Oaxaca with Sandra Velasquez of Nopalera

April 20 – 26, 2027 | One Exclusive Departure

Oaxaca for Five Senses

An intimate, founder-hosted journey through Oaxaca’s landscapes, rituals, and creative traditions

April 20 - 26, 2027 | 7 Days, 6 Nights

Book Now
“Such a totally immersive experience. Incredible.”
Ray B.

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

$7,000

Per person based on double occupancy

CEO and Founder of Nopalera, Sandra Velasquez

The air is thick with rich aromas—chilies, chocolate, and nuts harmonizing on the metate, weaving a luxurious mole that speaks to centuries of craft and tradition. Yesterday, you strolled through agave fields as a Maestra Mezcalera shared the secrets of her homeland’s iconic spirit. The days ahead promise lessons in indigenous wisdom, generational craft, and ancient traditions. But, for now, as you savor the first spoonful of mole, it’s a communal feast that mirrors the spirit of Oaxaca—vibrant, rooted in community, and an exquisite ode to both the present and the past.

Trip Highlights

  • Craft cocktails alongside Sandra
  • Experience Monte Albán
  • Mezcal demonstrations and tastings
  • Walk through agave fields with a Maestra Mezcalera
  • Dine at top Farm-to-table restaurants
  • Enjoy lunch with a legendary ceramicist
  • Market & street food immersion
  • Visit and cook with a local family in Teotitlan del Valle
Artistic illustration of Oaxaca showing Oaxaca City, agave plants, ancient ruins, and a traditional figure holding a decorated object.

Meet La Jefa

Sandra Velasquez is the Mexican-American founder & CEO of Nopalera, the premium beauty brand she launched from her Brooklyn apartment in 2020 and since grown to a seven-figure international business. She's a six-time pitch winner who famously turned down two Shark Tank investors to “stand in her worth,” author of VIVA LATINA, and former frontwoman of Latin band Pistolera. Sandra brings an entrepreneur’s eye and creative spirit to Oaxaca; a place where making, creating, and building happen apace with the rhythms of everyday life.

Inspiration for What's Next

As Nopalera’s newest fragrance hits the airwaves, journey through the landscapes, culture and stories behind the scent, meeting makers and experiencing Oaxaca's everyday rituals, artisanship and enduring traditions firsthand. It’s a rare opportunity to follow the creative process at its source and experience the alchemy that transforms inspiration into product with one of the most compelling voices in modern beauty.

Nopalera is a modern Mexican beauty brand where scent becomes a conduit for culture, identity, and connection. Its newest fragrance, launching in early 2027, finds its inspiration in Oaxaca and the transformation of agave into mezcal. Together, we’ll step inside that story, from agave fields to family-run palenques, experiencing the fire, earth, time, and generational knowledge behind a scent rooted deeply in place.

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1: Oaxaca City

April 20, Tue

Bienvenidos a Mexico! In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with our tastemaker and get oriented with one of Latin America’s great colonial wonders: Oaxaca City. We’ll get to know the cobblestone streets and bookmark a few sites to explore before settling in for a welcome cocktail hour.

In the evening, we’ll toast the start of our adventure with local mezcal—of course—then walk to dinner overlooking Oaxaca’s flood-lit cathedral for an inspired meal together under the stars.

Tastemaker Moment: Sandra will lead a welcome toast and introduce Nopalera to our group of travelers

Day 2: Teotitlan del Valle

April 21, Wed

Today we head into the mountains, where villages devoted to arts and crafts lurk in valley shadows. We’ll stop at the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, a weaving village with about 5,000 people (and 2,000 looms).

We’ll meet a local Zapotec weaving family, who’ll demonstrate their intricate craft using natural fibers for dyes (and even a grounded insect for the bright reds), just as they have for the past 14 generations. A hands-on and home-cooked Zapotec lunch awaits us, where we’ll learn the hows and whys behind Nixtamalization.

Afterwards we return to the city, where the afternoon is yours to explore. We’ll reconvene at one of Oaxaca’s culinary iconic restaurants for a truly unforgettable meal.

Day 3: Oaxacan Countryside

April 22, Thu

In the morning, we’ll wind our way past rows of agave plants to a female-owned mezcal producer for a masterclass in mezcal, the cousin-spirit of tequila and one of Oaxaca’s famed exports. We’ll learn firsthand how the piña (heart) of agave are harvested and smoked in underground pits, fermented in large vats, and distilled in copper or clay stills based on traditions that date back hundreds of years.

We’ll have lunch in the nearby countryside before returning to the city. From there, the evening is ours to explore Oaxaca’s irresistible food and nightlife: world-class restaurants open for dinner and taco stands set up along the lit-up zócalo, just a few blocks from our hotel.

Day 4: Oaxaca City

April 23, Fri

This morning is ours to revitalize our hearts and spirits. We’ll meet with a local Zapotec shaman, who’ll share the secrets of a cleansing ritual that’s been in practice here for thousands of years, using smoked copal to bid farewell to negative energies. We’ll leave feeling electric and magical as we make our way to a lively tour of a local market and lunch, immersing ourselves in the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices.

Next, we’ll enjoy a mezcal-focused cocktail class at a local bar before tucking into dinner for a rich immersion in local food and, of course, more mezcal.

Tastemaker Moment: Sandra will help guide our market tour and will be involved in our mezcal cocktail class
Colorful assortment of artisanal cocktails in Oaxaca, featuring fresh fruit blends, herbs, lime, and chili garnishes arranged on a rustic surface.

Day 5: Monte Albán

April 24, Sat

We begin this epic day at the hilltop ruin of Monte Albán, a vast complex of pyramids and shrines dating from 500 BC—and easily one of Mesoamerica’s grandest sites. We’ll explore its monumental scale and the intricate carvings of bas relief sculptures as one of Mexico’s great colonial cities sprawls below us.

We’ll carry that history with us when we make our way to the home studio of a master artisan of Oaxacan folk art. After a private pottery tour, she’ll host us for a homemade lunch featuring one of the region’s famed seven moles.

Once back at our basecamp, the rest of the afternoon and dinner is yours to embellish. Organize a taco crawl on the zócalo, relax in one of our hotel’s many garden spaces or wander towards those sublime notes of live folk guitar.

Ancient stone pyramids and plaza at Monte Albán overlooking the Oaxaca valley, Mexico

Day 6: Oaxaca City

April 25, Sun

After a leisurely morning at the hotel, we leave for the pinnacle of our journey, a total Oaxacan farm-to-table experience. Our destination is a renowned and locally beloved ranch on the outskirts of the city. Once arrived, we’ll break into small groups and take turns making mole, Oaxacan cheese, and nieve—ice cream studded with seasonal ingredients. As we roast and churn alongside our tastemaker, we’ll gain a hands-on understanding of the flavors and ingredients that make these dishes so unique.

Afterwards, we’ll gather for an al fresco feast, sitting down to savor all the local delicacies we had a hand in preparing alongside renowned chef Rodolfo Castellanos. This farewell dinner will be a true celebration of our time spent in Oaxaca. The food, the music, the joyful celebrations of craft—all of it an ode to handed-down traditions and the true flavors of the region.

Tastemaker Moment: Sandra will lead a round of toasts during our farewell dinner and celebrate the journey together
Large group enjoying an outdoor meal and raising glasses together under shaded trees.

Day 7: Departures

April 26, Mon

All great things come to an end, alas. We’ll bid farewell to each other, and head out to the airport for our flights home. Buen viaje!

People Love MO/AD’s Oaxaca

Oaxaca 2020_Collection of handmade clay figures and pottery displayed against a vibrant blue wall with an orange-trimmed window in Oaxaca, Mexico, showcasing the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Oaxaca 2020_A man gently petting a donkey in a sunny vineyard setting in Oaxaca, Mexico, capturing rural charm and connection to local farm life.
Panoramic view of the Monte Albán archaeological site near Oaxaca City, Mexico, featuring ancient Zapotec pyramids and terraces surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Oaxaca artisan painting a detailed alebrije figure, wearing traditional embroidered clothing and working in a colorful open-air workshop.
Oaxaca 2020_Woman preparing traditional Oaxacan food over an open flame in an outdoor kitchen surrounded by tropical plants, showcasing authentic Mexican culinary traditions.
Oaxaca 2020_Scenic view of a traditional hacienda courtyard with a central stone fountain, rustic architecture, and surrounding gardens at sunset in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca 2020_Local artisan hand-painting a vibrant red jaguar alebrije in a colorful workshop surrounded by paints and traditional crafts in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca 2020_Group of travelers enjoying a traditional Oaxacan outdoor cooking class and tasting experience led by local chefs in a lush garden setting.
Oaxaca 2020_Local artisans in Oaxaca display colorful handwoven rugs and traditional textiles made with natural dyes, highlighting the region’s rich Zapotec weaving heritage.
Oaxaca 2020_A colorful Oaxacan dish served on a green ceramic platter, garnished with radishes, herbs, and edible flowers, showcasing the region’s vibrant farm-to-table cuisine.
Oaxaca 2020_A local woman selling traditional ingredients and snacks like chapulines and dried chilies at Mercado Benito Juárez in Oaxaca City, surrounded by colorful market stalls and fresh produce.
Oaxaca 2020_Bundles of naturally dyed yarn in indigo blue and neutral tones hang to dry outdoors in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec weaving village near Oaxaca City known for its traditional textile craftsmanship.
Oaxaca 2020_Tostadas topped with roasted seeds cooking over an open flame during a traditional Oaxacan outdoor meal, showcasing authentic local flavors and ancestral culinary techniques.
Oaxaca 2020_An elderly woman stands beside large floral arrangements leaning against the stone walls of a historic church in Oaxaca, Mexico, preparing offerings in the warm morning light.
A person uses a stone roller to grind dried red chilies on a flat stone surface, with a bowl and kitchen items nearby.
Oaxaca 2020_A woman in a colorful embroidered blouse stirs a large pot over a wood-fired stove in a rustic kitchen with brick and tiled details, capturing traditional Oaxacan cooking practices.
“
I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
Diana C.
“
This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
Scott M.
“
The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
Andrew B.

Where We Sleep

A serene, sun-drenched patio featuring adobe walls, a stone pathway, and a tranquil reflection pool. This lush outdoor space captures the architectural charm of a private villa in Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende, perfect for an al fresco afternoon.

A peaceful oasis in Oaxaca City—our accommodations are small-scale and boutique, the ideal ways to get acquainted with Oaxaca life.

Quinta Real Oaxaca

Oaxaca City

Housed within a restored 16th-century convent in the heart of Oaxaca, Quinta Real carries the quiet weight of its past in stone cloisters and sunlit courtyards. Former chapel walls now frame open-air corridors, while the central garden gathers guests beneath arches worn smooth by time. Just beyond, Oaxaca unfolds in markets, mezcal, and layered culinary tradition.

Book Oaxaca with Sandra Velasquez of Nopalera

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

$7,000

Per person based on double occupancy

Can't travel on these dates?
Call us at
+1 (855) 219-8018

Looking for a Private Trip?

In addition to our Tastemaker trips, we also design some of the most incredible private travel experiences available. We are a full service agency and our travel designers are ready to craft your next adventure.

Design Your Trip

Questions?

That’s OK, we have answers.
Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.

  1. What does the price include?

    Six nights at unique 4-star boutique accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; arrival and departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.

  2. What does the price not include?

    International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.

  3. Where does the trip start and end?

    Our adventure begins at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), where we’ll transfer to our Hotel in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Our last day is in Oaxaca City. On our final day, Modern Adventure will organize a complimentary transfer to OAX for all guests who’s flight home departs at 1pm or later from OAX airport.

    Detailed arrival and departure guidance is provided in your post-purchase trip materials, including recommended routes, transfer options, and timing considerations. If you have specific questions before booking, our team is always happy to help.

  4. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Mexico for stays up to 180 days. The only requirement is a valid passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. On arrival at the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). Not a US citizen? Please check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

  5. Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?

    For solo travelers, there is a $1,400 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are extremely limited; we recommend booking early to secure single accommodations.

  6. Who is going on this trip?

    Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.

  7. Who is leading this trip?

    This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

  8. Do I need Travel Insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

  9. What is the cancellation policy?

    We understand plans can change. Here’s how cancellation fees are incurred depending on when you let us know:

    • More than 150 days before departure: $1,500 per person deposit
    • 150–121 days before departure: 50% of the total trip price
    • 120 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip price

    For the full details, please see our terms and conditions.

  10. When will my final balance be due?

    Your payment schedule depends on how far in advance you book your trip:

    • At the time of booking: Pay your $1,500 deposit per person.
    • 180 days before departure: 50% of your trip cost is due.
    • 120 days before departure: Full balance is due.

    We’ll send you secure payment links and reminders before each due date to make the process easy. If you book within 120 days of your trip, the remaining balance is due within 10 days.

  11. Is this trip the right fit for me?

    Modern Adventure trips are active, immersive small-group experiences. Our itineraries often involve sustained walking and standing throughout the day, including stairs, uneven terrain, cobblestones, unpaved paths, and moving between experiences at a pace that keeps the day flowing for the group.

    These experiences are not suitable for travelers who require physical mobility assistance, personal care support, or significant itinerary modifications in order to participate. In many destinations, accommodations for significant physical limitations may not be possible without materially altering the experience for the individual traveler or the group.

    All travelers are responsible for informing Modern Adventure of any physical limitations, medical considerations, or concerns before booking, or as early as possible before departure. Please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. We want every traveler to feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for the journey ahead.

MO/AD News

Modern Adventure founder Luis Vargas is recognized as one of the top travel specialists for 2025 by ​Condé Nast Traveler. This list includes travel experts for every trip and traveler imaginable.

Modern Adventure makes the Fast Company list of Brands that Matter in 2022. Next-level creativity and sustainable business practices build a brand with impact.

For the second year running, Modern Adventure is recognized as one of the top travel operators in the world by ​Condé Nast Traveller’s​ annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the most prestigious in the travel industry.

“I’d had Oaxacan food before, but few restaurants served meals like this—'celebration food' worth the effort only for births and weddings. And, apparently, for Modern Adventure.”

Read More