The Ultimate 5-Day Oaxaca Itinerary: A Perfect Blend of Celebration & Adventure

Introduction: Why Oaxaca Is More Than Just a Festival

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico for Día de los Muertos, chances are Oaxaca is at the top of your list. And for good reason—this southern gem is the beating heart of the holiday. The candlelit cemeteries, marigold-adorned altars, and lively street parades are unforgettable. But Oaxaca isn’t only about Day of the Dead—it’s also one of Mexico’s most exciting destinations for food, history, art, and nature.

That’s why I’ve crafted this 5-day Oaxaca itinerary. It blends sacred traditions with unforgettable experiences: ancient Zapotec ruins, hands-on cooking classes, mezcal tastings, artisan villages, and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re here for the festival or any time of year, this itinerary will show you the very best of Oaxaca.

Day 1: Arrival & Marigold Magic

Morning: Arrival in Oaxaca City

Touch down at Oaxaca International Airport and make your way into the city. Check into your hotel or Airbnb—most travelers stay in or near the historic center, which keeps you close to the action.

Afternoon: Explore the Zócalo

Your first stop is the Zócalo, Oaxaca’s bustling main square. During Day of the Dead, the energy is unlike anywhere else. Massive ofrendas (altars) glow with candles, papel picado banners ripple in the breeze, and musicians fill the air with traditional tunes. It’s the perfect place to get your first taste of Oaxaca’s festive spirit.

Evening: Markets & Street Food

Head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre or Mercado Benito Juárez. These markets overflow with marigolds, sugar skulls, incense, and handmade crafts. Grab your first tlayuda (a giant crispy tortilla layered with beans, cheese, and meat) or a steaming bowl of mole negro. As night falls, join the crowds in the streets for lively comparsas—parades with dancers, drummers, and towering puppets called monos de calenda.

Day 2: Ancient Kings & Mythical Creatures

Morning: Monte Albán

Kick off day two with a journey to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital. Perched on a flattened mountaintop, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Mexico’s most important archaeological treasures. Wander through pyramids, temples, ball courts, and carved stone monuments while soaking up sweeping views of the Oaxaca Valley.

Travel Tip: Hire a guide or join a group tour—the ruins are spectacular, but the history is even more fascinating when explained by an expert. 👉 [Book a Monte Albán Tour Here]

Afternoon: Alebrijes in San Martín Tilcajete

Next, visit the artisan village of San Martín Tilcajete, where craftsmen create alebrijes—brightly painted wooden spirit animals. Watching artisans carve and paint these intricate figures is mesmerizing, and buying directly from the source supports local families.

By evening, return to Oaxaca City for dinner at a traditional restaurant. Try mole coloradito or enchiladas Oaxaqueñas for another taste of the region’s culinary diversity.

Day 3: The Soul of Día de los Muertos

Morning: Art & Tapetes de Arena

Spend the morning wandering Oaxaca’s colorful neighborhoods like Jalatlaco and Xochimilco. These areas burst with murals, graffiti art, and street installations. Keep an eye out for tapetes de arena—sand carpets meticulously designed to honor the dead. These temporary works of art symbolize the fleeting beauty of life.

Evening: Xoxocotlán Cemetery Vigil

At night, make your way to Xoxocotlán cemetery, the epicenter of Día de los Muertos traditions. Families gather to honor loved ones, decorating graves with marigolds, candles, food, and photographs. The atmosphere is both solemn and joyful, filled with music, laughter, and stories.

Walking through the flickering candlelight surrounded by families celebrating life and death is one of the most powerful experiences you’ll ever have while traveling.

Pro Tip: Arrange transport in advance. Many hotels and tour operators offer shuttles to the cemetery during the festival.

Day 4: Mole, Mezcal & Magic

Morning: Oaxacan Cooking Class

Food is the soul of Oaxaca, and today you’ll learn it firsthand. Join a cooking class that begins with a visit to a local market. Shop for fresh chilies, herbs, cacao, and spices before heading into the kitchen to make traditional dishes. Learning to prepare mole with a local chef is an unforgettable cultural experience. 👉 [Book a Cooking Class Here]

Afternoon: Mezcal in Santiago Matatlán

After mastering mole, it’s time to sip mezcal. Head to Santiago Matatlán, known as the “World Capital of Mezcal.” Here, small family-owned distilleries show you how agave hearts are roasted, fermented, and distilled into Mexico’s smoky spirit.

You’ll taste mezcals ranging from smooth and floral to earthy and intense. Drink slowly—mezcal is meant to be savored, not rushed.

Back in Oaxaca City, cap off your day with rooftop drinks overlooking Santo Domingo Church, where live music often sets the perfect evening mood.

Day 5: Petrified Waterfalls & Woven Wonders

Morning: Hierve el Agua

Rise early for a day trip to Hierve el Agua, one of Oaxaca’s natural wonders. These petrified waterfalls were formed by mineral-rich springs cascading over cliffs, leaving behind stunning rock formations. Bring your swimsuit—there are infinity-like pools where you can soak with panoramic mountain views.

Afternoon: Teotitlán del Valle

On your way back, stop in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec village renowned for weaving. Local artisans use natural dyes—like cochineal for red and indigo for blue—to create world-class rugs and textiles. Watching the dyeing and weaving process is fascinating, and purchasing a piece directly from a family workshop ensures authenticity.

Return to Oaxaca City for your final evening. Enjoy one last tlayuda or mole, raise a glass of mezcal, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past five days.

This 5-day Oaxaca itinerary blends the best of the Day of the Dead with cultural immersion, ancient history, culinary delights, and natural beauty. From the candlelit cemeteries of Xoxocotlán to the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca offers something for every traveler.

Whether you’re wandering through Monte Albán, painting with alebrije artisans, learning to make mole, or sipping mezcal in the valleys, Oaxaca is a journey for all five senses.

But what if you’re not ready to leave?

Don’t worry. Your adventure doesn’t have to end in Oaxaca. In the next guide, I’ll take you to three incredible Mexican destinations to explore after Día de los Muertos—from the beaches of Puerto Escondido to the colonial streets of Puebla and the jungle highlands of Chiapas.