Zapotec Heritage Today

This experience is ideal for anyone curious about the enduring Zapotec people—a culture and community whose roots in Oaxaca stretch back more than 2,500 years. It begins at a 16th-century church built by Dominican monks, where Spanish colonial design merges with indigenous iconography. You’ll learn the history of the structure, admire the intricate hand-painted details made with natural dyes, and climb an ancient staircase to a 17th-century organ that’s still played during church services. Next, you’ll visit the home of a local family who cultivate eggs, flowers and organic vegetables and preserve the local Zapotec dialect. Here, you’ll learn about the history of this indigenous language, with a short lesson by a professional language professor, and enjoy a home cooked meal made with ingredients from their organic farm. They’ll explain the government system of 'usos y costumbres’, whereby indigenous people are able to regulate the life of the community.

Go beyond typical museum texts and archaeological sites and discover living Zapotec culture, immersed in regional history and tradition from the perspective of indigenous locals. Your visit to this traditional Zapotec household offers a meaningful way to connect directly with members of the original community and learn about their indigenous language. You’ll explore Oaxacan traditions and cuisine in an authentic way that respects local customs and the needs of the region. Your guide spent 14 years teaching language and working as a translator in the U.S. Now back in his pueblo, he shares the importance of language preservation and the deep connection Oaxacans have to family, food, and land. With him, you’ll visit the church, walk through the family’s organic garden, and share a meal. They started their farm as a family project during the pandemic, and they work their land as three generations. As he is a professor during the week, this experience is only available on Sundays.

Ehren Seeland is a Oaxaca-based creative with a background in art and design and journalism, who travels the globe for professional and personal pursuits. A long-term resident of Oaxaca with family ties to the city, her passion for regional produce, traditional skills, and social impact makes her a fantastic host for the culturally curious and socially minded traveler. Through all of her projects—including Hecho, a marketplace of artisan-made goods from natural materials—Ehren maintains an active focus on supporting Mexican ancestral traditions through handmade product development, including textiles, pottery, homewares, and other works. Her projects also place special emphasis on supporting women and indigenous communities.

We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, water and your camera or phone, if you'd like to take photos.