cooking experience with Noemi Lopez, a recognized master of Oaxacan cooking, held in her home or garden, often accompanied by her son Charlie. Using traditional Zapotec methods, she will not only guide you through making salsa, tortillas, mole, and tamales but also share with you her family's recipes and stories, explaining the cultural and spiritual significance behind each ingredient and technique. 

Take in a baseball game at Eduardo Vasconcelos Stadium. At this cultural hotspot, you can watch the Guerreros de Oaxaca, a Mexican League baseball team, alongside local Oaxaquenos for a night of music, baseball, and social connection. Many of the seats offer scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. A new stadium is also in the works, reflecting Oaxaca’s ongoing commitment to sports and environmental design.

Guelaguetza - Derived from the Zapotec word meaning “offering,” this festival, held on the two Mondays following July 16, is a two-week celebration that offers a rare chance to see all of Oaxaca’s diverse regions represented in one place. Delegations from Oaxaca’s eight regions, wearing their regional costumes, gather to perform traditional dances, songs, and rituals. The streets of the city are alive with colorful processions of giant papier-mâché puppets (monos de calenda), music, dancing, and, of course, food and mezcal. 

Day of the Dead Festival (October 31-November 2) - In Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions. The city transforms into a living altar, in the belief that during these days the souls of the departed return to visit the living. Families gather in cemeteries to decorate graves, altars are built in homes, sand tapestries depicting saints and skulls are displayed in public spaces, and parades with bands, giant puppets(mojigangas), and people painted as skeletons fill the streets—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a living tradition. 

Watch or join in a Calenda - an ever-moving fiesta, where tradition and spontaneity merge. A processional celebration often marking essential events like weddings, graduations, and religious feasts, which meanders the streets of the Zócalo with brass bands, dancers, giant papier-mâché figures, fireworks, and women in traditional Tehuana dresses balancing baskets full of flowers or sparklers on their heads, called Chinas Oaxaquenas. We have been lucky enough to stumble upon multiple of these and be invited, along with other locals, to join in, as we hope you will. They usually end in a plaza or church where the celebration continues. 

Shop stylish boutiques like Marchanta, which features a lovely bar tucked away in the back, as well as Aripo, Vikers Vintage Thrift, Draco, Tutu & Co., Dacanni, Lia Cafe, and Andares del Arte Popular.

Barrio Jalatlaco - wander Aldama street and its back alleys to view the beautiful murals, explore the artisanal shops and independent galleries. In 2023, it was named a “Magical Neighborhood” for its charm, cultural depth, and local artistry. Jalatlaco, unlike tourist areas, retains a quiet presence, where color and art blend seamlessly. Some of our favorite spots here are  Barrio de Barrio, Once in Oaxaca, Black Armadillo, Dulce Espacio, Mezcal y mole, Bar Bacanura, Casa Lula, Jicara, Mezcalaria el Tuqurio, and Mezcalaria Magica.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) - One of the most important religious and cultural celebrations of the year, commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. The city and surrounding villages transform into a stage of solemn processions along sawdust carpets, complete with rituals that feature music, color, and symbolism, as well as vibrant community gatherings. The week usually falls between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday and is the best time to witness how faith, culture, and community in Oaxaca intertwine. 

San Bartolo Coyotepec - The renowned home of barro negro (black clay) pottery, this globally celebrated village, located just south of Oaxaca City, is a living cultural experience where tradition, creativity, and craftsmanship are evident in every piece. The town dates back over 2,500 years to when the Zapoteca people made pottery for utilitarian purposes. In the 1950s, Dona Rosa developed a burnishing technique to polish the clay before firing, resulting in the metallic sheen that we recognize today. You can visit the original studio where she transformed a utilitarian craft into a world-renowned art form. The town features a central plaza anchored by a church, the MEAPO (Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca), and a Mercado Artesanal, which offers demonstrations and a wide selection of black pottery for you to create your own. 

Mezcal Don Agave - Mezcal distillery and tasting destination, known for crafting a diverse range of artisanal mezcals made from both cultivated and wild agave varieties. They offer a mezcal tasting experience and on-site tour where you can learn about the production process. Great to pair this stop with a visit to Teotitlan del Valle.

Muss Cafe - Tucked inside Casa Antonieta is this curated shop featuring classic and specialty coffee, teas, breakfast lite bites, and bakery treats. After placing your order, head into the inner courtyard to relax and catch up, or to the rooftop bar and café, Ama Terraza, which is adorned with plants and offers impressive skyline views.

Bodaega - Communal style bakery with Nordic flair, who grow and mills its own flour and bakes everything in-house. The owners met in Copenhagen and opened Bodaega to blend Danish baking traditions with Oaxacan ingredients.

Lechonito de Oro - A legendary street food stall, easily spotted by its neon pig signage, that operates between 8 pm and 5 am. A go-to spot for tacos and their signature dish, tacos de lechon.

Criollo - Acclaimed fine dining restaurant, the creation of chefs Luis Arellano (Casa Oaxaca, Pujol) and Enrique Olvera (Pujol), offering a seasonal tasting menu anchored in Oaxacan flavors and techniques. The restaurant is situated entirely outdoors, in the courtyard of a UNESCO-heritage guesthouse, under a canopy of trees, glowing bulbs, and flickering candles, which amplifies your experience.

Levadura de Olla - Accolades abound, and rightfully so, for the founder and leader of Levadura de Olla, Thalia Barros Garcia, a native of Sierra Sur. In 2024, at the age of 28, her creation was awarded a Michelin Star, and she was named Michelin’s Best Young Chef Mexico. She brings the legacy of her childhood, steeped in ancestral culinary practices, into the heart of Oaxacan dining.

Casa Oaxaca - Here, under the guidance of Oaxaca’s celebrated ambassador of gastronomy, Alejandro Ruiz Olmedo, prepare for a spin on regional Mexican dishes blended with international flair. The service is meticulous and attentive. The setting, a rooftop patio with views of the city and nearby Santo Domingo church, is gorgeous.

Alfonsina - A hidden gem near Oaxaca City airport, offering a daily rotating tasting menu. Set in a homey courtyard, this off the beaten path spot will require, serves a reservation.

Labo Fermento - Fermentation is the name of the game here,  from miso to kimchi. Combining this core concept with Asian techniques and local Oaxacan ingredients makes for a unique dining experience. Recognized with a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.

Crudo - Chef Ricardo Arellano, a native of Oaxaca who grew up in a family of bakers and later studied architecture, let his passion for food bring him back to the kitchen. Starting at the bottom, washing dishes, and refining his skills under Enrique Olvera (Pujol, Criollo), Ricardo has created an acclaimed omakase experience in downtown Oaxaca City.  Diners can choose from his six-seat private room, where the chef directs the service, to his 12-seat house concept located next door in Bar CruCru.

La Quince Letras - 2025 Bib Bourmand recipient, this celebrated spot is all about the mole. If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic yet elevated food for any occasion, you cannot go wrong here. We recommend the housemade crispy corn cakes, garnachas istemenas, and the hero Trilogia de Moles Indigena.

Boulenc - Local favorite specializing in artisan sourdoughs, croissants, pan dulce, as well as breakfast and brunch favorites. Come after 2 pm for the crowd's favorite pizzas. This boho-chic, open-air cafe also serves coffee, kombucha, and has a variety of mezcal cocktails.

Memelas Dona Vale - Valentina Hernandez, also known as Dona Vale, runs this must-visit food stall located inside Central de Abastos market. A memela is a traditional Oaxacan dish made from a thick corn masa cake, typically filled with beans, cheese, and salsa, often accompanied by additional toppings. Service here is focused and straightforward, and they only accept cash.

Corason Taller de Pan Artesanal - This charming bakery bakes twice a day and never serves old products. Their belief in long fermentation and natural starters ensures both quality and flavor.

Vino y Vinyl - You get exactly this: wine and vinyl paired with excellent food. There are no playlists here, just full record sessions spinning funk, jazz, soul, and the classics. This spot has the mood covered for most occasions. 

Tlayuda Dona Flavia - We at FOUND call “dives” by their real name, treasures. This local favorite delivers and is the perfect spot to try one of the region's most beloved dishes. A tlayuda, to put it simply, is a giant, crispy, pizza-like tortilla loaded with beans, cheese, veggies, and meat. We have two pieces of advice for you. The first is do not get a tlayuda and a memela confused, but try them both. Second, don’t ask two locals what their favorite stalls are for these two dishes; a fight might break out. 

Ramen Republic - Authentic bowls of ramen done right. A variety of selections, including pork, shrimp, and vegan bowls, are served in a laid-back setting. Don’t sleep on the matcha cake.

Pan con Madre - Pioneers of the sourdough bakery scene in the city, this farm-to-table bakery produces artisanal sourdough daily.

Tacos del Carmen - Arrive early, as this legendary taco stand closes by midafternoon, to experience Senora Martinez’s Oaxacan street food made since 1974 using recipes passed down by her mother.

Campesino Panderia Artesanal - If you are craving a buttery croissant and top-tier coffee, then head over to this artisanal bakery in Barrio de Penasco. 

Humar - Stylish seafood-forward restaurant serving up aguachiles, tuna tostados, and octopus tacos on a breezy rooftop terrace. 

Mucho Mucho - If you're looking to cap off your evening with creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere, this spot is top-tier. 

Campante - Perched atop Hotel Azul is this chic rooftop terrace, offering not only sweeping views of the city but expertly crafted signature cocktails, exclusive mezcal flights, and all the classics.

El Hijuelo Mezcalaria - Bogar and his team stand ready to serve you curated small-batch, artisanal mezcals. They will tailor the tastings to your palate and share the stories behind each bottle—one of the most authentic experiences in Oaxaca.

Selva - Holding the #29 ranking among North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025, the team at Selva will push the boundaries, exploring Oaxaca's biodiversity with every drink. Selva, which means jungle, is represented in its modern interior, adorned with lush agave and jungle motifs.

Sabina Sabe - Named for Mazatec healing woman Maria Sabina, this bar offers inventive cocktails with bold combinations and tapas-style small plates to complement. Recognized as No.22 (2023) in North America’s 50 Best Bars. Sabina honors local traditions but pushes the boundaries of mixology.

Cuish Expendio - Original mezcal tasting room of the pioneering Cuish Mezcaleria. Whether you’re a seasoned mezcal enthusiast or curious newcomer, this place offers one of the most enriching tasting experiences in Oaxaca.

La Mezcalerita - Locals’ favorite for chill vibes and an inviting rooftop. Featuring handpicked Oaxacan mezcals and locally crafted beers, this is an excellent spot for savoring sunset drinks and people-watching.

Oaxaca Brewing Company - Local craft brewery founded by two brothers from Baja California, serving up standout brews and great bar bites. 

Friend Live Karaoke - Whether you're out with friends or looking to host a special occasion, this outdoor spot with a view is one of the best in Oaxaca City. To secure your place, text or call 9511910575 and comment “RESERVA”.

Viajero Oaxaca Rooftop Bar - Situated on the rooftop of Viajero Oaxaca Hostel, this community spot offers incredible views with the energy to match. Whether it's live music, group games, or themed bar crawls, the rooftop is a buzz for a resourceful night out.

Sobrio by Mezcal Speakeasy - Hidden beneath Casa Porfirio, this intimate speakeasy offers a curated selection of mezcal and cocktails, accompanied by expert service. 

Cantanita - Intimate cantina attached to Hotel Sin Nombre, offering an intimate setting complete with great cocktails and lively jazz.

Mezcalogia - A favorite for locals and travelers, this 20-seat spot offers a refined and intimate mezcal experience, often enhanced by occasional live music.

La Mezcaloteca - Pioneering mezcaleria created to educate your palate on traditional mezcals, what sets them apart, and how to taste them with intention. Think of it like a mezcal version of wine tasting, and it is by appointment only. Some say this is the best spot in Oaxaca to deepen your understanding of the spirit.

Mandragora Bar - For a social night out, one that’s off the usual tourist path, Mandragora offers authentic local flavor. It is a multifaceted live-music venue that hosts a range of events, from rock and urban Latino concerts to poetry readings.

Mezcalaria in Situ - Revered temple of mezcal culture, with one of the largest collections in Mexico. Everything here is designed to be all about the spirit-no distractions, just mezcal.