Category Archives: Oaxaca

The Best Cooking Vacation to Mexico for Winter 2013 is in Oaxaca

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Are you thinking about your winter vacation?  If you’ve never been on a culinary vacation, you’ve been missing out. Mexico is an amazing vacation destination, and Oaxaca, in particular is one of the best destinations for culinary travel. Taking the time to enjoy local cuisine on your vacation gives you a greater understanding and appreciation for the culture of the country you’re visiting. Food is one of the ways that people interact across cultural divides, and taking a cooking vacation to Mexico is one unique and enjoyable way to spend the winter holiday.

Mexico is a popular winter destination for many reasons, from travel costs to weather, but cuisine is another reason to visit the country this year. Food-lovers and chefs can find plenty to enjoy in the city of Oaxaca, which has both a rich history and delicious food culture.

If you’re in Oaxaca on December 23, you can be treated to the unique Festival of Radishes. The first festival of its kind occurred in 1897, and it happens every year now in honor of that event. During this night, known as the Night of Radishes, local farmers display artistically carved radishes, flowers and totomoxtle.

Noche-Radishes-Oaxaca phto by crcrcruz

The festival is rooted in an old Oaxacan tradition of holding mass on the 23rd. Gardeners and merchants would sell foods at market that night in anticipation for the Christmas feast the next day. In order to lure more buyers to their stalls, these merchants would create artistic displays of radishes and other vegetables.

Today, the Festival of Radishes is taken so seriously that farmers prepare three months in advance by planting radishes to obtain the best size and shape. Three days before the feast, the radishes are harvested and carefully carved into various shapes or figures. Common themes for the carvings include the arrival of the three wise men and other Christmas themes; traditional Oaxacan themes are also carved.

For vacationers with a particular interest in food, we have a a particularly good vacation package to Oaxaca: The Oaxaca Master Chef Tour. The seven-day event allows you to meet with local chefs who will take you through the city to shop for local ingredients for a number of traditional Oaxacan recipes. You will also see the inside of a traditional Oaxacan kitchen and learn secrets from some of Mexico’s top chefs.

Oaxaca-Cooking-Class

Not only will this private tour allow you to taste and cook many excellent dishes, it also provides ample time for you to get out and explore Oaxaca. You can venture away from the heart of the city to see ancient tombs and the Tule Tree, which is one of the oldest living beings on Earth. You’ll also be able to visit Teotitlán del Valle, where you can see hand-woven textiles and rugs as well as handmade candles.

If you want to experience a unique winter vacation, step out of the ordinary and come to Mexico to enjoy food, traditions, culture, and amazing destinations.

Unique Vacation Experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico

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Oaxaca CathedralLa Guelaguetza: A Unique Vacation Experience in Oaxaca, Mexico

Visitors to Oaxaca, Mexico, can enjoy a wide variety of cultural events in this beautiful state located on Mexico’s southwestern coast. Oaxaca’s population remains nearly 50 percent indigenous. This is a strong contrast to the rest of Mexico, where indigenous peoples make up only 20 percent of the overall population. The state’s many indigenous peoples and cultures, which have been numbered at 16 different groups, are a draw for tourists who want to learn about the cultural customs of the area. 

Every July, visitors have the opportunity to experience La Guelaguetza, an important cultural festival celebrating the value of giving. Also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on The Hill, this event has become an important tourist attraction but also retains deep cultural significance for the many indigenous peoples who participate in it. The festival is held on the two Mondays following July 16. The current La Guelaguetza celebration dates back to 1932 but has roots in pre-Columbian cultural rituals.

The Sites and Sounds of La Guelaguetza

One of the primary attractions of La Guelaguetza is the presentation of traditional indigenous dances, bands and parades. Indigenous peoples are often separated into gender-specific groups who perform important customs and rituals from their cultures. Many of the individuals participating in La Guelaguetza use trajes, or costumes. The Zapotec and Mixtec groups are the largest at the festival but many smaller indigenous groups also participate.

In the weeks leading up to La Guelaguetza, an individual is elected to represent Centeotl, the Aztec deity of maize. The festival is generally opened by a parade of delegations. Art displays, children’s bands and storytellers who relate indigenous folk tales are a key component of the celebration. Walking bands and native foods are also highlights of the festival.

Many La Guelaguetza events are held at an amphitheater built into Cerro del Fortín, the hill overlooking Oaxaca city. The festival has become increasingly popular since Oaxaca City was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1970s and a highway was constructed to offer access to this historic city.

Embracing Local Cultural Values as A Tourist

In Zapotec, a native tongue of the area, the word guelaguetza means gift or present. As understood by indigenous peoples of the area, the word refers specifically to a generous gift or present that is always reciprocated by the receiver. The offering of dance, music and other rituals forms an important part of the giving process at the center of La Guelaguetza.

Tourists who wish to visit Oaxaca, Mexico, during La Guelaguetza are welcomed with open arms. The many indigenous groups of the area are proud to share their cultures and customs with individuals from around the world. During La Guelaguetza, indigenous peoples from Oaxaca and travelers can participate in a cultural exchange that is at the heart of the festival’s spirit of giving.

Travelers who want to get the most out of their La Guelaguetza experience should be sure to visit the city’s Historic Center and attend recitings of classic indigenous folk tales. Our Magic of Oaxaca tour can perfectly blend the Guelagezta celebration, with other important experiences and sites in Oaxaca, including it’s lovely beaches of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. To start planning you trip to Oaxaca, start with browsing our itineraries or through our portfolio of Oaxaca Hotels for an unforgettable experience tailored to your travel needs.

Culinary Vacations – Master Chef Trip to Pre-Hispanic Mexico

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Sampling the local cuisine in a culinary vacation is one of the best (and tastiest) ways to immerse yourself in a foreign culture. One sip of the esteemed Oaxacan drink tejate, for instance, reveals the complexity of its meticulous ingredient list, a rich blend of toasted cacao flowers and cacao beans, mamey seeds, and corn flour mixed with ash perfected over centuries from the courts of Zapotec royalty to modern market stalls.

If food, wine and cultural exploration are your ideal travel companions, the Master Chef Culinary Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico is your chance to indulge in the enchanting sights, scents and flavors of an extraordinary historical region. Every moment of this seven night vacation offers an exhilaratingly interactive experience. You will be treated to the legendary cuisine and delicacies of Oaxaca, a locale known for its exquisite moles, spicy chiles, crispy tortilla dishes and cinnamon-laced hot chocolate.

Guided by seasoned master chefs such as Pilar Cabrera and Alejandro Ruiz, you will learn the process of bringing these flavorful Mexican dishes to life in a traditional Oaxacan kitchen. Much like tejate, many Oaxacan dishes are deeply agricultural, involving the delicate intermingling of regional ingredients with distinct traces of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. At the local markets, these passionate chefs will introduce you to the elements of each dish, sharing their deep culinary knowledge on how to find and prepare the best local ingredients.

Yet, this culinary vacation isn’t just about the food. Get ready to dive into the vibrant cultural landscape that frames this delectable cuisine, a place heavily defined by its ancient architecture and the stunning artisanry of the local towns. Inside the charming homes and workshops of Oaxaca’s Spanish colonial-style towns and Zapotec villages, you will see firsthand the creation of beautifully intricate woven rugs, handmade candles and whimsical painted animals.

The topography of Oaxaca is a living timeline of the cultures that once settled there, from Olmec to Zapotec to Mixtec civlizations, as well as Aztec influence later on. Traveling through these historic Mexican sites, you will marvel at the splendor of the mosaic-adorned tombs of Mitla and famed Monte Albán, a 2500-years-old city featuring elaborate subterranean passages, temples and tombs carved from mountainous terrain. You’ll navigate the lively markets of Oaxaca, visit fascinating archaeological sites, and stare in awe at the 2000-years-old Tree of Tule.

The Master Chef Culinary Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico is truly designed for enthusiastic foodies and explorers. This experience is guaranteed to captivate the senses and the mind, inviting you into a dynamic culture rich with tantalizing cuisine, dedicated artisans and spirited historical traditions you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Top Adventure Travel Trips in Mexico

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Adventure travel trips and tours in Mexico are one of our specialties at Journey Mexico. For those of you planning adventure vacations this summer, we’ve put together a list of our favorite adventure tours.

From pristine beaches and remote jungles to spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers – these travel adventures get to the heart of this grand destination: Mexico.

 

1)      Baja Multisport: Sea Kayaking and Hiking Trip

On this adventure trip you’ll visit both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. Perfect for active travelers, it combines remote hiking and paddling in intact wilderness settings, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and visits to local villages.

This trip includes a full day Sea-Kayaking expedition in the Sea of Cortez. Experience the turquoise waters of the protected beaches of the Island of Espiritu Santo.  We will also visit the resident sea lion colony where you can opt to swim and snorkel with these marine mammals.

During our day hike, you will indulge in the seascapes of the rugged Pacific Coast of Southern Baja California. In this hike into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve you will also experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls in the stunning cactus forests.  A visit to the fishing village of Todos Santos and a day of surfing provides a taste of the old Baja.

2)      Chiapas Adventure Trip – Ziplines, Waterfalls, and Ruins

On this fabulous adventure trip to Chiapas, Mexico, you will zip line through the tree-tops of the jungles and mountains of the region. Take in the magnificent beauty of one of the area’s waterfalls, measuring over 100 feet in height, and swim in the refreshing water from the falls. This journey also includes a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city known as one of the greatest achievements of ancient man, and to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city where you can converse with the indigenous people of San Juan Chamula and Zinacatan, and learn about their colorful ceramics and textiles.

 

3)      Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip

This adventure trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is perfect for wildlife lovers. One of the highlights of this adventure includes swimming and snorkeling with docile whale sharks (ranging from 10 to 65 feet in length) on a secluded island. After a few days of nature immersion, explore the ancient Mayan ruins at the world renowned Chichen Itza. Your private guide will explain the significance of this archeological site and the achievements of the Maya civilization. You will also have the chance to cool off in a beautiful sinkhole before enjoying a picturesque lunch nearby. Accommodations at the Isla Holbox (a tranquil island 3 hours from Cancun) are in a quaint eco-friendly hotel.

 

 

4)      Copper Canyon Hiking Trip – Lower Rio Urique Wilderness

The Copper Canyon hiking trip is an expedition style adventure where hikers follow the Urique River as it winds through the Mexican canyon. This tour offers stunning views, trails through narrow slot canyons and a crossing of the magnificent suspension bridge at Vado de la Cueva. You will also visit the native communities and the historic settlements of El Fuerte, Cerocahui, Creel, Chihuahua, and Batopilas.

A train journey on the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Mexican railroad offers a panoramic view of the amazing transition between the Sea of Cortez and the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara.

 

5)      Mainland Mexico Surf Trip

This surfing adventure trip is 10 days of non-stop surfing combined with luxury accommodations to relax and recharge in the evening. On this trip you will stay in 2 magnificent villas right on the water. You will also go on exciting road trips on private SUVs and take a private fight to some of the region’s best kept secret surfing spots.

An expert guide will be with you providing insider access and a professional photographer will shoot video and photos of the adventure.

 

6)      Oaxaca Cycling Excursion

This exciting tour lets you experience a bike tour like you never have before. During this cycling excursion you will not only see great bike routes but you will also discover Oaxaca’s amazing culture, food, and natural beauty.

You will visit Teotitlan del Valle, where the world-famous, traditional, woven, wool blankets and rugs come from, as well as other remote villages with XVI century churches, old plazas and vibrant markets and galleries.  On this tour, you will also see Monte Alban – an archeological site from around 500BC.

 

7)      The Volcano Mountain Climbing Expedition

This adventure tour is 10 days of amazing mountain climbing. Explore two Mexican volcanoes: The Malinche volcano, named after the Indian lover and interpreter for Cortez , and the Iztaccihuatl, the 3rd largest in Mexico famous for its shape of a sleeping woman.

In addition to exploring the mountaintops, caves, and glaciers of central Mexico, you will also visit the charming towns of Puebla and Cholula outside of Mexico City.

This trip also includes a visit to Teotihucan, a world-famous archeological site, and the Basilica de Guadalupe. This Basilica is the 3rd most important religious center worldwide.

8)      Yucatan  Adventure

This adventure trip on the Riviera Maya takes you through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and brings you to incredible archeological sites designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Celestun, Ex-balam and Sian Ka’an.

This ecotourism tour includes a visit to a local Maya family where age old traditions are still maintained. It also takes you to Tixkokob where locals still practice the age old tradition of Hammock weaving.

The Riviera Maya, with its turquoise waters and soft powder sand beaches awaits you.

 

We hope you embark soon on your adventure travel tour and discover the wonders that Mexico has to offer.

 

Mexico Today in Oaxaca

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#MexicoToday – Last week we posted about how Jessica Seba and I were chosen to be a part of the Mexico Today program and today it is my pleasure to post a re-cap of the kick-off event that was held in Oaxaca over the weekend.

playing the marimba in oaxaca

Welcome to Oaxaca

It was clear that the weekend was going to be a cultural treat immediately after stepping off the plane Friday as we were greeted by the traditional sounds of the marimba, a type of xylophone that originated in southern Mexico. After being transferred to our hotel, the gorgeous Camino Real Oaxaca, we met for an introduction cocktail followed by a mezcal tasting, which really put us in the spirit – pun intended.

Guelaguetza Dancers

After we’d become well acquainted with tequila’s smokey sister, we moved to the old chapel of the Camino Real (the 5-Star Camino Real is housed in what was originally the convent of Santa Catalina) for a massive buffet of Oaxacan flavors. As we ate, a group of traditional dancers performed many of the dances of the Guelaguetza festival, which is an extravagant event that takes place on a hillside in Oaxaca each year.

painting an alebrije

Alebrije in the making

Saturday began with an insightful meeting which included a panel discussion including guest speakers Antonio del Rosal Stanford (Mexican Brand Coordinator), Alejandro Ruiz (the famed chef of Casa Oaxaca), and Jacobo Angeles (a local artisan famous for his Alebrijes – brightly colored wooden figures). Following the discussion, we were driven out into the countryside to visit Jacobo’s workshop and learn about how the alebrijes are made. Before the demonstration, we were treated to more dancing, mezcal, and a fabulous lunch prepared by Jacobo’s family. During lunch, I was able to try chapulines for the first time, which are toasted grasshoppers – a traditional delicacy of Oaxaca. I must say, I quite enjoyed them and found them to taste like salted cranberries.

Lunch at Jacobo's Workshop

Returning from Jacobo’s workshop, we had just enough time to freshen up before joining a marching parade in the street (although a few of us snuck off to watch the USA vs. Mexico football match in a local cantina). Jessica tells me the parade was a highlight of the trip as our group carried colorful candles while they followed a group of traditional dancers through the streets – all the while being fed shots of mezcal. Some of our group were carried on the shoulders of some locals (atop a leather bull) and at the end of the parade, the group was greeted by a giant “Welcome Mexico Today” in fireworks. Back in the cantina, we saw fireworks of our own as the US went up 2-0 on Mexico, only to be destroyed 4-2.

Parading the streets of Oaxaca City

The group reconvened at Casa Oaxaca where chef Ruiz prepared a delicious three-course meal consisting almost exclusively of local meat and produce. Chef Ruiz has been a huge proponent of the “Local Foods” movement as growing and using your own food and produce has always been a way of life in the fertile lands of Oaxaca.

Dinner was followed by drinks on the town square, where we were serenaded by local mariachi bands and a few passing troubadours. Drinks were followed by more drinks in a cozy cantina around the corner from the Camino Real, which, for some of us, made for an interesting Sunday morning meeting. Grogginess aside, the farewell meeting was touching. I think I speak for the group when I say it was a true pleasure to meet so many talented people who all share a real love for Mexico. Journey Mexico, Jessica, and I are all honored to be a part of such a committed group, and we’d like to thank the Mexican Tourism Board, Marca País – Imagen de México, and Ogilvy for putting together such an inspired initiative and such a wonderful event.

The Mexico Today Team (Most of us)

Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/MexicoToday for posts from the group of contributors and be sure to follow #MexicoToday tweets for all the real-time happenings in Mexico!

10 Reasons to Visit Mexico This Summer

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According to an Orbitz report, Mexico has two of the top three spots on Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations 2010. If that’s not enough of a reason to book a trip, here are ten more:

1. It’s the value season - Because most people travel to Mexico to avoid the cold winter, summertime is considered the low season. During low season (May – October), you can take advantage of real value offerings in many luxury properties and avoid crowds in some of Mexico’s spectacular sites.

2. Water, water everywhere. While many travelers flock to the world class beaches of Mexico, we have quite a few sources of cool refreshing water that are perfect destinations for summer travel!  Natural pools called cenotes –secluded and revitalizing – are scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula and provide a delicious respite from the heat in between visits to mystical Mayan ruins.  Rushing rivers cruise through Mexico’s canyons (the Copper Canyon, Sumidero Canyon) and to the coasts offering rafting, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.   Mexico’s mountain lakes stay cool throughout the hottest months of summer and their energizing waters invite a dip whether on a hike, a day trip or even a shopping trip!  The Sea of Cortez has been named “the World’s Aquarium” and has marine wildlife beyond your wildest dreams.

3. Travel the highlands – A country of much geographic diversity, Mexico has highland regions that stay cooler in the summer and are unique cultural destinations.  Towns such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Patzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Oaxaca dot the Mexican countryside and are fabulous spots for watching local artisans make original crafts.

4. Natural wonders of summer– Whale sharks season in the Yucatan Peninsula is in the summer and swimming with these majestic beasts is the experience of a lifetime!  If you are looking for an experience with a smaller sort of marine life, assisting with sea turtle nesting along the Pacific Coast is a great adventure for the whole family this summer.  These little hatchlings fit in the palm of your hand and find their way into your heart!

5. White water rafting in Veracruz – The River Antigua, River Filobobos, and River Actopan in Verzcruz offer world class rafting levels II, III, IV and V.  These exciting rapids run through lush mountains and along valleys sprinkled with small haciendas.  You can also explore recently uncovered archeological ruins in the area, or, when you need to dry off a bit, try your hand at fishing, birding or mountain biking.

6. Surfing along the Pacific Coast  – Any of the numerous south-facing beaches along the Pacific Coast pick up summer swells and surfers worldwide flock to the shores seeking the wave of the season!  The beauty of this stretch of coast is that while there are quite a few well known breaks, there are just as many desolate surf spots where you and your friends will be the only ones in the water!  Nothing like the crowds of Southern California.

7. Guelaguetza in Oaxaca – The festival of sharing, Guelaguetza, is celebrated in the city of Oaxaca as well as the surrounding pueblos on the last two Mondays of July.  Local dances to honor Centeotl, the goddess of corn, combined with other traditional folk dances make this celebration a foot stomping and heart warming holiday!

8. Our Green Season - While it rains during the summer months for much of May, June, and July, this is relegated to afternoon showers.  The amazing off-shoot of this is that Mexico’s countryside breaks out into a myriad of Greens from the tropical low-lands to the patchwork and fertile agricultural highlands.  A far cry from the cactus and desert imagery that Mexico is known for, our green season is a refreshing splash of lush color.

9. Eat, drink, and make merry- People from all over the world visit Mexico to enjoy its delicious cuisine – from the taco stands in the streets to unforgettably fresh seafoodserved in open air, beachside restaurants. Oaxacan cuisine is like nothing you’ve tasted, and the wine from Baja’s valleys rivals those of California and Australia and is sure to elevate your dining experiences from incredible to divine.

10. After your meal, how about some fine spirits to raise your spirit!! – It’s not real if it wasn’t distilled and bottled here in Mexico. The state of Jalisco, in the colonial heartland of Mexico, is the Tequila capital of the world. The actual town of Tequila is just outside one of Mexico’s most charming cities, Guadalajara, where you are sure to find the smoothest Tequila you’ve ever tasted at prices you’ve never seen.