Mexico City to Oaxaca

8 Days | A cultural and culinary cocktail of adventure in Mexico

4.8 out of 5 based on 19 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €1,210
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Say Hola to a trip that’s more than just tacos and tequila – prepare for una buena adventure into the heart and soul of Mexico. From Aztec to Zapotec, La Copita to pasita – this cultural cocktail blends the best of the country’s ruins, cuisines and natural wonders into an eight-day journey through colourful markets, Indigenous cultures and all the mezcal you can manage. From the fiery capital of Mexico City to the culinary paradise of Oaxaca, you’ll hang out in quirky bars in Puebla, explore the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and discover the vibrant art scene of Oaxaca. With a local leader who knows all the best secrets, you’re guaranteed to get a taste of Mexico’s magic at every turn.

Trip overview

Map of Mexico City To Oaxaca including Mexico
Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Oaxaca, Mexico
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Mexico
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
QBSI
This trip generates 29 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, where Nahuatl descendants preserve traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ceremonies from ancient days.
  • Quench your thirst with a glass of pasita in Puebla’s famous La Pasita bar. Knock back this sweet liquor with your fellow travellers on an included visit – it’s your leader’s shout!
  • Learn the local lingo with a leader-lead Spanish lesson on the way to Puebla. Watch the rolling hills as you practice your rolling R’s and memorise the all-important phrases (like how to order a cerveza).
  • Visit a local black pottery studio and learn about the secret history of this artform – watch a demonstration using this ‘pottery of the night’ and support the locals who hold this tradition in such high regard.
  • Visit the ancient ruins of Monte Alban – a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • In many destinations you’ll visit, local people are reserved and/or don’t need to speak English. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is an excellent way of showing you care, so it’s a good idea to learn a few words and phrases before your trip.
  • Mexico City and Puebla sit at over 2000m (6000 ft) above sea level, which means they can be quite cool compared to warmer and more humid Oaxaca. Be prepared with layers, including a warm outer layer, and remember to stay hydrated.
  • While no special physical preparation is required for this trip, you can expect to do a lot of walking, sometimes on uneven terrain.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Mexico City To Oaxaca including Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tlahuac - Community Visit
  • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Coyotepec - Black Pottery Studio
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban - Archaeological Site (Entrance)
Add on activities
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
  • Mexico City- Market Secrets and Salsa Making Lesson - USD59
  • Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) - MXN700
  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN84
  • Teotihuacan day-trip & Dinner with the locals - Urban Adventures - USD155
  • Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN21
  • Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN47
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
  • Hierve el Agua - Petrified waterfalls (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN630

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 19 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sherry · Traveled March 2024
I am thrilled to have found Intrepid. Travelling solo is new to me so I was happy to feel safe and secure. The small group of 12 people was just enough to meet and enjoy others but not too big to feel overwhelmed. The accommodations were lovely (pools included) and the sites were the ones I would choose on my own. The words on the back of my guides shirt, We are Intrepid, We are real, We are curious, described me perfectly. I will be taking another Intrepid journey very soon.
Review submitted 05 Apr 2024

Nicola · Traveled March 2024
Excellent Itinerary and guide! Relaxed pace, unlike some other "full on" trips. Lots of downtime to explore at your own pace. Kei our guide was fantastic - enthusiastic, knowledgeable and always cheerful
Review submitted 01 Apr 2024

Lesley · Traveled March 2024
This is an excellent introduction to Mexico. You hit the highspots of the culture and archeology with enough free time to explore on your own. It was very hot in March so hats, waterbottles and suncream essential. A very enjoyable trip to get you wanting more of this vibrant country.
Review submitted 16 Mar 2024

Lesley · Traveled March 2024
This is a great introduction to Central Mexico and its cultural heritage. It's a speedy trip with quite a lot of walking so good shoes, hat and water bottle essential. There are a couple of free days to fit in some of the things not included in the activities. Some research before you arrive in CDMX would be a good thing after that you have a great Group Leader to advise. For a taste of Mexico, it's history and culture this is a great start.
Review submitted 19 Mar 2024

Karen · Traveled February 2024
We enjoyed this introduction to Mexico. Our guide Kei was so informative and friendly. I would suggest spending 3 or 4 days at least in Mexico City before joining the tour and a few extra days in Oaxaca at the end. Feb was a great time to go weather wise.
Review submitted 22 Mar 2024
Mexico City to Oaxaca
From
EUR €1,210