Nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, Oaxaca is a place where history, tradition, and breathtaking views come together to create something truly magical. From the colourful streets of the historic city center to the towering mountains and sun-kissed beaches, Oaxaca offers a million stories just waiting to be told.

Oaxaca is known as the food capital of Mexico, and for good reason! Some must-tries include:

Mole – A rich, complex sauce made with chiles, chocolate, and dozens of other ingredients. Oaxaca has seven famous moles and during your visit we hope you get to try some of them!

Tlayudas – A must-try crispy, oversized (really) thin tortilla topped with beans, cheese, avocado, meats and salsa.

Memelas & Tamales Oaxaqueños – Delicious street food staples, not your typical tamal, these are wrapped in banana leaf and are filled with traditional quesillo.

Quesillo – Also known as Oaxacan string cheese—super melty and perfect on everything. We recommend you pair it with a chapulines charcuterie board.

Mezcal – Oaxaca is the birthplace of this smoky, small-batch agave spirit. Mezcal tasting is a must and be prepared to have some during our Calenda!

Due to its mountainous terrain and historically isolated communities, Oaxaca was relatively more insulated from Spanish influence than other communities in Mexico. This allowed indigenous groups to maintain more of their cultural identity which is still evident to this day. Oaxaca is home to a mix of cultures, mainly Zapotec and Mixtec, which influence everything from its art and festivals to its food and language.

One of its most famous traditions is the Guelaguetza, an annual (July) celebration of dance, music, and regional dress, where different communities come together to showcase their heritage.

Another iconic tradition is the calenda, a lively wedding or festival parade with giant puppets (monos de calenda) that resemble the bride and the groom, live music, mezcal, and dancing through the streets.

Oaxaca is a land of striking contrasts and beauty, where rugged mountains, lush valleys, and sun-drenched coastlines come together in a spectacular natural tapestry. The Sierra Madre del Sur dominates the region, its peaks giving way to fertile valleys rich with agave fields and indigenous villages. The central valleys, home to the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, are dotted with ancient ruins and vibrant markets bursting with color. To the south, the Pacific coastline boasts golden beaches and dramatic cliffs, with surf-friendly waves rolling onto the shores of places like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Oaxaca’s diverse terrain offers a stunning glimpse into Mexico’s wild, untamed beauty.