Flavors of Oaxaca

¡Bienvenido! You’ve just arrived in Oaxaca, Mexico—a city alive with tradition, flavor, and history. This enchanting destination, shaped by ancient cultures and timeless customs, offers a truly unique experience that captivates the senses and stirs the soul.

As soon as you land, a private driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you straight to your apartment. It’s a great moment to chat with a local and catch your first glimpse of daily life in Oaxaca. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll be unpacking and settling into your new home—ready to immerse yourself in everything this incredible place has to offer. The journey starts now.

Think you’ve explored markets before? Oaxaca’s Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez might surprise you. These lively spots are the heartbeat of local life—where residents shop, eat, and connect—set against a backdrop of vivid colors, rich scents, and an incredible variety of regional products. Expect to encounter exotic fruits, uniquely shaped vegetables, and the essential ingredients that give Oaxacan cuisine its unforgettable character.

And then there’s the food—an experience all its own. In Mercado 20 de Noviembre, the famous pasillo de humo (or “smoke alley”) is where flavors come alive in the air. With your UnGuide at your side, you’ll discover the best of it—from grilled meats sizzling over open flames to iconic dishes like the tlayuda, often dubbed Oaxaca’s answer to pizza.

Browsing these markets goes far beyond shopping—it’s an immersive journey into the soul of Oaxaca. Every stand tells a story, every flavor opens a window into local life.

he Zapotecs were a civilization prior to the Mayas or the Aztecs. You will be able to visit the nowadays archaeological site of Monte Albán, which one day was the capital of the Zapotecs and considered one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica. You’ll have the rare opportunity to visit an archaeological site that the Spanish never touched—preserved in a way that offers an authentic glimpse into the past.

Just 30 minutes from the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site—lies Monte Albán, a breathtaking ancient city. With your UnGuide by your side, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Maya, exploring their innovations, architecture, and the enduring mystery of their culture.

Oaxacan cuisine is one of Mexico’s most celebrated, known for its depth of flavor, bold spices, and incredible diversity. In this immersive cooking experience, you’ll step into the kitchen with a local cook who will guide you through the foundations of Oaxacan food culture. You’ll craft traditional recipes like yellow mole tamales, while learning the fascinating origins of mole—an ancient, pre-Hispanic blend of spices and stories.

You’ll get hands-on experience using a comal, the traditional griddle passed down from the Maya, and delve into the essential process of preparing corn, the heart of so many regional dishes. By the end of the class, you won’t just have a delicious tamale to enjoy—you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the heritage, skills, and soul behind every flavor.

No trip to Oaxaca is complete without exploring the world of mezcal—the region’s most iconic spirit with roots that stretch back centuries. You’ll visit a traditional palenque, a small, family-run distillery where mezcal is still made using ancestral methods passed down through generations. Here, amidst agave fields and clay ovens, you’ll learn how this smoky, complex spirit is crafted by hand—from harvesting the agave to slow-roasting, fermenting, and distilling.

This isn’t a commercial tasting room—it’s an intimate, deeply local experience that offers a true connection to the land and the people who keep this ancient tradition alive. You’ll taste several small-batch mezcals, each with its own story and flavor profile, guided by the maestro mezcalero who made them. As you sip, you’ll gain insight into mezcal’s cultural significance, its role in rituals and celebrations, and why it’s so much more than just a drink—it’s a spirit with a soul.

Step into the vibrant world of Oaxacan textiles with a hands-on workshop led by artisans who carry on centuries-old weaving traditions. You’ll visit a local family in a nearby village, where backstrap and pedal looms are still used just as they were by Zapotec and Mixtec ancestors. Surrounded by natural dyes, hand-spun wool, and richly patterned designs, you’ll learn how these textiles are not only works of art, but also powerful expressions of identity, storytelling, and heritage.

This is an immersive experience that goes far beyond the surface. You’ll see how plants, insects, and minerals are transformed into vivid dyes, and even try your hand at weaving alongside the masters. Whether you’re a textile lover or simply curious, this visit offers a rare window into a deeply rooted cultural tradition—one kept alive through patience, skill, and generations of artistry.

As the sun sets, you’ll reunite with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a thoughtfully chosen setting. It’s one last opportunity to savor the incredible flavors of Oaxaca and reflect on the week’s highlights—a warm and meaningful end to your culinary journey.

Hasta pronto!