Vibrant Oaxaca: Culture and Gastronomy

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.