On the one hand, deciding where to stay in Oaxaca is not a very difficult task, as the city has a wide range of hotels of all styles and for all budgets, you will have a huge variety of options to choose from. over there.
With colorful houses, cobbled streets and green mountains painting the surrounding landscape, the city whose full name is Oaxaca de Juárez and is the capital of the state of Oaxaca, in Mexico, is the typical colonial town that seems to have come out of the pages of a book. of fiction.
The city is famous for being the guardian of the rich local gastronomic tradition: it is there that the best cheeses, the best mezcals and the best chocolates in all of Mexico are produced.
You could easily spend your entire trip to Oaxaca eating, but the city still has a rich cultural life. It is an art hub in the country, with several museums, universities and artistic collectives – a nightlife that is the envy of many metropolises out there and an ancient history to be explored.
Nearby there are several archaeological sites belonging to the Zapotec people, who have inhabited the region since before the arrival of the Spanish. But that’s a topic for another post.
See now the best options for regions and hotels to stay in Oaxaca.
Best area to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Historic Center (Zócalo)
- San Felipe del Agua
Most people prefer to stay in the Zócalo, or historic center of Oaxaca, but there are also many hotel options in San Felipe del Agua, a neighborhood a little further away, but with well-rated establishments.
See more about each of them.
1. Historic center of Oaxaca
In Oaxaca, almost everything happens within the limits of the historic center. This is also where most of the city’s hotels, hostels, bars and restaurants are located.
This is also where buses leave for the main attractions on the outskirts of Oaxaca, such as Mitla, Hierve el Água and Monte Albán, as well as interesting places within the city, such as the Zócalo and the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.
This makes the region the perfect starting point for both day trips and exploring the city itself.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing accommodation in Oaxaca, there isn’t much to invent: concentrate your hotel searches in the historic center and you can’t go wrong.
Find hotels in the historic center of Oaxaca
2. San Felipe del Agua
Alternatively, depending on your travel style, the San Felipe del Agua region also has a good hotel infrastructure. This region is further away, but the hotels there are larger and more robust, and have an infrastructure of gardens, patios and swimming pools.
Most of them offer a free transfer service to the historic center and even the airport, to compensate for the distance.
Therefore, it may be worth taking a look at the options there too, especially if you intend to rent a car for your trip through Mexico.
Find hotels in Oaxaca
Best hotels to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
Do you want more specific tips on hotels and hostels to stay in Oaxaca? Below we have a selection of hotels for all budgets and travel styles.
All of them are highly recommended by guests and have been curated by 360meridianos.
Best luxury hotel in Oaxaca: Victoria Oaxaca
The most booked 5-star hotel in the city is Quinta Real Oaxaca, ideal for those who want a different accommodation experience.
The property is located in the heart of the historic center, just 150 meters from the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church, and is housed in a large colonial mansion.
It has a swimming pool and gym, as well as an exclusive and differentiated service for guests. Daily rates from US$210. SEE PRICES.
Best boutique hotel in Oaxaca: Casa Grana Cochinilla
Located in the historic district of Oaxaca, Ayook is a beautiful boutique hotel with beautifully decorated, air-conditioned rooms.
It has a charming and pleasant garden, where you can enjoy a delicious traditional Mexican breakfast served at the hotel. The hotel also has a terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the views of the city.
Rooms start at US$80. SEE PRICES.
Best budget hotel in Oaxaca: Casa El Mundo
Located in the historic center, this simple but comfortable guesthouse has cheerful and colorful decor, a pleasant atmosphere and close, friendly service.
Casa El Mundo has a pleasant terrace where guests can socialize and taste a good mezcal. The decor follows the Oaxacan theme and the hosts can help you with information about the city.
Excellent choice for those looking for local, cozy and economical accommodation. Daily rates from US$26. SEE PRICES.
Best family guesthouse in Oaxaca: Hostal Mixteco Naba Nandoo
When I visited the city, I stayed at Hostal Mixteco Naba Nandoo which, despite the name, looks more like a guesthouse than a classic hostel.
With simple rooms and economical prices ranging from US$19 for a single room, US$29 for a double and US$35 for a double with private bathroom, the place is peaceful, with a zen atmosphere and great care in cleaning.
The guesthouse also has a terrace with views of the mountains and a bar that only opens until 11pm, to ensure a good night’s sleep for all guests.
The only caveat is that they don’t have 24-hour reception. As I arrived in Oaxaca at 6am, I had to wait until 9am to get into the building, but they let me check in early.
I took the opportunity to have breakfast with traditional Oaxaqueño hot chocolate at the public market two blocks from the hostel. The Zócalo is about a 15-minute walk away, as is the bar area.
They serve a vegetarian breakfast that can be included in the room rate (for an extra US$5) or purchased at the time. SEE PRICES.
Best hostel in Oaxaca: Azul Cielo Hostel
Located in the heart of the city, Azul Cielo Hostel is an economical and comfortable option for where to stay in Oaxaca!
The place offers breakfast included in the rate and shared or private rooms with a view. All rooms are equipped with cable TV and a ceiling fan.
The hostel is just 1km from the historic center of Oaxaca, but it is very easy to walk there. Daily rates start at US$23 for shared rooms and US$43 for private rooms. SEE PRICES.
How much does accommodation in Oaxaca cost on average?
These are the average daily rates for each accommodation category in Oaxaca:
- Hostels: between US$8 to US$25 per night, depending on location and amenities offered.
- Budget guesthouses: from about $30 to $50 per night.
- Intermediate inns: from about $50 to $80 per night.
- Luxury Hotels: from around $100 to $250 per night, or more, depending on category and location.
How many days to stay in Oaxaca?
To explore the city’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla, visit museums, churches, markets and try the local cuisine, we recommend that you plan at least 3 to 4 full days in the city.
More time is needed if you want to explore the mountains around Oaxaca, visit nearby beaches, attend cultural festivals such as Guelaguetza or Dia de los Muertos, or take tours to see the region’s colonial towns and cities. In this case, consider staying 5 to 7 days or longer.
Remember that Oaxaca is a fascinating city with a rich culture and traditions, so the more time you can spend there, the more incredible things you will have the opportunity to see and experience. To find out what to do in the city, read our complete travel guide to Oaxaca!
When is the best time to go to Oaxaca?
The best time to visit Oaxaca is from October to April, during the dry, cooler season, when temperatures are milder and rain is less likely.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and want to save on accommodation and tours, the low season, from May to September, may be a good choice. Although this time of year is hotter and more humid, with the possibility of heavy rain, you can take advantage of lower prices and enjoy a calmer atmosphere in the streets and tourist attractions.
Keep in mind that if you plan to visit Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos, the Christmas and New Year holidays, or during the Guelaguetza Festival in July, accommodation and transportation rates can increase significantly, and it is important to book with advance.
Mexico visa for Brazilians
Since December 2021, Brazilian tourists and business travelers need a visa to enter Mexico and stay there for up to 180 days.
The visa for Mexico was once again required under pressure from the United States, as the Latin country was being used as a gateway for illegal immigration of Brazilians to the USA. Find out how to get yours here.
Travel insurance for Mexico with discount coupon!
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance for your stay in Mexico. Although the country does not require you to take out immigration insurance, traveling without one can give you a huge headache!
Insurance protects you against accidents and illnesses and avoids spending unplanned money. In addition, it also covers any unforeseen events during the trip, such as flight cancellations and lost luggage.
