The Essential Oaxaca
Eight days and seven nights of elegant adventure travel and meaningful connectons in the heart of southern Mexico
Allow yourself to relax into the slower pace of vibrant Oaxaca without sacrificing a single adventure. As your onsite hosts, we'll fill the fridge and tables; offer our personal insights and recommendations for the best art shops, bars and shopping; and seamlessly connect you to our Oaxaqueño guides for the most amazing introduction to this gorgeous place that you'll never forget.
Day 1: ¡Bienvenidos!
After your arrival in Oaxaca, we'll provide transport from the airport to our beautiful, modern lodging in the heart of 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
After a day of travel, we'll start our morning slowly with breakfast and coffee on our intimate, rooftop patio. Mid-morning, follow our local guide through the layers of history and culture as we tour the city on foot. Your afternoon is free for a rest or some shopping; we'll reconvene at one of Oaxaca's two Michelin-star restaurants for dinner and drinks.
Included:
breakfast
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 3: Mountains, Monuments & Mezcal
We begin before sunrise, stopping for an authentic breakfast at a small, family-owned fonda before taking in the breathtaking views of Hierve el Agua, the "frozen waterfall." Brave the chilly pools for a post-hike dip before making our way to Mitla, one of Oaxaca's most significant historic ruins. We'll take lunch nearby and spend an afternoon with Don Jeronimo, who will lead us through the ritual of his small batch mezcal tasting onsite at his distillery. Return home to pizza and snacks on the patio from our favorite bakery/cafe nearby.
Included:
breakfast
lunch
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 4: Market Day & Monte Alban at Sunset
Enjoy our scrumptious, on-site breakfast and join Charlie for a tour of one of the amazing markets that will dizzy you with the sheer variety of goods for sale. We'll spend the afternoon visiting the pottery studios in Atzompa, and then climb (by bus) up to Monte Alban for one of our most magical (and exclusive) offerings — a sunset tour of this stunning historic site with a local archaeological expert. The site is closed to the public after 5 o'clock, so we will almost certainly be the only people there! Return to our lodging for a chef-prepared dinner.
Included:
breakfast
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 5: Xochimilco & Nacho Libre
Yes, we'll see some famous spots from the ridiculous but loveable Jack Black movie, but the real reason for today's tour of the neighborhood of Xochimilco is to marvel at some of the city's best street art. We'll lunch in the gardens of Artesenal and the rest of the day is yours. Option: join us for a street food tour after dark, when some of the most snackable treats pop up on street corners across the city.
Included:
breakfast
lunch
lodging
Day 6: Zapotec Cooking & the Weavers of Teotitlan
A daytrip to the small village of Teotitlan del Valle nestled in the foothills outside the city starts with breakfast and a market visit with Doña Reyna Mendoza. She invites us into her charming outdoor kitchen for cooking lessons, turning your market finds into a flavorful, traditional Zapotec lunch. Before leaving town we'll learn how the famous weavers of this area dye their wool with natural elements and create woven works of art.
Back in the city, we'll toast our day with a mezcal happy hour before dinner at one of our favorite spots.
Included:
breakfast
lunch/snacks
happy hour
dinner, drinks
lodging
Day 7 & 8: Saying Adios (or Hasta Luego!)
With only one more full day in this incredible city, we invite you to revisit the spots that called to you to spend more time (or money!). Duck in to one of the shops for a souvenir or three, stop for a snack or drink, or simply wander the avenues one more time and soak up the last bits of your elegant Oaxaca adventure.
Our grand finale and farewell dinner will find us gathered in the tranquil, refined courtyard of El Chilar, an exclusive event space designed by a reknowned Oaxaqueño architect. Our hosts will guide us through a reflection ceremony, a time to recall the impressions Oaxaca has left on your heart, soul and mind. Enjoy a magical last evening with food, mezcal and new friends.
Most departures are early Saturday morning, so we'll get up before dawn and send you off to the airport with a snack to go, hugs and promises to share pictures!
Included:
breakfast
farewell dinner, drinks
lodging
airport transport
7 Days: The Essential Oaxaca
Jan. 31 - Feb. 7, 2026
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
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small group exclusivity, 12 people or fewer
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all transportation to and from airport and tour-sponsored experiences (outside of those that are within walking distance)
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lodging in a private room with en suite bathroom, double occupancy
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access to common areas including patios
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snacks, drinks and water provided at lodging
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all meals unless specifically indicated
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two drinks per dinner (guest may purchase additional if desired)
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happy hour / evening drinks provided at lodging
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tips to wait staff and tour vendors for tour-sponsored experiences
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direct access to your on-site hosts — that's us!
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tickets, local guides, entry fees, etc. for tour-sponsored experiences
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
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airfare
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personal insurance coverage, including travel and health
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optional meals or recommended experiences indicated to be "on your own"
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additional tips and gratuities you may wish to offer
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laundry service (available through the lodging, for a fee)
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taxis around town, if preferred by the guest
$3,850 USD per person, double occupancy
$4,950 USD per person, single occupancy
standard room; see additional room options and costs
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.
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.