Puerto Escondido: Oaxaca Food Tour in Local Markets & Eateries

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.93 (72 reviews) 94% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/15

Duration3h 15m

GroupUp to 8

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk puerto escondido’s side streets taste oaxaca cheese meet food makers

You’ll wander Puerto Escondido’s real neighborhoods, tasting Oaxacan specialties like quesillo and tejate right where they’re made. Expect friendly locals, laughter over new flavors, and an honest look at daily life far from the touristy beach. You’ll finish full—and maybe craving more chapulines than you’d admit.

3h 15m

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore local food and culture

Visit the main market
Taste food made locally
Try classic Oaxaca cuisine
Sample ancient beverages
Enjoy a great afternoon

The Experience

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just walking down a regular street in Puerto Escondido, but there I was, following our guide Carla past a row of faded blue houses. The air smelled like masa and something sweet—maybe those tamales steaming on the corner. Carla waved at a woman selling fruit, called her Doña Lety, and suddenly we were sampling mango slices dusted with chili. I tried not to make a face (spicy fruit is new for me), but honestly, it was good. My Spanish is terrible, but everyone seemed patient about it.

The main market was louder than I thought it’d be—vendors shouting over each other, kids darting between stalls, the kind of chaos that somehow makes you feel alive. Carla pointed out the difference between regular cheese and Oaxacan cheese (which she called quesillo). She made us guess which was which by touch alone—mine felt slippery and cool. We ended up sharing a table with two old men eating tlayudas; one of them insisted I try his tejate, this ancient drink that tasted like flowers and roasted corn at the same time. I still think about that weirdly comforting flavor.

Lunch happened somewhere I’d never have found alone—a tiny spot with plastic chairs and no sign outside. We ate memelas with black beans and some smoky salsa that made my nose run. Carla laughed when I tried to say “chapulines” (those toasted grasshoppers)—I probably butchered it. The whole afternoon felt like being let in on a secret side of Puerto Escondido most people miss. If you’re curious about Oaxacan food or just want to see where locals actually hang out, this food tour is worth it—even if you leave smelling faintly of grilled corn.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes bottled water to keep you going under the sun, a proper sit-down lunch featuring local dishes (yes—Oaxacan cheese makes an appearance), plus coffee or tea along the way as you wander through markets and eateries guided by someone who knows every shortcut in Puerto Escondido.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Puerto Food Tours