Visit the ruins of Teotihuacan, learn to making traditional mole in Oaxaca, spend a few days relaxing on a secluded beach and more - this Mexico trip truly has it all. You'll explore some of Mexico's must-see sites and a few off-the-beaten-path destinations as you dive deep into the country's beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage.
One of our local experts in Mexico will make this the perfect trip for you!
Speaks: Spanish and English
Your transportation will welcome you to take you to your hotel in the historical centre. Check-in at the hotel and free evening to rest.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to take you to the majestic archaeological site of Teotihuacan, the so-called City of the Gods, where the remains of one of the most important civilizations in Mesoamerica are preserved. You will be able to marvel at the imposing buildings of the Teotihuacan palaces and the pyramidal bases where the sun and fertility were worshipped. You will also see the spectacular Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Avenue of the Dead and all the buildings surrounding them. Back to your hotel to rest.
Transfer to the bus station at 6:30am approximately, to take your 7.30am bus (ADO GL) to Tehuacan (approx. 4 hours’ journey), in the state of Puebla (México ́s public transportation is high quality and very safe). Tehuacan is at the heart of the biosphere reserve and has an incredible variety of cactus that you will enjoy along the way. Your local host will wait for you at the bus station in Tehuacan to take you to Zapotitlán Salinas (30 min’s away) to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this area. First, you will discover pre-Hispanic salt flats. The technique for extracting salt has hardly changed in the last 500 years. Afterwards, you will visit a half buried chapel, albeit vandalized. A mystical place that preserves paintings of sacred art from the 18th century. Very interesting! The children will enjoy the drawings on the walls. Time to eat in town (not included) located a few minutes away and then visit the wonderful botanical garden. The tour includes an interpretive trail where you will be able to appreciate the cacti close up in their natural environment, ascending the slope of a hill to get to see a wonderful landscape. The garden has 53 species of cacti, some of them endemic and in danger of extinction. When finished, you will go to your cabin in San Juan Raya (about 1 hour away) to rest. And at night... the cherry on the cake: a wonderful walk under the stars.
Early in the morning, your host will pick you up to take you to a great trek in San Juan Raya reserve. San Juan Raya is recognized worldwide due to the great diversity and abundance of fossils that it has, which were studied by a team of geologists and palaeontologists in the 20th century. In 2006, traces of herbivorous dinosaurs were found and traces of 35 meters of footprints were discovered. During this tour, you will also see the layers of earth of the Mesozoic age with innumerable fossils, since the place was under the sea. You will feel you are going back time!! After this, you will visit the museum, where invertebrate marine fossils are exhibited. Free time for lunch (not included) and transfer to Tehuacán, to take a bus to the city of Oaxaca (3.5 hours approx.).
After breakfast, your host will pick you up to take you to walking tour through the colorful streets of the old Antequera, visiting the former convent of Saint Domingo de Guzmán, headquarters of the museum of cultures and also the site that protects the treasure of tomb 7 of Monte Albán. Next, you will visit the temple of Saint Domingo, with an impressive baroque decoration, the Alcalá Street, the cathedral and the Constitution Square, its beautiful markets full of colours, aromas and flavours. Return to the hotel to rest and free afternoon to explore on your own and try some of the delicious restaurants available in the city.
You will be picked up at your hotel for today’s great tour, where you will join a group of people. It will start with the visit of the ancient Tule Tree, an approximately two thousand years old enormous taxodiaceae. Then you will continue at Hierve el Agua, an imposing petrified waterfall located in the mountain range with the option to bathe in its mineral rich waters, having as your background the arid landscape of this mountainous area. This is an ideal place for families. You will spend some time here to really enjoy it! After this, you will conclude your day with a visit to a workshop of weavers of wool rugs at Teotitlán del Valle. They will show you the traditional confection of these garments and the techniques of dyeing the wool with natural dyes. Back to your hotel in Oaxaca.
Today you will join a group to have a cooking class with a regional chef to make the delicious black mole, followed by a visit to Monte Albán. Your morning will start in the market, to buy the ingredients for your cooking class. You will learn how to make the most famous mole in Mexico and then enjoy a delicious meal! Then, you will make a visit in the afternoon to the first Mesoamerican urban centre: Monte Albán.
You will visit the spectacular archaeological site on top of a hill at the centre of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, birthplace of the Zapotec civilization. Walking through La Gran Plaza, you will be able to see la “Galeria de los Danzantes” (Gallery of the Dancers), the Building J and some Ball Game. Once you finish your visit in this fascinating place, back to your hotel and evening off to rest.
Early in the morning, your transportation will take you to Oaxaca’s beautiful seaside. You will be driven to Mazunte (6.5 hours approx). Check into your hotel and rest for the day.
Days off in this Oaxacan paradise, famous for being a very important turtle nesting spot and its beauty and amazing sunsets. During these days, apart from Mazunte, you can explore the towns around Mazunte, such as San Agustinillo and Zipolite (5 and 15 minutes by car, respectively), or even Puerto Escondido (both at 1h 15 minutes approx. from Mazunte). During these days you won’t have private transportation, but there is public transport in the area. Recommended activities / not included: In Puerto Escondido you can visit the Manialtepec bioluminescent lagoon, or do a bird watching tour, among others. From Huatulco, we recommend you do a boat tour to see the Bays of Huatulco, a tour to visit waterfalls and coffee plantations or another one of villages and traditions. Please ask for a quotation for any of these tours.
Transfer to Huatulco airport (1 hour) to take your flight to Mexico City (1h 20min). From there, you will take your flight back home or to your next destination!
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Locally Owned Social Enterprise
Rutopía, an innovative and socially responsible travel company, connects adventurous explorers with indigenous communities across Mexico. Through immersive and eco-conscious journeys, we aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on both travelers and locals. By promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local economies, Rutopía helps preserve and rejuvenate Mexico's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural wonders. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and uncover Mexico's hidden gems with Rutopía's unique, eco-friendly travel experiences. Our hand-picked selection features a variety of activities, from captivating cultural workshops led by master craftsmen to exhilarating nature expeditions showcasing Mexico's remarkable biodiversity. With Rutopía, you'll have the chance to delve into local customs, learn from community members, and contribute to sustainable development projects. Working closely with our devoted network of local partners, Rutopía guarantees an authentic travel experience that benefits the communities you visit. By choosing Rutopía, you're directly empowering local economies and safeguarding Mexico's distinctive cultural and natural treasures. Rutopía's extraordinary journeys cater to solo adventurers, families seeking unforgettable vacations, and groups of friends eager to make a meaningful impact. Our tailor-made travel experiences are designed to leave a lasting impression on both you and the communities you encounter. Embark on a life-altering journey and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and awe-inspiring beauty that Mexico has to offer.