Trip to Oaxaca & Pacific Coast: Transportation Tips and Activity Ideas

Hello!

I’ve just got two tickets for my partner and me to spend 18 days starting from Oaxaca. We arrive on the morning of 10/27 and leave on the afternoon of 11/13.

I’ve already booked a lodge for 7 nights about 20 km from Oaxaca. The idea is to be nearby, especially for Día de los Muertos, which my partner has been dreaming about.

I’ve got a few questions:

- First, do you think renting a car is essential, or are the local bus networks (around Oaxaca) dense and reliable enough? - Roughly how much do taxi rides cost? - After our stay in Oaxaca (where the schedule is still flexible), I plan to head to the Pacific coast around Mazunte, with a goal of visiting a lagoon at night to swim in the bioluminescent algae and possibly witness turtle hatchings. But so far, I haven’t noted much else. Any suggestions for things to do/see around Mazunte, or along the route between Oaxaca and the Pacific coast?

Thanks in advance for your advice—I’ll definitely be back with more questions! :)

Hi there,

I won’t be able to help much, since we didn’t use public transportation or rent a car, and we didn’t go to the Pacific coast.

However, I don’t think staying 20 km from Oaxaca is a good idea. The city is always lively, especially during Día de los Muertos. You’ll regret not extending your evenings there—it’s best to avoid driving at night if you rent a car, and I’m not sure if buses run late.

Feel free to check out my travel journal on MyAtlas.

About Oaxaca: click here

Nearby, don’t miss Monte Albán. There are regular shuttles from Oaxaca. Also, head to Hierve el Agua via the Tlacolula Valley (see here). If you’re not renting a car, a taxi can take you for the day at a reasonable price, from what I’ve read.

Have a great time in Oaxaca—one of Mexico’s gems! !

Well, I ended up canceling my accommodation to book another one right near the center :)

Also make sure to go to Hierve el Agua via the Tlacolula Valley (see here). If you're not renting a car, a taxi can take you there for the day for a reasonable price, from what I've read here and there.

You can also get to Hierve el Agua by public transport (bus).

For bioluminescence, two spots in the region: Laguna de Manialtepec (near Puerto Escondido) Playa La Entrega (near Huatulco) Link with details: https://www.tourisme-bussang.com/les-6-lieux-incontournables-au-mexique-pour-observer-la-bioluminescence/