Getting to know Mexico
Mexico City - Puebla - Cholula - Oaxaca - Hierve el Agua - Puerto Escondido - Huatulco -Teotihuacan
April 30 - May 15, 2021
We are going to Mexico! But not the usual way, no closed resorts and tourist buses. This is an exploration trip, in which I tried to combine the most important things: climbing a volcano, the pyramids and colonial cities, tropical forests and cacti deserts, and of course, snow-white Pacific beaches. The route focuses on the Oaxaca region, which is known for its cuisine, traditions and a variety of natural landscapes, flora and fauna.
In this trip you can:
See how real Mezcal is made, and taste the many dishes of national cuisine (including the most exotic)
Take a walk along the streets of the colonial cities of Puebla, Oaxaca, Tehuacan and many others
Get acquainted with the culture of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians
See the largest and highest Aztec pyramids in the Cholula and Teotihuacan complexes
Enjoy snow-white beaches of the Pacific coast of Oaxaca
Day 1
Arrive at Mexico City Airport. Free time and rest, meeting with the guide. On this day, you can walk around the city (if you arrive in the morning) or just get enough sleep before the start of the tour.
Day 2
Departing from Mexico City. Drive over Cortex Pass with views of Popocatepetl. Arrive at Puebla.
Day 3
In the morning we will explore the city center. It is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque in Mexico: the interweaving narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, shops and cafes serving stuffed chili peppers and traditional mole sauces made from nuts, chocolate and hot peppers. It also houses the Palafoxian Library, recognized by UNESCO as the oldest in the Americas (17th century).
After lunch, we will go to the archaeological Zone of Cholula to see the largest pyramid in the New World. There we will watch the sunset and return to the city for dinner.
Day 4
Early in the morning we set off for Oaxaca city (4 hours drive). On the way we will try to visit a cactus garden. Mexico has the largest collection of prickly plants, and in the town of Zapotitlán Salinas you can try national dishes (including the famous larvae, grasshoppers and cactus candies).
Upon arrival in Oaxaca, we either relax or visit another archaeological complex with the pyramids - Monte Alban (depending on the time and at the request of the group).
Day 5
Oaxaca is considered to be the capital of Mezcal, a national drink made from agave. We will visit several farms involved in the production of the drink, see how agave is grown and processed, and, of course, taste the final product!
Evening in Oaxaca. We eat, drink and relax.
Day 6
We continue to explore Oaxaca region. Today we will see a different type of distilleries, the giant tree of Tule, Teotitlan market and local crafts.
Day 7
We have a seven-hour drive through the mountains to the sea ahead of us. But it will be rewarded with sunset over the Pacific Ocean and a seafood dinner!
Day 8
Today we explore Puerto Escondido and its beaches. Zicatela is a favorite place for surfers with big waves and a beautiful white coast; Carrizalillo is a small beach among the rocks. After dark, you can go sailing along the Manialtepec lagoon to observe the effect of bioluminescence (glow from a special kind of plankton) and swim in it. This swimming is optional, the glow is likely, but not guaranteed.
Day 9
We take a tour to the Chacahua lagoon National Park and celebrate Christmas on the beach.
Day 10
Today we move along the coast to the town of Puerto Escondido, stopping at all of the most beautiful Oaxaca beaches: Zipolite (swimsuit is optional) - one of the most “relaxed” on the coast, a favorite place for hippies and nudists; Mazunte - golden sand and peaceful waves; Comet Point - a rocky ledge with views of the ocean.
Day 11
We get up early, pack for a picnic and leave for the whole day to explore the beaches of Huatulco. We will have to walk through the jungle and, possibly, use the services of a water taxi. Our goal is Cacaluta beach. If you have a mask and a pipe, take them with you! If we have time and desire, then in the evening we can go to the beach of San Augustin, famous for its white sand and calm warm sea.
Day 12
We return to Oaxaca (7 hours). In the evening you can wander around the shops and buy souvenirs and gifts. Juarez Market is open until 21:00!
Day 13
Transfer to San Juan Teotihuacan. On the way we will see the highest mountain in Mexico - Orizaba Peak (5636 m). Perhaps someone will have plans for the future!
Day 14
We cannot leave Mexico without visiting the highest pyramid. After all, we were already at the largest! Therefore, today we are visiting the archaeological complex of Teotihuacan and climbing the Pyramid of the Sun. According to Aztec legend, this city was the birthplace of Gods. Thousands of people gathered here to conduct religious ceremonies. In addition to the Pyramid of the Sun, there’s also the Pyramid of the Moon, dominating the end of the central “avenue” - road of the Dead.
Day 15
Transfer to the airport (1-2 hours) and flight home*
*You can stay longer in Mexico City on your own, visit the Constitution Square (Zocalo), the museum and the ruins of the Aztec Temple Mayor, the Palace of Arts, the Museum of Anthropology, where the Mayan calendar is located, and many other museums and historical sites scattered in the busy streets of the city.
The cost of participation in the trip is $1950
The following expenses are included:
Accommodation in clean hotels (2-3 persons per room)
Transport, insurance, gasoline, tolls
Permits and park fees
Entrance fees to all archaeological zones (according to the program)
Excursion to Mezcal farms with tasting
Work of guide and driver, organization, advice on tickets, gear and preparation for the trip
Group first aid kit and gear.
Not included:
Health insurance for Mexico (available through organizer)
Food in cafes and restaurants (from 20 USD per day)
Flight to Mexico
Optional excursions (ballooning above the pyramids - from $150, sailing to the bioluminescent lagoon - from $10, renting a boat between beaches, an extra day in Mexico City, transfer from/to the airport)
All additional expenses and entertainment not indicated in the program. Any expenses caused by an emergency, weather conditions, force majeure. Any medical expenses and other personal costs.
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