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Hierve el Agua natural rock formations

Oaxaca Traditions

Example 7 Day Tour
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Oaxaca’s location in the mountains of southwest Mexico has contributed to its rich culture being relatively protected by outside influences. Ancient native languages are spoken in villages, and the artisan folk arts, particularly weaving and pottery, are practiced with the same techniques used by the Zapotecs who built their civilization in the Oaxaca Valley. Visit the region’s artisan villages, ancient Zapotec ruins, markets, and kitchens while staying in the charming and vibrant colonial capital in Oaxaca City. Prepare a savory lunch using local recipes and ingredients during your Oaxaca trip.
Making tortillasPanorama of Monte Alban, Oaxaca. Sitting with a few basket-weaversOld Tree at Hierve el Agua Rock Formations WaterfallExperience the warm and hospitable people of MexicoMarket day OaxacaOranges stacked at a market in MexicoBeautiful colours at the marketOaxaca market fareSpinningGreat CuisineThe local marketMaking tortillasMaking tortillasMaking tortillasMaking tortillasHierve el Agua natural rock formations
Highlights
  • Tour Oaxaca city and get a panoramic view from Monte Alban
  • Visit workshops in a Zapotec village to learn traditional weaving practices
  • Shop and cook with a local chef in a hands on class exploring Oaxacan fare
  • Wander through the workshops in surrounding artisan villages
Places Visited
  • Central America & Mexico
  • Mexico
  • Chihuahua
  • Hierve el Agua
  • Mitla
  • Monte Alban
  • Oaxaca
  • San Bartolo Coyotepec
  • San Jeronimo Tlacohahuaya
  • Santa Maria del Tule
  • Santo Tomás Jalieza
  • Teotitlan del Valle
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Oaxaca

Arrive to Oaxaca where a private transfer is waiting to take you to your charming colonial hotel, home for the next 6 nights. The remainder of the day is free to explore and have dinner.

Day 2: Visit Monte Alban and Oaxaca City Tour

Take a private excursion to Monte Alban, just outside of Oaxaca. Located in the center of the Oaxacan Valley on a hilltop 1,200 feet above the valley floor, Monte Alban is an impressive site with remarkable panoramas of the valley. Monte Alban was the capital city of the Zapotec nation and one of the first and most populated Meso-American cities during its peak, exerting control over the communities in the valley and surrounding mountains. After visiting Monte Alban, return to the colonial gem of Oaxaca to explore the deepest corners of this beautiful city with your guide.

Day 3: Explore the Zapotec Villages

Visit the village of San Jeronimo Tlacohahuaya in the lush Tlacolula Valley. Tradition says that this village was founded by the Zapotec warrior, Cochicahuala, which means “he who fights by night.” The village’s centerpiece is the main church, the Templo de San Jeronimo, with its restored, ornate organ that dates back to the 16th century.

Continue to the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle that specializes in pre-Colombian weaving traditions. After a delicious lunch, visit local workshops with your guide to learn about the process of spinning wool threads and using natural dyes made from the cochineal insect, moss, and indigo. Return to Oaxaca in the evening.

Day 4: Oaxacan Gourmet Cooking Class

Mexico is known for great cuisine, and Oaxaca is blessed with an abundance of vegetables and grains from the valley, fish from the coast, tropical fruits from neighboring states, and of course, chocolate. Today is a private cooking class with a local chef. Begin with a visit to a local market to select the key ingredients for your Oaxacan meal. Return to the kitchen for a hands-on class that follows traditional recipes and shares the secrets of Oaxacan cuisine. And of course, enjoy your masterpiece with a relaxing and delicious lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Oaxaca on your own.

Day 5: Explore Mitla, the Tree of Tule, and Hierve el Agua

Today is a full day to explore more Zapotec villages with your guide. Begin at the Mitla archaeological site. “Mitla” means “Places of the Dead”, and it served as an important religious center with tombs of ancient kings and priests and as a site for human sacrifices. Mitla’s detailed stonework mosaics are a unique example not found anywhere else in Mexico.

Continue to the Hierve El Agua mineral springs, meaning “boiling water”. This site is believed to be a sacred spot for the Zapotecs and possibly a source for irrigation. The mineral-laden water drips over cliffs, leaving mineral deposits that resemble frozen waterfalls. Bring your bathing suit for a soak in the upper mineral pools.

The last stop is Santa Maria del Tule, a small town made famous by the Arbol del Tule (tree of Tule) in the churchyard. This mighty and ancient tree that is between 2,000-3,000 years old has a diameter of 40 feet making it one of the world's largest trees and one of the oldest living species on earth. Return to Oaxaca in the evening.

Day 6: Visit Oaxacan Artisan Villages

Visit more of Oaxaca’s artisan villages including Santo Tomas Jalieza, known for its unique backstrap weaving, and the black pottery artists in the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec. The high quality crafts from these areas are made with the same materials, techniques, and traditions of the pre-Colombian Zapotecs. You are invited into their workshops, and a traditional lunch is prepared in a local home.

Day 7: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport to connect with a flight home. With more time, extend your stay in Mexico.

Accommodations

Oaxaca - Hotels

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Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Departure Tax

Map

When to Go

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Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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