OAXACA SIGNATURES
DATES & PRICING
ALL PROGRAM DATES
- October 19 – October 31, 2026: Signature
- March 22 – April 2: Signature
-
April 9 – 11: Oaxacan Sierras Weekend
- August 2 – 13: Signature
- August 13 – 15: Oaxacan Sierras Weekend
- August 16 – 21: Family
- Octobeer 4 – 9: Family
- October 11 – 22: Signature
- October 22 – 24: Oaxacan Sierras Weekend
PRICING
- Base Fee: $895
- Parent-Only Activity Package: $195
- Family Field Trip – Alebrijes Craft Workshop: $140
- Family Field Trip – Oaxacan Wildlife & Ecology: $120
- Weekend Excursion: $375
- Spanish Tutoring: $168
- Children under 3 are 60 % off for add-ons.
SIGNATURE HUB ACTIVITIES
Activities described are probable but may be replaced for better options. Dates when these activities are held will vary from program to program. (* Add-ons for an additional fee.)
CRAFT & ART
Oaxacan Printmaking
Traditional Painting Workshop
Piñata Preparation
Traditional Pottery Workshop Via Local Bus
HISTORY
Indigenous Cultures Intro
Zapotec Giant Puzzle
Animal Mask-Making
Zapotec Language Experience
PLAY | NATURE
Nature Playground
El Llano Park
Teambuilding & Games
MUSEUMS | CULTURE
Oaxaca Lending Library
Children’s Museum of Oaxaca
CITY EXPLORATION
City Center Orientation
Traditional Market Visit
CULINARY
Tropical Fruit Tasting
Tortilla & Salsa-making
Cacao Workshop
PARENT-ONLY
Oaxacan Classics Street Food Tour*
Zapotec Capital of Monte Alban*
Chef-Led Cooking Class*
Mezcal Tasting Experience*
WHOLE FAMILY
Farewell Exposition
Oaxacan Wildlife & Ecology*
Alebrijes Traditional Craft Workshop*
Weekend Excursion: Oaxacan Mountains & Villages*
FAMILY FIELD TRIPS
Available as a package that may not be split up. Any child under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Family Field Trips are not included in a child’s program fee.
Alebrije Traditional Craft Workshop
$140 per person
The alebrije, that cheerfully painted wood animal, defines Oaxacan culture. Creating real and mystical creatures from local copal wood, artists tell stories and relay history through landscapes, mountains, rivers, and villages represented by intricately painted patterns. Our group observes master artists carve, prepare, and paint alebrijes of their own design, learning about their process and inspiration.
After our picnic lunch, we paint our own intricate animals. Made of wood, these durable pieces become valued souvenirs of our time in Oaxaca.
Includes: Transportation, private English-speaking tour, drinking water, lunch, all materials and instruction, donation to the community. 5 hour experience.
Oaxacan Wildlife & Ecology
$120 per person
We head east out of Oaxaca City to visit two important natural sites. Our first stop is El Santuario del Jaguar, the jaguar sancturay, where we learn about native wildlife and animals that have been introduced to the region. We meet tigers, pythons, monkeys, of course, jaguars, and other animals which have been injured or rescued from homes and hotels, as we learn about conservation and rehabilitation efforts with a local biologist.
After a lunch stop, we visit the massive Arbol de Tule. With a diameter of 46 feet, this cypress, estimated to be more than 2,000-years-old, is the widest tree on the planet.
Includes: Transportation, private English-speaking tour, drinking water, lunch, donation to the sanctuary. 5 hour experience.
ZAPOTEC MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES
Weekend Excursion
$375 per person
In the mountains north of Oaxaca, more than 300 individuals and families have banded together to create an alternate to traditional tourism, an enterprise that seeks to achieve social equity, preserve natural resources, and provide additional sources of income that directly support villagers.
Deliberate Detour is proud to partner with this enterprise, Ecoturixtlán, and invite families enjoy a quiet weekend in the cool Sierra Nevadas north of Oaxaca. This weekend excursion combines exploration of the natural world and indigenous culture, appealing to most curious travelers, within in a clould forest that the World Wildlife Federation deems one of the 17 most biodiverse regions in the world.
This excursion is available during all Oaxacan programs.
EXPERIENCE
- Departure Friday evening, return midday Sunday.
- Two nights in comfortable cabins nestled in the cloud forest.
- Treetop adventure including a ropes course and zipline.
- Easy forest hike with experienced guide to learn about the local ecosystem.
- Hands-on craft experience with indigenous craftspeople who make the molinillo or hot cocoa whisk.
INCLUDES:
Transportation, two nights lodging, experienced local guides, safe drinking water, all meals. Traditional molinillo craft experience. (Day 1: dinner, Day 2: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Day 3: breakfast.)
PARENT-ONLY ACTIVITIES
$195 for both
All Parent-Only Activities take place on Wednesdays between 9:30am and 3:30 pm while children are at the hub.
Chef-Led Cooking Class
This experience is a perfect introduction to Oaxacan cuisine, renowned for its complexity, uniqueness, and deliciousness! Your day begins at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, a bustling market near the central plaza/zocalo. You spend about 1.5 hours in the market, tasting ingredients, learning about local produce, and exploring the world of Oaxacan moles as you help shop for ingredients. Then you walk through the historical center to the kitchen, where you’re greeted with light snacks and drinks before beginning to cook. Together you prepare salsas, a traditional guacamole, tetelas, quesadillas, and tamales, learning about the origin of these fantastic dishes. To end your experience, you share your meal on a gorgeous terrace overlooking Oaxaca city.
Includes: Private English-speaking tour, instruction by trained chef, cocktail and drinking water, all ingredients and full lunch. 5.5 hour experience.
Mezcal Tasting Experience
Join an experienced Mezcal Educator who works closely with Maestra and Maestro Mezcaleros (master mezcal makers) who have been producing mezcal for generations. You will learn the basics of mezcal production, exploring how the agave is grown and processed, the history and significance of the beverage to the region, the most prominent types produced in Oaxaca, and how different flavors are elevated. Led by an expert guide, you’ll taste five different mezcals, including some rare gems from local small-batch producers, while nibbling on a platter of locally-made snacks. You’ll depart with a small keepsake, a satiated tummy, and quite possibly a light head.
Includes: Private guided experience in English, all beverages, light snacks, and a keepsake. 1 hour experience.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
*Dates change for Dia de Los Muertos, October 19 – October 31. Reach out for information.
MONDAY
Welcome Gathering
Family Field Trip
TUESDAY
Program Day
WEDNESDAY
Program Day
Parent-Only Activity
THURSDAY
Program Day
FRIDAY
Program Day
WEEKEND
Family Free Time
MONDAY
Family Field Trip
TUESDAY
Program Day
WEDNESDAY
Program Day
Parent-Only Activity
THURSDAY
Program Day
FRIDAY
Program Day
Farewell Expo
Depart for Weekend Excursion
WEEKEND
Weekend Excursion