Hasta Luego from Oaxaca !

We hope you enjoyed the trip as much as we all did. We also hope you can spare a moment to provide us with your feedback in the "Tell us how we did" section. Your input will help us improve our trips for future travels.”

We've created a shared album for all of you to upload and share your memories from this wonderful week



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Trip Itinerary

Thursday, February 19 : Arrival & Welcome

6:30PM - 10:00PM

Oaxaca is a city of history and tradition, especially when it comes to its cooking. After settling into our home for the week, the hotel Casa de Sierra Azul, we'll meet at 6:30PM in the lobby for drinks before heading to restaurant Zandunga to be treated to a special meal prepared by chef Aurora Toledo specializing in the eclectic cuisine of Oaxaca's Istmo de Tehuantepec region.

Friday, February 20: Earth, Corn & Fire Culinary Tour

9:30 AM - 6:30 PM 

Today we will meet in the lobby at 9:30AM. We’ll start our day with an epic culinary walk that will give us an overview of Oaxaca’s downtown markets and neighborhoods, along with a sense of how this city defends its native ingredients and cooking techniques. Starting at the intimate Merced market, we’ll work our way through the city streets and several other markets, stopping for classic Oaxacan bites along the way. 

In the afternoon, we’ll will gather again at 5:00 PM and meet with another Oaxacan creator, this time a printmaker of Oaxacan visual arts. He'll lead us in a workshop where we will create works of our own.

Saturday, February 21: Corn, Back to the Roots

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

This morning we will meet in the lobby at 8:00AM. We begin this day with an early expedition to the Milta caves, the ancient point of origin of corn.  Then we'll grab walking sticks and hike up through a series of caves, each one a bit higher and more impressive than the last. Our guides, the cultural custodians of the land, will ensure safe and happy hiking for all, as well as interpret the story highlighted in the archaeological relics. 
**This hike is semi-challenging and there will be a comfortable place to wait if you prefer not to do the full climb. Afterwards, we will enjoy a family lunch at the house of our guide. 

On the way back, dinner will be iconic Oaxacan tlayudas – a wood-fired, thin and wide tortilla covered with a myriad of toppings. 

Sunday, February 22: Sunday in the Market

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

This morning we will leave our hotel at 9:00AM for the small town of Tlacolula, just outside of Oaxaca city, which holds what might be the most spectacular weekly market in the whole region. Filled with food vendors, fruit and vegetable stalls, and craftspeople selling their wares, the market is a colorful celebration of the richness of Oaxacan life.

After working our way through the market, we’ll finish up with a late lunch at yet another of Oaxaca’s cocineras tradicionales, this one highlighting the cooking of the region’s central valley, which is famed for its mole and unusual use of chiles. Our chef, Catalina Lucas, will fill the table with the seven most essential moles of Oaxaca and give us the backstory on the origin, ingredients and cultural significance of each. Today's meal will be a full table tribute to the preservation of the local Oaxacan cuisine and the people who protect these traditions. After this meal, you will never look at mole the same way.

Monday, February 23: Hands of Artisans

9:00AM - 4:00PM 

Today we will meet at 9:00AM. We begin this day with a morning drive to the small town of Matadamas, where we will spend the morning with a traditional cook. We will prepare seasonal specialties, which may include her famous tamales or queso fresco in her home as she shares with us the secrets to Oaxacan cuisine, followed by a feast at her table.

On the way back to town, we'll be welcomed into the home and workshop of another traditional artisan, this one working with pottery. This evening you will be free to explore and enjoy the city at your leisure.

Tuesday, February 24, : The Mysteries of Mezcal

9:30 AM - 10:00 PM 

Today we will meet at 9:30AM. We’ll head out of town and into the countryside to learn all about the making of mezcal and the important role this agave-based spirit plays in Oaxacan culture. We’ll make our way to a palenque, an artisanal distillery, where the mezcalillera will take us through the process of making the drink, from collecting the agave to bottling the mezcal. Unlike many mezcaleros, this woman is a farmer as well, working toward sustainable solutions to keep up with the global mezcal craze. Along with a tasting, we will enjoy a rustic country-style lunch, eating dishes made from items freshly collected in the nearby fields.

In the evening, we will meet at 6:30PM. For dinner, we will see the flavors of the week come together as we are treated to a special meal prepared by Thalia Barrios Garcia who works culinary magic with fire and smoke. At Cocina de Humo, seated before the chef, we will witness indigenous culinary traditions which spring to life in her hands and at the hearth of this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Wednesday, February 25: Farewell

Depart for home or onto your next destination – or, if you’d like, spend a few more days exploring Oaxaca. Paco and our team will be happy to provide additional recommendations.

Until our next adventure!

Activity Level

Travelers should feel comfortable walking three to five miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. The Mitla Caves hike climbs several flights of rough-hewn stairs, and features rocky, uneven terrain. Keep in mind that Oaxaca is a bustling and crowded place!

 

City Smarts

While personal safety is not an issue in the heart of the city, pickpocketing can be a problem, especially in more touristy areas. The best approach is to only carry the bare necessities on you, keep your bags or backpacks close to you, and always be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.

 

Weather & Packing List

Expect daytime temperatures in the low-80s (°F), dipping down to the low-60s at night. Sunrise will take place just before 6:00 a.m., with sunset right around 7 p.m.

Below are key items to pack:

  • Passport and passport copy
  • Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Comfortable clothes and jacket for daytime and evening
  • Power plug adapter (if coming from outside the U.S. or Canada)
  • Toiletries and any medications
  • A small, compact umbrella and/or light raincoat
  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
  • Camera

 

Currency & Money Exchange

The local currency is the Mexican Peso. One peso is worth roughly 5 U.S. cents (or 100 pesos ≈ 5 USD), and one U.S. Dollar is worth roughly 18 pesos. The symbol of the peso is M$ or Mex$ but sometimes just $, which can be confusing. You will be able to use credit cards in most places, though you should always plan to have some cash available in places where cards are not accepted.

 

Connectivity

Wifi will be available at our hotel. If you’d like to be able to make calls on your mobile phone outside of wifi, we recommend buying a local SIM or calling card. You can also purchase an overseas package from your own mobile provider.

Calling the U.S. from abroad: 00 + 1 + U.S. number

How to Dress

Choose versatile, casual clothing that can be layered if the weather (or level of air-conditioning) requires. Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for summertime. Spring and autumn temperatures dictate medium-weight clothing selections. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate for evenings.

Cathedrals, churches and other religious sites require conservative dress. Please bring something to cover your arms and shoulders

 

Taking Photos

Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people, including small children. Note that photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.

 

Language (Some Common Phrases)

 

English Spanish
Hello Hola
Good morning Buenos días
Good afternoon Buenas tardes
Good night Buenas noches
Goodbye Adios
Cheers! ¡Salud!
Bon appetit! Buen provecho
What delicious food Qué comida tan deliciosa
Yes/No Sí/No
I don’t understand Yo no comprendo
Do you speak English? Habla inglés?
Excuse me Con permiso
Please Por favor
Thank you Gracias
Reply to thank you De nada
It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever tried in my life! Es la cosa más deliciosa que he probado en mi vida!

 

Tipping

Tipping is fairly customary in Mexico, and is already included in the cost of your meals on the trip. For restaurants you visit on your own, 10-20% is normal. Tipping in either U.S. dollars (bills only, no coins) or pesos is acceptable.

While tipping your guide(s) is not expected, if you feel they’ve gone above and beyond, we recommend something in the range of $10-20 a day – i.e., $80-160 total for the eight-day trip.

Travel Requirements

Current regulations allow U.S. citizens to travel directly from the United States to Mexico with no restrictions. For the most up-to-date details on travel requirements for Mexico, please visit the US Embassy in Mexico site.

Your Arrival and Departure to Oaxaca

For flights in and out of Oaxaca International Airport (Xoxocotlán International Airport OAX), we suggest you arrive by 3 p.m. on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 7. A taxi to your hotel should cost approximately $35-45 USD. If you’d like a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, just email us and we’ll arrange it for you.
We’ll provide the option of booking additional nights at our Oaxaca hotel before and/or after the tour, and are more than happy to provide suggestions for things to do and see in the city on your own.

Accommodation

Our group will be staying at the Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul, a historic hotel located in the heart of Oaxaca, where we’ll have easy access to so much of the city’s vibrant life! We are happy to book you extra nights at the group’s hotel if you email us or use the chat below.

Hotel Name: Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul
Address: Hidalgo 1002, Centro Histórico,
Ciudad de Oaxaca, Oax. Mexico.
Phone: +52 (951) 5147 171
Email: reservaciones@hotelcasadesierrazul.com
Website: www.hotelcasadesierrazul.com

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Different policies can cover items including trip cancellation, medical expenses and emergencies, and loss of luggage and personal effects.
A recommended option is AIG Travel Guard – Ideal if you're seeking flexibility to customize your coverage with additional add-ons.

Other Recommendations in the Area

 

Medical Assistance & Pharmacy Information:

Doctor: In case it's needed, an English-speaking doctor can come directly to the hotel for a fee, arriving within approximately 30 minutes.

Pharmacy: The nearest pharmacy is two blocks away and operates from 7 AM to 11 PM. For 24-hour pharmacy service, pharmacies in downtown Oaxaca are available four blocks away on Morelos Street.

 

 

Tipping

Tipping is fairly customary in Mexico, and is already included in the cost of your meals on the trip. For restaurants you visit on your own, 10-20% is normal. Tipping in either U.S. dollars (bills only, no coins) or pesos is acceptable.

 

Your Fellow Travelers:

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Paco de Santiago

Culinary Backstreets Mexico trip leader Francisco de Santiago (“Paco”) is a Mexico City native who has a deep passion for his country’s cuisine. He is also a renaissance man — a former champion chess player, bullfighter and, more recently, a professional gastro-guide. He has hosted crews from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), and was featured on the Netflix series "Taco Chronicles."

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Luis Pablo

Luis Pablo was born and raised in Oaxaca in a multicultural household where culinary traditions were very important. Art and music were also an important part of his upbringing, so it’s not surprising that Luis Pablo ended up pursuing a bachelor’s degree in classical piano and opera singing and becoming a musician, although later on switching his focus to Mexican and Oaxacan traditional folk music. Although he has lived abroad, Luis Pablo always found himself coming back to Oaxaca, where he has been involved in a variety of cultural, touristic, and educational activities. Along with his love for Oaxaca City, he also has a deep connection to Oaxaca state’s outdoors, enjoying hikes in the mountains and exploring the local gastronomy of the towns he visits on his adventures.

Pablo Oaxaca Guide Updated 2

Trip FAQs

Pricing and Accommodation

The total cost of this trip is $4,000 per person in a shared room. For travelers wishing to have single accommodations during the trip, an additional $850 will be due at the time of the final payment. A $500 non-refundable deposit per traveler is required to secure space on the trip. The balance is due 90 days prior to the start of the trip.

Activity Level

Travelers should be reasonably fit and feel comfortable walking three to five miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. The Mitla Caves hike climbs several flights of rough-hewn stairs, and features rocky, uneven terrain. Keep in mind that Oaxaca is a bustling and crowded place!

Arrival and Departure

For flights in and out of Oaxaca International Airport (Xoxocotlán International Airport), we suggest you arrive by 3 p.m. on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 7. We’ll provide the option of booking additional nights at our Oaxaca hotel before and/or after the tour, and are more than happy to provide suggestions for things to do and see in the city on your own.

Inclusions

• Six nights of accommodation in a boutique hotel.
• Professional guides throughout the entire experience.
• Six breakfasts, five lunches, and three dinners.
• All activities and events as mentioned in the itinerary.
• A hungry group of Culinary Backstreets travellers, excited to explore all that Oaxaca has to offer!

Exclusions

• Transportation and flights to and from Oaxaca, including airport transfers.
• Food and drink outside of CB Trip offerings, including two dinners, some alcoholic beverages, and any snacks during the day, as well as any personal expenses.
• If applicable, applying for a Mexican visa (not required for U.S. citizens).
• Travel insurance (recommended).

Dietary Restrictions

We encourage an adventurous palate! We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, though in most cases ingredients can’t be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a particular food allergy or intolerance, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.

Notes on Itinerary

Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.

Terms of Service

Please check out the Terms & Conditions and Binding Arbitration