Ask any Mexican. If you want to explore the spiritual center of this diverse and fascinating country—so close to the US and Canada—you must make the pilgrimage to Oaxaca. In a huge country with so many distinct  tribes, traditions, and cuisines, Oaxaca is a mecca for travelers looking for an authentic, traditional, meaningful travel experience. 

First, the people. Travel brochures prattle  on about how “the locals are friendly” in lots of destinations. Nowhere is this more true than in Mexico. Their highest cultural values are “familismo, respeto, simpatia” (family ties, respect, and being nice/sympathetic/empathetic). In spite of what we’ve all read in the news, millions of Mexicans live peacefully and millions of tourists visit every year, coming away with a new appreciation for how modern life and amenities haven’t subsumed the ancient rituals and ideas that still command respect and a place of honor in society.

And the heart. While San Miguel de Allende gets all the glory (and it is a beautiful city—we love it!) Oaxaca is a hidden treasure. It’s a little off the beaten track, but only a short flight from the Central Time Zone in the U.S. It’s not #1 on the most visited places in Mexico, and that’s a good thing. Fewer tourists, more room to roam. The feeling of discovering  something new.

And the soul. The Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. The history. The women who weave, bake, create, cure. The natural beauty. Stunning.

But the food. It’s the number one thing our travelers  rave about after visiting Oaxaca. With the restaurants we’ve chosen on this trip, you won’t be disappointed. Expect to be wowed.

Small groups-Women 45+ ~ Solo travelers welcome ~ Easy, interest-free payment plans ~ NextTribe members get $100 off this (and every) trip

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Solo Traveler? You're In The Right Place.

Oaxaca is unfamiliar to many people outside of Mexico, and it can be daunting to plan a solo trip there. That's exactly why we built this trip the way we did.

You won't be the only one
A good number of women on this trip (and most of our trips) are traveling solo. You'll land in a group full of women in exactly the same boat — that's not an accident, it's the whole design.

Slow means safe
This is not a chaotic dash through the whole region. We move at a pace that lets you actually settle in — no scrambling, no overwhelm.

A trip leader who's done it herself
Leigh Anne paid to come on this trip last year as a solo traveler. She loved the itinerary so much (and she's fluent in Spanish) and we're thrilled that she agreed to lead the trip this year. She's traveled solo on 9 (!) of our trips in the last two years! So she gets it.

Rooming made simple
Solo travelers can book a single supplement or be matched with a compatible roommate from the group — your call.

After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, we will meet in the lobby for a walking tour that will introduce you to the main sites of interest in the city. Later, we will celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at 15 Letras Restaurant.

The NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique is situated in the vibrant center of Oaxaca de Juárez for convenient access to local attractions. Each uniquely decorated room reflects the rich culture of the region, while the on-site dining offers an authentic taste of local cuisine. Enjoy personalized service in a tranquil courtyard designed for relaxation. The hotel also offers a limited menu of spa services.

Today's adventure takes you into the heart of Oaxacan craftsmanship, where ancient techniques live on through passionate artisans. We'll visit potters in San Bartolo Coyotepec, home of the famous “black clay pottery," wood carvers who make alebrijes, true works of art finely decorated in bright colors, which are created from the fantastic imagination of each craftsman. We'll have lunch in a mezcal distillery where the owner, a local woman who took over the business from her father, will share her stories about how she thrives in this male-dominated culture and industry. We'll learn about how Mezcal is grown, made, and consumed as we learn the proper technique of "sipping with a kiss."

Today you'll trade city streets for mountain paths as we venture into the Sierra Norte, one of Oaxaca's most stunning regions.

We´ll do a short hike to visit what's known as the viewpoint of Benito Juárez, that provide us a nice view of the central valleys. Then we will have a lovely "farm to the table" lunch in the highlands. where we will learn to cook mole with a local woman who uses recipes that have been in her family for generations.

Today we will walk in the paths of tribal elders who revere the sacred Jaguar Mountain. Led by our local guides and a local Zapotec spiritual leader, we will participate in rituals of reverence for the lands, the trees, and the ancestors. Later in the day you can choose between a sweat lodge led by a woman or a healing one-hour massage back at the cabins. In 2026 half of our group did the sweat lodge ceremony (temezcal) and the other half had massages and everyone thought their experience was a 10 out of 10.

Capulalpam de Méndez offers breathtaking mountain views and a deep dive into indigenous culture. We will visit a local healing center where we can each participate in a one-on-one healing session with a woman who carries on the ancient traditions using plants, flowers, herb and copal to cleanse and renew our spirits.

Back to the charm of NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique, in the heart of Oaxaca city, just steps from the botanical garden, historic churches and the best shopping.

Prepare to be amazed! These stunning petrified waterfalls are one of only two such formations in the world (the other being Pamukkale, Turkey). The mineral-rich springs have created cascades of stone over thousands of years. Take time to swim in the natural pools and capture incredible photos of this geological wonder. You will have the option of bathing in the mineral springs or taking a challenging hike straight up the waterfall. It can be done, and last year the 6 smiling women you see in the photo her all made it, with thanks to our excellent guides.

After a delicious lunch with mountain views we'll visit Mitla, a small, fascinating archeological zone where you'll recognize the origins of Oaxacan pottery and weaving designs in this ancient tile work. Truly worth a visit.

Ascend to the crown jewel of Zapotec civilization--Monte Alban! This mountaintop city strategically overlooks three valleys and will leave you breathless - both from the climb and the incredible views. Not a difficult or physically challenging climb, but an important one if you want to understand the history of this region.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport, carrying with you the colors, flavors, stories, and friendships that make Oaxaca truly magical.