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.
Oaxaca with Park House
One Departure Only
Marvel
At Oaxaca’s colorful food markets, artist workshops, agave farms, ancient pyramids
Taste
Rich mole sauces, spiced chocolate, street tacos—even toasted grasshoppers!
Meet
Traditional weavers and sculptors, modern artists and shaman healers
Experience
Oaxacan traditions, its vibrant art scene and culture, alongside Chef Gregory Gourdet
Day by Day
Oaxaca packs in so much of the complex, fascinating culture of Mexico. We’ll experience it all—at artist studios, local markets, street-food stands, agave farms and boutique hotels.
Day 1
January 13, ThuBienvenidos a Oaxaca! Famed for its vast artistic culture, incredible and complex flavors, indigenous heritage and fine mezcal, this region of the country packs in so much of what makes Mexico, Mexico. We’ll meet up with the group this evening at our hotel and toast the start of our adventure with local mezcal—of course—then get acquainted with the group at a delicious open-air dinner together. Tomorrow we explore the streets, but tonight we celebrate the start of something incredibly special!
Day 2
January 14, FriToday we get the true farm-to-table experience. First, we’ll walk through the cobblestone streets and snack through Oaxaca’s central markets, a feast of the senses where open fires grill delicious tlayudas (toasted tortillas topped, with Oaxacan string cheese and thin-grilled meats), and vendors scurry past offering chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). We’ll also visit Oaxaca’s incredible textile museum to see a sprawling array of textiles from the region to set the tone for our trip.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Rancho 314 (Tres Catorce to the locals), an urban farm on the edge of the city that supplies the top local restaurants with produce. We’ll break into small groups and take turns making mole, tamales, ice cream, Oaxacan cheese, and get a hands-on look into the local flavor profiles. We savor our creations al fresco to enjoy all the local delicacies. Back in the city, the night is ours to explore Oaxaca’s vibrant culture, and maybe just one or two of those bars and mezcalerias…
Day 3
January 15, SatWho’s ready for art and mezcal? We begin this epic day meeting local artisans and ceramicists, with a first-hand look at the multi-generational craftsmanship Oaxaca is famous for.
Next, on the way to the village of Santa Catarina Minas, we’ll stop for lunch in San Martin. Feast on succulent barbecued meat the traditional way—cooked in the ground and generously in our honor as guests. Full from lunch, we take a quick drive by rows of agave plants in the mountain valleys, to meet up with a fourth-generation mezcalero in Santa Catarina Minas. Agave is everywhere here. We’ll learn how these passed-down, timeless techniques turn agave hearts into the smoky cousin-spirit of tequila. After a tasting, or two, of the artisanal mezcal on hand, we’ll return to Oaxaca for downtime at our hotel, and then reconvene for a grand farewell dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Day 4
January 16, SunAll great things come to an end, alas. We’ll have a big farewell breakfast: hot chocolate (not too sweet, not too rich), hand-patted just-made tortillas, huevos rancheros blanketed in a richly flavorful mole. Then we’ll bid farewell to each other and to Oaxaca, and head for a short drive back to Oaxaca’s airport. Buen viaje!
January 17, Mon
“
I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
“
This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
“
The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
Where We Sleep
Our peaceful city oasis in a contemporary boutique property is the ideal way to get acquainted with Oaxaca life.
El Callejon Hotel
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.
Book Oaxaca with Park House
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
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.
-
What does the price include?
Three nights at boutique four-star accommodations; 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.
-
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; 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.
-
Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins and ends at the El Callejon Hotel in Oaxaca, Mexico. The closest airport is the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). On our last day together, your flight home should be scheduled to depart at 1pm or later from here.
-
What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Mexico, but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. On arrival in the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). For citizens of other countries, please check with the Mexico Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
-
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. If you would like us to pair you with a roommate, that option may be available upon checkout—these spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis
-
Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 Park House members and 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.
-
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.
-
What is the cancelation policy?
You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
-
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.