The Many Sides of Mexico: Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca
15 days, Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca
Itinerary
Day 1Puerto Vallarta
Arrive at any time. Attend the welcome meeting in the evening and then opt to grab dinner with the group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Puerto de Luna (or similar)
Day 2Puerto Vallarta
Get ready for a full free day in Puerto Vallarta for optional activities. Your CEO will help arrange and give you some insider recommendations, but you could spend some time on the beach, go whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), a day trip with snorkelling to Isla Marietas or find a nice place to grab some food and people watch. In the evening meet with the group to trade stories and go out to search for some delicious local street food.
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day for optional activities in Puerto Vallarta, like whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), beach hanging, or a day trip with some snorkelling at nearby Isla Marietas. Spend the evening in search of the most delicious local food you can find.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Whale Watching - Puerto Vallarta
Take to the open seas in search of migrating humpback whales. Observe local marine life and enjoy this unforgettable half-day adventure with commentary from a marine biologist. Have those cameras at the ready should you see any action. Please note that this tour is seasonal and only available (Dec-Mar).
Beach Time
Explore the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and gorgeous sun-kissed weather make a beach trip the perfect relaxing activity. Opt to lounge or swim in the water until your heart is content.
Sunset Sailing Tour
Set sail and awaken your senses to the stunning sights in Banderas Bay on a sunset cruise. Relax with some music, a drink, and some snacks as you watch the sun sink below the horizon casting impressive colors across the bay. A great way to cap off a day in paradise.
Marietas Island Snorkel Tour
Looking for the perfect active day in Puerto Vallarta? Head out on this snorkeling tour to the Marietas Islands. Hop on a boat and cross the calm waters in search of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales along the way. Then, get underwater for a look at the colourful array of tropical fish just below the surface.
Food & Drink Tour Puerto Vallarta
Set out with a food guide through the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a food and cocktail tour. Learn about the culutral roots of mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Taste michelad, Mexico's signature beer cocktail and stop at some popular local sports for food tastings of some pretty delicious tacos.
Accommodation
Hotel Puerto de Luna (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara
Travel inland to Guadalajara this morning. Make a stop along the way near the town of Tequila to visit a distillery to learn about how tequila is traditionally made with a tasting included and lunch. Continue on arriving in Guadalajara in the early evening for a CEO-led orientation walk.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tequila Distillery Visit & Tasting
Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Visit a distillery in a town between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight –a tasting session with lunch. Sip, don't shoot!
Guadalajara Orientation Walk
Set off on foot to get to know this city in western Mexico. Known for tequila and mariachi music Guadalajara packs a lively atmosphere appealing to any traveller. Wander the colonial plazas and spot landmarks like the Teatro Degollado and the Palacio del Gobierno houses.
Accommodation
Hotel Laffayette (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Guadalajara
Enjoy a free morning today to discover Guadalajara's charm. In the afternoon, set off on a city tour including the nearby vibrant city of Tlaquepaque. Think mariachis, historical centres, and loads of fun and street food. The rest of the evening is open to do as you please. Maybe go for another walk through the main square and find a cool tavern to grab a drink with the group.
Free Time
Spend some time shopping, eating, and relaxing in Guadalajara for your last night in the area.
City Tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque
See more of Guadalajara on this in-depth city tour including some free time to explore the gastronomy hub of Tlaquepaque. See the work of Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco and discover the best views in the city.
Accommodation
Hotel Laffayette (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Guadalajara/Guanajuato
Travel by public bus to Guanajuato today. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour to discover the city's beautiful architecture, tunnels, cultural history, and of course, street food.
Your Foodie Moment: Guanajuato City and Street Food Tour
Gain a deeper understanding into this town located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Filled with brilliantly coloured buildings around a central park and loads of great places to try some local eats. Make a stop to a local bakery, head to a stall for some fresh squeezed juices, then try some tlacoyos, a sort of folded taco, stuffed with cheese and chicken. Next, head underground to see the labyrinth of tunnels below the city. And spend the remainder of the tour learning about the history and culture of this place while eating different kinds of street food from tamales to sopes, you'll taste vibrant flavours.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Hotel Santa Regina (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende
Wander through Guanajuato during your free morning. Grab a bite to eat on your own before the bus ride to San Miguel de Allende. Here the group will go on a CEO-led orientation walk before time to have dinner on your own.
Free Time
Free morning to grab a pastry on your own and walk through the main square one last time before moving on. Plenty of time for a quiet morning coffee and some people watching.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende
Your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende. This colonial-era city is located in Mexico's central highlands and is home to a budding art scene and many cultural festivals. Wander the cobblestoned streets and learn the history and stories of this place while in the shadow of the pink towers rising above the El Jardín main plaza.
Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7San Miguel de Allende
Start off with a half-day city tour of San Miguel de Allende. See various historical sites like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri. Learn the cultural significance of various places and admire the architecture of this place before a free afternoon for various optional activities.
San Miguel de Allende City Tour
Get to know the historical and cultural significance of local landmarks in San Miguel de Allende on a half-day city tour. Visit important sites like, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time for optional activities in the area like, horseback riding, a cooking class, tequila tasting, or a visit to some nearby hot springs. Your CEO can help you organize whichever you choose.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Cooking Class - San Miguel de Allende
Opt to reserve a private cooking class to test your culinary skills and learn how to make some traditional regional cuisine. The teacher will teach the class to create authentic dishes that can be replicated at home, when you're finished dig in and enjoy your dish!
Horseback Riding in San Miguel de Allende
Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Ride through the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende on this leisurely 2-hour horseback riding tour admiring the scenery. Trot through Benito Juárez Park, toast your evening in a Mexican ‘cantina’; and listen to a moving serenade performed by ‘mariachis’ before a candlelit dinner inspired by Mexican culinary classics.
Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8San Miguel de Allende/Mexico City
Hop on the local bus to Mexico City this morning and arrive around midday. Enjoy a free afternoon and opt for an evening out on the town.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
National Museum of Anthropology
95MXN per personThe National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.
Taco Street Food Crawl
Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.
District of Coyoacán Visit
50-75USD per groupCoyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Mexico City
Enjoy a free day to discover the busting and vibrant megalopolis of Mexico City. With so much to see, do, and eat in this vibrant city, be sure to get recommendations from your CEO about the best things to experience on any particular day. Maybe grab some street tacos and people watch in the main square.
Free Time
Spend a full day enjoying Mexico City on your own. Hang out in the main square, visit historical sites and museums, and try as many different street food vendors as you can stand. Check in with your CEO for some recommendations on the best activities and experiences to try out on any given day.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
National Museum of Anthropology
95MXN per personThe National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.
Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
320MXN per personVisit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en
Xochimilco Boat Tour
25-50USD per personTake on the famous canals of Xochimilco in a vibrant coloured gondola boat past vendors, mariachi bands and local artisans. Feel the vibes of the music around you as locals shop in the floating markets and hopefully you'll find something to bring back home too.
Lucha Libre Match
350-500MXN per personCombatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture.
Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.
Taco Street Food Crawl
Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.
District of Coyoacán Visit
50-75USD per groupCoyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Mexico City
Take advantage of a day get to know Mexico City. Opt to check out the sprawling zócalo (main square), visit the Frida Kahlo museum in vibrant Coyoacán, or view impressive Mayan and Aztec artifacts at the National Anthropology Museum.
If you plan to visit the Museum of Frida Kahlo on this day, we recommend booking your visit in advance. Tickets are limited and are not sold in-person.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings. Opt to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, visit the Juarez neighbourhood, an area teeming with restaurants, bars, parks, and boutique shops. Maybe make a stop at the Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera's famous mural, "The History of Mexico". Or eat like a local and join a food tour and get a sense of the vast culinary scene here.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
320MXN per personVisit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en
National Museum of Anthropology
95MXN per personThe National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.
Taco Street Food Crawl
Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.
District of Coyoacán Visit
50-75USD per groupCoyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.
Xochimilco Boat Tour
25-50USD per personTake on the famous canals of Xochimilco in a vibrant coloured gondola boat past vendors, mariachi bands and local artisans. Feel the vibes of the music around you as locals shop in the floating markets and hopefully you'll find something to bring back home too.
Lucha Libre Match
350-500MXN per personCombatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture.
Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Mexico City/Puebla
Rise early and explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan on a guided tour. Stand in awe of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, stroll down the Avenue of the Dead and learn all about the site's importance to Mexico's ancient cultures for thousands of years, at one point being the largest city in the entire Americas. Continue to Puebla and enjoy an orientation walk downtown.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit
Visit the ruins of Teotihuacán northeast of Mexico City. This ruin site dates back to 100BC and has the impressive Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Bring water, wear a hat and solid walking shoes to learn all about this pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city that at its peak was once the largest city in all of the Americas.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
The route will vary for each tour, allowing our CEOs to share their personal favourites. You can expect to see the zócalo, artisans' market and visit the historic buildings within centre of this World Heritage city.
Accommodation
Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Puebla
Enjoy a free day to explore the city. Opt to visit a ceramics workshop, check out the pyramid of nearby Cholula, sample delicious local specialties, or watch a lucha libre wrestling match at night.
Free Time
Discover all that Puebla has to offer its travellers on this free day to explore. Opt to visit a ceramics workshop, check out the pyramid of nearby Cholula, sample delicious local specialties, or watch a lucha libre wrestling match at night.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Cholula Ruins Visit
85MXN per personAlso known as Tlachihualtepetl, Cholula is a massive archaeological site west of Puebla. Dating from at least 100AD, it’s the oldest continuously occupied ceremonial centre in the western hemisphere. Most impressive is the Great Pyramid of Cholula – a tall grass-covered structure which is actually at least four successive pyramids built one on top of the other. The Spanish built a church at the very top in 1594. Visit the museum to learn about the history, explore tunnels, and climb to the top for breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes.
Accommodation
Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Puebla/Oaxaca
Journey south to beautiful Oaxaca, and get a feel for the city on an orientation walk, stopping to visit one of its sprawling markets. After, visit the Alebrijes Artisan Community for your G for Good moment. Meet a local artisan, speak with them, ask any questions the group may have, and learn more about how the Alebrijes are crafted.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
All walks will be slightly different, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots. You can expect to see the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre, walk through the zocalo and the famous 20th of November market. Opt to sample some delicious Oaxacan foods along the way such as mole, tlayudas or chapulines.
Your G for Good Moment: Alebrijes Artisan Community Visit
Alebrijes were created by a Mexican artisan named Pedro Linares who was known for making piñatas and carnival masks. After falling ill and hallucinating crazy figures and creatures inside his mind, the artist decided to bring what he saw to life by creating the small figurines we know as Alebrijes. Often made of a mash-up between animals, these figurines are now made by Oaxacan artisans out of wood and then painted with vibrant pigments and lots of patterns. Learn more about how these figurines integrated themselves into Oaxacan/Mexican folklore and how the craft expanded from originally being made from cardboard to now being carved from Copal wood. Meet a local artisan and speak with them, ask any questions the group may have and to learn more about how the Alebrijes are crafted.
Accommodation
Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Oaxaca
Take advantage of free time, and opt to learn how to make mole in a cooking class, shop at nearby artisan villages, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla, or sample some mezcal at a local distillery - look out for the worm! In the evening enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local expert and taste a variety of regional cuisine.
You can pre-book the Hierve el Agua Day Trip during check-out and pay a visit to a petrified waterfall outside of Oaxaca.
Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Cooking Demonstration
Attend a cooking demonstration in Oaxaca with a local expert who will be making a variety of authentic regional cuisine. You'll learn about the ingredients and enjoy a tasting with some samples.
Please note that this will not be a full meal.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Oaxaca, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the ruins of Monte Albán, the valley of Mitla ruins, and a petrified waterfall. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Hierve el Agua Day Trip
Begin this activity in the morning with included transport to Hierve el Agua. This stunning natural formation consists of a series of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff. Over thousands of years, the heavily calcified water has flowed over the cliff, leaving mineral deposits as it goes. The result is known as a "petrified waterfall" – nearly white rock formations that resemble a cascading fall. Upon arrival, enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and perhaps go for a swim in one of the mineral pools. Then, travel to a Mezcalería for a tour of the distillery which includes an explanation of the production process of mezcal and a tasting. The group will return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon.
Please note these approximate travel times below:
Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua - Between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
Hierve el Agua to Mezcalería- 1 hour
Mezcalería to Oaxaca - 45 minutes.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Accommodation
Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Oaxaca
Depart at any time.