Mexico City to Oaxaca
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2428
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Metro,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBSI
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Oaxaca, Mexico
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (2),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,402 ($175 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Consider arriving a few days early to see all that Mexico City has to offer. If you do arrive early, why not use your free time to check out this incredible city at your own pace – wander the array of museums, galleries and architecture or check out the nightlife and delicious street food. Head to Chapultepec, the city's huge central park, to visit one of the numerous museums, or relax in one of the many plazas and gardens. If you’ve gotten in early to book your ticket, you may like to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. After meeting your group and leader tonight, perhaps head out for a group dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (263 MXN)
- Mexico City- Market Secrets and Salsa Making Lesson (59 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, your leader will show you around the historic city centre. Visit Zocalo Square – a prominent central meeting place since Aztec times – and soak up the sound of rapid-fire Spanish and booming drums that fill the vast space. Pass by the dome-topped Palacio de Bellas Artes and consider paying the entrance fee to get in and wander around. Stop to see some murals painted by the famed Diego Rivera. You can spend the afternoon doing whatever takes your fancy, as the rest of the fay is free. Maybe sit down for lunch at a fonda (a home that a family has opened to the local community as a restaurant). You can usually grab a delicious meal for less than 5 USD!
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, learn the local lingo with an informal Spanish lesson on the way to Puebla, as your leader teaches you a few basic words and some local expressions to help you get the most out of your trip. Along the way, you’ll stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan – an archaeological site that predated the Aztec Empire by more than a thousand years! Then join a local family for an included lunch before continuing on to Puebla – known for its culinary history, architecture, pottery and the painted Talavera tiles that adorn buildings here. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Tonight, head out for an optional group dinner.
Included Activities:
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Mexico City - Lunch with a local family
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Puebla is Mexico’s culinary capital, so why not head out to indulge in some street food? If the season is right, try some chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce). Or you could visit the nearby 'Pueblo Mágico' of Cholula, home to the UNESCO-listed Cholula pyramid as well as colourful markets and closeup views of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. Tonight, join your leader for a drink at La Pasita Bar. Pasita is a sweet liqueur made of raisins, served in a caballito (tequila glass) and decorated with a cube of fresh goat cheese and a raisin stuck on a toothpick. This bar is particularly famous because of its way of serving the pasita.
Included Activities:
- Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
Optional Activities:
- Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) (21 MXN)
- Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) (47 MXN)
- Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee, closed Mondays and Tuesdays) (95 MXN)
- Puebla - Cholula town visit & Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get cosy with the locals as you travel by local bus to Oaxaca – this is a great time to crack a book or take a nap! Stretch your legs with an orientation walk when you arrive. Oaxaca is an old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. After your walk, you’ll tour the 20 de Noviembre Market, where you'll do as the locals and head to the Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas (the grilled meats aisle). Follow your nose (and your leader) to find it – smoke and the smell of grilled meat is thick in the air. You can even select the raw meat that looks best to you, and have it grilled how you like it! Grab some guacamole, salsa and some fresh tortillas on the way and then find a spot at one of the long tables where you’ll sit down for a classic Oaxacan lunch.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Market Tour with Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll visit the nearby archaeological site of Monte Alban. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this place was inhabited for over 1500 years by the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were literally carved out of the mountain and are now the symbols of a sacred topography. After, head to a local barro negro, or black pottery studio. See a demonstration of how the famed black pottery (or pottery of the night) is made and learn about the history of this artform – legend says that the clay is blessed! Head back to your hotel this afternoon, and if you have the energy, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy Oaxaca’s nightlife.
Included Activities:
- Coyotepec - Black Pottery Studio
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban - Archaeological Site (Entrance)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore Oaxaca at your own pace. Why not try your hand at whipping up the local cuisine with a cooking class, or venture to Hierve el Agua – a group of stunning natural rock formations where the minerals resemble cascading waterfalls. Maybe opt for a day tour of the Mitla archaeological site and visit a Teotitlan weaving town and mezcal distillery on the way. Alternatively, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the streets and take the opportunity to feast on some regional delicacies, including banana-leaf-wrapped tamales and spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers usually sold by the lovely old ladies of the markets. Depending on the season, a folkloric ballet performance is also a great option.
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
- Hierve el Agua - Petrified waterfalls (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (630 MXN)
- Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery (893 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Oaxaca, just speak to your booking agent.
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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
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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Emily - Traveled, December 2023
Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca are the crown jewels of Mexico. Every time I visit Mexico it continues to exceed my expectations. The tour is well organized, hotels were excellent for the price point, and the cities are magical. Lots of free time to explore on your own and just wander the town centers. Plenty for people interested in history, fancy coffee shops, authentic shopping, art and culture. Can't wait to go back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2023
Alice - Traveled, November 2023
Great trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Joanne - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent tour balancing flexibility with a variety of included activities. I would recommend extra days in Mexico City before and Oaxaca after the tour as there’s a lot to see and do there. If you can take a tour with Karla, sign up: she’s empathetic, enthusiastic, informative - one of the best tour guides or facilitators I’ve ever encountered.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Holly - Traveled, May 2023
I loved the boat trip out to the chinampa at San Pedro Tlahuac. It was fascinating to meet the people there and learn about this style of farming. I would never have discovered that on my own so thanks! Also loved Puebla. I didn't know much about Puebla before this trip and it was one of the highlights for me. Such a beautiful place. I also felt very safe everywhere we went.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Teng - Traveled, May 2023
The tour leader is great, I had a great time. I do hope they can change the hotel in Mexico city, the windows cannot be open which is a bit annoying.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Sara - Traveled, January 2024
Not having done an organized tour before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my husband and I were so pleased that we chose this. There are opportunities with Intrepid that you can’t get going by yourself. And for a first trip to Mexico, as well, it was great to have all the logistics figured out. All I had to worry about was if I wanted cheese or chicken with my mole. Our guide Sabina was excellent, and we were lucky to have a great group. Would choose an Intrepid trip again without any hesitation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Sarah - Traveled, January 2024
Sabina was an amazing group leader - the only thing that would have improved our tour would have been more time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Carrie - Traveled, January 2024
The Original tour for Mexico City to Oaxaca was perfect for me as a solo female traveler. There was just enough planned to keep me culturally engaged and to learn the ins and outs of getting around safely, plus enough down time to explore on my own or rest when needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Robert - Traveled, January 2024
Our Intrepid trip through Mexico was a delight and a breeze thanks to our outstanding tour leader, Sabina. Intrepid handled all the logistics to let us focus on the sights, not the worrisome travel details. Already planning another tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Keelin - Traveled, December 2024
A very enjoyable tour of three beautiful and varied cities. Our guide, Kei was incredible - informative, professional, enthusiastic and so helpful. Do your own research though as we would have missed important aspects of our trip if we just followed the suggested optional activities on the itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Lorenda - Traveled, December 2023
Intrepid does not disappoint. They are a first-rate company with an eye on travel experiences, knowledgeable guides, and concern for the environmental impact of traveling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Kathleen - Traveled, March 2023
If you see a tour organized by Intepid run away from it. Big problems with communication one organization.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2023
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