Oaxaca: A Taste of Mexico

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.

After drinks, we'll 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 the bustling city, which is 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 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. 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.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience tonight at El Tendajón. The restaurant's creative and authentic cuisine is 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. 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," you'll appreciate it even more as you learn about it. Minimal machinery is used to make Oaxaca's most illustrious product. 

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

After our delightful culinary experience, we will 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. 

After breakfast, 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 the harvesting of natural dyes to the meticulous weaving process.

Afterward, we’ll explore nearby pottery workshops, delving deeper into the region’s vibrant artisanal culture.

As midday approaches, get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience with an award-winning food tour that takes you deep into the heart of Oaxaca’s legendary cuisine. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore bustling markets, hidden gems, and iconic food spots, savoring the bold flavors and traditions that make Oaxacan gastronomy one of the most celebrated in the world.

Following the food tour, the evening is yours to explore at your leisure. 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.

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. 

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.

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.

For lunch, we’ll dine at Almu, a hidden gem known for its fresh, locally inspired flavors.

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 begins to set, we’ll return to Oaxaca City, where you’ll have time to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner at Levadura de Olla. Helmed by a talented young female chef, 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. 

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.