The Oaxaca Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about traveling to Oaxaca!
You’re about to partake in an incredible adventure to explore food, culture, and yoga in Oaxaca! While you explore the great outdoors with city tours, daily yoga, and a mountain getaway, you’ll also be exploring the great indoors, aka “the self”, with mindfulness practices and opportunities for reflection.
To get the most out of your journey it’s best to be prepared! We’ve laid out everything you need to know about traveling to Oaxaca with us. We can’t wait!
The Weather
How should I dress?
Oaxaca in December is a very pleasant time to visit! Daily high temperatures are around 78°F, rarely falling below 72°F or exceeding 84°F.
Daily low temperatures are around 48°F, rarely falling below 42°F or exceeding 54°F.
December is in the dry season so expect little to no rain interference on your trip.
As we head into the mountains, expect the weather to be just slightly cooler.
Expect to pack lots of warm weather clothes with a few layers to keep you warm on chillier evenings.
We have a wide variety of activities including daily yoga as well as intermediate hiking, so you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for a bit of everything!
You can find more details on gear below.
packing list
What do I need to bring?
Your adventure is packed with incredible exploration in many different locations. From city walking tours, to nature hikes and a mountain getaway, plus daily yoga!
The key to packing for this trip is all about layering and finding comfortable and versatile clothing, which we talk about in our packing list below.
You can find a detailed packing list here. We will also go over this packing list in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.
Sustainability is one of our core-pillars, so we love to suggest sourcing gear from friends/family or second hand stores that sell lightly used gear! If you’re buying gear new, we recommend shopping locally or from small companies in whose mission you believe.
Health and Safety tips
what do i need to know about staying safe?
Tap water is not safe for drinking. Use purified water only. We will provide water to refill your bottle in the van. If you ask for a glass of water at a restaurant you will be provided with safe drinking water. Ice at restaurants is also safe. The tap water is fine for showering and brushing your teeth.
All the places we eat at are clean and safe in terms of food handling. Still, you may experience mild traveler’s diarrhea. Make sure you’re prepared with whatever medications you would like to bring to alleviate the symptoms. If symptoms persist, please let your tour leaders know and we will help you take the necessary actions.
Most of our lodging will have a safe to lock up valuable items. If your room doesn’t, ask your program director to help you find an alternative to safely store any valuable items if desired. We will let you know each evening what you need for the following day and if we will have the option to leave things in the van safely.
Dress as you feel comfortable, but don’t display excessive jewelry or flashy items that call attention to you. Be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas and while on public transportation. Travelers to Oaxaca are usually not the target of violent crimes, but pick-pocketing in plazas or public transportation does happen so just keep an eye on your belongings and don’t let your phone stick out of your pocket or purse. During the daytime, it is safe to walk around Oaxaca City on your own. Nevertheless, we do recommend walking in groups at night.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try the street food then pick a street food stand that looks crowded
and clean. The food must be freshly prepared. It’s also a good sign if the person preparing the food and the person accepting payment are two different people to avoid cross-contamination. Your tour guides will let you know when and where is a good time to enjoy street food!
Do as the locals do
A Crash course in the local culture of Oaxaca
It’s important at Root that when we travel we travel with an open mind and are respectful to the local ways, traditions, and customs. Keeping in mind that we are ambassadors of the US when we travel to foreign countries, it can be helpful to be prepared with some basic knowledge!
Travel is a great privilege and therefore it comes with responsibility. In general, Mexicans are extremely friendly and welcoming to visitors and we hope you make new friends on this trip. Here are some things to keep in mind!
Language: Spanish, although due to the rise in tourism most locals speak English as well. Even still, learning a few key phrases in Spanish can go a long way!
Currency: The Mexican peso($) is the local currency, averaging 20 pesos to one US dollar, but keep in mind this is constantly fluctuating so be sure to check the current exchange rate prior to travel. We recommend against exchanging money at the bank or airport as the exchange process can be timely. Instead, you can bring pesos from the US or pull out cash from an ATM, which will be faster and easier.
Make sure you call your bank to let them know you will be in Oaxaca. If you would still like to exchange money at the bank once in Oaxaca, you will need your passport. Don’t exchange money at the airport, as they usually offer an unfavorable exchange rate.
Also please keep in mind that Root includes everything you need for your travels outside of alcohol, souvenirs and the occasional meal (check your detailed itinerary).
Most credit cards will often be accepted, but there is a possibility for foreign fees or more remote locations or local artisans that do not accept credit cards.
The Culture: Below are some do’s and dont’s!
It’s common to greet people when passing them on the street. A smile, nod and/or “Buenos días, buenas tardes, buenas noche” or a short “buenas” should do the trick!
Don’t photograph people’s faces without permission, especially children and communities that have suffered a history of discrimination or marginalization.
When entering a church please cover your shoulders and remove your hat.
Tourism is a large part of the economy and we encourage you to buy from local vendors to support Mexican individuals. However, you should never feel pressured to do so, a polite “no gracias” is fine.
Accommodations
Where am I sleeping?
Your accommodations have been thoughtfully chosen to make your adventure extra special.
You'll be staying at a combination of hotels while in the city and communal cabins while in the mountains.
Your first three nights are at Hotel Con Corazon:
Staying at Hotel Con Corazón in Oaxaca is a unique and enriching experience. Hotel con Corazón is a social enterprise dedicated to creating impact. They operate hotels in developing countries with the purpose of supporting local communities to build a brighter future. They do this by investing in education and work. 75% of the profits generated at the business go towards educational programs, set up in cooperation with local NGO’s that support and motivate students to complete their schooling. One of the current NGOs they work with on the ground in Oaxaca is the Instituto de Integración y Asesoría Comunitaria (IIAC). IIAC is a learning center attending the academic, psychological and social needs of marginalized youth between the ages of 14 - 24.
We'll enjoy beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities, a peaceful courtyard, and a delicious breakfast made from local ingredients. The location is ideal, close to Oaxaca's historic sites such as the Plaza de la Danza. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, staying at Hotel Con Corazón not only provides relaxation but also contributes to significant social impact in Oaxaca.
Your 4th and 5th night are at Communal Cabins in the Lachatao Community:
Staying at the communal cabins in Lachatao offers a rustic and serene retreat in the heart of the Sierra Norte mountains. The cabins, built with traditional materials, blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, providing a cozy and comfortable haven. Inside, we find simple yet charming furnishings, with warm blankets and a wood-burning stove to keep us snug in the cool mountain air. Large windows offer stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains, allowing us to connect deeply with nature.
Mornings begin with the sounds of birds and the fresh scent of pine. The tranquility and natural beauty of Lachatao, combined with the warm hospitality of the local community, make for an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience.
Your final night back in Oaxaca is at La Betulia Bed & Breakfast:
Le Betulia is a charming bed and breakfast that invites you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. This peaceful retreat provides an authentic experience, combining comfortable accommodations, delightful culinary offerings, and personalized service.
The moment you step into Le Betulia, you can feel the warm and welcoming ambiance. The beautifully adorned rooms are tastefully decorated with local artwork, artisanal textiles, and handcrafted furnishings that reflect the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca. Sink into the plush bedding, unwind in the cozy seating areas, or soak in the tranquility from your private terrace, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.
Mindfulness & Yoga
What if I’ve never meditated or done yoga?
Have no fear! No prior yoga or meditation and mindfulness experience needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leaders will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playing in the dirt. Our trips have a little bit of everything!
To help you get the most out of your experience you will receive a pre-trip guide that has mindfulness and meditation practices, potential journaling prompts, and thoughtful ways to connect with nature throughout your adventure.
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
We’d love to impart some final words of wisdom for you here. These are tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years exploring, trekking, and guiding groups.
Pack light! The lighter the better. We cannot stress this enough! When packing ask yourself this question: “Do I absolutely need this?” If the answer is no, leave it behind.
A word about luggage. If possible, pack so that you can bring everything in a carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood) you won’t be trying to piece gear together or purchase lots of expensive items last minute. If you do decide to check luggage then we recommend wearing or packingsome essentials in your carry-on just in case!