Vibrant Oaxaca: Culture and Gastronomy

We will arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport and take you to our gorgeous hotel Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca.

You’ll have time to unpack and refresh before we meet for a welcome drink at our hotel.  Did someone say Mezcal? 

We'll head out for an exceptional dinner at Casa Oaxaca. The homemade salsa made at the table is one of the best you’ll ever taste. 

Rest will come easy tonight. 

We’ll tour the Cathedral Santo Domingo after breakfast. The cathedral's construction started in 1585. We’ll also explore the cathedral’s museum, an absolute treasure. What could be better than a little walking history tour on our first adventure?  

Afterward, we’ll meet up with the guy behind Oaxacking to experience the ultimate foodie tour. Get ready to walk. We'll cover a large part of town as we munch our way through various tasty delights, meeting chefs along the way. You’ll get your steps in as the Oaxacan cuisine blows you away. 

This evening, you’re likely to be tired, but for anyone still hungry and ready to imbibe – cocktails and snacks are on us!

This morning, we’ll head next door for breakfast at one of my personal favorites, Boulenc, a panaderia (baker) that produces the best French pastries in town. 

After filling our tummies, we’ll move out of the city for a comprehensive tour, discovering all there is to know about artisanal Mezcal production. Even if you don’t like Mezcal, this experience will change your mind. Our guide is one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject. He is also a producer.   

After our excursion, we’ll stop for lunch at an oasis of thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine, Casa Tierra, a hidden wonder introduced to us by our Mezcal guide.  

After enjoying this delicious lunch, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up. We are about to experience a traditional temazcal and massage at Temazcal Oaxaca.  The temazcal is a prehispanic ritual to clean, detoxify, and purify your mind, body, and spirit. It is a herbal steam bath, during which a (curandera) will perform a cleansing ritual to release all bad energies. 

Tonight's dinner plans include a visit to Tlayudas Libres Doña Martha, get ready to savor the delicious flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We will enjoy some delicious mouth-watering tlayudas  you're in for a treat. Come hungry and leave happy after a memorable evening of food and relaxation.

Today, we’ll have a proper Mexican breakfast at Fonda Florecita, in a small market nearby. Try the delicious hot chocolate. If you're adventurous, give the chapulinas (grasshoppers) a try. They're good and add protein to your morning tortilla. 

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Contemporary Art Museum for a guided tour of the Textile Museum of Oaxaca.

We'll indulge in the unique flavors of Tierra Antigua for lunch. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of traditional and modern dishes. 

In the afternoon, we'll head to a nearby village, where the inhabitants make handmade rugs. The villagers have been hand-weaving rugs in this town for nearly 1,000 years. We’ll stop at a women’s cooperative. Noma Collective Vida Nueva Women's Weaving Cooperative is our favorite. 

You'll have free time to explore the town and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history. 

Take the night off to enjoy a dinner in one of the many local restaurants or cafes. Savor the regional flavors and unwind after a day of adventure.

Today, we delve deep into the richness of Oaxacan cuisine and its classic ingredients. The state of Oaxaca may be one of the poorer Mexican areas, but the large number of indigenous people ensures that it’s rich in heritage. 

We’ll drive out to the home of our chef and cooking instructor after breakfast. She and her son have created a gorgeous outdoor covered kitchen. You’ll make your own homemade tortillas, memelitas, and so much more. After the hard work, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labors.  

We'll head back to town after the feast to shop or relax before heading to an amazing restaurant, one of the prettiest in town.  

Tonight, we'll dine in style at Origen. The elevated cuisine will knock your socks off!

Start with a delicious breakfast and prepare for a day full of adventure and cultural immersion.  

We'll begin with a visit to the largest and most important archaeological site of Oaxaca, Monte Albán. A local expert guide will explain the legacy and history of the Zapotec site. 

Monte Albán is elevated to 6,400 ft above mean sea level and rises some 1,300 ft from the valley floor. Getting there involves some uphill hiking and uneven terrain, so wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. 

As you explore the site, you'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved walkways. Some areas may have uneven steps. Rest assured, the site is well-maintained, and there are plenty of resting areas to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. 

Despite the physical activity required, the stunning panoramic views and historical significance of this ancient Zapotec city make it well worth the effort. 

Next, we'll visit Black Pottery Town, a charming village known for its unique pottery creations. Here, you can watch the skilled crafters at work and buy a one-of-a-kind piece as a souvenir. 

After Black Pottery Town, we'll head to San Martin Tilcajete for activities and adventures. The afternoon will start with mouth-watering street food as we enjoy the Festival in San Martin Tilcajete. 

A visit to David Hernandez's Workshop is a must. Here, we will discover how to create alebrijes and find an amazing collection to buy.   

We'll head back to Oaxaca, where you'll have time to relax before we meet for a farewell dinner at Levadura de Olla, a restaurant that serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist. 

After a week of exploring and eating your way through Oaxaca, it's time to head home with a head full of memories and a couple of bottles of mezcal. 

Our driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. You may depart early or enjoy breakfast at the hotel beforehand.