OAXACA "ART AND MEZCAL ROUTE" PARTY – 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

Day 1 – Arrival in Mexico City

Arrival at Mexico City International Airport, reception and welcome by our staff. During the transfer to the hotel, the guide will provide information about the tours. Hotel check-in (rooms are available from 3:00 p.m.).

Day 2 – Tlatelolco, Basilica of Guadalupe and Teotihuacán

After breakfast, we will head to Tlatelolco to visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures, a site that represents the fusion of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern Mexico. We will have a panoramic view of the ruins of the ancient pre-Hispanic market where goods from all over Mesoamerica were traded. We continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the sanctuary of Mexico’s patron saint, where we will admire the original cloak of Juan Diego with the image of the Virgin. We will walk through Plaza Mariana, visiting the New Basilica, the Old Basilica, the Temple of El Pocito, among other temples, until reaching the monument known as “La Ofrenda.” Time will be available to attend mass, guaranteed. We will then continue to the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán, where we will visit the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as other important ruins. There will also be a brief explanation about the making of pulque, the traditional pre-Hispanic drink known as “the White Liquor,” and about obsidian crafts.

Day 3 – Mexico City Tour – Coyoacán – Xochimilco

After breakfast, we will begin the tour of the Historic Center of the “City of Palaces,” as it was once called for its beautiful colonial buildings. We will visit the Constitution Square (Zócalo), the National Palace with the famous murals of Diego Rivera (if permitted by authorities), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and have a panoramic view of the Aztec Templo Mayor (from the pre-Hispanic era), as well as the main avenues and monuments. We will continue the tour with a stop in the center of Coyoacán, located in the south of Mexico City, known for its pleasant atmosphere, quiet streets, and stately mansions. Afterwards, we will head to the ancient canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we will board a traditional trajinera (boat) decorated with bright colors and admire the chinampas (islands with flower and vegetable crops). On the way back, we will pass by the University City (UNAM) to see the murals of Juan O’Gorman, the Mexico 68 Olympic Stadium, the National Library, and the Rector’s Office buildings. Return to the hotel.

Day 4 – Sunday Mexico City – Oaxaca – Pick-up 5:00 a.m.

A box lunch will be provided for breakfast. Departure to the state of Oaxaca (arrival approximately 1:00 p.m.). Upon arrival, we will begin our tour through the streets of Oaxaca, full of culture and color. First, we will visit the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, an important monument for the city, consisting of an architectural complex that showcases the finest examples of Mexican baroque from the Dominican Order. From there, you will walk along the Tourist Corridor, which houses several galleries, handicraft shops, and restaurants. The tour continues with a visit to the Constitution Garden and the folkloric markets, where you can buy handicrafts and taste delicious traditional dishes. Accommodation in Oaxaca. Note: luggage must be taken along, overnight stay in Oaxaca.

Day 5 – Monday Hierve el Agua – Mezcal Tasting – Mitla

After breakfast, we will begin our tour enjoying the spectacular landscape of the famous petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, sculpted over thousands of years by carbonated water runoff. You will have time to swim or walk in the natural pools. We will continue to visit the agave plantations, where you will learn about the mezcal production process, including espadín and wild agaves such as arroqueño, madrecuixe, tepextate, and tobalá. We will visit the factory and enjoy a tasting. The next stop is the magnificent “City of the Dead,” Mitla, a Zapotec archaeological site that achieved architectural evolution and a varied ornamentation of its buildings.

Day 6 – Tuesday Monte Albán – Alebrijes Workshop

After breakfast, we will visit Monte Albán, which means “White Mountain.” On this tour, we will explore the vast ceremonial complex filled with pyramids and ceremonial stelae, a large ball court, and 170 excavated tombs. We will then continue to the town of San Antonio Arrazola, a place full of magic, colors, and tradition. Here, local artisans will show you the ancestral Zapotec process of carving copal wood, which gives life to the famous alebrijes, unreal and magical figures that represent the creative spirit of Oaxaca. Note: making your own alebrije is not included.

Day 7 – Wednesday El Tule Tree – Teotitlán del Valle – Return to Mexico City (land journey approximately 6 hours)

After breakfast, to conclude the tour we will visit the El Tule Tree, more than 2,000 years old, with the widest trunk in the world. Finally, we will visit Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec indigenous village of weavers where you can admire the process of making and dyeing various rugs and textile crafts. At 2:00 p.m. we will begin our return to Mexico City, arriving at approximately 10:00 p.m. Accommodation. Note: luggage must be taken along, overnight stay in Mexico City.

Day 8 – Mexico City Airport

After breakfast, at the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight home. (Regardless of the airport transfer schedule, rooms must be vacated by 12:00 noon.)

End of our services.