Oaxaca: A Taste of Mexico

A driver will meet you at the Oaxaca airport and take you to our home for the next six nights: the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel in the heart of the historic center. After settling into your room, take a moment to relax and rejuvenate before joining the group for our evening adventures.

This evening, we'll gather in the hotel's lounge for a special welcome drink of Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit derived from the agave plant. Savor this iconic beverage's complex flavors as you immerse yourself in the lively Oaxaca atmosphere.

After drinks, we'll take a leisurely walk from the hotel to Casa Oaxaca, a renowned restaurant in the charming streets of the historic center. Along the way, we'll soak in the sights and sounds of a bustling city adorned with colorful Spanish colonial architecture and a vibrant culture.

Prepare to indulge in a culinary journey through Oaxacan cuisine. From rich moles to homemade tortillas, the restaurant offers a delightful array of modernized traditional dishes crafted by Chef Ruiz using locally sourced ingredients.

After a satisfying dinner, we'll return to our hotel and enjoy the atmosphere created by the illuminated and lively Oaxaca streets.

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for an adventure-filled exploration of Oaxaca's cultural treasures. As the morning unfolds, we'll take a historical walking tour guided by our favorite local expert. 

After the tour, we'll savor a delicious seafood-focused lunch at Humar in Centro. Then, we'll take a leisurely walk to the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, in the former convent of the Santo Domingo Church. Next up, we will explore the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. 

Continuing our cultural odyssey, we'll visit several places selling Oaxacan pottery. Pottery made in Oaxaca ranges from rustic red clay pieces to the famous polished black clay pots you'll discover later in the week to colorful contemporary ware. You'll be captivated by the rich cultural heritage and traditional techniques embedded in the work.

As the day's adventures wind down, we'll enjoy well-deserved downtime. You can decompress in the hotel or explore more of Oaxaca's charm on your own. 

Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience tonight at Taquería Tacomer. The restaurant's creative and authentic tacos are the perfect way to end a day of adventure and exploration.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then, prepare to discover new tastes! 

Today, we're going on an exciting Mezcal Tour. It's easy to see the value of Mezcal in each step of its handcrafted production, from the agave fields to distillation in copper or clay. This pure tradition is prized by all "in the know," and you'll value it even more as you learn about it. Very little machinery is used to create Oaxaca's most famous product. 

After the tour, we'll satisfy our appetites with lunch and a mezcal pairing at the distillery.

After this delightful culinary experience, we'll return to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether you'd like to relax, shop, or swim.

Tonight, we’ll feast and dance the night away at Humito Cocina y Foro 8 Temblor, where vibrant flavors and lively rhythms set the perfect scene. 

Let's go on an adventure to the nearby Mercado de Merced for breakfast at Fonda Floracita. We'll savor our choice of Mexican breakfast dishes along with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to round things out. 

Afterwards, we’ll immerse ourselves in Oaxaca’s rich weaving traditions at the Noma Collective Vida Nueva Women’s Weaving Cooperative, where skilled artisans carry on a craft passed down through generations. 

Next, we’ll visit the Pérez Weaving Workshop, renowned for its dedication to preserving traditional techniques and natural dyeing methods. Here, we’ll gain insight into the intricate artistry that has made Oaxacan textiles world-famous, from harvesting natural dyes to the meticulous weaving process.

From there, we’ll stop at Casa Viviana, where master artisan Viviana Alávez creates delicate, hand-sculpted beeswax candles—an intricate tradition deeply rooted in Oaxaca’s culture.

A trip to this area wouldn't be complete without stopping at the El Árbol del Tule (Tree of Tule), an enormous 2,000-year-old Montezuma cypress with a trunk measuring almost 140 feet in circumference. We'll take a look at this beautiful local landmark before heading off to eat.

As midday approaches, get ready for a memorable culinary experience at La Cocina de Humo, where traditional Oaxacan cooking is brought to life through fire, flavor, and storytelling. This immersive experience invites us into an intimate setting to explore ancestral techniques, from open-flame cooking to the rich use of local ingredients that define the region’s cuisine. Guided by passionate hosts, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural roots behind each dish while enjoying a thoughtfully prepared meal that highlights the bold, smoky flavors Oaxaca is known for.Following this experience, the evening is yours to explore. Whether you return to a favorite spot or discover a new dining experience, enjoy dinner on your own and soak up the magic of Oaxaca.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on a journey through Oaxaca’s history and artistry.

We’ll begin at Monte Albán, the most important archaeological site in the region. A local expert will guide us through this 2,500-year-old Zapotec city, perched 6,400 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for navigating the uneven terrain, but the historical significance and stunning vistas make it well worth the effort.

Next, we’ll visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, the renowned Black Pottery town, where artisans craft exquisite pieces using techniques passed down for generations.

For lunch, we’ll dine at Azucena, a warm and inviting restaurant that celebrates traditional Zapotec cuisine, known for its thoughtfully prepared dishes, seasonal local ingredients, and deep connection to Oaxacan culinary heritage.

Our afternoon takes us to David Hernández’s workshop, where we’ll discover the magic behind alebrijes, Oaxaca’s fantastical wooden creatures. You’ll have the chance to see the intricate carving and painting process and pick up a unique piece to take home.

As the sun sets, we’ll return to Oaxaca City, where you’ll have time to relax before heading to Tierra del Sol for dinner, an invitation to a culinary journey celebrating Oaxacan cuisine's five pillars: maize, quelites, frijoles, chiles, and cacao.

Today, we will explore Oaxaca's diverse and flavorful cuisine through a cooking class, highlighting its traditional ingredients and recipes. The state of Oaxaca is known for its rich heritage due to its large indigenous population and is considered a food mecca.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the home of our chef and cooking instructor. She and her son have created a gorgeous outdoor covered kitchen where we'll make our own homemade tortillas, memelitas, and so much more, enjoying the fruits of our labors for lunch. Then, we'll return to our hotel to relax.

Prepare for a transformative experience with a traditional Temazcal Ritual this afternoon, a journey of purification and healing guided by ancient practices. Back at the hotel, we'll have free time for each of us to continue relaxing with a massage. 

For our final dinner, we'll dine at Michelin-recommended Las Danzantes. This celebrated restaurant offers a fresh take on traditional Oaxacan cuisine—the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable journey.

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.

If you're joining us for the post-trip extension to Puerto Escondido, onward!

We'll depart from Oaxaca and set out on a scenic drive through the rugged countryside, passing through charming villages and lush landscapes. 

Along the way, we'll stop for a leisurely lunch to enjoy fresh regional flavors and take in the laid-back atmosphere of the coastal road. As we near Puerto Escondido, the salty breeze signals our arrival at the ocean's edge. 

Settle into Punta Pajaros, our tranquil retreat by the sea. The soft rhythm of the waves invites us to unwind with a stroll along the golden sand, letting the warm sun kiss our skin. This is your time to let go and immerse yourself in the peaceful coastal surroundings. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll come together to enjoy a relaxed dinner right in our hotel at La Palapa, where fresh seafood and local ingredients come together in a deliciously satisfying meal. The sound of the waves provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of conversation and relaxation after the journey.

Wake up to the sound of the ocean and, if you wish, greet the day with an optional yoga session to stretch and energize your body. A leisurely breakfast awaits, offering tropical fruits and local delicacies to fuel up for the day ahead. 

We'll venture to Casa Wabi, a striking architectural gem that seamlessly blends art, nature, and community. Guided by an expert, explore this artistic residence and cultural space designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. Walk through its open-air galleries, admire thought-provoking works, and gain insight into the creative processes that unfold within its walls. After the visit, we will return to the hotel for a relaxed lunch with ocean views. 

In the late afternoon, we'll witness a truly unforgettable moment as we take part in a sea turtle release on the beach. Feel the thrill of watching tiny hatchlings make their way toward the waves, a powerful reminder of nature's resilience. 

As the sky turns golden, we'll indulge in a special dinner at Hotel Terrestre, where every dish reflects the region's rich culinary heritage, served in a setting that feels both intimate and ethereal. 

We'll start our day with a visit to Puerto Escondido's vibrant waters, where a thrilling dolphin boat excursion awaits. As we glide over the shimmering sea, we'll spot playful dolphins leaping in the surf, sea turtles drifting gracefully, and, if the season allows, majestic whales breaching in the distance. The fresh ocean air and breathtaking marine encounters make for a beautiful morning. 

After the excursion, enjoy a delicious lunch at a hidden gem in town, where local flavors shine in every bite. Take your time savoring the meal and soaking up the lively yet relaxed ambience. 

The afternoon invites you to unwind, whether that's with a restorative yoga session at the hotel or with another coastal activity that catches your interest; the choice is yours. 

As evening falls, we'll dine at Kakurega Omakase, which offers an unforgettable dive into the art of omakase, where every element has been carefully considered to linger in your memory long after the evening ends.

All good things must come to an end. We'll carry the memories of this gorgeous coastal town with us as we pack up and head back to the Oaxaca airport. 

Plan your onward travels in the late afternoon to allow adequate time to clear security and customs.