Field Trips
1. Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
The Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden was founded through the visionary efforts of renowned artist Francisco Toledo, within the historic grounds of the former Santo Domingo convent. Located in the heart of Oaxaca City, the garden spans 2.3 hectares and showcases around 5,000 individual plants representing over 1,000 native species. Its mission is to illuminate the deep connections between Oaxaca’s extraordinary biodiversity and its rich cultural heritage. Several oaks are included in the collection! Following the guided tour, we will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring local Oaxacan cuisine.
2. Hierve el Agua and Ancestral Mezcal Production
Hierve el Agua, located approximately 70 km from Oaxaca City, offers a breathtaking landscape where tropical dry forest blends with temperate woodland. The area is home to several representative oak species, including Quercus liebmannii, Q. conzattii, and Q. glaucoides. We’ll visit the stunning “petrified waterfalls,” a series of natural travertine rock formations that resemble cascading water. Then we'll delve into the ancestral art of mezcal production, enjoy a tasting of several samples, and savor a traditional Oaxacan lunch in a local setting.
Image: Antonio González
Putative hybrid between
Q. castanea and Q. conzattii
Image: Antonio González
3. Teotitlán del Valle
Located just 30 km from Oaxaca City, this remarkable site allows us to ascend a striking altitudinal gradient, observing firsthand the transition of oak species and vegetation types along the way. Notable species include Quercus glaucoides, Q. liebmannii, Q. castanea, Q. conzattii, and Q. rugosa. With a bit of luck, we may even encounter unusual hybrids such as Q. conzattii × Q. castanea, showcasing the region’s dynamic oak diversity. Following our montane oak exploration, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in town and learn about the renowned Zapotec textile-making traditions that Teotitlán is famous for.
