Hotels in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City: Zapotec Roots and Colonial Squares

Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca state in southern Mexico, sits at 1,550 metres above sea level in the Central Valleys region, roughly 500 km southeast of Mexico City. Founded by the Spanish in 1529 on the site of earlier Zapotec and Mixtec settlements, the historic centre earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. The green-tinted stone of the Templo de Santo Domingo, built between 1570 and 1608, anchors the Centro Histórico and draws architectural historians from across the Americas.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster within walking distance of the Zócalo (main plaza) and the pedestrian Macedonio Alcalá corridor. The Jalatlaco neighbourhood, eight blocks northeast of the Zócalo, offers smaller boutique properties on cobblestone streets. Budget guesthouses line Calle Díaz Ordaz; larger 4-star properties concentrate near Llano Park on the city's north side.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) sits 8 km south of the Centro; taxis take roughly 20 minutes.
• Best time to visit: October through April brings dry weather; the Guelaguetza dance festival runs each July.
• Altitude: At 1,550 m, allow one day to acclimatise before heavy walking.
• Currency: Pesos only in most markets; ATMs are available on Alcalá and around the Zócalo.