Is it safe to drive in Oaxaca?

Driving within Oaxaca City is stressful due to traffic and narrow streets. Driving from the city to the coast is dangerous for tourists due to extreme curves and lack of cell service. Use professional drivers or shared vans.

Can I drink the water?

No. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth, even in nice hotels.

Two Weeks in Oaxaca: A Practical Itinerary

Spend your first four days exploring Oaxaca City and its surrounding archaeological sites, followed by three days in the mountain village of San José del Pacifico, and finish with a week on the Oaxacan coast. This route balances colonial culture, cloud forest hiking, and Pacific beach relaxation while minimizing wasted travel time.

Fly into Oaxaca City (OAX). Book a flight into Xoxocotlán International Airport. Do not attempt to drive from Mexico City unless you have an entire day to spare for the winding mountain roads.
Secure ground transport to the coast. Take a shared sprinter van (Lineas Unidas) or a small regional flight (Aerotucán) from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido. Do not take the public bus; the winding roads cause extreme motion sickness.
Manage your cash flow. Oaxaca City has ample ATMs, but coastal towns like Mazunte or Zipolite run on cash. Carry at least 3,000 MXN in small bills before leaving the city.

Is it safe to drive in Oaxaca?: Driving within Oaxaca City is stressful due to traffic and narrow streets. Driving from the city to the coast is dangerous for tourists due to extreme curves and lack of cell service. Use professional drivers or shared vans.
Can I drink the water?: No. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth, even in nice hotels.