Oaxaca

Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) reveals a distinct character compared to other places in Mexico. It's not a beach town; it's the country's cultural and culinary soul, set in a high-altitude valley. The vibe is instantly captivating—a blend of vibrant indigenous heritage, stunning colonial architecture, and a creative energy that radiates from every cobblestone street. It feels slower, more intentional, and deeply authentic.

I see three irresistible reasons to experience Oaxaca. First, the food scene is genuinely world-class. This is the birthplace of seven distinct mole sauces, tlayudas that redefine "pizza," and smoky, complex mezcal that's a universe away from cheap tequila. Second, its culture is alive and kicking. You see it in the incredible textile work, the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán looming over the city, and the constant hum of local markets. Finally, it's just stunningly beautiful. The city is a wash of pastel buildings, jacaranda trees, and dramatic mountain backdrops, making it a place where just walking around is the main event.

The people in Oaxaca are warm and generally patient, especially if you make an effort to speak some Spanish. In the city, Spanish is the main language, but as soon as you venture into the surrounding villages, you'll hear Zapotec, Mixtec, and other indigenous languages. It's a place with deep indigenous roots, and you'll see this reflected in the art, food, and faces of the people. While English is spoken in high-end hotels and some touristy restaurants, you'll have a much richer experience if you learn a few basic Spanish phrases. People really appreciate the effort.

Oaxaca's food is a primary reason I consistently rank it among the world's top culinary destinations. It's complex, historic, and incredibly delicious. You absolutely have to try mole, and I recommend sampling a few different kinds—mole negro (rich and chocolatey) and mole coloradito (reddish and spicy) are classics. Another must-have is the tlayuda, a massive, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and meat—it's the ultimate late-night snack. Also, be adventurous and try chapulines (toasted grasshoppers with chili and lime); they're crunchy, salty, and surprisingly good. You can find incredible food everywhere, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. A good meal can cost anywhere from $5 for street food to $50+ for high-end dining.

Let's be real: you're not coming here for blazing-fast internet. Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels, but it can be spotty and slow, especially during peak hours or rainstorms. Power outages aren't unheard of, but they're usually brief. Public transport is a chaotic but functional system of local buses. The historic center is incredibly walkable, but sidewalks can be uneven and broken, so watch your step. The city is in a seismically active zone, so earthquakes are a possibility, but they aren't a daily concern.

You'll most likely fly into Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX). From there, getting to the city center is straightforward. You can take an authorized airport taxi ('taxi autorizado') or a 'colectivo' (shared shuttle), which is the most economical option. For a colectivo to the city center (Zone 1), expect to pay around 135 MXN ($7 USD) per person; for Zone 2, it's about 210 MXN ($11 USD). An authorized private taxi to Zone 1 costs around 490 MXN for up to 4 passengers. Tickets for both are purchased at kiosks inside the terminal. Note that ride-hailing apps like Uber are NOT available for rides in Oaxaca. DiDi is available, but airport pickups are not allowed, and in-city reliability can be spotty due to driver cancellations for low fares.

I consider Oaxaca a walking city. The historic center is compact, safe, and a joy to explore on foot. For longer distances, taxis are cheap and plentiful—just make sure to agree on the fare before you get in, as they don't use meters. Local buses are the cheapest way to get around (around 8-10 pesos). While DiDi is available for in-city rides, its reliability can be spotty due to driver cancellations for low fares, so traditional taxis are often more reliable. 'Colectivos' (maroon and white shared taxis) run on fixed routes to nearby towns and are a great way to experience local life for day trips.

Oaxaca is generally a safe city, and it's considered one of Mexico's safer states. The main thing to be aware of is petty theft, like pickpocketing in crowded markets, so just be smart with your belongings. While violent crime is low, I'd still advise against walking alone late at night in unlit areas. Protests and political demonstrations can pop up, especially around the Zócalo, and while they are usually peaceful, it's best to steer clear. For taxis within the city, agree on the fare before getting in, as meters are not used. It's also recommended to use authorized taxi stands ('sitios') or request taxis via apps like DiDi for better accountability, rather than hailing them directly off the street. The biggest health risk is stomach issues; don't drink the tap water, even locals don't.