Culture, Cuisine and Coastline
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Colours and Culture of Mexico
Mexico City: beautiful, bustling, chaotic and impressive. You’ll spend the next few nights in a central historic hotel close to palaces, parks and museums of the city. One of the best things about the city is that it can all be explored on foot. If you are interested in the pre-colonial culture of Mexico, then visit the anthropological museum, which has the largest collection of remains of, among others, Maya, Aztecs and Toltecs. You can go out in the trendy Zona Rosa district. In addition to shops, you will find bars and discos here, a good way to spend your evenings. If you have enough time, we also recommend a visit to the district Coyoacan, there are many beautiful colonial buildings here and on weekends you can visit artisan markets.
Teotihuacan day trip
During you stay in Mexico City we will arrange a day trip to Teotihuacan with a local guide. Teotihuacan is a complex of impressive pyramids, set amidst what was once a great city. This was once Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of what was probably Mexico’s largest pre-Hispanic empire. Your guide will explain about the history and what life was like for residents of Teotihuacan back in the day. You will also visit the Place of the Three Cultures and the Basilica of Guadalupe, before heading back to the city for a second evening.
Day 4-5 – Flavours of Puebla
Today you’ll make your way to the bus station in Mexico City to travel to Puebla, the country’s food capital. The buses in Mexico are air-conditioned and provide a comfortable way to travel through the country. The journey will take around 2-2.5 hours.
Puebla is an artistic city brimming with cultural activities and picturesque neighbourhoods. With 70 churches in the historic centre alone, more than a thousand colonial buildings and the long culinary history that can be explored at any restaurant or food stall, for a city of its size, it’s certainly not lacking. You’ll spend two nights in a 17th-century colonial hotel, near the central square. The next afternoon, you’ll meet up with a local guide to discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine. You’ll sample plenty of Mexican delicacies from tacos to mole, and see behind the scenes of small restaurants and bakeries.
Days 6-7 – Colonial Charms of Oaxaca
Today you will make your way to the bus station in Puebla to catch the bus to Oaxaca. The trip will take around 5 hours. When you arrive in Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) you’ll make your way to your base for the next couple of nights. You’ll spend two nights in the centre of the city, in our In Style hotel which supports local projects. Aside from the architecture which earned this place its UNESCO listing, you’ll also find a whole host of cool little bars, restaurants and artisan stores. This is a city with a very distinct personality, and a thriving and sometimes edgy art scene – there’s plenty to keep you entertained here.
Mountains & Mezcal
After exploring the charms of the city on you first day, it’s time to head out into the countryside, and to the site of Monte Alban – once the centre of the Zapotec empire. Here you’ll find ruins of their former temples and society, as well as panoramic views of the region. After meeting your guide in the centre of the city, you’ll travel up by minibus, before heading back down to Oaxaca by mountain bike through the valley. After all that hard work, you will visit a mezcal farm. Learn how it is made and try the delicious local drink for yourself. In the evening you can end the day relaxing with a stroll through the markets.
Days 8-9 – R&R in Puerto Escondido
After your stay in Oaxaca, you’ll head to the bus station to take the bus to Puerto Escondido. Nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido is a vibrant gem waiting to be explored. With its pristine beaches, world-class surfing spots, and laid-back atmosphere, this coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Wander through its colourful streets, savouring the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine wafting from charming cafes and street stalls. Your hotel in Puerto Escondido is in a great location – within walking distance of the beach and the centre of town. The rooms are comfortable and there’s a good sized outdoor pool.
Days 10-13 – Waves of the pacific ocean
After a long drive from the highlands to the lowlands you’ll arrive at the Pacific coast. The areas of San Augustinillio and Mazunte are known for surfing and mainly consists of relaxed towns where the pace is somewhat slower, even by Mexican standards. You sleep in a small-scale hotel directly on the golden beach. The cosy Mazunte is less than a 15-minute walk away, so you can combine the liveliness with a relaxing stay. Take a surfing lesson, relax on the beach or go explore!
Accommodation
