Oaxaca City Tour
Immerse Yourself in the Rich Traditions and Vibrant Culture of Oaxaca
Trip Summary
Destination: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Duration: 6 Days
Price: $3,000 Per Person
Tour Type: Culinary Immersion
Group Size: 12 People Max
Highlights
- Oaxaca City
- Monte Albán ruins
- Local markets and artisan villages
- Santo Domingo Church and Cultural Center
- Mitla and Yagul
- Teotitlán del Valle
- San Martin Tilcajete, Alebijes (spirit animals)
- Pottery cities including Santa Maria Atzompa and San Bartolo Coyotepec
- Hierve el Agua
- Mezcal Distillery Tour
Overview
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Oaxaca City with a comprehensive tour that highlights the best this enchanting destination has to offer. From ancient ruins to bustling markets and stunning natural landscapes, each day is filled with unique experiences that capture the heart of Oaxaca. Explore the renowned Monte Albán ruins, engage in traditional crafts, and savor the diverse flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. This journey through Oaxaca includes a blend of guided tours and free time, ensuring you fully appreciate the region's traditions, cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome to Oaxaca City, where you'll settle into a boutique hotel and enjoy an introductory dinner at a renowned local restaurant. The itinerary features a guided tour of the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, visits to artisan villages known for pottery and weaving, and a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Stroll through the historic center, shop at the bustling Mercado Benito Juárez, and marvel at the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. Conclude your trip with a mezcal tasting tour and a farewell dinner featuring live music and dance performances, before departing with unforgettable memories of Oaxaca's rich cultural tapestry.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Walking Tour Oaxaca City
- Airport transfer to boutique hotel
- Walking tour
- Welcome dinner with introduction to Oaxacan cuisine at a renowned local restaurant
- Evening: Stroll through the Zócalo and enjoy live music and local street food
Day 2: Artisan Villages and Monte Albán
- Morning: Visit to Centro de las Artes de San Agustín, an innovative arts center located in San Agustín Etla followed by a visit to a local artisan village known for pottery and weaving
- Lunch at a traditional Oaxacan restaurant
- Afternoon: Guided tour of the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán
- Evening: Dinner and free time to explore
Day 3: Holy Spirits and Spirit Animals
- Morning: Cuilapan - the Ex Convento de Santiago Apóstol, a massive, unfinished convent famous for its open chapel, a design choice made to accommodate large indigenous gatherings for worship following the Spanish conquest.
- Lunch at La Capilla de Zaachilaa a traditional outdoor restaurant serving flavorful Oaxacan Cuisine, a favorite place of Rick Bayless
- Afternoon: visit to the Jacobo y María Angeles Workshop, dedicated to the production of carved copal wood figures called Tonas and Nahuales (alebrijes).
- Evening: Dinner at a popular local spot
Day 4: Hierve el Agua, Mitla and Mezcal
- Morning: Tlacolula Tianguis: a colorful and ethnic market is held on Sundays, and Hierve el Agua:, petrified waterfalls and natural springs
- Lunch: La Choza del Chef en Mitla, a colorful and bright restaurant.
- Afternoon: Mitla, tour this ancient Zapotec site, known for its intricate mosaics.
- Late afternoon: mezcal tour in Santiago Matatlán, known as the “Mezcal Capital.”
- Late Evening: a free evening to enjoy a low-key dinner at some restaurants suggested by Jon
Day 5: Oaxaca City Museums and Shopping
- Morning: Explore Santo Domingo Church and Complex, a cultural and historical landmark that includes the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and the Ethnobotanical Garden.
- Lunch: Casual lunch at Itanoni, a spot specializing in traditional corn-based dishes.
- Afternoon: Visit Museo Textil de Oaxaca and Museo, a museum dedicated to the preservation, celebration, and promotion of Oaxacan and Mexican textile traditions
- Evening: Farewell dinner at Casa Oaxaca overlooking Santo Domingo
Day 6: Desayuno y Reflection
- Morning: Farewell breakfast
- Transfer to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)