Cultural Immersion in Oaxaca with Friends

A Day of Oaxacan Delights

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Oaxaca, experiencing its rich culture, savoring its exquisite cuisine, and enjoying its vibrant nightlife. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – to immerse myself in new experiences and create lasting memories.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca. This place is a food hall with stands from several restaurants representing the different regions of Oaxaca. It’s a great spot to sample a variety of local dishes. Although some find it a bit pricier than other food markets, the opportunity to try signature dishes from different restaurants in one place is well worth it. I tried a delicious memela, a thick corn tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and salsa, and Hans had a tlayuda, a large, crispy tortilla covered with similar toppings and grilled meat. It was the perfect way to start our day, fueling us up for the adventures ahead.


Explore authentic Oaxacan cuisine at Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca - A must-visit culinary destination for every traveler.

After breakfast, we headed to Fuente de las 8 Regiones, a large fountain with statues honoring the eight regions of Oaxaca. This fountain is a popular gathering place for events and the starting or ending point for marches and parades. While there wasn't a specific event happening today, the fountain itself was a sight to behold. The intricate designs and symbolic representations of each region offered a glimpse into Oaxaca's diverse cultural heritage. The soothing sound of flowing water and the lush greenery surrounding the fountain created a peaceful atmosphere. We took some photos and enjoyed the ambiance before moving on to our next destination.


Discover the cultural essence of Oaxaca at the Fuente de las 8 Regiones, a stunning fountain celebrating the region's rich diversity.

Next on our itinerary was the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a stunning example of New Spanish Baroque architecture. This church and former convent have played a significant role in Oaxaca's history, serving as a military warehouse, a stable, and even a university. The church's facade is impressive, but the interior is even more breathtaking. The intricate details, golden inner vaults, and ornate decorations are a testament to the craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. We spent a good hour wandering through the church, admiring the architecture and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. I lit a candle for my grandmother, who always encouraged my love for travel and exploration.


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

The beauty of Oaxaca lies not only in its landmarks but also in the everyday moments, the flavors, and the connections you make along the way.

For lunch, we decided to try Cabuche, a charming and authentic Oaxacan restaurant known for its delicious dishes and friendly service. The restaurant itself is unassuming from the outside, but the quality of the food shines through. I ordered the black mole enmolada with plantain, and Hans had the shrimp tacos. My mole was rich, complex, and decadent, and Hans loved the light, crispy batter on his shrimp tacos. We also tried the agua de tamarindo, which was refreshing and flavorful. Cabuche only accepts cash, but luckily, there's an ATM right across the street.


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

In the late afternoon, we decided to take a stroll through the streets of Oaxaca, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and browsing the local shops. I picked up a few souvenirs for my family back in Berlin – some hand-painted alebrijes (colorful wooden figurines) and a bag of locally grown coffee beans. As we walked, we couldn't help but notice the prevalence of street art in Oaxaca. Colorful murals and graffiti adorned many of the buildings, adding to the city's unique character and reflecting its history of diversity and resistance.

As evening approached, we made our way to Los Pacos Oaxaca for dinner. This restaurant is known for its mole sampler, which allows you to taste all seven of their house-made moles. The owner, Laura, greeted us warmly and explained each mole in detail before bringing out the sampler. It was an incredible experience to taste the different flavor profiles of each mole, from the rich and complex mole negro to the bright and tangy mole verde. For our main courses, I chose the green mole with chicken, and Hans opted for the capery stew mole with pork. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was impeccable. Los Pacos is located in the Xochimilco neighborhood, a bit off the beaten path but well worth the walk.


Experience the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine at Los Pacos Oaxaca – where tradition meets fine dining in an inviting atmosphere.

To cap off our evening, we ventured to Txalaparta, a lively bar known for its eclectic music and vibrant atmosphere. This bar has several rooms with vintage-style decor, each offering a different vibe. We started with some mezcal cocktails on the rooftop terrace, enjoying the cool night air and the city views. Later, we moved inside to the dance floor, where a DJ was spinning a mix of Latin rhythms and classic rock. The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, all enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere. I even managed to convince Hans to dance a little, which is always a victory!


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Oaxaca at Txalaparta, where local flavors and a lively atmosphere await you.

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences I had today. Oaxaca is a city that truly captivates the senses, from its stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine to its vibrant nightlife. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in culture and create memories that will last a lifetime. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be exploring the Zona Arqueológica de Atzompa and the Oaxaca Mexico Temple. I'm also excited to try the chocolate de Oaxaca at La Soledad for breakfast and dine at Las Quince Letras Restaurante for lunch. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Oaxaca, and I want to make the most of it. We plan to visit the Zona Arqueológica de Atzompa, an ancient archaeological site, and the Oaxaca Mexico Temple. I'm also looking forward to trying the Chocolate de Oaxaca at La Soledad for breakfast and having lunch at Las Quince Letras Restaurante. And of course, we'll end the day with drinks at DESESTRESSE OAXACA, Drinks & Cocktails, a bar known for its creative cocktails. It's going to be a busy day, but I can't wait to see what adventures await us.

For now, it's time to say goodnight from Oaxaca. ¡Hasta mañana!