Overview
The Oaxaca Food Tour is a mouthwatering exploration of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mexico City dishes! These regions represent the essence of Mexican cuisine, a harmonious blend of mestizo, Spanish, and pre-Hispanic influences. Get ready to savor iconic dishes like mole, tamales, chiles en nogada, and local delights like tlayudas and memelas. Quench your thirst with traditional beverages like mezcal, pulque, tepache, rompope, tejate, and chocolate. This tour isn’t just about food; it’s a multisensory experience that immerses you in unique archaeological sites, heaven beaches, charming colonial towns, and rich indigenous traditions. The trip begins in bustling Mexico City, crossing through the beautiful landscapes of Puebla and Oaxaca, and culminates in the rugged beauty of Huatulco’s bays. Get ready to delight in Mexico’s flavors, aromas, and cultural richness!
Highlights
- Savor the most iconic regional dishes and drinks from Oaxaca and Puebla, diving into their rich culinary traditions.
- Join local chefs to cook traditional mole poblano and pre-Hispanic dishes, gaining hands-on experience in Mexican cooking.
- Discover Oaxacan coffee traditions on a family coffee farm, where you'll learn about the art of coffee cultivation.
- Visit an artisanal distillery to witness the production of mezcal, a cherished Mexican spirit with deep cultural roots.
- Marvel at the UNESCO-listed pre-Hispanic ruins of Monte Alban and Teotihuacan, ancient sites steeped in history and culture.
How is this tour different?
Read moreItinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Get ready for the Oaxaca Food Tour! Arrive in Mexico City – the largest city in Latin America, where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time on Saturday (or some days before) and take your time to explore this diverse city before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening. After a brief welcome meeting, follow your guide and go to discover some of the most iconic taco places in the historic center, try pulque, and have a shot of smoky mezcal!
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
- Meals Included: Tacos, pulque, and mezcal crawl in the Historic Center of Mexico City

Day 2: Mexico City
Start your day by local food and history tour visiting famous San Juan Market, where you’ll explore a variety of exotic foods from different Mexican regions. Afterward, visit a chocolate museum to learn about the history of this delicious drink and try your hand at preparing your own traditional chocolate. Following the visit, indulge in a lunch at one of the traditional cantinas.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the unique offerings of this vibrant city—your Tour Leader will be happy to provide suggestions for things to do. In the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together to share your experiences from the day.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
- Meals Included: breakfast; lunch
- Food Included: guided visit to the Museum of Chocolate in Mexico City

Day 3: Mexico City - Teotihuacan - pulque farm - Cholula - Puebla
After breakfast and checkout, go to visit the UNESCO-listed Teotihuacán – Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of the country’s biggest pre-Hispanic empire.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla
- Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
- Activities Included: guided visit to Teotihuacan Archeological Zone; orientation walk of the historic center of Cholula
- Food Included: pulque ranch tour with local food tastings
- Driving Distances: Mexico City – Teotihuacan (~50 km ~ 1.5 h). Teotihuacan – Cholula (~102 km ~ 2 h). Cholula – Puebla (~11 km ~ 20 min).

Day 4: Puebla
Start your morning by exploring Puebla’s charming historic center, filled with fine colonial mansions, the 16th-century cathedral, the leafy Zocalo square, and the 17th-century Biblioteca Palafoxiana. Afterward, enjoy a guided visit to the Museum of Popular Art, housed in the Ex-Convent of Santa Rosa. According to local legend, this is where the famous mole poblano was born.
In the afternoon, experience a hands-on cooking session with a local chef, where you’ll prepare your very own mole. Continue your walking tour, making a stop at one of Puebla’s oldest and most famous canteens to enjoy some traditional liquor tastings.
In the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local restaurants to reflect on your day.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: guided visits to the Museum of Popular Art in Puebla; walking tour of the historic center of Puebla
- Food Included: cooking class of Pueblan cuisine & local liquor tasting in Puebla
- Driving Distances: Puebla – Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve (~130 km ~ 2.5 h). Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve – Oaxaca City (~217 km ~ 4 h).

Day 5: Puebla - Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve - Oaxaca City
In the morning, venture deep into one of Mexico’s most biodiverse landscapes with a guided exploration of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. Walk among towering columnar cacti and ancient agave plants as your local guide reveals the rich history and extraordinary endemic species of this UNESCO-recognized site. Afterward, journey toward Oaxaca City, pausing for a unique culinary experience where native ingredients—like edible insects and wild cactus—take center stage. Along the way, uncover the region’s salt-making traditions with a visit to artisanal salt mines that have sustained communities for generations. Upon arrival in Oaxaca, take in the charm of the city with a guided walking tour through its historic center, discovering architectural gems, local life, and colorful markets. As evening falls, settle into your accommodations and, if you wish, gather with fellow travelers for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant—a perfect close to a day rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca City
- Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
- Activities Included: orientation walk of Oaxaca’s historic center
- Nature Experiences Included: guided tour in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve
- Food Included: guided visit to salt mines around Zapotitlán Salinas
- Driving Distances: Puebla – Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve (~130 km ~ 2.5 h). Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve – Oaxaca City (~217 km ~ 4 h).

Day 6: Oaxaca City - Monte Albán - Oaxaca City
In the morning, start your day with a traditional Oaxacan breakfast at one of the city’s most iconic markets. Afterward, head to the UNESCO-listed Monte Albán, one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological sites, to explore its ancient ruins and learn about its history.
Once your tour is complete, transfer back to the historic center and enjoy a buffet-style lunch at one of the city’s popular restaurants. Later, continue your exploration of Oaxaca with your Tour Leader, and in the late afternoon, participate in a pre-Hispanic cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes.
In the evening, enjoy free time or join the group for an optional get-together at one of the local bars to unwind and share experiences.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca City
- Meals Included: breakfast (Market Food Experience), lunch, and chocolate tasting
- Activities Included: guided visit to Monte Alban Archeological Zone
- Food Included: pre-Hispanic cooking class with local beer and mezcal
- Driving Distances: Oaxaca City – Monte Albán (~9 km ~ 30 min). Monte Albán – Oaxaca City (~9 km ~ 30 min).

Day 7: Oaxaca City - San Martín Tilcajete - Miahuatlan - San Jose del Pacifico
After breakfast and check-out, continue our Oaxaca Food Tour tour visiting San Martín Tilcajete. This little but charming town is known for its colorful fantastical creatures hand-carved by local artisans. There, we will visit several workshops and have an orientation walk in the center of the town. Later, transfer to Miahuatlan, one of the regional centers of mezcal production, with an optional lunch in one of the local restaurants on the way. Once there, visit a family-owned mezcal distillery and learn about the production process of this famous distillate and try several of its varieties.
After a factory tour and some digestive shots of mezcal, continue your journey towards San Jose del Pacifico. High in the foggy mountains, this picturesque village looks magical touching the clouds and providing wonderful views over pristine forested ranges and valleys. Once there, have an orientation walk of the town and see a beautiful sunset from your accommodation. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.
- Accommodation: eco-cabins in San Jose del Pacifico
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: orientation walks of San Martín Tilcajete & San Jose del Pacifico
- Food Included: mezcal distillery visit with tastings around Miahuatlan
- Driving Distances: Oaxaca City – San Martín Tilcajete (~23 km ~ 40 min). San Martín Tilcajete – Miahuatlán (~84 km ~ 1.5 h). Miahuatlán – San José del Pacífico (~62 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 8: San Jose del Pacifico - Pluma Hidalgo - Huatulco
After breakfast and checkout from our accommodation in San Jose del Pacifico, take a picturesque mountain road towards the coffee region of Pluma Hidalgo. As a matter of fact, the local Pluma Gourmet type is one of the most prestigious in the country. Once there, visit a family-run coffee farm to have a delicious lunch of local specialties and learn about the production of this aromatic drink.
Thereafter, visit Pluma Hidalgo itself. Located in Sierra Sur mountains at 2,500 meters above sea level this little town literally touches the sky. After an orientation walk of the town’s compact center and a cup of local coffee with delicious waffles, we will head to our final destination – Huatulco. This region is famous for world-class beaches snuggled in sheltered bays scattered along the thickly forested Pacific coast. Orientation walk of La Crucecita’s center, optional dinner and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Crucecita
- Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, waffles and coffee tasting
- Activities Included: orientation walks of Pluma Hidalgo and La Crucecita
- Food Included: coffee farm tour with tastings around Pluma Hidalgo
- Driving Distances: San José del Pacífico – Pluma Hidalgo (~102 km ~ 2.5 h). Pluma Hidalgo – Huatulco (~43 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 9: Huatulco
In the morning, take a boat tour to the picturesque bays of Huatulco National Park. Free time in the. afternoon. Optional farewell dinner and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Crucecita
- Meals Included:
- breakfast
- water and soft drinks during the boat tour
- Activities Incluided: boat tour to Huatulco National Park

Day 10: Huatulco
Free program: last day of our Oaxaca Food Tour. Depart at any time or extend your vacations and stay longer!
- Meals Included: breakfast

Prices
- This tour is private: only your group will participate.
- The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).
Inclusions
Included ✅
Local Expert Guides
English/Spanish Tour Leader service.
Accommodation
9x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned B&Bs/hotels
Transportation
Private vehicle.
Meals
9x breakfasts, 4x lunches, other drinks and snacks as per itinerary
Activities
Gastronomic Experiences: “Tacos, Pulque & Mezcal Crawl” in the Historic Center of Mexico City; pulque ranch tour with pulque and local food tastings in Tlaxcala; cooking classes with local chefs in Puebla and Oaxaca; liquor tasting in Puebla, chocolate tasting in Oaxaca City, mezcal distillery tour with tastings around Miahuatlan; coffee farm tour, waffles and coffee tasting in Pluma Hidalgo.
Nature Experiences: guided hike in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve; boat tour to Huatulco National Park
Walking Tours and Orientation Walks: Mexico City, Cholula, Puebla, Oaxaca City, San Martín Tilcajete, Miahuatlan, San Jose del Pacifico, Pluma Hidalgo, La Crucecita
Guided Visits: Museum of Chocolate in Mexico City, Teotihuacan Archeological Zone, Museo de la Sidra Copa de Oro in Cholula with cider tasting, Museum of Popular Art in Puebla, salt mines around Zapotitlán Salinas, Monte Alban Archeological Zone
Excluded ❌
Personal expenses
Flights
Flights are not included: check our partner deals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.
Tips
Details
Minimum number of participants |
Manual confirmation (if a minimum number of participants is not met, we may cancel and fully refund your booking). |
Meeting Point | The tour starts with a welcome meeting in the lobby of your hotel (exact name and location to be provided in trip notes before the tour). |
Departure Time | Exact time to be confirmed |
Languages |
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Suitability |
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What to take with you? |
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Accesibility | 🛑 Not wheelchair accessible. |
Pets | 🛑 Not permitted. |
Things to know before booking |
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Cancellations
Cancellation fees depend on the number of days before the Tour start date (also applies to all extra services booked, such as airport transfers, pre-/post-tour accommodations, additional activities, etc.):
- 60+ days before: 0% of the remaining payment
- 30–59 days before: 25%
- 15–29 days before: 50%
- Less than 15 days before, or no-show: 100%
No cancellation fee applies if a substitute participant is arranged.
Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I book a multi-day tour?
Booking is simple: choose whether you want to join a group tour or book a private tour, select your desired tour and dates on our website, complete the booking form, and securely pay online. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details.
What is included in the tour price?
- Accommodation in centrally located, tourist-class hotels or guesthouses with private facilities
- Transportation between destinations (car, 7-seater, or van, depending on group size)
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts
- Services of a local bilingual tour leader
How many participants are needed to confirm a group tour?
What happens if there aren't enough participants?
If, at the time of booking, your selected tour and departure date don’t have enough participants to confirm, we typically offer the following options:
- Wait for more bookings: We can temporarily confirm your spot, but please note that we reserve the right to cancel the booking and issue a full refund if the group doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants at least 1 month before departure.
- Book a private departure: Click “Check availability” to see pricing options. With a private departure, the tour is exclusively for your group, and you can modify the itinerary (subject to confirmation) and choose any departure date for more flexibility with flights.
- Invite more companions to join your group tour: By bringing in more people to meet the minimum number of participants, we can immediately confirm the departure.
- Join a confirmed group departure: If your schedule is flexible, you can join one of our other confirmed group departures at a discounted rate.
Can I book a private tour instead of a group one?
Yes. Private tours are customizable and can depart any day. Additional activities or stops can be added at your request (subject to price modifications).
Why does the price per person change when booking private tours?
As a significant part of the tour costs are fixed, the price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group. The more people you book for, the lower the price per person becomes. Please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar to see the final price.
Are flights included?
No, flights from your place of residence and the starting location of the tour are not included. However, we are always happy to help you find the best deals (contact us if you need assistance). You can also check flight options on the website we personally use and recommend to our customers.
What hotels will I stay in?
An exact list of accommodations will be sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class (3* or similar), locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 1 month before departure when the sales for the tour are closed, and we know the final number of participants. If you're interested in exact locations, contact us, and we will send you a list of accommodations we used on previous departures (subject to change based on availability).
What types of rooms are available?
- Single Room: 1 person, 1 bed
- Double Room: 2 people, 1 double bed
- Twin Room: 2 people, 2 single beds
- Triple Room: 3 people, 1 double + 1 single bed
- Quad Room: 4 people, 2 double beds
Is there a single supplement fee?
Yes. Solo travelers should book a single room, which will have a slightly higher price compared to sharing with another traveler. If preferred, we can also pair you with another traveler of the same gender (subject to availability) to avoid the supplement. If you are interested, please book a single room and mention it in the “Special requirements” section. If we find another person on the same departure who wants to share a twin room, we will refund the proportional difference. Otherwise, your booking as a single room will remain.
Is there any age limit for participants?
Our multi-day tours with group departures are designed for travelers aged 12–69 with moderate physical fitness. Participants outside this range may still join if they are in good condition and can keep up with the group’s pace. If you are confident you can maintain the pace with the activities of the tour or a group departure, feel free to book the tour or contact us in advance if you have any doubts. Private departures generally do not have age limitations due to customization of pace and itinerary.
Is the tour accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
Unless you have a companion who can assist you with a wheelchair, small-group tour departures are generally not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not permitted. Given the possible customization of the pace and itinerary, private tours are generally more likely to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility (subject to confirmation; contact us for more info).
What should I pack for the tour?
- Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and walking shoes
- Swimming suit and slippers
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Personal ID, some cash in local currency, and travel insurance
- Good mood and curiosity!
Are meals included?
Most of our multi-day tours include daily breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are usually not included, so you can explore local cuisine. Your guide will recommend and take you to good-value, local restaurants. Included gastronomic experiences can usually accommodate common dietary restrictions, but special diets may not always be fully guaranteed.
Can children, seniors, or solo travelers join?
Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families, seniors, solo travelers, youth, women-only groups, and LGBT+ travelers. Please consider the physical activity level before booking.
How many people are usually in a group?
Our small-group tours usually have 6–12 participants, creating a friendly and personalized experience.
What is the average daily travel distance?
It depends on the tour and the day of the tour—some days we stay in one location, while others involve moving between locations. On average, you can expect about 200 km per day (1.5–3 hours of driving) with regular sightseeing, meal, and rest stops.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.
Can I extend my stay or add extra activities?
Yes. We can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations and add extra activities upon request.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Each tour has its own cancellation policy. Please check the booking terms for more info.
Are tips included?
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff are not included. While absolutely optional, tips are an important part of the local culture and a significant source of income for the people involved and their families.
How do I stay connected during the tour?
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but data coverage can be limited in remote areas. We recommend informing friends or family of your itinerary before departure. All accommodations on this tour, as well as many restaurants/cafés in Mexico, have Wi-Fi. If needed, you can also get a prepaid local SIM card with data (available in most convenience stores), ideally Telcel’s “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite,” which offers the best coverage in the country and free calls to the USA and Canada.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
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