Family Cultural Adventure in Oaxaca

San Pablo's Echoes and Oaxaca's Botanical Heart

Today was a deep dive into the soul of Oaxaca, a day where history and nature intertwined to create an unforgettable experience. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to immerse myself in cultures so different from my own, and to bring those stories back home to share.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Casa Taviche. Priya had read about it online, and it was just a short walk from Hotel Camba. The January air was crisp, hinting at the warmth that would soon blanket the city. We strolled through the awakening streets, watching as vendors set up their stalls, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and frying tortillas filling the air.


Experience authentic Oaxacan flavors at Casa Taviche – where tradition meets modern culinary art in the heart of Mexico.

Casa Taviche was a charming, plant-filled courtyard restaurant. It felt like stepping into someone's home. The menu, as I understood from a fellow patron, changes daily, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. I opted for a traditional Oaxacan breakfast, while Priya and Aarav chose some familiar favorites. The food was delicious, a perfect start to our day of exploration. I couldn't help but think how much I appreciate these small, family-run establishments that offer a genuine taste of Oaxacan hospitality. It reminded me of the small eateries back in Quartier Militaire, Mauritius, where the food is made with love and tradition.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Centro Cultural San Pablo. This former convent, transformed into a cultural center, is a testament to Oaxaca's commitment to preserving its heritage. As an immigration consultant, I'm always fascinated by how different cultures maintain their identity while adapting to the modern world. San Pablo seemed to embody this perfectly. As we entered, the herringbone pattern on the ground, made with carefully laid bricks, immediately caught my eye. It felt like walking through a secret passage that opened up into a world of art and history. The building itself is an architectural marvel, a blend of colonial and contemporary design. The kids were fascinated by the art installations and the sheer size of the place.


Explore the heart of Oaxaca's culture at Centro Cultural San Pablo, a vibrant hub for art, history, and local traditions.

Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.

Wandering through the Centro Cultural San Pablo, I was struck by the variety of exhibits on display. From contemporary art to historical artifacts, there was something to capture everyone's attention. Aarav was particularly interested in an exhibit showcasing traditional Oaxacan textiles. Priya, with her keen eye for detail, admired the intricate designs and the vibrant colors. For me, the Centro Cultural San Pablo was more than just a museum; it was a living, breathing testament to Oaxaca's cultural resilience. The fact that it was once a convent added another layer of intrigue, a reminder of the city's complex history. The kids enjoyed the open spaces and the opportunity to run around and explore. It was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, something that we always strive for on our family trips. We even found a quiet corner where Aarav could sketch some of the architectural details that caught his eye.

Next on our itinerary was the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. Located next to the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, this ethnobotanical garden is a celebration of Oaxaca's incredible biodiversity. Given Oaxaca's subtropical climate, I was excited to see the wide and colorful variety of flowers, trees, and especially succulents that populate the space. Unfortunately, you can only visit the garden with a guided tour. The garden was once part of a monastery and was then utilized by the army for more than a century. In 1994 the army relocated their barracks and there were proposals to construct a hotel and parking lot in their place. An advocacy group lobbied for the protection of the land, aiming to create a space celebrating local culture and nature – and they won. The garden officially opened in 1998.


Explore the stunning Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, a vibrant botanical garden showcasing native plants and rich cultural heritage, perfect for nature lovers.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories about the plants and their significance in Oaxacan culture. The garden showcases the diverse range of flora that is native to Oaxaca. All the trees and plants featured in the garden are from Oaxaca and were specially brought in from other sites around the state. Each one has a story. The garden tells a story about the cultural and artistic traditions of Oaxaca and its place in the natural history of Mexico. Many varieties of the beautiful agave plant are used to make mezcal, a revered specialty of Oaxaca.

After our botanical adventure, lunch was at El Destilado. This restaurant, near Casa Oaxaca, is known for its modern take on traditional Oaxacan cuisine and its extensive selection of mezcals. We started with a round of mezcal cocktails, each one a unique blend of flavors and aromas. I opted for a classic Oaxacan mole, while Priya chose a seafood dish. Aarav, always the adventurous one, tried the chapulines (grasshoppers), a local delicacy. The food was exquisite, a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary. It was clear that the chefs at El Destilado were passionate about showcasing the best of Oaxacan cuisine.


Discover the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine at El Destilado – where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Sabina Sabe for dinner. This trendy restaurant and bar is known for its innovative cocktails and its lively atmosphere. The service was good and we enjoyed our dinner. We had dinner here 2 nights ago. The food, cocktails and service was really good. We came without a reservation around 19:00 and we got a seat. Can recommend this place.


Discover Sabina Sabe: A grill haven offering authentic Mexican flavors amidst Oaxaca's lively atmosphere.

To cap off the evening, we ventured to La Mezcalerita, a local mezcaleria known for its relaxed atmosphere and extensive selection of artisanal mezcals and Mexican craft beers. The rooftop terrace offered a perfect setting to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and traditional cuisine. This popular spot attracts both locals and tourists with its comida corrida menu during the afternoon and an extensive selection of mezcals sourced from local producers. The bar also features a variety of craft beers from Mexico, including Oaxacan brews. We sat on the rooftop terrace, sipping mezcal and enjoying the cool evening breeze. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and discovery.


Discover the heart of Oaxaca at La Mezcalerita, where mezcal meets authentic Oaxacan cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the magic of Oaxaca. This city has a way of captivating your senses and leaving you wanting more. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, which will take us to the ancient sites of Yagul and Mitla. I've heard that Yagul is particularly impressive, with its stunning views of the surrounding valley. And of course, we'll be sure to sample some more of Oaxaca's culinary delights, with breakfast at Itanoní, lunch at Los Pacos Oaxaca, and dinner at Origen. I also plan to visit La Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca to buy some local souvenirs.

But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of exploration in this enchanting city. Goodnight from Oaxaca!