Day 1: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

• Arrival and check-in at Quinta Real Oaxaca
  Arrive at the prestigious Quinta Real Oaxaca, an elegant hotel nestled in the heart of Oaxaca's historic center. This beautifully restored former convent is beloved by travelers for its charm and tranquil ambience.
• Welcome Cocktail Hour at Quinta Real

Prior to dinner, guests will enjoy an opportunity to sample the region’s famed tequila and mezcal.

• Welcome dinner at Quinta Real
  In the evening, the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Refectorio, will provide an exceptional dinner showcasing expertly prepared dishes that will offer an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage. (Local spirits and other beverages will be available for purchase.) 

Day 2: Thursday, February 26, 2026

• Breakfast at the hotel
  Fuel up for a day of exploration with an American-style breakfast at Quinta Real, featuring fresh Oaxacan ingredients and traditional dishes.
• Morning visit to Monte Albán

The group will tour the archaeological site of Monte Albán, one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica.

• Lunch at Los Danzantes Oaxaca

We will venture back to Oaxaca's city center for a meal at Los Danzantes Oaxaca, recipient of both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star for sustainable gastronomy.

• Afternoon at the Church of Santo Domingo
  The group will tour Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a baroque church and former convent that now houses the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, where visitors can explore an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the region’s indigenous cultures as well as the colonial period. Adjacent to the site is the Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca, which showcases local native plants and horticulture. Both the museum and garden were founded with the help of  contemporary artist Francisco Toledo (1940–2019), a champion of Oaxacan culture.
• Evening cocktail reception and dinner at Casa Oaxaca with Laura Wilson
  End your day in style with cocktails and dinner hosted by Laura Wilson at Casa Oaxaca, one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, where you will sample drinks inspired by the region’s flavors.

Day 3: Friday, February 27, 2026

• Breakfast at the hotel
  Start your day with a flavorful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to explore the vibrant artisan traditions of the Oaxaca region.
• Morning visit to San Agustín Etla

A short distance north of the city center is the town of San Agustín Etla, where Francisco Toledo once lived and worked. Originally constructed as a hydroelectric plant, Toledo’s former studio now houses the paper workshop Arte Papel Vista Hermosa. We will meet the artists at this collective and witness a demonstration on the making of artisan papers with natural dyes.

• Lunch at Origen

Enjoy contemporary cuisine at Origen, which specializes in local ingredients and offers samples of mole from each region of Oaxaca.

• Afternoon visit to Teotitlán del Valle
  The group will then travel to the picturesque village of Teotitlán del Valle, renowned for its weaving traditions and rich Zapotec heritage. We’ll visit the textile workshop and gallery The Bug in the Rug and meet Isaac Vásquez Gutiérrez, the grandson of the workshop’s founder, who was a business partner of Francisco Toledo. Isaac will guide us through the making of woven rugs and discuss the intricate designs that reflect the region's cultural identity. We will then head to the candle workshop Casa Viviana, where we will observe Doña Viviana herself as she uses traditional techniques passed down through generations. The group will take part in a candle-making workshop and will also be able to purchase one-of-a-kind, handcrafted candles to take home.
• Dinner at Asador Bacanora
  Returning to the city center of Oaxaca, the group will enjoy dinner at Asador Bacanora, a chic restaurant celebrated for its authentic local cuisine. Indulge in regional dishes such as mezcal-braised meats, grilled vegetables, and mole creations that showcase the diverse flavors of Oaxaca.

Day 4: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Breakfast at the hotel
  Start the day with breakfast at Quinta Real Oaxaca, preparing you for a final day of art exploration and cultural immersion.
• Morning visit to local art galleries
  The group will visit respected galleries within the city of Oaxaca that showcase both contemporary and traditional art.
• Lunch

Return to the city center for an independent lunch.

• Afternoon visit to the Graphic Arts Institute

Founded by Francisco Toledo in 1988, the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO) houses a significant collection of works by national and international artists, with a particular emphasis on prints, etchings, and illustrations. It is also a dynamic cultural hub, serving as a place of artistic dialogue and inspiration through its exhibitions, workshops, and public events.

• Walking tour of the city center

An expert guide will share the fascinating history and architectural significance of Oaxaca’s landmarks, offering deeper insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage. The tour will begin at the main square, known as the Zócalo, where you’ll experience the bustling energy of street vendors, musicians, and other locals.

• Visit to the Mercado Benito Juarez

Following the guided city tour, the group will visit this bustling market, which features colorful stalls brimming with fresh produce and handmade crafts, from textiles to jewelry. These vibrant displays of local goods make it an excellent place to capture the essence of Oaxaca through your camera lens. For an authentic taste of the market, sample some of the traditional street food on offer, like tamales or chapulines (toasted grasshoppers).

• Farewell dinner at the hotel

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Refectorio—the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey while savoring the flavors and hospitality of Oaxaca.

Day 5: Sunday, March 1, 2026

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Departures