Oaxaca is internationally known as a gastronomy capital of Mexico, also claiming two UNESCO heritage sites, the home of mezcal, the birthplace of corn and squash, and one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in all of Mexico, called the Guelaguetza (gay-lah-gets-uh).​

Known as "the land of seven molés", you'll also be hard pressed to discover a Oaxacan restaurant without at least one molé dish on the menu. Mezcal tastings are offered everywhere, too. If you didn't know, tequila is a form of mezcal, but they are not the same. Mezcal boasts a smokier flavor and is distilled for less time than tequila, although there are other differences.

For foodies around the world, Oaxaca is a dream vacation. When you throw in the cultural experiences, shopping in the numerous vendor markets, indigenous village experiences and stunning historical architecture the city has to offer, it becomes the trip of a lifetime.