THIS
IS
OAXACA
Oaxaca Highlights
FESTIVALS
Let's celebrate! Oaxaca knows how to party - festival, dance, costume & celebrating life in all its fullness awaits!
CUISINE
Dine on the distinct flavors of Oaxaca. Home to world-renowned chefs proudly cooking in traditional regional style
UNESCO
Stroll of cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Or maybe grab a drink on a rooftop for an aerial view.
ART
Visit one or many of the thriving artist communities in the Puebla’s surrounding the center, and take home a real work of art.
MEZCAL
Far more than a beverage, Mezcal requires passion, devotion and must be savored – a lot like life some might say.
CONNECTION
Befriend the warm and welcoming citizens of Oaxaca. Probably the easiest thing you’ll do all week!
ACTIVISM
Witness the embrace of art as protest, and protest as art (you’ll notice murals all around, but don’t miss their stories)
STORYTELLING
Hear stories from the local indigenous communities, and their connection to this magical place.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Within the state of Oaxaca, (wuh-haa-kuh) in a fertile valley with mountains on three sides, lays its Capital, known as Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca City, or simply “Oaxaca”.
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The vibe is easygoing and unhurried, resembling that of a low-key coastal town, infused with cultural richness, and depth of tradition that flows from every cobbled street.
About Oaxaca
Pronounced (wuh-haa-Kuh)
The small city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to world-renowned chefs who tap into the diverse regional cuisine, and traditional ways of cooking. The city is famous for its many festivals, and spirit of revelry, but when you aren't stumbling upon a dance party in the streets, you'll be entertained by the dynamic culture and vibrant arts! Each of the towns in the valley surrounding the city center have their own artistic traditions ~ we can't wait to introduce you to their stunning handmade creations.
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Oaxaca is a standout for its handmade artistic traditions, passionate festivals and music, and genuinely loving hospitality from locals.
Originally home to native Zapotec and Mixtec communities, followed by Aztec in the 15th century before the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today the layers of history, the wars, and the peace of its inhabitants are interwoven to create the beautiful, bold tapestry of cultural heritage that wraps locals and visitors alike in its welcoming embrace.
Local Friends
Meet Bestida!
Lover of Oaxaca's food and culture! She is a mother, a cook and a storyteller.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
How much time do you recommend for first time trip to Oaxaca?
It really depends on how much time you have set aside for this trip, how much you want to cover, and what is a comfortable pace for you to move about. We usually advise from 5-7 night for Oaxaca only. However, if you plan to couple this trip with time in Mexico City, or on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca as much as 12 nights would be recommended.
Much of this recommendation will depend upon the pace you like to travel, and what you are interested in doing with your time. For example, if you want to visit more remote places, more time may be required to get there, and then to return to a main transportation hub. That said, we always encourage travel that is slow, and intentional to allow travelers to have a more meaningful experience.
What airport is best to arrive into?
You will fly into the Oaxaca Airport (code OAX)
What is the best time of year to visit Oaxaca?
Short answer - there is no bad time.
This is because the climate is mild, and each time of year offers something special. Oaxaca is host to a dozen (more actually) festivals and celebrations, meaning each month gives its own unique perspective on the captivating culture, and sense of familiarity.
Travel peaks for the week around Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is celebrated November 1st and 2nd across Mexico.
If you enjoy warm weather, the winter is sunny, dry and some of the warmest months. Summer sees a little rain, but not enough to avoid travel at this time. Depending on your preferences for sun and culture events, there usually is not a bad time of year to be in Oaxaca!
I'm traveling Solo, can I work with Conscious Travel Collective ?
We welcome all travelers, this means solo, couples, trios, groups - you name it! The majority of our clients are traveling with just 1-2 other people. We have lots of expertise in travel design for just 1-2 travelers and know how to capture the essence of immersive travel for travel groups of every size!
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We also work with travel agents, and small group trip leaders to design something really customized and special for their travelers. Travel agents know their clients, and are deeply in touch with what they will enjoy, and we are deeply connected to the destination, so this makes for a dream team!
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We also love to design for groups, but really encourage folks to keep their groups small, no more than 14 people. Group travel because it's a great way to have a private, fully curated experience at a great value, plus the immersive experiences work beautifully when sharing with a group.
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Find out more about our process here
"Thank you, Conscious Travel Collective, for a truly incredible experience. Immersive travel is a life-changing experience. From hiking a mountainside to sharing a meal with a family at their kitchen table after learning how textiles are made. From experiencing locally sourced cuisine unique and worthy of Michelin star ratings, to learning how the descendants honor their ancestors in almost every aspect of their lives. Oaxaca is a truly incredible and bucket list worthy destination."
