Family Cultural Adventure in Oaxaca

A Day of Discovery in Oaxaca

After a long journey from Toronto, with a layover in Mexico City, we finally arrived in Oaxaca! The air is warm, a welcome change from the Canadian winter, and the city is buzzing with a vibrant energy that immediately captivated us. Our family cultural adventure has officially begun, and I'm excited to share every moment with you.

Our first stop, after settling into the Hotel Camba, was the heart of Oaxaca: the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). The Zócalo was alive with activity. Street vendors were offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious-smelling snacks. Musicians filled the air with traditional Oaxacan melodies. Aarav was immediately drawn to a balloon artist, and soon enough, he was proudly carrying a bright red dinosaur. Priya and I enjoyed watching him, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the plaza. I managed to capture some great shots with my camera, though I realized I'd forgotten my portable phone charger, a rookie mistake I won't be making again!


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Camba in Oaxaca, a charming base for your adventures with free Wi-Fi and tour assistance.

From the Zócalo, we strolled towards the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a magnificent example of New Spanish Baroque architecture. Its history is fascinating; I learned that it was built by the Dominican Order, starting in 1551, and has served various purposes throughout its existence, including being a military warehouse. The intricate carvings on the facade and the sheer scale of the building were awe-inspiring. Inside, every square inch seemed to be covered in gold leaf and detailed carvings. Priya, with her artistic eye, was particularly impressed by the Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario, an 18th-century chapel within the church. The sheer opulence of the place was something to behold. The church has such a rich history, even having been visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979!


Experience the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Oaxaca at Zócalo, the city's lively central plaza that celebrates tradition and community.

Travel is more than seeing sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

Lunch was at Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante, and it was an absolute culinary delight. The restaurant is known for its regional Mexican cuisine, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. We started with some traditional Oaxacan appetizers, including chapulines (grasshoppers), which Aarav bravely tried! For the main course, I opted for the mole negro, a rich, complex sauce made with chocolate and chili peppers. Priya had the tlayuda, a large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and vegetables. The ambiance of the restaurant was lovely, with a beautiful courtyard and friendly service. It was the perfect place to relax and refuel after a morning of sightseeing. The reviews I read online beforehand were spot on - this place is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Oaxacan flavors.


Discover the breathtaking Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a baroque masterpiece in Oaxaca showcasing rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.

After lunch, we ventured into the Oaxaca Artisan Market. This market was a treasure trove of local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Priya was in her element, browsing through the colorful displays of handwoven rugs, embroidered blouses, and alebrijes (wooden animal figures). We picked up a few small gifts for friends and family back home, and I couldn't resist buying a beautiful hand-painted mask. The market was a bit overwhelming, but the friendly vendors and the sheer variety of goods made it a memorable experience. Although I know that I could probably get better prices in the villages, it was very convenient to have such an amazing selection of artisan goods all in one place. It's great to know that buying directly from the artisans at the market supports them and their families. My Spanish phrasebook came in handy while bartering with the vendors, even though my accent probably gave them a good laugh!


Discover authentic Oaxacan flavors at Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante—where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

For dinner, we chose Los Danzantes, a restaurant known for its innovative Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktails. The restaurant has a beautiful setting, with an open-air courtyard and a modern, stylish decor. We started with some mezcal margaritas, which were both refreshing and potent. For dinner, I had the grilled octopus, which was cooked to perfection. Priya opted for the duck confit, which she raved about. Aarav, being a bit less adventurous, had the chicken tacos, which he devoured in minutes. The service was impeccable, and the overall experience was top-notch. I can see why it is considered one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca. I read a review that mentioned the seasonal cocktails, and I was not disappointed - I tried the Señor Pepino, which was a great palate cleanser.


Explore the vibrant Oaxaca Artisan Market, where local craftsmanship and rich culture come together in a colorful and lively atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, we strolled back to our hotel, the sounds of the city slowly fading into the night. The weather in January is perfect for walking around, with mild, breezy days and cool evenings. It was a truly magical first day in Oaxaca. I feel like we've only scratched the surface of what this city has to offer, and I'm excited to explore more in the coming days. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán and the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the ancient ruins of Monte Albán and learning more about the Zapotec civilization. We'll also be trying out El Quinque for breakfast, Hierba Dulce for lunch, and Pitiona for dinner, and I'm eager to sample more of Oaxaca's culinary delights. We might even sneak in a visit to Mezcalería In Situ for a taste of the local spirit.

Even though it was just our first day, Oaxaca has already charmed its way into our hearts. The people are warm and welcoming, the culture is vibrant and fascinating, and the food is simply divine. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring!

I'm also excited to share that I found out about some festivals happening later in January. There is the Feast of San Antonio de Abad on January 17th, where animals are blessed, and the Santiago Apóstol feast in Cuilapám on January 25th. Perhaps we will have a chance to experience one of them.

Until tomorrow,
Louis