Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and Colonial Tour in Downtown Oaxaca

   • Arrive in Oaxaca and transfer to your accommodation in the city.

   • Begin the experience with a guided visit to Jalatlaco, a charming neighborhood known for its colonial alleyways, colorful houses, bohemian cafés, and vibrant urban murals.

   • Walk through the Historic Center of Oaxaca while admiring the well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.

   • Visit the impressive Santo Domingo Temple and observe its remarkable design and historical significance.

   • Continue along the pedestrian walkway toward the Zócalo and Oaxaca Cathedral.

   • Explore the lively 20 de Noviembre Market and Benito Juárez Market, where stalls display traditional foods, crafts, and local products.

   • Conclude the tour at the famous Pasillo de Humo, where charcoal grills prepare tasajo, cecina, and chorizo, offering an authentic culinary experience.

2. Day 2: Guelaguetza Cultural Show

   • Begin the day with breakfast and preparation for a cultural experience in Oaxaca.

   • Attend the traditional Guelaguetza show, a celebration deeply rooted in Zapotec culture.

   • Learn about the origin of the word Guelaguetza, derived from the Zapotec term meaning offering, gift, or fulfillment.

   • Discover the historical connection of the festival to pre-Hispanic rituals once held in honor of the goddess Centéotl, the deity of corn.

   • Experience traditional dances performed by communities from across Oaxaca, accompanied by colorful costumes and regional music.

   • Observe cultural performances and celebrations inspired by the historic Lunes del Cerro festival.

3. Day 3: Monte Albán and Reyes Etla Cultural Route

   • Begin the day with a visit to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec city located in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

   • Explore the Great Plaza, the ball court, Tomb 7, and other impressive archaeological structures.

   • Continue to Reyes Etla, a community recognized for its traditional cheese and quesillo production.

   • Visit the home of a local producer where the cheese-making process is demonstrated from fresh milk to molding fresh cheese and preparing quesillo.

   • Taste freshly prepared cheese served on traditional memelas accompanied by molcajete salsa.

   • Experience the peaceful rural environment of the Oaxaca valleys before returning to the city.

4. Day 4: Hierve el Agua and Tlacolula Valley Exploration

   • Begin the day with a journey through the Tlacolula Valley.

   • Visit the ancient Tule Tree, a cypress tree more than two thousand years old with natural formations resembling animals within its massive trunk.

   • Continue to Teotitlán del Valle, a community famous for handwoven wool rugs created using natural dyes.

   • Observe local artisans demonstrating traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.

   • Visit Mitla, known as the City of the Dead, where intricate Mixtec stonework and a historic church built over ancient pyramids can be admired.

   • Travel onward to Hierve el Agua to observe the remarkable petrified waterfalls and enjoy a scenic hike around the natural formations.

   • Visit a mezcal distillery to learn about the traditional production process and taste the local spirit.

   • Return to Oaxaca City to conclude the tour.