Oaxaca City is a lively mix of tradition, culture, and flavors—a place where every experience feels like a celebration. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to go beyond the usual tourist spots and really dive into the heart of a place, Where Sidewalks End has got you covered. Their unique tours are all about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on with the rich traditions that make Oaxaca so special.
Whether you’re making cheese with local experts, crafting mezcal on a family farm, or weaving intricate textiles with a Zapotec master, these experiences are more than just activities—they’re a chance to connect with the people who keep these traditions alive. It’s not just about learning a new skill; it’s about sharing stories, enjoying meals, and getting a real sense of the culture in a way that changes you. By the time you head home, you’ll have more than just photos—you’ll have a deeper connection to the incredible people and history that make Oaxaca unforgettable. So here are 5 unique Oaxacan tours to make your Mexico trip one of a kind.
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Discovering Ancestral Candle-Making in Teotitlán del Valle
Our visit to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, was like stepping back in time. This village, deeply rooted in Zapotec heritage, is renowned for its rich traditions, and one of the most fascinating aspects is its ancestral candle-making. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by a local family who has dedicated their lives to preserving this beautiful craft. The candles they create are not just for illumination but are an integral part of the village’s wedding ceremonies and other important rituals.
We were invited to witness the candle-making process firsthand. The method was painstaking and meticulous, involving heating wax to the perfect temperature before it was carefully poured over long wicks, hanging high, layer by layer. With each pour, the candles began to take shape, growing steadily thicker with every pass. It was mesmerizing to see how something so simple as melted wax could transform into an object of such significance. The family then demonstrated how they make the intricate flowers and decorations that adorn each candle. By dipping wooden forms into the wax, they crafted delicate designs that, when assembled, created stunning floral arrangements and other ornamental details.
After observing the process, we had the opportunity to try our hand at making these decorations. My attempt at crafting a flower was surprisingly rewarding, and although it may not have matched the skill of the artisans, I was proud of my creation. The experience was made even more memorable as we joined the family for a delicious, home-cooked lunch, sharing stories and learning more about their way of life.
Our final stop was a visit to a local celebrity in the candle-making community—an elderly woman who has become a living legend in the village. She has dedicated her life to teaching others the art of candle-making, ensuring that this tradition continues to thrive. Despite receiving invitations to travel the world to showcase her skills, she remains deeply connected to her village, choosing to stay in the place she loves. Her stories, wisdom, and the twinkle in her eye as she recounted her experiences left a lasting impression on me, making this tour not just a cultural experience, but a deeply personal one as well.
A Taste of Tradition: Quesillo-Making in Reyes Etla
Our culinary adventure took us to the quaint village of Reyes Etla, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of fresh cheese. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a spread of cheeses, ranging from creamy to spicy, each one a testament to the region’s rich dairy tradition. Our hosts, experts in the art of Quesillo-making, guided us through a tasting session, explaining the nuances of each type of cheese on the table. It was a feast for the senses, a perfect prelude to the main event.
With our appetites whetted, we dove into the story behind Quesillo, Oaxaca’s most beloved cheese. We learned how this unique cheese came to be, all thanks to a fortunate mistake during the traditional cheese-making process. The experience was hands-on, as we got to participate in each step of the intricate process. From stretching the cheese curds to rolling them into perfect balls, it was a delight to see the transformation from milk to the final, melt-in-your-mouth product.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly tasting our own freshly made Quesillo, still warm from the process. The flavors were rich, creamy, and utterly addictive. We paired the cheese with traditional tortillas, creating a simple yet unforgettable meal that left us happily stuffed. To top off the experience, we were able to package some of the fresh Quesillo to take back with us—a delicious souvenir of our time in Reyes Etla.
Our journey concluded with a leisurely stroll to a nearby church, made famous by its appearance in the movie Nacho Libre. The picturesque setting was the perfect end to a day filled with flavor, tradition, and unforgettable memories. The Quesillo-making experience in Reyes Etla is not just about learning to make cheese; it’s about connecting with the heart of Oaxacan culture.
Weaving History: The Oaxaca Cotton Textile Experience in Santo Tomás Jalieza
Our journey into the heart of Zapotec culture began with an exhilarating ride in the back of a truck, taking us to a remote location steeped in history. This ancient trading post, with its stone carvings aligned to the stars, offered a glimpse into the past that was both unique and awe-inspiring. Standing among the stones, I could feel the significance of this place, where commerce and culture once intertwined under the vast Oaxacan sky.
Returning to the family’s home and workshop, we were introduced to the intricate process of cotton textile production—a craft closely guarded and rarely shared with outsiders. The experience started with picking our own cotton on the property, a hands-on way to connect with the material we would soon see transformed. Learning to create cotton thread using a traditional spinning technique was a humbling experience; the process is far more challenging than it appears, requiring patience and precision.
The highlight of the visit was watching the Maestro at work, weaving intricate textiles with a complicated traditional mechanism. The speed and skill with which he manipulated the threads were nothing short of mesmerizing. Each piece he crafted was a work of art, embodying generations of knowledge and tradition. After the demonstration, we were invited to browse their shop, filled with vibrant and unique textiles, each one telling a story of its own.
The Oaxaca Cotton Textile Experience in Santo Tomás Jalieza was more than just a cultural tour—it was an immersion into the history and artistry of the Zapotec people. From the ancient trading post to the modern-day workshop, every moment was a reminder of the deep connections between place, people, and tradition.
A Sweet Tradition: Oaxaca Chocolate-Making Experience
Our journey into the world of chocolate began in a small village, where we were welcomed into a cozy workshop by a delightful couple whose love for chocolate and its ancestral process was immediately evident. Their passion filled the room as they sang and danced through each step of the process, making the experience as joyful as it was educational.
We started by learning about the rich history and cultural significance of cacao, not only in Oaxaca but around the world. The journey into chocolate-making began with roasting and deshelling cacao beans, a process that required patience and care. The beans were then crushed, and we had the opportunity to add our own preferred sweetness and flavors, making our chocolate uniquely ours. The most fun part was using a bicycle-powered contraption to grind the beans into a paste—burning some calories while making chocolate was an unexpected twist!
After a brief indulgence in some chocolate porter beer, we poured our chocolate into molds, adding flavors like sea salt or nuts to customize our bars. As the bars cooled, we sipped on a warm, freshly made cacao drink, embracing the delightful chocolate overload that was part of this experience. Finally, with our chocolate bars set and ready, we carefully wrapped each one, proud of our creations and excited to take a piece of this sweet tradition home.
Meeting this inspiring couple and learning the ancient art of chocolate-making was not just an educational experience but a joyful celebration of a craft that has been passed down through generations. Their passion for chocolate left a lasting impression, making this experience both uplifting and unforgettable.
Exploring Tradition: Oaxaca Artisanal Mezcal Experience
Our mezcal adventure began in Oaxaca City, where we embarked on a journey to a nearby village renowned for its artisanal mezcal production. Traveling by pickup truck, we were taken to an agave farm, where the family shared the sacred uses and cultural significance of the agave plant. Amidst the fields, we received a mezcal blessing, setting the tone for a truly immersive experience.
The highlight of our visit was tasting various mezcal varieties crafted by a family of women mezcal producers—an exceptional rarity in a male-dominated industry. Their dedication and success in this field were inspiring, showcasing the strength and resilience of these women as they made their mark on the village’s mezcal production. The flavors of their mezcal were diverse and rich, each sip telling a story of tradition and passion.
Next, we visited a small, traditional mezcal operation, where we witnessed the labor-intensive process that has kept this small farm competitive against larger operations. The owner’s dedication was evident in every step, and his wife surprised us with a freshly made local treat called Tejate, which was so delicious I couldn’t resist having two bowls. Of course, I also enjoyed a few drams of mezcal along the way.
To round out the experience, we tried our hand at making tortillas, which we paired with grilled meats for a hearty meal. This tour was a fantastic way to learn about mezcal made the traditional way, avoiding the large, commercialized plantations and instead connecting with the true heart of mezcal production in Oaxaca.
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