1

Not to be missed is the market day in Ocotlan------It may be on a Friday? Other villages' market days pale in comparison to this one----crowded with farmers some in native dress searching for and buying what they need for day to day use---not a touristic display. There is an old monastery there that one can sightsee----mezcal shops-----and paintings by world famous local painter whose name slips by me at the mo. One can take a bus or a fill up taxi there from the bus stn near Abastos market or the line up of taxis there. Was the painter Morales???? hmmm

2

Any reason you don't want to spend more time in DF? It's a fantastic city.
If you are keen on hiking in the Sierra, then look at a trip to the Pueblos Mancommunados.

3

The Grutas de Tolantongo are amazing, though in the opposite direction from Oaxaca.

4

Ocotlan mercado is on Friday and, yes, don't miss it. It is huge.

5

Ocatlan is outside of Oaxaca by the way and there are a number of small towns in that direction where local artisans carve intricate alibrijes and fire black pottery. The Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban are a must see in Oaxaca and the huge mercado on the edge of town is one of the best I've been in Mexico with its chocolate shops, pulque stands, cobblers, weavers and incredible variety of foods.

Agree with #2 that Mexico City deserves some time - it has everything from ancient ruins to colonial buidlings, giant mercados, world-class museums and lots to do day and night. Also, you can take day trips of overnighters out of Mexico City (to Puebla, Taxco or Queretero for example). A day trip to the massive and mysterious ruins of Teotihuacan should be on your list in Mexico City as well.

6

For me it would be Oaxaca City and environs plenty to do for a week there. Ocotlan as above- the artist is Rudolfo Morales, his house is worth a visit. Sunday market in Tlatcolula, combined with Mitla, Yagul and maybe Teotitlan. Lots of craft towns, Arrazola, San Martin Tilcajete, market day in Zachilla combined with ex convento at Cuilipam is good. Plenty in Oaxaca city to do as well, regional museum is great. You can also get a bit off the beaten track and go to Hierve del Agua, or Ixtlan, more far afield to see the convento like Coixlahuaca. Nothing I said here is in any kind of geographical order. Get a good tour book and I think you would really enjoy it.

7

For a beach recommendation, I would suggest Puerto Escondido. I am heading there again in March. It has a great small town feel and is an excellent place to surf whether you've been on a board before or not. Great fishing, beautiful beaches, and very inexpensive. One of my favorite places on earth.

8

Does anyone know if it is easy to hire a driver for a day in Oaxaca? Or rent a car and find our own way around?

I am interested in goint to Hierve del Agua and a market town if we are there on the right day, but not keen on the day tours that seem to be on offer.

thanks

9

Mexico City deserves 5 days at a minimum IMO.

10

OP - Multiple buses are available from Oaxaca to DF and there are many hotels in Oaxaca. What I'm suggesting is to leave your plan open. If you find that you've had enough of Oaxaca after your first week, head back to DF. If you find Oaxaca charming, stay another week. You'll know. I know I could easily fill two weeks in Oaxaca.

One of the things that you mentioned was that you enjoy meeting local people. Sitting on a bench in the Zocalo is a wonderful way of meeting Oaxacans, other Mexicans and people from all over the world. Oaxaca also has many cultural events ongoing including dance and musical performances in the Zocalo, El Llano park, Plaza de la Danza (near the Basilica de Soledad), Teatro Alcala and the complex at Santo Domingo (regional history museum and ethnobotanical garden.) Speaking of the garden there, it is definitely worth seeking out.

Others have made good suggestions for places to visit, Monte Alban, Ocotlan, Zaachila and Cuilapam. If you enjoy archaeological sites, hiring a car and heading out toward Mitla can fill a whole day. On the way you could stop at Dainzu and Lambityeco then on to Mitla. On the way back you could also stop at Yagul and the gigantic tree at Santa Maria Tule. If you do this trip on a Sunday, there is a gigantic market at Tlacolula which is before you get to Mitla.

(A note to #8 - shzdwn, I've have good luck hiring drivers from one of the sitios by the Zocalo. One I've used is Sitio Alameda which is right next to the cathedral. Taxis wait there for fares and it's possible to negotiate with the drivers while they wait. I've generally arranged for a driver a day before and agreed on an hourly rate. Talking with the drivers on these trips has been valuable in learning about Oaxaca and the way people live.)

11

You can easily hire a taxi by the hour maybe $12-$15 an hour. Check around and you can get a decent price. To go to Hierve by pulic transport bus to Mitla, then take what comes along there. A bus or the pick-ups with the benches in them.

12

hiking in the sierra norte is great...good guidesw excellent accomodations and good food with local people...check out web of expediciones sierra del norte they have an office in oaxaca city and help plan your I have done this 2x....also there are some good day trips offered out of oaxaca city by travel agencies these in...clude La Tula,,,a giant tree rcooperatives, some ruins,and beautiful hot pools of which i forget the name...also very large famous ruin site also forgot the name dont forget the agave factories included in prev trip Happy Trails! Jaime