Overview
Flavors of Oaxaca: Markets, Mezcal & Home-Cooked Meals
North America
7 days
6 nights
12 people
Easy
Food & Drink
Embark on a mouth-watering culinary adventure around Oaxaca. Discover the unique flavors and traditions of the most ethnically diverse state in Mexico. Between sips of mezcal and bites of crispy tlayudas, you’ll explore the city and its surrounding villages—chatting with local artisans, shopping at lively markets, visiting baroque churches, and exploring ancient archaeological sites.
Hidden Wonders: Visit a hidden farmers market to find one of Oaxaca's few purveyors of pozontle, an ancient ceremonial drink from the Sierra Norte region.
Travel with Purpose: Learn to use indigenous ingredients that preserve traditional recipes and support the local vendors that sell them.
Before exploring Oaxaca in person with us, first join us for Gina Rae La Cerva's upcoming Atlas Obscura Online Course to learn how to Write your Food Memoir - course begins September 10th!
Highlights
- Visit the best restaurants in the city and enjoy home-cooked meals in the private homes of local chefs.
- Visit a hidden farmers market and try pozontle, an ancient ceremonial drink.
- Become a Mezcal connoisseur after an in-depth tasting.
- Discover local handicrafts, and meet the artists and artisans that produce them.
- Explore extraordinary Monte Albán and other Zapotec archaeological sites.
- Learn to use indigenous ingredients that preserve traditional recipes.
A Culinary and Cultural Journey Through Oaxaca.
Day 1
Old Flavors, New Formats
Buenos dias! Welcome to Oaxaca, the Mezcal capital of Mexico. After an informal welcome drink in a rooftop bar, you’ll do a quick orientation tour of the city on your way to your show stopping Welcome Dinner. As the sun begins to set, you’ll take your seat at one of the finest restaurants in the city, owned by an acclaimed native chef. As we tuck in, we’ll chat with our guides and fellow travelers and discuss the delicious adventures that await us!
Old Flavors, New Formats
Buenos dias! Welcome to Oaxaca, the Mezcal capital of Mexico. After an informal welcome drink in a rooftop bar, you’ll do a quick orientation tour of the city on your way to your show stopping Welcome Dinner. As the sun begins to set, you’ll take your seat at one of the finest restaurants in the city, owned by an acclaimed native chef. As we tuck in, we’ll chat with our guides and fellow travelers and discuss the delicious adventures that await us!
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Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
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Welcome Dinner
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Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Markets, Handicrafts & Monasteries
This morning you’ll taste a traditional Oaxacan breakfast at a popular market stand. Then you’ll set off to explore some of the surrounding villages to learn about the thriving local handicraft scene. Visit an alebrije (wooden figurine) workshop, meet a family of expert women weavers, and see black pottery from this region that’s revered across the globe. A change of pace next, as you walk around Santiago Apóstol, a breathtaking 16th century former monastery, featuring an open-air, roofless basilica. Then you’ll head back to Oaxaca City, to experience the lively Benito Juárez market. Make your way toward the smoke hall for a lunch of freshly grilled meats. Satiated, and possibly a little sleepy, the rest of the day is yours to explore the many delights of the city at your own pace.
Markets, Handicrafts & Monasteries
This morning you’ll taste a traditional Oaxacan breakfast at a popular market stand. Then you’ll set off to explore some of the surrounding villages to learn about the thriving local handicraft scene. Visit an alebrije (wooden figurine) workshop, meet a family of expert women weavers, and see black pottery from this region that’s revered across the globe. A change of pace next, as you walk around Santiago Apóstol, a breathtaking 16th century former monastery, featuring an open-air, roofless basilica. Then you’ll head back to Oaxaca City, to experience the lively Benito Juárez market. Make your way toward the smoke hall for a lunch of freshly grilled meats. Satiated, and possibly a little sleepy, the rest of the day is yours to explore the many delights of the city at your own pace.
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch
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Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Oaxaca Exploration
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Oaxaca at your own pace. Why not immerse yourself in the region's artistic heritage at the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art? For lunch, reconnect with your group to discover La Cosecha Organic Market, a hidden courtyard oasis brimming with freshly prepared local delicacies. Stop at La Pozontlería for a taste of pozentle, an ancient ceremonial drink hailing from the Sierra Norte region, a refreshing, lightly sweet blend of cacao, corn, the cocolmecatl vine, water, and panela. Afterward, go solo again and perhaps wander the 16th-century Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, marveling at its cacti collection, or simply take some time to unwind at your hotel. As dusk falls, reunite with your fellow gourmands for a quintessential Oaxacan experience – savoring traditional tamales from our guides' favorite street cart vendor.
Oaxaca Exploration
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Oaxaca at your own pace. Why not immerse yourself in the region's artistic heritage at the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art? For lunch, reconnect with your group to discover La Cosecha Organic Market, a hidden courtyard oasis brimming with freshly prepared local delicacies. Stop at La Pozontlería for a taste of pozentle, an ancient ceremonial drink hailing from the Sierra Norte region, a refreshing, lightly sweet blend of cacao, corn, the cocolmecatl vine, water, and panela. Afterward, go solo again and perhaps wander the 16th-century Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, marveling at its cacti collection, or simply take some time to unwind at your hotel. As dusk falls, reunite with your fellow gourmands for a quintessential Oaxacan experience – savoring traditional tamales from our guides' favorite street cart vendor.
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Indigenous Cooking Techniques
Some of the oldest known specimens of corn have been found in Oaxaca caves, dating from between 4500 and 4200 BCE. This morning you’ll visit Itanoní, a restaurant that specializes in indigenous dishes created using heirloom corn varieties, and get a crash course in all things corn. Next up is a stop at a residential market to pick up ingredients for this afternoon’s culinary workshop. You’ll whip up an exquisite lunch with the help of an award-winning chef and talk to a seasoned cheesemaker about Oaxacan cheese. Your afternoon is free for rest or further exploration, before meeting up again for suckling pig tacos and panoramic views at a highly-rated rooftop restaurant.
Indigenous Cooking Techniques
Some of the oldest known specimens of corn have been found in Oaxaca caves, dating from between 4500 and 4200 BCE. This morning you’ll visit Itanoní, a restaurant that specializes in indigenous dishes created using heirloom corn varieties, and get a crash course in all things corn. Next up is a stop at a residential market to pick up ingredients for this afternoon’s culinary workshop. You’ll whip up an exquisite lunch with the help of an award-winning chef and talk to a seasoned cheesemaker about Oaxacan cheese. Your afternoon is free for rest or further exploration, before meeting up again for suckling pig tacos and panoramic views at a highly-rated rooftop restaurant.
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Markets & Mezcal
Start the day with something completely unexpected; meet Árbol del Tule - the widest tree on Earth. After a hearty breakfast of traditional chilaquiles or enfrijoladas, you’ll head to the village of Tlacolula, famous for its market. Later you’ll visit Teotitlán del Valle, a picturesque town famous for its Aztec-inspired woven handicrafts where a local artisan will give you a rug weaving demo. Lunch today will be prepared by a local cook who specializes in Zapotec cuisine. After a little downtime, we will head to a mezcal palenque, or distillery, where you’ll trace the history and tradition of mezcal making, and then enjoy a mezcal tasting and workshop. If you like this smoky spirit, you’ll have the chance to buy it directly from the producers afterward. Take the rest of the day to relax, enjoy some mezcal cocktails, and eat dinner at your leisure—if you’re still hungry, that is.
Markets & Mezcal
Start the day with something completely unexpected; meet Árbol del Tule - the widest tree on Earth. After a hearty breakfast of traditional chilaquiles or enfrijoladas, you’ll head to the village of Tlacolula, famous for its market. Later you’ll visit Teotitlán del Valle, a picturesque town famous for its Aztec-inspired woven handicrafts where a local artisan will give you a rug weaving demo. Lunch today will be prepared by a local cook who specializes in Zapotec cuisine. After a little downtime, we will head to a mezcal palenque, or distillery, where you’ll trace the history and tradition of mezcal making, and then enjoy a mezcal tasting and workshop. If you like this smoky spirit, you’ll have the chance to buy it directly from the producers afterward. Take the rest of the day to relax, enjoy some mezcal cocktails, and eat dinner at your leisure—if you’re still hungry, that is.
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Zapotec Ruins at Monte Albán
After a leisurely morning of self-exploration, you’ll take a short drive to magical Monte Albán, the largest Zapotec archaeological site in Oaxaca and home to one of the oldest cities of Mesoamerica. With guidance from a local expert, you’ll explore the complex and learn about Zapotec culture. For lunch, we’ll head to the private home of an accomplished chef who loves to showcase the dishes of his birthplace, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which are distinct from the traditional cuisine of the Central Valley. Enjoy some chill time after lunch, before your final sumptuous farewell dinner tonight, at one of the city’s finest restaurants.
Zapotec Ruins at Monte Albán
After a leisurely morning of self-exploration, you’ll take a short drive to magical Monte Albán, the largest Zapotec archaeological site in Oaxaca and home to one of the oldest cities of Mesoamerica. With guidance from a local expert, you’ll explore the complex and learn about Zapotec culture. For lunch, we’ll head to the private home of an accomplished chef who loves to showcase the dishes of his birthplace, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which are distinct from the traditional cuisine of the Central Valley. Enjoy some chill time after lunch, before your final sumptuous farewell dinner tonight, at one of the city’s finest restaurants.
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca City
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Farewell & Departure
After a full week of munching our way through Oaxaca, it’s time to slip that bottle of mezcal into your suitcase and head home. You can depart for the airport early this morning or enjoy one final breakfast before heading out.
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $630 USD per person
2025 departures: $475 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $630 USD per person
2025 departures: $475 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Activity Level
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 5 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 7. Oaxaca Airport (OAX) connects to a range of flight hubs in North America. The best flight connections to Oaxaca are offered by Aeromexico Airlines and American Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 5 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 7. Oaxaca Airport (OAX) connects to a range of flight hubs in North America. The best flight connections to Oaxaca are offered by Aeromexico Airlines and American Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Flavors of Oaxaca: Markets, Mezcal & Home-Cooked Meals? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.