Oaxaca Adventure & Food Tours

Day 1

Arrival to Oaxaca
You will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Relax and dine tonight on your own at one of Oaxaca’s fine restaurants.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 2

Monte Alban & Oaxaca City – Museo Pintores de Oaxaca
Take a private excursion to Monte Alban, just outside of Oaxaca. Located in the center of the Oaxacan Valley on a hilltop 1,200 feet above the valley floor, Monte Alban is an impressive site with remarkable panoramas of the valley. Monte Alban was the capital city of the Zapotec nation, and one of the first and most populated Meso-American cities during its peak, exerting control over the communities in the valley and surrounding mountains. After visiting Monte Alban, return to the colonial gem of Oaxaca to explore the deepest corners of this beautiful city with your guide including the Museo de Pintores de Oaxaca ( Oaxacan Painters’ museum) that offer a great exhibition of recognized local artist such as Adriacci, Sergio Hernandez, Rolando Rojas.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 3

Mitla Archaeological Site, Tule Tree & Hierve El Agua
Today is a full day to explore more Zapotec villages with your guide. Begin at the Mitla Archaeological site. “Mitla” means “places of the dead” as it served as an important religious center with tombs of ancient kings and priests and as a site for human sacrifices. Mitla’s detailed stonework mosaics are a unique example not found anywhere else in Mexico.

Continue to the Hierve El Agua mineral springs, meaning “boiling water”. This site is believed to be a sacred spot for the Zapotecs and possibly a source for irrigation. The mineral-laden water drips over cliffs, leaving mineral deposits that resemble frozen waterfalls. Bring your bathing suit for a soak in the upper mineral pools. The last stop is Santa Maria del Tule, a small town made famous by the Arbol del Tule in the churchyard. This mighty and ancient tree that is between 2,000-3,000 years old has a diameter of 40 feet making it one of the world’s largest trees and one of the oldest living species on earth. Return to Oaxaca in the evening.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 4

Mezcal Boutique
Today you will be picked up at in your hotel for a journey to the heart of fine mezcal. Deep in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca along the Totolapan river we will descend upon a small village of less than 300 inhabitants where some of the finest Mezcal is produced! While we will visit the white labeled mezcalarias, many fine and expensive brands of Mezcal source their spirits in this village and we have the great luck to sample it for a fraction of the cost. During the course of the day we will visit the village of San Luis del Rio and have lunch at San Jose de Gracia and time permitting, on our return visit San Baltazar Guelavia & Santiago Matatlan.

An unforgettable experience to meet the real people behind this magical spirit, enjoy the beautiful scenery and sample a premium mescal!
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 5

Teotitlan del Valle Market Visit and Cooking Class with Zapotec Family
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a full day excursion to Teotitlan Del Valle, possibly the prettiest village in the east side of the Valley. There is a remarkable church with authentic art subjects from XVI Century. At arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit to Teotitlan del Valle municipal Market.

Numerous families in the village are dedicated to weaving rugs and other woolen garments. You will spend some time visiting a family home/studio to see the process of how they are made. Many still use the traditional techniques of carding and spinning their own wool, then dying it with natural colors and finally weaving on solid-wood looms.

Oaxaca is famous world wide for its rich regional cuisine. Both Gourmet Magazine and The New York Times have praised Oaxacan Cuisine as the most authentic food in Mexico. The UNESCO recently added a new category and Mexican Cuisine is now included as World Heritage for their uniqueness and today you will enjoy a regional Cooking class and lunch, as special guest in a Zapotec Family to share with local people some of the Oaxacan cuisine secrets and enjoy time learning more about their culture.

Late afternoon estimated arrival back at Hotel for rest of evening at leisure. Back at your hotel enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 6

Oaxaca Gourmet Cooking Class
Mexico is known for great cuisine, and Oaxaca is blessed with an abundance of vegetables and grains from the valley, fish from the coast, tropical fruits from neighboring states, and of course, chocolate. Today is a private cooking class with a local chef. Begin with a visit to a local market to select the key ingredients for your Oaxacan meal. Return to the kitchen for a hands-on class that follows traditional recipes and shares the secrets of Oaxacan cuisine. And of course, enjoy your masterpiece with a relaxing and delicious lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore Oaxaca on your own.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Hotel Boutique

Day 7

Puerto Escondido
This morning you will meet the private transfer from hotel to Oaxaca Airport for your departure flight to Puerto Escondido. Welcome to the coast! We arrive to the airport of picturesque town and your home for the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Hotel Escondido

Day 8

Puerto Escondido
This days is yours to enjoy at leisure on property or experience our suggested (not included) optional activities: Stand Up Paddle Lesson, Yoga Class, Biolouminiscence Tour to Manialtepec Lagoon at Night.
Overnight: Hotel Escondido

Day 9

Departure Day
Today we say good bye to our coastal paradise and catch flights home.

Day 1

Arrival to Oaxaca
Today you will be picked up from the airport by your charming Oaxacan guide and quickly head out into the bustling street of the outskirts of town. Depending on arrival times, we will go straight for check in to the lovely hotel, Casa Oaxaca our home for 4 nights.
Following check-in, the family with venture out into the surrounding communities of San Bartolo Coyotepec (black pottery) as well as the Alebrije communities (wood carving) to meet with local artists and learn how they make their crafts. In both workshops, families have a hands-on opportunity to create these special works of art themselves, offering a truly authentic experience in age-old traditions and artistry. In San Bartolo kids will love squishing the wet clay between their fingers and attempting to mold masterpieces; and in San Martin Tilcajetete the family can pick from a variety of different animal figurines and paint their own wood carving.
Lunch takes place at a rural yet exquisite roadside eatery that serves fresh handmade blue and white tortillas that are combined with native ingredients such as squash blossom, corn truffle, wild mushrooms, avocado and fresh herbs. The quesadillas are always a hit with the youngins’ and the “exotic” types of flavored waters will excite them.There is a small playground next to the tables incase there is some extra energy to burn off.

Day 2

Hierve el Agua, Teotitlan & Tule Tree
Depart early from the hotel for a full day of touring (6‐8 hrs) that includes visits to Hierve El Agua, Teotitlan and Tule. Be sure to pack everybody’s bathing suit because today’s experience begins with a refreshing dip at the natural salt water springs of Hierve El Agua. About 2 hours outside of the City of Oaxaca, the spring’s cliff side location is breathtaking as are the formations of its “stone waterfalls” that were created as a result of the combination of salt water with limestone over centuries. Afterward our swim, we enjoy a lime ice cream and then head back down the mountain to the weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle. Here, we enter though large wooden doors that peak the curiosity of all ages in order to visit a family workshop where we are welcomed with a traditional blessing on the family’s Zapotec‐Catholic altar. At the family’s home we will witness the process of this time‐honored weaving method including a demonstration of how they make the dyes naturally with bugs and vegetables and fruits! Around lunch time, our gracious hosts will serve us a delicious meal of corn tamales, savory envelopes of corn dough stuffed with local meats, beans and cheeses and wrapped in the leaves of the locally grown banana trees. Final visit to The Tule Tree a 2,000 year old Montezuma cypress tree that is an impressive feat of nature with its existence chronicled by both the Aztecs and the Spaniards when they come to the region of Oaxaca.

Day 3

Monte Alban
Monte Albán was declared a UNESCO World Hertigae Site in 1987 and is known for its unique dimensions which exhibit the basic chronology and artistic style of the region.The archaeological site represents a civilization of knowledge, traditions and artistic expressions. The sheer size and grandeur of this site will make it a favorite for all ages, climbing to the top of pyramids and descending down ancient temples.
After our visit, we will head to the local restaurant Itanoní, a restaurant that pays tribute to the sacred corn plant through its thoughtful and special recipes—all based on the local Maize crops. In the afternoon, enjoy some down time relaxing at the hotel. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail prior to an evening out exploring on your own the vibrant main plaza, Zócolo of Oaxaca City. See the many vendors, listen to local musicians and enjoy people watching at the heart of what gives this city such an authentic Mexican “pueblo” feel.

Day 4

Market Tour
Today we visit the sprawling central market of Oaxaca, known as the Mercado de Abastos. Covering several city blocks, this market is a series of stands and stores that sell everything from purple tomatoes and live animals to clothing and appliances. Families will be immediately captivated by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling market. Stop at one of the many vendors where you have the option to purchase a rich and soothing Mexican hot chocolate and churros. The vendors selling dried edible grasshoppers is always a favorite for the kids, also rummaging through all the baskets of bracelets, playing with folkloric kids toys, and shaking the maracas.

Day 5

Huatulco
Today we transfer back to the airport for our departure flight to Huatulco. We board our 13 passenger plane and take off over the expansive valley towards the coast. Young and old, the family will be awed with the view out the window as the agricultural fields and flatlands give way to forested mountain peaks, criss-crossed with small dirt roads that connect the remote settlements between Oaxaca City and the coast. As we rise up and over our last mountain range, the coast comes into view and our descent from 5,000 ft to sea level is almost complete. We arrive to the airport of Huatulco, a picturesque palapa structure with one runway and one luggage band. Welcome to the coast!

Our drive to Villa Escondido takes us along the immaculately paved highway until we arrive at the shores edge to find our retreat.. Our home for the next few nights is hidden from the pulsing tourist resorts, hidden from the busy town center. One of the highlights of the villa is the incredible staff who are great with children. From impromptu painting classes to perfect margaritas, they knew the details that please all ages. The beach in front of the villa is a desolate stretch of soft sand and large rock formations that back onto a lush lagoon and river mouth around the corner. Beach time includes exotic birding, shell collecting, body and surf boarding, lagoon wading, rock gathering and all around peaceful quiet strolls.

Day 6

Surf Lessons and Fishing Village Exploration
This morning we will enjoy a delicious breakfast at our villa and then mid-morning we all will jump in our 4x4s to go wave hunting. In search of the perfect training wave, we will measure the swell and land on one of the many local beaches to set up for surf lessons all around. Our expert instructor has experience with all ages, from 4yrs to 80yrs old!

After a few hours of surfing, we will take our hearty appetites to the indigenous Chontal village of Barra de la Cruz where we can pick lunch from the fresh catch brought in daily. With our bellies full, we can spend a few more hours on the beach, practicing our new surf skills or resting in the sun. Suggested evening swim and cocktails by the pool at our villa before our yummy dinner prepared by the villa’s chef (additional cost).

Day 7

White Water Rafting
Today after breakfast we head to our launch site for our river rafting expedition down the Rio Copalita. This river counts with class II , III and IV rapids, something for every level of waterman. After our safety briefing, we don our life jackets, gather our paddles, and push out into the river. Border by lush jungles on either side, we spend the day bird watching between rapids and end up on the beach at Playa Bocana where our support vehicle awaits to take us home for an evening swim and cocktails by the pool before dinner (additional).

Day 8

Sea Turtles and Crocodiles
Today our travels take us up the coast to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and Crocodile Lagoon in Mazunte, Oaxaca. The journey includes 4×4 “taxis” which shuttle the family from place to place. We will visit with some of 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 wildlife, we head back to our villa for an early evening swim; dinner at your leisure.

Day 9

Departure Day
Today we say good bye to our coastal paradise and catch flights home Today we say good bye to our coastal paradise and catch flights home

Day 1

Arrival to Oaxaca
Welcome to the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico! We meet at the Oaxaca airport and transfer to our charming colonial hotel only a stone’s throw from Oaxaca’s historic Plaza Principal or “Zócalo.” The Zocalo consists of two squares: one with a bandstand and trees for shade; the other is full of shops and outdoor cafes. On a typical day, people from all walks of life are seen at the Zocalo – bands and groups of singing children or procession of one of the many festivals celebrated in the city and its surrounding pueblos. In addition, there is plenty of shopping for artisan crafts, paintings, jewelry, and much more! At night the area fills with street musicians and vendors selling a variety of foods and crafts. Today is a day to relax and wander the city after you arrive. In the evening, we meet our guide in the lobby of the hotel for introductions and an orientation.
Overnight: Hostal de la Noria or equivalent

Day 2

Monte Alban Ruins and Historic City Center
Today we explore the mysterious ruins of Monte Alban, the ancient capital of the Zapotecs and arguably the first metropolis of North America. This site began as the Toltecs migrated down from the present day states of Tabasco and Veracruz and encountered the Zapotec valley populations circa 500 BC. With Toltec influences, the Zapotec population flourished until about 750 AD where the population migrated to several smaller city states throughout valleys. Revered for it scenic mountaintop location just above Oaxaca City, this city played an important role in Meso-American history as it would serve as a major influence to both the Mayan civilizations in the Yucatan and later to the Aztec Empire that dominated the Central Valleys and beyond leading up to the arrival of the Spanish.

Return to Oaxaca for lunch. Well known features of the cuisine include ingredients such as chocolate (often drunk in a hot preparation with spices and other flavorings), Oaxaca cheese, mezcal and grasshoppers (chapulines) with dishes such as tlayudas, Oaxacan style tamales and seven notable varieties of mole sauce. We will taste Mole sauce today. After lunch we will enjoy a tour of the historic centro including the enormous Templo de Santo Domingo, nearby galleries, and one of the several quality museums such as the collection of pre-Hispanic art of the famous Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo. Group dinner near the Zocalo where we can get to know each other. Overnight: Hostal de la Noria or equivalent/ B,L,D

Day 3

Mitla Ruins & Sierra Norte Pueblo of Llano Grande
Today we delve deeper into the rich culture of Oaxaca visiting the colorful 16th century Templo y Ex-Convento de San Jerónimo in the village of Tlacochahuaya, which is a fascinating mix of native art and the Dominican influence that dominated much of the state of Oaxaca at the time of the conquest. Don’t forget to climb up to see the ornate 16th century French organ which is occasionally played for organ concerts. Continuing on to the ruins of Mitla (orginal name of Liobaa meaning “House of Tombs”), we will explore one of Mexico’s most interesting sacred burial grounds. Evidence shows that the site has been occupied since about 900 B.C.

Next, we travel to Teotitlán del Valle where we visit local artisans and see a demonstration of local dying and weaving techniques practiced during the last 300 yrs. You will also learn about their integration of old and new traditions found is this Zapotec pueblo. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the little known Sierra Norte Mountains. Our night’s accommodation is in a very comfortable locally owned and operated cabins, which offers bunk beds, a group fireplace, and shared bathrooms with hot water. Depending on time of arrival and interest, we can opt for a short hike to a look out point. We enjoy a community dinner with delicious local fare. By staying at this local lodge, we contribute directly to the community and ensure the preservation of the surrounding forest. Relax and enjoy an evening chat by the fire.
Overnight: Community Yu’u Sierra Norte Llano Grande/ B,L,D
Optional 1.5 hours hiking: 4 Miles, altitude: 300 ft gain and 300 ft loss

Day 4

Sierra Norte Day 2 – Hike from Cuajimoloyas to Latuvi
Through the pristine forests and mountains held sacred by the local people. We stroll through fields of wildflowers and enormous agave plants and past the pastures of community farms. Hiking in the Pueblos provides the unique opportunity to witness first hand the rural Oaxacan life and culture. We will visit the viewpoint “La Cucharrilla” with a spectacular view over the community of Latuvi and then continue to the Ranch “Cara de Leon” a trout breeding farm, where we will taste the delicious fried trout or trout with onions or other traditional food from the community. This group of communities are friendly and inviting to visitors wanting to share their idyllic beautiful forest setting with you.
Overnight: Community Yu’u Sierra Norte Latuvi /B,L,D
Full Day Hike 6 hours: – 9.8 Miles. altitude: 500 ft gain/200 ft loss

Day 5

Sierra Norte Day 3 – Hike from Latuvi to Benito Juarez
A day of hiking awaits us today as we continue to explore the villages on our way into the cloud forests of the Sierra Norte. This hike takes us through the local farming fields of potatoes, beans, and wheat down to a dense stand of pine, oak, and cedar forest including wildflowers, bromeliads, and even wild orchids in Spring and early Summer. After lunch, Transfer back to Oaxaca with a brief visit to the Tule tree that is claimed to be the largest tree in the Americas, leaving some time to wander the colonial streets before dinner. Overnight: Hostal La Noria or equivalent / B,L,D
½ Day Hike- 7.4 Miles § Altitude gain/loss: 750 ft/1,200 ft

Day 6

San Bartolo Coyotepec, Santo Tomas Jalieza and San Martin Tilcajete
Today, you will visit artisan workshops and homes to see first hand how the high quality crafts are made. Oaxaca has characterized for the creativity of its people since pre Columbian times. There are a series of towns with artistic tradition on the outskirts of the state capital, with each one specializing on a determined line of work. You will have a traditional lunch in one of the artisans homes. You will have the rest of afternoon free to shop and dine on your own. The towns we will visit are San Bartolo Coyotepec, experts on the fabrication of ceramics using black clay which are cooked in subterranean furnaces; San Martin Tilcajete, artisans who carve and paint in bright colors the whimsical animal shapes call alebrijes; and Santo Tomas Jalieza, where they make bags, rugs and belts, among other objects where motifs related to the local flora and fauna are predominant, using ancient waist frames.

If time permits, we may visit Ocotlan market (Fridays only). Head back to your hotel or relax a bit before heading out to dinner and a night on the town. You are free to make your own plans for this last night in this magical city.
Overnight: Hostal La Noria or equivalent / B,L

Day 7

Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido
We are up early today for an early morning flight like no other! We take a 14-passenger Caravan plane across the mountains and down to the tropical Pacific coast crossing coffee and banana plantations en-route. After checking into our beautiful seaside lodge, today is a free day to enjoy the coast, and you can choose from a number of options depending on the time of year including: biking and visit to Chatino villages in the Mixteca Sur; a trip to the National Turtle Museum and natural cosmetics factory founded by Anita Roddick (Body Shop Founder) in Mazunte and many more. Of course, you may opt to just relax and stroll the beaches or explore the quaint fishing town. Lunch is on your own today. Don’t forget to return to our lodge overlooking the Pacific for margaritas as we watch the sun drop into the Pacific. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel restaurant and includes the best sea food in town and all organic produce with lots of options for vegetarians.
Overnight: Hotel Santa Fe / B,D

Day 8

Hiking San Juan Lachao and Kayaking Laguna Manialtepec
After breakfast, we set out for a fantastic adventure in the lowland jungles of this little discovered coast. We will travel by vehicle (1:45 hrs.) to a small town on the slopes of the Sierra Madre Sur where we begin our hike into the jungle. We will hike for about and hour along the banks of a gurgling river with a gentle grade before arriving at the beautiful waterfall and swimming hole deep in the lush tropical forest. After ample time to enjoy the refreshing waters and relax, we return back along the same path and then back to our lovely hotel for lunch (not included) and some free time on your own. We will reconvene at about 3:00 pm for a guided exploration into the protected waters of Laguna Manialtepec. Upon arrival (:25 mins by car), we will enjoy a boat tour in this lagoon rich of ecosystems. It is home to a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles such as the golden eagle, cormorants, herons, scarlet macaw, pelicans, kingfishers, jacana, armadillo, chameleon, iguana, raccoon, and bobcat. If the group prefers, we can also do a gentle kayak tour instead of the boat tour. Afterwards we return back to our wonderful seafront lodge for farewell dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Santa Fe / B,D

Day 9

Flight from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City
We arrive at 8:30 am for our onward flights home or extensions in Oaxaca city. Coastal extensions are also available at Rancho Cerro Largo or the resorts of Huatulco. Please confirm departure flight if they are for same day as flight schedules are subject to change.
No Meals Included

Day 1

Arrival to Mexico City
Today you will be met by your driver outside of customs (international flights) and will be privately transferred to your Hotel, for check in and rest of evening at leisure. Enjoy dinner (on your own) at one of the many gourmet Mexican restaurants in the area, our suggestion is Pujol by acclaimed Chef Enrique Olvera which was named by Wall Street Journal as the “best restaurant in Mexico City” and ranked as the 17th best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine in 2013.
Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 2

Market Tour & Cooking Class with Chef Maycoll / Historic Center With Chocolate Tasting
This morning you will meet with Chef Maycoll at the J&G Grill Restaurant located in St. Regis to enjoy a market tour of “Mercado de San Juan”, one of the oldest and most unique markets in Mexico City, followed by a 5-course cooking class with wine pairing.
Later this afternoon enjoy a brief walking tour of historical Mexico City including visits to the most important sites such as the magnificent main square (Zocalo), the national palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and an overview of the Templo Mayor from above. This tour not only offers a great overview of Mexico´s history, it also incorporates important facts about Mexico´s rich culinary heritage and includes a stop at the famed Cafe Tacuba restaurant where you will learn about the legendary makings of Mole, one of Mexico´s most celebrated dishes. This experience concludes with a tasting at Que Bo, one of the most recognized “chocolaterias” in town by Jose Ramon Castillo, an acclaimed pastry chefs. Here, you will taste and learn all about Mexico´s cacao and chocolate legacy over delectable artisan chocolate…a true delight for all of the senses! Time permitting, you can visit the Chocolate Museum, Mucho Mundo Chocolate, to learn how the native cocao bean has been used since pre-Hispanic times in foods both savory and sweet.
Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 3

Coyoacan and Xochimilco
Today you will be met for a privately guided exploration of the subtler aspects of Mexico City. We head to the charming suburb of San Angel, you will also visit the Casa Estudio de Diego Rivera, the actual home of Diego and Frida Khalo, where you can see the artists’ workshop and original works by Diego Rivera. On to Coyoacan where you can explore the Bazar Artesanal and the now famous Casa Azul, the former birthplace and home of Frida Khalo where you can see original works as well as photos and artifacts from her life. After lunch (suggested at Los Danzantes – not included) you’ll continue to the ancient Aztec waterways of Xochimilco. Enjoy a private ride in one of the traditional trajineras. It’s not unusual to see other river boats pass by, selling traditional Mexican snacks. Time and interest permitting you can visit the Dolores Olmedo Museum. In the late afternoon you return to our lovely hotel to enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 4

Mexico City Markets
One of the best ways to get to know a city is by walking through its historic neighborhoods. This experience beings with walking through the vibrant community of Roma to learn about the vicinity´s history with insider tips on local shops and businesses and an explanation of the area´s architecture and its uniqueness in what is one of the largest cities in the world. Then visit a local market and learn about Mexico´s vast and rich cuisine, an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, by way of its regional and season chilies, produce, seeds, flowers and spices. Today’s lunch is suggested at Nikos Restaurant (not included).
Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 5

Puebla
Today after breakfast (included) and check-out you will enjoy a brief Mexico City sightseeing tour of the most important avenues and buildings before heading south to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Puebla. Upon arrival you will enjoy a delicious lunch (included) sampling some of the regions most delectable specialties and a short orientation overview of the downtown enabling you to comfortably explore the area on your own. For dinner we suggest sampling one of Puebla’s regional dishes which include tacos arabes, cemitas, and chalupas.
Overnight: Casa Reyna

Day 6

Puebla and Cholula
After breakfast, meet your guide for a continuation tour of Puebla’s Historic Center. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla’s zocalo is home to more than 70 churches and thousands of colonial buildings, many covered with azulejos (ceramic tile) for which the city has become known. Together with your guide the tour includes a stroll down la Calle de los Dulces (the candy street), and a visit to Puebla’s oldest cantina serving artisanal liquers at La Pasita. Lunch is included today and offers a sampling of Puebla’s famous mole poblano.

In the afternoon, visit Cholula and the Great Pyramid, the largest in the world by volume. Upon arrival centuries ago, the Spanish were frightened by the devout nature of the Aztec worship and when they discovered Cholula they hoped to usurp the spiritual powers of the indigenous by destroying the ritual centers and building churches directly on top of the foundations of the ancient temples.
Overnight: Casa Reyna

Day 7

Puebla Cooking Class
After breakfast, you will experience a “Mexican Cooking Course” at Mesón de la Sacristía (10:00 am to 1:00 pm). Introduction to Poblano cuisine: salsa verde, salsa roja, chalupas, mole poblano and fresh water of jamaica (hibiscus)* Following to preparation is tasting time!

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and later this evening you will meet you guide at the hotel lobby and prepare to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Puebla’s most traditional restaurants, includes ½ bottle of wine per person.
Overnight: Casa Reyna

Day 8

Tehuacan en Route to Oaxaca
Early today after hotel check out you will meet your guide for a private 2 hrs transfer to Tehuacan – the place of the oldest maize cobs and city of an impressive botanical garden and biosphere reserve. According to the archaeologist Richard Stockton MacNeish, the Valley of Tehuacan is the first place maize was ever cultivated by humankind. The city is well known for its mineral springs and the traditional dish “mole de caderas” (seasonal dish Sep-Dec). Among interesting attractions we will can visit the Museum of Mineralogy.

Your journey continues towards Oaxaca (2 hrs transfer). Once arrived, settle into your charming hotel to rest and refresh; this evening meet your private guide for a orientation walking tour in Oaxaca Historic City Center.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca

Day 9

Mitla Archaeological Site, Tule Tree & Mezcal Tasting
This morning we drive one hour to the Mixtec archaeological site of Mitla. Mitla is known for the unique stone fretwork found on the facades of its palace-like structures. Lunch in a small, typical restaurant will be included en route.

After our visit , we will then travel through the valley of Oaxaca visiting 2 small towns: San Dionisio Ocotepec & Santiago Matatlan. These towns are premium mezcal producers with authentic distilleries. Far from the tourist track, the mezcalerias that you will visit use the traditional copper still and pre-Columbian clay still in their production. We will taste the different agave types of Mezcal: Tobala, Espadin, Cuishe, Tobaciche…and more.

Back at your hotel enjoy rest of evening at leisure, suggested dinner on your own at Pitiona.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca

Day 10

Mitla Archaeological Site, Tule Tree & Mezcal Tasting
Teotitlan del Valle, Market Visit, and Cooking Class with Zapotec Family
Meet your guide for a full day excursion to Teotitlan del Valle, possibly the prettiest village in the east side of the valley. Here, there is a remarkable church with authentic art subjects from XVI Century. At arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit to Teotitlan del Valle Market followed by a visit to a family home to see the process of how traditional woven rugs are made. Many still use the traditional techniques of carding and spinning their own wool, then dying it with natural colors and finally weaving on solid-wood looms.

Later, you will enjoy a regional cooking class and lunch as special guest in a Zapotec family home to share with the locals some secrets of Oaxacan cuisine. Oaxaca is famous world wide for its offerings; both Gourmet Magazine and The New York Times have praised Oaxacan Cuisine as the most authentic food in Mexico.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca

Day 11

Cooking with Contemporary Chef Alejandro
After spending time in the countryside with local campesinos, learn about the contemporary flavors that continue to attract international attention to Oaxaca with local top Chef Alejandro of Casa Oaxaca. Visit the great central market and discuss the ancient traditions and alternative approaches to a range of local dishes. Through his personalized course, Alejandro will guide you to experience different flavors of Oaxaca, sharing his gastronomical knowledge along the way. Discuss your recent discoveries in the Zapotec communities with Chef Alejandro for further insight into Oaxaca’s cuisine. Peppers, chocolate, seafood from Veracruz and the southern coast – all of these elements are combined on local tables. Prepare another special meal today and enjoy along with a selection of artisanal mezcals
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca

Day 12

Departure Day
Today you will be picked up for your onward flight home.