8 Days | A cultural and culinary cocktail of adventure in Mexico
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Private vehicle, Public bus, Metro, Taxi
Hotel (7 nights)
- 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)
- 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
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.
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.
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