Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca's Inland Markets: Day trip

Discover Mexico's mezcal capital, where traditional distillation techniques produce world-renowned spirits using ancient methods passed through generations of master mezcaleros. Visit family palenques where traditional clay pot stills, wood-fired roasting pits, and tahona stone mills create complex flavored mezcals from diverse agave varieties grown in surrounding highland valleys. Learn about agave cultivation, harvesting timing, fermentation processes, and distillation techniques while participating in tasting sessions explaining flavor profiles and production differences. Experience the complete process from agave plant to finished spirit while understanding sustainable agricultural practices, family business traditions, and the cultural significance of mezcal in Zapotec society. Local restaurants serve traditional Oaxacan cuisine paired with artisanal mezcals, while artisan shops sell authentic bottles directly from small producers supporting family economies and cultural preservation. Keep in mind that individual tastings and tours will incur additional costs, and booking them online in advance may be most convenient.

Immerse yourself in Mexico's most authentic indigenous market where Zapotec vendors gather weekly to sell traditional products, handicrafts, and regional specialties using commercial practices unchanged for centuries. Experience the vibrant Sunday market where vendors speak Zapotec languages and sell everything from traditional textiles and pottery to live animals and medicinal plants while maintaining indigenous social structures and economic relationships. Visit the magnificent baroque church, adorned with elaborate gold leaf decorations and religious art that represent Spanish colonial artistic achievement and indigenous religious syncretism. Sample traditional market foods, including tamales oaxaqueños, traditional moles, and tropical fruits, while learning about traditional measurement systems, bargaining customs, and seasonal product availability. Local vendors demonstrate traditional crafts, including pottery making, basket weaving, and traditional food preparation, while the market atmosphere provides authentic encounters with indigenous Mexican commercial culture. This Sunday market is typically open from early morning to late afternoon, though visitors should verify its hours locally.