Overview
Oaxaca is a city that comes alive in the fall, particularly around Día de los Muertos, which takes place in late October and early November. This retreat is ideally timed just after the end of Día de los Muertos, so you can catch the city decorated for the festivities but enjoy a slightly quieter time in the central city. Delve into the heart of the city by sampling some of the lesser-known, but fantastic, Oaxacan cuisine, including tlayudas, memelas and tetelas. And have we mentioned the chocolate? Oaxaca is famous for its many different types of moles. We will sample different moles over shared meals, market tours and in cooking classes. We'll also have delicious hot chocolate made from stoneground cacao, alongside tamales and conchas for breakfast. If you want to experience a culinary immersion with plenty of time set aside for reading and book discussions alongside a group of adventurous travelers, this retreat is for you. In addition to culinary experiences, we will also explore the countryside surrounding Oaxaca city, including the vast agave plantations and hike to a petrified waterfall. At the retreat space, there will be plenty of time to relax and read. Join Samantha Bahn and Deb Bass O-Brien to sample and discuss books and cookbooks from contemporary Latin American authors and chefs that explore the secrets of ingredients and cultural connections over food!
The Experience
Cooking Class
We'll head into a village outside of Oaxaca to shop at a local market and pick fresh, seasonal ingredients to cook with. Then we'll head to the kitchen to learn how to prep appetizers, main dishes and dessert. After cooking, we'll enjoy our freshly made food!
Hierve el Agua
We'll visit this incredible petrified waterfall that has pools up top, hiking around the area and swimming in mineral rich pools. After hiking, we'll visit a local village and enjoy lunch.
Walking Food and Market Tour
Guided by a local foodie, we'll wind our way through a market, checking out fresh produce and finding some stalls with hidden gems. We'll visit home-based restaurants and street stalls and learn about cooking with the comal (a flat griddle that is used for dry cooking, toasting and charring), the use of heirloom corn and the many different types of mole.
Books
We offer more than thoughtful discussions. We'll focus on Latin American authors and food-related books. We've prepared a book tasting, a cookbook exchange and a couple of surprises as well!
Digital Detox
This is your chance to step back from the noise. Out here, away from pressure and the constant buzz from your phone, there’s space to reconnect: with yourself, with others, and with the environment around you. There’s no right way to unplug. You choose what feels useful based on where you are and what you need.
Balance
Our carefully crafted itinerary balances incredible meals and cultural immersion with adventure and plenty of down time and reading time. These days are for you to relax, enjoy and focus on striking the right balance for you!
Itinerary
Previous
Next
A Typical Day
AM
Relaxed group breakfast
Morning activity: yoga, walking market and food tour, cooking class, Hierva el Agua hike
Lunch
PM
Free time for reading or exploring Oaxaca
Book discussions and exchanges
Group dinner
What's included
What's Included
Pre-trip & Logistics Support
Welcome Cocktails
Transportation to and from Oaxaca Airport (OAX)
Walking food and market tour
Cooking class
Hierve el Agua tour with village visit
Arrival gift
All meals aside from lunch and dinner on the free day
What's Not Included
Roundtrip airfare to OAX
Travel insurance (we have recommendations for you to explore)
Any meals during traveling that take place before or after you meet the group
Specialty drinks (smoothies or alcoholic beverages)
Additional Activities or Spa Services
Hosts
Samantha
A lifelong educator and trip leader, Samantha brings two decades of experience inspiring curiosity and connection in and beyond the classroom.
As a co-founder of Book Club Salida, she loves weaving together stories, travel, and conversation to create meaningful shared experiences for readers and adventurers alike.
Deb
Deb is a seasoned teacher and who believes books—and travel—open doors to connection and wonder.
With nearly twenty years in education, she now channels that passion into curating experiences (and book lists!) that spark reflection, creativity, and community through Book Club Salida.
Amy
Amy is an avid traveler and loves hiking and other outdoor adventures, food and architecture. Her favorite way to discover new countries and cultures is through their culinary traditions, markets and natural landscapes.
After leaving her corporate job in NYC, she has been traveling around the world. In total, she has visited 142 countries.
Gallery
FAQs
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are refundable for 10 days.
If cancellation occurs more than 120 days prior to the retreat start date, you will receive a 100% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 90-120 days prior to retreat start date and receive a 50% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 46-90 days prior to the retreat start date and receive a 25% refund, less the deposit.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations that occur 45 or fewer days before the retreat start date.
However, we CAN apply any amount paid toward a future AWAY retreat!
What is the payment policy?
A 15% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the retreat.
The remaining balance is due 120 days before the retreat start date.
Please reach out if you'd like to chat about a payment plan that might work better for you.
Is it okay to opt out of an activity?
It's so okay, we don't even call it "opting out".
We applaud you for doing what feels right for you.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes! There are options for vegetarians, pescatarians, omnivores and carnivores alike.
Gluten-free diets can be accommodated as well.
Are vaccinations recommended or required?
You may read about the current CDC recommendations and guidelines here.
Is there WIFI?
Yes. While it’s nice to unplug from the outside world, many of us have lives at home that require some communication.
We understand. There is WIFI in rooms and around the property.
May I see a list of available activities in the area?
If you'd like to schedule one of the many activities that are offered around the island, we're here to help!
Check out the noncomprehensive list below:
- Massage/Spa Services
- Walking around the historic center
- Mezcal tasting
Do you recommend travel insurance?
As experienced travelers who’ve learned to expect the unexpected, we absolutely recommend travel insurance.
You'll receive our recommendations after signing up (or ask in advance!).
What is on the packing list?
You'll receive a packing list which will include things like:
✔ Layers for cooler evenings
✔ Dresses, shirts, shorts & pants
✔ Sun hat & sunglasses
✔ Hiking boots or walking shoes
✔ Activewear for excursions
...and not much else!