Discover Oaxaca, Mexico

January 26 to February 4, 2026 | Your Guides: Mimi Marchev & Roberto Cruz

Nestled on a plateau in the Sierra Madre mountains, Oaxaca pulses with an energy, a captivating blend of flavors, colors, and deep-rooted traditions that pulls travelers into the heart of Mexican culture. This UNESCO World Heritage city enchants with its well-preserved colonial architecture, lively markets, and an incredibly welcoming spirit. As you wander its cobblestone streets, ornate churches stand proudly beside bustling plazas, each corner revealing a piece of history. 

Venturing beyond the city limits, the landscape transforms into a stunning tapestry of arid valleys dotted with agave fields. Mountainous villages are where indigenous cultures thrive most, each thread enriching Oaxaca's unique cultural fabric.

At the heart of Oaxaca's allure lies its celebrated culinary scene, a testament to centuries of tradition that has earned it the title of one of Mexico's gastronomic capitals. Oaxaca's cooking is deeply entwined with its strong indigenous heritage, primarily from the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, whose culinary legacy continues to flourish. 

Oaxaca culture can also be discovered in its rich traditions, folk art, historic sites, as well as a thriving contemporary art and music scene.  

Yet, what truly distinguishes Oaxaca is the genuine warmth and open-hearted hospitality of its people. Whether you find yourself in a bustling market, a charming neighborhood, or an elegant restaurant, locals eagerly share their traditions and personal stories. You'll find yourself easily drawn into conversations with Oaxacans, gaining insight into Oaxacan and indigenous culture, traditional crafts and cooking, and the deep history of the city and the region.

Mimi Marchev

Mimi is a highly experienced tour leader with Travel Fever Tours. Her extensive background includes a decade as an Academic Director for SIT Study Abroad, where she led US college students on semester-long academic programs in Chile and Mexico.

Beyond her work with SIT Study Abroad, Mimi has directed programs in Oaxaca for various organizations, including the River Gallery School, Maine Audubon, and several US universities.

Mimi holds a Master's degree from SIT Graduate Institute. She has held several positions, including Academic Director for SIT Study Abroad programs in Valparaiso, Chile, and Oaxaca, Mexico, and more recently worked at SIT headquarters in Vermont, supporting the global SIT Study Abroad staff within the Legal and HR departments. She also holds a law degree.

Currently retired and a permanent resident of Mexico, Mimi resides in Oaxaca, where she is active in the community. She serves on the Board of Libros Para Pueblos and provides translation and interpretation services to local non-governmental organizations.

In organizing this trip, Mimi utilizes her extensive network of contacts within Oaxaca's academic, cultural, and culinary communities to arrange for speakers, guides, demonstrations, and other activities.

Roberto Cruz

Born and raised in Oaxaca, Roberto attended high school in Los Angeles where he became proficient in English. Roberto has over 20 years of experience teaching both English and Spanish as a foreign language. He served as Academic Coordinator of the Harmon Hall School of English in Oaxaca. 

Roberto’s experience living in two countries with disparate cultures and languages has resulted in a life-long interest in the connections between language and culture and he often gives lectures and leads workshops on Oaxacan culture and language. Increasingly, he is called upon to lead groups in Oaxaca and the surrounding areas.

Here's some of what we’ll do in Oaxaca:

Excursions:

• Walking tour of Oaxaca's historic center.
• Visit to a women's weaving cooperative in Teotitlan del Valle (for woolen rugs).
• Alebrijes (colorful Oaxacan folk art) animal painting workshop.
• Visit to the Monte Alban archaeological site.

Culture

• Visits to major traditional public markets in and around Oaxaca City.
• A visit to the Tlacolula Sunday market and "tianguis" (open-air market), including a meal at a local restaurant specializing in Oaxaca's traditional moles.
• A hands-on workshop on the history, cultural significance, and making of Oaxacan chocolate.
• Museum and gallery visits:
  • Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
  • Museo de Antropología de Rufino Tamayo
  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Cuisine

• Dinners at top restaurants and local market experiences.
• "Comida típica" (traditional food) at village restaurants during excursions.
• A hands-on cooking class with an experienced Oaxacan chef.
• Meals will be at a variety of locations, including local restaurants, traditional markets, village homes, food cooperatives, and fine restaurants with internationally renowned chefs.

Oaxaca is located in the interior of southern Mexico at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The city enjoys a warm climate and has seen increasing tourism, though it has avoided the extensive development found in Mexico's coastal areas. Oaxaca attracts a mix of visitors, including Mexicans from other parts of the country, Europeans, and North Americans.

Situated in a mountain-ringed valley, Oaxaca's historic center reflects its Spanish colonial heritage. The city is regarded as an important cultural center by both Mexican and international visitors.

The city center features pedestrian streets, outdoor cafes, galleries, and craft shops. Numerous public markets are located within walking distance of the central plaza (zócalo), including a wrought-iron bandstand, a cathedral, botanical gardens, and the Templo de Santo Domingo.

Oaxaca is also characterized by its ethnic diversity. The surrounding villages offer opportunities to observe this diversity, and over 15 indigenous languages are spoken in the region, in addition to Spanish.