8 Days | Go on a cultural adventure through the beating heart of Mexico’s past and present
Say Hola to an adventure into the heart and soul of Mexico. From Aztec to Zapotec, this eight-day trip is a cultural cocktail, blending the best of the country’s ruins and natural wonders. Wander through colourful markets, learn the secrets of black pottery, try pasita in a local bar, explore the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and Teotihuacan and discover the vibrant art scene of Oaxaca. With a local leader who knows all the best spots, 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
- Wander the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan and see the archaeological site’s ruins that predate the Aztec Empire by more than 1000 years.
- 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.
- Tour the colourful local markets of Oaxaca. Follow your nose to find the Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas, choose your favourites and load it up with guacamole, salsa and fresh tortillas for a classic Oaxacan lunch.
- Soak up a full free day in Oaxaca to explore the city at your own pace, take a cooking class or venture into the countryside to see some local villages and mezcal distilleries.
- See the ancient ruins of Monte Alban – a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples.
- Attempting to communicate in Spanish is an excellent way of showing you care when you’re mingling with the locals, so it’s a good idea to learn a few words and phrases before your trip.
- Mexico City and Puebla sit at over 2000 m (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.
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Private vehicle, Public bus, Metro, Taxi
Hotel (7 nights)
- Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Mexico City - Lunch with a local family
- Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
- Oaxaca - Market Tour with Lunch
- 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
- Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN21
- Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN47
- Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee, closed Mondays and Tuesdays) - MXN95
- Puebla - Cholula town visit & Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - Free
- Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
- Hierve el Agua - Petrified waterfalls (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN630
- Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery - MXN893
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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