Oaxaca Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen for warm daytime temperatures. Shorts, skirts, light pants, and t-shirts are suitable. For evenings and mornings, bring a Light jacket, sweater, or hoodie for cooler temperatures. A Shawl or scarf proves versatile for warmth and style.
Dress in clothing similar to the dry season, but quick-drying fabrics are preferred. A Light rain jacket or Poncho is required for evenings and mornings. A Compact travel umbrella is also useful. Consider the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Jacket or Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket for rain protection.
Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are a must for extensive walking on cobblestone streets.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended for archaeological sites like Monte Albán, which involves uneven terrain.
Comfortable Sandals or dressier shoes are fine for evenings. Water-resistant shoes are useful during the rainy season.
Make copies of all essential documents and store them separately from the originals. This assists in case of loss or theft. Keep digital copies on your phone and in cloud storage.
Mexico uses 127V, 60Hz. Plug types are Type A and B, the same as the US and Canada. If visiting from Europe, Australia, or other regions, a Universal travel adapter (Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit) is needed. Most modern electronics are dual voltage (100-240V).
A Smartphone camera typically fulfills most travelers' photography needs. For enthusiasts, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm equivalent) serves well for street photography, landscapes, and portraits. Consider a Lightweight tripod for low-light shots.
Google Maps or Maps.me for offline maps. Google Translate (offline Spanish pack) or DeepL Translate.
DiDi (Uber availability can be limited). Booking.com and Airbnb for lodging. WhatsApp for local communication.
Consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.
A well-stocked first aid kit handles minor injuries and common travel ailments. This kit includes adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, and pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen).
Bring enough prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Keep medications in original labeled containers. Carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note for controlled substances. A small amount of Hand sanitizer is always useful.
If you plan serious hikes in the Sierra Norte, proper Hiking boots, layered clothing, a Daypack, and sufficient water are useful.
A sturdy Reusable bag for market shopping is a smart item to bring. The BAGGU Standard Reusable Shopping Bag is lightweight and durable.
Personal items like a comfortable daypack, good walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle are best brought from home to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Comfort items for transportation, like a Neck pillow or Eye mask, are useful for long-distance bus travel. A Travelrest - The Ultimate Travel Pillow offers good neck support.
Reusable items contribute to sustainability and convenience. A Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask) for hydration and waste reduction. Many hotels offer filtered water refills. A Reusable shopping bag (BAGGU Standard) is for market visits.
Carry a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Use a reusable bag for market visits and daily purchases.
Bring your own reusable cutlery for street food.
Make choices that support local communities and the environment.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Oaxaca's cobblestone streets are charming but tough on your feet without appropriate footwear.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and FMM card separately from the originals. Store digital copies on your phone and in cloud storage.
