Mexico offers travellers a feast for the senses — the sounds of bustling urban life of Mexico City, the fascinating sights of the Aztec ruins, and the flavours of exquisite food and drink. On this nine-day tour, you’ll have the chance to devour all this and more. Your journey starts in the country’s famed metropolis before visiting many pieces of its colourful past, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Teotihuacán Ruins, the important archaeological site Monte Albán, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the artisan community of Oaxaca. And, of course, you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine along the way — not to mention a sip or two of mezcal. With free time put aside to explore, Mexico is ready to embrace all travellers looking to uncover this beautiful country.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Talavera Pottery Experience, Puebla
Your G for Good Moment: Sunrise Adventure in Xochimilco, Mexico City
Your G for Good Moment: Alebrijes Artisan Community Workshop & Lunch, Oaxaca
Your G for Good Moment: Mezcal Tasting at Real Minero, Oaxaca
Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Oaxaca
Your Foodie Moment: Introduction to Mexican Cuisine, Mexico City
Your Discover Moment: Oaxaca. Arrival transfer. Sunrise Xochimilco Tour. Expedition Leader-led orientation walk of Mexico City’s historical centre. Teotihuacán Guided Tour. Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul). Monte Albán Guided Tour. Orientation walks in Puebla and Oaxaca with Expedition Leader. Free time in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore Aztec canals on a punt boat, Enjoy a guided tour of Teotihuacan Ruins, Watch a Talavera pottery demonstration by a local artisan, Explore Mexico City on a walking tour, Delight in an Oaxaca culinary experience
How large will the group be?
Max 16.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels – 8nts.
Itinerary
Mexico City
Arrive at any time, your arrival transfer is included. Enjoy an introduction to Mexican cuisine from a chef, and a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Mexico City
Rise early for a sunrise tour of Mexico City's Xochimilco, a system of canals built by the ancient Aztecs. Navigate through colourful floating gardens on a brightly painted, flat-bottomed punt-a-boat coasting through the morning air. The waters are home to the critically endangered axolotl, a rather unusual amphibian native to Mexico with deep roots into Aztec mythology. At first glance it’s a race run by the local communities to save a quirky salamander, but experts in an article featured on National Geographic’s website feel it’s really about habitat restoration. After navigating the waters, the group will stop at a local farm for a traditional breakfast. Later, return to the city and join the Expedition Leader for an orientation walk of the historical center around the iconic main plaza (zócalo), before taking the rest of the day to explore on your own. Opt to visit one of the city's stellar museums, such as the National Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Arts; or tour the murals of Diego Rivera, the renowned Mexican painter who spearheaded the Latin American fresco movement in the early half of the 20th century.
Mexico City
Head to Teotihuacán for a guided tour of this ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Little is known regarding when Teotihuacán, the "city of the gods," was constructed or by whom, but by the fifth century A.D. it had grown to become one of the most important cities in Central America. Explore these impressive pre-Aztec ruins and learn about the site's iconic temples, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Enjoy a delicious lunch near the site before returning to Mexico City in the late afternoon.
Mexico City/Puebla
Head to the vibrant Coyoacán district, home to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Tour the Casa Azul or “blue house,” where the famed Mexican artist was born and spent her final years. National Geographic’s book “In Praise of Difficult Women” by Karen Karbo offers inspiring, in-depth profiles of women around the world who, like Frida Kahlo, pushed against the boundaries built by societal norms. After your visit, travel to Puebla and take a guided walk of the stunning city, backed by a soaring volcano, and renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture and culinary traditions. Mole poblano is said to have originated here! Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring.
Puebla
Enjoy a Talavera pottery demonstration with a local artist and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this Mexican ceramic tradition, brought to the New World by the Spanish in the 16th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore: choose to visit one of Puebla’s colourful markets; or discover the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world.
Puebla/Oaxaca
Depart for Oaxaca, an eclectic Mexican city where indigenous culture holds strong. Take an orientation walk with the Expedition Leader on arrival, visiting some of the iconic places in the city like the Santo Domingo cathedral, the main plaza (Zócalo) and the bustling local market. Settle into the hotel and set off on a free evening to choose from one of the many incredible restaurants in town. The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila's cousin). Its also known for its culinary delights and you'll have many opportunities to taste an array of Oaxacan cuisine.
Oaxaca
Set off in the morning for a guided visit of the nearby UNESCO archaeological site of Monte Albán, one of Mesoamerica's most ancient cities. Founded around 500 B.C., Monte Alban was a Zapotec metropolis of pyramids, terraces and canals overlooking the city of Oaxaca and once served as the region's capital until eventually being abandoned and re-occupied into the 14th century. Continue to an artisan community for lunch and then learn about Alebrijes, fantastical folk figurines carved from copal wood and then brightly painted. Next, visit a mezcal cooperative for a demonstration and tastings of the unique local beverage made from the agave plant. Enjoy a free evening in Oaxaca to relax or head out for a night on the town.
Oaxaca
Take advantage of a free day to explore Oaxaca and its surroundings. Take an optional excursion to the petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua, visit more ruins at Mitla, or simply wander the cobblestone streets of the city to discover its plazas, colourful architecture, and quaint cafes. This evening, the group will experience the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. The culinary richness of Oaxaca has been featured on an episode of National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”, in which Ramsay explores the history and traditions of this Mexican city while learning how to make mole and tortillas from talented locals. During your experience the group will learn how to flip your own tortillas at a tortilla-making workshop. Continue to a local family's kitchen to taste an array of delicious Oaxacan dishes and chat with your hosts about traditional cooking methods and food culture.
Oaxaca
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
