Mexico·February 8 - 14 2024

Vibrant Oaxaca: Culture and Gastronomy

Oaxaca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, historic and gourmet gifted havens in all of Mexico.

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Overview

In Oaxaca, you’ll savor all the sensory delights from artisanal crafts to hand-crafted mezcal to the best and most unique food in the country. This is the land of the seven moles of barbacoa and blue tortillas. Once you get to know this town, you will not want to leave! We will dine in this historic city at both high-end restaurants and off-the-beaten path street stands to experience both the regional specialties as well as more modern chef interpretations pulling from all the various pre-Hispanic influences. But nothing is more nuanced than Mezcal. Made from a dozen different agave species, and 52 more sub-species, Mezcal is emblematic of Oaxaca’s diversity. (Mezcal’s popular cousin, Tequila, is made from a single Agave species – Weber blue). Mezcal is at the heart and soul of Oaxaca, to be sipped and celebrated with friends. We will also experience a traditional Temazcal Ritual and massage. This experience is not to be missed. It is essentially a steam bath of medicinal and aromatic herbs used in traditional medicine and the daily life of the peoples of central Mexico. The weather at this time is picture perfect, every day – highs in the 70’s and lows in the 50’s at night. GG2W reserves the right to alter the itinerary based on weather or availability, as well as exciting opportunities that might crop up! Vegetarians & Vegans - Not to worry – you will be well fed in all restaurants as well as those allergic to seafood or gluten. Options are plentiful.

Highlights

Mezcal  Distillery Tour and Tasting

Mezcal Distillery Tour and Tasting

Take a cooking class with our own Chef/Guide using market fresh ingredients

Take a cooking class with our own Chef/Guide using market fresh ingredients

Visit Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec metropolis dating back to 500 BC

Visit Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec metropolis dating back to 500 BC

Shop ‘til you drop for the most beautiful pottery & textiles you’ve ever seen

Shop ‘til you drop for the most beautiful pottery & textiles you’ve ever seen

Take the ultimate walking and tasting tour exploring the full range of Oaxacan cuisine.

Take the ultimate walking and tasting tour exploring the full range of Oaxacan cuisine.

Discover Teotitlán del Valle, the headquarters for rugs weavers for 1000’s of years

Discover Teotitlán del Valle, the headquarters for rugs weavers for 1000’s of years

Cleanse and detox your body at a traditional ceremonial temazcal, dating back 1000’s of years

Cleanse and detox your body at a traditional ceremonial temazcal, dating back 1000’s of years

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip

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Day 1: Thursday Feb 8th, 2024

We will arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport and take you to our gorgeous, artsy boutique hotel - Pug Seal Oaxaca - conveniently located in the historic downtown area. 

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

We'll then 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.

Included

Welcome Drinks

Dinner

Airport Transfer

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Day 2: Friday Feb 9th, 2024

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head over to tour the Cathedral Santo Domingo, whose construction begin in 1585 and following that we’ll tour the cathedral’s museum which is an absolute treasure. What's better than a little walking history tour on our first morning adventure?  

Then we’ll meet up with the guy behind Oaxacking, to experience an ultimate foodie tour. Get ready to walk, as we will cover a large part of town so while munching on everything from A to Z and meeting chefs along the way, you’ll get your steps in while you are blown away by what Oaxacan cuisine has to offer. 

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

Included

Breakfast

Cathedral and History Tour

Foodie Tour

Appetizers and drinks

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Day 3: Saturday, February 10th, 2024

For breakfast we’ll head next door for our 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 be launching outside the city for a comprehensive tour to learn all about the making of artisanal Mezcal. Even if you have told yourself you don’t like Mezcal, this experience will change your mind. Our guide is one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject in Mexico and 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 our Mezcal guide introduced us to.  

After enjoying this delicious lunch, we will head back to the hotel to freshen up. Then we are off to experience a traditional Temazcal and Massage Experience at Temazcal Oaxaca.  The temazcal is a pre hispanic ritual for cleaning, detoxifying and purifying one’s mind, body and spirit. It is an herbal steam bath, during which a (curandera) will perform a cleansing ritual to release all bad energies from your body. 

Tonight's dinner plans include a visit to Calabacitas Tiernas Tyaludas. Get ready to savor the delicious flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From mouth-watering tlayudas to scrumptious calabacitas tiernas, you're in for a treat. Come hungry and leave happy after a memorable evening of dining and relaxation.

Included

Breakfast

Mezcal tour

Lunch

Traditional Temazcal and Massage Experience

Dinner

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Day 4: Sunday, February 11th, 2024

Today we’ll enjoy a proper Mexican breakfast at Fonda Florecita in a small nearby market. Here you will want to try their delicious hot chocolate and for the adventurous, taste some chapulinas (grasshoppers). Actually, they are quite good and provide some extra protein on your morning tortilla. 

After breakfast, we’ll head over to the Contemporary Art Museum and then enjoy a guided tour of the Textile Museum of Oaxaca.

For lunch, indulge in the unique flavors of Tierra Antigua, a restaurant that offers a diverse selection of traditional and modern dishes. 

This afternoon we’ll head out to a nearby village that makes handmade rugs. They’ll been creating and hand weaving rugs in this town for nearly 1000 years, we’ll stop into the women’s cooperative, Noma Collective - Vida Nueva Women's Weaving Cooperative, which is our favorite. 

Take some free time to explore the town on your own and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of the area. 

Tonight, is your night off, so enjoy a dinner of your choosing in one of the many local restaurants or cafes. Savor the flavors of the region and unwind after a day of adventure and exploration.

Included

Breakfast

Museum Visits

Lunch

Women's Weaving Collective

Not Included

Dinner

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Day 5: Monday, February 12th, 2024

Today, we will delve deep into the richness of Oaxacan cuisine and its classic ingredients. The state of Oaxaca may be one of the poorer ones in Mexico, but it’s rich in heritage owing to the variety of indigenous peoples that hail from this area. 

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

After our enjoyable feast we will head back to town for some shopping or to simply relax before heading out to one of the most amazing restaurants.  

Tonight, we will dine in style at Origen, one of the prettiest places in town with elevated cuisine that will knock your socks off!

Included

Breakfast

Cooking class

Dinner

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Day 6: Tuesday , February 13th, 2024

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for a day full of adventure and cultural immersion.  

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

Monte Albán has an elevation of about 6,400 ft above mean sea level and rises some 1,300 ft from the valley floor and it involves some uphill hiking and uneven terrain.  Wear some sturdy comfortable walking shoes for today. 

As you explore the site, you'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved walkways, and some areas may have uneven steps. However, rest assured that the site is well-maintained, and there are plenty of resting areas where you can catch your breath and take in 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 will visit the Black Pottery town, a charming and quaint village known for its unique pottery creations. You will have the opportunity to witness the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans and perhaps even take home a one-of-a-kind piece as a souvenir. 

After that, we will head to San Martin Tilcajete for a multitude of activities and adventure. We will start with some mouth-watering street food for lunch while enjoying the Festival in San Martin Tilcajete. 

In San Martin Tilcajete a visit to David Hernandez’s Workshop is a must. Here we will learn about how alebrijes are created and find an amazing collection to purchase.   

After our visit to David's Shop, we will head back to Oaxaca where you'll have some time to relax before we meet again for our farewell dinner at Levadura de Olla, a restaurant that serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Guided tour of Monte Alban

Alebrijes workshop

Dinner

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Day 7: Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

After a week of exploring and eating your way through Oaxaca, it's time to head back home with a head full of memories and perhaps 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 in the morning or enjoy breakfast at the hotel beforehand.


Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Pug Seal Oaxaca

Pug Seal Oaxaca

Pug Seal Oaxaca is a unique property decorated in bright colors and amazing fabrics. Conveniently located in the historic downtown area, Pug Seal Oaxaca is the perfect home for our trip.

Hosts

Leticia Martinez

Leticia Martinez

A tour guide and an artist who specializes in the Day of the Day crowns, Leticia who hails from Mexico is the ideal guide for your Oaxaca tour.

LETICIAMSTUDIO

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$6,395.00/pp

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$5,645.00/pp

"The spirit of Ozxaca. Soaked in tradition"

Oaxaca

300 miles southeast of Mexico City lies the enchanting city of Oaxaca (pronounced “wa-ha-ka”). Sitting in a verdant valley with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, this area has been prized since 500BC. To this day, the state of Oaxaca (of which Oaxaca city is the capital) is the most ethnically diverse state in Mexico, home to 16 of the country’s 56 indigenous groups. Oaxaca’s ethnic diversity is the foundation for the rich culinary and cultural traditions you find here. Oaxaca must be taken in slowly and attentively to understand its many layers. 

Oaxaca

What's Included

What's Included

All ground transportation (including airport transfers)

Welcome gift

All meals except dinner on day 2 and 4

2 glasses of beer, wine or mezcal (when specified) at dinner

Welcome drinks

Entrances to museums, Monte Alban as well as costs of all activities mentioned

All market visits, mezcal visits and tastings

A cooking class

Your stay at a boutique hotel in downtown Oaxaca

International airfare

Souvenirs

Travel and medical insurance (required)

Reviews

I am still on a natural high after spending a week with Doni and GGTP in Oaxaca, This trip fed my soul from the wonderful, supportive, smart, funny cultured women I had the privilege to travel with, to the incredible culture of the Oaxacan people which the average American is sadly ignorant of. The people, the food, the art, the history , and the architecture are incredible. Doni could not have planned an itinerary that ticked all the boxes for me more than this trip. Although we were tourists we were so immersed in the culture that we felt a part of it rather than on the outside looking in. It was truly an inspirational trip for me and at the risk of sounding over dramatic I will say it was life changing. I am encouraging all of my friends to go alone and I plan on going again alone. I never thought travelling with people I didn't know could be so amazing. It was!!! Finally, I have used all of my superlatives already but must say that Doni is one of a kind. We could not have felt more comfortable, cared for and heard than we did. Looking for my next trip already!

Amy C, Feb 2022 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

You should fly into Oaxaca International airport.

The average temperature in Oaxaca in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 78°F (25°C) and a low of 49°F (9°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool humid but cool. 

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

Leticia Martinez will be your trip leader.Leticia is a tour guide and an artist who specializes in the Day of the Day crowns, Leticia who hails from Mexico is the ideal guide for your Oaxaca tour. 

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of February 15th, but you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax before all the festivities start.  If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts.

Inquire about this trip

Vibrant Oaxaca: Culture and Gastronomy

Mexico· February 8 - 14 2024· 6 nights

FROM$5645/pp