Oaxaca is home to 14 ethnic groups, which greatly influences its cuisine.

3) Oaxaca

This charming UNESCO World Heritage site offers up pre-Hispanic ruins and colonial architecture – and is known as “the land of seven moles.” It’s also home to more than 14 ethnic groups, which has greatly influenced the region’s cuisine. A visit to the local market is a must, where you’ll discover regional specialties from cactus fruit to grasshoppers (do like the locals and sprinkle those crunchy grasshoppers on your taco). A highlight for me was a hands-on cooking class with Chef Oscar Carrizosa of Casa Crespo, who showed us how to prepare fresh corn tortillas, zucchini flower soup, chicken in peanut mole, stuffed chillies and, for dessert, homemade Oaxacan chocolate ice cream.