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- Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary Journey




Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary Journey
Oaxaca is known as one of the foodie capitals of the world. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culinary history through its exquisite food as you learn about local ingredients, Indigenous traditions, and time-honored cooking techniques still in use today. Explore vibrant open-air markets and learn the art of selecting fresh ingredients for unique dishes while gaining insights into Oaxacan cultu...
Oaxaca is known as one of the foodie capitals of the world. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culinary history through its exquisite food as you learn about local ingredients, Indigenous traditions, and time-honored cooking techniques still in use today. Explore vibrant open-air markets and learn the art of selecting fresh ingredients for unique dishes while gaining insights into Oaxacan culture through food. Connect with local cooking instructors, producers, and restaurant owners to deepen your understanding of the region's food cultures and the essential role of traditional ingredients such as corn, chocolate, and chiles in Oaxacan and Mexican diets. Taste and explore many facets of Oaxacan cuisine through engaging cooking workshops that make language learning an enjoyable and natura...
Program Highlights
Visit the communities of Oaxaca's Central Valleys meeting with indigenous communities and learning their ancestral culinary traditions and practices.
Experience a traditional market day and meet with vendors to learn about the unique foods being sold.
Learn the traditional way to make chocolate – an incredibly important food in the history of the Mesoamerican culture, its role in ancient ceremonies, and its use today.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Oaxaca’s most famous restaurants.
Visit an indigenous community with a local non-profit and learn about efforts to reintroduce ancestral foods into the diets of school children and the recipes that go along with it.
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Quick Details
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Summer
- Anthropology
- Culinary Arts
- American
- Canadian
Awards




Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Welcoming and authentic
May 22, 2024by: Karen AndersonProgram: Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary JourneyArcos answered all of our questions quickly and thoroughly! We also benefitted greatly from our director's relationships with all of the cultural excursions. During each event, it felt like we were welcomed into studios, homes, and restaurants like friends due to the close relationships she has and maintains. As a faculty leader, I highly recommend Arcos for your students.
I had so much fun
May 22, 2024by: Naomi SamantProgram: Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary Journey10 out of 10! I improved in Spanish, had some great food, and had lots of fun! The Arcos programming was good and my homestay mom was amazing. I had so much fun going out with her and talking to her. Remember to bring good walking shoes and electrolytes.
Language and cooking skills
July 15, 2023by: Hudson BrownProgram: Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary JourneyMy homestay in Oaxaca was great! My advice to other students is to be open to speaking Spanish. I didn't really have any challenges to speak of. The greatest benefits of the program were practicing Spanish and gaining new cooking skills. This is a great experience!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Oaxaca, Mexico
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Anthropology
- Culinary Arts
- Focus Areas
- Experiential Learning
Availability
Years Offered: 2025, 2026
- 1-2 Weeks
- Summer
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
- American
- Canadian
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Medical / Accident Insurance
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- Some high school, no diploma
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Letters of Reference
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Ready to Learn More?
Oaxaca is known as one of the foodie capitals of the world. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culinary history through its exquisite food as you learn about local ingredients, Indigenous traditions, and time-honored cooking techniques still in use today. Explore vibrant open-air markets and learn the art of selecting fresh ingredients for unique dishes while gaining insights into Oaxacan culture through food. Connect with local cooking instructors, producers, and restaurant owners to deepen your understanding of the region's food cultures and the essential role of traditional ingredients such as corn, chocolate, and chiles in Oaxacan and Mexican diets. Taste and explore many facets of Oaxacan cuisine through engaging cooking workshops that make language learning an enjoyable and natura...

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Arcos Journeys Abroad
Ready to Learn More?
Oaxaca is known as one of the foodie capitals of the world. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culinary history through its exquisite food as you learn about local ingredients, Indigenous traditions, and time-honored cooking techniques still in use today. Explore vibrant open-air markets and learn the art of selecting fresh ingredients for unique dishes while gaining insights into Oaxacan culture through food. Connect with local cooking instructors, producers, and restaurant owners to deepen your understanding of the region's food cultures and the essential role of traditional ingredients such as corn, chocolate, and chiles in Oaxacan and Mexican diets. Taste and explore many facets of Oaxacan cuisine through engaging cooking workshops that make language learning an enjoyable and natura...
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