Escape to Oaxaca

Upon arrival into Oaxaca, you’ll be greeted by an Exeter Latin America representative outside the airport who will transfer you to your accommodations. The airport is about 20 minutes outside of the city center.

One of Mexico’s most beautiful cities meets its most robust and unique culinary destination. Oaxaca is an excellent destination for anyone interested in gastronomy, from cooking classes to market tours to some of the countries best restaurants. Oaxaca is also known for its artisan communities that dot the surrounding area – from textiles to pottery there are plenty of reasons to visit.

The historic center of Oaxaca is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is immediately evident as the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings ooze charm. This city was once a center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations, and was eventually conquered by the Spanish is 1533. Despite it’s colonial heritage, the city still has a distinctly indigenous spirit and the majority of the population still has Zapotec roots. Today you will take in the main historic sites of the city, with your knowledgeable private guide. You will start at the Cathedral, with its attractive baroque facade, and then on to the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, which is known for it’s dazzling gold interior. You will carry on to Casa Juarez where Mexico’s great liberal reformer and president Benito Juarez lived.

During today’s tour you will also sample some of the flavors of Oaxaca, known as one of the great culinary destinations of Mexico, and you will quickly see that common dishes of the region are quite different than in other parts of the country. You will first walk to the market of Benito Juarez, which is the main food market in the city. Here you will get to try a variety of regional typical foods, a big glass of agua fresca (fruit juice) to wash it all down. You will then head over to the market of 20 de Noviembre where you will try a traditional Tlayuda (a truly Oaxaca treat) or tasajo (traditional grilled meat) accompanied by guacamole and grilled onions.

Today after breakfast your driver and guide will accompany you to the magnificent ruins of Monte Alban. Monte Alban is a World Heritage Site, just a few miles from the center of the city, and perched atop a 1,300 foot mountain watching out over the Oaxaca Valley.

This site is the greatest of the Zapotec who were indigenous to the area and whose cultural, religious, and artistic influence can still be felt in the area. Today your guide will lead you through the site making sure to share the stories of these people in the places where they happened; the Grand Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace, and other significant structures. After you will return to your hotel where you will have the afternoon at leisure.

Or, if you’d prefer, how about a cooking class instead? Oaxacan cuisine is famous for its refined and complex flavors, today you will learn how to prepare some well known dishes of the region. You will meet your guide, a local chef, who will take you to the market where you will sample some key ingredients and purchase what you need for the meal. You will pick up different fruits, vegetables, and common herbs used in Oaxacan cuisine. Back at the cooking school you will taught about the cuisine of the area before beginning to prepare the four course meal. Eating the meal is of course the true delight and lunch will be pair with local beverages including mezcal if you wish.

You have your choice of either of the above activities today, or we can combine both (additional cost) for a full day experience!

Afternoon & evening at leisure.

Today is all about the incredible artisans of the region.

You will begin today with a visit to an artisan workshop outside of Oaxaca for an amazing look into the traditional world of Alebrijes (spirit animals), a rich tradition that has been passed down through generations. San Martin Tilcajete is a small village in the Oaxacan Valley of Mexico, renowned for its talented artisans who create the colorful wooden sculptures.

Your next stop is San Bartolo Coyotepec where Black clay pottery is a renowned Oaxacan craft, characterized by its sleek, ebony hue and exquisite craftsmanship. Exploring this pottery offers travelers a chance to connect with Oaxaca’s artistic heritage and acquire a striking, handcrafted memento of their journey.

After a stop for a typical regional lunch (not included), you’ll wrap up by experiencing the heart and soul of Oaxaca with a mezcal tasting at a family-owned and operated producer. Witness the artisanal process of mezcal-making from harvesting agave hearts to distillation. The master mezcalero will guide you and share the history and cultural significance of the spirit.

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in a private transfer for onward travel (flight not included).