Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Step into the aromatic heart of Mexico’s gastronomic capital for a hands-on culinary immersion designed specifically for high school students ages 14-18. From bustling Indigenous markets to professional-led kitchens, teens master the ancestral secrets and techniques of one of the world’s most celebrated food cultures.
The Oaxacan Culinary Journey is designed for high school students who want to move beyond the plate and into the kitchens of one of the foodie capitals of the world. Our structured program invites participants to analyze the historical significance of Mexican cuisine through expert-led workshops, from mastering the complexity of traditional moles to navigating traditional Zapotec markets. By investigating Indigenous food systems, students gain a profound understanding of how flavor serves as the foundation of Oaxacan culture. The experience extends into the linguistic heart of the region, offering a natural introduction to the Spanish language through the lens of gastronomy. No prior Spanish knowledge is required. Weekends are reserved for significant expeditions, including the archeological site of Monte Albán and the high-altitude trails of the Sierra Norte, ensuring a holistic discovery of Oaxaca's vibrant food culture.
Program Location: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 8–12 participants (Min: 5 / Max: 15)
Focus: Cooking, culinary arts
Level of Spanish: No previous Spanish required (Open to all levels)
Accommodation: Homestay (2-3 students per home)
Arrival & Departure Airport: OAX (Xoxocotlán International Airport)
Room & Board | Onsite Directors & 24/7 Support | Culinary Arts Visits & Workshops | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
While no two days in Oaxaca are the same, our programming follows a structured cadence designed to maximize both learning and cultural connection. Students balance morning workshops with afternoon explorations.
8:30 AM Breakfast with Host Family: A traditional start to the day and a chance to practice Spanish in a natural setting.
9:30 AM Culinary Workshop: Hands-on professional instruction in traditional kitchens, focusing on ancestral techniques, cacao, and corn.
1:00 PM Market Exploration: Guided visits to local markets to source ingredients and study the regional food economy.
2:00 PM The Mid-Day Meal: Join your host family for the main meal of the day to experience traditional Oaxacan home cooking.
4:00 PM Cultural Activities: Rotating afternoon sessions in Alebrije painting, printmaking, or traditional dance.
6:30 PM Free Time: Pockets of independent exploration within the "Group Bubble" to visit a local café or plaza with friends.
8:30 PM Evening Meal: A light dinner and reflection with host families before the day ends.
10:00 PM Curfew: All students returned to their homestays for rest and safety.
A curriculum-based exploration of the flavors, techniques, and heritage of Southern Mexico. Our Cultural Core is designed to move students from passive observers to active participants in the Oaxacan kitchen. Through structured programming focused on ancestral techniques and regional staples, we provide a culinary experience that is as historically grounded as it is practically rewarding.
Ancestral Techniques: Master the essential rituals of the Oaxacan kitchen, from open-fire cooking and nixtamalization to the complex, multi-day process of preparing traditional moles.
Market Anthropology: Move beyond the tourist path to navigate ancient Zapotec markets, studying the seasonal sourcing and social economy of Mexico’s culinary capital.
Regional Staples: Engage in hands-on workshops focused on the foundations of the Mexican diet—cacao, chiles, and the diverse varieties of endemic corn that define the region.
The journey continues into the artistic and historical soul of the Central Valleys. While gastronomy is the heartbeat of this program, the experience extends far beyond the kitchen. Students transition into the artisan workshops of neighboring villages to explore the world of Alebrije carving and Zapotec weaving. Weekends are reserved for significant expeditions, including the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and hiking the high-altitude trails of the Sierra Norte.
Artisan Heritage: Move from the kitchen to the workshop. Students engage with master artisans in neighboring villages to learn the intricate processes of traditional loom weaving and the vibrant folk-art tradition of Alebrije carving.
Ancient Civilizations: Explore the archaeological majesty of Monte Albán. Guided expeditions to this UNESCO World Heritage site allow students to walk the grand plazas and pyramids while studying the history of the Zapotec Empire.
The Sierra Norte: Transition from the valley floor to the high-altitude "Pueblos Mancomunados." This expedition focuses on the natural beauty of the Oaxacan highlands, featuring hiking trails and a look at community-led ecotourism.
At Arcos Journeys Abroad, we believe the students' focus should be on the experience, not the logistics. Our Oaxacan Culinary Journey is fully inclusive, providing a seamless transition from the airport to the kitchen with all professional workshops, expeditions, and accommodations curated specifically for high school students.
Professional Gastronomy: All culinary workshops, kitchen rentals, chef-led instruction, and high-quality local ingredients.
Artisan Access: Guided visits to weaving and carving villages, including all materials for hands-on workshops and entry fees.
Cultural Expeditions: Full-day excursions to Monte Albán and the Sierra Norte, including all transportation and professional guides.
Full Room & Board: Safe, vetted homestay accommodations with three culturally authentic meals daily.
24/7 Leadership: Dedicated Arcos Journeys Abroad Directors and local experts providing constant support and the "Group Bubble" security.
Travel Essentials: Comprehensive medical and emergency insurance and all internal ground transportation (including airport transfers).
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Oaxaca (OAX) and personal spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.
At Arcos Journeys Abroad, safety is the foundation of every expedition. Our Oaxacan program maintains a high staff-to-student ratio, ensuring that while participants are immersed in new flavors and traditions, they remain within a structured and secure environment. From vetted homestays to 24/7 on-ground leadership, we provide the peace of mind necessary for a professional high school journey.
Students navigate Oaxaca within a "Group Bubble" of peers and staff. Whether at a market or a workshop, they spend time each day with their host family, peer group, local instructors and Arcos program director. This structure allows for authentic exploration while maintaining 24/7 supervision and accountability.
We prioritize student well-being through strict water-safety protocols (purified water only) and by using vetted, professional and traditional kitchens. Every participant is also covered by a comprehensive international medical and emergency insurance policy.
Our Directors are seasoned professionals with deep local expertise. They are available around the clock to manage logistics, provide linguistic support, and ensure every student feels supported and secure.
Born in Oaxaca, Nahú Rodríguez is a Communication Sciences graduate and a veteran educator with over a decade of experience in cultural programming. A former traditional dancer for the Guelaguetza festival, Nahú has represented Oaxacan heritage across Japan, Brazil, and the U.S. He combines his background in community radio with a deep commitment to mentorship, ensuring Arcos Journeys Abroad students gain a transformative and secure understanding of the diverse cultures of Southern Mexico.
"I have been a foodie for a while, but I left Oaxaca with a much deeper understanding of how food connects a community. Living with a host family in Oaxaca was the highlight—practicing my Spanish and eating the best mole I’ve ever tasted made the whole experience for me." — Lili, 11th Grade, Boise High School, Boise, ID
"I gained a new appreciation about where food comes from and the amazing history and culture of Oaxaca. My Arcos director made me feel safe enough to really step out of my comfort zone and try everything." — Devon, 11th Grade, Montgomery High School, Skillman, NJ
"Seeing the process of making chocolate from scratch and visiting the weaving villages changed how I think about the things we use and eat every day. It was the most immersive and rewarding summer I've ever had." — Dan, 10th Grade, Greenwich High School, Stamford, CT
No previous culinary experience or Spanish knowledge is required. Our workshops are designed to be hands-on and accessible for high school students of all levels, using the kitchen as a natural classroom for learning both traditional techniques and foundational Spanish phrases.
Oaxaca is incredibly accommodating to the needs of teen travelers. We work closely with our chefs and host families to manage vegetarians, nut allergies, and gluten sensitivities. Because the regional diet is primarily corn-based, it is a fantastic destination for gluten-free students.
Student health is our priority. Arcos Journeys Abroad follows strict safety protocols tailored for youth travel, including the use of purified water for all drinking and food preparation. We only partner with strictly vetted host families and professional and traditional kitchens that meet our high standards for hygiene.
