Wonderful staff! I very much enjoyed my stay at El Secreto... trustworthy, prompt and polite. Very…read moreclean and all the food was both tasty and beautiful. They even cooked plain eggs for my little girls who aren't into spicy food yet. Very accommodating. I would absolutely stay there again.

We recently spent 2 weeks in the care and of Moises and Conchita Valencia and their wonderful B&B…read more This is truly a family operation, and the family loves what they do. Located in the heart of Centro, it is convenient to just about everything we came to Oaxaca to see and do. We walked everywhere in Centro and always looked forward to returning to our home away from home. Excursions outside the city can be arranged, either by tour, or by taxi, both of which are reasonable. Moises greeted us when we first arrived late at night and was at our door to see us off at 5:30 am the morning we left. In between, we enjoyed their warm Oaxacan hospitality, met wonderful guests from the U.S. and Canada and savored Conchita's extraordinary breakfasts and her fabulous Oaxacan costumes. We had no idea how sophisticated, varied, elegant and flavorful Oaxacan food can be. Our surprise began with our first breakfast prepared by Conchita and her staff, and continued with making Oaxacan dishes at the home of Conchita's daughter Nora, who runs a cooking school (https://www.almademitierra.net) and is an excellent tour guide. Each room is different. Some are larger than others, and each is appointed differently. Because the B&B is located on a busy street, you may opt for a room at the back. Regardless of which room you choose, in keeping with Hispanic design traditions, once you pass through the front door off the street you enter a world of grace, peace, beauty and hospitality. Bouganvilla, cactus, citrus and other tropical/desert plants abound. Tile roofs and floors. Stucco walls. Nitches. Cubbies. Nooks and crannies. And, of course, Moises, Conchita and their attentive staff. It's all there, waiting for you.

We found this place on TripAdvisor and it needs to have more presence on Yelp! As the previous…read morereview described, it is a home away from home. I will also note the incredible hospitality, delicious breakfasts (some of the best meals we had in a foodie town), and lovely and thoughtful accommodations. It is on the expensive end. There are others in the neighborhood, that on the outside, look quite nice and inviting. A quick search shows that they are about the same or a bit less expensive. The website and photos largely made the difference when we booked. Our room, one with a bathroom and away from the street, was very comfortable. My partner and I stayed for 6 days, and had plenty of space. The furniture, lighting and amenities were carefully arranged. Conchita was super kind. She lives in the house with her husband. It's been in her family since the 1940s. She spent time with us, answering questions about the history and culture of Oaxaca. And she arranged a driver to take us to Ocotlan, Mitla and neighboring areas across a couple different days. It was 180 pesos per hour for the driver. We learned later that the going rate was 300 pesos per hour. But we also learned that the driver gets a sizeable cutback for purchases we make at the "important locations" so we eventually got over the purchase we made out. When we visit again, we will like stay with Conchita. If you're looking to splurge and to stay in the historic center, this is a sweet spot.

Dixza Farm was a destination to discover mushroom dyeing with Alissa Allen, traditional Benizaa…read moreherbal colorings and to experience weaving on a big loom. The hosts /teachers, Sam and his bro Gustino gave much more than a tip with warp and woof, introducing us to the language of the traditional designs of their People. This is not unusual, for all textiles speak a language to the cultures they serve, but hearing the background from Sam opened our eyes and heart to the region. Upon leaving, I felt almost literate in the land,it's history and its People. Benizaa designs spoke to us where ever we looked. We also saw that climate change is impacting all of the west coast. If any group is bound to make corrective and adaptive changes,it is these People. Dive not into a resort swimming pool, but into the beauty and wisdom of Oaxaca. Choose love. NO images until approval from Dixza Farms