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Savor Oaxaca
Experience the flavorful heart and cultural soul of Oaxaca with Chef Moises Lopez
November 14 - 20, 2024
One Exclusive Departure | Likely to Sell Out
7 Days, 6 Nights
Best of Oaxaca City, Teotitlan del Valle, Monte Albán
Price from
$5,500
Per person based on double occupancy
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
A vibrant, slightly floral and earthy flavor hits your lips, then travels down your tongue. The agave for this mezcal—one or more of Oaxaca’s 24 varieties—was chosen specifically by a seasoned palenquero, and subsequently steamed in an underground charcoal pit, crushed, fermented, and finally distilled multiple times in traditional clay pots. The process took weeks, but has been perfected through generations. You sip and appreciate the complexity along with some of the region’s most famous small-scale producers, families who’ve been here for generations. You think of the dichotomy of age-old rudimentary techniques and modern machinery, the art, the culture and the food you’ve experienced so far. Right here in your cup is more than mezcal’s journey—it’s Oaxaca itself.
Joining you this adventure is Moises Lopez, the chef and man behind the mole at the NYC staple Tobalá. Born in the Dominican and trained in NYC & Oaxaca, Moises is a self-taught chef intent on channeling the outside world and fusing it with centuries of tradition. From family-run mezcal palanques to tamale counters in the mountains, Moises’s connections here run deep, and we just can’t wait to see Oaxaca through his eyes.
No matter how much you may know about Oaxacan culture and food, this journey will teach, delight—and leave us hungry for more. Wander colorful markets, taste incredible street food from moles to tlayudas, then wash it all down with the finest artisanal mezcals. This is Mexico like you’ve never imagined.
Taste
Rich moles, spiced chocolate, street tacos—more flavors than you can imagine
Marvel
At Oaxaca’s colorful food markets, artist workshops, agave farms, ancient pyramids
Meet
Traditional weavers and sculptors, modern artists and shaman healers
Connect
With Oaxacan traditions, its vibrant art scene and culture, with Chef Moises Lopez
3 Reasons to Travel with Moises Lopez
From studying the tamale in Teotitlan del Valle to mastering the art of the aquachile in Puerto Escondido, Moises is just as much a culinary scholar as he is a chef. And his efforts haven't gone unnoticed—glowing reviews from the New York Times, the MIchelin Guide and droves of diehard regulars will tell you his food is definitely worth the wait.
All Eyes on Oaxaca
From the ceramic plates to wild herbs like pipicha, nearly everything at Tobalá comes from Oaxaca. During construction of the space, Moises spent weeks in Oaxaca planning his future menus.
Family Reunion
At Tobalá, the whole family has a seat at the table. The restaurant was founed by Moisés López and his wife Eluisania, in conjunction with Mr. López's sister and her husband.
Setting the Bar
Moises was a bartender before he became a chef. Especially drawn to mezcal, he actually first ate chicatanas in Candelaria Yegolé while exploring agave.
Your Experience
“For me, traveling is always a learning experience.”
Oaxaca City, Monte Albán
“When I go to Oaxaca, I feel like I lived a past life there.”
Day by Day
Day 1
Bienvenidos a Mexico! In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with Moises 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.
Day 1 Highlights
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Day 2
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). This is the place where Moises learned the art of mole negro, and we’re thrilled to explore the old town with him.
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 icons, Chef Rodolfo Castellanos’ Origen, for an unforgettable dinner of uniquely Oaxacan cuisine.
Day 2 Highlights
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Day 3
In the morning, we’ll wind our way past rows of agave plants to meet up with a fourth-generation mezcalero in Santa Catarina Minas 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.
Mezcal is a key player in at Moises’s restaurant in NYC, and as we take turns manipulating the agave, he’ll be happy to answer questions about mezcal in the region.
Afterwards, we return to the city, where 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 3 Highlights
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Day 4
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 stop for lunch just outside the city at one of Oaxaca’s most unique restaurants; we’ll feast family-style on local mezcal and tacos as chickens patrol the backyard. The afternoon is a time to recharge at the hotel or explore on your own.
Just don’t wander too far as Moises will lead us to a raucous, no-frills tlayuda dinner.
Day 4 Highlights
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Day 5
Today 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 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 in Oaxaca, you’ll have the evening to yourself. 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.
Day 5 Highlights
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Day 6
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 renown 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 ice cream and gain a hands-on understanding of the flavors and ingredients which make these dishes so unique. In addition, we’ll be led in the art of tamale making by a local master chef.
For dinner, we savor the al fresco feast, including a special dish dreamt up by Moises, and enjoy all the local delicacies we had a hand in preparing. 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 region.
Day 6 Highlights
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Day 7
All great things come to an end, alas. We’ll bid farewell to Moises and to Oaxaca, and head out to the airport for our flights home. Buen viaje!
Day 7 Highlights
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Where We Sleep
A peaceful oasis in Oaxaca City—our accommodations are small-scale and boutique, the ideal ways to get acquainted with Oaxaca life.
El Callejón
Oaxaca CityOff a central side street, a few blocks from the zocalo and central shops and eateries, a street gate opens into a breathtaking oasis that’s our Oaxaca City home: a boutique hotel with a dozen spacious rooms blending the city’s distinctive styles. Serenity reigns in its thoughtful garden spaces, with palm trees, covered walkways and an outdoor patio bar.
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I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
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This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
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The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
Book Oaxaca with Moises Lopez
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.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at unique 4-star boutique accommodations; arrival and departure airport transfers; private travel for all day trips and excursions; 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.
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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.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins and ends at the El Callejón Hotel in Oaxaca, Mexico. The closest airport is Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). On our final day, Modern Adventure will organize a complimentary transfer to OAX for all guests with flights departing at 11am or later from OAX airport.
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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.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,000 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before July 17, 2024, and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after July 18, 2024, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after Septmeber 15, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).