Oaxaca Details

Checked Luggage

• Pack light—you’ll be carrying your own bag.

• We suggest bringing a max of one checked bag and an extra foldable duffle for larger souvenirs and purchases.

  • Check your airline’s baggage rules on your ticket.

Carry-On Bag

• Pack essentials + medications and at least two changes of clothes in case your luggage is delayed (this happened before on tours).

• You may also bring a personal item (like a purse, backpack or camera bag), but check your airlines for their policies.

Small Waist Pack or Crossbody Bag

• Great for keeping your passport, tickets, and documents handy.

• Usually doesn’t count toward your carry-on allowance if small.

• Perfect for exploring markets and keeping things secure.

• You will be given an A&N tote to use during your tour to carry all your market goodies.

Here’s a suggested packing list. We’ll go over details in our pre-trip meeting if you have further questions. Check the weather before packing. It will be warm in July, but comfortable. We will go hiking a few times and lots of walking in general, so be sure to plan for that with your shoes and clothing. You can plan to change for your dinners if desired.

Clothing: Comfortable yet modest clothing is important when we are visiting the traditional artisans. Avoid shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, see-through, tight, or low-cut clothes. Please also avoid hats or t-shirts with slogans or images that could be offensive.

You need casual day clothing for 5 days. You can do laundry and wear things more than once.

Good options for touring artisan communities and Oaxaca city: (women) dresses, tunics, pants/jeans with blouses or button-up shirts (men) slacks, jeans, colored cotton polo shirts, breathable fabrics, button up shirts. You can be stylish and will likely want to buy things from some of the artisans and shops you visit.

When we are hiking and visiting Monte Alban, you should plan to dress accordingly for these active experiences and bring layers. The temperatures will be cooler in the mountains.

You can change into something nicer for dinners. Plan to bring 2-3 nicer yet casual things to wear in the evenings if you want to change.

• Lightweight jacket + 1 sweater for cool evenings

Undergarments + Socks:

• Bring enough for the entire trip (pack an extra in carry-on) as the laundry services may not do your undergarments.

• Socks: enough for trip

Shoes

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes that can do well on hills as well as cobblestones.

• Sandals comfortable for walking.

Jewelry

• Jewelry is fine, but leave valuables at home.

Laundry

• Available at some hotels (small fee, 24-hour turnaround).

Toiletries: Liquids must be under 3.4 oz and fit in a clear quart size zip bag if you have them in your carry one bag. Remember to check other airport regulations if you have a connecting flight.  

• Personal toiletries (keep it as simple as possible).

• Pack sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer.

• Whenever possible, try to choose eco-friendly products.

• Keep your essentials in your carry-on so they’re easy to reach.

Hair Styling Tools:

There should be a hair dryer available in your hotel room.

• Pack Healthy Snacks such as nuts, bars, dried fruit, etc, that won’t spoil or melt.

• You may want to pack extra snacks for the car rides as well as our hike. Car trips range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours on a few days.

Personal Medications: Please bring your regular medications + a few days extra and keep them in your carry on bag.

Sleep aids: Consider melatonin or other sleep aids that may be helpful during your first few days. If you are a light sleeper, you may also want to bring ear plugs.

Travel Medications: Ask your doctor to provide a prescription in case you contract a parasite and need an antibiotic, as well as prescription medications for diarrhea. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 

Electronics: Phone, charger, earphones, and a portable charger can be brought as needed.

Plug Adapter(s): Mexico uses North American travel adapter for types A (standard 2 prong) & B (3 prong); you may want to bring an adapter if you have a 3 prong device.

Mexico’s power: is 127V voltage and 60Hz

Credit / Debit Card: ATMs in Oaxaca are limited, so having both cash and a card is important.

• You can use your card at the airport, banks, or money exchange to get local cash.

• Call your bank or credit card company before travel so your card doesn’t get blocked.

• Bring a credit card for emergencies and personal purchases (some places take cards, others only cash).

Cash:

• Bring $150-300 in clean $20 bills. Ask your bank for unmarked bills.

• Exchange them at the airport after baggage claim—The hotel may also be able to change money.

• Sun hat, sunglasses

• Book, journal, pen.