A MEZCAL INTENSIVE
Six days and five nights of immersion into the Oaxaca mezcal culture, visiting hallowed agave fields and palenques where the magic is made.
For the true mezcal afficianado who wants to experience firsthand the science and art behind this complex spirit! This week will find us roaming the countryside in the agave fields and palenques of super-local small producers willing to share their uique approaches — and their mezcal. Designed to be a feast for the senses, we'll indulge in Michelin star meals as well as lesser-known favorites; sample corn drinks, cocoa and street food; enjoy a happy hour with a new bottle each day; and get to know some of Oaxaca's most iconic arts and crafts.
Day 1: ¡Bienvenidos!
After your arrival in Oaxaca, we'll provide transport from the airport to our beautiful, modern lodging on a hill overlooking the city. For those arriving earlier in the afternoon, we'll greet you with snacks and a welcome drink. Later arrivals will find a late snack pack waiting in their rooms.
Included:
airport transport
snack/drink
lodging
Day 2: Wandering Oaxaca
We begin our day with a lovely breakfast, then get to know the city with a guided introduction to its history and culture. A light lunch at La Mazcalerita gets our mezcal journey started on the right foot — they have a terrific mezcal list plus pulque, cocktails and local craft beers. Enjoy a free afternoon on your own before we reconvene for a very special mezcal primer hosted by local experts Alberto and Ana at their private tasting room. Recia is a new venture focused on very small batch producers working with rare and hard-to-find agave species. You'll taste mezcals you simply can't find anywhere else. For dinner we'll tuck in at one of Oaxaca's most renowned restaurants, and those with enough fortitude to stay up a little longer can join us on the rooftop to open a bottle of something new.
Included:
breakfast
lunch
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 3: Santa Catarina Minas
Today our Recia hosts rejoin us as our guides for two exciting palenque visits, and a specially curated field experience! We begin a short drive from the city turning down a winding dirt road that leads us to one of the most notable female-run distilleries in the state. Tour this impressive facility and learn how they are actively preserving the dwindling and threatened wild agave species that make their mezcal so special. A bit further down, we'll spend the afternoon in fields of madre cuishe and tobala, tasting from a very small producer, who will host us there for an invite-only barbecue dinner.
Included:
breakfast
lunch
dinner
lodging
Day 4: Rituals & Ruins
We're in the central valle today visiting the "world capital of mezcal" — but forget the movie-set-looking roadside stands. Experience the honor of being welcomed into a mezcalero's home for a truly special experience, highlighting the rituals and soul of mezcal from a gorgeous rooftop overlooking stunning agave fields literally littered with chunks of prehistoric artifacts (part of the palenque tour includes a visit to their "museum" showcasing what they've found). With indigenous civilizations on our minds, we'll pop over to the beautifully preserved ruins of Mitla, the second-most important archaeological site in Oaxaca.
It's a full day, so we'll grab dinner close by; but we don't have to go to bed until we open up a special bottle or two to share on the rooftop.
Included:
breakfast
lunch
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 5: There's Still Time for Tasting!
It's our last day in the city so let's make the most of it by wandering the pretty neighborhoods and popping in to take advantage of some impressive menus and mezcal lists. Allow us to share our shopping recommendations for whatever is calling to you — art prints, textiles, pottery or, of course, mezcal! Local vendors are happy to wrap your items for shipping or carrying back to the States. Turn yourself over to one of Mezcaloteca's tasting room experts for an hour and you'll come out knowing a bit more about your favorite mezcal profiles (and in possession of a new bottle or two, most likely). Finally we cap off our week at one of Oaxaca's two Michelin-starred for one more unforgettable meal.
Included:
breakfast
dinner
lodging
Day 6: Adios
Most departures are early in the morning, so we'll get up before dawn and send you off to the airport with a snack to go, handshakes and promises to share tasting notes.
Included:
airport transfer
Mezcal Intensive: 5 Nights/6 Days
Feb. 7-12, 2026
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
small group exclusivity, 12 people or fewer
all transportation to and from airport and tour-sponsored experiences (outside of those that are within walking distance)
lodging in a private room with en suite bathroom
access to common areas including patios and pool (we will be the only group at our lodging)
snacks, drinks and water provided at lodging
all meals unless specifically indicated
two drinks per dinner (guest may purchase additional if desired)
happy hour / evening drinks provided at lodging
tips to wait staff and tour vendors for tour-sponsored experiences
direct access to your on-site hosts — that's us!
tickets, local guides, entry fees, etc. for tour-sponsored experiences
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
airfare
personal insurance coverage, including travel and health
optional meals or recommended experiences indicated to be "on your own"
additional tips and gratuities you may wish to offer
laundry service (available through the lodging, for a fee)
taxis around town, if preferred by the guest
$4,500 USD per person, double occupancy
king room, private bath; common pool
$5,400 USD per person, single occupancy
We'd love to have you! Click to submit your booking inquiry and get started. We'll answer any questions you may have and share our terms, policies, payment details and other important info you should know.
Submitting this form only begins our conversation; you aren't locked in!
You can also reach out to Chrissy directly at chrissy@theoaxacatravelcollective.com or on WhatsApp.
FAQs & Things You Should Know
Is there an age limit for this trip?
Our itineraries are designed for guests 18 and older. If you would like to plan a family trip for younger participants, please use the form below and select "inquire about a custom trip."
What should I know about physical requirements?
Oaxaca is at an altitude of around 5,100', and it can be bumpy, rocky and rough. Guests should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain and up and down hills and stairs, with no assistance from elevators or escalators. You will be exposed to the thinner air and potentially intense sun. Please see our packing list for suggested items to make your journey more comfortable.
What is the lodging like?
We choose beautiful accommodations owned by locals that provide comfort, privacy and rustic elegance. Rooms have king or queen beds (unless otherwise indicated) and private bathrooms, and drinking water is provided.
Is Oaxaca, Mexico safe?
We can sincerely say we've never felt unsafe in Oaxaca, and the travel advisory level is the same as most European countries (to exercise caution). Unlike some areas in Mexico that you may read about in the news, Oaxaca's main concerns are petty theft and pickpocketing. We encourage you to review the U.S. Department of State's travel advisories for the latest information. We also assure you that we, and our local partners, make safety and security priority No. 1. If you have any concerns, please reach out so we can share any information you may need.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept most credit cards, Venmo, PayPal and ApplePay. Upon booking, you will receive an invoice with a link to pay online with our secure payment processor.
What if I need to cancel?
You can find our full cancellation policy under Policies & Important Information. We STRONGLY recommend you purchase trip insurance, and urge you to consider a CFAR policy, or Cancel For Any Reason.
Do you offer any other dates?
Based on interest levels, we can certainly add more dates. Please submit our booking inquiry form and we will get in touch. Especially if you have a group of six or more, we may be able to choose a week that fits your schedule specifically.