Oaxaca City Tour

JOIN US FOR THE OAXACA CITY EXPERIENCE!

Oaxaca is one of the oldest colonial cities in the world, rich in magic and deep perspective. Be prepared to enjoy yourself exploring Pre- Colombian ruins, spectacular natural wonders, scrumptious culinary dishes, and some of the most famous landmarks in all of the Americas.

Located in the southern part of Mexico, Oaxaca City is the capital of the state. Oaxaca is considered Mexico’s focal point of historic, artistic, and agricultural hubs. It is the place for culture and history, and it is also a well-rounded city full of the potential for exploration.

Oaxaca state is a destination location sometimes overlooked. It has so much to offer and it is a place worth visiting. Stunning beaches, world-class surfing, Indigenous culture, and unforgettable food and drink. Come discover the magic!

As You Wish Travel Club will provide you with tour and activity options that focus on cuisine, spirituality, adventure, and culture. Our membership library gives you suggestions on shops, landmarks, things to do when not touring, and other information of interest.

Any traveler will find the enrichment they want through our curated activity options. And, you get to choose what interests you. We offer over 30 activities (depending on time of year) that explore the diverse aspects of Oaxaca.

VIEW AN EXAMPLE OF OUR EXPERIENCES

BOOK THIS TOUR

ACCOMMODATIONS

As You Wish Travel Club provides access to a wide selection of accommodations for you to choose from. All will provide a comfortable experience.

Price range varies depending on what you select and the amenities offered. From youth hostels to 4- Star luxury, our library suggests more than 20 different options.

Our As You Wish Travel Club concierge is available to help you book your rooms, massages, services & much more.

Have us take care of the hassle of travel, so you can relax & enjoy yourself while exploring this wonderful region.

TRAVELLING ALONE?

Don’t want to travel alone?

In order to make our tours as accessible as possible to all travelers, we will do our best to match you with a compatible traveler to offset accommodation costs and provide some ready companionship.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ON OUR OAXACA CITY TOUR!

Oaxaca is renowned for its wealth of textiles. In addition to the textiles found in Oaxaca City and its surrounding pueblos, many wonderful varieties come from distant regions of the state that far exceed its geographical radius. However, they can be seen in the markets and folk art shops of Oaxaca.

Oaxaca’s textiles can be divided into two broad categories: weaving and embroidery. Weaving includes woolen rugs and wall hangings created on shuttle looms, cotton belts, handbags, and placemats produced on backstrap looms, cotton, and silk cloth made on foot pedal-operated shuttle looms.

Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of animals and fantasy creatures, and no two are alike. There are many different types of folk art from Mexico, but alebrijes come from the state of Oaxaca.

The correct pronunciation of alebrije is al-lay-bree-hay. The name is attributed to the creator of the art form, Pedro Linares, who fell ill and had feverish dreams and saw the creatures he named alebrijes. He made the first ones in Mexico City in the 1940s using paper mâché, not wood.

Eventually, alebrijes made their way into the hands of two other famous Mexican artists, Frida Khalo and her husband Diego Rivera. Quickly garnering attention for their spectacular details and colors, alebrijes are now a world renowned form of handcrafted art.

As You Wish Travel Club diligently researches our tour locations to ensure that we can direct you to where you can find these beautiful creations.

There are more than 70 pottery communities in Oaxaca. It is one of the most diverse regions in Mexico. Pottery pieces are created exactly as they have been since their inception. Parts of Oaxaca are untouched by modern culture.

Because of the continuance of ancestral traditions, which are still used in everyday life, i.e. cooking over an open fire, purchasing a piece of Oaxacan pottery is like holding centuries in
your hands.

Barro negro (black clay) pottery is a style of pottery from Oaxaca that is distinguished by its color, sheen and unique designs. Barro negro is one of several pottery traditions in the state, which also include glazed green pieces. It is one of the best known and most identified with the state. It is also one of the most popular and appreciated styles of pottery in Mexico.

Red clay pottery is well-known for its unique red color and the cookware made using techniques handed down for 20 generations.

The Women of the Clay, estimated to be about 300 women potters in the village, use their hands to create cookware from the unique red clay that the area is known for.

This clay is well known for its ability to withstand extremely high heat. The pottery can be used for open fire cooking or you can use it right on top of your barbecue.

In the rural hills of Oaxaca, incredible pottery pieces are created using ancient traditions from the Mixteca Alta region. In an area with less than 7,000 inhabitants, most of the population is indigenous and includes Mazatecos, Zapotecos and Mixtecos.

It is these ancient cultures who perfected this mottled clay design. A very distinctive mix of stain, created with tannins from the oak tree and juice from the prickly pear cactus, is dropped on the clay pieces with much sizzling spectacle after pulling the pottery out from a 900° Celsius oven.

Mezcal has been used by the Oaxacan people for centuries. It is meticulously crafted and produced to perfection, which is an experience all by itself. It is made from the agave plant (Maguey), a species of cactus that comes in various forms.

It is the staple drink of Oaxaca because of its rich character and history. The traditional and suggested way to drink Mezcal is to sip it and not drink like a shot. Locals consider it a delicacy to be savored.

To make authentic Mezcal, piñas are harvested and roasted for numerous days in an underground firepit. The piñas are typically ground up using horses or mules, then it is placed in leather or wood vats to ferment. After that, the liquid is distilled in copper or clay stills that complete the process. The Mexcal is now infused with its signature smoky flavor.

Let the warmth travel from your lips and flow to the depths of your heart. Allow the ritual of Mezcal to do its magic! As You Wish Travel Club has a list of 10 of the top establishments to take pleasure in this wonderful drink.

Oaxaca is a city that is particularly famous for its food. Indeed, it has been hailed as “Mexico's culinary capital.”

Like the rest of Mexican cuisine, Oaxacan food is based on staples such as corn, beans and chile peppers, but there is a great variety of other ingredients. Food preparations are influenced by the state's varied geography and indigenous cultures. The city is well known for its food products that are made fresh every day and showcase Oaxacan cuisine: mole (traditional Mexican sauces), chapulines (fried grasshopper) and pan de yema (egg bread).

Much of the food in Oaxaca is influenced by indigenous and
Spanish recipes, while it also has connections to the religious and family-oriented nature of Mexican culture. Traditional Oaxaca food is some of the most delicious and varied cuisine in the world.

In Oaxaca City, your senses will come alive from the moment you take your first sip of local coffee, until you end your night with smoky mezcal.

As You Wish Travel Club has a list of over 20 top eateries with some of the best food, from street vendors to fine dining.

Oaxaca boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife catering to locals and visitors. By early evening, the city comes alive with various entertainment options, from laid-back mezcalerias and lively bars to pulsating nightclubs and live music venues.

Whether you prefer sipping locally crafted mezcals, dancing to the beat of Latin music, or simply enjoying a quiet evening of conversation, the Oaxaca nightlife scene offers something for everyone. When visiting bars in Oaxaca, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, strongly emphasizing local flavors and traditions. Many establishments offer a wide selection of mezcals and tequilas, often produced by nearby distilleries.

With password access, As You Wish Travel Club has 15+ top bars and clubs that we suggest for your late night adventures.

Additionally, many bars feature live music or DJ sets, showcasing various genres, from traditional Mexican folk and mariachi to modern pop and electronic dance music. With its friendly vibe and diverse offerings, the Oaxaca bar scene will leave a lasting impression on any visitor. And, if you prefer, find a quiet activity and relax while absorbing the surroundings. There is something for everyone!

Throughout the year, tourism fluctuates depending on holidays and expected weather.

If you have your heart set on dining at a specific restaurant or taking a particular workshop, we highly recommend making your reservations ahead of time or getting in touch with an As You Wish Travel Club representative, so that we can do our best to make your dreams come true.

From October to early January, temperatures could drop as low as 40-50°F. Snowbirds start descending on Oaxaca at this time. It is highly recommended that you bring clothes you can layer, i.e., shawl, sweater, jacket, long sleeves, long pants.

From late January to early March is the most beautiful weather in Oaxaca. Temperatures range from 70-80° F. There are large crowds of people and prices are generally higher.

From late March to early May, temperatures could reach 92°F. If strong sun combined with high altitude would impede your enjoyment, you might want to book a tour during another season.

From May to September is known as the “wet season,” but it is our favorite time to visit Oaxaca. Rainy season doesn't mean that it will rain all day, but it is likely that there will be a late afternoon shower on some days.

The average daytime temperature is 82°F and around 60° in the evening. Delightful and super comfortable for sleeping. You can plan activities in the early part of the day and enjoy that it is less crowded during this season.

How To Book

Our Oaxacan experience consists of two parts.

First comes Oaxaca City (this tour), bustling with life and culture, then we travel to Costa Chica to explore the Afro Mexican culture and the coastal beauty of the state, each tour is 5 days.

You decide whether you want to join us for Oaxaca City or Costa Chica or explore both (10 day tour) for the complete Oaxacan experience “as you wish!”

Included in this Oaxaca City Experience:

Welcome Dinner Experience
Concierge Service from an As You Wish Travel Club representative for reservations and bilingual translations
A custom built tour schedule you create
A 'Community Gathering' Meal Experience
A fully bilingual As You Wish Travel Club representative who will attend approved group tours
Assistance in making reservations for accommodations, food, and tours
Insider knowledge to aid with connecting with locals and tourists alike

Once you become an As You Wish Travel Club member for this tour you will gain access to our library of knowledge. Including but not limited to:

15+ of the best shops and markets
30+ activities options to purchase to experience on your tour
10 incredible museum locations
11 of the best Mezcal bars
The best 15 food locations
7 of the best rated fine dining restaurants
The best 15 clubs and bars
The 5 best masseurs in Oaxaca City
25 hotels and accommodation options and so much more!

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE THE OAXACAN EXPERIENCE WITH YOU!

10th - 15th August 2023

6th - 11th November 2023

ALL TOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS