Recommendations
temazcal ceremonies
A temazcal is one of Oaxaca's oldest ceremonies — a pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ritual rooted in Zapotec tradition, used for physical purification, spiritual cleansing, and communal connection. Hot volcanic rocks are doused with herb-infused water, and a temazcalera guides the ceremony through song, intention, and the four elements.
Nabani SPAcio Holístico
Led by Raquel and Julio on a lush property 15 minutes from the city, the experience begins with a card reading and herb-gathering before the ceremony itself, and ends with a shared meal. Saturdays by appointment. ~800 MXN per person (~$40 USD). Contact via WhatsApp +52 951 204 8304.
Ceviarem Temazcal
Located in in Tlalixtac de Cabrera, it can accommodate up to 16 people and operates 365 days a year, making it the most flexible option for larger groups. Transportation available. ~1,700 MXN for two (~$85 USD). Contact via WhatsApp +52 951 544 9096.
Temazcal Oaxaca
Located in Santa María Coyotepec, it’s a great option for first-timers — private sessions led by a local curandera in an English and tourist-friendly, setting. ~$75 USD per person including transportation. Book at temazcaloaxaca.com.
Events in Oaxaca
There are a couple of annual events that are happening during La Guelaguetza
Oaxaca Mezcal Fair
Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center
Likely will be July 17-28 from 11am-10pm. The city provides a free shuttle bus—catch it at El Llano Park. 🎟️ Tickets: 75 pesos, can purchase upon arrival
Arte de Mi Pueblo - Artisan Fair
Annual artisan fair that’s part of La Guelaguetza celebration.
Food!
Oaxaca has one of the most celebrated food cultures in Mexico. Here are some recs — from market tlayudas to Michelin-starred tasting menus.
Cheap eats
Tacos Del Carmen – street corner taco stand at Jesus Carranza & Garcia Vigil
Tlayudas Doña Flavia
Mercado La Merced – amazing for breakfast
20th de Noviembre – an experience of grilled meat
Bodæga – bakery
Other delicious things
La Atoleria – wonderful place on the ground floor of Tierra del Sol that serves a wide range of atoles (warm, nourishing masa drinks)
Nieves – Oaxaca’s ice cream. Go to Basilica de Soledad and get your nieves from Nieva Malena, the place to the far left of the plaza when entering from Independencia up the stairs.
Food tours
Here’s a list of food tours that look great!
Secret Food Tours: Oaxaca: $71+tip; Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Mercado Juarez & Zocalo
Oaxaca Street Food Essentials by Club Tengo Hambre: $90+tip; Five street food stands, and three traditional markets.
Oaxaca Food Tours | Authentic Culinary Experiences: ~$80+tip; 7 people max; 3 hours
Mezcal & Bars
We'll be drinking a lot of mezcal. These are the spots worth your time.
Mezcal tastings
In Situ – we’ll plan to gather here on Thursday night
La Mezcaloteca – requires reservations
Bars
Liquen Oaxaca – we’ll plan to go here on Friday
Bony’s – old school cantina
Cantina Salón de La Fama – old school cantina
Copal – large bar with great cocktails (we’ll go here on Wednesday)
Cooking Classes
Oaxacan cooking is passed down through generations of women in home kitchens, over wood fires, with clay pots and ancestral recipes. Check out these classes for a taste of that magic.
Que Rico Es Oaxaca
~$95 · 4.5 hours · Up to 12 people
Meet at the city center for a market visit, then head to Alfonso's family home on the slopes of Fortín Hill — about 20 minutes outside the city. You'll make salsas, guacamole, a mole dish, and dessert with mezcal included. Vegetarian and vegan adaptable.
Minerva Lopez
~$120 · 6 hours · Up to 10 people
Meet at the Zócalo, then head to Abastos market before driving to Minerva's home in Santa María Atzompa, about 20 minutes from the city center. Minerva is a first-place winner at the Meeting of Traditional Cooks of Oaxaca with 40+ years of pre-Hispanic cooking experience.
Cooking with Sonia
~$100 · 4.5 hours · Up to 20 people
Sonia's home is a short drive from the city center. Guests are picked up near the Zócalo and transported to her property. She learned to cook from her mother using clay pots and charcoal, and her son leads a mezcal tasting alongside the class. (Airbnb Experience)
Alma de Mi Tierra
$90 · 4–5 hours · Up to 9 people
Classes are held in Oaxaca City Tue/Thu/Sat, starting with a short walk to a local market before heading to the kitchen. Polished and intimate, ending with a multi-course meal at a beautifully set table. Mezcal tasting included.