Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours 5
(67)

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Discover Oaxaca’s cantina culture through shared plates, mezcal rituals, and local conversation, guided by your host.

What makes this experience special

Classic cantinas come alive through mezcal rituals, shared tapas, and genuine conversation. Your host plans 10 tastings that reveal Oaxaca’s flavor and rhythm at your pace.

Key highlights

  • 7 food tastings and 3 drinks included
  • Visit traditional cantinas locals love
  • Taste Oaxaca’s classic botanas and moles
  • Learn the stories behind mezcal and toasts
  • Relaxed pacing with time to chat and taste
  • Optional local music and stories at each stop
  • A flavorful, authentic 3-hour tasting experience

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
7 food tastings and 3 drinks, tailored to your dietary preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks from the ones provided in the experience
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Mezcal & Welcome Snack

Begin with your first sip and Oaxacan welcome.

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Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

You might start in a historic cantina where your host shares the story of mezcal and the art of the toast. Taste your first sip with orange and sal de gusano, paired with local peanuts or chapulines. Some guests linger to watch the crowd; others move on for more flavors.

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Botanas with the Regulars

Small plates and local rhythm in a lively cantina.

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Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Step into a spot where each drink comes with dishes to share, tasajo, tlayuda bites, or guacamole. Your host might point out local rituals or favorite orders. Guests can stay for the atmosphere or continue tasting at their own pace.

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Mezcal Traditions Flight

Taste Oaxaca’s spirit, three ways.

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Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

At a mezcalería, your host guides you through Espadín, Tobalá, and Madrecuixe mezcals, paired with jícama and chili salt. You might compare flavors or simply enjoy the flow. The tasting feels natural and relaxed, not rushed.

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Cantina Classics

Hearty dishes from Oaxaca’s kitchens.

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Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Sit down for two of Oaxaca’s signature botanas, mole empanadas and chicharrón bites. This is where the heart of the cantina tradition shines. Some guests pair a beer, others savor the dishes with stories from the host.

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

Sweet Farewell

End the night gently, Oaxacan style.

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Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

You might close with a tejate cacao-corn drink and a sweet nicuatole dessert. It’s a soft, comforting finish that locals cherish. Some guests linger for one last story before saying goodbye.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Discovering local drinks and vibrant Mexican culture

Discovering local drinks and vibrant Mexican culture

Tasting Mexico’s street food, one taco at a time

Tasting Mexico’s street food, one taco at a time

Exploring local markets bursting with flavor and color

Exploring local markets bursting with flavor and color

Raising a glass to Mexico’s colorful tastes

Raising a glass to Mexico’s colorful tastes

Sharing laughter and local flavors in true Mexican style

Sharing laughter and local flavors in true Mexican style

Immersed in Mexico’s vibrant colors and joyful energy

Immersed in Mexico’s vibrant colors and joyful energy

Floating through joy, music, and local traditions

Floating through joy, music, and local traditions

Experiencing Mexico’s timeless charm and warm hospitality

Experiencing Mexico’s timeless charm and warm hospitality

Sipping tradition and sharing smiles in Mexico

Sipping tradition and sharing smiles in Mexico

Tacos, laughter, and late-night Mexican magic

Tacos, laughter, and late-night Mexican magic

Sharing authentic flavors and stories over tacos

Sharing authentic flavors and stories over tacos

Finding flavor and friendship in hidden local spots

Finding flavor and friendship in hidden local spots

Sweet moments and warm connections in Mexico’s cafés

Sweet moments and warm connections in Mexico’s cafés

Enjoying a relaxed afternoon with local drinks and good company

Enjoying a relaxed afternoon with local drinks and good company

Celebrating Mexico’s flavors, one delicious dish at a time

Celebrating Mexico’s flavors, one delicious dish at a time

Discovering Mexico’s heartbeat in its bustling markets

Discovering Mexico’s heartbeat in its bustling markets

Savoring Mexico’s vibrant street food scene together

Savoring Mexico’s vibrant street food scene together

Tasting bold traditions with every bite

Tasting bold traditions with every bite

Immersed in color and connection under Mexico’s festive lights

Immersed in color and connection under Mexico’s festive lights

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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What travelers think of our Mexico experiences

Elizabeth Oct 2025

Alex tailored our tour to my personal preferences

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Kathryn Oct 2025

An absolute must in Mexico City. Marisol's passion for the city is contagious. We learnt so much about Mexico City and the culture. We also had the most amazing food and company. Mexico and Marisol have a special place in our hearts.

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Suzanne Oct 2025

Oscar is a historian and could tell us all about the architecture and history of the region, plus the history of the war monuments.

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Katherine Oct 2025

We did this walking tour our first day in the city to get a feel for our neighborhood. Our guide, Lando, took us on a 2+ hour walking tour of all of the historical, architectural, and culinary highlights in Roma Norte and Condesa. He even suggested a fabulous restaurant where we had our first meal in CDMX, and it did not disappoint. Lando was great, he answered all of our questions, and took tons of great photos of us to capture the memories we made. Highly recommend.

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Katherine Oct 2025

We had an excellent private tour of Roma Norte and Condesa with our guide, Lando. He was very engaging and informative and hit all the historical, architectural, and culinary highlights. He took great photos and videos of us at various landmarks that really captured the memory for us. Can’t say enough great things about Lando.

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James Oct 2025

I had a wonderful experience on this tour. Lando was an outstanding guide who shared an impressive amount of knowledge about the history and architecture of both Roma and Condesa. His passion for the city really came through and made the walk even more enjoyable. I left with a deeper appreciation for the unique character and charm of each neighborhood. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Mexico City.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Can my host accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?

Yes! When you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire where you can note any dietary needs or preferences. Your host will plan the experience accordingly to make sure everything suits you.

Can I request specific foods or places to eat?

Absolutely. If there are dishes you’re eager to try or areas you'd like to explore, just let us know in the questionnaire. Your host will use your input to shape a personalized food journey.

Do you use fixed restaurant stops or is it flexible?

There’s no fixed route—your host will tailor the stops based on your tastes and what’s best on the day. Some places may be planned in advance, but there's room to adapt the experience as you go.

What if a restaurant or food stall is unexpectedly closed?

It’s unlikely, as our hosts usually check opening times in advance. But if a restaurant or food stall is unexpectedly closed, your host will have backup options ready and adjust the plan on the spot. The experience is flexible, so you’ll still enjoy a great selection of local spots.

How do you ensure food safety and hygiene?

All hosts are locals who know where to find safe, high-quality food. They avoid places with poor standards and focus on trusted spots they know well—so you can feel confident about every stop.

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Can I mix different themes (food, history, neighborhoods, culture, nightlife) in one experience?

<p>While this experience focuses on food and drink, your host can also weave in local culture, neighborhoods, or a bit of history during the experience. Just share what you're curious about in the questionnaire, and your host will tailor the route to suit your taste.</p>

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

What is the duration and typical start times?

This experience includes 3 hours with a knowledgeable local host, a tailored itinerary based on your food preferences, and 8–10 tastings chosen to match your dietary needs. It’s a walking experience, though your host may suggest using public transport for longer distances.

What if I want to extend or shorten the day on the go?

If you’d like to extend your time with your host, just ask about their availability and continue your tour. Hosts can’t accept payments directly, so once the experience ends, please contact our customer service team at info@cityunscripted.com to arrange payment. And if you prefer to finish early, that’s absolutely fine too!

Are there fitness, mobility, or accessibility requirements?

This is a walking experience, but it can be tailored to suit your pace and comfort. If you have mobility concerns or would prefer to minimize walking, let us know in advance—your host can adjust the route, include public transport or rest stops to suit your needs.

How far in advance should I book, and is last-minute booking possible?

<p>We suggest booking a few days in advance so your host can plan tastings around your preferences. Our system requires at least 24 hours’ notice, but if you’re booking last-minute, contact us—we’ll do our best to arrange it based on host availability</p>

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.