Oaxaca de Juárez

Understand

People have lived here since earliest times; the first settlements were Zapotec and Mixtec. The nearby sites of Monte Albán and Mitla were built by the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, and the former is regarded as a precursor to present-day Oaxaca. The Aztecs arrived around 1440, and the current name derives from Aztec "huax yacac", meaning "in the nose of the squash". In 1521, the Spanish led by Francisco de Orozco, came looking for gold. In the 19th century, it grew rich from the export of cochineal, the red dye. During the Spanish era, the name of the city was Antequera, but after Mexican independence it was changed to Oaxaca. It was known as "la verde Antequera" (the green Antequera) for the greenish stone that many of its buildings were built from - the city center today still has something of a green cast compared to many other Mexican cities, because of both the stone and the many colorful flowering trees lining the streets. Perhaps the most beloved Mexican president, Benito Juárez (whom the airport in Mexico City is named after) was born in the state and started his political career in the city. After his death in 1872, his family name was added to the city's official name, which since has been Oaxaca de Juárez. In 2006, violent unrest began as a teacher's strike. At one occasion police opened fire on strikers assembled to a non-violent demonstration. After that the teacher union members and people opposed to the state governor formed the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO), a left-wing movement that took over government buildings and functions, and eventually ran the city as an anarchist community for several months. The city is a very-much government-run and tourist-safe area - in fact, it comes across as especially gentrified and tourist-oriented compared to many other historic Mexican cities. A massive 77% of the municipality has employment that is related in some way to tourism.

Climate

Located in the tropics but at an altitude of 1,555 m (5,102

Getting there

By plane 1 Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX IATA), Carretera Oaxaca-Puerto Angel Km 7.5, ☏ +52 951 511 5088. A small airport which mainly has flights from Mexico City, as well as eight other cities in Mexico. Many major airlines can offer cooperative service from Oaxaca through Mexico City via AeroMexico. There are a few international flights too. United flies from Houston (IAH), American flies directly from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Volaris flies thrice weekly direct from Los Angeles (LAX), and Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos flights directly from Guatemala City.

Ground transportation The airport is about 8 km (5.0 mi) from the city center, a 20-30 minute drive. As you leave the arrivals area, there are two taxi agency booths where you can purchase a ride into the city. Other agencies, including the ubiquitous yellow taxis in the city, do not seem to take arrivals from the airport.

A colectivo is a 10-12 seat van that will leave when full and drop you off at your desired address. The drop off order is determined based on the other passengers in your van. The price is M$135 (pesos) per person for Zone 1 (Centro), and M$210 for Zone 2 (outside Centro) (as of Feb 2026). A taxi 'especial', just for you or your party, costs M$490 for Zone 1 and M$715 for Zone 2 (as of Feb 2026). However, taxis especial may not be available at all times. To get to the airport via colectivo, get your ticket the day before at the office near the Zocalo at the Alameda de Leon. Take your airline ticket and they will book you a seat on the colectivo that will get you to the airport in time. Taxi companies typically offer fixed price airport transfers for M$350 (as of Feb 2026). You can also use DiDi for a better price. 2 Transportacion Terrestre Aeropuerto (near the cathedral), ☏ +52 921 511 5453, +52 921 514 1071. M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su 09:00-13:00. This shuttle company offers probably the most reliable transportation to the airport, and will pick you up directly from your place

Getting around

The central, tourist-oriented part of town is well signposted and easily walkable by foot, although taxis are somewhat plentiful and buses numerous and cheap. You can pick up a free city map from one of several information booths, including one right outside the cathedral.

Orientation The Spanish laid out a colonial town in the present grid pattern in the 16th century. Later development hasn't touched it much since the 1800s, so today it makes for a charming old-time Centro Histórico (Historic Center). The 375 hectares (930 acres) under the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation comprise a roughly 15-by-15 grid of square blocks surrounding the Zócalo (central plaza), bound by peripheral arterials. The entire area has colorful antique 2- and 3-story buildings with charming small businesses, lined by well-maintained sidewalks. This is especially true within a few blocks of the Zocalo and the Templo de Santo Domingo, 5 blocks north, connected by the pedestrianized Macedonio Alcalá Street. It is divided into north and south by Independencia Avenue; the north tends to have upscale dining and artisan boutiques, the south has more markets and a "locals" feel. Across the highway bounding the north edge of Centro, about a 20 minute walk from the Zócalo, lies Xochimilco, the oldest residential neighborhood of the city featuring art studios and street murals, and Reforma, a wealthy neighborhood speckled with trendy cafes and restaurants. As with other Mexican cities, there may be more than one road with the same name (Mexicans often use the nearest corner to navigate) and a road's name may change from one end to the other. This is particularly true for the city's downtown. All streets crossing Independencia Avenue change names except for two other main streets running along with Independencia: Morelos Avenue and Hidalgo Avenue. From east to west street names change when crossing Macedonio Alcalá (north of Independencia) and Bustamante Street (south).

By bus You can get a

See

Centro Histórico Oaxaca's streets have a tranquil and organic feel to them. Much of the joy of a Oaxaca trip comes from simply strolling the streets of the Centro Histórico, sitting in a sidewalk cafe on the Zócalo, and soaking up the atmosphere.

1 Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). Catch a street act, watch a clown entertain children, buy a souvenir or just people watch from a sidewalk cafe as time passes by. Dozens of vendors have set up booths around the square. This is also a frequent site for political sit-in protests, particularly by teachers protesting government changes to state education, leading to massive demonstrations in 2006 and 2014. As a result, the square often has tents. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Catedral Metropolitana (next to the Zocalo). Oaxaca's largest church dates from 1533 and is known for its unique interpretation of baroque style architecture. (updated Feb 2026) 3 Templo de Santo Domingo (corner of Alcalá and Gurrión), ☏ +52 951 516 2991. Daily 07:00-13:00, 16: