Highlights
- Cycle around the Teotihuacán archaeological site
- Sample authentic Oaxacan dishes made by Indigenous chefs
- Tour Monte Albán to gain a deeper understanding of Mesoamerican history
- Learn all about mezcal production in the agave fields of Santiago Matatlán
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City, Narvarte Food & Cantina Tour | Mexico City |
| Day 2 | Visit the National Museum of Anthropology | Mexico City |
| Day 3 | Cycle Teotihuacán, Transfer to Puebla | Puebla |
| Day 4 | Explore the Historic Town of Cholula | Puebla |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Oaxaca, Gastronomic Indigenous Roots Food Tasting | Oaxaca |
| Day 6 | Oaxaca City Walk & Archaeology in Monte Albán | Oaxaca |
| Day 7 | Discover the Árbol del Tule, Hierve el Agua, Mitla & Teotitlán | Oaxaca |
| Day 8 | Culinary Journey in Oaxacan Markets | Oaxaca |
| Day 9 | Mezcal Experience from Field to Bottle | Oaxaca |
| Day 10 | Depart Oaxaca |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Narvarte Food & Cantina Tour
Bienvenido and welcome to Mexico, a treasure trove for travelers passionate about archaeology and gastronomy. The country has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years and several ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs, Maya, and Zapotecs. Mexico City, the country's bustling capital, is a microcosm of these archaeological and culinary wonders and the perfect gateway for your exploration. Upon arrival at the airport in Mexico City, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. You'll have some time to unpack and unwind, but get ready because your day is just starting once the sun goes down.
In the evening, head to Narvarte. This residential neighborhood has become a prime foodie destination due to its many traditional taquerias, trendy coffee shops, and international cuisine options. On a four-hour guided tour, you'll visit food stalls run by vendors who've been in the neighborhood for decades. Delicious tacos you'll enjoy include volcanes (flame-grilled tortillas smothered in cheese and peppers), suadero (a lean cut of beef), and, of course, the famous al pastor (pork shoulder roasted on a spit). Then, toss back a chela (beer) at a local cantina and finish the night with a mezcal tasting led by a local chef.
Day 2: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
This morning, near the city center, you'll be guided on a four-hour exploration of the National Museum of Anthropology. This cultural treasure trove is the country's largest and most frequented museum, where you'll gain insights into the history of Mexico and the broader Mesoamerican region through its extensive collection of artifacts. Designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez in the 1960s, the museum holds 23 rooms and outdoor exhibition spaces housing the world's most extensive collection of ancient Mexican art.
The exhibits vividly portray the Indigenous peoples of Mexico, offering a deep understanding of their lives and culture pre- and post-colonial history. Notable highlights encompass artifacts such as the Aztec Calendar, also known as the Piedra del Sol (Aztec Sun Stone), the Olmec Colossal Head carved from basalt, and the intricately crafted jade mask of the Zapotec Bat God. The sculptures and ethnographic displays will transport you back in time and educate you on the continuity of Indigenous traditions into contemporary times.
Day 3: Cycle Teotihuacán, Transfer to Puebla
Your morning begins with your guide picking you up at the hotel for a one-hour journey out of the city to Teotihuacán, one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites, often referred to as the "City of the Gods." Its origins date back to 400 BCE, predating the Aztecs. At its peak around 500 CE, it housed over 200,000 people and featured 2,000 structures, making it the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. You'll have the opportunity to explore this ancient wonder on a bicycle, allowing you to feel more connected to the culture and history while adding an element of adventure.
Upon arrival, you'll hop on a bike to tour the site, passing by murals adorning structures depicting cultural, religious, and natural motifs. Traverse the Causeway of the Dead, Teotihuacán's main thoroughfare, stretching for a mile (2 km), stopping at the towering 215-foot (66 m) Pyramid of the Sun, the 140-foot (43 m) Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl with its feathered serpent deity bas-reliefs. Finally, your private driver will take you to Puebla, approximately two hours away. Once you arrive at your hotel, take the rest of the day to rest and recount your archaeological findings.
Day 4: Explore the Historic Town of Cholula
Accompanied by a local guide, venture just west of the city of Puebla to Cholula. Aptly named the "City of Churches," this place of legend has more than 365 churches, said to be one for each day of the year. Here, you'll spend the day exploring sites such as the renowned Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) church, perched atop the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the widest pyramid ever constructed. From this vantage point, take in sweeping vistas of Cholula's cityscape, and on clear days, catch sight of the majestic volcanoes in the Valley of Mexico.
As you stroll the city's charming streets, notice its archaeological zone, visit the museum, and stop to explore the Temple of San Francisco Acatepec and the Temple of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, which in the language of Nahuatl, means "place of our mother." After your day trip, head back to Puebla for dinner in its historic city center, a precursor to tomorrow's culinary excursion.
Day 5: Transfer to Oaxaca, Gastronomic Indigenous Roots Food Tasting
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, your driver will transfer you for 4.5 hours to Oaxaca, a globally renowned city for culinary treasures and cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in both facets as you embark on a Gastronomic Indigenous Roots tour, which celebrates Oaxacan cuisine's designation as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This food experience allows you to savor authentic dishes representing eight distinct regions, crafted by Indigenous chefs who will enlighten you about ancient ingredients and cooking methods. From coastal seafood to Central Valley vegetables, you'll feast on pre-Columbian essentials such as corn, chilies, beans, tomatoes, and squash, transformed into iconic dishes like tamales, mole, stone soup, and chapulines (grasshoppers). Complete this delectable journey with a glass of mezcal, a traditional agave-based alcoholic beverage.
Day 6: Oaxaca City Walk & Archaeology in Monte Albán
Today's first excursion is a three-hour walking tour of Oaxaca's colorful streets, guided by a knowledgeable local. As the day begins, you'll discover the city's rich heritage, tracing its history through landmarks such as the 16th and 17th-century aqueduct, the ancient Seminary of Santa Cruz building, and Casa Juarez's imposing facade. Embrace the lively atmosphere of Alameda and Constitution squares, home to the bustling markets, where Oaxaca's gastronomic treasures await and colors, scents, and flavors come alive. Conclude your tour with a visit to a chocolate factory, where you'll learn about Oaxacan chocolate.
Later, a local guide will escort you to Monte Albán, a Zapotec city perched atop a hill in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca with a history dating back to the heights of the Mesoamerican civilization. On a two-hour tour, wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site's landmarks like the North Platform and the Great Plaza, where the Gallery of the Dancers and remnants of the ancient ball game court stand. Your guide will regale you in the history and culture of the Zapotec people, providing a profound appreciation for this site and its pivotal role in Mesoamerican history.
Day 7: Discover the Árbol del Tule, Hierve el Agua, Mitla & Teotitlán
Today's full-day tour departs from Oaxaca City in the morning, starting with a one-hour drive eastward to reach Mitla, an ancient Zapotec city. En route, pause to marvel at the Árbol del Tule, an ancient Montezuma cypress with the world's largest tree trunk at 137 feet (42 m) in circumference. Continue to Mitla, a site steeped in history. In pre-Hispanic times, it held paramount religious importance and served as a burial ground in the Oaxaca Valley. Explore the site's five principal structures, encompassing Zapotec/Mixtec ruins and ancient Catholic churches like the 1590-founded Iglesia de San Pablo.
Next, admire the remarkable Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder in the mountains, where unique rock formations create terraced waterfalls and mineral-rich pools. Cool off in the refreshing waters before getting back on the road for a visit to Teotitlán del Valle, a colonial village known for its artisanal wool rug weaving. Explore a local workshop, delving into traditional rug-making techniques and natural wool dyeing. Your journey culminates at a palenque (mezcal distillery), where you'll savor diverse mezcal varieties and discover the intricacies of its production process before heading back to Oaxaca.
Day 8: Culinary Journey in Oaxacan Markets
Experience Oaxacan culture and cuisine at its core as you explore the city's bustling marketplaces. Start with a local guide at the Mercado de Abastos, savoring the renowned memelas (open-faced tortillas). Move on to the Mercado de la Merced, where empanadas are cooked on a charcoal stove and served with various sauces. For an interesting taste of Oaxaca, try a grasshopper omelet paired with pennyroyal tea.
Depending on the day, your adventure might take you to the Trinidad de las Huertas neighborhood to enjoy piedrazos (bread soaked in vinegar). In the Reforma neighborhood, savor specialties like stewed tacos and tetelas (stuffed triangle tortillas). End your day with a delightful sampling of Oaxaca's famous empanadas de amarillo, followed by a delectable assortment of the town's finest tortas (cakes).
Day 9: Mezcal Experience from Field to Bottle
Day 10: Depart Oaxaca
As your eventful journey nears its end, seize the morning to soak in one final taste of Oaxaca. Whether exploring the vibrant dining scene, art galleries, mezcalerías, and craft shops or simply strolling amid the city's colorful architecture, this time is yours to savor. Don't forget to weave through the Mercado Benito Juárez, where last-minute treasures like mezcals, mole, and chapulines await.
With satisfied appetites, return to your hotel to collect your belongings. Your awaiting driver will ensure a timely transfer to Oaxaca International Airport, marking the conclusion of your memorable time in Mexico.
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