Why visit
Oaxaca is Mexico's food capital. Seven moles, mezcal palenques, Monte Albán Zapotec ruins, Hierve el Agua, and one of the most vibrant Day of the Dead observances.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Oaxaca is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Oaxaca connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Mexico.
Oaxaca at a glance
City population
255k
Elevation
1,571 m
5,154 ft
Time zone
UTC-6
America/Mexico_City
Airport
OAX
Xoxocotlán International Airport
Mexico at a glance
Country center
23.0°, -102.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,964,375 km²
758,449 mi²
Country population
128.5 million
65/km²
Subregion
North America
Currency
Mexican peso ($)
MXN
Dial
+52
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Mexican
Internet
.mx
UN
Member state
ISO code
MX / MEX
Where in the world
23.0° - -102.0°
Mexico
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Oaxaca has the most indigenous cultures of any Mexican state: 16 distinct languages are still spoken.
- Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations here are some of Mexico's most elaborate; Muertos originated in Mesoamerica.
- Mezcal is produced almost exclusively in Oaxaca; the region has 30+ endemic agave species used in small-batch production.
- Mexico City is slowly sinking: up to 50 cm per year in some districts: because it was built on a drained lakebed.
- Mexico has 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: more than any other country in the Americas.
Bordering Mexico
Traveler notes
- Monte Albán archaeological site
- Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls
- Day of the Dead late October. Book a year ahead
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Oaxaca
What currency is used in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca uses the Mexican peso ($), ISO code MXN.
What languages are spoken in Mexico?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Mexico?
The calling code is +52.
What airport serves Oaxaca?
Xoxocotlán International Airport (IATA: OAX).
Is Oaxaca at high altitude?
Yes, Oaxaca sits at 1,571 m (5,154 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
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