Mythical Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico

City discovery walk ⋅ Artisanal tasting ⋅ Mezcal bar crawl

We kick off this journey of smoke and sunshine in Oaxaca City with a walking tour of the colorful historical center with our Tastemaker, who will be bringing this trip to life. Agave and architecture are on display as we make our way to the trendy Jalatlaco neighborhood, with a refreshing paleta stop to sample the beloved Mexican popsicle that’s as cool as it comes.

Next we elevate our palettes with an in-depth tasting at Mezcaloteca, a home-grown project dedicated to the conservation of traditional mezcal-making methods. We test unique varieties and sample small-batch productions from near and beyond.

Dinner is at the restaurant of a young chef who brings the flavors of the desert to life with a mouth-watering, vegetable-forward menu. Afterwards we start exploring the town’s many mezcal bars – from expansive espadín to aromatic arroqueño, the options are as endless as the dazzling night sky.

Zapotec ruins ⋅ Agave field visits ⋅ Twilight rooftop drinks

The day begins with an optional visit to the bustling local food market for a taste of lip-smacking chocolate con leche. We gather mid-morning to head out into the arid landscapes that produce the world’s best mezcals.

First up is a guided visit to the impressive archaeological site of Mitla, a center of Zapotec culture since pre-Columbian times. Then we spend the morning getting to know the agave plant and its producers, visiting fields, palenques, and a small-batch producer where mezcal magic is made. From artisanal to ancestral, we sample it all.

This afternoon, after a rustic lunch in Santiago Matatlán, we visit a nearby weaving village before returning to Oaxaca for some downtime. This evening, we gather on our favorite rooftop bar for happy hour before a free-form dinner so you can experience this vivid city your way. Informal taquerias, destination dining, mezcal nieves: our Tastemaker has the perfect recommendation.

Ethnobotanical gardens ⋅ Hands-on cooking class ⋅ Mezcal mixology

We awaken the senses with a walk through the ethnobotanical gardens, a landscape of unexpected shapes and textures emblematic of Oaxaca’s unparalleled biodiversity. Then it’s into the kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson that celebrates the unique flavors of the Oaxaca region. A whole lot of fun – plus a menu to impress at your next dinner party, from aqua fresca to mole amarillo and cactus salad.

After free time to explore the galleries, museums and shops of Oaxaca, we gather this evening in one of our favorite local bars to meet a mixologist friend who teaches us the secrets of the perfect mezcalarita. From there the night is yours – take your pick in a town with a restaurant scene that is habanero-hot.

Top-shelf mezcal ⋅ Oaxacan gastronomy ⋅ Dance all night

Today a leisurely breakfast gives way to an easy-going day that you can make your own. Take an optional trip to the impressive archaeological site of Monte Alban and visit a traditional ​​temazcal (sweat lodge) or spend time in central Oaxaca with its myriad cafés, galleries and outdoor markets.

This evening we come together for a final celebration, raising a glass surrounded by new friends in Oaxaca’s best mezcal bar. We move on to discovering contemporary Oaxacan gastronomy at Origen at the table of local superstar chef Rodolfo Castellanos, where seasonal and locally sourced is the order of the day.

From there, we shift salsa from the plate to the dancefloor at our favorite club where we bust our best moves over a last mezcal or two.

This morning it’s time for farewells and departures. Until next time!