Top Oaxaca Food Tours - page 2

We took Diego’s walking tour on our very first day in Oaxaca, running on little sleep after an early flight, and it ended up being the perfect introduction to the city. Starting in the Zócalo, where a large teachers’ protest was taking place, Diego did an excellent job explaining not only the history of Oaxaca but also the different perspectives surrounding the protest. Rather than offering a one-sided narrative, he thoughtfully explained both the benefits and challenges of the movement, helping us better understand the city, its people, and its politics. From there, we explored many of Oaxaca’s most iconic sites, including the Cathedral, Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, Andador de Macedonio Alcalá, Centro Cultural San Pablo, Iglesia del Carmen Alto, Mercado Benito Juárez, and Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Navigating the city center and the maze of protest tents would have been intimidating on our own, but Diego guided us through it with ease. One of the highlights was learning about Oaxaca's vibrant street culture. Diego explained the meaning behind the murals, protest posters, stickers, and graffiti that cover many of the city's walls. What initially looked like random street art became a fascinating window into Oaxaca's history, social movements, and community identity. The markets were another standout. Diego introduced us to local vendors, explained the significance of many regional foods and products, and even helped us order fresh juice and a traditional Oaxacan breakfast when we were absolutely starving from our flight. That small gesture made us feel less like tourists and more like welcomed guests. To top it all off, we finished at a fantastic local coffee shop, the perfect ending to a morning packed with history, culture, food, and local insight. By the end of the tour, we felt oriented, informed, caffeinated, and genuinely connected to Oaxaca. If you're visiting the city, especially for the first time, I can't imagine a better way to begin your trip than spending a few hours exploring it with Diego.