Destination:
Days: 9This unforgettable Oaxaca family adventure uncovers the very best of the region through exciting activities that are suitable for young and old alike.
Begin the nine-day vacation with a cultural exploration, visiting the famed artisans of the region for entertaining craft-making lessons in which fun and learning go hand-in-hand. Then, go on a beautiful cycling tour visiting the Tule Tree, the tree with the largest circumference in the world, and stopping for beautiful photo opportunities.
After, explore the Monte Alban archeological site and a sprawling market before enjoying a flight in a small 13-passenger plane to the coast. Once by the sea, the thrill rides begin. Enjoy surf lessons and white-water rafting led by expert guides before visiting an animal conservation center to see sea turtles and crocodiles.
HIGHLIGHTS
Artisan exploration – Meet the famed local artisans of San Bartolo Coyotepec and San Martin Tilcajete for fun, hands-on art lessons
Private cycling trip – Set out on a family cycling adventure through gorgeous landscapes and to visit the giant Tule Tree
Small plane flight – Catch an unforgettable flight in a 13-passenger plane and enjoy views of the stunning landscapes below
Surfing lessons – Learn how to ride the waves with guidance and advice from an expert surf instructor
White-water rafting – Travel down the Rio Copalita on a family white-water rafting expedition
Animal conservation center – Come face-to-face with sea turtles and crocodiles and learn about on-going conservation efforts
Day 1: Arrival to Oaxaca
After arriving at the airport, enjoy a private transfer to the hotel for check-in. Then, head out for the first family adventure in Oaxaca, visiting San Bartolo Coyotepec, a town known for its artisanal production of black pottery pieces.
Here, meet a local artisan and even attempt to create a masterpiece with guidance from the expert.
After, head to San Martin Tilcajete, known for manufacturing whimsical animal carvings known as alebrijes. Pick from a variety of different animal figurines and paint colorful patterns on the wood carvings.
Lunch at a rural yet exquisite roadside eatery that serves fresh handmade blue and white tortillas combined with native ingredients such as squash blossom, corn truffle, wild mushrooms, avocado, and fresh herbs. There is a small playground next to the tables in which kids can burn off any extra energy.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca
Day 2: Private cycling tour with Tule Tree visit
Go an unforgettable family cycling trip through the Valley of Oaxaca. Cycle through farming fields and small villages, stopping off to admire beautiful landscapes. Pass through the village of Santa Maria del Tule to admire the famous Tule Tree, an ancient cypress that holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest circumference on the planet. Also, cycle through the local Zapotec villages of Tlacochahuaya and Teotitlan del Valle.
Stop for fresh fruit and rest as the guides load the bikes on a van to be shuttled to the second stage of the adventure. The next cycling trip stops at San Baltazar Guelavila to meet Miss Serena and her family, who will be preparing delicious homemade food using traditional techniques.
After lunch, cycle through the mountains, stopping to take pictures of the gorgeous vegetation and terrain. After the journey, which includes a visit to the Salinas River and caves, head to a local distillery to see the mezcal-making process and to taste some of their excellent drinks.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca
Day 3: Monte Alban private tour
Open the youngsters´ eyes to Mexico’s ancient world with a privately guided tour of the ruins at Monte Albán, once the capital city of the Zapotec nation and one of the most populated cities in Mesoamerica.
After, head to Itanoní, a local restaurant that pays tribute to the sacred corn plant through its thoughtful and special maize-centered recipes.
In the afternoon and evening, enjoy some downtime relaxing at the hotel or exploring the vibrant main plaza of Oaxaca City, known as the Zócalo.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca
Day 4: Market tour of Mercado de Abastos
Visit the sprawling central market of Oaxaca, known as the Mercado de Abastos. Covering several blocks, this market sells everything from purple tomatoes and live animals to clothing and appliances.
Make sure to stop at one of the many vendors selling Mexican hot chocolate and churros. The more adventurous eaters in the group may want to try edible grasshoppers, known as chapulines. Also enjoy rummaging through the baskets of bracelets, playing with traditional kids´ toys, and shaking the maracas.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca
Day 5: Transfer to Huatulco
Today, take a private transfer to the airport for an unforgettable flight to Huatulco and the coast. Board a 13-passenger plane and soar over the expansive valley towards the sea.
Marvel at the views scrolling past the window as fields and flatlands give way to forested mountain peaks, crisscrossed by dirt roads that connect the remote settlements between Oaxaca City and the coast.
Day 6: Surf lessons and fishing village exploration
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before jumping in 4x4s to go wave hunting. Once the perfect surfing spot is found, join an expert instructor and conquer the waves.
Then, after a few hours, head to the indigenous Chontal village of Barra de la Cruz to pick lunch from the day´s catch.
With bellies full, spend a few more hours on the beach, practicing newly learned surf skills or resting in the sun.
Day 7: White-water Rafting
After breakfast, head to a launch site for a river rafting expedition down the Rio Copalita. After a safety briefing, don life jackets, gather paddles, and push out into the river.
The waters include class II, III, and IV rapids, something for every level of rafter. Bordered by lush jungles on either side, spend the day birdwatching between rapids and finish the excursion at Playa Bocana, where a support vehicle waits for a transfer home.
Day 8: Sea turtles and crocodiles
Travel up the coast to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and Crocodile Lagoon in Mazunte, Oaxaca.
Meet the coast’s most amazing animals and learn about the conservation programs in effect to keep them safe from extinction. After a fabulous day of exploring the mangroves and learning about the local wildlife, head back for an early evening swim and dinner at leisure.
Day 9: Departure Day
End the family vacation in Oaxaca in style with a private transfer to the airport for onward flights home.
Dates
Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.
Prices
Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.
Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.
