Oaxaca’s location in the mountains of southwest Mexico has contributed to its rich culture being relatively protected by outside influences. Ancient native languages are spoken in villages, and the artisan folk arts, particularly weaving and pottery, are practiced with the same techniques used by the Zapotecs who built their civilization in the Oaxaca Valley. Visit the region’s artisan villages, ancient Zapotec ruins, markets, and kitchens while staying in the charming and vibrant colonial capital in Oaxaca City. Prepare a savory lunch using local recipes and ingredients during your Oaxaca trip.
Highlights
Tour Oaxaca city and get a panoramic view from Monte Alban
Visit workshops in a Zapotec village to learn traditional weaving practices
Shop and cook with a local chef in a hands on class exploring Oaxacan fare
Wander through the workshops in surrounding artisan villages
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive to Oaxaca where a private transfer is waiting to take you to your charming colonial hotel, home for the next 6 nights. The remainder of the day is free to explore and have dinner.
Discover Monte Alban, one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica, once the capital of the Zapotec civilization. This ancient site, located in the heart of the Oaxaca Valley, played a key role in shaping the region's political, economic, and cultural landscape. Your bilingual guide will provide insights into the city's history, including its influence on surrounding communities.
Afterward, head to Oaxaca, where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and explore the lively squares, colonial-era architecture, and historic churches. Stop by the central plaza, known as the Zocalo, and explore the city's main market to see traditional crafts and learn about local culture.
Your bilingual guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 9 am for a journey along the Camino Real to Tlacochahuaya, a historic stop for missionaries in colonial New Spain. Located a day's walk from Oaxaca, this village served as a resting point before they ventured further into the Oaxacan valleys. Here, you’ll explore the 16th-century San Jeronimo Church, built by the local population within a decade. The church preserves many original features, including stones from a pre-colonial Mesoamerican temple. Inside, you’ll find murals by Juan de Arrue, painted in the 1620s, which have remained largely intact. Tlacochahuaya is also where Friar San Juan de Cordoba compiled the first Zapotec language dictionary.
The next stop is Teotitlan del Valle, a Zapotec community known for its handcrafted rugs made on traditional looms. Located 31 km from Oaxaca in the Sierra Juarez foothills, the town’s church stands on visible remains of an ancient Zapotec temple. You’ll visit a weaving family that will demonstrate wool processing and the creation of natural dyes from ingredients like cochineal, pomegranate, and violet. Observe how traditional Zapotec patterns and glyphs continue to inspire their modern designs.
Lunch will be arranged along the way, with several authentic restaurant options for you to choose from when you're ready for a break.
Experience the flavors of Oaxaca on this half-day culinary adventure, beginning with a visit to a traditional market before cooking your own meal at a local school. Guided by Oscar Carrizosa, who has mastered Oaxacan cuisine by learning directly from local communities, you'll explore the region's culinary diversity. Start by choosing your menu and then walk to a nearby market, where you'll discover essential Mexican ingredients like dried chilies while Oscar shares insights into traditional cooking. Back in the kitchen, the ingredients will be ready, and you'll dive into preparing three salsas, various tortillas, an appetizer, soup, Oaxacan mole, and a dessert under expert guidance. Finally, savor your creations with a glass of wine, beer, or a shot of Oaxacan mezcal, completing your authentic culinary experience.
Day 5: Explore Mitla, the Tree of Tule, and Hierve el Agua
Experience Oaxaca's stunning valley on a guided bike tour. Begin with a pickup from your hotel in Oaxaca City, then drive 35 minutes to Santa Maria del Tule to see the famous Tule Tree. Cycle through beautiful landscapes, farming fields, and local villages, stopping in Tlacochahuaya to view a 16th-century church and in Teotitlán del Valle for a demonstration of traditional wool weaving at a family-run rug gallery. Pedal past agave plantations, with options to continue to Matatlan for lunch or relax in the vehicle. Afterward, ride an extra 7 km through scenic mountains. Drive 40 minutes to San Baltazar Guelavila to explore "Las Salinas," where you can visit a colorful grotto and swim in a natural pool if conditions allow. Finish at a local distillery to learn about mezcal production and sample this traditional spirit before returning to Oaxaca City.
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the nearby community of San Bartolo Coyotepec. There, you'll meet local artists and discover the process of creating traditional black pottery. Kids can enjoy working with wet clay and trying to craft their own pieces.
Lunch will be at a local roadside eatery known for its handmade blue and white tortillas, featuring fresh native ingredients like squash blossoms, corn truffles, wild mushrooms, avocado, and herbs. The quesadillas are a favorite among children, and they can also try unique flavored waters. A small playground nearby offers a place for kids to burn off some extra energy.
Day 7: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport to connect with a flight home. With more time, extend your stay in Mexico.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,7912-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
