The cultural heritage of Oaxaca
Many Mexicans, and west coast Americans, can trace their ancestry to the Mixtecs, with goldsmiths, jewellers and artisan mosaic makers all notable professions that have been passed down through generations. Zapotec people, too, are still well represented in Oaxaca, with Zapotec language spoken in areas around the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, around Oaxaca. Zapotec and Mixtec art and cultural heritage can be found across this region, and over half of Oaxaca’s population have Zapotec or Mixtec heritage.
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Mexico bespoke holiday, Cultural Heartlands and Caribbean Coast
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Mexico holiday, Mexico City and the Yucatán
12 day exploration of Mexico City and Yucatán
Mexico small group holiday, a food adventure
Get an authentic taste of Mexico on this 8 day tour
Mexico small group holiday, culture & beach
2 week discovery Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec & Mayan cultures .
Mexico & Cuba Tour
Fun, sun, history and culture in Mexico and Cuba.
Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour, Mayan encounter
Travel through paradise between the Yucatan & Guatemalan.
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Mexico tour, small group
Zapotec communities, Mayan culture & modern museums
Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday
Discover Mayan ruins and pristine beaches of the Caribbean
Highlights of Mexico small group holiday
Experience the Day of the Dead Festival in Oaxaca
Day of the Dead festival holiday, Mexico
Celebrate the Day of the Dead Festival in Mexico
Mexico City to Oaxaca holiday
Awesome 8-day journey through the heart of Mexico
Mexico self drive holiday
Discover the Yucatán peninsula on a classic self-drive
Mexico holiday, Mayan Yucatan and Coast
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Mexico small group holiday, culture and nature
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Family self drive holiday in Mexico
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Yucatan archaeology and history tour
Discover the archaeology and history of Mexico!
Yucatan Day of Dead festival tour
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Mexico tour with Day of the Dead Festival
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Luxury Mexico self drive holiday
The Yucatán peninsula self-drive holiday
Yucatan heritage tour in Mexico
Visit the World Heritage sites of the Yucatan Peninsula
Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula holiday
The land of the Aztec, Zapotec and Maya civilisations
Central America small group tour
Epic Central American journey from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Yucatan holiday in Mexico, Secrets & Civilisations
Visit Chichen Itza, stand high above Coba on a towering pyramid
Cultural sightseeing in Oaxaca City
Plaza de la Constitución
Domingo de Guzmán
Another ecclesiastical ‘must see’, just four blocks north of the Plaza de la Constitución, is the Santo Domingo de Guzmán. This former monastery is also the home of Oaxaca’s cultural museum that displays an important collection of ancient Zapotec artifacts recovered from Monte Albán. The cacti and indigenous plants in the adjoining Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca are also well worth a visit if you've got time to explore.Mercado Benito Juárez
Monte Albán
This UNESCO archeological site is 10kms to the west of Oaxaca City. Monte Albán was once one of the greatest Zapotec cities and a ceremonial centre. Thanks to its strategic setting – on a plateau in the confluence of three valleys – Mixtec and Aztec attack was easily resisted. Military might, conquered captives and defeated rival settlements can all be seen depicted on the ruined walls of the main plaza. Elsewhere you’ll find crumbling tombs, steep steps, pyramids, ball courts and panoramic views over the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. This is a great location for a half day trip outside of Oaxaca City.Cultural festivals in Oaxaca
The Guelaguetza, July
Noche de Rábanos, December
The 23rd December is an exciting night in Oaxaca. The shop windows surrounding the Zócalo are decorated in colourful lights and seasonal cheer, and they feature rather curious carvings cut from none other than the humble radish. The Night of the Radishes – Noche de Rábanos – has been celebrated since the end of the 19th century; rumour has it the festival began as a marketing ploy by entrepreneurial farmers who had a glut of unwanted radishes. Today, you’ll find political and nativity scenes carved from giant radishes, alongside plate smashing, piñatas and a procession of puppets.Semana Santa (Holy Week), March or April
The week leading up to Easter is celebrated by Christians throughout Mexico, and Oaxaca is certainly no exception. Processions and prayers are undertaken in somber reverence with statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary carried by local people and candles lit in front of street alters and in homes. The Procession of Silence on Good Friday is particularly poignant with hooded men winding through the streets accompanied by the rhythmic beat of a solitary drum.Our top Mexico Holiday
Mexico bespoke holiday, Cultural Heartlands and Caribbean Coast
Explore one of Latin America' most vibrant destinations
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Cultural cuisine in Oaxaca
Mole
Chapulines
Almost everyone in Oaxaca loves protein-packed, fried grasshopper and you’ll find toasted chapulines on everything from fried eggs to tortilla tacos. Often cooked with garlic, salt, lime juice and chillies, chapulines are far from just a novelty food. They are ever-present snacks at sporting events, artisan food markets and street food stalls all over Oaxaca. Once you pop, you can’t stop, apparently.Tlayuda
This traditional handmade dish features a larger than usual corn tortilla that’s been slightly toasted, covered in refried bean paste and topped with everything from thin slices of grilled beef (tasajo), pork dripping and semi-hard Oaxaca cheese to avocados, lettuce and tomatoes. This is the best street food to grab and go or just enjoy whilst people watching in a park or plaza. Every restaurant boasts its own specialty tlayuda; head away from the Zócalo for local favourites.Cultural tours of Oaxaca
Small group holidays are an excellent way to experience Oaxaca in the company of a guide and other likeminded travellers. Travel overland from Mexico City via Puebla for two full days in Oaxaca before your group embarks on a first-class overnight sleeper bus to San Cristobal del las Casas and the Caribbean coast. Small group tours in Mexico are particularly good for solo travellers. Single supplements can give you the chance to have your own room, or you can share at no extra cost.
Small group food holidays in Mexico focus on a particularly important and enjoyable aspect of Oaxaca’s culture. They take you to the colourful markets and street stalls of Oaxaca as well as Mexico City’s Mercado San Juan and the seafood stalls in Mazunte, on the Pacific coast. This cultural taste of Mexico will be just as memorable as your first sweet and sour chilli chapuline.