Oaxaca Mexico Attractions: Ancient Ruins, Charming Towns and More (15 Days)

Giorno 1: Città del Messico

Join the Oaxaca Mexico Attractions in Ciudad de México, the largest city in Latin America, where the rich history of ancient civilizations blends seamlessly with modern-day vibrancy. Arrive at any time and take in the energy of the city before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening. Join us for a welcome meeting where you can get to know your fellow travelers, followed by a delicious dinner in one of the city’s renowned local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B a Città del Messico, situato in posizione strategica e di proprietà locale.
• Cibo e bevande: welcome dinner
• Attività: riunione di benvenuto

Giorno 2: Città del Messico

Spend the first half of your day exploring Mexico City’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting the National Anthropology Museum with your Tour Leader. Dive into the history and culture of Mexico as you uncover fascinating exhibits. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. In the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

• Trasporto: public transport
• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B a Città del Messico, situato in posizione strategica e di proprietà locale.
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• AttivitàVisita a piedi del centro storico di Città del Messico; visita guidata al Museo Nazionale di Antropologia.

Day 3: Mexico City - Cuernavaca - Tepoztlán

In the morning, begin your journey to the colonial city of Cuernavaca, stopping to visit the stunning El Salto de San Antón waterfall and the Teopanzolco Archaeological Zone on the way. Once in Cuernavaca, enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historic center and visit its main attractions. After an optional lunch, head to the “Magical Town” of Tepoztlán. Here, embark on a hike to Tepozteco, an ancient archaeological site atop a hill, famous for the temple dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the Aztec god of pulque. Afterward, explore Tepoztlán’s historic center, where you’ll have the chance to try typical regional dishes at the municipal market and taste the famous local ice cream. Check-in at your accommodation, followed by an optional dinner and get-together with the group at one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B house in Tepoztlan
• Cibo e bevande: breakfast; ice-cream tasting in Tepoztlan
• Attività: guided visits to El Salto de San Antón Waterfall, Teopanzolco and Tepozteco Archeological Zones; orientation walks in Cuernavaca and Tepoztlan

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

In the morning, start by exploring the history of the Ex-Hacienda de Apanquetzalco. Afterward, head to Cuautla, a regional hub known for its rich war history and as the birthplace of revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata. Take a walking tour of Cuautla’s historic center, visiting the local railway museum and Zapata’s house-museum. Then, we’ll transfer to Zacualpan, a charming town famous for its coffee and aguardiente (a sugar-cane-based spirit similar to rum). There, we’ll explore the traditions surrounding both. Finally, arrive at our accommodation in Atotonilco, a small village renowned for its numerous hot springs. Check in, relax in the thermal springs at the accommodation, and enjoy an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel with hot springs in Atotonilco
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: guided visits of Ex-Hacienda de Apanquetzalco, Museo Casa Zapata, Cuautla Railways Museum; orientation walk of Cuautla

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

Start your morning at Chalcatzingo Archaeological Zone, where you’ll explore impressive 2,000-year-old structures and unique carvings. Then, transfer to the ancient Ex-Convento De Santo Domingo De Guzman in Izucar de Matamoros, a 400-year-old convent. After a guided visit to the convent, enjoy an orientation walk around the town, followed by lunch. Next, head to Ayutla Distillery for a tour, where you’ll learn about the production process and have the chance to taste some of its signature products. Finally, continue to the colonial town of Huajuapan de León. Upon arrival, check in, enjoy a walk through the historic center, and join the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huajuapan de Leon
• Cibo e bevande: breakfast; distillery tour in Ayutla
• Attività: guided visit to Chalcatzingo Archaeological Zone; orientation walks of Izucar de Matamoros and 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 breakfast in Huajuapan de León, then head to Reserva Natural El Boqueron, with a scenic photo stop at Presa de San Francisco Yosocuta. In El Boqueron, enjoy a spectacular hike along the canyon’s steep walls, and, if you wish, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear river. Afterward, enjoy an optional lunch before heading to Laguna Encantada, where you can swim in the stunning waters, followed by a walk through the hidden San Miguel Caves. By evening, arrive in Putla, a vibrant center of commerce for the Mixtecs, Amuzgos, Chatinos, and other indigenous communities. Check in, take an orientation walk around the historic center, and then gather for an optional dinner and get-together with the group at one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Villa de Guerrero
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: hiking to Reserva Natural El Boqueron; guided visits to Laguna Encantada and San Miguel Caves; orientation walk of Putla.

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

After breakfast, spend the morning relaxing at a local river beach near Putla Villa de Guerrero, followed by a visit to the natural hot springs in Atotonilco village. Then, continue to Pinotepa Nacional, the heart of one of the few Afro-Mexican regions in the country, where you’ll have lunch and enjoy a walking tour of the town center. From there, head to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. Explore a local beach where hundreds of turtles come each year to lay their eggs, enjoy breathtaking views from an abandoned lighthouse, and catch the sunset from one of the large rocks. After checking in, you’ll have the option to join a dinner before embarking on a magical night bioluminescent boat tour through one of the park’s tranquil lagoons.

• Sistemazione: cabins in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: visits to the river beach near Putla Villa de Guerrero and 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 stunning natural paradise with plenty of activities to choose from. In the morning, you can opt to surf, sunbathe, swim, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. For a more immersive experience, join the locals for a fishing trip or explore the beach while looking for traces of nesting turtles. Alternatively, unwind with a relaxing temazcal ceremony and rejuvenating massage to soothe your body and mind.

• Sistemazione: cabins in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: free time

Day 9: Lagunas de Chacahua National Park - Puerto Escondido

After a leisurely morning enjoying the beach, check out at midday and visit the local crocodile protection center to learn about wildlife conservation efforts. Next, continue our Oaxaca Tour to the heart of Puerto Escondido, a vibrant port town known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife. Enjoy an optional lunch and take a guided orientation walk around the town center. In the afternoon, head to the beach to witness a beautiful sunset and participate in a heartwarming turtle liberation activity. After sunset, transfer to our accommodation in Zicatela Beach. Check in, then join the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local bars.

• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B di Puerto Escondido, situato in posizione strategica e di proprietà locale.
• Attività: guided visits to crocodile and turtle protection centers; orientation walk of the center of Puerto Escondido

Day 10: Puerto Escondido - Mazunte - La Crucecita

After breakfast, check out and embark on a peaceful mangrove boat tour, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Next, continue to Mazunte, a “Magical Town” known for its strong surf, stunning beaches, and the renowned Mexican Turtle Center. Upon arrival, enjoy breathtaking ocean views and, if you’re visiting during the right season, catch sight of migrating whales from a local peninsula. Afterward, take an orientation walk through the town center and enjoy an optional lunch. Once refreshed, transfer to Bahia de Cacaluta, a pristine golden-sand beach within Huatulco National Park, accessible by a 30-minute walk through the forest. This secluded spot is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and basking in the untouched beauty of nature. Spend several hours here, then head to a local lighthouse to witness a stunning sunset. Finally, transfer to our accommodation in La Crucecita, check in, and gather with the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local restaurants.

• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B a La Crucecita, situato in posizione strategica e di proprietà locale.
• Attività: mangrove boat tour; guided hikes to Punta Cometa Peninsula and Bahia de Cacaluta

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

After breakfast, check out and embark on a peaceful mangrove boat tour, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Next, continue to Mazunte, a “Magical Town” known for its strong surf, stunning beaches, and the renowned Mexican Turtle Center. Upon arrival, enjoy breathtaking ocean views and, if you’re visiting during the right season, catch sight of migrating whales from a local peninsula. Afterward, take an orientation walk through the town center and enjoy an optional lunch. Once refreshed, transfer to Bahia de Cacaluta, a pristine golden-sand beach within Huatulco National Park, accessible by a 30-minute walk through the forest. This secluded spot is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and basking in the untouched beauty of nature. Spend several hours here, then head to a local lighthouse to witness a stunning sunset. Finally, transfer to our accommodation in La Crucecita, check in, and gather with the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: cabins in San Jose del Pacifico
• Cibo e bevande: breakfast, coffee, and waffles tasting in Pluma Hidalgo
• Attività: guided visit to a coffee farm around Pluma Hidalgo; orientation walks in Pluma Hidalgo and San Jose del Pacifico

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

After breakfast, and check-out, continue our “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 and 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 and local market where we will try some of the most exquisite regional specialties. Then, we will transfer to Oaxaca City with a visit to 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, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B di proprietà locale, situato in posizione strategica a Oaxaca City.
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: guided visit to Zaachila Archeological Zone and Ex-Convent of Guerrero Cuilapam; orientation walks in San Martín Tilcajete, Zaachila and Oaxaca City

Day 13: Oaxaca City

• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B di proprietà locale, situato in posizione strategica a Oaxaca City.
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attivitàvisita guidata alla Zona Archeologica di Monte Albán

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 Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a complex system of mountain ranges and valleys generating great biodiversity and different ecosystems. The region has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Mesoamerica. 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, orientation walk of the historic center of Puebla, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

• Sistemazione: hotel/B&B a Puebla, situato in posizione strategica e di proprietà locale.
• Cibo e bevande: colazione
• Attività: guided visit to Ex-Convento de San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca; guided visit of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve

Day 15: Puebla - Mexico City

Enjoy a relaxing morning with free time to explore or rest. At midday, check out of your accommodation and transfer to Mexico City. This marks the end of your Oaxaca Tour, filled with unforgettable experiences and memories. Safe travels!

• Cibo e bevande: colazione