Premium Mexico City to Oaxaca
Experience Overview
When it comes to vibrant culture and varied cuisine, there’s nowhere quite like Mexico. Get a taste of the country’s best on an eight-day Premium adventure through Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca. Join expert local guides to uncover the ancient secrets of Teotihuacan, Cholula and the Mitla ruins and see the world’s widest tree, over 1500 years old! Take your taste buds on a trip, from the beckoning street food stalls of the capital to a home cooked Zapotecan lunch and a creative dining experience in Oaxaca and attend some local artisan workshops, working with obsidian and beeswax. Your experienced local leader will show you the heart of a country that is sure to leave you captivated.
Highlights
- Sample a delicious array of local dishes during your welcome dinner and dine at an award-winning restaurant in Oaxaca for an Exclusive Experience – Mexico's authentic food scene is sure to hit the spot.
- Spend a night in Puebla at your Feature Stay, converted from 16th, 17th and 18th-century buildings and offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main sights.
- Learn of the ancient Zapotec and Aztec histories with visits to the ruins of Teotihuacan and Mitla and the Cholula archaeological site, joined by specialist guides to further enhance your visit.
- Discover traditional craft industries with enlightening Exclusive Experiences. Learn about Zapotec woven fabrics, textile making, mezcal distilling and beeswax candle-making and visit a family-run obsidian workshop.
- Explore the Mexico City of past and present on a city tour with your leader, from the buzzing Zocalo Plaza to the Gothic National Cathedral and the sprawling National Palace.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2419
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBPM
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Oaxaca, Mexico
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (2), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (5 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,228 ($404 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Mexico City, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet your group and local leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Your hotel in Mexico City is housed in a building built in the 1890s and the location is one of the city’s best. The buzzing Zocalo Plaza and the National Cathedral are right on your doorstep and you can see views from the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your leader and sample an array of local dishes while you’re entertained by the roving Mariachi bands. End the evening with some sweet treats at the city’s oldest churreria.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Mexico City - Welcome Dinner (taco night)
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) (70 MXN)
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (263 MXN)
- Mexico City - Folklore Ballet (entrance fee) subject to availability from MXN400 to (1500 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Zocalo Central or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll get to know Mexico City on a tour with your knowledgeable local leader. From cosmopolitan glamour to ancient history, there’s a lot to see, so rise early and head out to the National Museum of Anthropology where your leader will indicate the most interesting rooms so you can walk through the different stages of the country’s past. Continue to the Zocalo Plaza, the lively main square of the city. Visit the National Cathedral to hear its story and see the impressive Baroque architecture, then stop at Diego Riviera Museo Mural where you can appreciate one of his most famous works. This spot first held a palace built by an Aztec emperor in the early 16th century, and now houses the offices of Mexico’s president. We will also visit Gastromotiva, an Intrepid Foundation partner who fight hunger and food insecurity across Latin America. Tonight is free to seek out the best food – your leader will have the best local recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
- Mexico City - Gastromotiva Mexico (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel Zocalo Central or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan. Here, you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago. After lunch continue to Puebla. Stop off on the way to visit a local family who produce beautiful stonework carved form obsidian – a naturally occurring volcanic glasslike rock. Take some time to admire their striking pieces and speak to the family about their craft. Arrive in Puebla and set out for a walk around town, visiting Calle de los Dulces (Candy Street) and the El Parian handicraft market. See the Rosary Chapel and Town Hall Palace, then head out to dinner at an award-winning restaurant, where a local chef serves up local specialties in an elegant setting – the mole here comes highly recommended.
Included Activities:
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site
- Teotihuacan - Obsidian workshop
Accommodation:
- Hotel Casareyna or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive out to the fascinating Cholula archaeological site. Meet with an expert local guide and tour the complex, including the Great Pyramid of Cholula – if you include its basement, this is the largest pyramid in the world. Explore the excavated areas around the pyramid and learn how the structure was built to honour the great Popocatépetl volcano. For lunch today, stop off at a restaurant serving up organic dishes made with locally sourced produce to minimise their impact on the environment. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations – you may like to join your leader for a visit to a local artisan to discover more about the Talavera pottery tradition.
Included Activities:
- Puebla - Cholula archaeological site
Accommodation:
- Hotel Casareyna or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll make the journey to Oaxaca – a colourful city rich with history and culture. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel for the next three nights – converted from a 19th-century mansion, traditional charm emanates from every corner, from its ivy-clad courtyard to original frescoes and stone fountain. Just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main Zocalo, full of cafes, musicians and artisans, there’s no better base for your time in Oaxaca. Head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city, stopping by the local markets of Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre, then enjoy a free evening. The best way to get to the heart of Oaxaca’s culture is to taste its food, so your leader will be happy to offer up some great local recommendations for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
- Oaxaca - Mercado Benito Juarez
- Oaxaca - Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (89 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, venture out of the city and take a tour of the Oaxaca region. Visit the Mitla ruins archaeological site – once the religious centre for Zapotec communities – and the Tule Tree, considered the world’s widest tree at over 11 m in diameter. The Montezuma cypress’ gnarled trunk is over 1500 years old, roughly the same as the ruins. Stop off to try some Mexican ice cream – an important part of Mexico’s culinary history, this hand-churned ice cream is considered one of the tastiest in the world. Maybe try some traditional Beso Oaxaqueno – a fresh fruit sorbet – or a scoop seasoned with chili. Continue to a beeswax candle-making workshop, learning age-old processes passed down for generations and the intricate designs that are created. Later, take part in a Zapotec weaving demonstration, which uses only traditional techniques, tools, patterns and organic dyes. Watch as local families craft folk clothing and rugs, some taking months to complete. Here, you’ll have a mostly plant-based lunch of regional specialities. On your way back to Oaxaca, stop by an agave mezcal factory for a tasting before returning to the city in the late afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Beeswax candle workshop
- Oaxaca - Weaving demonstration
- Oaxaca - Tule Tree
- Oaxaca - Mitla archeological site
- Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
- Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Oaxaca. There’s something here to suit every interest – speak to your leader about arranging a visit to the Monte Alban archaeological site, take a local cooking class or opt for a street art cycling tour. Tonight, head to a special dining experience with a menu of traditional Oaxacan dishes, curated and cooked by the restaurant’s award-winning owner and inspired by the recipes of her mother and grandmother. Let the dishes take you on a trip around the state as you enjoy a multi-course meal.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (95 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal) (130 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Oaxaca, speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation ahead of time. If you’re up for more adventure, consider the Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula trip.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Neela - Traveled, April 2024
I had an incredible time during this Intrepid tour of Mexico! The itinerary was perfect, ensuring that we were able to visit cities big and small and at a pace that felt well-balanced and never rushed! Our accommodations throughout the tour were perfect. Our tour guide, Val, was amazing and warm - her enthusiasm about the art and culture of Mexico was evident throughout the tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to get a flavor of Mexico and all that it has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Lynne - Traveled, March 2024
A great trip. Outstanding visits to archeological sites, great hotels and wonderful food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Richard - Traveled, March 2024
The Intrepid trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca was perfect in every detail, from our wonderful trip leader (Valeria) to the accommodation in which we stayed. The trip ended far too soon, but I feel truly enlightened by the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Sharon - Traveled, March 2024
This is an excellent trip best made during January or February. It was quite hot in mid march at some of the ruins. I loved learning the history and culture of the area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Rachel - Traveled, February 2024
Mexico is magical, and Karla is the most magnificent guide a traveler could hope to have. Her passion for art and history, along with her culinary expertise will enhance your journey in ways you cannot even imagine.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Victoria - Traveled, February 2024
Another great experience with Intrepid. Our tour leader Valeria was extremely knowledgeable and this made our visit even more interesting. Accommodation was also very good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Anthony - Traveled, February 2024
We had a great experience during our stay . Our tour leader Valeria provided us with loads of information and made our holiday even more interesting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Jill - Traveled, January 2024
Mexico is a vibrant,colourful country with delightfully friendly people. This particular tour combined wonderful archeological sites,colonial gems and indigenous practices. With gourmet food and a superb guide it was a great treat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Lap Hang - Traveled, December 2023
Valdivia is a very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly guide. She has extensive knowledge of Mexico, She makes you feel at home. she will suggest places to go aside from those to go included in the trip Best guide keep up the good work
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Noah - Traveled, December 2023
This was a short but packed adventure into the food, history and culture of the area. Just what I had hoped for and makes me excited about returning
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Susan - Traveled, December 2023
My first trip to Mexico. I learned so much! Incredible history, beautiful culture, delicious food. Nice balance of guided and free time. Makes me want more of Mexico!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Aindrias - Traveled, November 2023
We found travelling with Intrepid very well suited to us. We found the small numbers easier for us. Our wonderful, enthusiastic and informative guide, Valeria so interesting and her love for the history, cultural diversity and gastronomy came through with a passion. Our hotels were very good overall , two were exceptional, in Puebla Casa Renya and casa de la Sienna Azul in Oaxaca. A trip of a lifetime and a great 70 th birthday present ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Ana-Maria - Traveled, November 2023
An immersive journey through the rich history and diverse culture of central Mexico. I got to experience the ancient pre-Hispanic civilizations and savor the local cuisine.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Jorge - Traveled, November 2023
Great trip for experiencing Mexico. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Jane - Traveled, October 2023
What a wonderful experience, the history of Mexico is fascinating. Our guide was excellent, as was our driver. Highly recommended!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Lesley - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent tour visiting fantastic locations and local people. Could not have achieved this if self guided
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
ClazinA (Claartje) - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent tour with a great tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Alan - Traveled, September 2023
A great experience well organised by an excellent tour leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Rushton - Traveled, July 2023
We would recommend intrepid tours to Mexico and other places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Paul - Traveled, July 2023
Intrepid always trusted, consistent quality, mixing tourism with insights and cultural experiences. Small group tours the way to go. Like enough time on own to explore while not having the hassle of having to arrange own hotels and transportation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
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