Vibrant Oaxaca: Culture and Gastronomy

A driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your home for the next six nights - the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel in the heart of the historic center. After settling into your accommodations, take a moment to relax and rejuvenate before embarking on your 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.

Following drinks, we'll take a leisurely walk from the hotel to Casa Oaxaca, a renowned restaurant nestled in the charming streets of the historic center. Along the way, soak in the sights and sounds of the bustling city adorned with colorful Spanish colonial architecture and 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 walk back to our hotel as we 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. It's in the former convent of the Santo Domingo Church. 

Continuing our cultural odyssey, we'll visit several places where Oaxacan pottery is sold. These handmade pieces feature traditional techniques. 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 embedded in the work.

With the day's adventures winding down, we'll enjoy well-deserved downtime. Whether unwinding in the hotel's facilities or exploring more of Oaxaca's charm, the choice is yours. 

Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience tonight at Los Danzantes. The restaurant's creative and authentic cuisine promises the perfect way to end a day filled with 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. The value of Mezcal is revealed in each step of its artisanal production process, from the agave fields to distillation in copper or clay. This pure tradition is cherished by all "in the know", and you'll appreciate it even more as you learn about it. There is very little machinery used to make Oaxaca's most illustrious product. 

After the tour, we'll satisfy our appetites with lunch at Casa Tierra. This restaurant located Tlacolula de Matamoros serves homemade local food in a charming setting. 

Reinvigorated by our culinary indulgence, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up for the afternoon's explorations. Then, we'll set out for a guided visit to the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden*. Amidst the lush greenery and vibrant blooms, we'll explore Oaxaca's botanical heritage and learn about the traditional uses of local plants and herbs.

As the sun begins its descent, we'll stroll back to the hotel. With the evening ahead, enjoy a dinner of your choosing, whether indulging in street food or dining at a local restaurant with your new friends.

*Based on garden guide availability

Today, we’ll have a proper Mexican breakfast at Fonda Florecita, in a small nearby market. 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 Noma Collective - Vida Nueva Women’s Weaving Cooperative Mexico, to discover the rich tradition of Oaxacan weaving produced by the skilled artistry of local women artisans in a town that has made rugs for nearly 1000 years. Then, we'll explore nearby pottery places to immerse ourselves in the region's vibrant artisanal culture.

As midday approaches, we're off on a journey to discover Oaxaca's culinary treasures. Omar from Oaxacking plans to take you on a gastronomic journey through Oaxaca's food scene. Omar has appeared on numerous television shows and, for years, has guided us on our culinary exploits in Oaxaca. This afternoon's food tour will serve as tonight's dinner. It's very filling.

Late this afternoon, you'll have free time to explore Oaxaca's vibrant streets, discovering hidden gems before the stores close. Enjoy a digestif at the hotel's dipping pool before heading off to bed. 

Today, we will explore in-depth the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Oaxaca, highlighting its traditional ingredients and recipes with a cooking class. 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. 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 and massage, a journey of purification and healing guided by ancient practices.

For dinner, we'll head to Tierra del Sol, an invitation to 
a culinary journey celebrating Oaxacan cuisines' five pillars: maize, quelites, frijoles, chiles, and cacao. 

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 this 2500-year-old 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 uphill hiking and uneven terrain, so wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. 

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 the Black Pottery town, a charming village known for its unique black pottery pieces. Here, you can watch the skilled crafters at work and buy a one-of-a-kind piece to take home. 

Next, we'll head to San Martin Tilcajete for more activities and adventures. The afternoon will start with mouth-watering street food as we enjoy the Festival in San Martin Tilcajete. As we drive to the festival, we'll stop along the way to visit the famed El Árbol del Tule, a massive Montezuma cypress tree revered for its age and size.

A visit to David Hernandez's Workshop is a must. Here, we will discover how to create alebrijes as well as an opportunity to buy a piece. 

As the light begins to dim, we'll head back to Oaxaca City, where you'll have time to relax before we meet for a farewell dinner at Levadura de Olla, a restaurant headed up by a young female chef 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. 

The 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.