Oaxaca Tour: Explore Ruins, Incredible Waterfalls, Charming Towns and Much More (Small-Group / 15 Days)

Oaxaca Tour: Explore Ruins, Incredible Waterfalls, Charming Towns and Much More (Small-Group / 15 Days)
Fra USD 2.523,00 $
  • Varighed: 15 Dage (Ca.)
  • Produkt kode: P6FBNQ

Overview

Join our 15-day off-the-beaten-track tour to get acquainted with the rich cultural & natural diversity of Oaxaca. This Mexican state offers a wide variety of attractions, including numerous archaeological sites, picturesque towns, indigenous traditions, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Highlights

  • Try famous Oaxacan cuisine - one of the most delicious & diverse in Mexico.
  • See dinosaurs steps in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve.
  • Surf & enjoy golden beaches in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.
  • Relax in natural thermal springs & visit striking caves.
  • Visit ruins of Monte Alban - one of the greatest pre-Hispanic cities in Mexico.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico - the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time before meeting your group & Tour Leader in the evening: welcome meeting & dinner in one of the local restaurants. Start of our "Mexico: Hidden Gems of Oaxaca Tour".

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
  • Food & Drinks: welcome dinner
  • Activities: welcome meeting

Day 2: Mexico City

Spend the 1st half of the day exploring Mexico City's Historic Centre & visiting the National Anthropology Museum with your Tour Leader.  Free time in the afternoon, optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

  • Transportation: public transport
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Activities: walking tour of the Historic Centre of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Anthropology Museum

Day 3: Mexico City - Cuernavaca - Tepoztlán

Firstly, in the morning,  head to the colonial city of Cuernavaca visiting El Salto de San Antón waterfall & Teopanzolco Archeological Zone on your way. Once there, have a walking tour of the historic center of the city & visit its main attractions. Afterward, following an optional lunch, go to a "Magical Town" of Tepoztlan. There, we will hike to Tepozteco. This unique archeological zone on top of the hill is famous for its temple of Tepoztēcatl, the Aztec god of pulque (fermented beverage from the sap of agave). Later, we will explore the historic center of the town, try some of the most typical regional dishes in a municipal market & famous local ice-cream. Check-in, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B house in Tepoztlan
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast; Market Food Experience and ice-cream tasting in Tepoztlan
  • Activities: guided visits to El Salto de San Antón waterfall, Teopanzolco & Tepozteco Archeological Zones; walking tours in Cuernavaca & Tepoztlan

Day 4: Tepoztlán - Cuautla - Zacualpan de Amilpas - Atotonilco

\In the morning, go to explore the history and nowadays of Ex-Hacienda de Apanquetzalco. Afterward, move to Cuautla - a regional center famous for its rich war history and revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata who was born here. After a walking tour of the historic center of Cuautla, visit to a local railways museum & nearby house-museum of Zapata, we will transfer to Zacualpan. This little town is famous for its coffee & aguardiente (alcoholic beverage from sugar cane similar to rum) traditions -  we will see both of them. Finally, we will arrive at our accommodation in Atotonilco - a small village famous for its numerous hot springs. Check-in, relaxation in thermal springs in our accommodation, optional dinner & get-together in one of the local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel with hot springs in Atotonilco
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast; berries picking & tasting in an organic strawberry farm; Market Food Experience in Cuautla; aguardiente distillery tour & coffee workshop in Zacualpan
  • Activities: guided visits of Ex-Hacienda de Apanquetzalco, Museo Casa Zapata, Ex-Hacienda de Coahuixtla

Day 5: Atotonilco - Chalcatzingo - Izúcar de Matamoros - Huajuapan de Leon

\Start your morning exploring Chalcatzingo Archaeological Zone - see its impressive 2000-years-old structures and unique carvings. Then, transfer to ancient 400-years-old Ex-Convento De Santo Domingo De Guzman in Izucar de Matamoros. After a guided visit to the convent, an orientation walk of the town & Market Food Experience, head to Destileria Ayutla. Once there, have a factory tour learning about the process & tasting some of its main products - whiskey, gin, vodka & beers. Afterward, move to a final destination of the day - colonial town Huajuapan de Leon. Check-in, walking tour of the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast; Market Food Experience in Izucar de Matamoros; distillery tour with tastings in Ayutla
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huajuapan de Leon
  • Activities: guided visits to Chalcatzingo Archaeological Zone; walking tours of Izucar de Matamoros & Huajuapan de Leon

Day 6: Huajuapan de León - Reserva Natural El Boqueron - Grutas de San Miguel Cuevas - Putla Villa de Guerrero

Start your day with a Market Food Experience in Huajuapan de León. Then, move to Reserva Natural El Boqueron with a photo stop at Presa de San Francisco Yosocuta. In El Boqueron, have a spectacular hike along the steep walls of the canyon, followed by an on an optional swim in a crystal-clear mountainous river. Afterward, following an optional lunch, go for a swim in a spectacular Laguna Encantada & walkthrough hidden San Miguel Caves. By the evening, arrive at Putla Villa de Guerrero - the center of the municipality that serves as a commercial center for the Mixtecs, Amuzgos, Chatinos, and other indigenous people that live in the area. Check-in, an orientation walk of the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: Market Food Experience in Izucar de Matamoros (breakfast)
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Putla Villa de Guerrero
  • Activities: hiking to Reserva Natural El Boqueron; guided visits to Laguna Encantada & San Miguel Caves; orientation walk of Putla Villa de Guerrero

Day 7: Putla Villa de Guerrero - Atotonilco - Pinotepa Nacional - Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

\After breakfast, enjoy a local river beach near Putla Villa de Guerrero and natural hot springs in Atotonilco village. Afterward, continue to Pinotepa Nacional - the center of one of a few Afro-Mexican areas of the country: Market Food Experience & orientation walk of the center. Thereafter, move to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. There, visit a local beach where hundreds of turtles come every year to lay eggs, enjoy the view from an abandoned lighthouse, and see the sunset from one of the huge rocks. Check-in,  optional dinner & night bioluminescence boat tour to one of the local lagoons.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast, Market Food Experience in Pinotepa Nacional
  • Accommodation: cabins in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
  • Activities: visits of the river beach near Putla Villa de Guerrero & natural hot springs in Atotonilco village; orientation walk of Pinotepa Nacional; night bioluminescence boat tour in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

Day 8: Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

Enjoy a free day in this natural paradise choosing among a variety of activities: surfing; sunbath, swim & snorkel;
fishing in the morning with locals; exploring the beach and searching for the traces of turtles; have a relaxing temazcal & massage.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Accommodation: cabins in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
  • Activities: free time

Day 9: Lagunas de Chacahua National Park - Puerto Escondido

After free time to enjoy the beach in the morning, check out at midday & visit the local crocodile protection center. Then, continue our "Mexico: Hidden Gems of Oaxaca Tour" going to the center of Puerto Escondido - a port town and resort that’s known for its many beaches and buzzing nightlife: optional lunch & orientation walk. Thereafter, go to see the sunset & liberate little turtles on the local beach. After sunset, transfer to our accommodation in Zicatela Beach, check-in, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local bars.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puerto Escondido
  • Activities: guided visits to crocodile & turtles protection centers; orientation walk of the center of Puerto Escondido

Day 10: Puerto Escondido - Mazunte - La Crucecita

After breakfast, check out & go for a mangrove boat tour. Then, continue to Mazunte - a "Magical Town" famous for a strong surf,  beautiful beaches & Mexican Turtle Center. Once there, enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and (if you are lucky & it's a correct season) migrating whales on a local peninsula. Then, go for an orientation walk and optional lunch in the center of the town. Once ready, transfer to Bahia de Cacaluta - a virgin golden-sand beach in Huatulco National Park accessible by a 30-min walk through the forest. This is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming & enjoying untouched nature. After spending several hours on the beach, go to see the sunset from a local lighthouse. Transfer to our accommodation in La Crucecita, check-in, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in La Crucecita
  • Activities: mangrove boat tour; guide hikes to Punta Cometa Peninsula & Bahia de Cacaluta

Day 11: La Crucecita - Pluma Hidalgo - San Jose del Pacifico

After breakfast & checkout, go for a coffee tour in one of the farms around Pluma Hidalgo. This little mountainous village is one of the most idoneous places in Mexico for the cultivation of coffee. As a matter of fact, the local Pluma Gourmet type is one of the most prestigious in the country. Then, after an orientation walk, lunch & a cup of delicious coffee in Pluma Hidalgo, head to San Jose del Pacifico. Located in the southern sierra of Oaxaca, this town at 2,500 meters above sea level literally touches the sky. Once there, have an orientation walk of the town, see a beautiful sunset from our accommodation & enjoy a traditional temazcal. Optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast; lunch, coffee & waffles tasting in Pluma Hidalgo
  • Accommodation: cabins in San Jose del Pacifico
  • Activities: coffee farm tour around Pluma Hidalgo; orientation walks in Pluma Hidalgo & San Jose del Pacifico

Day 12: San Jose del Pacifico - Santo Tomás Tamazulapan - San Martín Tilcajete - Zaachila - Oaxaca City

After breakfast & check-out, continue our "Mexico: Hidden Gems of Oaxaca Tour" visiting a family mezcal distillery in Santo Tomás Tamazulapan. Then, head to San Martín Tilcajete - a little town known for its colorful fantastical creatures hand-carved by local artisans. After visiting some of the local workshops & orientation walk of the town, transfer to Zaachila - a small town that became the last Zapotec capital after the fall of Monte Álban. There, we will visit a still largely unexplored local archaeological site & local market where we will try some of the most exquisite regional specialties. Then, we will transfer to Oaxaca City with a visit of a unique (it has no roof!) Ex-Convent of Guerrero Cuilapam on our way. Once in Oaxaca City, have an introductory walking tour of its historic center visiting its main attractions. Check-in, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast; Market Food Experience in Zaachila
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca City
  • Activities: guided visit to Zaachila Archeological Zone & Ex-Convent of Guerrero Cuilapam; orientation walks/walking tours in San Martín Tilcajete, Zaachila & Oaxaca City

Day 13: Oaxaca City

After breakfast, go to explore Monte Albán Archeological Zone. Free time in the afternoon. Optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca City
  • Activities: guided visit to Monte Albán Archeological Zone

Day 14: Oaxaca City - San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca - Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve - Puebla

Firstly, go to visit an impressive Ex-Convento de San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca. Then, head to San Juan Raya - a little village in the middle of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. There, accompanied by a local community guide, we will visit a place with impressive vegetation and dozens of dinosaur steps that are millions of years old. After a tour, transfer to Puebla with an optional stop at a unique local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine. Check-in, an orientation walk of the historic center of Puebla, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast
  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla
  • Activities: guided visit to Ex-Convento de San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca; tour to dinosaur steps in San Juan Raya

Day 15: Puebla - Mexico City

Free time in the morning to explore the city. At midday check-out and transfer to Mexico City. End of "Mexico: Hidden Gems of Oaxaca Tour".

  • Transportation: private vehicle
  • Food & Drinks: breakfast

Why go with us

  • Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & fun!
  • Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
  • The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Logistics

  • DEPARTURE: We will leave our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 3 morning.
  • ARRIVAL: We will be back in Mexico City on Day 15 afternoon around 2 pm.
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: An exact list of accommodations is sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. Most of the accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- & post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes. However, this time is normally enough to arrange it with normal pricing & enough availability.
  • ROOM TYPES:
    • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.
    • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.
    • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.
    • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

    If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

  • TRANSPORT: The type of private vehicle for inter-city transfers depends on the size of the group and may include car, 7-seater, minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.
  • ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for departures. Both walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities) and orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages) focus on local history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader.
  • FOOD: Food & drinks included in the tour (be it breakfasts at our accommodations, Market Food Experiences, lunches, or dinners) can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.
  • PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of hiking & walking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.
  • WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & (preferably hiking) shoes; swimming suit & slippers; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
  • PRICING: The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers & room option you choose.
  • GROUP VS. PRIVATE TOUR: Group Tour: take a trip with other travelers. Private Tour: take a trip on your own, with friends, couple, or family. While offering more privacy and exclusivity such tours may cost more than group ones. If you wanna take a private tour with a group that is bigger than 4, please contact us and we will send you a personalized offer. For private tours, the dates of departure (and in some cases the itinerary & activities) can be customized to your request.