Mexico City to Oaxaca: The Best 8-10 day Itinerary + Tips

Road trip itinerary: Mexico City to Oaxaca – Best places to visit and hotels

You’re planning a trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca?

Great choice!

To help you plan your trip, I’ve crafted the perfect itinerary to discover the best of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca in 8-10 days.

Your adventure starts in the bustling capital, Mexico City, where you’ll explore its historic center, museums, and culinary delights.

You will then head for Puebla, known for its colonial architecture and as the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution.

Next, you’ll make our way to Oaxaca, a city renowned for its cultural and historical heritage, as well as its colorful markets.

Along the way, you have the option to stop at the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a stunning natural area rich in biodiversity and unique landscapes.

For each destination, I’ve included my best tips and recommendations for accommodations to suit all budgets!

So, what are the must-see sights and experiences on this 8-10 day trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca? Let’s dive in!

1) Mexico (3-4 days)

You’ll start your Mexican adventure in Mexico City.

You’ll arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Latin America, making it the perfect starting point for your trip with flights arriving from around the world.

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and get ready for your Mexico to Oaxaca road trip. I recommend using Booking.com Cars to compare prices. It’s the easiest way to find the best deals on rental cars!

Click here to compare prices:

If you don’t plan to rent a car in Mexico City, you can reach your hotel by taking an official taxi from a taxi stand, using Uber (specify your terminal and gate), or opting for a private transfer (click here to book!).

I might be biased because I live in Mexico City and absolutely adore the capital, but I truly believe 4 days are perfect to experience the best the city has to offer! – For more details, check out My guide on planning the perfect 4-day trip to Mexico City!

If you’re short on time, you could also spend just 2 or 3 days in Mexico City exploring the historic center, Roma and Condesa, the ancient site of Teotihuacan, and Coyoacán, the charming neighborhood of Frida Kahlo.

Day 1 – The Historic Center, Roma and Condesa neighborhoods

In the morning, start at the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest squares.

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace with Diego Rivera‘s murals. Walk along Francisco Madero Street, passing the beautiful Casa de los Azulejos and the Palace of Fine Arts located beside Alameda Central, the oldest public park in the Americas.

After exploring the historic center, head to the trendy neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa. These areas blend colonial, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau architecture with a bohemian, artistic, and cosmopolitan vibe.

Some of my favorite spots include Parque México, Plaza Rio de Janeiro, and Avenida Alvaro Obregon; Casa Lamm, an early 20th-century house hosting a restaurant and cultural center; and Casa del Poeta, a museum dedicated to poet Ramón López Velarde, offering a glimpse into a typical Roma Norte building.

Day 2 – Teotihuacan and Lucha Libre

In the morning, visit Teotihuacan, an ancient city with impressive pyramids, temples, and murals. At its peak, it was the largest city in the Americas with over 125,000 inhabitants and a major influence in the region!

Key attractions include the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Avenue of the Dead, and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl. Plan to spend at least 3 hours here.

• For more details, check out My guide on visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City

After a day of exploring ancient ruins, immerse yourself in modern Mexican culture with a thrilling lucha libre show.

This form of wrestling features colorful masks, acrobatic moves, and theatrical drama. The atmosphere is electric, with the crowd cheering and chanting for their favorite wrestlers, and I’m always surprised to see families enjoying the matches together.

Lucha libre matches are held at various venues in Mexico City, with Arena México being the most famous, offering shows every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday night.

You can buy tickets online and pick them up at Ticketmaster locations, or join a lucha libre tour (click here to book!).

Day 3 – Chapultepec and Polanco

Start your day at Chapultepec Park, one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world, spanning 600 hectares (1,500 acres).

Visit Chapultepec Castle, a former imperial palace now housing the National History Museum, offering panoramic views of the city and exhibits on Mexico’s history.

Next, explore the National Museum of Anthropology, renowned for its impressive exhibits on Mexico’s indigenous cultures, including the Aztec Sun Stone, the Jade Death Mask of Pakal from Palenque, the Coatlicue Statue and the Olmec Colossal Heads.

The museum is enormous, and it’s impossible to see everything in one day, so take your time, don’t rush, and enjoy whatever you manage to explore. There’s also a café-restaurant for a convenient break. 😉

Here are the best tickets for Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology Museum. Click on your favorite option to book directly:

• Anthropology Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Anthropology Museum Admission with Guided Visit
• Anthropology Museum + Chapultepec Castle
• Anthropology Museum + Chapultepec Castle (private)

If you still have time, you can visit the Polanco neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, shops, and luxurious hotels.

Stroll around to enjoy its architecture, parks, and boutiques, including Presidente Masaryk Avenue, Lincoln Park, Antara Shopping Center, and Polanquito.

You can also visit the Soumaya Museum, which houses more than 65,000 works of art, or the Jumex Museum, showcasing contemporary art by Mexican and international artists.

Day 4 –  Xochimilco and Coyoacan 

For your last day in Mexico City, head south to Xochimilco, known for its canals and floating gardens.

Xochimilco’s chinampas, a network of islands and canals built in pre-Hispanic times and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were created by the Aztecs to grow crops sustainably. They still produce five harvests a year!

Today, you can rent a colorful trajinera boat to cruise the canals, and enjoy mariachi music, snacks, and drinks like beer or pulque, a fermented agave beverage.

After the cruise, head to Coyoacán, the most charming and colorful area of Mexico City!

This historic neighborhood, once a village, features colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, plazas, and churches. It’s famous as the home of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s most renowned artists.

A must-see is the Frida Kahlo Museum, or Casa Azul (Blue House), where she lived with her husband Diego Rivera. The museum showcases her paintings, personal belongings, photographs, and furniture, offering a glimpse into her life and art.

Where to stay in Mexico City

• Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City, featuring clean dorms and rooms, an amazing rooftop terrace with a bar, and an exceptional view over the cathedral and the Zócalo. Prices start at 15$usd for a dorm and 32 $usd for a private room!

• Hotel Villa Condesa (Condesa): a romantic oasis in the heart of La Condesa, this elegant hotel offers small green terraces and tastefully decorated, spacious rooms. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and particularly attentive service. Rates around $160 USD per night.

• Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): a high-end hotel offering great value, located in a typical early 20th-century house in Roma. Features include a rooftop terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff, and good breakfasts. Rates around $190 USD per night.

• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5-star hotel is perfect for business trips or romantic stays. Located on Paseo de la Reforma, it offers a large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Rates around $640 USD per night.

2) Puebla (1-2 days)

For the second part of your Mexico to Oaxaca itinerary, visit Puebla de Zaragoza, known for its colorful buildings, traditional Talavera pottery, and rich history.

This charming colonial city sits at 7,005 feet above sea level and is surrounded by stunning volcanoes like Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and La Malinche.

You can easily visit the historic center of Puebla in one day since the main tourist attractions are within walking distance.

To fully enjoy the day and see as much as possible, I suggest you follow this program:

• In the morning, start at the Zocalo and the cathedral
• Continue to the Biblioteca Palafoxiana,  the first public library on the American continent
• Continue to the Amparo Museum which houses an extensive collection of Mexico Art- Be sure to go up to the terrace to enjoy the views!
• Discover the colorful pedestrian street Callejón de los Sapos
• To buy a souvenir, go to the Mercado del Parián, considered the first craft market in Puebla (since 1760)
• Stroll through the Barrio del Artista where you can see local artists at work
• Buy some typical Puebla sweets on the Calle de los Dulces
• Finish at the magnificent Capilla del Rosario, the  finest example of Mexican Baroque featuring opulent interiors adorned with 24-karat gold leaf

Check out My detailed itinerary for spending one day in Puebla!

Getting to Puebla from Mexico City

• Driving takes 2 hours (140 km). From the historic center, take Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza to Highway 150 Mexico-Puebla. From the south, take the Periférico to the highway.
• By bus, the trip from Mexico City to Puebla takes 2.5 hours. I recommend taking an ADO bus from TAPO terminal (departures every 20-30 min) for safety, comfort, and reliable schedules.

Where to stay in Puebla?

• Hotel Santiago: the ideal hotel for a cheap stay in Puebla, practically on the corner of the Zocalo, with a rooftop terrace offering a beautiful view of the cathedral. Rooms are only 30 $usd per night!

• NH Puebla Centro Historico: a hotel in the historic center of Puebla, with a rooftop terrace that has a swimming pool, a gym, available parking, good wifi and a buffet with breakfast included, starting at 48 $usd per night!

• Hotel Boutique Casareyna: a 16th century mansion next to the Bubas Bridge, converted into a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a gym and spa, parking and a hearty breakfast. Rooms with parking and breakfast start at 105 $usd per night!

• Banyan Tree Puebla: this is my favorite hotel in Puebla, the perfect choice for a romantic stay or to enjoy real luxurious comfort in the heart of the city. There’s a terrace garden, a rooftop, a pool and spa overlooking the volcanoes, a restaurant with a terrace, and a good breakfast. For 226 $usd per night.

3) Tehuacan Reserve (1 day) – Optionnal

You could easily go straight from Puebla to Oaxaca (about 4 hours), but if you have some time and a sense of adventure, consider exploring the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve.

The reserve, spanning the states of Puebla and Oaxaca, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage.

This unique region is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of columnar cacti, with 45 of the 70 species found in Mexico.

For a first visit, the town of Zapotitlán Salinas (1h from Puebla) is a great starting point. Here, you can visit the Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden, which offers interpretative trails and guided tours.

Another highlight is the San Juan Raya Ecotourism Park, a half-hour drive from Zapotitlán Salinas. The community-run Turritelas Park features paleontological attractions, such as marine fossils and dinosaur traces, and offer hikes, bike rides and horseback riding.

4) Oaxaca (2-3  days)

Finally, you’ve arrived at your last stop on this Mexico City to Oaxaca itinerary: Oaxaca de Juarez.

One of the most beautiful cities in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the capital of Oaxaca state, a region rich in cuisine, art, history, and archaeological sites.

There’s so much to see and do here that I recommend staying for at least three days to fully experience the city and its surroundings. – Take a look at my detailed 3-day itinerary for Oaxaca!

Day 1 – Explore the historic center of Oaxaca 

Start your adventure in Oaxaca at the Santo Domingo complex.

It includes three must-see locations: the stunning Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman, known for its amazing baroque architecture; the Museum of Cultures, which offers a deep dive into the region’s rich history and artifacts; and the peaceful Ethnobotanical Garden, showcasing two hectares of plants native to Oaxaca.

Take the pedestrian street Andador Turístico (Macedonio Alcalá) to reach the lively Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez for experiencing local culture, sampling traditional foods, and finding unique souvenirs.

For lunch, head to the Pasillo de Humo in the 20 de Noviembre Market for some of the best grilled meats in Oaxaca: I suggest trying the trio of tasajo, cecina, and chorizo!

The food is delicious and affordable, and enjoying a fresh Modelo beer with your meal adds to the experience, especially in the hot and smoky atmosphere. 🥵

Post-lunch, stroll to the Zócalo and visit the majestic cathedral.

If you still have room (there’s always space for dessert, right?), treat yourself to a hot chocolate at El Mayordomo on their lovely terrace. Pair it with their traditional pan de cazuela for the perfect combo.

In the afternoon, explore the colorful streets of the Jalatlaco neighborhood, known for its vibrant murals and quaint charm.

Since mezcal originates from Oaxaca, why not try it at fantastic spots like Mezcalogia or Sabina Sabe, which offer tastings and excellent cocktails made with premium ingredients? It’s the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.

• For more great options, check out my guide to the best bars in Oaxaca, where I share my top picks for a memorable night out!

Day 2– Monte Alban, local craft and mezcal

Start your second day early in the morning with a visit to Monte Albán (opens at 10 am).

Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the first major cities in Mesoamerica and served as the Zapotec civilization‘s capital.

Although it may not be as internationally famous as Chichen Itzá or Teotihuacan, it is equally significant, providing unique insights into Zapotec and Mixtec culture.

• For all the essential tips and information, check out my Definitive Guide on Monte Albán!

After Monte Albán, explore the artistic heart of Oaxaca by visiting the artisan villages of San Antonio Arrazola, San Bartolo Coyotepec, San Martín Tilcajete, and Santo Tomás Jalieza. Each village offers a unique glimpse into local crafts and traditions.

If you’re a mezcal enthusiast, visiting Mezcal Lalocura or other mezcal producers is a must.

You will discover the mezcal-making process, from the agave fields to distillation and enjoy tastings of different varieties.

Day 3– Mitla, Hierve el Agua and Teotitlan del Valle

On the final day of your amazing road trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca start with a visit to the archaeological site of Mitla.

This site was a significant religious and ceremonial center for the Zapotec civilization, known for its intricate geometric patterns that symbolize their beliefs and cosmology.

Next, head to Hierve el Agua to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. These petrified waterfalls, with their natural pools and stunning views, offer a serene and picturesque experience. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you want to take a dip!

Before concluding your day, visit Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its handwoven rugs.

Explore local workshops to see artisans at work and purchase beautiful rugs directly from the craftspeople. A visit to the Balaa Xtee Guech Gulal museum is also a great way to support the community and learn about the area’s crafts and customs.

Getting to Oaxaca

• It’s about a 4 hour drive from Puebla or 3h15 from Zapotitlán Salinas (Tehuacan Reserve)
• It’s a 4h40 to 5h15 bus ride from the CAPU station in Puebla, with many departures available throughout the day

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

• Viajero Oaxaca Hostel: A vibrant, social hostel with dorm beds from $19 and private rooms from $62. Highlights include a fun atmosphere, an amazing rooftop bar, and many tours and activities. It’s my top choice in Oaxaca, ideal for solo travelers and those looking to connect with others while exploring the city!

• NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: A welcoming hotel perfect for families, with rooms starting at $142 per night. Highlights include a family-friendly atmosphere, vibrant decor, and a central location near all the main sights. It’s an ideal, affordable base for families exploring Oaxaca.

• Hotel Azul de Oaxaca: This boutique 4-star hotel, just a short walk from Santo Domingo Church, offers stylish rooms with a blend of contemporary design and traditional Mexican flair, starting at $305 per night. Highlights include a rooftop bar with stunning views, a delicious breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a café serving freshly baked bread!

• Quinta Real Oaxaca: Located in a former convent from the 16th century, 500 meters from Santo Domingo Church and 700 meters from the Zocalo. Elegant room and romantic atmosphere, from 400 $usd per night. Strong points: the stunning architecture, the outdoor pool, the gourmet restaurant. This is my choice for a luxury stay in Oaxaca!

My Final Tips and Opinion on This Itinerary

If you’re short on time, you can drive directly from Mexico City to Oaxaca without stopping. The journey takes around 6 hours by car, depending on traffic, or 6.5 to 7 hours by direct bus (available both day and night).

I’ve done this route multiple times and love it, especially as you approach Oaxaca and see the hills covered with cacti! 🌵😍

Just be mindful of the speed limits and always drive during the day for safety, as the route passes through mountainous areas with many curves.

You can enjoy this Mexico City to Oaxaca itinerary any time of the year, but for the best experience, plan your trip between October and April to avoid the rainy season in summer.

If you don’t mind a bit of rain, the Guelaguetza Festival in late July is a fantastic time to visit. It features traditional dance and music, showcasing Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage with communities from the eight regions participating!

Another great time to visit is during the Day of the Dead at the end of October and beginning of November. There are many activities in both Mexico City and Oaxaca, with Oaxaca offering an especially impressive and traditional experience. Just make sure to book ahead!

Renting a Car for Your Mexico City to Oaxaca Trip

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Mexico and make the most of your stay!

While it’s not super useful to visit the city, having a car is a must to discover the rest of the country.

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to find the best price for your flight ticket

Benito Juárez International Airport, commonly known as Mexico City Airport, is the busiest and most important airport in Latin America, accommodating a vast number of national and international flights.

To save on flight tickets, use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner. It guarantees the best prices for both international and domestic flights!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

• Mexico City: The 31 Best things to Discover
• Puebla: The 25 Best Places to Visit
• Oaxaca: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions!

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