Mexico City to Oaxaca

Mexico City to Oaxaca

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8 Days From

$1495

Mexico City to Oaxaca

8 Days Starting in Mexico City and ending in Oaxaca

Visiting: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBSI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1495

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour 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

  • 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 directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations provide job training for vulnerable youth in Rio De Janeiro and promote the importance of sustainable cooking.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Mexico City

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

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)
-Mexico City- Market Secrets and Salsa Making Lesson

Day 2: Mexico City

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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)

Day 3: Puebla

Location: Puebla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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 after joining 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:
-Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
-Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
-Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
-Mexico City - Lunch with a local family

Day 4: Puebla

Location: Puebla

Accommodation: Hotel

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe check out one of the many well-maintained churches and buildings or go for a hike near one of the area's looming volcanoes. Puebla is also Mexico’s culinary capital, so you could also 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).

Optional Activities:
-Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee)
-Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee)
-Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee)

Day 5: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch

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

Day 6: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

Accommodation: Hotel

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)

Day 7: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

Accommodation: Hotel

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
-Hierve el Agua - Petrified waterfalls (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery

Day 8: Oaxaca

Location: Oaxaca

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    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

  • Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

  • Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree and a Mezcal distillery

  • Oaxaca - Lunch with Zapotecan Family

  • Meals

    2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

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Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Included Activities

  • Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Cacalomacan - Mexican Metal Embossing Workshop
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree and a Mezcal distillery

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Public bus , Metro , Taxi

Important Information

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Public bus , Metro , Taxi

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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