Oaxaca Holiday Packages 2024/2025

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved colonial architecture, a lively arts scene, and beautiful markets, Oaxaca City is beautiful and an integral part of any itinerary. Narrow streets and historic buildings surround a huge variety of excellent restaurants. Mercado de Abastos is a fantastic market on the edge of the city and the perfect place to get your chocolate fix. Monte Albán and Mitla are nearby the city and great archaeological sites to explore during your stay, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient Zapotec roots, featuring grand pyramids and ceremonial platforms that offer panoramic views of the valleys below.

Oaxaca's natural beauty is showcased in the valleys, mountains, and the ethereal Hierve el Agua near the city centre. There is an incredible number of pre-Columbian sites and small villages found in these valleys offering great day trips to explore the indigenous villages, take in the region’s raw and lush scenery and even see one of the world’s largest and oldest trees. The historical villages are a thriving hub for artisanal crafts. Mitla is popular for its complex stone mosaics and Teotitlán del Valle is renowned for intricate textiles.

The Oaxaca state is a treasure trove of unique traditions that have withstood the test of time. One distinct custom is the making of alebrijes, brightly and intricately painted wooden fantastical creates – spirit guides featured in the Zapotec calendar. Another indigenous tradition is the Guelaguetza festival! A dazzling celebration of folk dance with traditional music and vibrant costumes taking place every July in Oaxaca City and the surrounding villages. In November, the Day of the Dead festivities are unparalleled in Oaxaca, commemorated by elaborate altar displays, and vivid parades. The combination of Mixtec and Zapotec influences across this region further contributes to its unique traditions. Witness how the past and present unite through incredible celebrations of culture and diversity.

Offering a break from the bustling pace of urban life in Oaxaca City, and a gateway to indigenous culture and stunning topography, the Sierra Norte mountain range is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. Majestic peaks, cloud forests and secret waterfalls are waiting to be explored in this highland paradise, home to many Zapotec communities. The Pueblos Mancomunados is a web of eight villages who welcome travellers to discover hiking trails which connect isolated settlements offering a sneak peak into local Zapotec way of life. Alpine cabins with wood-burning fires are waiting for the intrepid visitor keen to engage with local communities and dip into their traditions of mezcal production, agriculture, and weaving. The region is famous for its commitment to ecotourism initiatives and sustainable tourism.

Oaxaca’s cuisine is celebrated worldwide. Many dishes feature the distinctive art of mole preparation where most families have their own recipe passed down from generation to generation – a unique combination of chilies, spices, and chocolate. Rich indigenous heritage plays a huge part in the region’s cuisine as Zapotec and Mixtec cultures are combined creating an explosion of flavours. Similar to a crispy tortillas, tlayudas are a favourite street food in Oaxaca, decorated with savoury toppings. And for cheese enthusiasts, Oaxaca is a Mecca for producing the famous queso cheese perfect for stuffing quesadillas or sprinkling on top of your tlayudas. No stay in Oaxaca City can go without a visit to one of their many markets showcasing traditional mezcal, spices, and fresh produce offering an immersive culinary experience.

Mexico has put a smoking ban in place from January 2023. The ban prohibits smoking in both open and closed public spaces. Most hotels, however, have a designated smoking area. Please speak to your Travel Consultant regarding the smoking policy at your hotel and any questions you might have.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccinations are currently recommended. Mexico is regarded to have a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -6 hours.

The gateway to Oaxaca from the UK is via Mexico City, making it a great place to combine with your visit to Oaxaca. The flight time from London to Mexico City is 12 hours, followed by a 1 and a half hour domestic flight to Oaxaca.

The currency is the Mexican peso.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.