To avoid the bother of driving to the airport, take the BART Rapid Rail or Caltrain Commuter Rail from city center to San Francisco International (SFO). Pack a good book, as typical flight times are typically just under five hours. When you disembark at Oaxaca Xoxocotlan (OAX), pick up a cab and take it to city center.

Attractions and Tips

While in Oaxaca, tour the ruins of the Zapotec capital at Monte Alban. For a look at indigenous plant life, visit the Ethnobotanial Garden. If you want to get your hike on, visit Hierve el Agua. Not only does this rocky terrain provide great opportunities to work out, the site also features natural pools in which you can cool off after your strenuous endeavors.

As the sun sets, stroll down Andador de Macedonia Alcala. This stretch of road is the busiest in Oaxaca and features streets and restaurants. If you want to return home with some newly acquired cooking skills, visit La Cocina Oaxaquena. This cooking school offers lessons in Oaxacan culinary preparations, allowing you to put these skills to use in your home kitchen once your vacation has come to a close.

If you want to immerse yourself in culture, pick a place in Xochimilco, an old artisan community. If you prefer a neighborhood with a touch of the modern, stay in La Cascada. Oaxaca enjoys warm weather year round. Consider visiting during the winter as an escape.