Family Adventure in the Heart of Oaxaca

A Day of Artistic Immersion
Today was all about diving deeper into the heart of Oaxacan culture, exploring its artistic expressions, savoring its culinary masterpieces, and unwinding in its vibrant nightlife. It's amazing how much a single day can enrich your understanding and appreciation of a place. Come along as I share the highlights of our immersive experience!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cabuche. Fatima and the kids were craving something traditional, so we ordered a round of memelas – thick, handmade tortillas topped with black beans, quesillo, and salsa. I opted for the pozole verde, a comforting and flavorful soup that set the perfect tone for the day. Nelson, of course, wanted something sweet, so he devoured a plate of pan dulce with hot chocolate. Sheila, ever the picky eater, surprised us by enjoying a simple quesadilla.


Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Cabuche in Oaxaca's vibrant Centro - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Fueled up and ready to go, we headed to the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, with elegant arches surrounding a central courtyard. Inside, the pristine white walls provided the perfect backdrop for the vibrant and diverse artwork on display. I was particularly drawn to the works of Rufino Tamayo, whose bold colors and abstract forms resonated with me. Fatima appreciated the folk art pieces, especially the intricate textiles and wood carvings. The kids, surprisingly, were engaged by the portraits, trying to guess the stories behind each face.


Discover the artistic soul of Oaxaca at Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños, where local talent and rich cultural heritage come alive through captivating exhibits.

As we wandered through the museum, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of art in preserving and celebrating cultural identity. Oaxaca has a rich artistic heritage, and it's inspiring to see how contemporary artists are building upon that legacy. The museum did a great job of showcasing both established and emerging talents, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of the Oaxacan art scene.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After immersing ourselves in the visual arts, it was time for a taste of Oaxacan cuisine. We made our way to El Quinque for lunch, a restaurant recommended by several locals for its authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with the aroma of spices and the sound of lively conversation. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including mole negro, tlayudas, and chapulines (grasshoppers). I know, I know, the chapulines sound intimidating, but they're actually quite tasty – crunchy and savory, with a hint of chili. The mole negro, a rich and complex sauce made with chocolate and chili peppers, was the star of the meal. Fatima was in heaven, as mole is one of her favorite dishes. The kids were a bit hesitant at first, but they ended up enjoying the tlayudas, large crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meat.


Discover the authentic flavors of Oaxaca at El Quinque, where traditional Mexican cuisine meets modern culinary artistry.

In the afternoon, we decided to visit the Auditorio Guelaguetza, a large open-air amphitheater that hosts the annual Guelaguetza festival. Unfortunately, there wasn't a performance scheduled for today, but we were still able to explore the grounds and admire the architecture. The auditorium is perched on a hillside overlooking the city, offering stunning panoramic views. Nelson and Sheila were fascinated by the sheer size of the venue, imagining what it must be like to perform in front of thousands of people. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, knowing that we were standing on a stage that has hosted countless cultural celebrations over the years.


Discover the Auditorio Guelaguetza, where Oaxacan culture comes alive through vibrant performances and unforgettable festivals celebrating the region's rich traditions.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Sabina Sabe, a popular mezcal bar known for its handcrafted cocktails and cozy ambiance. The bar was dimly lit and filled with the aroma of agave and citrus. We ordered a round of mezcal cocktails, each one a unique and flavorful concoction. I tried the Micky Miguel Miguelito, a tamarind-based mezcal drink, while Fatima opted for a classic margarita with a smoky twist. The kids enjoyed non-alcoholic versions of the cocktails, feeling like grown-ups for the evening.


Savor the rich flavors of Oaxaca at Sabina Sabe, a grill restaurant offering authentic Mexican dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Sabina Sabe was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. The bartenders were knowledgeable and passionate about mezcal, sharing stories about the different types of agave and the traditional production methods. I learned that mezcal is more than just a drink; it's a cultural symbol, deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Oaxaca. As I sipped my cocktail, I felt a sense of connection to the land and its people.

Dinner tonight was at Criollo. This was the restaurant I was looking forward to the most! I had read so many great reviews about it. The focus at Criollo is on local and seasonal ingredients to create authentic Oaxaqueña cuisine. The seven-course tasting menu changes daily but always includes snacks, a salad, catch of the day and desserts. We started with a warm cheese croquette, followed by a smooth tamal set in a bold shrimp-infused mole coloradito and, later, excellent tempura fish tacos. Desserts were refreshing, as in the pineapple nicuatole with passionfruit and mango sorbet. What a great meal! I can't wait to try and recreate some of these dishes back home.


Discover Criollo in Oaxaca: Where traditional Mexican cuisine meets innovative culinary artistry.

As we walked back to Hotel Hacienda, hand in hand, I felt grateful for the experiences we had shared today. Oaxaca had captivated us with its art, culture, cuisine, and mezcal. It was a day that we would cherish forever.


Experience comfort and convenience at Hotel Hacienda, just minutes from Oaxaca’s vibrant city center, perfect for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Tomorrow is our last day in Oaxaca, and we plan to make the most of it. We'll be visiting the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), the heart of the city, and exploring the Centro Cultural San Pablo, a former monastery that now houses a library and cultural center. We'll also be doing some last-minute souvenir shopping at Galería Fe y Lola Rugs & Textiles, where we hope to find a beautiful rug to remind us of our time in Oaxaca. I'm already feeling a bit sad about leaving, but I know that we'll be back someday to continue exploring this magical place. Good night from Oaxaca!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention that I managed to find a portable phone charger today! It was a lifesaver, as my phone was constantly running out of battery from taking so many photos and videos. Fatima teased me about forgetting it in the first place, but she was secretly relieved that I had finally gotten one. It's the little things that make a big difference when you're traveling!