Mexico, Oaxaca · May 2025
Oaxaca: Mexico's Culinary and Cultural Heart
Oaxaca is widely called the culinary and cultural heart of Mexico, and a week here makes the case convincingly. We gave ourselves over to its color and flavor: the bustle of its markets, the smoke and craft of mezcal country, the depth of its indigenous heritage, and food worth crossing a continent for.
Day by day
Days 1-3
The colonial heart of Oaxaca
We settled into Oaxaca's beautiful colonial center, wandering its lively markets and shaded plazas, sampling the city's famous moles, tlayudas and street food, and soaking up the artistry that spills from every corner.
Days 4-6
Monte Alban and mezcal country
We climbed to the ancient Zapotec hilltop city of Monte Alban for sweeping valley views and millennia of history, then headed out into mezcal country to see the agave hearts roasted and distilled the traditional way, with plenty of tastings along the road.
Days 7-9
Craft villages and farewell
We spent our final days among the craft villages of the valley, with their weavers and potters and painted wooden creatures, savoring a last few Oaxacan meals before the journey home.
From the trip
Smoky mezcal, soulful markets, ancient hilltop ruins and some of the best food on Earth. Oaxaca is a feast for every sense, and proof that a great adventure is sometimes measured in flavor.
Want to do this one yourself?
We run trips like this every year. See where we're headed next and grab a spot before the group fills up.