Curator’s statement
Living in Oaxaca with my family, I've come to cherish this city deeply. The rich heritage, dynamic culture and gastronomic wonders create a vibrant mosaic of experiences. My aim is to guide others through this stunning tableau that is Oaxaca and I hope to share a bit of the magic that I encounter here every day.
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Where to stay
Hotel Sin Nombre
Enter a realm of mystery and allure, where anonymity and luxury intertwine, offering a captivating escape from the ordinary.
Quinta Real Oaxaca
Once a monastary, this hotel is a favorte for Mexican weddings in it's beautiful garden cortyards.
Hotel Escondido, Oaxaca
A dreamy mix of old and new in the heart of Oaxaca, with a coworking space, rooftop pool and bar, and streetside Piedmontese eatery.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Welcome amenity.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Day 1: Settling in and exploring the heart of Oaxaca
Let's go to Oaxaca, the buzzing cultural hub of Mexico, which has just bagged the title of top travel destination of 2023 by Travel + Leisure! This vibrant city, with its deep-rooted indigenous heritage, grand colonial architecture, lively art scene and oh-so-delicious cuisine, is a must-visit.
Getting to Oaxaca City is easy - currently Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) offers direct flights from LA, Houston and Dallas. You can also just fly through Mexico City. Once you're in the city, you can wander around on foot or hire a cab for longer trips.
I recommend making Hotel Sin Nombre home during your stay. Tucked in a 17th-century colonial building, this boutique hotel radiates luxury. Spend the afternoon lounging by the rooftop pool, grabbing a bite at the restaurant or enjoying local cocktails and mezcals at Cantinita while people watching on the street level. Hotel Sin Nombre also offers each guest a welcome cocktail and a free breakfast!
Later, get a taste of Oaxaca's street food at Chefinita, a taco cart just two blocks away. Their tacos al vapor and pozole are fantastic, but watch out - the salsa is fiery!
Day 2: A walk through Oaxaca's history and a mezcal experience
Kick off your day with a private tour of Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec capital. Here, you'll get a taste of pre-Columbian life and learn about the site's rich history and archeology.
On your way back downtown, stop by The Hall of Smoke in the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. It's a chaotic, smoky corridor with various Oaxaca meats, grilled to order over charcoal fires and served with salsas, charred veggies and tortillas. Cheap, delicious and oh-so-Oaxaca.
Round off your day with a reserved spot at Mezcaloteca for an exclusive mezcal tasting. Learn about traditional production methods and sample a selection of artisanal mezcals.
For dinner, head to Crudo, where Chef and Owner Ricardo Arellano (you might've seen him on Netflix!) blends Japanese and Mexican culinary traditions in an unforgettable omakase dinner. And yes, the fish is super fresh and flown in daily from Baja.
Day 3: Shopping spree and a final feast
Oaxaca's shopping scene is a treat, from unique textiles and pottery at Mercado Benito Juarez to trendy clothing stores. Check out Marchanta, a high-end clothing boutique with a hidden bar and café in the back. Perfect for a quick coffee or cocktail break in between shopping.
Next, wander through the Mercados for unique textiles and trinkets. These markets are a treasure trove of handcrafted goods that make for great souvenirs or gifts.
For your final dinner, reserve a table at Criollo by Chef Enrique Olvera. Using Oaxaca's freshest produce and traditional cooking techniques, Criollo offers a menu that changes with the seasons, serving up the best of Oaxacan cuisine.
Need to know
As 2023's top travel destination, Oaxaca offers a blend of history, culture and gastronomy like no other place. A luxurious weekend in Oaxaca promises an unforgettable adventure in a city as modern as it is timeless. Pack your bags and get ready for a sensory feast in Oaxaca!
![Advisor - Bridget Nolan](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711119666/contentful-migration/advisors/image/bridget-nolan-trip-advisor.png)
Travel Advisor
Bridget Nolan
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Meredith Miller’s guide, Long Weekend in Oaxaca.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oaxaca.