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.

Who?

This trip is tailored for seasoned travelers who have a deep appreciation for traditionally crafted cuisine, with a special focus on the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca, Mexico. A sense of curiosity for new flavors is always welcome! We invite those with open minds, adventurous spirits, and a genuine love for authentic food experiences. Our guests are adults of all ages who enjoy walking, exploring independently, and connecting with the group. To ensure a more intimate and immersive experience, we keep our group size small—no more than 12 guests—accompanied by 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

November 7

We welcome you to our lodging in the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, which will be our central location from which we explore the broader Valley of Oaxaca. We'll gather in the late afternoon for introductions, overview and a welcome drink. After getting to know each other a little, we'll walk to one of the excellent nearby restaurants for a welcome dinner, setting the stage for the week of flavors ahead.

Day 2

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

This morning we venture out of the city to learn about sustainable agriculture and explore the native spirit, mezcal, from a master mescalero at his ranch and palenque.  He will share his deep connection to the land and the process of artisanal mezcal production from cultivation and foraging to harvest, pit-roasting, pressing, fermenting, distilling and aging.  We will discover many varieties of maguey and taste a multitude of mezcals from his own production before enjoying a delicious meal prepared by his family.

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

Day 4

This morning we head to a small village to meet some master stone masons who make molcajetes (mortar and pestle) and metates (flat stones for grinding corn or other ingredients) from locally-quarried materials.  They will welcome us to their home to share an intimate view into their rural lifestyle.

We will make lunch together, gaining new skills and understanding of Oaxacan cuisine.

This afternoon, you’ll dive into the world of pottery. Oaxaca is known for its artisans, and many of its famous culinary dishes are prepared or served in these traditional forms. The most famous Oaxacan pottery clays found in the region are barro rojo and barro negro, the iconic red and black clay pottery styles.  Another area is known for its green glaze.  This afternoon, we will meet a potter to learn the history and the importance of this tradition in the area.

Day 5

Let's go the the fertile Atoyac River valley to learn how to make quesillo, also know as "queso Oaxaca."  It's a key ingredient, and our friend will show us how their family has been making cheese for generations, setting records, and supplying some of the area's best restaurants.  Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local market, where the smells and sounds are sure to entice.

You'll have a brief siesta before we channel our inner artists at one of Oaxaca's original printmaking studios.  After having seen prints adorning walls all over the city this week, now you'll hear the riveting story of how this medium gained prominence as a tool for social struggle and expression.

Our multi-course dinner, cooked in an open-air kitchen on clay comals, will prominently feature smoke.  

Day 6

Heading east, we’ll go to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, known for its community of weavers.  Oaxaca has deeply-rooted culinary and artisan traditions; you can’t have one without the other. With a visit to our friends, we will give you a small glimpse into the larger role that these traditions hold in the culture of Oaxaca.  They will demonstrate weaving on pedal looms and explain how they use flowers, minerals and bugs to dye their textiles naturally.

We can’t leave town before filling up on delicious enchiladas prepared by our friend and her son.

On our way back to the city center, we’ll stop for some traditionally made ice cream.  After a short break, we'll share another unforgettable dinner together.

Day 7

Today we’ll start a bit later so you can relax and enjoy the quiet streets of Oaxaca.  We’ll dive into the world of chocolate, the food of the gods, at a local tienda. Oaxacan chocolate has a delicious and unique flavor. We will learn about processing chocolate from bean to bar and hear about the significance of this food in mesoamerican civilization. Which variety of chocolate will be your favorite?  Do you prefer water or milk-based hot chocolate?  Let's get to the bottom of it!

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 and reflect upon the fabulous week we’ve had together.  Cheers!

Day 8

November 14

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