4 Day/3 Night Itinerary for Oaxaca City, Mexico - Explore, Eat & Enjoy for Under $500 USD
Where to Stay - La Soley: https://www.lasoley.com/es/sui...
For a little over $50 USD a day, you can’t beat the value here. With a private studio complete with gym access, a full kitchen and private bathroom, you are in the perfect place to maximize your time in Oaxaxa. Centrally located near taxi, collectivo (shared red taxis) and bus routes, you are in the perfect place to access your must-see points. With just 3 days in Oaxaca, you don’t want to waste time finding out how to get around.
Day 1: Cultural Immersion and Local Cuisine
Morning:
Local Breakfast Options: Most guides feature the usual suspects of breakfast places in Oaxaca that are touted as “affordable”. A really affordable breakfast is a local one. No matter where you are staying, there are either street vendors, local mercados or small local shops selling fresh fruit juices and memelas or memelitas. Look for places with a line, the more people there, the better the food. Your options depend on the location, and often include either queso or quesillo (two different types of cheese that should not be confused, the first looks like cottage cheese and the second looks like string cheese), frillojes (beans), calabaza (pumpkin flour), salsa (a red or green sauce of varying degrees of spice). If you are staying at LA SOLEY, then your breakfast options include freshly baked bread from the panderia (5 to 7 pesos a piece depending on the bread), large fresh fruit bowls (90 pesos), fresh juice (70 pesos), Memelas or Memelitas (35 pesos). Your meal is fresh and prepared daily and any extras can be stored in your refrigerator for later. A large plentiful breakfast should cost less than $10 USD a day. Now to start your adventure.
Mid-Morning:
Visit Monte Albán: It’s best to start your day early and get to Monte Alban. Depending on the time of year, as the day progresses, it will get increasingly hot as the sun rises. You can take a yellow taxi ($200 pesos) or collectivo (shared taxi service $80 pesos) from the transportation hub outside of Coppell directly to Monte Alban. Because you don’t have to go through the city, you will find the prices are better and because you are on the main road, it will not take as long to get to Monte Alban. There are guides at Monte Alban to guide you through the site so nothing to worry about there. Be sure to bring cold water (if you put a bottle in your freezer the night before, it will be good for the following day), wear a hat and consider bringing your umbrella (LA SOLEY does provide their guests with a complimentary umbrella to use during their stay).
Take a short bus ride to this ancient Zapotec archaeological site. Explore the impressive pyramids, plazas, and tombs while enjoying panoramic views of the valley.
Lunch/Afternoon:
Head to Restaurants at the Huayapam Eco Park: Head back from Monte Alban to your same transportation hub and take a collectivo to the Huayapam Eco Park with an entrance fee of 15 pesos. There you can escape the heat of the city, relax with a nice meal overlooking the lake and rest for a bit before continuing your day. With an impressive Oaxacan menu that includes whole fish, chicken, pork feet, rice, plantains, shrimp, and salad, a meal with dessert and alcoholic beverages will not exceed 400 pesos for one person (if it does, you are probably taking food to go). From there you can choose to stroll through the hiking trail (very safe flat land, there are no physical limitations to walking this trail), kayak on the lake (when it has enough water) or take a guided horse ride (typically on the weekends). Or you can just sit and immerse yourself in the everyday sounds of life in that part of Oaxaca. From there, you can take a collectivo back to your transportation hub and back to your studio for an afternoon Siesta, you need to rest up for the evening!
Evening:
Dinner: This is your daily splurge. At this point, you have spent no more than 50% of your $100/day budget, leaving you with $50 for a night on the town. Recommended Dinner Options depend on the day of the week. If you are in town on a Wednesday evening, free Salsa is dancing at the Zocalo. Del Jardin at the square is a budget friendly local food option and if you are looking for a one day big splurge. TresBistro with its terrace overlooking Zocalo has an excellent menu with burgers, tacos, french onion soup. You can leisurely people-watch, taking in the sights and sounds of the city center or you can join the people and go with the flow. If you are in town on a Saturday evening, you may even see a wedding procession as you walk up the street towards the Santo Domingo Church.
Night:
Stroll through Andador de Macedonia Alcalá: This pedestrian street comes alive at night with street performers, musicians, and local artisans. It’s a great way to soak in the lively atmosphere of Oaxaca City. If you are in town on a Saturday evening, you may even see a wedding procession as you walk up the street towards the Santo Domingo Church.
Day 2: Make Some Friends and Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Oaxaca Food.
Morning:
Breakfast: You are a veteran.
Mid-Morning Through The Afternoon:
Immerse Yourself in the History and Flavor of Oaxacan Cuisine in a full-day market exploration and cooking class: Take a short walk from La Soley to begin your day’s adventure at the legendary classe de concina. Your day begins getting to know the group and planning your meal. With the plan in hand, your chef will take the group to the market where he will explain the history of the ingredients, take you on a market tour and purchase what is needed for the day’s meal. Once you return, preparations begin. As is traditional in Oaxaca, you share a Mezcal to toast the beginning of your journey and continue toasting throughout your experience. By late afternoon, you will have made new, lifelong friends and eaten a spectacular meal made with your own hands.
Evening:
Dinner at La Popular: After all the food of the dayThis affordable eatery offers traditional Oaxacan dishes with a modern twist. Try their enchiladas or tamales.
Night:
Attend a Guelaguetza Show: If available, catch a traditional Guelaguetza dance performance, which showcases the indigenous cultures of Oaxaca through music and dance.
Day 3: Arts and Crafts Exploration
Morning:
Breakfast at : Start your day with a strong coffee and a light breakfast at this charming café.
Mid-Morning:
Visit the Textile Museum: Discover the rich textile traditions of Oaxaca through exhibits showcasing beautiful handwoven fabrics and traditional clothing.
Lunch:
Lunch at El Pochote Organic Market: This market offers a variety of organic and locally-sourced food options. It’s a great place to try fresh, healthy dishes at reasonable prices.
Afternoon:
Take a Craft Workshop: Join a hands-on workshop where you can learn traditional Oaxacan crafts like alebrijes (wooden animal carvings) or black pottery. Many local artisans offer affordable classes.
Evening:
Dinner at Itanoni: Enjoy an inexpensive meal featuring traditional corn-based dishes. Itanoni is known for its commitment to preserving indigenous culinary traditions.
Night:
Relax at Mezcalería Los Amantes: End your trip with a visit to a local mezcalería. Sip on various mezcal varieties and learn about the production process of this iconic Oaxacan spirit.
SAVOR THOSE MEMORIES!