Book flights to Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a cultural centre in the southern highlands, situated in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The city has a high-altitude setting that is a gateway for travellers arriving to explore the deep indigenous roots and colonial history of the region.

The city centre has a grid of cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, notably the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman and its gold-leaf interior. Nearby, the archaeological site of Monte Alban contains ancient Zapotec pyramids, while the Mercado 20 de Noviembre provides a sensory look into local life. Art lovers frequently visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures to view pre-Hispanic treasures.

This destination has a reputation for its world-class cuisine and traditional festivals. Visitors often travel here to experience the complex flavours of mole or the artisan traditions of Barro Negro pottery. The local atmosphere reflects a slow-paced lifestyle where history and contemporary creativity are interconnected.

High season in Oaxaca

Oaxaca experiences its busiest period from late October through January, and again during the Guelaguetza festival in July. During these months, the city has a festive energy that is felt the moment you arrive at Oaxaca International Airport. The weather is generally dry and temperate, with daytime highs around 26°C, making it comfortable for walking through the historic centre or visiting the nearby ruins of Monte Albán.

The cultural identity of the city is most visible during these peaks, especially during Día de Muertos and the Night of the Radishes. Streets are filled with music, elaborate floral displays, and public parades known as calendas. Visitors landing in the winter months find a city bathed in clear sunlight, where the outdoor markets and plazas are the primary social hubs for both locals and international travellers.

Low season in Oaxaca

Oaxaca enters its low season during the rainy months, typically from May to September. While mornings often remain sunny, heavy afternoon downpours transform the surrounding valley into a lush, deep green landscape. These rains bring a cooler, refreshing change to the air, and the city adopts a slower, more tranquil pace. The intense heat of April begins to fade, replaced by a humid atmosphere that encourages long, indoor lunches in the city’s many traditional dining halls.

Travelling during this time offers a more intimate look at local life away from the large festival crowds. The surrounding mountains, visible from the aircraft during descent, are at their most lively and green, providing a picturesque backdrop for nature excursions. While some outdoor plans may require flexibility due to the 18:00 rain showers, the city remains a charming destination where the scent of wet earth and blooming flora defines the daily experience.

The gateway to this historic valley region is defined by a single facility that manages the flow of travellers arriving on a flight to Oaxaca. Positioned to the south of the metropolitan area, the airport is the primary link between the central highlands and major domestic and international hubs.

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)

Officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán, OAX is located approximately 7 km south of the city centre within the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán. It is the main international entry point for the region, primarily handling a high volume of flights to Oaxaca arriving from Mexico City, as well as direct connections from several major cities in the United States. The facility consists of a single passenger terminal that manages both domestic carriers like Aeroméxico and Volaris alongside international operators.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, travellers can access the city through a regulated system of transportes terrestres (shuttles) and official taxis. The Colectivo shuttle service is a common choice, transporting passengers to the Centro Histórico or specific hotels in roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Private taxis are also available at the designated ranks outside the terminal for a direct journey to the Zócalo or northern districts like Reforma. While ride-hailing apps operate in the region, pick-up points are often located just outside the official airport perimeter rather than directly at the terminal kerbside.

Descending into Oaxaca International Airport, the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Madre del Sur give way to a city defined by deep terracotta hues and a pace that encourages immediate exploration. Once on the ground, the air carries the scent of roasted cacao and woodsmoke, signaling the start of an immersive journey through one of the most culturally dense regions in the world.

Zócalo
This central plaza is the heartbeat of the city, where the shade of massive laurel trees provides a backdrop for local musicians and street vendors. It is the perfect place to sit and observe the rhythmic daily life of the community shortly after arrival.

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
This baroque masterpiece has an interior covered in intricate gold leaf and is a silent witness to centuries of history. The surrounding plaza is often filled with the colour of local festivals and the heavy fragrance of lilies.

Hierve el Agua
Located about 70 km from the city centre, these "frozen" waterfalls are actually natural rock formations created by mineral-rich springs. Visitors can swim in turquoise infinity pools that overlook a dramatic valley, providing a serene escape from the urban energy.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre
A visit to this market is a sensory dive into regional flavours, most notably in the "smoke aisle" where thinly sliced meats are grilled over open flames. The market contains stalls piled high with mounds of spiced grasshoppers and artisanal chocolate.

Monte Albán
The ancient Zapotec capital sits on a flattened hilltop with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley. Walking through its grand plazas and past its weathered stone pyramids offers a profound connection to the pre-Hispanic civilizations that shaped this terrain.

Ethnobotanical Garden
Located behind the former monastery of Santo Domingo, this garden houses hundreds of plant species native to the state. The curated paths tell the story of the relationship between the local people and their diverse natural environment through stunning cactus arrangements and reflection pools.

Booking your journey to Oaxaca is simple when you use the search filters on eDreams to compare different airlines and find a schedule that fits your discovery plans. Frequent travellers can also benefit from eDreams Prime, which provides additional savings on every flight to help you reach your destination with ease.