Journeys: Discover Mexico - 9 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female51%
- Male49%
Average age
Start / End
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
13Highlights
- Embark on a captivating journey through Mexico City, beginning with an immersive introduction to Mexican cuisine. Experience the magic of a sunrise Xochimilco tour, navigating ancient Aztec canals on a vibrant trajinera, before delving into the profound history of Teotihuacán's majestic Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, immerse yourself in art and culture at the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum, Casa Azul.
- Discover the colonial grandeur of Puebla, a city renowned for its Spanish architecture and rich culinary heritage, including the legendary Mole Poblano. Engage with local artisans during a fascinating Talavera pottery demonstration, unraveling the historical significance of this intricate ceramic tradition.
- Journey to the heart of ancient civilization with a guided visit to Monte Albán, an extraordinary UNESCO archaeological site. Explore the awe-inspiring Zapotec metropolis of pyramids and terraces, offering panoramic vistas and a profound connection to Mesoamerica's past.
- Immerse yourself in Oaxaca's vibrant artisan scene. Witness the creation of whimsical 'Alebrijes' – fantastical folk figurines carved from copal wood – with a local artisan community. Delve into the local spirit with a mezcal cooperative demonstration and tasting, discovering the unique traditions behind this agave-based beverage.
- Savor the exquisite culinary delights of Oaxaca, a region globally celebrated for its gastronomic richness. Participate in a hands-on tortilla-making workshop and enjoy a unique culinary experience with a local family, tasting an array of authentic Oaxacan dishes and learning about traditional food culture, an experience famously highlighted on National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.”
- Enjoy generous free time to explore at your leisure, from wandering the bustling zócalos and historic centers of Mexico City and Puebla to discovering Oaxaca's charming cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and optional excursions to natural wonders like the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua.
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Summary
Mexico offers travellers a feast for the senses — the sounds of bustling urban life of Mexico City, the fascinating sights of the Aztec ruins, and the flavours of exquisite food and drink. On this nine-day tour, you’ll have the chance to devour all this and more. Your journey starts in the country’s famed metropolis before visiting many pieces of its colourful past, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Teotihuacán Ruins, the important archaeological site Monte Albán, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the artisan community of Oaxaca. And, of course, you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine along the way — not to mention a sip or two of mezcal. With free time put aside to explore, Mexico is ready to embrace all travellers looking to uncover this beautiful country.
Itinerary
Day 1
Mexico City
Arrive at any time, your arrival transfer is included. Enjoy an introduction to Mexican cuisine from a chef, and a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Mexico City
Rise early for a sunrise tour of Mexico City's Xochimilco, a system of canals built by the ancient Aztecs. Navigate through colourful floating gardens on a brightly painted, flat-bottomed punt-a-boat coasting through the morning air. The waters are home to the critically endangered axolotl, a rather unusual amphibian native to Mexico with deep roots into Aztec mythology. At first glance it’s a race run by the local communities to save a quirky salamander, but experts in an article featured on National Geographic’s website feel it’s really about habitat restoration. After navigating the waters, the group will stop at a local farm for a traditional breakfast. Later, return to the city and join the CEO for an orientation walk of the historical center around the iconic main plaza (zócalo), before taking the rest of the day to explore on your own. Opt to visit one of the city's stellar museums, such as the National Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Arts; or tour the murals of Diego Rivera, the renowned Mexican painter who spearheaded the Latin American fresco movement in the early half of the 20th century.
Day 3
Mexico City
Head to Teotihuacán for a guided tour of this ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Little is known regarding when Teotihuacán, the "city of the gods," was constructed or by whom, but by the fifth century A.D. it had grown to become one of the most important cities in Central America. Explore these impressive pre-Aztec ruins and learn about the site's iconic temples, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Enjoy a delicious lunch near the site before returning to Mexico City in the late afternoon.
Day 4
Mexico City/Puebla
Head to the vibrant Coyoacán district, home to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Tour the Casa Azul or “blue house,” where the famed Mexican artist was born and spent her final years. National Geographic’s book “In Praise of Difficult Women” by Karen Karbo offers inspiring, in-depth profiles of women around the world who, like Frida Kahlo, pushed against the boundaries built by societal norms. After your visit, travel to Puebla and take a guided walk of the stunning city, backed by a soaring volcano, and renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture and culinary traditions. Mole poblano is said to have originated here! Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring.
Day 5
Puebla
Enjoy a Talavera pottery demonstration with a local artist and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this Mexican ceramic tradition, brought to the New World by the Spanish in the 16th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore: choose to visit one of Puebla’s colourful markets; or discover the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world.
Day 6
Puebla/Oaxaca
The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila's cousin). Its also known for its culinary delights and you'll have many opportunities to taste an array of Oaxacan cuisine.
Day 7
Oaxaca
Set off in the morning for a guided visit of the nearby UNESCO archaeological site of Monte Albán, one of Mesoamerica's most ancient cities. Founded around 500 B.C., Monte Alban was a Zapotec metropolis of pyramids, terraces and canals overlooking the city of Oaxaca and once served as the region's capital until eventually being abandoned and re-occupied into the 14th century. Continue to an artisan community for lunch and then learn about Alebrijes, fantastical folk figurines carved from copal wood and then brightly painted. Next, visit a mezcal cooperative for a demonstration and tastings of the unique local beverage made from the agave plant. Enjoy a free evening in Oaxaca to relax or head out for a night on the town.
Day 8
Oaxaca
Take advantage of a free day to explore Oaxaca and its surroundings. Take an optional excursion to the petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua, visit more ruins at Mitla, or simply wander the cobblestone streets of the city to discover its plazas, colourful architecture, and quaint cafes. This evening, the group will experience the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. The culinary richness of Oaxaca has been featured on an episode of National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”, in which Ramsay explores the history and traditions of this Mexican city while learning how to make mole and tortillas from talented locals. During your experience the group will learn how to flip your own tortillas at a tortilla-making workshop. Continue to a local family's kitchen to taste an array of delicious Oaxacan dishes and chat with your hosts about traditional cooking methods and food culture.
Day 9
Oaxaca
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels – 8nts.
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
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from £2,988Jan 26
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from £2,821Dec 26
from £2,988Jan 27
from £2,498Feb 27
from £2,498Mar 27
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from £2,498May 27
from £2,498Jun 27
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from £2,498
- Save 26%Sat 11 Oct 2025 > Sun 19 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£2,349£1,727
- Save 31%Sat 18 Oct 2025 > Sun 26 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£2,349Best offer£1,611
Customer reviews & ratings
It was a great experience. Alf created a terrific experience for the trip.
Roger Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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