Fernwayer’s Private Oaxaca de Juárez Tours

Originally a Zapotec settlement, Oaxaca City retains a strong Indigenous influence. It also tells the story of post-Columbian Mexico, boasting superb colonial architecture such as the Santo Domingo Church, and its name partially comes from the legendary 19th-century president Benito Juárez. The city celebrates deep-rooted traditions through vibrant crafts, cuisine, and festivals like Guelaguetza, honoring communal spirit, artistry, and the enduring blend of Indigenous and colonial cultures. With a culinary scene which will have you salivating, Oaxaca de Juárez is an unmissable Mexico destination.

Famous for its paper and printed arts, it boasts one of the country’s most exciting cultural scenes Fernwayer's private tours in Oaxaca are hosted by long-time and lifelong residents, who take a mindful and ethical approach to curating afternoons where you can explore its UNESCO-listed city center, adventure through the region's incredible landscapes, and come into contact with some of the city's most renowned artisans.

A food lover and heritage worker shows you the best of generational street vendors, an artist invites you to their printmaking workshop, and a crafts expert introduces you to families whose expertise covers wax candle-aking, silk, and Indigenous drinks.

Kick-off your time in Oaxaca with a morning street food tour, where you'll be taken to the best local taco, tamale and agua fresca makers downtown and in a local market. Head to Oaxaca's central vallery to visit a legendary pottery workshop that provides emblematic examples of regional aesthetics. In Teotitlán del Valle, an Indigenous crafts town, you'll meet a craftswoman who revolutionized traditional beeswax candle production. Nearby, at the house of a silk weaving family you'll see some of the region's finest textiles. A day tour through artisanal mezcal distilleries will bring you closer to centuries of tradition, and provide an excuse to taste the variety of agave-based spirits.

The Human Edit

Need help planning your trip? A Fernwayer curator takes your preferences and designs a custom travel itinerary that works. This is human-led travel planning — by someone who understands the art of travel itinerary design — built around your dates and preferences. Each personalized itinerary uses Fernwayer experiences as anchors and complements them with recommendations for flights, hotels, restaurants, and self-explore ideas.

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Art & Craft Tours

Oaxaca's legendary crafts traditions are often a reason people travel to the region. With Fernwayer's experiences, you can have a private studio tour through one of the city's premier etching printers. Visit a beeswax candle artisan who reinvented the tradition in her youth, and keeps it alive in her beautiful workshop. Visit a family of stonemasons, whose ancestors have left their mark throughout the region. Get involved in a visit to a family weaving studio. Or, take a guided trip through the silk production process, and see some of the finest examples of silk, cotton and wool produce that Oaxaca has to offer.

History Tours

Thanks to its usos y costumbres law, Oaxaca is one of the Mexican states where Indigenous communities retain the most autonomy. Thanks to this, there are many local historical and sacred sites which have been preserved by the region's Zapotec community. On a hike through a nearby mountain, you'll learn about the history of corn, and visit cave paintings, dating back 10,00 years, which are a designated UNESCO heritage site. You can also visit a local farming community, where pre-Columbian and Christian traditions have blended.

Food and Drinks Tours

Almost everyone in Mexico — and especially Oaxacans — will tell you that Oaxaca has the best food. And that's a big compliment in a country famed for its cuisine. Fernwayer's food and drink tours in Oaxaca include a morning walking tour to markets and great quality street vendors. You can also be immersed in the history of tejate, Oaxaca's legendary and highly refreshing maize flour drink. You can also engage in a cooking workshop with a Zapotec female collective. There, among other things, you'll learn about regional tamale-making. At family-run mezcal distilleries, you'll be introduced to the diversity of agave spirit production, and come into contact with local culture and family life. Get ready to taste history.

Oaxaca Neighborhood Guide

Centro Histórico

The heart of Oaxaca’s cultural and social life, Centro Histórico brims with colonial churches, artisan markets, and elegant courtyards. Its boutique hotels, fine restaurants, and walkable streets make it ideal for travelers seeking historic charm and urban sophistication

Jalatlaco

Once a humble artisan quarter, Jalatlaco now blends tradition with trendiness. Cobblestone lanes, vivid murals, and cozy cafés create a relaxed, creative ambiance perfect for discerning travelers craving authenticity without sacrificing comfort or style.

Xochimilco

Among Oaxaca’s oldest neighborhoods, Xochimilco exudes serenity and history. Its narrow, flower-lined alleys, graceful archways, and boutique accommodations invite guests to experience refined tranquility just steps from the city’s bustling cultural core.

How walkable is Oaxaca City, and is it safe to walk around, including at night? Oaxaca City is exceptionally walkable, especially within the Centro Histórico, where cobblestone streets, shaded plazas, and pedestrian-friendly avenues connect museums, boutiques, and restaurants. Most major attractions are within a 15 to 30-minute stroll, and the compact layout makes exploring on foot both easy and enjoyable. During the day, walking feels safe and lively, with locals, visitors, and street vendors filling the streets. At night, main areas around Santo Domingo Church and the Zócalo remain active and generally secure, though it’s wise to avoid dimly lit side streets. As in any global destination, standard urban precautions—using reputable taxis at night, keeping valuables discreet, and staying aware—ensure a relaxed and confident experience in one of Mexico’s most welcoming cities.

How easy is it to get around without a car? Are taxis or private drivers readily available and trustworthy? Getting around Oaxaca without a car is remarkably convenient. The city’s compact layout means most destinations in the historic center and nearby neighborhoods can be reached on foot or with a short taxi ride. We recommend using ride-hailing apps, or arranging taxis via the reception desk or concierge at your hotel. Any Fernwayer experiences which take you out of the city include private transport.

Are there English-speaking guides for day trips to Monte Albán, mezcal distilleries, or craft villages? Yes, Oaxaca is used to English-speaking guests and there plenty of people, including local guides, who can curate your visit to the area's main archeological and historic sites, such as Monte Albán. There are also guides who curate bespoke itineraries through mezcal distilleries, weaving villages such as Teotitlán del Valle, and ceramic workshops. English-speaking guides are readily available and indispensable for unlocking the richness and authenticity of Oaxaca’s surrounding valleys.

Is Oaxaca a good city for fine dining and cuisine? Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s premier culinary destinations, celebrated globally for its complex moles, mezcal, and farm-to-table ethos. The city’s food scene beautifully blends traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, making it ideal for travelers who value authentic yet refined dining experiences. High-end restaurants reinterpret indigenous flavors with contemporary presentation and meticulous sourcing from local producers. Upscale mezcalerías and boutique tasting rooms offer guided flights of artisanal spirits, while gourmet markets and rooftop terraces invite relaxed indulgence. Even casual eateries and street vendors excel in quality. For food lovers seeking depth, artistry, and authenticity, Oaxaca offers some of the most sophisticated and soulful dining experiences in Latin America.

Is the airport close to the city center, and what’s the best way to transfer? Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) lies just 20–25 minutes south of the city center. The airport is compact, efficient, and serves direct flights from Mexico City, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. Upon landing, travelers can choose between authorized airport taxis, private transfers, or hotel-arranged pickups. Pre-booked transfers arranged via the hotel are ideal for high-end travelers, ensuring air-conditioned comfort, professional drivers, and a seamless experience from terminal to hotel door. For departures, most hotels can organize reliable transport with flexible timing to accommodate flight schedules.

Which neighborhoods offer both authenticity and upscale comfort for an immersive yet secure stay? Three neighborhoods stand out for high-end travelers seeking refinement and local charm: Centro Histórico, Jalatlaco, and Xochimilco. The Centro Histórico offers colonial architecture, proximity to cultural landmarks, and elegant boutique hotels in restored mansions – perfect for those wanting to be at the heart of Oaxaca’s life and nightlife. Jalatlaco, an artsy enclave east of the center, captivates with its cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and creative cafés. It’s quieter yet still walkable, ideal for guests desiring a stylish local atmosphere. Xochimilco, one of the oldest barrios, feels tranquil and picturesque, with leafy alleys and intimate boutique accommodations. It balances serenity with easy access to central attractions.

What are the best times of year to visit Oaxaca? Oaxaca enjoys a mild, springlike climate year-round, but the best times to visit are from October through April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for walking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining. October and November feature vibrant cultural festivals, including Día de los Muertos, when the city transforms with altars, parades, and candlelit cemeteries. December to February brings cool evenings and clear days, ideal for exploring markets and mountain villages. July is another special time thanks to the Guelaguetza Festival, a world-renowned celebration of indigenous music and dance. The summer months (June–September) are part of the rainy season, but showers are typically brief and followed by golden sunlight. For luxury travelers, shoulder months like March, April, and November offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and an effortlessly elegant atmosphere throughout the city.