Oaxaca, which is located in Mexico, has recently been ranked as the top city in the world by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. This is a summary of some of the top spots in Oaxaca to dine, drink, and engage in other activities.

Because it has a never-ending supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca is unquestionably one of the best places in the world to indulge in some of the best food and drink. Therefore, it should come as little to no surprise that it was selected as the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine for its 2022 World's Best Awards. This lively state in the southwestern region of Mexico is home to a vibrant culture, pleasant weather, a terrain that ranges from towering peaks to cerulean surf, and some of the most distinctive buildings in the country. If you didn't plan things out properly, you could spend several weeks here and not even begin to scratch the surface of what this place has to offer. As a result of this, we have produced a list of the top things to do, see, and drink while traveling through this fascinating region of the world.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is a huge state that encompasses a variety of tropical as well as subtropical climates. Its size is comparable to that of the state of Indiana. The majority of the land is located at an elevation of more than one mile above sea level, which results in temperatures that are often substantially lower than those seen along the coastlines. As a result of all of this, the temperature can be extremely different depending on where you go and what time of year it is. The good news is that the weather is almost always of pleasant warmth and there is an abundance of sunshine. The one and only exception to this rule is the wet season, which begins in late June and lasts all the way through September.

The beginning of November is always a good time for tourists to come. The weather is reliably pleasant, and you'll also get to participate in events for Dia de Los Muertos, which bring revelry, marigolds, and captivating pageantry into the streets of cities and villages all over the country. Even if you can't make it for these specific celebrations if you visit between the holidays in the fall and the spring you won't have to worry about missing out on much of anything.

The Finest Accommodations in All of Oaxaca

Oaxaca is home to a diverse selection of hotels, ranging from simple bed-and-breakfasts to historic convents that have been turned into hotels, all the way up to the most extravagant and grandiose examples of contemporary luxury. Every significant region of the state contains a smattering of all of these things but to varying degrees. For example, if you're staying surfside, Villas Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido is lovely yet accessible. The Secrets Resort & Spa in Huatulco is a crown jewel in Conejos Bay, boasting opulent accommodations and a concierge service that is available around the clock.

You could literally throw a rock in any direction in the capital city of Oaxaca, and it would land on a hotel that is worth staying at for the night. If you are not afraid to spend a few hundred dollars per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Hotel Casa Santo Origen. On the other hand, if you are looking for something more traditional, you can check in at Quinta Real Oaxaca, which is a nunnery that dates back to the 16th century and still maintains a thorough throwback charm.

You could choose to remain in the center of the region known for its mezcal production. In that case, you will want to make a reservation at the breathtaking Casa Silencio, which is located around one hour outside of Oaxaca City. This opulent homage to agave has guest rooms spread across many levels, a spa, cuisine, and mixology on par with that served at Michelin-starred restaurants, and, yep, a working distillery producing the national spirit.

Activities Available in Oaxaca

Okay, so you should probably drink some mezcal. But we'll discuss that at a later time. To begin, you won't want to miss the opportunity to indulge in the exquisite cuisine that can be found all across Oaxaca. And if you're looking for it when you're out and about in Oaxaca City, you won't have any trouble finding it. The hub's busy market scene is a terrific place to take in a little bit of everything because there is so much going on there. The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is well-known for its extensive selection of food stalls, which include anything from baked products and pastries to "El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas," a whole alley dedicated to roasted proteins. Visit Mercado Organico La Cosecha for something more intimate and accommodating to vegetarians if you are looking for a different option.

Make a reservation at either Criollo or Origen, two of the highest-rated restaurants in the area, if you're in the mood for a more traditional dining experience that involves sitting down. The first restaurant highlights regional ingredients within a picturesque open-air courtyard, while the second restaurant takes its cuisine in a substantially more international direction under the direction of renowned chef Rodolfo Castellanos. And if you are looking for something that is utterly out of the ordinary but still just as good, make a reservation at Convivio, where you can have exquisite cocktails together with Oaxacan meals that have an Asian influence.

Just make sure that you spare some room for the Golden Pork Lechon. This simple tented shop is an after-hours staple, and it is open every night starting at eight o'clock and staying open until... whenever. They specialize in mouthwatering pork tacos that are topped with pig rinds that have been fried to a crisp and spicy green salsa.

When it's time to venture out of the city for some sightseeing, Hierve el Agua is sure to be at the top of your list of must-see natural wonders to discover. These calcareous rock formations at San Lorenzo Albarradas have the appearance of a cascade that has been frozen onto the edge of a cliff. You can hike right up to the edge of the waterfall on one of the established trails.

Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located on top of a plateau that is 400 meters (1,300 feet) high. It is home to a well-preserved terraced pyramid as well as other pre-Columbian cultural relics. The Zapotecs were a Native American culture who are believed to have settled in this area as early as 800 BC. The majority of what you will see here was constructed by the Zapotecs. It is the ceremonial site that holds the position of second largest in all of Central America.

Instructions on How to Reach Oaxaca

Xoxocotlán International Airport, which is located in the capital city, is the airport that provides the most convenient access to the state of Oaxaca. The cities of Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston are the stops on the route of the direct service that originates in the United States. It's highly likely that you'll need to take a transfer in order to go to the beach. The majority of passengers coming from the United States will have a layover in either Guadalajara or Mexico City on their way to Puerto Escondido Airport. However, with the hamlet on the Pacific coast becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, this might alter in the near future.

Mezcal in Oaxaca

Mezcal is a type of agave alcohol that is traditionally produced in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. It has been produced in this location for hundreds of years utilizing methods that have, for the most part, been able to withstand the prying hands of modern machinery.

To list all of the "palenques," or farm distilleries, where it is produced as well as the charming sipping parlors where it is served would require an altogether another article. Palenques translate to "distilleries" (in fact, this is a good one right here). Nevertheless, on the assumption that you will begin your exploration of liquids in the city of Oaxaca, here are four opportunities for tasting that you should not pass up: Mezcalera In Situ offers a large collection of bottles and has a strong emphasis on teaching. El Distilado is the place to go if you want to see how well mezcal goes with the regional cuisine. Selva Oaxaca is the place to go if you want to see how mezcal mixes into handcrafted cocktails.

Take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro, a trendy watering establishment founded by native agave impresario Asis Cortes, who is also known as the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe. Here, you may have a drink while taking in the surrounding scenery. Book a spot on a Mezcal Educational Tour led by resident expert Alvin Starkman if you don't mind traveling several hours outside of the city boundaries to participate. You have a front-row seat to the time-honored procedures that are carried out in the palenque on one of his famed day excursions. (You can make reservations for them here.)

Best Beaches in Oaxaca

These days, beachgoers are flocking to Puerto Escondido in large numbers, which is attracting a lot of attention from tourists. Because its tropical oceans are breathtakingly beautiful, and because its community is indisputably pleasant, it is no wonder that this place is so popular. However, Oaxaca state is actually home to more than 500 kilometers of coastline, which means that there is a significant amount of additional territory to explore beyond the most obvious spots.

The beach at Mazunte is an excellent illustration of this, with its azure waters and rugged coastline providing a striking contrast. Because of the friendly and open nature of the people that live here, you won't have any trouble settling in. Visit the Mexican Turtle Center in town to learn more about the conservation efforts being made to protect everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile.

If you want things to go a little bit more quickly, you can get to Zipolite by traveling several kilometers east down the coast. The pounding that this beach takes from the waves makes it a favorite spot for surfers. While some choose to simply lie down and get a tan while admiring the sunset over the rocks that surround them. You also have the option of going snorkeling in the protected coral reefs that are located in the nearby Huatulco National Park.