Oaxaca rewards however long you give it. Here’s a rough guide to planning your days.

3 days — the essentials

Explore the historic city centre, eat your way through the markets, and take one valley day trip (Monte Albán + artisan villages).

5 days — city + valley

Add Hierve el Agua, Mitla and a mezcal palenque, plus a day in the Sierra Norte for cooler air and hiking.

7+ days — add the coast

Fly or drive to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco for beaches, bays and bioluminescence.

Build your trip

Mix and match day trips: start with our Monte Albán tour and Hierve el Agua & mezcal tour, then head to the coast.