Exploring the colors & flavors of Oaxaca

We’re excited for you to join us on a thrilling Oaxaca Culinary Tour. Prepare to have your taste buds transported to a whole new level of flavor! Oaxaca, a vibrant city in Mexico, is famous for its rich culinary heritage, and I cannot wait to explore it with you. From traditional food to bustling markets and the finest mezcal, this tour promises to be a gastronomic delight that will leave you craving more.

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to experience cooking on a comal, a traditional Mexican griddle. This ancient cooking technique has been passed down through generations and is still widely used in Oaxacan kitchens today. Imagine sizzling tortillas, perfectly toasted, as you learn the secrets of making authentic Oaxacan dishes. The comal adds a unique smoky flavor to the food, giving it that extra touch of deliciousness that you won't find anywhere else. As you flip the tortillas and fill them with savory ingredients, you'll feel a sense of pride knowing that you are immersing yourself in a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time.

Together, we'll have the chance to explore the bustling markets of Oaxaca, where you can pick out the freshest ingredients for your cooking adventures. The market's vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas will awaken your senses and ignite your culinary creativity. You'll have the opportunity to taste exotic fruits, sample artisanal cheeses, and discover unique spices that will take your dishes to new heights. The locals will greet you with warm smiles and open arms, eager to share their knowledge and passion for food. It's not just about cooking on a comal; it's about experiencing Oaxaca's vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions.

Don’t miss this inaugural trip with Zingerman’s Food Tours to Oaxaca, Mexico.

Who?

The trip is designed for experienced travelers with a passion for great food made the traditional way. A bit of curiosity for new foods and flavors is good to have as well. We encourage open minds, adventurous spirits, and a deep passion for traditional foods. Our guests are adults of all ages with a love for walking and exploring places on their own, as well as with the group. We keep the group small. No more than 12 guests will travel with an experienced host from Zingerman’s.

What About Accommodations?

You will stay in a clean, conveniently located hotel in the heart of Oaxaca. There is a small hotel bar and several surrounding restaurants with great outdoor seating should you find yourself a free moment to relax.  

What’s Included?

• Amazing food – all breakfasts, most lunches, and several dinners. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made with local, fresh ingredients.

• Behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, traditional artists, and local farmers, and hands-on cooking experiences.

• A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will always be at your disposal.

• Public/Private Transportation

• Hotel accommodations for 7 nights.

What’s Not Included?

Airfare

Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)

Personal spending money

Additional Tips

Day 1

NOV 9

Today, we will meet at the hotel in the heart of Oaxaca de Juarez. We'll gather in the late afternoon for introductions and our welcome drink. From there, we'll walk into the city center for a welcome dinner, setting the stage for the week of flavors ahead.

Day 2

NOV 10

Today, we'll delve into the history of Oaxaca through its food, specifically mole (MOH-lay), a savory sauce made from various ingredients ground together. We'll join a friend, a spirit of the comal, for a walk through one of the main markets of Oaxaca as we buy, plan, and prepare for an afternoon of cooking at her house outside of the city center. Together, we'll spend the day learning how to make one of the most essential dishes in the region.

After our class, we'll return to the hotel for a brief rest before taking a walk back into town for an early evening out and dinner together.

day 3

NOV 11

This morning we'll venture out of the city to stretch our legs in nature and learn something about the local Mezcal. We'll be picked up mid-morning and head to explore Hierve el Agua, a set of natural travertine rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas. We'll take a short walk about the loop so you can see the cascades at their finest. From there, you'll then have some free time at the pools where you can cool off and swim in these mineral waters.

After visiting Hierve el Agua, we'll hike for five kilometers down the valley. Our guides will provide information about the local ecology, including the reproductive cycles of agave plants and guaje trees. We'll reach a hidden oasis in the valley, our private Hierve el Agua. You can explore this unique spot, enjoy some local snacks and cold drinks, and dip in the mineral waters before trying Mezcal.

From there, we'll explore three producers in the region and learn about the cultivation, preparation, and varieties of the agave. Mezcal is a profound labor of love, where seeds are sown for future generations to cultivate decades into the future.

After our big morning, we'll stop for a traditional meal together along with our new friends.

You'll have time to rest and relax in the city after the big day. Dinner will be on your own this evening, so you can do as you please with the rest of your evening. Of course, we will help with suggestions and reservations if needed.

DAY 4

NOV 12

This morning, we are back in the kitchen, which is located in the heart of the city. We will gather around the comal once again for your second lesson of the trip. We have picked various local ingredients and recipes for you to dive a little deeper with our friends at Tierra del Sol, whose philosophy is promoting sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, support for local producers, research and ancestral knowledge, through good labor, social and environmental practices. After a morning in the kitchen, we will sit down together and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

This afternoon, you’ll dive into the world of pottery. Oaxaca is known for its pottery, and many of its famous culinary dishes are prepared or served in these traditional forms. The two most famous Oaxacan pottery clays found in the region are Barro Rojo and Barro Negro, the iconic black clay pottery. This afternoon, we will meet a potter to learn the history and story of the importance of this tradition in the area.

DAY 5

NOV 13

This morning we’ll start a bit later so you can relax and enjoy the quiet streets of Oaxaca before the weekend sets in. We’ll begin our day with a stroll through the local ethnobotanical gardens.

After lunch together, we’ll dive into the world of Chocolate. Oaxacan chocolate has a delicious and unique flavor. We will visit a local chocolate maker and learn about processing chocolate from scratch. Together, we will taste different types of chocolate and enjoy traditional Oaxacan treats.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local market, where the smells and sounds are sure to entice.

DAY 6

NOV 14

After breakfast this morning, we’ll head to Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological zones in Mesoamerica. You can't come to Oaxaca without seeing this ancient Zapotec metropolis.

After our visit, we will enjoy a traditional lunch at a local favorite before we head to a nearby village to learn a bit about the region's native textiles. Oaxaca has deeply-rooted culinary and artisan traditions; you can’t have one without the other. We will give you a small glimpse into the larger role that these traditions hold in the culture of Oaxaca.

We will return to the city center this evening for another unforgettable dinner in town.

Day 7

NOV 15

After breakfast, we will start the morning in one of the oldest markets in the city.  Now that you’ve been here for a week, we challenge you to push outside of your comfort zone and jump into the more adventurous side of Oaxacan cuisine.
This afternoon, we will give you some free time to shop, pack, and enjoy the city during the weekend.  

Tonight we will gather for our final dinner together.  We have picked a special place to celebrate the fabulous week we’ve had together.

DAY 8

NOV 16

That concludes our week of flavors in Oaxaca. We hope you have enjoyed your time here and have a safe journey home!