Oaxaca with Erik Anderson

September 23 - 29, 2024

Savor Oaxaca

Experience the flavorful heart and cultural soul of Oaxaca with Chef Erik Anderson

September 23 - 29, 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

Artistic illustration of Oaxaca showing Oaxaca City, agave plants, ancient ruins, and a traditional figure holding a decorated object.

Twilight descends over your farm-to-table feast as the strains of music float by and roasted chiles tinge the air. You take a sip of mezcal and savor its floral, earthy notes as all your senses quiver with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Oaxaca. The past week has been more than a travel adventure — it’s been pure exhilaration, a reminder of all the joy that life can hold. You’ve bonded with fourth-generation mezcaleros, dined on homemade mole with a master potter and experienced cleansing rituals at the hands of a traditional Zapotec shaman. After this week long adventure, you’re smitten for life—and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll return.

Alongside you every step of the way is Chef Erik Anderson, a culinary artist of massive renown who has a personal connection to the myriad flavors of Oaxaca. Erik’s done it all in the kitchen—James Beard nominations, multiple Michelin-stars, fawning profiles in the New York Times—yet he’s still sharpening his craft, and we can’t wait to walk beside him in one of the most vibrant food cities in the world. Oaxaca has always been a dream of his, and we can’t wait to discover the city together.

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.

3 Reasons to Travel with Erik Anderson

Though Erik has quite literally worked in most prestigious kitchens on the planet—from staging at Noma to apprenticing at the French Laundry—he hasn't strayed far from his culinary roots. Ask the chef what he cooks at home, and he'll dish out a pile of tortillas, rice and beans.

Chef Erik Anderson in a white chef's coat and apron standing with arms crossed outside his restaurant

In the Kitchen with Grandma

Erik's grandmother was his first teacher—she could look in an empty fridge and somehow cook up a Sunday feast in a matter of hours. After 40 years, Erik is still trying to master her potato and egg taquito.

Of Mole and Meatballs

Erik's father was a Norwegian chef in Chicago. His mother was a first-generation Mexican-American with 17 siblings. Family get-togethers were food-first affairs and are still the stuff of legend.

His Recipe Collection

Erik is both a self-described history nerd and an avid collector of cookbooks. Traveling for him is an inevitably a learning experience, and he just cannot wait to be a sponge in Oaxaca.

Your Experience

Travelers sipping mezcal from clay copitas at a communal table with citrus and chili at a mezcal tasting in Oaxaca, Mexico
“Growing up, I had nine aunts who taught me how to make tamales.”
Erik Anderson

Oaxaca City, Monte Albán

Woven baskets of dried Mexican chilies and garlic cloves alongside mulato and chihuacle negro peppers for mole negro in Oaxaca, Mexico
Woman fanning charcoal grill with tasajo and cecina at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca, Mexico
An indigenous artisan in Teotitlán del Valle, near Oaxaca City, Mexico, displays natural pigments in his hands. Behind him, vibrant skeins of hand-dyed wool in blue, gold, and green hang against an adobe wall, showcasing the traditional textile craftsmanship of the region.
“Exploring Oaxaca has always been a dream of mine.”
Erik Anderson

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1

September 23, Mon

Bienvenidos a Mexico! In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with Erik 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.

A plate of authentic Oaxacan mole negro topped with sesame seeds and fresh greens, served on a rustic clay plate in a traditional kitchen setting in Mexico.

Day 1 Highlights

  • Illustrated cocktail shaker, jigger, and bar tools. Welcome cocktails
  • MOAD icon showing a hand-drawn plate, fork, knife, and spoon arranged on a placemat Welcome dinner
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 2

September 24, Tue

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 icons, Chef Rodolfo Castellanos’ Origen, for an unforgettable dinner of uniquely Oaxacan cuisine.

A cook in a vibrant Oaxaca kitchen serves a plate of traditional Mexican food, surrounded by colorful produce and handmade utensils—capturing authentic culinary culture for Modern Adventure travelers exploring Mexico City, Oaxaca, and beyond.

Day 2 Highlights

  • moad-illustrations-iconset-weaver Zapotec Weaving village
  • A minimalist sketch of a shared platter featuring a traditional rice dish with shellfish, representing the coastal flavors and culinary traditions Home-cooked Zapotec Lunch
  • MOAD icon showing a hand-drawn plate, fork, knife, and spoon arranged on a placemat Dinner at Origen
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 3

September 25, Wed

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.

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.

Jimador harvesting blue agave plants with a coa tool in the highlands of Jalisco or Oaxaca, Mexico

Day 3 Highlights

  • Mexico 2019_ Hand-drawn agave plant with gold accents, representing Mexico’s tequila heritage and desert landscapes. Mezcal experience
  • A hand-drawn illustration of professional bar tools, including a Boston shaker, jigger, and Hawthorne strainer—essential gear for crafting world-class cocktails inspired by the bar scenes of New York, London, and Mexico City. Mezcal tasting
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 4

September 26, Thu

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 Erik will lead us to a raucous, no-frills tlayuda dinner.

Panoramic view of the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán in Oaxaca, Mexico, with pyramids, terraces, and surrounding mountain landscapes—an iconic cultural highlight for Modern Adventure travelers exploring the region.

Day 4 Highlights

  • Hand-drawn illustration of the Chichén Itzá pyramid, representing Mexico’s ancient Mayan heritage and Yucatán landmarks. Visit Monte Albán temple complex
  • A circular gold and black logo featuring a minimalist, stylized bird emblem in a stippled art style, representing boutique travel experiences and global expeditions from Portland to Tokyo and Mexico City. Traditional lunch
  • A minimalist sketch of a shared platter featuring a traditional rice dish with shellfish, representing the coastal flavors and culinary traditions Tlayuda dinner
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 5

September 27, Fri

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.

A Maya healer performing a traditional fire cleansing ritual over a participant in Guatemala, showcasing Indigenous spiritual practices and cultural experiences in Central America.

Day 5 Highlights

  • A circular gold and black logo featuring a minimalist, stylized bird emblem in a stippled art style, representing boutique travel experiences and global expeditions from Portland to Tokyo and Mexico City. Shaman ritual cleansing
  • A hand drawn illustration in black and gold of two hands spinning a bowl, holding a sponge in one hand, on a pottery wheel. Artist meet-up, studio visit & lunch
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 6

September 28, Sat

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 learn how to make tamales from a local expert. We’re sure Erik will have a thing or two to add as all nine of his aunts taught him the art of the tamale as a child.

For dinner, we savor the al fresco feast, including a special dish dreamt up by Erik, 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.

Large group enjoying an outdoor meal and raising glasses together under shaded trees.

Day 6 Highlights

  • MOAD icon showing a hand-drawn spoon, whisk, and knife arranged over a yellow checkered cloth. Hands-on cooking at local farm
  • A circular gold and black logo featuring a minimalist, stylized bird emblem in a stippled art style, representing boutique travel experiences and global expeditions from Portland to Tokyo and Mexico City. Farewell dinner with Erik
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at El Callejón in Oaxaca

Day 7

September 29, Sun

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

A collection of hand-painted clay masks and ceramic figures displayed against a vibrant cobalt blue wall in a Mexican artisan market. These cultural artifacts, found in regions like Oaxaca and Tlacolula, represent diverse human and animal faces, showcasing the rich craft heritage and artistic spirit of southern Mexico.

Day 7 Highlights

  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn airplane flying in front of a textured golden circle. Transfer to airport

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_An older man playing guitar and singing under string lights in a cozy courtyard in Oaxaca, Mexico, as guests enjoy live traditional music during an intimate evening gathering.
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_Interior view of Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church in Oaxaca, Mexico, featuring ornate gold altarpieces, baroque architecture, and beautifully detailed religious artwork.
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_Group of travelers enjoying a festive outdoor meal together under the trees, raising glasses in a toast during a culinary experience in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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_Woman selling fresh cuts of meat and sausages at a traditional butcher stall inside a local market 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 group of travelers exploring the vibrant colonial streets of Oaxaca City, surrounded by colorful buildings, local shops, and mountain views on a sunny day.
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.

Interior of a luxury boutique hotel room featuring mid-century modern furniture, abstract art, and a large sliding glass door. The balcony overlooks a dense canopy of banana leaves and trees, highlighting the indoor-outdoor design typical of Oaxaca City’s best design hotels.

El Callejón

Oaxaca City

Off 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.

Indigenous Oaxacan woman seated beside woven baskets and a large canvas painting inside a brick-arched studio in Oaxaca, Mexico

Book Oaxaca with Erik Anderson

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.

$5,500

Per person based on double occupancy

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

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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; 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.

  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 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.

    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 $1,000 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.

  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.

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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.”

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