Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City trip ideas

Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets, All gastronomy included

Badge of ExcellenceOaxaca City, Mexico

4 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Sample Menu

Main

barbecue cue

Traditional tlacolula tacos.

Main

quesadillas

Traditional Oaxacan quesadillas with Mexican flavors

Main

Grilled tacos, in a hallway of smoke.

grilled meats

Main

Tejate

Prehispanic drink

Main

Pulque

Prehispanic drink

What's Included

Snacks

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

TeoLab
Xicoténcatl 609, Zona Feb 10 2015, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Our meeting point is at Calle Xicotencatl 609, Col. Centro, it is a Foodlab, it has a phrase called FILOTEO outside and there is a big dog on the facade.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
The road in the plant is rough, it is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Not recommended for people with walking problems

Not recommended for older adults who do not walk long distances
THE TOUR IN SPRING IS RECOMMENDED IN THE MORNING, THE HEAT IN THE AFTERNOON IS STRONG.
Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than two hours.
Not recommended for people of legal age with the use of canes
THE TOUR IN SPRING IS RECOMMENDED IN THE MORNING, THE HEAT IN THE AFTERNOON IS STRONG.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Elizabeth_S

A great, very educational tour of truly native (pre-Hispanic) food. We got to taste so many dishes that we were pretty full at the end. We would never have thought of going to Mercado Central de Abastos. Glad we booked this tour with Ecofood. Our guide, Daniel, was very good. Highly recommend this not-your-usual food tour.

Reviews

5.0

173 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 173 reviews

Great FoodTour

Bradley_R, Apr 2024

This was a great tour of the Mercado Central. Great tacos that we prepared ourselves. Highly recommended!

Food tour in dangerous market

Debby_K, Apr 2024

Poor planning as we had to walk half an hour from the meeting point to the market. The guide didn’t have much vocabulary for English so all the explanations were limited. He brought us to the largest market in Oaxaca but he failed to explain that it’s in a dodgy part of town and to be extra careful with our possessions. We tried tacos, quesadillas, Oaxaca cheese and local drinks. But mid-way through the tour, a handbag got slashed in the crowded market. So it’s unsafe to go to this market that the tour is brought to

Excellent tour

Kareem_M, Apr 2024

Danny was a great guide. He took us to the biggest market in Oaxaca (central de abasto) which had everything. He brought a great sense of calm to a busy and bustling market. Great knowledge. Tried some great local foods and even skipped a queue for a really popular one 😂. Without a decent grasp of Spanish I would think it would be very hard to navigate the market so I would highly recommend. Starve yourself from the night before! Take care during the hot months. Prepare to walk around a lot but at a gentle pace with breaks. Take the opportunity to buy souvenirs along the way. Look for inspiration and enjoy it!

Rich Culture

Rachel_J, Mar 2024

Danny was a spectacular tour guide. This is a great experience to attend to learn about the love of food, customs, traditions and interactions of Oaxaca. I do recommend going back to the meeting location with Danny after the tour as the market is huge and can be tricky to navigate alone.

A unique window into Oaxaca

Cody_N, Mar 2024

Our tour guide Daniel was a great host through this huge and maze-like marketplace. It would be daunting, if even possible to navigate this area without his guidance. Daniel is well known and liked by many vendors, which makes hopping from spot to spot feel very welcoming. It's also a great way to start your trip to get more familiar with the local cuisine, so that you understand what you're ordering at subsequent meals and restaurants. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Cody, What a beautiful message you've shared about your experience on the Oaxaca Immersion and Markets Tour! It's truly heartwarming to know that you found a unique window to explore this wonderful city. 🌟 Your description of Daniel as an excellent host in this vast and maze-like market is touching. Undoubtedly, his guidance made your experience even more special and memorable. It's inspiring to see how his knowledge and kindness create a welcoming atmosphere in every corner of the market. 🎩 It's indeed true that immersing yourself in the local cuisine is a great way to start a journey, and Daniel seems to have been the perfect guide for this culinary adventure. Thank you for sharing how his guidance allowed you to fully enjoy every meal and subsequent restaurant visits. 🍲 Thank you for inspiring us with your love for Oaxaca! 💖

Great tour of the market!

Donald_S, Mar 2024

Great tour and our guide Daniel was excellent. Tried so many different things there is no way we would have been able to do it on our own. We had 2 vegans in our party and Daniel catered to them very well, while still getting the carnivores their meat fix. We did not eat breakfast beforehand and we left stuffed. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Donald, What a message full of enthusiasm and joy! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the market tour so much. The experience you share sounds truly wonderful. 🎉 It's great to hear that the Oaxaca Immersion and Markets Tour met all your expectations, and more. It seems like every moment was filled with delicious discoveries and unique experiences. Daniel truly did an exceptional job as a guide! 👏 It warms my heart to know that Daniel was able to adapt so well to the needs of all members of your group, including the vegans. It's fantastic when a guide can make everyone feel included and satisfied with the gastronomic experience. 🍖 Thank you for sharing your experience with such detail and enthusiasm. 😊 With love,

Wow...what a Market Trip ! Loved it !

Ajith_N, Mar 2024

Sensational and a tour that keeps you on your toes wanting to be so curious...as you get immersed in the great cuisine scene of Oaxaca. Daniel was awesome and so were our co-travelers. Everything from start to finish was great...all the food & drinks, the walk through the huge maze of a market ( they said it is the second biggest in MX )....all the alleys....phew ! Mercado Abasatos and Mercado Benito Juarez...both really eye openers as you get to see people , the food and the ways of the locals here.....;.excellent !

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Ajith 🌟, What a wonderful and joyful message! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the market tour so much. Your enthusiasm and appreciation for the experience are clearly reflected in your words. 😊 It's fantastic to hear that the Oaxaca Immersion and Markets Tour exceeded your expectations. Oaxacan cuisine is truly exceptional, isn't it? It seems like every moment was filled with excitement and discovery, from wandering through the market aisles to indulging in delicious local dishes. 🍲 Daniel and your fellow travelers sound like an incredible company. Undoubtedly, sharing such special moments with such great people makes the experience even more memorable. 👫👭 Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and impressions. With affection, ❤️

Great fun

Jenny_F, Mar 2024

Great small group tour. Well worth 4hrs. The market was really interesting and the food was great. Arrive hungry!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Jenny! How joyful to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with our Oaxaca Immersion Tour and Markets! 💖 We are filled with happiness to know that you had a great time. Knowing that those 4 hours were worth it brings us much joy. The market is truly fascinating and the food is simply delicious! We hope that every moment and every bite was a delight for you. 😊 With all our love,

A great way to become acquainted with Oaxaca

Darby_H, Mar 2024

This was such a fun tour, and a great way to get familiar with the food and streets of Oaxaca! I recommend doing this early in your trip. The food was delicious, and our tour guide, Daniel, was funny and knowledgeable and patient! Thanks for the great experience!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Darby! 🌟 We are filled with joy to hear that you enjoyed our Oaxaca Immersion Tour and Markets so much! 😊 It truly warms our hearts to be part of your experience in this beautiful city. We're delighted that you found the tour fun and helpful in getting acquainted with the delicious cuisine and charming streets of Oaxaca. 🍲🌆 Daniel, our tour guide, is a true gem. His knowledge and patience make each experience even more special. We feel honored to have been able to provide you with such a memorable time. 🎉 We hope this is just the beginning of your adventure in Oaxaca and that you take with you memories filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey! With all our love,

A tour that cannot be missed visiting Oaxaca City

TaraLee_C, Feb 2024

Our tour guide Daniel was so personable and extremely knowledgeable about Oaxacan food and culture. Very passionate about his work. This tour elevated our trip to a whole other level. It’s a must! When visiting Oaxaca City. Thank you Etno Foods..

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Tara, What joy to receive your words so full of affection and enthusiasm! 💖 We are immensely thrilled to know that our tour with Daniel managed to enrich your experience in Oaxaca in such a special way. 🌟 It's wonderful to hear that you found Daniel so friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. His dedication to sharing the rich culture and gastronomy of Oaxaca is truly inspiring. 💖🍴 We feel deeply honored to have been part of your journey and to contribute to making it even more memorable. 😊 Thank you for trusting us and for recommending us! Your words mean the world to us. We are eager to welcome you back in the future and continue exploring together all the treasures that Oaxaca has to offer. 🎉 With all our love and gratitude,

Delicious market tour with Daniel

Michelle_H, Feb 2024

Amazing day and Daniel was a wonderful tour guide. The market is huge and I can’t imagine going solo- we tried a wide variety of food, drink, and spices. Great value and highly recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

¡Dear Michelle! 😊 ¡How exciting to know you had an incredible day on our market tour with Daniel! 🎉 There's nothing like exploring the markets of Oaxaca and sampling a wide variety of delights alongside such a wonderful guide. 🍴 We're thrilled that you enjoyed the experience to the fullest! 😍👏 Your enthusiasm and kindness fill us with energy! 😄 Thank you for recommending our tour so warmly! 🙌✨ We can't wait to see you again to continue exploring together all the flavors and colors that Oaxaca has to offer. 🎉 With all our love and gratitude!

An enjoyable tour through a Oaxaca market

Carol_A, Feb 2024

Daniel was knowledgeable and passionate about Oaxaca food and culture. We enjoyed our walk through the market. The vendors were friendly and the food was tasty. We have had food tours in many cities around the world. So we have a few suggestions. Perhaps find a location near the market to meet at rather than a long walk from your location. A 1/2 hour walk before the tour began was long and with no purpose. There were several older couples and the pace was a bit to fast for them. We were also disappointed that we did not have tlayudas although there was a statement before the tour of that being one of the food stops. Lastly, for over $50 a person beverages should be included.

A most authentic food tour

Elizabeth_S, Feb 2024

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Elizabeth, How thrilling to read about your incredible experience on the Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets with Etnofood! 🌟 Your review brightens our day. An authentic pre-Hispanic culinary adventure! 🍲 The description of tasting so many dishes that you were quite full at the end sounds like a gastronomic dream come true. Choosing to visit the Mercado Central de Abastos was a brilliant decision. Sometimes, the most authentic culinary gems are found in unexpected places. We are delighted that you trusted Etnofood for this unique experience. And a big shout-out to Daniel, your extraordinary guide! 🙌 His ability to make the tour educational and memorable is truly outstanding. Thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation of this extraordinary culinary tour. We hope this experience is just the beginning of more exciting culinary adventures for you! With all our love

Active and Fun!

Karen_T, Feb 2024

We had a great experience with Liz and this tour! We had a hard time deciding between a cooking class and a food tour and we are happy we chose this option! It’s very active and adventurous. We were guided through the market which is so helpful! Being able to learn, see, and try a little of everything in such a big market is a great way to do Oaxaca! Great for all travelers, traveling solo or with friends! I would recommend if you’re looking for something active and exciting!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Karen, How thrilling to read about the incredible experience you had with Liz on the Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets! 🌟 Your enthusiasm and positive energy shine through every word and fill us with joy! Choosing between a cooking class and a food tour can be challenging, but how fantastic that you opted for this active and adventurous option! 💃🏽🌮 Certainly the perfect way to dive into Oaxaca and make the most of it! The guided tour through the market sounds absolutely fantastic! 🛍️✨ Learning, seeing, and trying a bit of everything in such a vibrant environment must have been an unforgettable experience! Oaxaca at its finest! Thank you for sharing your contagious enthusiasm! 🥳👏 We're thrilled to hear that it was such a positive experience for you. May this trip mark the beginning of many more adventures filled with excitement and fun. With all my warmth

Come with an empty stomach!!

LornaR_A, Feb 2024

A great way to experience the food markets in Oaxaca. Really fun morning and Daniel was a very interesting and informative guide.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear , We are thrilled to read your message and sincerely appreciate your beautiful review of our Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets! 😊💖 It brings us immense joy to know that you enjoyed the gastronomic experience and that Daniel managed to add a special touch with his interesting and informative guidance, which truly shines through his work. 🍽️ Knowing that we contributed to making your morning a truly enjoyable experience fills us with joy and gratitude. We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you again on future culinary adventures. Until then, thank you for your valuable love and support! With all our love

Delicious experience!

JoEllen_L, Feb 2024

First I thought the size of group was perfect at 8. Our guide Daniel was so knowledgeable about the food history, and the making preparation and eating. I loved the little sit down and all the food we consumed was amazing in taste and we were so full by the end.A very enjoyable tour!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Jo 🌟, What joy to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the gastronomic experience on our immersion tour in Oaxaca! We are thrilled to know that the group size was perfect for you and that our amazing guide Daniel shared his deep knowledge of the food history 🍲, as well as the preparation and tasting processes. It's simply wonderful to know that every moment, from the informative talks to the delicious dishes, pleased you. Nothing fills us with more satisfaction than knowing you left with a full stomach and such a delightful experience. We sincerely appreciate your time and your kind review. We are here to offer you many more culinary adventures and delicious moments in the future 🌮. We eagerly look forward to seeing you again soon! With all our warmth 💖

Absolutely fantastic...

Donna_G, Feb 2024

Absolutely fantastic tour. Fun, informative and the food was great. Daniel was a superb guide. The tastings are included but bring pesos because you’ll probably want to buy things at the market -and bring a bag to put them in!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Donna, What a joy to read your incredibly positive words about our Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets! We are filled with joy to know that your experience was absolutely fantastic. 🌟 It's a pleasure to hear that you found the tour fun, informative, and that you enjoyed the delicious food. Daniel will feel truly honored to know that he was an outstanding guide for you. 👏 Thank you for sharing the advice to bring pesos, it's invaluable for those who wish to purchase treasures at the market! And yes, a bag is always essential to carry the gastronomic delights you find. 🛍️ We are thrilled to have you back for future culinary adventures! Thank you for being a part of this special experience! With love

What a wonderful Market Visit!

Evelyne_D, Feb 2024

Our wonderful guide, Liz, took us to the second largest market in Mexico: El Mercado Abastos. First, she purchased ingredients which were cooked at one of the stalls. We then prepared our own tacos with the freshly cooked food, sitting down at a table. We continued our visit, tasting all kinds of delicious food (ex empañadas) and vegetables & fruits (ex piña miel) and local drinks (ex tejate) throughout the market tour. Lots of yummy food to try. It was an amazing and memorable experience !!! Muchas gracias, Liz, for sharing all your knowledge with us!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Evelyne! 🌟 What joy to receive your words about our market visit! We are filled with satisfaction to know that you enjoyed the Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets experience with all the gastronomy included. Liz is undoubtedly a wonderful guide, and we're pleased to hear that she took you to the Mercado Abastos to explore and savor all the delights. The idea of buying ingredients and then preparing our own tacos sounds so exciting. And that variety of food, from empanadas to honey pineapple and tejate (the drink of the gods), sounds simply delicious! 🌮🍍 We love that you had an amazing and memorable experience. We appreciate Liz for sharing her knowledge with you and making your visit a unique one. We look forward to having you again in future culinary adventures. Thank you for being part of this special experience! With love

Daniel is amazing but the tour was underwhelming

Jaylee_H, Jan 2024

Daniel was a great guide (10/10) and explained the history of the food and culture very well! However the tour itself was a bit underwhelming and overpriced. We left the meeting point late and finished at the market early so we had 3 hours in the market, not 4 as stated on Viator. We also did not barbecue anything, try any grilled meats nor any tacos in the hallway of smoke as it stated on the sample menu and shown in photos. This was very disappointing considering the main reason we booked the tour was for these tastings. It would have been good to know that these would not be included prior to booking the tour as we likely would have chosen another company. Perhaps it would be better for vegetarians.

Extraordinary start to my time in Oaxaca!

Tracie_H, Jan 2024

This was the most memorable tour I’ve had in Oaxaca. The guides had formed strong relationships with each of the vendors so we were able to have intimate access and to habe the most memorable food and buy the items we wanted at great prices! Don’t leave Oaxaca without doing this tour!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Tracie, What a contagious joy your message has brought to us! 😄 We are thrilled to know that your time in Oaxaca started extraordinarily with our Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets. It's incredible that you had the most memorable experience! 🌟 Our guides go above and beyond to create special connections with the vendors, and it's wonderful to hear that they provided you with access to unforgettable moments. The excitement for enjoying delicious gastronomy and discovering authentic treasures at great prices fills us with joy! Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and positivity! 🎉 It's truly an honor to be a part of your Oaxaca experience. We look forward eagerly to the opportunity of welcoming you again for more adventures filled with warmth and unforgettable moments. with love.

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