Oaxaca De Juarez is a city bursting with artistic talent, culinary traditions, and crafts that can be experienced firsthand through its many workshops and classes. Unlike many destinations where you merely observe, Oaxaca offers hands-on experiences that let you cook, create, and understand its rich culture. For instance, the Oaxacan: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit gives you the chance to shop with a local expert and cook authentic dishes. Whether you’re into art, food, or mezcal, this city provides opportunities to learn directly from local artisans and chefs. These classes aren’t just lessons—they’re gateways to understanding Oaxaca’s traditions, flavors, and artistic spirit.
Let’s explore the 16 best workshops and classes in Oaxaca De Juarez. From traditional cooking and printmaking to craft workshops and mixology, this list showcases the most engaging ways to connect with Oaxaca’s vibrant culture.
1. Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class
At number one, the Vegetarian Cooking Class offers a 3.5-hour immersion into Oaxacan cuisine with a focus on plant-based dishes. Priced at $65 per person, it includes a visit to a local market where you’ll learn about the regional ingredients that underpin Oaxaca’s flavors. The class guides you through preparing traditional vegetarian recipes in an authentic manner, then shares a meal together. What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on local ingredients and the chance to learn a skill you can replicate at home. It’s perfect for vegetarians, health-conscious travelers, or anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Oaxaca’s culinary roots. The reviews, a solid 4.8/5 from 104 travelers, highlight how engaging and tasty the experience is.
Bottom line: If you’re after an authentic, approachable, and flavorful cooking experience, this class offers great value and genuine insights.
2. Oaxaca de Juarez: Art Printing Workshop with a Local Artist
Next on our list, the Art Printing Workshop runs for about three hours at a modest $33 per person and boasts a perfect 5/5 review score from 43 attendees. This experience educates you about Oaxacan print culture and the social messages behind the art. The highlight is creating your own print with a local artist, joining a collective art project, and leaving with a unique piece. The workshop is designed for all skill levels, making it accessible for beginners eager to learn printmaking’s five key steps. Guests note the “unforgettable” experience of making a lasting piece of art.
Bottom line: For a creative and meaningful souvenir, this session offers a rare glimpse into Oaxaca’s printmaking traditions.
3. Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit
Number three is a full 5.5-hour Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class that costs $125 per person. It stands out because of its comprehensive approach: you’ll visit local markets with an expert cook, shop for regional ingredients, and then prepare authentic dishes. This experience is ideal for those wanting an immersive culinary adventure that combines shopping, learning, and eating. Guests love the chance to discover Oaxaca’s famous gastronomy through hands-on participation, and many appreciate the guided market walk. While it’s a longer experience, it offers deep insights into flavor and tradition, making it great value for serious food lovers.
Bottom line: If you want a deep dive into Oaxacan cuisine, this class delivers a thorough and tasty experience.
4. Oaxaca: Oaxacan Mole Workshop with a Traditional Cook
The Oaxacan Mole Workshop is a 3.5-hour culinary adventure priced at $60. It begins with a market tour to select ingredients, then moves into crafting this complex sauce. What’s special is the focus on traditional flavors with local twists, and the chance to learn about the history and techniques behind Oaxaca’s signature dish. Guests rave about the sensory experience and the ability to appreciate flavors deeply connected to the region. The class’s key highlight is understanding the intricate process of making mole, which is often seen as a culinary masterpiece.
Bottom line: For those eager to master a classic Oaxacan dish with cultural context, this workshop offers a flavorful, hands-on experience.
5. Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class
A cozy 5-hour Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class for $109 features a visit to a local market and hands-on preparation of family recipes. It emphasizes the heritage of family dishes and culinary traditions, guiding you step-by-step through making a breakfast and a main dish. This class is ideal for those interested in home-style, authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations. Participants note the in-depth storytelling about ingredients’ origins and the joy of cooking in a familial setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking authentic flavors and a personal connection to Oaxaca’s culinary past.
6. Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Food Cooking Class
At 5 hours and $109, the Oaxacan Food Cooking Class offers an immersive experience with a storytelling twist. As you prepare dishes, a guide shares legends and tales in Mixe language, translated into English, bringing the region’s stories alive through food. This class is great for those who want a cultural narrative to accompany their culinary journey. Reviewers mention how the stories add depth to the flavors, making it a multi-sensory experience.
Bottom line: For a culinary storybook of Oaxaca, this class combines food and folklore beautifully.
7. Oaxaca City: Bike Tour with Professional Guide+Art workshop
Number seven combines culture and creativity in a Bike Tour with an Art Workshop. For $38, you cycle through key landmarks like the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Xochimilco, and Santo Domingo, with stops to learn about their significance. The tour is flexible, lasting 2-4 hours, and includes an optional art workshop where you create an engraving art piece. It’s suited for active travelers who want a quick cultural overview coupled with a creative outlet. Many appreciate how this tour packs sightseeing, history, and art into a manageable timeframe.
Bottom line: This experience is ideal if you want a quick, active, and artistic introduction to Oaxaca’s vibrant scene.
8. Oaxaca: Mixology Workshop with Organic Mezcal
Number eight offers a 2-hour Mixology Workshop for $54, centered on creating cocktails with organic mezcal. The highlight is learning how organic ingredients are woven into ethnic mixology, making the drinks both flavorful and culturally meaningful. This experience is perfect for cocktail enthusiasts or those curious about mezcal’s versatility. Guests often leave with new cocktail-making skills and a deeper appreciation of regional products. It’s a lively, engaging way to understand Oaxaca’s spirits scene.
Bottom line: If you enjoy cocktails and want to learn about mezcal varieties, this workshop offers a spirited, hands-on experience.
9. Mexico: Salsa Making Class in a Market with a Chef
Number nine is a lively Salsa Making Class that costs $60 and lasts 3.5 hours. Here, you’ll learn to prepare five different salsas, exploring Mexican chiles and flavors directly in a market setting. The guided tour of the market is a key feature, offering insight into regional ingredients. Guests enjoy tasting their creations paired with tortillas, and many find it a fun, interactive way to understand Mexican cuisine’s spice and flavor diversity.
Bottom line: Ideal for spice lovers and those wanting to master salsa recipes with authentic ingredients.
10. Oaxaca de Juarez: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class
This 5-hour experience at $82 introduces you to organic ingredients grown in local family gardens. It includes cooking in a smoke kitchen with traditional tools like comals and molcajetes. The setting—outside the city in a mountain-surrounded village—adds a rustic charm. Guests appreciate the chance to learn about organic farming and traditional techniques. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting an authentic, farm-to-table experience.
Bottom line: For a rural, organic, and hands-on culinary experience, this class is tough to beat.
11. Oaxaca: 10 Mexican Salsas Cooking Class with Taco Tasting
Number eleven, priced at $80, focuses on making 10 different salsas with Chef Carrizosa. It’s a two-hour class that demonstrates the secrets behind iconic Mexican salsas, including Xnipec and Macha. You’ll learn about the different chilies, their flavors, and how to use them effectively. Tasting tacos with your salsas completes the experience. It’s perfect for chili aficionados eager to expand their salsa repertoire.
Bottom line: For salsa lovers, this class offers a quick, flavorful crash course with delicious tasting.
12. Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Alebrije Workshop, and Black Pottery
Number twelve combines history and craft with a Monte Alban tour and artisan visits. For $54, the 6.5-hour trip includes exploring the ancient Zapotec site, watching artisans craft black pottery, and learning about the colorful alebrijes. The panoramic views from Monte Alban and the craftsmanship workshops offer a well-rounded cultural experience. It’s perfect for history buffs and craft aficionados, bringing together ancient and contemporary traditions.
Bottom line: This tour is a fantastic way to combine archaeological exploration with artisan craftsmanship.
13. Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca
For 2.5 hours at $54, this experience blends art, gastronomy, and culture through visits to local galleries and chocolaterías. You’ll interact with artists and taste exquisite chocolates, gaining insight into Oaxaca’s creative and culinary heritage. It’s a relaxed, engaging tour for those interested in both visual arts and local sweets.
Bottom line: For art lovers and chocoholics alike, this tour satisfies sweet and creative cravings.
14. Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu & Local Market Tour
At $70 for 4.5 hours, this flexible cooking class in Oaxaca City emphasizes hands-on involvement in preparing traditional dishes. It features a local market visit and participatory cooking, ideal for those who prefer improvisation and a personalized menu. The class’s relaxed nature allows for more interaction and learning specific to your interests.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a spontaneous, interactive culinary experience.
15. Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience
This 11-hour eco-adventure, costing $33, combines outdoor exploration with wooden mill making. Perfect for nature lovers, it includes panoramic views, ecotourism activities, and a unique woodworking experience. It’s more physically demanding but rewarding for those wanting a full-day adventure beyond city sights.
Bottom line: Ideal if you’re seeking a day of outdoor fun and craft in a scenic setting.
$33 per person
16. Visit to Workshops and Studios of Contemporary Art
Closing the list, this 5-hour private tour for $93 offers an inside look into Oaxaca’s vibrant contemporary art scene. You’ll visit studios, see works in progress, and even purchase pieces directly from artists. It’s a deep dive for art collectors or those curious about current creative movements. The experience concludes with a meal of local Oaxacan food.
Bottom line: For art enthusiasts eager to connect with Oaxaca’s thriving contemporary scene, this personalized studio visit is a prime choice.
$93 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Oaxaca
When selecting a workshop, consider your interests, budget, and time availability. If you love food and want a comprehensive culinary experience, the Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit offers a full immersion. For art lovers, the Art Printing Workshop provides a creative, memorable activity. Those interested in spirits should consider the Organic Mezcal Mixology for a lively tasting session.
Budget-wise, options range from budget-friendly workshops like the art printmaking ($33) to more involved classes like the Traditional Oaxacan Food Cooking Class at $109. If you prefer outdoor activities, the eco-tour in Juárez Highlands or the bike + art tour are great picks. Booking early is advisable, especially during busy seasons, to secure your spot in these popular classes.
Oaxaca De Juarez offers a stunning array of hands-on workshops that go beyond sightseeing. Whether you’re cooking, printing, creating art, or tasting mezcal, each experience provides a deeper connection to the local culture. For a culinary-focused trip, the Vegetarian Cooking Class or the Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class are excellent starters. Art enthusiasts will find the printmaking and studio tours rewarding, while those seeking a spirited adventure should try the mezcal or salsa classes. Whatever your interests, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these enriching experiences.