Family Cultural Adventure in Oaxaca

Parks, Flavors, and Zapotec Magic

Today was a delightful blend of nature, food, and a touch of Oaxaca's vibrant nightlife. We started our day with a hearty breakfast and ended it with expertly crafted cocktails. It's amazing how much this city has to offer, and I'm trying to soak in every last drop before we head back to Toronto.

Our morning began at La Flor de Oaxaca, a place recommended to me by a local friend for its authentic Oaxacan breakfast. It was just what we needed to kick off a day of exploring. The restaurant had a genteel appearance, and I was immediately drawn to the colorful murals adorning the walls. Priya opted for the huevos estrellados, perfectly cooked eggs accompanied by flavorful black beans seasoned with hoja de aguacate. I, on the other hand, decided to go all in with enchiladas oaxaqueñas and cecina. The mole negro was absolutely divine, rich and complex, easily the best I've had so far. Aarav enjoyed his hot chocolate. It was a truly magnificent way to start the day. We felt ready to tackle whatever adventures Oaxaca had in store for us.


Experience authentic Oaxacan breakfast at La Flor de Oaxaca - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

After breakfast, we ventured to Benito Juárez National Park. Getting there was a bit of an adventure in itself. We took a local bus towards San Felipe, and after a short uphill walk, we found ourselves at the edge of the park. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city bustle. The park is vast, with lush forests and mountainous landscapes. We chose a moderate hiking trail, wanting to enjoy the scenery without overexerting ourselves. The trails wound through the forest, offering glimpses of the city below. I made sure to capture the panoramic views with my camera. The January weather was perfect for hiking. The sun was out, but the breeze kept us cool. It reminded me of hiking in Ontario, but with a distinctly Oaxacan feel.


Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Benito Juárez National Park, a true gem in Oaxaca, Mexico, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
We spent a few hours exploring the park, taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the tranquility. Aarav was fascinated by the different plants and insects we encountered, and Priya, ever the nature enthusiast, identified various species of trees and flowers. It was a great way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For lunch, we headed to La Oaxaqueña, a restaurant known for its traditional Oaxacan cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, and the aroma of spices filled the air. We ordered a tlayuda de mole, a massive crispy tortilla topped with mole negro, Oaxaca cheese, and various other toppings. It was a feast. The flavors were intense and satisfying, a true representation of Oaxacan cuisine. Priya and I shared a refreshing agua fresca de piña, while Aarav enjoyed a horchata.


Savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine at La Oaxaqueña in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán—where tradition meets taste.
In the late afternoon, we visited Parque Ciudad de las Canteras, a unique park built in former rock quarries. It was a completely different experience from Benito Juárez National Park. This park had a more urban feel, with modern installations and open spaces. We walked around the park, admiring the sculptures and enjoying the views. There was a stage where a band was setting up, and it looked like there would be an evening concert. Aarav enjoyed running around the open spaces and playing near the interactive fountain. The park offered a glimpse into Oaxaca's blend of nature and urban life. As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. We had reservations at El Escapulario, a restaurant known for its traditional Oaxacan dishes and extensive mole selection. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with dim lighting and rustic décor. I was eager to try their mole negro, having heard rave reviews. For starters, we ordered the sopa de tortilla, a flavorful soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese. For the main course, Priya and I both ordered the mole negro with chicken, while Aarav opted for a simpler chicken dish. The mole was rich and complex, with a hint of chocolate and a subtle spiciness. It was served with warm tortillas, which we used to scoop up every last bit of sauce. It was a truly memorable meal, a perfect ending to a day of culinary exploration.


Experience authentic Oaxacan breakfasts at El Escapulario, where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
After dinner, Priya and Aarav decided to head back to the hotel, but I wasn't quite ready to call it a night. I had heard about Zapotec Mixology Bar, a hidden gem known for its innovative cocktails and Zapotec-inspired décor. I decided to check it out. The bar was a bit off the beaten path, but it was well worth the effort. The ambiance was intimate and stylish, with colorful murals and handcrafted furniture. The bartender was a true mixologist, crafting cocktails with precision and passion. I ordered a mezcal-based cocktail, infused with local herbs and spices. It was a complex and flavorful drink, a perfect representation of Oaxaca's vibrant culture. I struck up a conversation with a local artist who was sitting at the bar, and we talked about Oaxaca's history, art, and mezcal. It was a fascinating conversation, and I learned a lot about the city and its people. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with live music and a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. It was a great place to unwind and soak in the Oaxacan nightlife. Before heading back to the hotel, I ordered one more cocktail, wanting to savor the experience. It was a perfect ending to a day of exploring Oaxaca's natural and culinary delights. As I walked back to the hotel, I reflected on the day's adventures. From hiking in the mountains to savoring traditional Oaxacan dishes to enjoying expertly crafted cocktails, it had been a day of discovery and delight. I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience this vibrant city and its rich culture.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca with innovative cocktails at Zapotec Mixology Bar, where tradition meets modern mixology.
Tomorrow marks our last full day in Oaxaca. We plan to visit the Exconvento De Santa Catalina De Siena and the Auditorio Guelaguetza. We'll have breakfast at El Morocco, lunch at Terraza Istmo, and dinner at Tr3s 3istro Restaurant & Oyster Bar. We'll also try to squeeze in a visit to La Cosecha Organic Market. It's going to be a busy day, but I'm determined to make the most of it. I want to take home as many memories as possible, to remind me of this incredible journey. I'm already looking forward to sharing our experiences with friends and family back in Toronto, and inspiring them to visit this magical place. The best part of these trips is not just seeing new places, but sharing it with my family.

As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible adventure. Oaxaca has captured my heart with its natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. I know that this is a place I will never forget, and I hope to return someday soon. Mauritius is always home, but Oaxaca is becoming a close second.